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The New China, and the deaths of the Emperor and Empress-Dowager. Rev. A. H. Sharman.

Foreign Secretary's Notes :- 1. Rev. Henry T. Chapman. 2. Rev. Charles Stedeford.

'I The Greatest Theme in the World." My Decision for Foreign Service :-

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11 The Chinese Empire. Rev. R. Brewin.

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THE UNITED METHODIST.-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24th, igo8.

ONE CHRISTMAS EVE. By ARTHUR L. PHELPS (Page 61). BROWNING'S " SAUL." By HAROLD TWYFORD (Page 62).

" IN LTHE HOUSE OF A FIDDLER ALL FIDDLE." By CHRISTOPHER HUNT (Page 65). THE

United e thodi THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

With which Is Incorporated the Free Methodist,' founded 1888.

No. 56. NEW SERIES. n [ -LND°.....ER91..s•] THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1908. [REGISTERED.] SIXTEEN PAGES. • ONE PENNY.

PRINCIPAL CONTENTS.

PAGE Notes by the Way ... 57 Our London Letter. By W. Kaye Dunn, B.A. 58 Our Provincial Letter. By Bruce W. Rose ... 59 News of Our Churches 59. 63, 70 Stafford College-Speech Day ... ... 60 Manners at Public Meetings. Mr. Hocking's Story ... ... 60 National Free Church Council Annual Meetings ... 60 One Christmas Eve. By Arthur L. Phelps ... 61 Browning's "Saul." By Harold rwyford ... 62 "One by One." By F. Sparrow 62 "The Angel said ... . Be not afraid." By Methorlins 65 "In the House of a Fiddler all Fiddle." By Christopher Hunt 65 Books and Bookmen. By E. F. H. Cagey ... 66 Home, School and Church. By Francis H. Robinson ... ... 67 The Chariots of the Lord. By Joseph Hocking ... ... 68 Sunday School Lesson, etc. ... ... 69

Notes by the Way. TO-MORROW throughout Western Christendom

Christmas Day, " the mother of all the feasts," will

be observed. There is, as Dean Church put it, one

and one only thought which can

The Turning adequately fill our minds at a time

Point in likes this-a thought beside which

History. all other marvels, all other instances

and displays of God's interest in

the concerns of His creatures are thrown into the

background. " It was the coming into this world

-as the child of a Virgin mother, but otherwise

under the conditions, the common conditions, of

our humanity-of the Everlasting and Almighty

Son of God. Such an event as that can have

nothing like it or parallel to it, while this world

lasts. It is the turning point in the history of the

world. . . After the Incarnation in this our

world of the Eternal Son, nothing could be hence-

forth, in fact or in our thoughts, as it was before :

neither death, nor life. . . . nor things pit-

sent, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth,

nor any other V creature. ' All things are made

different, are absolutely, irreversibly altered ; and

from that moment a new world begins, as truly

as the old one began, with new knowledge, new

hopes, new powers, new laws."

THAT Jesus was " born of a woman " has conse-

crated motherhood, has given childhood a new win-

some significance and glory, and has sanctified the

home and the home relationships.

The Festival It is of richest significance that to-

of the Home. morrow myriads of devout souls

will gather in reverent thought and

adoration at the feet of the Child whose presence

long ago warmed one of earth's poorest hovels to

a home. That He entered into the relationship of

a son, that He took up the obligations, constraints

and duties, and submitted to the necessary discipline

and training of that little domestic circle at

Bethlehem and Nazareth, has given a new richness

of meaning to the home and to the life lived there.

The Babe born in the manger has done that. So

it is a true instinct which makes to-morrow the

Festival of the Home, the day upon which the

home feast of the year is kept, to which gather,

where possible, sons and daughters from afar and

near, to warm their love of one another and to keep

their memories green. Upon all such gatherings

may there come the benediction of Him who was

the Child of Bethlehem !

* * * * *

bibt the event we celebrate to-morrow has a

wider significance. That Jesus was a son conse-

58

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

crates motherhood and home life ; but that He was Son of Man consecrates humanity.

" Good will " Since the children are sharers in toward Men." flesh and blood He also Himself in

like manner partook of the same " : that links Him to the whole race in quick, sensitive, indissoluble union, and makes all kind ministries to men and their needs holy and beautiful things : " Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these My brethren ye did it unto Me. . . . In-asmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto Me." It is a true instinct which makes Christmas a season of beneficent ministries to the poor and needy. Our readers will remember a passage bearing on this point in Dickens's " Christmas Carol " :

"` At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,' said the gentleman, taking 'up a pen, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries ; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir,'"

Scrooge wanted to know if there were no prisons, no Union workhouses, no treadmill and Poor Law in full vigour.

"' Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,' re-turned the gentleman, a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time because it is a time, of all others, when want is keenly felt, and abundance rejoices. What shall we put you down for? '" That is an expression of the Christmas spirit which befits not only this season of the year but all seasons. It is never inopportune to be kindly and self-sacrificing and ministrant, when our needy brother is near.

THE Angels' song reminds us that the Christmas message is not only of " Good will toward men " but of " Peace on earth.'? He came to establish peace

as between God and man, man and " Peace on man, nation and nation. Do we Earth." Christians make as much as we

ought of Christ's work as the Prince of Peace? Has it yet dawned upon us how anti-Christian is the military and naval condition of modern Europe—the very earth trembling beneath the tread of men armed to destroy their fellows, and the very seas bestrewn with great ships built wholly with a view to making them the most terrible engines of destruction of life and property possible? Can anyone contend for a moment that the mad competition in armaments which weights both capital and labour with burdens almost too grievous to be borne ; that the suspicion with which thou-sands in one nation regard the acts and words of other nations ; that the lack of sympathy we show with other peoples' needs and struggles, and the haste we are in to put an evil construction upon what they do—can anyone contend for a moment, that this is Christian ? If the Christian Churches of Europe really believed in the Angels' message of peace they could impose peace upon the nations and make war impossible. We are glad that, as Dr. Spence Watson wrote in our pages last week, more ministers undertook to speak on peace last Sunday and next than have ever done before in the 100 years' history of the Peace Society. 6,000 undertook to do this, but what are 6,000 among the 43,000 to whom the circulars of invitation were sent ? Surely every minister of Christ should count it a privilege to speak of the blessings of peace at least once a year ! It should not be forgotten that though war clouds have lowered menacingly again and again throughout the past year it will go down to history as a year in which the priceless blessing of peace was maintained. For this let us thank Almighty God.

DURING the past few days General Booth has undergone an operation for cataract on one of his eyes. The operation was pronounced to be suc-

cessful, and the latest reports say General Booth. that the General is making satisfac-

tory progress. On these facts we offer the General our warm congratulations, and we trust that he will be long spared to carry on the magnificent work with which his name is iden-tified. We are all proud of him, and not least the members of the United Methodist Church, in one of whose old sections he was once an able and successful minister. We could not monopolize him, any more than the East can monopolize the sun which rises in its bosom : he was destined for a wider course : his going forth was to be from the

end of the heaven, and his circuit to the ends of it. But we can never forget that he was once of us and that, as our pages showed a fortnight ago, he learned from one of our ministers some of those methods of work which he has put to such effective use in the Salvation Army. We hear that the General finds his season of darkness and inactivity very trying. May he find the grace that is sufficient for suffering, as he has found that which is sufficient for doing God's will !

DURING the last few months a miracle on a great scale has been getting itself enacted in the Turkish empire. This is no less than the bloodless ending

of a government that was the most A Miracle immoral and cruel and apparently of History. impregnable in the East or the

West, and the establishment of orderly, popular and parliamentary government in its place. Anyone who twelve months ago had prophesied the present achievements of the Young Turks Committee would have been deemed a raving maniac. Yet all the time that hearts which loved the peoples of the Turkish empire were filled with despair, there was working secretly and surely among the peoples themselves the redemptive forces which have done such wondrous things for Turkey during the past few months and which reached a splendid culmination in the assembling of the new Ottoman Parliament last Thursday. The event is one of the marvels of history. We are glad that our King and his Government have expressed their gratification with the new order of things, and we hope that the new constitutional party in Turkey will go from strength to strength in its appointed task of bringing renewal to the national life of long and sorely misruled peoples.

A MEMORABLE day in the history of Turkey last Thursday promises to be historic also in the history of India, for on that day Lord Morley expounded

in the House of Lords a project for Reforms in admitting natives of India to a share India. in the government of their country

which is unparalleled in our rule of our Eastern Empire. The scheme does not seem very revolutionary in Western eyes, but it bears that character apparently in the eyes of the skilled bureaucracy which has hitherto ruled India in our name. Only a man of wide outlook, of philosophic spirit, and of real courage could have proposed the scheme during this time of restlessness and disorder in India ; and we wish the scheme great success in its struggle against the immense forces which covet above everything to be let alone.

ONE of the most strenuous sessions of Parliament known to this generation was prorogued on Mon-day. Its harvest has not been at all what it ought

to have been ; but spite of huge The Prorogation disappointments it has not been by of Parliament. any means a lean session, for it has

witnessed the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act, the Children's Act, the Miners' Eight Hours Bill and the Port of London Bill, not to mention a great deal of valuable minor legisla-tion. But a session which has witnessed the arro-gant, ignominious treatment meted out by the Lords to the Licensing Bill and the failure of at least two attempts made by the Government to find a present solution of the Education question is one that fills a multitude of our best citizens with a sense of shame and indignation. Progress in social' legisla-tion is at all times slow and painful, but, while legislation is compelled to carry an Old Man of the Sea like the House of Lords upon its back every-where, progress in the best directions seems impos-sible. The question is how long the serious earnest people in the constituencies will permit the present disastrous state of things to continue. A people aflame with moral indignation would find a way through the present blind alley in a few months. Will the people of this country be sufficiently in earnest to do that ? That is the crucial question of politics to-day : all others sink into insignificance by its side.

" Have Miracles Happened?" By the Rev. H. T. Dixon. (Elliot Stock. 2s. 6d. net.)

THE first chapter deals with the question of the possi-bility of miracles : the rest of the book is a defence of the Old Testament miracles, which the author re-gards as " the outposts of the citadel of Christianity." The defence is not a success ; and if it were a success there would be nothing gained for the Christian apolo-gist, for the outposts of Christianity are elsewhere.

G. G. H.

Our London Letter. ABOUT the coming Harvest—the great Watch-

night ingathering ! Are you getting ready ? Our United Church

alone can win ten thousand for Christ in the next few days. All the glorious bias of turning a New Leaf with the New Year is in favour of a hearing for Christ ! Ten thousand souls for Christ with 2,360 pulpits at work, with 833 ministers and 5,500 consecrated local preachers all heart and soul at it, and the Harvest dropping with its very fatness, with even the unshepherded people making their own pledges to cut the drink and do nobler deeds in 1909—ten thousand ? Is it a dreamer's dream ? Wiser heads than mine, saintlier souls, say No !

That grand old encourager, the Ex-President, sends this greeting :

" I have read the London Letter ' in THE UNITED METHODIST this morning. After reading it I could but pray earnestly Lord, increase our faith ' ; and I read in the Revised Version, the 11th chapter of Hebrews. You mention great things, and things lying along the lines of God's promises. Can they be realized? They can if we have faith. There is as much and as solid ground for our expectation of multitudes to be brought to Christ within the next few days as there was for the trust of any of the believers named or referred to in that wonderful chapter. Can we stand on God's Word, Work and Character?—and work? May your earnest message be blessed to us all.

EDWARD BOADEN.

Now about the pledge. For years I have used the following. When I know how to make it simpler it will be altered in that direction.

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

This, is the BUSINESS :

1.—We invite you (if not an abstainer) to sign the teetotal pledge :—

" GOD HELPING ME, I HAVE DONE WITH THE DRINK "

Name Address

II.—Better still—sign on for Jesus Christ.

"I NOW DETERMINE TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS MY MASTER."

Name

Address The drink pledge is clearly understandable of the

very people it is expected to serve. Its terms are their very own.

But the Conversion pledge, says someone, is too easy. Truly Jesus said His way was narrow, but He said nothing about a theological turnstile at the entrance, with a clerical foot in the treadle allowing the gate to go a turn and admit one.

Can a man accept Jesus as His Master and fail at the end ? Can a man bend His soul daily to the soul of Jesus and be no child of God ?

It is all very well to map out Conversion into so many watertight compartments, but that is a collegiate and philosophic practice. Why should the man in the street who has been a sinner be put through sundry pacings as to Conviction, Repent-ance, Regeneration, Justification and Sanctification ? Strange to say, all these terms are Latin jargon, suited for learned students only—with care.

But can or cannot the sinning man at one simple clean stroke join Christ? I am sure he can, for I have seen him do it again and again. Do not let us fog, or turnstile, or five-bar-gate the entrance to the Lord's Way ! It is narrow and definite. Christ as Master is very definite and very straiten-ing. But that narrow and strait way is a road with an open mouth. The wayfaring man though a fool can plant his feet therein, and that in one movement.

Granted that faith is the beginning of the Chris-tian life. But not faith in theology. Do not forget that tens of thousands have begun their Christian life less by believing Christ than by practising Christ. They had faith enough to begin to practise ---but not the faith that would have passed some theological examiners.

If any man turn his face to Christ and say, " I now determine to accept Thee as my Master," would Jesus send him away ?

And if Jesus would accept so simple an entry, have we any right to complicate His business?

A blessed soul-winning Watch-night be yours ! W. KAYE DUNN.

December 24, 1908. THE UNITED METHODIST. 59

News of Our Churches. Our Provincial Letter. DEAR MR. EDITOR,—Some of our brethren have

known hard times since last they sang of Bethle-hem. They have passed through a year of shortage, less wages, and sometimes no wages. They have known lock-outs and strikes, not from the columns

of a newspaper, but from the sight of a shut gate and a locked door, lessened savings and union pay or no pay at all. Some men have travelled far and wide for orders not to be had. " Fourteen men to-day as regular as clocks, and not one of them ticking a single suit of clothes. I've travelled twenty-five years and never had empty books so many successive weeks." Scarce money, deprecia-ting stock, scanty sales, have threaded some black hairs with grey since last Christmas. Some men have had good times. Some have " never had such a good year " ; others meet Christmas " out of work." Yet, so far as we can gather, one and all hope Christmas will lead to " things mending up."

We can do something, Mr. Editor, in the mend- ing direction, if we all remember no United Method-ist society will be without a soul, or perhaps body, in need of repair. We have never yet seen the congregation where there was not room for the products of Bethlehem's kindness to work. Let every reader of these lines set out to make some person unexpectedly glad by heaven-born discerning of need. We guarantee every reader surprise at the need he will discover for the Christmas gift of smile or meal, coin or sympathy. The rich are as much in need of Bethlehem's love as the poor.

This is the season when a great human preference hungers for satisfaction. Turning over the pages of a book on our provincial dictionary, we read these lines in a Christmas light (as you know, the atmo-sphere just now curiously affects mental vision and clarifies imagination) : " Wine and honey are named among the most notable of its natural products, and the wine of Bethlehem is said to be prefer-able to Mat of Jerusalem."

Can you explain in any other words half so beautiful the strange preference of the world for the birthday of Jesus ? Have we not in this simple sentence about the fertility of Bethlehem, the won-derful truth told about the exodus from London to the provinces, and the manifold gifts passing from hand to hand ? The toiling and planning and plot-ting, the self-seeking and much-spending of Jeru-salem is too much for the world's heart : it turns with relief to the wine of Bethlehem, the simple child-love of the new Kingdom. London offers as much as ever to ambition : but this week many thousands will turn to their provincial homes, pre-ferring the wine of Bethlehem to that of their com-mercial Jerusalem. And in how many instances if a provincial cannot come home for his Christmas holiday the motherly fare sent up from Bethlehem will be more to him than all the feast in Jerusalem. Spiritually speaking, the great moral test of every provincial in the city will be this, " What wine, sir, Bethlehem or Jerusalem ? "

We are not Freemasons. Once a year, however, we steal from the Freemason's manual one of his terms. We find wonder increase, as we note "im-perious Caesar turned to clay," calendar and sceptic, and observe the Provincial Grand Master of us all has increasing multitudes honouring His birthday in spirit at Bethlehem. Our minds are awed as we observe Augustus turned into a mere provincial doing the business of Heaven's Metropolitan, as he orders a census to tax "all the world," and shifts into the proper setting the greatest son in David's line. How little we know of the ultimate prefer-ences of the heart. To Augustus the wine of Rome would have seemed the one draught of life which future centuries would quaff to fill life with meaning. But every year multitudes prefer the wine of Bethle-hem and bow not before an emperor, but at the feet of a tiny provincial.

The vintage worth drinking comes in time to its own kingdom. From God's obscurest vineyards have come the wines that have turned a pagan Christmastide away from revelling to gifts and sanctifications. Eisleben and - Epworth, to give only two examples, once sheltered babes of no con-sequence to emperors. But the child born in a noisy public-house on a busy market-day became Luther to quicken Europe, while John Wesley became England's preacher to save it. We are here to sing our Christmas hymns, descendants of John Wesley and worshippers of John Wesley's Lord. We might have sat in the seats of Jerusalem revel-ling we prefer to-day the wine of Bethlehem.

Yours fraternally, BRUCE W. ROSE.

Ministerial NEXT week we purpose to publish as Arrange- complete a list as we can of Ministerial ',tents. arrangements entered into for next Con-

ference. Will brethren who have not yet intimated their engagements with Circuits. for that Conference kindly do so immediately?

BIRKENSHAW. New THE new school has cost £1,600, and School is a plain, substantial structure extern- Opening. ally, built of hammer-dressed stones, with

worked heads, sills and copings, etc., the interior is lofty, well lighted, and well ventilated. The ceiling is of a geometrical pattern in pitch pine, and the walls round the fixed platform are handsomely panelled, whilst the main body of the room is nicely decorated with wood dados. The hall is 32 ft. by 42 ft., and at one end there is a spacious gallery. A striking feature is the large three-light window at the rear of the platform with its graceful curves and beauti-ful colouring, the gift of Mr. E. W. Lister, as a memorial of his late mother. On either side of the platform are partitions for the convenience of entertain-ments, which can either be folded back against the wall or altogether removed. The classrooms, of which there are six, in addition to the infants'-room in the basement,_ have been provided with pitch-pine seating. In the basement is also a kitchen for cooking purposes. Besides the main entrance there is a side entrance im-mediately opposite the rear entrance to the chapel, affording convenient connection between the two build- ings.

The doors were opened by Mrs. Asa Briggs, of Clay-ton, by means of a gold key presented to her by Mr. E. Lister. The schoolroom was soon filled, and a service, over which the Rev. R. H. Kipling presided, was then held in which the Rev. W. C. Balmer, Mrs. Briggs, Mr. Lister, Rev. G. Eayrs, Rev. J. Whincup, Mr. E. Greenough and Mr. S. Pilling took part. Tea was served in the school, and was partaken of by about 330 friends. In the evening a public meeting was presided over by Mr. A. E. Hutton, M.P., and addressed by the Revs. G. Eayrs, W. C. Balmer, and R. H. Kipling.

Mr. Powell submitted a financial statement, from which it appeared that ,up to Saturday £690 12s. 1d. had been subscribed or raised in some other way, and the afternoon collection had yielded the sum of

2s. 5d., making a total of £741 15s. By a bazaar to be held next March it was hoped to further raise about £200.

During the evening solos were rendered very accept-ably by Miss Walker, Miss Lily Holt, and Mr. W. Elkington, Master Goldsborough officiating at the organ. The special preachers on the following three Sundays were the Revs. W. C. Balmer, Bridlington ; Principal Sherwood, Manchester ; Rev. W. Barnes, Pudsey ; and the opening concluded with the annual rendering of the " Messiah."

CLECKHEATON. Circuit AT the quarterly Circuit gathering of the Progress. Cleckheaton Circuit, Mr. Thomas Haley

presiding, the Circuit officers were elected, and the numerical report was considered. Mr. Jos. Briggs, speaking for the Central Church, said the state of the church was very encouraging. All the vari-ous meetings are well attended ; 120 have joined the various classes through the recent mission, and many old members of the church are revived. Mr. J. Hare-wood (Moorbottom) said they were progressing. He had never known the church to be in such a healthy condition as now. The Sunday School was crowded out. The thirty converts who stood up during the mission had all joined them. Mr. J. Sykes spoke hope-fully of Scholes ; they had a good school, congregation very good and the C.E. growing. At this point the chairman gave out, "Praise God from whom all bless-ings flow," which was sung heartily. A vote was passed to Brother S. Coulby, the oldest local preacher on the plan, sympathizing with him on the death of his eldest son. This brought to a close one of the most successful quarter days ever held at Central.

SHEFFIELD. Missionary A VALEDICTORY service was held on 'Valedictory Wednesday evening, December 16th, in Service. the Weston Street Chapel, Sheffield, in

connection with the departure for China of Messrs. Frank D. Jones and C. A. Mylne. The chair was taken by the Rev. John Baxter, after the Rev. E. D. Green had opened the meeting with prayer. The Rev. H. G. Allchurch read the Scripture, and the Rev. Herbert J. Watts and Mr. R. Morrison gave short addresses. The Rev. H. T. Chapman, Foreign Mis-sionary Secretary, gave at some length a description of the hazards and honour of a missionary career. The Rev. Principal Sherwood, who should have given the Charge, was at the last moment unavoidably hindered from coming. His place was readily and well taken by the Rev. Principal J. S. Clemens, B.A., B.D. Mr. James Andrew then presented to Mr. Jones, on behalf of the Weston Street Church, in which Mr. Jones had been reared, a handsome camera for photographic. work in China, while Mr. I. W. Schofield, on behalf of a few Hanover friends, gave Mr. Mylne a Swan fountain pen. The meeting was strongly impressed, from the short confessions of the two young brethren, that they are of " the right stuff," and will, under God, render valu-able service in that distant land. The choir, under Mr. Harrop's care, rendered their aid to the meeting.

ST. JUST. Stonelaying. MEMORIAL stones of a new schoolroom at

Trevarthen have just been laid. For many years there has been a small church here, and of late the requirements of the Sunday School have been so great as to necessitate the erection of a school at the rear of the church. There was a good attendance at the ceremony. The Rev. D. Bailey, of Penzarice, preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon, and at the close the company repaired to the stonelaying cere-mony, which was conducted by the Rev. E. Rogers, superintendent of the Circuit. Mr. James Olds laid the chief corner stone, Mr. F. Hosken the stone for the trustees, Mr. G. Jenkins for the church, Mr. R. Hosken for the scholars, Mr. J. C. Remphrey for the teachers, and Mr. R. Oats for the Band of Hope. A largely-attended tea meeting followed. The evening meeting was presided over by Mr. W. T. Oats, Circuit steward, The Rev. E. Rogers presented a general statement. The building in which they were then assembled was built many years ago, was free from debt, and, in a good state of repair. The trustees and friends had resolved to supply a long-needed requirement, a schoolroom. He was pleased to say that the drawing of materials would be done free. Apart from that the cost would be about £130. By subscriptions, and the proceeds of that day, they had raised £80. A bazaar would soon be held, and with that and the opening services they fully expected to open the room free of debt. Addresses were by the Revs. J. Wilkinson and D. Bailey.

WEST CORNWALL DISTRICT. Evangelistic MR. JOHN BAILEY, of Leeds, Connexional Tour. evangelist, is just completing the first

part of his tour in this district. He has greatly commended himself to the people by his intense earnestness, by the force and fervour of his addresses, by his tireless visitation of the people and his gospel solos. His violin has also rendered good service. Souls have been saved, and the spiritual life of the churches has been deepened. Our brother commenced his tour at Zoar in the Helston (Meneage Street) Circuit, and went on thence to Stythians in the Redruth (Fore Street) Circuit. St. Dennis was then visited, in the St. Columb

LEEDS. The late

REFERRING to the late Mrs. Rumfit, the Mrs. Rumfit. Rev. Bramwell Dutton, at Woodhouse

Lane Church, Leeds, on Sunday morn-ing, December 13th, paid the following tribute :-

" On Monday last, amid almost impenetrable fog, we laid to rest in Burmatofts Cemetery the mortal remains of the late Mrs. Rumfit, whose long life terminated in the eightieth year. Though not known intimately to the present generation, she had almost a life-long con-nection with this church, first at Ebenezer, then at Woodhouse Lane. When this building was erected, she, along with her husband, chose sittings in the new sanctuary over fifty years ago ; together they wrought for the prosperity of this Zion until he passed beyond twenty-three years ago. Though a quiet, un-obtrusive disciple, the founts of her devotion were deep set, and she was extremely loyal to her Church and her

Lord. With an old-time simplicity and trust, her fer-vour moved beneath a tranquil and reposeful surface. For a number of years she has been unable to take part in public worship, but though confined at home her religious interests have centred here, and her generosity has always been lavished upon this home of her soul. She was one of the quiet saints whose saintliness tended to keep the world sweet, and provided warmth and sunshine through which buds of promise could shoot their flowers and fragrance from their sheaths of green. This is no small contribution to any generation."

HALIFAX. Thursday A NEW and successful departure at King Lectures. Cross is represented by the establish-

ment of a Thursday Lecture Society. The lecturers for the current session include, among others Professor Duxbury, Canon Ivens, Rev. H. M. Neild, Captain W. J. P. Benson, F.R.G.S., Miss V. Nettle-ship, Mr, E. G. P. Cotelingham, of the "Madras Mail," Professor Ed. F. French. The lecture scheme is a com-plete success. Over 200 season tickets, at 2s. 6d., have been sold, and all the money necessary to secure the lecturers, and to pay all other expenses, has been raised. The lectures have been very much enjoyed so far, and have received general support, the scheme being much approved by the inhabitants of the King Cross district.

60

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

Circuit, then Queens, and the pre-Christmas campaign ends at Fraddon. After a brief rest for Christmas Mr. Bailey goes on January 3rd to Troon (Camborne), and his itinerary thereafter is as follows : January 17th-28th, Mousehole (Penzance, Parade Street) ; January 31st—February 11th, Camborne ; February 14th-25th, Porthleven ; February 28th—March 11th, Garras (Hels-ton, Church Street). Will our godly, praying folk throughout the Connexion have Mr. Bailey and the churches he visits in earnest remembrance during the opening months of the New Year?

(Continued on Page 63.)

Stafford College Speech Day. ' ST. JAMES'S HALL, Forest Hill, was crowded to its

utmost capacity on Monday evening week on the occa-sion of the distribution of the prizes and certificates by his worship the Mayor of Lewisham (Alderman H. P. Stebbing, J.P.).

In the absence, through adverse atmospheric condi-tions, of the Rev. Principal J. Botheras. F.S.Sc„ the chair was occupied by Principal W. G. Botheras, M.A., who was supported by the Vice-Principal (Mr. E. Botheras, L.N.C.Mus.), the Revs. R. Pyke, F. A. Hirst, W. S. Green, and Messrs. E. Seaborne, M.A., L.C.P., H. S. Ann, F.C.T.S., and A. Deighton. Mr. Botheras read a letter from his father touching upon the Mayor's presence, the loyalty of the staff, and the important work which Stafford College is doing in this suburb. The Rev. Professor Harley, M.A., F.R.S., pre-siding examiner for the College of Preceptors, also wrote words of congratulation upon the flourishing condition of the College. That so many candidates had passed, and with distinction, in so many subjects, was evidence that there had been faithful and painstaking work on the part of both masters and boys. Stafford College had a strong staff, and the pupils maintained their reputation for high and honourable conduct.

Principal W. G. Botheras presented the educational statement. The pupil's attendance had reached the high average of recent years. The standard of the work had suffered no abatement. In July last twenty-two pupils had secured College of Preceptors' certifi-cates. R. Friend had been placed in the 1st class, with distinction in arithmetic, mensuration and shorthand ; C. A. Smith had been awarded 2nd class honours, with distinction in arithmetic, algebra and mensuration ; whilst M. Friend and C. Smith had won 3rd class honours, the former having been distinguished in arithmetic, algebra, Scripture and drawing, and the latter in arithmetic, algebra and English ; and although the passes throughout England had only reached 57 per cent, the Stafford College passes had been 13 per cent. Four boys, under the careful tuition of Mr. Ann, had taken .Pitman's shorthand certificates ; and five of the six pupils prepared by his brother, had gained cer-tificates from the National Conservatoire of Music, three of whom were placed in the honours division. Twenty rooms had recently been added to the school. The moral character of the school had been most gratifying, and the conduct of the pupils generally had been praiseworthy in a high degree. It was a source of the utmost pleasure to learn of the useful and honourable positions in society which old boys were now filling. In conclusion, Mr. Botheras besought the boys not to lose their enthusiasm. They should always glory in something worthy, and strive to retain their admiration for all that would ennoble, and their interest in all that would enrich and beautify their lives.

His worship the Mayor, in the course of an admir-able address, said that the figures which had been given were of great interest, and showed that Stafford College was doing a great work, and meeting a need in the neighbourhood. He was convinced that the school was being worked on proper lines. The boys were in a good school and the parents knew it. He strongly urged the cultivation of moral as well as physical courage, and an intense love of truth, home and country. A vote of thanks to the Mayor was moved by the Rev. R. Pyke, seconded by the Rev. F. A. Hirst, and . supported by. the Rev. W. S. Green, and carried with acclamation:

"Violet's Doll's House." By Florence Stacpoole. (R.T.S. ls. net.)

A SIMPLE story of sacrifice. How Violet desired a doll's house, and earned and saved sufficient money to buy it, Only to spend the money for a more laudable purpose ; and how ultimately a doll's house was really forthcoming is told in language that the youngest reader will understand. The book contains several coloured illustrations, and would serve as a Christinas present or school prize. J. B. B.

"The Life and Letters of an Eminent Dog." By Muriel D. C. Lucas. (R.T.S. 1s. 6d.1

THE autobiography of a dog. An original and in-teresting story. Children who are fond of animals would read it with delight. Doggie has many exciting inci-dents to relate, and several deeds of valour are modestly recorded of himself. After living in many homes, and filling many roles, he returns to his original home, and in his retirement records his reminiscences. J. B. B.

" Manners at Public Meetings." To the Editor of THE UNITED METHODIST.

DEAR SIR, — The Rev. J. Swann Withington de-plores the decay in "manners " at public assemblies, and tells us that " there was a time . . when there were no rude interruptions." As a matter of dry fact, the "tactics " of the suffragists are mild and harmless com-pared with the "tactics " of men-reformers, under ,similar circumstances. Dr. Cooper (a Liberal M.P.) tells us that those who opposed the Reform Bill were scarcely ever allowed to hold a meeting, and the agitation was ac-companied by violence, loss of life, executions, and a tremendous destruction of private and public property.

Anyone who will take the trouble to investigate the question thoroughly will find that the "militant tactics " of the Suffragists have, from the very beginning of this agitation, been determined by the obstinate and un-reasonable attitude of the Liberal Party and Govern-ment.

Mr. Withington is evidently not aware that at the beginning (and all along the line) of this agitation, women (no matter how "orderly ") have not been allowed to put " questions," except at the risk of ejection and ill-treatment, often at the hands of brutal men.

There must have been many exceptions, but, in too many instances, the moment a women rose to put a question or made a relevant interjection (such as would pass almost without notice in the case of a man) she was shouted and hooted at, and, in the midst of the general pandemonium (as in the case of timid and cul-tured women of my own acquaintance) she was violently handled by Liberal stewards and "thrown out " of the meeting.

The Liberal "Daily News " has admitted that had the answer to the question, "Will you give the vote to women ? " been given more frankly in the earlier stages of the agitation, the history of this movement might have been very different. And even yet things are very little better. The present policy of the Women's Free-dom League is not to "interrupt " Cabinet Ministers, but to put " questions " at the proper time. The responsi-bility for disorderly interruption should be put upon the shoulders of those who refused to allow either orderly enquiry or intelligent interjection.

Yours, SAM. BROOKS.

5 Hill Street, Radcliffe, Near Manchester.

[As a matter of fairness we allow Mr. Brooks to put the other side of the question in a letter which, by reason of our limited space, we have had to shorten very con-siderably ; but we cannot open our columns to a dis-cussion either of the Women's Suffrage agitation or its tactics. That belongs to purely political journalism.—ED.]

Mr. Hocking's Story.

To the Editor of THE UNITED METHODIST.

DEAR SIR,—Every one interested in our Church and in literature must needs congratulate you and our Publishing House upon the improvements in THE UNITED METHODIST as it appears in the issue of last Thursday. In appearance, size, and contents com- bined, it is, I think, the best issue which has yet been produced. The "look " of it is highly creditable •alike to the Editor and The Magnet Press ; and the variety and excellence of its contents make it really attractive and a very good pennyworth.

Where all will be read and valued it is almost in-vidious to notice any item ; but you have really "scored " in getting Mr. Joseph Hocking's story, "The Chariots of the Lord." To your readers familiar with the period the verisimilitude of the story is perhaps its most impressive feature. Mr. Hocking lives himself into the period and atmosphere of his stories. It is to be noted that when quoting the words of historical char-acters, e.g., Baxter and Jeffreys, he puts no word into their lips except such as their biographers and the his-torians give as authentically theirs. This serial should bring you hundreds of readers.

After all, however, it is the fact that THE UNITED METHODIST is our own paper which the President and you rightly make the ground of your claim for support. This claim is unassailable, and every family in the United Methodist Church should admit its force and support the paper.

Readers and news-senders are, I judge, your need. They are closely connected. From the beginning of Methodism it has been the appointed duty of superin-tendent and other ministers to send news of interest to the Connexional Editor. Our people turn eagerly to the news columns of other general journals for items about our Church. You have the first claim upon these items, and, either personally or by an appointed contributor, the ministers should send them to you. New news is most appetizing. A paper thrives upon it. More power to your arm, Mr. Editor, and more readers in your ever-widening circle !

I am, your grateful reader, A. WATERMANN PENN.

National Free Church Council.

PROGRAMME OF ANNUAL MEETINGS AT - SWANSEA.

THE fourteenth annual council of the Evangelical Churches will be held in Swansea on March 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th, 1909. The sessions and demonstrations will be held in the Albert Hall, and the churches in Swansea and District will be also used for public meetings. The Rev. Evan Jones, of Carnarvon, will preside. Sermons will be preached by the Rev. David Brook, M.A., D.C.L., the. Rev. J. H. Jowett, M.A., the Rev. H. Elvet Lewis, M.A., the Rev. G. Campbell Morgan, M.A., D.D., the Rev. Thomas Phillips, B.A., and the Rev. T. Rhondda Williams.

Among the important subjects that will be brought forward for consideration are the follow-ing : "Theological Unrest and Organized Christian-ity," by the Rev. W. B. Selbie, M.A. ; "The His-torical Contribution of the Church to Social Reform," by Professor A. E. Garvie, M.A., D.D. ; "The Relative Duty of the Church and of the State to Poverty," by the Rev. J. Scott Lidgett, M.A., President of the Wesleyan Conference ; "The Brotherhood Movement and the Churches," by the Rev. Harry Bisseker ; " The Alarming Developments of Modern Romanism," by the Rev. Joseph Hock-ing ; " Report of the Liverpool Commission," by Mr. Arthur Black ; " Constitution Resolution," by Mr. Robert Whyte and the Rev. George Hooper ; the "Rev. F. B. Meyer, B.A., on His Mission Tour in South Africa," " The Influence of Present-Day Life on Personal Religion," "The Place of the Evangel in the Ministry of To-Day."

The Education Question, the Licensing Question and the House of Lords, will probably receive prominent attention '

The Official Report of the year's work will be presented by the Secretary, the Rev. Thomas Law. The adoption of this Report will be moved by the Rev. John McNeil. The finance report and balance-sheet will be presented by the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Sir J. C. Compton-Rickett, M.P., D.L.

At the devotional session the Rev. Charles Brown (President of the Baptist Union) and the Rev. R. F. Horton, M.A., D.D., will deliver addresses.

The social side of these gatherings will be emphasized on Monday evening, March 8th, when a reception will be given to the delegates by fhe Mayor of Swansea.

A special conference for Free Church Council Secretaries and a Conference of Women Workers will also be held.

The evening public meetings, to be held in Swan-sea, include th'e following : Young People's Demon-stration, English Free Church Demonstration, Welsh Free Church D'emonstration, Missionary Meeting, Women's Meeting and Temperance Meeting. The following, among others, are ex-pected to take part in these gatherings : Sir S. T. Evans, R.C., M.P., the Rev. Newton J. Marshall, M.A., Ph.D., Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., the Rev. Thomas Hughes, Mr. G. W. Macalpine, J.P., the Rev. R. Wardlaw Thompson, D.D., the Rev. A. T. Guttery, Dr. John Clifford, Mis. Lloyd George, Mrs. W. S. Caine, Mrs. Herbert Lewis, Mrs. George Cadbury, Mrs. H. Price Hughes, Mrs. Princ. Edwards, and Mrs. Charlotte Benham. It is being arranged for public meetings to be held on the closing Thursday night in all the towns near Swansea.

As -on past occasions, it is expected that fare and a quarter rates will be afforded by the railway companies. Membership tickets, etc., will be issued by the Rev. Thomas Law, at the National Council Headquarters, Memorial Hall, London, E.C.

"The Wider Life." By the Rev. J. R. Miller, D.D. (Hodder and Stoughton. 3s. 6d.)

THIS is another of Mr. Miller's daintily-bound books with which we have now become familiar. The author's name is a household word. This book is as interesting, as helpful, as full of comfort and inspiration as any previously written by Dr. Miller. As the title indicates, Dr. Miller would have us possess our inherit-ance. "Our hills are full of gold and we only scratch the sand and the shallow soil on the surface. We live in little bungalows when there are splendid palaces wait- ing for us on the hilltops." We are persuaded that many will be led up to the hills of God through this beautiful book. C.

Rev. W. Kaye Dunn, B.A., writes : ANON, D..— Thank you. Please call at your Post Office for a letter addressed to you as "L. L. Anon."

December 24, 1908. THE UNITED METHODIST. 61

One Christmas Eve. BY ARTHUR L. PHELPS.

eyes toward the dark shore and the bright moon. He got to his knees suddenly, wildly. "My little ones ! " he breathed. "My wife 1 " Trying to gain his feet he fell, face in the snow. For a while he lay still, the drowsiness conquering again. But he got to his knees.

"Father, God I " he cried, his body shaking tremend-ously. "Father . . . Oh, Ellen, Ellen, Ellen 1 My children 1" Strengthened by his prayer and the thought of home he rose and staggered forward for a dozen steps, the mind driving the unwilling body. Then he fell, the stiffening limbs having their way.

"God, my God 1 " he pleaded with the night. But he could go no farther. He lurched over and lay still.

Up on the deadlands a wolf howled.

A mile back on the trail a couple of men were swing-ing along, almost in silence, save for the regular crunch, crunch of their snowshoes. They talked in snatches, though, in the quieter woods—sheltered places where the wind did not sing and sting about the ears.

"Wonder what it is," one of them said. "Something serious, anyway. Telegrams don't come

very often to these parts." There was silence between them for a while as they

crunched along. Then, "The Englishman's a quiet fellah. Wonder what he'll say?"

"Don't know, but—" his companion spurted ahead. "Hurry I " he shouted over there."

They saw a dark heap, quiet on the snow. "It's him," they breathed as they bent over the

huddled form. One felt for the pulse and_heart. "He's livin'. Here, we've got to get him to the house. It's just around the bend."

It was a weird scene. The then's breath steamed 'up into the crisp night air, cloud after cloud, and hung sometimes like a luminous haze about them, In turn they lifted the burden to their shoulders and In turn staggered on, silent, with the white night silent about them. Suddenly the red glow of the open door lighted their faces.

"He's all right, ma'm, he's all right. He's not dead, only froze," they hurriedly explained as the wife swayed a little and caught at the door. "He's all right, he's all right. Don't you worry, missis ; we'll bring him around in a minute now."

In their caring for the frozen man the telegram was forgotten.

"Fifteen minutes more an' he'd a 'been a goner." They talked as they worked. "He must a fell in at the river bend there. , You're all right now, Mr. Summers," as the patient breathed heavily and stirred. "You'll be about in a few days. Can you talk?"

"Ye-s—a The men laughed then.

they had been through a laughed.

"Oh, you'll be all right. We'll be getting back now." Then they remembered the message.

"Here's the telegram we was bringin' you." They stopped. What fools they were. The shock might kill the man now. They tried to retract, but the sick man motioned to his wife.

"Read it, Ellen, please." She opened it slowly, with' hands that

and tore the yellotv envelope half In two. "Oh, John—" There was pent ecstasy in her voice.

"Listen." Her eyes glowed. "Come home, John. I was mistaken. Forgive me. We'll have Christmas when you come. Forgive me. Father."

It had been cabled from London ten days before. The husband moved his arms stiffly in invitation and

the wife sobbed her joy out on his breast. The children stood and watched, awestruck and silent. Then the little one, with a sudden thought, moved to his father's knee.

"Aden, dada, aden," he crowed. The father touched the golden head gently. "Soon,

Doodle, soon. Wait a bit, though," and he stroked feebly the little cheek. He spoke lovi to his wife.

"We'll go home, Ellen, as soon as I can." The men from the village had stood silent and em-

barrassed. They had looked out of the window over the wide whiteness, and shuffled now and then uneasily.

"Good news ye got, then?" one of them questioned. Then the wife told them how it was that they had

come to this wild new place from the homeland, how it was for something the husband had never done he had been compelled to leave the old manor there—and how they were all going home again now—home for Christmas.

"It won't be Christmas though," she smiled, "but—we'll be so happy."

"I see. Kinder Christmas better late than never, eh? Well, we'll come up and help yuz down with your stuff in a couple of weeks. Mr. Summers '11 be well an' around again then."

And waving aside all invitation to stay the night, they opened the door and closed it hurriedly after them, with a cheery "good-bye."

The four crept close together in the warm glow of the stove. It was early, very early, Christmas morning.

"We're going home, Ellen," he whispered.—Toronto "Christian Guardian."

Uppety, uppety, up Uppety, uppety, up I Baby goes high, 'Most • up to the sky, Uppety, uppety, up 1 And the higher he goes The louder he crows Uppety, uppety, up 1

JOHN SUMMERS'S legs went up and down with the '

words of his song. He laughed as he sang, and the '

younger John, perched on his big feet, chuckled and bubbled over in riotous sympathy. The mother and daughter watched with tender laughter. All at once the long arms took a closer grip and baby was shot right up to the ceiling of the little' cabin. He came down safe in his father's arms with a half-frightened "Oh-h," and wide-open eyes.

"Why, John," the wife remonstrated a hurt him."

"Hurt him? No! they went again.

Suddenly he stopped. "Say, Ellen, I'm going to the village.

Christmas Day, and we've got to have something Christ= massyfor Doodle here—a woolly dog with bells or some-thing, like we used to get. Yes, and something for May, too," he added with a twinkle, "only we don't talk before big folks of the presents we're going to give them. Ellen, I'm going."

She looked at him, for a moment in silence. John, you can't. Don't, please. It's . a terrible

night. As cold as we've had ; and on the lake the wind will sweep you off your feet. John, don't go. We can have a good Christmas just the same. We'll have a roast off the deer you got yesterday. And we'll have baked potatoes—as they'll be doing over home." Her eyes dimmed for a moment.

"But, Ellen, it's not over ten miles, and most of it good snow-shoeing. I'll be back before Christmas Day. And I'd like the run anyway. I'm getting used to the snow-shoeing and I enjoy it—I've often been before."

"Yes, but always in daylight. But—if you must—I'll wait for you." She looked up at him somewhat as she had done when she had given in to him on another Christmas Eve in the old land. He stooped and kissed• her.

"A-den, a-den, dada," the baby's voice broke in. "Not now, Doodle. To-morrow we'll have lots of

fun. To-morrow's Christmas. Doodle, to-morrow's Christmas ! Mother, to-morrow's Christmas I May, to-morrow's Christmas ! " And again he threw the little chuckler to the ceiling.

He stood at the door, mackinaw coat buttoned tight and toque pulled well down around his face, his snow-shoes in his hand.

"Good-bye, kiddies," he said, kissing them all round, as was his wont. "Good-bye, Ellen, you needn't wait for me unless you like. All right then, but you can have a doze or two by the fire. Pleasant dreamings I " As he passed out the breath of the night blew in, bitter cold. Ellen shivered and watched him down the landing through an unfrosted corner of the window pane. She waited until the dark figure swung around the point and out of sight. Then she turned to the children with a sigh.

The children to bed behind the little partition, she sat by the fire and dreamed, as he had thought she would, of old ways and days, of how he had won her, of how they had come to the new country, driven from the homeland by someone else's fault, and of how the home under the new' conditions was hard in the mak-ing--but they had one another. They would live happily perhaps . . . smiling, she dropped asleep.

As he neared the narrows leading into the second lake the snow gradually deepened until he had to put on his snow-shoes. He had got cold without knowing it, and the warming up from the new exercise hurt him. He increased his pace, therefore. Soon the per- spiration gathered beneath his mits, and he had to slow a little. Down the second lake, through the second narrows and down the river he went, his figure clear cut and sharply shadowed on the snow. Occasionally he hummed an old-time air. He was enjoying his snow-shoeing. As he left the river, at last, far ahead across the lake he saw little twinklings that did not come from the stars. The village I The crunch of his shoes became faster and he began to whistle. But he found the air too cold, so he took again to his hum-ming—a lively tune this time, in accordance with his tramping.

He skirted the open water-hole at the end of the lake, took off his snow-shoes and climbed the steep, smooth, beaten bank.

The men got to their feet in pleasant surprise as he entered the store. They all liked this solitary Englishman, who had chosen for himself the far lonely home, wilder than most in a wild country. His visits to the village had not been of frequent occurrence. But he came regularly for his mail and was always a pleasant fellow. And once since moving there he had brought down by canoe his wife and two children.

"Yer quite a stranger," one of the group said. "And what's bringin' you down a night like this? We're kind of huggin' the stove ourselves."

The Englishman laughed, and when he spoke the soft modulations of his voice sounded like music after the Canadian harshness. "To-morrow's ChristMas Day," he said as he warmed himself, "and there's some people up on Star Lake who've been used to Christmas presents."

Well, it's a rough enough night fer most of us, an' nine mile and a-half's quite a way to come for Christ-mas presents—but you're an Englishman," at which they all laughed, even Summers.

They gossipped then of local happenings. Summers found by chance the woolly dog with the

bells. He bought ribbons and sweet for May and something that made a larger parcel for his wife. Then he pulled on his bearskin mits.

"Well, good-night everybody," he said. "You look Very cosy. I hope to be the same way soon."

As he shut the door he heard someone say, "Pretty plucky, I call it. Dunno what— " He smiled as he looked up at the wide sky and thought of those at home.

The wind did not cut so being behind, and he could feel it lift him onward.

" Good old wind. Pushing me home," he thought. Half way up the lake one of the snow-shoe thongs

broke. He fixed it, but not very satisfactorily. The shoe wobbled, and threatened to trip him when he ran. Once or twice before he reached the river he did fall. But he only laughed. • It was Christmas Eve.

The river shores were spectral and weird under the cold night. Great dead trees, some grey with many weathers, stretched out gaunt arms in appeal to the silences and the whiteness. Clumps of cedars seemed to hold things that moved. The shadows danced in wild revelry close to the woods. And the wind howled and moaned and hurtled in the trees. The man could have cried aloud, driven by an impulse he knew not of what, when at last he saw the lake gleam big ahead. He drew in close to the shore to avoid the ever open water on the bend and the ice around it. As he swung by, the broken thong gave way. He tripped and fell to the left on the ice. He slid towards the water, grasping frenziedly for a hold. The moments of time were awful. Then he felt the ice give under him.

"My God ! " he cried, as the black waters gurgled over his head and he felt the grip of its cold. . . . He was fighting desperately when he came up. But his hands got nothing save the sheeny, moonlit ripples. He saw the white gleam of the snow, and sinking, made for it. His arms beat the water but he seemed not to move. Then he was grasping thin ice, ice that went to nothing in his clawing hands. He spoke no word. The breath hissed through his teeth and went up in a white cloud. He got a grip that held for the fraction of a second, then he went down. Fighting, he came up again. He could see nothing. His senses were going. . . .

Something hurt his fingers. His face was wet, but he could breathe. Suddenly he saw the sky. He turned over and brushed the snow off his face with an ice-coated sleeve. Then, as in sleep, he pulled his feet out of the water, and drew himself clear up on the snow. He tried to rise, but a pleasant drowsiness was on him.' His couch was soft and he felt warm. Some-thing . wet trickled down his face, but it didn't matter. His arm was too heavy to brush it away anyway.

Then the life within flickered up and the body moved. His eyes opened again. He was very comfortable

'but— He rose on, his elbow and looked with unseeing

little, "you'll

Uppety, uppety, up I " and away

To-morrow's

The first lake had little snow ion it, and John Sum- mers walked its length. As he rounded the point which hid him from the house he caught the force of the wind. It hurtled along the hard, gust-swept crust and drove cutting particles of snow full in his face. But he bowed his head to it and kept on. Once in a while he would be lost in a mad whirl of snow. Reeling blasts of the dust struck at him as he passed out from the sheltered points. Ever the wind howled around him like a cloud of demons. The yellow moon was high in a steel-blue, star-studded sky, and the white world gleamed in a silver haze. The snow dust glittered like billion-scattered gems. Between the sil-ver snow and the gold-dotted sky the shores stood dark and forbidding. The close-set cedars on the very edge of the whiteness gave out a long-drawn seething. In the valleys the bared hardwoods rattled in the gusts. Pines stood along the higher bluffs in bands of blocked darkness, creatures of the storm, making strange music ; their vast cadences came• down to the lake shore and went across with the wind like sounds in sleep that are far away and near, and then are gone. The farther hills went wave on wave away into nothing.

The spirit of the white night held the man and he plodded forward in silence.

broke off and back. 41 Look

It was somewhat forced ; heavy strain. But they

trembled,

62

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

EACH age exercises a selective influence upon the body of Christian doctrine, and by subtle magnetism of affinity and need draws some one phase into prominence, the phase which speaks most nearly home to its own habit and temper of thought.

The doctrine of the Incarnation in its relation to the spiritual issues of our personal and social life has thus become central to our modern religious thought. And Browning holds the present age in fee so strongly because he made this province so especially his own. He is the poet of the Incarna-tion because he is the prophet of the human soul.

The soul-riddle holds us all. Where once a lonely CEdipus stood, the desert is crowded with men facing the challenge of the Sphinx ; we are all spiritual Hunger Marchers and when we turn our eyes to the dear old ruddy Christmas pictures of "the sillie Babe in the crotch," the kneeling shep-herds, the rush of angels, it is because we dimly feel that in that stone crib lies the key of human hope and human peace.

Such is one's apology, if one be needed for again presenting a Browning study for a Christmas meditation. The Star of Bethlehem is the star of atoning (that is, uniting) love. That is the centre of Browning's vision. The soul, God and Love between ; that is his grand range, and in " Saul " the vision is at its greatest and clearest.

The Opening of the Poem.

The poem opens with Abner's greeting of the ruddy boy whose music has power to draw the cloud which has darkened the king's soul and for three days plunged the palace into a black fast. A lithe, bright figure stands before us, harp in hand, with fresh iris-grass twisted on the strings to save them from the scorching desert heat. With a prayer the child lifts the fold skirt of the inner tent and cries into the darkness—" Here is David thy servant ! " Out of the gloom grows a dim figure, clinging to the tent-prop as the king-serpent hangs on the lonely pine until he casts his skin. Half afraid the boy tunes the harp and picks from the chords the folding-tune that calls his white flock home at night, the wiling airs with which he has learned to charm the quail, and " the quick jerboa " ; then in turn the harvest song, the funeral wail, the jocund bridal march, the time-keeping beat of the builders' chant. But the dead form is dead still.

Then the chorale air of the Levites at the hour of sacrifice ; and at the holy call a shudder passes through the giant frame, the great head sways scattering jewel gleams through the darkness. Then the terrible stillness again.

The singer commences anew, this time he essays the bardic song of Saul's own life, its joyous, lusty youth, its sacred home memories, the shock of his great advancement, the rush of honours and vic-tories, gathering and rising to close in a thrilling cry of the great name " Saul ! "—the synonym of a great record and a great call. The spirit in prison responds ; this time effectually.

Have ye seen when Spring's arrowy summons goes right to the aim,

And some mountain, the last to withstand her, that held (he alone,

While the vale laughed in freedom and flowers) on a broad bust of stone

A year's snow bound about for a breastplate—leaves grasp of the sheet?

Fold on fold all at once it crowds thunderously down to his feet,

And there fronts you, stark, black, but alive yet, your mountain of old,

With his rents, the successive bequeathings of ages untold—

Yea, each harm got in fighting your battles, each furrow and scar

Of his head thrust 'twixt you and the tempest—all hail, there they are !

—Nov again to be softened with verdure, again hold the nest

Of the dove, tempt the goat and its young to the green on its crest

For their food in the ardours of Summer 1 One long shudder thrilled

All the tent till the very air tingled, then sank and was stilled

At the King's self left standing before me released, and aware.

Those, who, away from the book, cant the com-mon cant about Browning's lack of the music and colour of verbal form might be challenged to read

aloud this one passage, and surely they would cant no more.

He has Tasted Life s It is Naught. So the King stood, recalled to life but not to love

of it ; life's cup pressed to his very lip : He saith " It is good ;" still he drinks not, he lets me

praise life Gives assent, yet would die for his own part.

In the full cup of life there is no drop of revival for the sin-sick soul ; he has tasted it all, and it is naught.

But what if behind the outward life-story, not buried in the grave, but rising and living on for weal or woe, there is a spiritual effect, a spiritual sequel ? Suppose behind its riches and its ruin there stand a Reward or a Redemption?

Very grandly Browning looks with the wide eyes of the boy harper into and behind the veil. Of prophecy as the upward leap of the soul's own strength we have no truer expression in literature. He traces the natural genesis of an Isaiah.

" What," rises the panting thought of the boy's soul, "what if in the redemption of such a splendid ruin as Saul, God makes His glory. perfect ! " Some dim thought, some elusive gleam of it had come as he had gazed into the blue depths of noon, a bright-ness above the Syrian sun, which even as he sought to recognize it melted away. But he had had the glimpse, as he gazed On the new stretch of Heaven above me—till, mighty

to save, Just one lift of Thy hand cleared that distance—God's

throne from man's grave.

He breathes this dim hope into his song, and under its spell as in the breath of dawn the spirit of the King awakes ; he adjusts his turban, wipes the terrible sweat from his brow, girds his loins, clasps his hanging breastplate and sits down to consider with awe the beautiful lad who kneels before him panting with the ecstacy of a new divine passion burning with the generous ardour of a child's hero-love. Saul fingers with his great hand the soft curls ; presses backward with gentle power the eager face :

Intent to peruse it as men do a flower.

Strange love scene this in which the shepherd-child sends all his pure adoring affection, mingled with sacrificial pity, through the haunted eyes of the king !

The holy spell of inspiration works on, and impels in the child a new flight ; as though love had bound mighty wings to his spirit he soars against Heaven and rifles its supreme secret of a God who excels His creatures in Love as in power.

The Surge of a Great Discovery. He leaps erect to prophecy ; the harp drops from

his hand—its chords will not stretch thus far ; the song drops like a bridge passed and us'eless, and, like a flood rhythmic with passionate joy, pours the surge of his discovery.

In his own willingness to suffer for him, whom he loves he recognizes his heart's noblest reach. Is he then in this claiming a Power beyond God's, who in every province else, in wisdom, knowledge, might, surpasses man by an infinity ?

Behold I could love of I durst I But I sink the pretension as fearing a man may o'ertake God's own speed in the one way of love : I abstain for

love's sake.

The tragedy of Redemption forms and grows upon him till he realizes that only the cry, the groan of suffering love can ever call back the lost soul to truth. Dimly the formless shadow of God's cross falls upon him, and he beholds it God's chiefest glory. At the heart of the Universe—Love—and at Love's heart a sacrifice. Innocence dragged from Heaven by the need and the peril of the lost to suffer, to redeem.

It is not what man does which exalts him, but what man would do

See the King—I would help him but cannot, the wishes fall through.

Could I wrestle to raise him from sorrow, grow poor to enrich,

To fill up his life, starve my own out, I would--knowing which

I know that my service is perfect. 0 speak through me now I

Would I suffer for him that I love? So wouldst Thou —so wilt Thou.

•

"My Flesh I seek in the Godhead. He who did most shall bear most ; the strongest shall

stand the most weak, 'Tis the weakness in strength that I cry for, my flesh

that I seek In the Godhead I I seek and I find it. 0 Saul, it shall be A Face like my face that receives thee ; a Man like to me Thou shalt love and be loved by for ever : a Hand like

this hand Shall throw open the gates of new life to thee 1 See

the Christ stand!

The closing passages are stopped-down as it were, with a hush of awe. The boy overwhelmed by the awful splendour of the secret he had disclosed hardly knows how he crept home. The night was alive with throngs of angel powers, that had rushed down through the door which the violence of his faith had broken into Heaven.

Finely he suggests that the Great Earth in all its being felt the pOwer of the New Law ; the hills- wore an eerie light at dawn, the winds whispered the secret and the forests shuddered as though they felt the axe already hewing God's cross from among them.

But no description can avail—none but the poet can express his mind here. The power of the secret he carried was confessed :

In the startled wild beasts that bore off, each with eye sidling still

Tho' averted in wonder and dread ; and the birds stiff and chill

That rose heavily, as I approached them, made stupid with awe :

E'en the serpent that slid away silent—he felt the new Law.

The same stared in the white humid faces upturned by the flowers ;

The same worked in the heart of the cedar and moved the vine bowers,

And the little brooks witnessing murmured persistent and low,

With their obstinate, all but hushed voices—E'en so, it is so I

• E'en so, it is so !

" One by One." BY REV. F. SPARROW, Barrow.

" YE shall be gathered one by one, 0 ye children of Israel." Isaiah is foretelling the advent of a time of blessing for the Jewish nation. He assures his coun-trymen that their troubles are nearly over, that deliver-ance is nigh. Their enemies shall be scattered and the future shall be one of great prosperity. Jacob shall take root ; Israel shall blossom as the rose, and the land, from the Euphrates to the Torrent of Egypt, shall be repeopled as quickly as if it were one vast olive garden. "And it shall come to pass that the Lord shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one."

The prophecy is a striking one. " In- that day shall the Lord beat off." What? His fruit. The image is taken from the method of the husbandmen, who went forth in November to beat the olive trees, shaking the fruit to the ground. This method was not a very thorough one, as some of the olives were almost sure to be left hanging to the boughs. These the owner had to gather one by one, and those shaken to the ground were secured in the same way. "Now," saith the prophet, " the time is coming when the whole land shall be prosperous and fruitful like an immense olive garden, and God—the Husbandman—will beat off His precious fruit of souls. Though the harvest will be stupendous, none will be left ungathered, for He will glean it thoroughly, and Israel shall be gathered one by one."

The Importance of the Individual.

"One by one." That is the emphatic phrase. The importance of the individual,' the fact that every soul has an infinite value in the sight of God—is not this truth emphasized in the Divine Word, and does it not need emphasizing to-day? The Bible everywhere pro-claims the , importance of the individual — men, not masses, the man rather than the multitude. Nature seems to teach just the opposite. We remember how Tennyson, looking abroad over Nature, trying to dis-cover her secrets, and finding that of fifty seeds she often brings but one to bear, concluded that while she is careful of the type, she is careless of the single life. Not so with Christ. The Gospels go dead against such a conclusion, for everywhere God's eternal regard for the individual is asserted. True, He has a clear and intimate relation with mankind as a whole, and em-braces them all in His love, but the wonder of His love is that it is both universal and particular. Our limita-tions are such that we cannot be both. The man who claims to know everything knows nothing thoroughly, and he who professes to love everybody knows but little of the deepest and truest love. But God is at once comprehensive and particular. However great the crowd the individual is not lost, and however vast the family, "He calleth them all by name." It may be

Browning's " Saul." A Study of the Incarnation in its Appeal to the Modern Mind.

BY REV. HAROLD TWYFORD.

December 24, 1908. THE UNITED METHODIST. 63 .1.1.••••■•■■••■,

difficult to realize this. There are many who hold to the peerless doctrine that " God is Love " but cannot regard that love as discriminating and personal. It is so easy to believe that "God so loved the world," and so hard to realize that "He loved me." They believe that He is ruling and sustaining the Universe, yet fail to recognize that He is guiding and helping each and all. The glorious note of our Evangel is the personal note. " He loved me and gave Himself for me," and if I were the only living person God could not love me more or deal more tenderly with me than He does. The measureless wealth of His love is lavished upon the individual, and while the harvest of souls is gathered from the ends of the earth, they are gathered one by one.

The Method of Jesus Christ. The whole ministry of Jesus Christ was a confirmation

of this truth. His method was to deal with the in-dividual. He fled from the cities,. withdrew from the multitude, and left the crowd ; but He sat all night with a perplexed scholar and spent some hours with a woman of Samaria. Zacchxus had a private interview, and the disciples were called one by one. These in- stances, coupled with His parables, go to show that Jesus set a high value upon the individual and the one by one method. Happily, we are coming to do the same. We have held our Conferences, our councils, our mass meetings, and, good as they have been they have not brought us into contact with the individual. Professor Drummond made this a speciality in his ministry ; he aimed at the unit ; and the Church that adopts that principle will be both happy and prosperous. For this reason we welcome the "One by One Union," in which we agree to work, each in his own way, under the Holy Spirit's guidance, for the salvation of the people. Drummond used to say, "Every atom in the universe can act upon every other atom, but only through the atom next it, and if a man would act upon other men he must begin with the man next him." Now, if I rightly conceive the object of the Union it is this. My world is a unit, and I must begin there. My attention must be fixed upon one soul, and my prayer and effort must not cease until that one is won. I must learn that, while the world may be my parish, my parish is not the world. Concentration is a fine art, and when brought to bear in the work of soul-winning produces striking- results. Andrew findeth Peter, and Philip findeth Nathanael—a beautiful record of per- sonal ministry. Is not this our need to-day? The ministry between man and man, friend and friend I He whose feet are washed passing on to the man next him, and he whose eyes are opened ministering to the next blind man along the wayside. It is one of the axioms of apologetics that a Christian life is the best argument for Christianity, and here is the most effective method of using the argument ; every saved person seeking to save others one by one.

Then we hail this Union because it so forcibly enunciates that each disciple has a distinct mission. There may be those who have not brilliant gifts, and are not singled out for any special public ministry, but their hearts may burn with an intense devotion and passion for their fellows. This responsibility of winning souls rests upon all. Who can fail to note the tendency to relegate duties to others? Is it not sadly true that the work in the Church is done by a few ? Have we not heard of the one-man-ministry, and is it always a success? This Union will do much good by enforcing the truth of individual responsibility. If the Sunday School teacher will begin with each scholar in the class ; if the mother will deal with each child in the home ; if the preacher will begin with each member of his con-gregation ; and if each member will begin with their neighbour, we shall have a continuous inflow of fresh human lives and activities. May the Union prosper in its mission in teaching that each has a work to do, a talent to use, a race to run, a building to raise, a vineyard to tend, a ministry to fulfil, a brother, a sister to save, and by obedience and consecration may our Church gather in the precious fruit of God's harvest "one by one."

CHATHAM.—The Rev. J. H. Blackwell has visited Luton Road, Rainham, and Yelsted churches as mis-sionary deputation. Mr. Blackwell preached twice on the Sunday, and spoke in the afternoon at Luton Road. Rev. A. Ralph organized a women's meeting on the Monday afternoon and a missionary conference on the Wednesday. Mr. Blackwell read a paper on the " Re-flex Influence of Missions." Several ministers, coun-cillors and other leading gentlemen of the town and Circuit attended, and took part in the discussion. There was a large audience at the evening meeting, and the offerings are considerably in advance of yast year.

BIRMINGHAM (Rocky Lane).—One of the most suc-cessful Trust anniversaries was recently celebrated. By way of innovation the tea and public meeting were held on the Saturday. At the meeting addresses were delivered by the Rev. F. H. Robinson (District chair-man) and the Rev. E. D. Cornish (Connexional Chapel Secretary), the chair being occupied by the pastor, the Rev. A. Tattersall (District secretary). The chapel choir rendered anthems. On the Sunday, the Rev. E. D. Cornish preached two powerful sermons to good congregations. Collections, on behalf of Trust funds, were satisfactory.

FENTON. Forty AT a Church and Christian Endeavour Years' "At Home " held in Mount Tabor Service. Schools, Fenton, Mr. H. FL Myatt re-

ceived from the members and friends of the Church an enlarged portrait of himself, beautifully framed and suitably inscribed, together with a copy of the best edition of the "Methodist Hymn Book." The pastor (the Rev. J. Sydney Jones), in his address, mentioned that Mr. Myatt had acted as society steward in their Church • for over forty years, and had completed forty-one years as Sunday School superintendent—a worthy record I The friends desired to honour their brother and testify to their appreciation of his long and devoted service. For over eighty years a member of the Myatt family had been a steward at Mount Tabor, and they trusted for years to come this might continue so. Mr. W. H. Barker, who for over twenty-five years has been a co-superintendent with Mr. Myatt, also referred to Mr. Myatt's excellent work. Coun-cillor E. Brain said that for long years he had laboured with their friend as co-steward, and always found him amiable, consistent, and devoted. He hoped the wonderful example of Mr. Myatt might prove an in-spiration to the rising generation. Councillor J. I. Myatt expressed great pleasure at the honour conferred upon his brother. Mr. Thomas Lovatt, the oldest member of the Church, made the presentation, in the name of the officials and members of the Church. He most feelingly surveyed the work of past years, and hoped their friend would be long spared to continue in the work of Christ. Mr. H. H. Myatt suitably expressed his appreciation of the honour and kindness shown to him, and pleaded with the young people to consecrate their lives to Christ, and said the prayer of his heart was, " God bless Mount Tabor and all its members." A happy and memorable evening termi-nated with the Doxology.

LITTLEBOROUGH. Sir James THE missionary anniversary services Duckworth were of exceptional interest owing to on the presence in the pulpit at the even- Helpfulness. ing service of Sir James Duckworth,

M.P., this being his first visit to the area of his former constituency since the honour of knighthood was announced. The congregation was a very large one. Preaching from the text, "The har-vest truly is great, but, the labourers are few," Sir James said our complex modern civilization had made voluntary work an absolute necessity. Public duties of a social, philanthropic, educational, and religious nature must be taken up. This was a vast harvest field where golden grain could be gathered. Two or three hours during the week given to temperance or Sunday School work, to the social elevation of our fel-lows, or to visiting the sick and the poor, would add nobility to one's character, enrich one's mind, broaden one's sympathy, and widen one's experience: How was it that the labourers were few? Was it because the reward was not adequate? There was a Lan-cashire saying which ran : " If tha does owt for nowt, do it for thysel'." But he did not think it was char-acteristic of either Lancashire or any other people. When we came to understand our fellow men we found there was a lot of good in them. There was much self-sacrifice, too ; especially amongst the poor. He had often been struck by the way the poor helped one another. The real reason for the fewness of the labourers in this great harvest field was the lack of a vigorous spiritual life in those who professed to be followers of Christ. It was not money that was wanted ; they could get enough of that. It was not respectability ; they were well-nigh cursed with it. They wanted men who would come down from the altitude of respectability on which they had perched themselves. That was the only way in which the world could be brought to peace.

The Rev. F. J. Ellis preached at the morning service an eloquent sermon. The Rev. R. Swallow, M.D., and the Rev. J. Wynne addressed the meeting on the Monday night, over which Mr. Alderman Jackson, of Walsden (District treasurer), ably presided.

MANCHESTER. A Lecture on THE quarterly meeting of the Manchester Vivisection. and Salford Guild was held at Central

Openshaw. The members were the guests of the Openshaw friends for tea, and Mr. Alfred Saxon (President of the Guild) and the Rev. J. W. Mawer responded to a hearty vote of thanks. After tea Mr. Saxon occupied the chair. By request of the Manchester Anti-Vivisection Society a lecture had been arranged on "The Ethics of Vivisection," which was given by Dr. G. H. Pinder, of Higher Broughton. The lecture was an able deliverance, and proved to be painfully interesting. Dr. Pinder said that obviously there were two aspects of the question —the moral and the medical. On that occasion he would mainly deal with the former. But with respect to the latter he maintained that he had watched it for

forty years, and he believed no material advantage had been gained for medical science. He referred to the prevalence of inoculation for medical purposes, and showed that since the introduction of anti-toxin the death rate from diphtheria had increased. In reply to the canon that "an animal does not feel vivi-section as we should " he would say that he disputed it, as witness the extreme sensitiveness of a horse under the touch of a human hand, the quickness of a dog's hearing, and a hawk's sight ; but if he granted it, then an animal was no guide for medical science, as the same rules might not apply in a human sufferer. But he went further : if he were to grant all that the vivisector claimed, then such torture as he instanced was absolutely wrong; especially the weary repetition of the same experiments. When once a supposed satisfactory result had been gained it should stand as a record and a precedent, and never again be repeated. Torturing for torturing's sake could never be permissible. At the close of the lecture an interesting discussion followewd, and a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Dr. Pinder. In reply the doctor paid a warm tribute to Nonconformity, as a Churchman, and deplored the fact that Bishops and Deans of his section of the Church of Christ were found patronizing the horrible practices of vivisection. The next meeting of the Guild will be held at Mount Street School, Salford, on March 5th. J. E. S.

MIDDLESBROUGH. Notes of A CORRESPONDENT writes : " But a few Progress. months ago it was a very serious ques-

tion as to whether it would not be best to sell our Zion Chapel here, for, notwithstanding the fact that we have a splendid building, capable of seat-ing 700 people, we did not get more than 80 to a Sunday evening service, while all other meetings had a very meagre attendance indeed. Then, when some of our best supporters moved out of the town, they left the few very disheartened, and all thought it could not go on. The building got very dilapidated in appear-ance, and there was nothing inviting to an outsider. But now, what a change ! To God be all glory and praise. Since the Home Mission appointment last Conference of the Rev. F. Townend we have all been greatly surprised at what God has done. The minister set about and painted and grained the chapel doors. Then the men painted the rails and windows. Then we had the gas jets altered, costing us Some of us feared and trembled, wondering if these things would only carry us further into debt without any remuneration. But Sabbath by Sabbath we have wit-nessed the congregation growing until now we have 300 at least on a Sunday evening and converts also. Now we have more than ever been surprised this last week by a bazaar we have had. Our minister asked for £245. All felt it was an impossibility ; but now it is over, and we reached (with a promised grant by the Home Mission) £250. So that we are able to clear all current debts on chapel and Trust accounts. Truly a wonderful change, and in such a short time."

RAWTENSTALL. Golden FIFTY years ago, November 25th, 1858, Wedding. the first marriage was solemnized in the

Haslingden Road United Methodist Church, the bridegroom being Mr. George Whitaker, the bride Miss Bessie Barlow. The long interval has been spent entirely in Rawtenstall, and it is not too much to say that no two citizens are better known nor more highly esteemed than Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker. The former by his business ability and integrity has gained the confidence of all classes of the community ; and many are the good causes that the latter has assisted. Beyond commercial and charitable claims, the time of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker has been chiefly devoted to religious work. Their long life of wedded unity has been inseparably associated with the church in which it began. It was fitting, therefore, that a special meeting of the congregation and the Sunday School should be held on a recent Sunday evening, to consider the best means of celebrating this happy jubilee. Owing to the illness of Mr. Whitaker, an illness which his many friends greatly regret, he and his family were absent. The Rev. H. Wilson, M.A., pre-sided, and at the outset expressed his pleasure at so large a gathering on an inclement night. He spoke of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker's whole-hearted interest in the Sunday School, and of their unstinted service on its behalf, Mr. T. H. Whitehead, J.P., the senior member of the church and its treasurer, added a few words on his life-long association with Mr. Whitaker in office and in personal friendship, and cordially commended the suggestion of some expression of united congratula-tion and goodwill. In view of the comparatively re-cent celebration of Mr. Whitaker's seventieth birthday, when the Haslingden Road people joined in a public presentation, and in accordance with his well-known unobtrusiveness, it was deemed well to celebrate this occasion, as simply and as quietly as possible. By standing vote it was unanimously agreed to offer to Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker an address of congratulation.

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December 24, 1908. THE UNITED METHODIST. 65

"THE ANGEL SAID .

IT is not now fashionable to believe in angels. We have enough science to need no white-winged mes-sengers of peace and goodwill. The revelation for an hour of a choir usually invisible might pass muster in uncritical Palestine circles in the year 1 A.D. : in the year 1908 A.D. we are far beyond either the belief in, or the necessity for, the angelic word " Be not afraid."

So some men think and many men say. The same men have no great hopes for England's future. The dark side of our national life fills them with pes-simism, for a belief in steam-engines and hard cash does not meet the incarnate wickedness of Piccadilly at midnight. The belief in that which can be driven, hammered, bought and sold, neither touches man's unregenerate heart, nor does it beget the idealism which sees visions and dreams a New Jerusalem. It is a desolated outlook upon which the men fix their eyes who dismiss angels. A world without angels is a world without hope. Nations that dis-miss angels dismiss themselves from history as wheels of progress.

It is fifty years since the saintly Frederic Denison Maurice said to a Lincoln's Inn- audience : " In no instance whatever can the mere study of physics help you to determine anything respecting moral or intellectual forces ; though at every turn the study of physics compels you to the acknowledgement of such forces." Sir Oliver Lodge's latest books are one long vindication of the soundness of Maurice's proposition. In them we have the man of science not dismissing the Biblical view that suggests spiritual ministries, but coming nearer to the angel's place in shaping man in this world.

It is a shock to the conscience and reason of man (again we quote Maurice) to feel that he is indebfed to moral agents—to spiritual agents—in a very great degree, for the health and comfort which he enjoys here : but that the whole world which lies beyond his ken is only peo-pled with physical forces which act upon him blindly and care nothing for him. The people have always held the opposite faith. Surely it is time to ask our-selves whether that faith must be merely set at naught—whether its manifest falsehoods and mistakes do not conceal precious truths—whether those truths can be at variance with any others—whether we are not bound to bring them into light, as the only means of dislodg-ing- the errors to which they have given countenance, and also of overthrowing some of those idols of the cave which the student worships no less than the multi-tude worships the idols of the market-place.

It is never well " merely to set at naught " the angel. He is in the Bible always a deliverer from fear, even though his appearance at first gives rise to it. He never leaves men with a less rational or moral view of the world than they held before his coming. He is the creator of hope, the revealer of judgement, the inspirer of progress—the exaltation of man as fit recipient for the thoughts of God. If our spiritual outlook perceives to-day no angels the fault may not be theirs but ours. Our failure is a defective spiritual imagination. The truer our insight, the larger our perception of the shining ones of God. For the Biblical view includes not merely celestial visitors but seen and unseen helpers of the Eternal—fire or wind and stormy seas fulfill-ing His Word as angels and ministers of grace.

"All men who deliver to other men a message which God sends them are called in Scripture His angels. Those who have not 'the muddy vesture of decay ' which encloses us, and often chokes our voices, are His angels too in a simpler and higher sense. It is not superstition to think this : it is for us, as it- was for Cornelius, to whom God sent an angel, the deliverance from superstition." Is not this wise suggestion for men of the market and the loom to ponder to-day ? The angelic message is the

. . BE NOT AFRAID."

opening to us of other and higher interpretations of life and character than can be given by anatomy or the chemist. A belief in angelic visitations has done more for men's uplifting than the study of fossils or atmospheres. It has led men to believe mightily in a Divine Providence not outside but inside their lives and their world. It has turned shepherds from mere drudges feeding mutton, into the divinest of all attitudes—that of worshipping. Angels led men from nature's midnight silences into the presence of and reverence for earth's most won-drous needs and ministries—" a Babe." Those Palestine shepherds have once for all taught us that those who receive angels are not fools but the only men who have anything to tell their Bethlehem neighbours that is worth hearing. They that re-ceived the message saw a great light—they that turned away and culminated their scepticism by crucifying Jesus, with the awful acceptance of the

To the Editor of THE UNITED METHODIST. DEAR SIR,—The use of maxims, proverbs, and

aphorisms is of great antiquity. They were in use long before books, and, like the traditions of the Elders, were handed down to successive generations as the unwritten laws of morality, truth, and life. According to my dictionary a maxim is an estab-lished principle ; a principle generally received or admitted as true ; a summary statement of an im-portant truth, or what is regarded as such. A proverb is a saying embodying the common sense of mankind on ordinary subjects. It is usually allegorical, and conveys a general truth in a figure based on a specific instance, and is generally more vulgar than an adage. An aphorism differs from a proverb or a maxim as Lady Clara Vere de Vere differs from her washerwoman. (This is not in my dictionary.) A proverb has not that repose which stamps the caste of an aphorism. The latter relates rather to speculative principles, ethics, or science than to practical matters. So much for definitions.

I. " In the house of a fiddler all fiddle," is un-

doubtedly a proverb, though it bears a close resem-blance to a maxim. The value of these sayings has eloquent testimony borne to them by Mrs. Dumper, in Mr. Begbie's book "The Vigil."

" Beatrice, after shaking hands with Mrs. Dumper, congratulated the good lady on her pastry, and declared that she must really try to discover the secret.

" The secret, miss,' said Mrs. Dumper—an ad-miring Farnaby on either side of her—` is nothing more nor less than one of what I call " Mrs. Dumper's Maxims." I has maxims for everything. Without a maxim I couldn't breathe. How people get on without maxims I cannot think. But they don't. You've only got to look at their homes to see that they don't get on at all. Look at what they call the Servant Question ! Why, how, many servant girls has passed through my hands and been a comfort to some of the finest houses in England? If one, twenty. And why ? Because I takes 'em young, and I imbibes 'em with maxims. Before they're allowed to handle a broom they must know the maxim of it. Before they're allowed to handle a saucepan they must know the maxim for that. Everything has a maxim. Take pastry, what you introduced the subject yourself. What is Mrs. Dumper's maxim for pastry ? Why, it's this,

crime—"His blood be on us and our children "-have shown the world conclusively " where there is no vision (of angels) the people perish." Those who despised angels have become the outcasts of history ; those who received them have left their memorial in " The Book of those who heard the angel "—and obeyed. This Book is our Bible, and we shall do well to read it. It tells us that civilizations that purify must be recipients of angels. From every page of its many books comes the emphatic testi-mony that angels are not only satisfying to the imagination but true creators of a confidence that will not be afraid of " the pestilence that walketh in darkness or the arrow that flieth at noonday." The Bible angel may be the child of heaven lighten-ing up our material civilizations with touches, hints, hopes and dreams of a parental Providence even in Egyptian slavery or Babylonish captivity that will not leave us in the mud of brickmaking or the wine-vat of the tyrant. How many men have found endurance not in celestial visitants alone, but through that son of freedom, who in neglect, poverty, blindness and domestic discomfort, saw _the angels fallen and unfallen, and sang his " Para-dise" as " Lost " but " Regained "? Milton is the Angel of Liberty for England, but unless he had believed in a God of the angels his ministry would have lost its virtue and its tone of hope to all the oppressed that liberty may be regained. As it is, time shows him an appealing and potent spirit when his hour arrives—witness the Russian translations of the " Areopagitica," sold in St. Petersburg to bring freedom nearer. Never more than to-day do we need the angel ministries of the Bible, the believer and the Babe to interpret civilization, help us to read the East, and understand the West. We need the angels of Bethlehem's midnight hours to deliver from drink and darkness this Palestine of our unspiritual England by the angel voice to the people's representatives, "Be not afraid."

miss. " A glass rolling-pin and a fairy hand." That's pastry in a nutshell. And it's likewise with curry. What's Mrs. Dumper's maxim for curry ? Why, it's this, miss, and no one can say different : " Three days of smelling it before the minuit of serving it." Ask my two gentlemen whether they ever ate a better curry in the coral strand than what I serve 'em with in Bartown ! No, miss ; they couldn't do it. For there's only one way of doing or cooking anything, and that's the best way ; and if you've got the right maxim it's the natural pedigree that you know the best way. I haven't no patience with people who do things without maxims. The world wasn't made without maxims, and nothing on this world will ever be made as the Creator intended it should be made without maxims neither. It's wicked, it's going against religion, it's—well, there, I don't know what it is—to think as how you can do your duty in that state of life to which it has pleased the Creator to call you without first getting hold of the maxim for it.' "

II. At one time I was acquainted with a family who

illustrated in a remarkable way this ancient proverb. A father, who was a gifted musician, though not by profession, and his six daughters all fiddled ! Out of the seven there were three first fiddles, two seconds, a 'cello and a bass. They were all enthusiasts, or appeared to be, and had concerts nightly. But it was when they gave a concert in. the town that one saw this family at its best. To see them leave the house was worth taking a journey. The father would sling the bass over one shoulder and the 'cello over the other, and the six girls would follow, five with fiddles and one with the music. I cannot explain why, yet somehow it never struck me as a particularly pretty sight. I had a feeling that Miss Irene—the eldest—or Miss Sybil—the youngest but one—were fiddlers under protest. I had no ground for this suspicion, for when they played these two seemed as enthusiastic as the rest. Yet I couldn't dismiss the feeling that two of them at least were being coerced. Anyhow, I felt it would be a relief if one of them had played the cornet or even the triangle. Or I should have been even better pleased if one of the girls had absolutely refused to take a fiddle in her hands, no matter what the penalty might have been.

A look into the Brontë household would have revealed a similar state of things. Little Maria, at the age of seven, would shut herself up in the study

Letters of Christopher Hunt. " IN THE HOUSE OF A FIDDLER ALL FIDDLE."

66

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

with a newspaper, and when she came out could tell anyone all about the debates in Parliament, and every other item of news. When later the other children—Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell-were all engaged in their literary pursuits, it must have struck a visitor that a little variety would have given a pleasing touch of colour to the pastimes of these remarkable children. For all to be fiddlers must make a home insufferably dull at times.

III. The proverb finds illustration in many directions.

The personality of some men is so strong that they dominate whatever company they are in. Not only so, they often inspire others to emulate them in a manner which one would scarcely have imagined possible. They are fiddlers who make all fiddle. I have a friend who is a very witty fellow. When he is in good form his wit flows as spontaneously as a mountain spring. Its effect upon us is curious. We reveal unsuspected resources of wit, though it must be confessed of a very dull sort. Compared with his our repartee drags. Our sallies are some-what behindhand. All the same, when we are in his company, though we do not become wits—that would be contrary to nature—each of us becomes a sort of wit. He is so good a fiddler that we all perforce fiddle.

In the case of a strong-minded woman the truth of the proverb is more evident still. In her home everyone has to fiddle to her tune. I call to mind a very estimable lady, in whose hospitable house it has more than once been my privilege to stay. When I step on the threshold I tune up immediately. I am careful to see that none of the strings relax during my visit, though the strain is great on my enfeebled instrument. Much as I enjoy my occa-sional visits, honesty compels me to add that it is with a sense of relief that I find myself once more in my own home where fiddlers cease from troubling and scribblers are at rest.

IV.

Like all sayings of this sort it has its exceptions. Charles Lamb might easily have included this in his popular fallacies. He would have said that his experience led him to quite an opposite conclusion. He would have told us of his friend Tittems, who fiddled night and day, yet not one of his numerous olive branches was ever known to touch a fiddle. Tittems played on a Stradivarius, but his wife could not distinguish a G string from an E. No, in the house of a fiddler all do not fiddle.

If I may give an abrupt turn to this letter I must sorrowfully , admit that in some very important respects the case of Tittems is not exceptional. If the proverb means, for example, that in the house of a Methodist all are Methodists, then there are some exceptions which are a pain and grief. Or in the house of a generous man all are generous. Or in the house of a citizen all are citizens. So one might go on. In many of these matters of great moment the good example set is not always followed. But when it is followed the sight is an inspiring one. I had an impressive illustration of this recently when visiting a Sunday School in the North. A father—who has turned seventy, and has retired from business—and his three sons—all business men in the town—are actively engaged in the work of that School, one as superintendent and three as teachers. I wonder how many families can boast a record of this kind ? The Sunday School problem would soon be solved, and many other problems, too, if this were more common than it is.

This is a good motto for a minister. Only he must be sure to be a good fiddler. The success of most churches is due to the fact that the man who plays first fiddle inspires everyone else to fiddle, too. Where a church fails is when one man does all the fiddling. I know some men who are superb fiddlers themselves but somehow they have never learned tife art of making other people fiddle. And the real test of fiddling is its effect on those who hear it. If all become fiddlers then the player is worthy of Paganini himself.—Yours, etc.,

CHRISTOPHER HUNT. Old Clarendon.

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GOD rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay,

For Jesus Christ our Saviour, Was born upon this day ;

To save us all from Satan's power, When we were gone astray. * * * * *

I confess to a weakness for these old carols, even for : The first good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of one, and,

I saw three ships come sailing in, and,

God bless the master of this house, The mistress also,

And all the little children That round the table go. * * * * *

Do you know Robert Herrick's carol " sung to King Charles I. at Whitehall ? " It is very quaint and beautiful :

We see Him come, and know Him ours, Who with His sunshine and His showers Turns all the patient ground to flowers.

Henry Vaughan has several exquisite Nativity songs, " Awake, glad heart ! get up and sing ! " and those haunting lines on " Peace," which I cannot resist quoting in full :

My soul, there is a country Afar beyond the stars,

Where stands a winged sentry All skilful in the wars.

There, above noise and danger, Sweet Peace sits crowned with smiles,

And one born in a manger Commands the beauteous files.

He is thy gracious Friend, And (oh, my soul, awake!)

Did in pure love descend, To die here for thy sake.

If thou canst get but thither, There grows the flower of Peace,

The Rose that cannot wither, Thy fortress and thy ease.

Leave then thy foolish ranges ; For. none can thee secure,

But One, who never changes, Thy God, thy Life, thy Cure. * * * * *

When making your own selection of Lays of Bethlehem this Christmastide you will not overlook Robert Southwell's " New Prince, new pomp " ; Giles Fletcher's, " The Birth of Him that no begin-ning knew " ; Ben Jonson's, " I sing the birth was born to-night " ; George Wither's, " A Song of joy unto the Lord we sing " ; William Drummond's, " Run, shepherds, run " ; Carrington's, " The mid-night is as bright as day " ; George Herbert's " All after pleasures as I rid one day " ; and—need I add at this Tercentenary time—Milton's hymn," On the morning of Christ's Nativity." " Show me one who delights in the Hymn on the Nativity,' " says Dr. George Macdonald, "and I will show you one who may never indeed be a singer in this world, but who is already a listener to the best."

* * * * * In truth, the poets claim us at Christmastide. I

cannot get away from them—and Tiny Tim. Robert Browning's " Christmas Eve " is good com-pany always and I have just entered with, the poet into the little chapel on the edge of the moor. It was interesting to watch the congregation gather. I heard the mighty report made by the fat, weary woman as she down-clapped her umbrella, wry and flapping, a wreck of whalebones. I pitied the old-faced young girl with the baby—what sopping suds fell from her draggled shawl !—but knew not what to make of the tall yellow man, like the Penitent Thief, and I am sure he and the others knew not what to make of me. But oh ! the hot smell, the greasy cuff on my neighbour's coat, the human voices, and, worst of all, the preacher's immense stupidity ! • And yet the old fat woman purred with pleasure, and everybody appeared to be having a good time. How could they ? 'Twas too provoking, so, with the poet, out I flung.

* * * * * Ah ! God is near on this wide moorland in the

pure moonlight which would have shone full on me had it not been for the ramparted cloud-prison built up, block on block, in the west. To think of seeking God in stuffy chapels when the immensities may be probed and a wide and wondrous door swings on

its hinges—the Church door of the universe through which Nature will lead the true worshipper any day, any hour, in storm, or in calm !

All at once I looked up in terror, He was there He Himself with His human air, On the narrow pathway, just before : I saw the back of Him, no more— He had left the chapel, then, as I.

• I remembered, He did say Doubtless, that, to this world's end, Where two or three should meet and pray, He would be in the midst, their Friend : Certainly He was there with them.

The old fat woman had reason, after all, to purr and to pray. " Certainly He was there with them." God is the God of the chapel, as of the moor.

* * * * * We cross the world—where now? Before that

miraculous Dome of God, St. Peter's Church at Rome, what a crowd of worshippers ! The Saviour enters in spite of the errors and perversities taught in His name. The love of the Crucified is there and, after all, is not love the all-sufficient law ?

* * * * * Again the scene changes. A learned professor

ascends his lecture-desk—we are now in a German university town—walking deliberately to his post because of his cranium's over-freight. When - his spectacles have been pushed back high enough on his ample brow he begins to discourse on the " Christ-myth," and does his best—poor fellow !-to grind the Pearl of Price into powder, the dust and ashes of which he bids his students venerate. Strange ! For the Christ, " He Himself with His human air," is a silent, an unseen witness and hearer of it all.

* * * * * My eyes are blinking and winking. I am still

in the little chapel. I have actually nodded and dreamed through nine heads of the sermon, and I awake to hear the preacher's "tenth, and lastly." Grace of speech, of action—no trace. The water of life is being presented in a poor earthern vessel.

But the main thing is, does it hold good measure? Heaven soon sets right all other matters.

Criticism is silenced. I can join in the Doxology with the old fat woman, and say "Amen," from the heart, with them all.

The main thing is The main thing is 0 fill me with Thy fullness, Lord

Until my very heart o'erflow In kindling thought and glowing word,

Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show. Heaven soon sets right all other matters.

ERNEST F. H. CAPEY.

an Memoriam. MRS. T. D. GRIFFITHS, WEDNESBURY.

MINISTERS who have travelled in the Wednesbury and I)arlaston Circuit and the Birmingham District will hear with regret of the death of Mrs. Griffiths, wife of Mr. T. D. Griffiths, of Wednesbury, which took place on November 26th, after a brief illness. Mrs. Griffiths, who had entered upon her sixty-second year, came of a godly stock, her father being a class leader with the Wesleyans at Princes End, and afterwards holding a similar position, and, in addition, that of superinten-dent of the Sunday School, at the M.N.C. Church at Bilston. Following her marriage in 1867 she became a member of the United Methodist Church in Wednes-bury to which she rendered for many years a cheerful, whole-hearted and substantial service. Of the spirit and tone of her home life no better evidence can be afforded than the fact that the whole family—all now grown up, and consisting of five sons and five daughters —are all associated with the Christian Church, nearly all of them as members, and each one as a willing worker. The closing scenes of her life, almost tragic in their suddenness, were marked by calmness and con-fidence. She was, she said, "Safe on the Rock." A large and sympathetic audience gathered in Ridding Lane Church and at the graveside, on the occasion of the Funeral, which was conducted by the Rev. S. F. Waterhouse and Mr. F. Moore, of Birmingham. Special reference was made to her life and work on Sunday evening, December 6th, by Mr. Waterhouse, who founded his address on the words "She hath done what she could." Mrs. Griffiths's death has aroused general sympathy throughout the town where she was well known and respected, as well as amongst the members of United Methodism in Ridding Lane Church, and throughout the Circuit. S. F. W.

Books and Bookmen. CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND "CHRISTMAS EVE."

LESSON LII. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.

MATT. II. 13-19; RESULT SOUGHT.—To show how God took care of the

baby Jesus. PREPARATION.

Ask the children who takes care of them ? Ask, Does any one else take care of them ? Tell the children, once you saw a picture of a little

girl running after a butterfly. She was near the edge of a cliff. At the edge there was an angel spreading out her shining wings to keep the little girl from fall-ing. Tell how God sends His angels to watch over us and keep us from harm.

LESSON STORY. Children, do you remember last Sunday's story?

After the shepherds had gone back to their sheep, and the wise men had gone home, Mary and Joseph and the dear little Baby were left alone. How quiet and peaceful it was in that warm stable ! The Baby slept with his mother, the big oxen and little goats did not disturb them ; only Joseph was awake watching them.

An angel warns Joseph. Suddenly Joseph saw a light shining in the dark stable, and an angel ap-peared. Joseph was afraid ; but he heard the angel say, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother and flee into Egypt, for Herod is seeking the young Child to destroy Him." Joseph was so astonished he wondered if he had been asleep, and had dreamt it ; but he got up, and awoke Mary, and told her what he had seen and what the angel had told him to do. Mary got up quickly, she put on her long cloak and veil, and wrapt her little Baby in a shawl. Oh, how she trembled to think of cruel King Herod catching them, and killing her baby !

They flee into Egypt. Joseph went to another part of the stable where he had fastened his ass. Quickly he put on its saddle and bridle and led it to the door. Mary came, and was soon seated on it, hiding Jesus under her cloak. She held the reins and Joseph led the ass by a bit of rope tied to its halter. Away they went quickly mid quietly through the narrow streets of Bethlehem, which were yet dark. Soon they came to the open country, and before the sun rose they were on the road which led to Egypt. It was a long way from Bethlehem to Egypt—a hundred miles. What a blessing it was they had the good ass on which Mary could ride If they had not had him they could not have got away quickly enough. Joseph was strong and walked along by the side of Mary and the Baby.

After many days they reached Egypt in safety. Oh, how thankful they were to God that He had sent His angel to warn them I When Herod found the wise men did not come back to tell him where Jesus was, he sent some soldiers and told them to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem. What a terrible time that was ! Soon after, Herod died of an awful disease, and it almost seemed like a punishment sent from God for his cruelty.

EXPRESSION.—Drawing.

Thanksgiving Fund. FOURTEENTH LIST OF PROMISES.

GNS.

2

2

1 2

2 2

50 6 5

5 3 1 1

10 2 2 1 1 1 10 1 5 3 2

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41■11111•■.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

Primary Department Lesson.

December 24, 1908.

Home, School and Church.

A KINDLY correspondent takes exception to my "severe criticism of the English Charity Organisa-tion Society." " Evidently," says he, "Mr. Robin-son's experience of the C.O.S.'s work is not so happy as mine. I have served on the Managing Committee of the Rochdale branch for more than three years, arid have been in constant attendance. During that time I have seen a good deal of tender sympathy and Christlike concern shown towards unfortunate workpeople, sick people, delicate chil-dren and aged poor.'

* * * * *

I thank my correspondent for his letters and for the evidence supplied that the methods of the Roch-dale C.O.S. are humane and Christlike. I am glad to learn that so many members of 'the U.M. Church are engaged in this philanthropy, and, are serving on the Management Committee. If other correspond-ents can assure me that in other parts of the country the same spirit is being exercised, I shall be glad to wholly.revise my opinion of the C.O.S. of which I desire to be able to say nothing but what is good and commendatory.

* * * * *

I have great faith in individual service of the poor, needy and sick. I strongly dissent from the view that a man or woman may or can discharge their obligation to their poor brothers of mankind by a monetary payment to a society, leaving per-sonal care • of the poor to others. I have faith in the " one by one " method ; and hold that every Christian is bound by the law of Christ to render personal service to the Lord's poor and sick and needy. If I have too severely criticized the C.O.S., I deeply regret doing so. There is need of all methods " if by any means we may save some."

* * * * *

I observe great energy and industry in preparing homes for the Christmas holidays. Cleaning, dust-ing, smartening, polishing, re-furbishing are going on right earnestly. No end of good things are being prepared for the table. And already the shops are gay with gifts. Do we realize that there is equal need of preparation of mind, heart, will and con-science for Christmas and the New Year ? There needs a renewal and readjustment of the interior life in view of the approach of the day of the Great Peace.

* * * * *

The peace and harmony of some homes has been broken during the year. Hearts and lives have been sundered and assailed. As the window cur-tains are being removed and cleansed so let the heart be cleansed of all bitterness, blackness of hate, of mistrust ; and all causes of quareelsomeness and alienation be removed.

* * * * *

I note also that messages are being sent in advance. Tons of mails have already been placed in the hulls of the swift ocean liners so that lonely servants of the empire on the fringes of coral reef or in deep tropic forests, or on mountain fastnesses, far beyond the separating seas, may not lack a word of good cheer and remembrance when the advent

morn arrives. Can there not be messages in advance for those at home also? Can we not now heal the wounds that have been open and bleeding for weeks or months? Can we not antedate the day of peace and reconciliation as we prepare the home and the table?

* * * * * As Israel was required to cast all leaven out of

their dwellings before the Feast of the Passover, so let us cast out the leaven of bitterness and un-charitableness, so that we may joyfully keep the feast. Some of us have much to forgive and to be forgiven : in politics, in business, in church and in home life. Let us begin right away and prepare ourselves and others for a right joyous Christmas and for a Bright New Year.

FRANCIS H. ROBINSON.

BELPER (Salem).—At the choir anniversary Rev. J. W. Nield preached in the morning, and gave an address on " Hymnology " at night. The musical part of the services includer selections from Mendelssohn, Handel (Judas Maccabxus "), J. Booth, and the sacred cantata "Esther." The principal parts were taken by Messrs. S. Edwards, G. S. Stevenson, and the Misses C. Marshall and N. Spencer. Mr. Allen presided at the organ. There was a very large congregation.

ROCHDALE (Molesworth Street, Littleborough).—An "old scholars' sing " was recently held. Mr. J. Nichol, of the Baillie Street Circuit, conducted the services. The friends were greatly encouraged by the attendance and the offerings.

GNS. Rev. W. Toppin 2 Rev. T. H. Moyle 2 Rev. J. Hodgson 1 Rev. J. Lineham 4 Rev. VV. H. C. Harris 5 Rev. G. T. Checklin 3 Rev. R. E. Craddock 7 Rev. J. T. P. Oliver 21 West Hartlepool:

Mr. and Mrs. M. G Burgess 2

Manchester and Salford : Sunday Schools Guild £16 12s.

Calcutta, India : Mr. James Farrer £10

Darlington : Miss F. Bateman Mr. and Mrs. W. Cox 1 Mr. W. Harrison Mr. J. J. Robinson 10

Long Eaton : Miss Marjorie Bancroft.: 1

Camelford and Wadebridge : Mr. Legoe 1

Rochdale (Castlemere): Ald. J. Peterie, J.P. 5

S Mr. Thomas mith 3 Mrs. Ashworth 2 Mr. and Mrs. Whipp 1 Mrs. Bury

Mr., and Mrs. J. B 'Mellor

Mr. and Mrs. J. A Wood

London Fifth: Mrs. R. A. Brown

Mr. and Mrs. H. C Clover

Heywood : Miss M. Dawson Miss A. A. Dawson

Ramsbottom : Mrs. James Ashworth Mr. Geo. Alty Mr. S. Plunkett

Sheffield (Hanover): Mr.John Eames Mr. R. H. Booth Mr. J. W. Parker Mr.

R. H. Hoggard

"A Friend " Mr. and Mrs. T. Corker Mr. T. E. Swann Mr. J. H. Maxfield Mr. A. W. Mullett ...... Mr. C. E. Knott Mr. G. W. Sharman Miss Sharman Mr. G. W. Hallett' Mr. T. Barker Miss Annie Turner

Mrs. Chatterton Master Oliver Wilkinson Miss Elsie Wilkinson Mr. J. W. Dickens Miss Emily Watts Miss Ethel Watts Mrs. E. L. Watts Mr. and Mrs. D. Morri-

son 10 Mr. John Ellis 5

Sunderland (Roker Avenue): Mr. and Mrs. Dale 6 Mr. T. Metcalf 3

Middlesbrough: Mr. and Mrs. W. Ryan 4 Mr. and Mrs. Theo.

Packett 5 Miss M. A. Pottage 5 Mr. and Mrs. R. N.

Hermeston 2 Mr. and Mrs. T.

Outhwaite 20 Mr. and Mrs. Edgar

Outhwaite 9 Mr. and Mrs. F.

Outhwaite 3 Mr. and Mrs. W. Willis 6 Mr. and Mrs. J. Hum-

phrey 5 Mr. and Mrs. T. C

Corner 3 Mr. J. T. Corner 1 Mr. and Mrs. Dewey 2 Mr. Bonsall 1 Mr. and Mrs. W. Mudd 2 Miss Carter 3 Miss Ethel Murray Miss Clara Fleming Miss F. Fleming 1 Miss A. Fleming 1 Miss Packett Miss L. Curtis Miss Freeman Miss Jackson Miss Nurse Miss Tiplady Mr. A. Smith 1 Mr. H. Hutchinson 1 Mr. H. French, jun. 1 Mr. W. Tait 2 Mr. Armstrong 1 Mr. and Mrs. C. Curtis 15 Mr. T. B. Bainbridge 10 Mrs. T. B. Bainbridge 10 Mr. J. Tait 5 Mr. W. Rutherford 1 Mr. Charlie Hare 3 Mr. A. Robinson 6 Mr. and Mrs. W. S

Dean Mrs. Noble Mr. and Mrs. P. Fleming Mr. B. Waite Mr. Bert Tiplady Miss Whitfield Mrs. Lodge 1 Mr. B. Eason Miss C. Curtis Mr. H. Walker Mr. Theo. Baxter Mrs. A. E. Pickering Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd Do., In Memoriam, Mr

and Mrs. W. Shepherd Mr. and Mrs. A. Newton Mrs. J. Sharpe Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Ashe Mr. E. Littlefair Mrs. D. Doughty Do., In Memoriam, Mr

Doughty 1 Miss Doughty 1 Miss May Doughty Miss M. Coates

, Mr. Lewis Miss Lees Mr. and Mrs. Evans Mrs. Smith Miss Mabel Murray

Guernsey (St. Paul's): Mrs. Angel Mr. De La Rue

Newcastle East (Walker): Mr. Geo. Dixon

Long Eaton : Mrs. Houghton

Sheffield West : Miss Firth

Sheffield North : Mrs. J. T. Wood Mr. Horace Wood

Cradley Heath : Mr. Samuel Holden

Dudley: Mr. Benj. Marsh 1

North Shields : Mr. and Mrs. C. W

Poole 1 Mr. W. J. Oliver 1

Waterloo Road, London : Mr. C. J. Ahier 2 Mr. Reif £110s. Miss Reif 15s. Mrs. Dickler 1 Mr. F. T. Gammon 1 Mrs. Wheyell 12s. Miss Wheyell 12s. Miss P. Wheyell 12s. Miss Dereham 4s. Miss Watkins 4s. Mr. Bodbend 12s. Mrs. Bodbend 12s. Mrs. F. Bodbend 12s. Mrs. K. Bodbend 12s. Mr. Putt 1 Miss Mellis 1 Mr. Lee 12s. Mr. and Mrs. Williams 1

Collections (net) £3 10s. 6d. Tiverton and Bampton :

Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Rey- nolds 4

Mr. and Mrs. E. Thorne 4 Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Lux-

ton 3 Mr. and Mrs. J. Wool-

way i 3 Mr. and Mrs. Argyle 2 Mr. W. Woolway Mr. J. Woolway, sen Mr. Herbert Woolway Miss M. Woolway Miss Annie Woolway

Exeter: Union Celebrations £5 8s. 7d.

Llantrisant : Mr. Emanuel Wiggins... Mr. J. Melton 1 Mr. G. Barnett 1 Mr. L. Watkins Mrs. G. Barnett Mr. T. Cooper 1 Mr. M. Pope 1 Mr. and Mrs. Coates 2 Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Cal-

laghan 2 Mr. W. Moolwock 4 Mr. R. Willcox 1 Mr. F. Middleton 2s. 6d. Mr. F. Cooper Collection (net) 6s.

Lee and Hither Green : Mr. J. Crossman 5 Mr. Kismet 3 Mr. Baker 2 A Friend 2 Miss Williams 1 Mr. Carpenter Mrs. Caryer Mr. L. R. Thomas 3

Ashford : Mr. G. Darling 1 Mr. T. Manning Mr. A. T. Butter Mrs. Swaffer Mr. Burton Mr. Carman 1

Birmingham: A Friend 3 A Friend A Friend 10s. A Friend 10s.

Penzance : Mrs. Balkwill 1

Launceston : Mr. and Mrs. Tucker

and Family 9 Mr. A. W. Rowland 9 A Friend 5 Mr. and Mrs. Elson and

Three Children 5 Mr. and Mrs. J. B

Smith and Family 3 Mr. R. J. Hinson 2 Mr. J. Joll 1 A Friend 1 Mr. W. Richards

GNS.

1 1 3 1 1 1

1 1

3 1

1 1

5 1 2 2

1

1 1 1 1 3

2 2 3 2 1 1

1 1 3 1 5 1 1

10 2

3

10s.

GNS.

3

I

51

£10 Mr. and Mrs. E. Smith 5 Mr. and Mrs. Rowland

5 and Son 3

5 Mr. G. Walters Payments and new promises may be sent to any of the Local Secretaries

or the Joint Secretaries: Rev. JNO. DYMOND, Wells Road, Knowle, Bristol. Rev. THOS. SCOWBY, Hucknall Torkard, Notts. Rev. DAVID'HEATH. 24 Park Road, Blackpool. Rev. JAS. LONGDEN. Southfield Road, Middlesbrough. Rev. W. R. K. BAULKWILL, 16 Soho Road, Handsworth,

Birmingham.

67

68

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS.

Benedict Trelawney, present as a spectator at the trial of Richard Baxter by Judge Jeffreys, is so moved with indignation at what Jeffreys says that he gives the judge the lie. He is handed over to the guards to be taken to prison, while Jeffreys goes to interview the King. During the interview Trelawney's name is mentioned, and he is sent for to the King's presence. Returning during a fog, a young girl pushes his gaolers into a hole in the road and rescues Benedict.

CHAPTER IV.

THE HOUSE OF THE PURITAN.

" WHO are you ? " said the youth, presently. " I would e'en know your name. I would like to see your face too."

"Why, Sir Squire? " "A man always likes to see the face and know the

name of a friend. And you have been a friend to me. I doubt if ever I should have got away but for you. I think I should have upset those fellows in the trench, but my hands being tied I should have had no means of defending myself."

"Leathern straps I Faugh I " "Ay, but they were fastened tightly around my wrists.

I might have broken them, but I do not think so. But you were a friend in need. You cut them just in the nick of time. And I must get back my sword, too."

"Your sword? " "Ay ; it was taken from me this morn in the court

house. I must get it back whatever befalls. Not so much because it is valuable, but because it has been in our family for generations. I must get it, even although I break into Fleet Prison and take it."

He said this quietly, but with such an air of assurance that, although he mentioned a task that seemed im-possible, the maid did not laugh.

"But tell me who you are," he went on ; "and, look 'ee, there is a light close by. Let me see your face."

" Why should you see my face? " " Because I would like to know you again. You kept

it hidden all along the Strand, so that I caught scarcely a glimpse of it. I am glad you did this, for I would not like those rough men to be peering at you. But, now tell me, what is your name? "

" Mary," said the girl. " Mary. Well, it is the sweetest name we have,

although it makes one think of a cruel queen. Never- theless, the Mother of our Lord was also called Mary, and it also makes one think of purity and loveliness. But what besides? Mary what? "

" I shall not tell you," replied the girl. "Why will you not tell me? " " My name is naught to you. Why should it be ? I

am going to see you to a safe place, and then you will never behold me again."

" Nay, but I cannot allow that." " You cannot help it. Besides, I can never be aught

to you. You are a relation of my Lord Bishop of Bristol. Even such as I have heard of the Trelawneys of Cornwall. Therefore how can you care to know me, a poor girl? "

That is where you puzzle me. Sometimes you speak as though you were a grand lady, and again as though you were the daughter of some shopkeeper."

"And what if I were the daughter of a shopkeeper? " " I should still think of you with a grateful heart ; but

let me see your face, and I can tell whether this is true." "Can you? " said the girl, with a laugh. "Can you

tell whether I am a lady of quality by looking into my face? "

"Ay, let me look at your hands, and your face, and I shall know."

"Well, I will try you. Now, then, here is a light, and no one is near."

She threw back her head-gear, and stood in the light of a window close by. The candles which burnt within were not brilliant, but they revealed her face with sufficient clearness for young Benedict Trelawney to trace its outlines without difficulty. He noticed, too, that she was tall, so tall that, although he stood six feet high, he had scarcely to stoop at all in order to place his face on a level with hers.

As far as he could judge she could not be more than eighteen or nineteen years of age, and it was a face which, when once seen, was not easily forgotten. More-over, it seemed to change several times while young Benedict Trelawney looked at it. When his eyes first caught hers, he saw the features of a careless, happy, mischievous girl. He saw a pair of large gray eyes, which were brimming over with fun, a pair of rosy lips parted by laughter, revealing even rows of white teeth. He saw a face, flushed by adventure, and crowned with a wealth of glossy brown hair, which, in spite of all her endeavours, had escaped from its fastenings and hung in stray tresses over her forehead and neck.

"A mischievous child who has escaped from her father's house, and followed the crowd out of pure mis-chief," was Benedict Trelawney's first impression ; but

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months, owing to Wind Spasms. She took three boxes of Holdroyd's Gravel Pills. Now she writes : I can get up and make breakfast for the whole family without ill effects. My sister, who suffered from weak kidneys, took one box, and it has done her more good than pounds spent on medical men," HOLDROYD'S PILLS are a positive cure for Backache, Lumbago, Rheumatism, Dropsy, Bright's Disease, Wind, Water Complaints, Diseases of Kidneys, Gout, Sciatica, etc. 1/14d., all Chemists; post free, 12 ,stamps. HOLDROYD'S MEDICAL HALL, Cleckheaton, Yorks

before the thought had fastened itself upon his mind, he saw the maid's eyes gleam with anger, while her face worked as if in pain. This expression was again followed by an expression of sorrow and despair. A look of unutterable longing and sadness came into her eyes, and he saw her lips tremble, as though she would burst into sobbing.

" I can't make her out," said Benedict, half to himself, half to the girl.

At this, she hastily covered her face, and drew herself up proudly.

" Good-night, Master Trelawney," she said. " I have been foolish enough to give you your liberty. Pray leave me before I repent, and give you over to justice."

" Leave you ! " said Benedict. "What I before I have told you whether you are a lady born or a peasant? Leave you before I know you name, and how we can meet again ? "

"We- shall never meet again," said the girl ; "but— " she was silent a moment, and then she seemed to shake off her graver feelings. "Let us go on with our play-acting, Sir Squire. Now tell me what I am—a woman of quality, or a scullery-wench, a play actress, or an orange-girl? "

" I -must see your hands first," said Benedict. He had forgotten all danger, forgotten that even then men were searching for him. Neither had, he noticed that the fog had nearly lifted.

She fumbled with her hands a moment, as if in doubt, then she extended them both. There could be no doubt about it, they were coarsened by labour, and yet the hands of a queen could not be more beautifully shaped. The fingers were slim, and her nails pink and well-shaped. They were the hands of a lady, and they might be the hands of a scullery-maid.

" Now tell me," she said. "Tell me, Master Wiseacre. What am I—maid of quality or a kitchen-wench? "

" Neither." The word was on Benedict Trelawney's lips, but he

did not utter it. She might be either, and yet he could not make up his mind. If she were a lady born, whence the coarsened hands, the signs of menial labour? If she were a kitchen-wench, how could she speak such pure English, whence came the appearance of authority? How could a low-born maid speak to Benedict Tre-lawney—she had mentioned his name—as though she were his equal?

He thought of Nell Gwynne, one of the favourites of the late King. Might not this girl be a stage actress? If she had learnt to recite Shakespeare's plays, or even those written during the Stuart period, coarse and poor though they were, would she not by so doing acquire that purity of language which he had noticed,. But play-actresses were different from the maid by whose side he stood. They were mostly coarse, brazen-faced, painted women, while she was modest, even although she were mischievous, and her eyes were limpid with the sweetness of innocence.

Her mood changed again. "Now, Master Wiseacre," she laughed, "tell me, or

you will be captured and taken to prison before you have made up your mind. Hark I don't you hear the hue and cry? Now tell me what I am."

"God meant you for a lady," said Benedict Trelawney, "but man has tried to make you a kitchen-wench. Nay, I will tell you. You are the daughter of a noble family that bath fallen upon evil times. You have inherited all and learnt all that becomes a gentlewoman, but because fortune hath been hard on you, you have to do a serving-woman's work."

At this she became silent again. "Am I not right? " said Benedict Trelawney. "Since you know, it is enough," she replied ; "but tell

me what you will do to-night? " " I shall seek out some tavern, and sleep there,"

replied Trelawney. But my Lord Jeffreys will have every tavern in

London searched." "Then I must e'en try to gain admission into the

house of some citizen." " By this time the criers will be out, and by to-morrow

all London will be warned against you." Benedict Trelawney laughed. "Then I must think

of something else. Now then, Mistress Mary—you see, I must call you that, for you will tell me no other name —I will see you safely home, and then I will set to work to find a lodgement for to-night."

"You must not accompany me beyond this square." "Ay, but I must. I must see that no harm befalls

you, and I must know where you live that we may meet again."

"No, no," cried the girl, "you must never try to find out who I am or where I live. It would be at your peril if you did thiS."

" Do not fear," said Trelawney ; " I am not to be turned aside from my purpose. I must see you again."

" But you dare not. Think of what might happen to you. You will be searched for."

"What then? I tell you I vowed as I came along the street that I would never rest until I had dragged Jef-freys in the mud."

"Be careful," cried the girl, as if in fear. " I am not afraid," said Benedict Trelawney. " I told

him to his face what I thought of him. He is a liar and a drunken sot. He is a cruel, evil-minded man, and a coward. Some day I will pay him for the indignity he has heaped upon me. I have escaped from him to-day, and I will keep myself from his clutches."

Oh, but you do not know," said the girl. "Do not know what? " " I tell you his power extends everywhere. He is

both feared and obeyed. He is the cleverest judge in

England ; he can do what he will." " He is a coward and a low-bred cur," said Trelawney.

" If he has children they are of the same breed." The girl was silent for a momen, then she lifted her

head as if in anger. " I think I have wasted my time in giving you your

freedom, Master Cornishman," she said. " I thought by your face you were worth serving ; but I am mistaken. Good-night."

" Nay, but I must go with you, Mistress Mary." " Not a step. Good-night." "But tell me when we may meet again ? " " Never." " But we must. Tell me who you are? I will follow

you until you tell me." " If you follow a step I will see that you are thrown

into the foulest den in the Fleet," she said, " and—." At that moment there was the noise of voices. "The woman said she saw them come this way. She knew the Cornishman by his feather," he heard some one say.

"Come," the girl whispered, hoarsely. "Come." She caught his hand and led him swiftly on, until

she came to a small square that was little more than a yard. He saw, however, that the houses were large, and, as far as he could judge, owned by people of sub-stance.

"Knock at that door," she whispered ; "tell them who you are without delay, and demand protection."

"Are they friends of yours? " "No, no ; but be quick. Why have you Wasted so

much time? " Perhaps he would have waited longer, but he heard

voices in the distance, and they seemed to be corning nearer. He therefore knocked as the girl had told him. A minute later he saw a tall grave-looking man before him.

"What do you desire? " " I am pursued," said Benedict. " I have escaped

from Judge Jeffrey's officers, and they are following me."

" Your name, young sir? " " Benedict Trelawney." "Come in ; come in. Have you friend or companion ? " Benedict looked around, in order to see whether his

deliverer were near, but could see no one. He thought he saw a swiftly-retreating figure, but he was not sure.

"There is none but - I seeking shelter," replied the young man.

A moment later he stood within a well-lighted room, which, however, was closely shuttered so that no light could be seen from the outside. The room was com-fortably furnished, and showed signs of taste, and even of culture. Pictures of merit hung upon the walls, while many books stood upon the shelves which had been placed in the room. Many of these books, more-over, were strange to Benedict, who had been inclined to be proud of his learning. He therefore judged that the man before him was some divine, especially as reading was not a common accomplishment of the time. In-deed, he knew of many in his native country who carried their heads high, and boasted ancient names, who knew but little of books or of learning. In truth, books of any sort, save the Bible, were practically confined to those belonging to the clerical or the legal profession, and even the squires of country parishes were obliged to go to the clergy in order to have their letters read.

The man who stood before him, moreover, was of a benign and thoughtful countenance, and might have belonged to any of the learned professions. -

" I saw you this morning. Tell me how you have escaped 1 "

" You saw me this morning? " " Ay, in the Guildhall. You had the courage to say

what was in many of our hearts, but we did not dare. Tell me what hath befallen you, young sir, and how you discovered this abode."

The recital of his story did not take long, but he noticed that the man paid great heed to the last part.

"A young woman, you say, young sir? " "Ay, less than twenty." - "And of gentle birth, you say? " "Of that I am not sure," said Benedict, recalling his

endeavours to form a judgement. "Sometimes she spoke as though she might be a court dame, and yet, when she bandied jests with the officers, I thought she might be an orange-girl or a kitchen-wench."

But she led you hither? " "Ay, she led me here." " I cannot think who she can be. I know- of none

who in any way corresponds with your description. Yet must she be our friend, so there is naught to fear. But tell me more of your audience with the King, Master Trelawney."

Benedict's heart was very sore, and he felt very bitter towards the King. His words flowed fast, as was natural to youth, and his judgements were coloured by his experience.

NASAL CATARRH and difficult Breathing.

A CERTAIN CURE.

NASAL CATARRH commences usually by running at the nose, inflammation of the mucous membrane of that organ and throat being influenced, followed by a stop-ping up of the air vesicles of the lungs and inflamma-tion of the bronchial surfaces ; developing generally into catarrhal bronchitis or asthma, with a dry or loose cough and difficult breathing.

The safest and most certain remedy for conditions like these is Veno's Lightning Cough Cure, a medicine which acts' directly on the mucous surfaces, relieves irri-tation and the stopped-up feeling, clears the bronchial tubes and air vesicles, and drives catarrh thoroughly out of the system. Veno's Lightning Cough Cure can be obtained for 9i., is. 1i., and 2s. 9d.', of all chemists.

The Chariots of the Lord. By JOSEPH HOCKING.

Author of "Follow the Gleam," "A Flame of Fire," etc.

BILIOUSNESS AND ALL LIVER

DISORDERS

ARE CURED

BY

The tortures of biliousness must yield to Mother Seigel's Syrup, because this great medicine tones and strengthens the liver, regulates the flow of bile, and cleanses the whole system.

MOTHER

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to all lives and to all things. The disciples gazed so long and earnestly into the heavens that angels gently chided them, and remainded them of duties and responsi-bilities. Learn to honour Christ not by gazing aimlessly and wistfully into the Heavens after, or for Him„ but in returning to the City and to the crowds to re-live His life and to repeat His ministry. Let us begin the New Year knowing that Christ is both on the Throne of the Universe and on the throne of our hearts ; let His Spirit rule our lives and His aims fire our co-operating en-thusiasm ; so shall 1909 be the happiest and best of lived years

Christian £nbeavour praver Meetings

HINTS AND HELPS. BY REV. W. BAINBRIDGE.

JANUARY 3RD.

TOPIC : "GOOD RESOLUTIONS : MAKING -AND KEEPING THEM." JOSH. XXIV. 14-25.

(CONSECRATION.)

FRESH with the dew of the Covenant Service upon their hearts, and strong in the grace given while par-taking of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper on the Sabbath, Endeavourers will come together to consider the topic and to enter into the Covenant Pledge with fervour and intelligence. The minister will probably be able to lead the meeting—the beginning of another year's prayer-meetings " for Christ and the Church."

(1) Hymn : "0 God, our help" (C.E.H. 157). (2) Prayers—led by each member of the Prayer Meet-

ing Committee, the petitions being chiefly for "good success " (Josh. i. 8) for the Church and society during the year.

(3) Recital of Ps. xxiii. All the members standing. (4) Hymn : "We may not climb" (C.E.H. 110). (5) Reading of topic verses (Josh. xxiv. 14-25) by

male and female members alternately. (6) Quartet : "Believing fathers" (C.E.H. 517). (7) Address by leader. The nature of the Covenant

Joshua made with the people of Israel (v. 25) will be explained, and an application made of it to our Covenant Pledge. First of all, however, the circumstances lead-ing up to the Covenant might be briefly narrated. Palestine, west of the Jordan, has been invaded and conquered ; and now, the conquered territory is allotted to the tribes. The cities of refuge are appointed, and the cities for the Levites, and the trans-Jordanic tribes are dismissed to their own homes. The record concludes with two parallel exhortations by Joshua (xxiii., xxiv.), from the latter of which our verses are taken, ending with the great leader's death and burial.

Idolatry is the chief sin named that the people are to eschew. Their " fathers" served idols beyond " the flood," and "in Egypt." They themselves also had be-gun to worship "strange gods "—an incipient and secret alienation from the one true God. They were exhorted to "incline" their heart unto the Lord God of Israel, and to serve Him. The choice was simple and reason-able, and the people saw it. " So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem."

Our Covenant binds us to God. We believe in Him, and promise to live by Him, by His grace, and fully to serve Him. Point by point the leader may indicate what we resolve daily, weekly, monthly, constantly. This surely is " the simple life," trusting and obeying God. We can only keep our vows by " trusting in Christ for strength," keeping ourselves in the love of God. We can, and "we will serve the Lord" (v. 21). But let us beware of self-confidence. We often suffer from a want of holy distrust. Sir Percivale saw not the vision of the Holy Grail, at first, because of his being "lifted up in heart," his self-confidence that. he "should light upon the Holy Grail." Not until he "dropt into a lowly vale," and learned that he had not "true humility, the

December 24, 1908. THE UNITED METHODIST. 69

"You must be faint for want of food," said his host, when he had finished ; "forgive me for not thinking of this before. After you have eaten there is much that I would tell you. Methinks the Lord hath brought you hither."

"What do you mean ? " asked Benedict. "I mean," said the man, "that any man who loves

truth is called to arms. I mean that devilry walks un-checked, and that the blackest of deeds are done in the name of Christ. But of that anon. After you have eaten I will speak of these things. I will also present you to my family. Perchance they may be able to help you in finding out the name of the maiden who brought you hither to-night."

(To be continued.)

5nternationat lesson. BY REV. CHARLES A. ASHELFORD.

JANUARY 3RD.

THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD.— Acts i. 1-11.

GOLDEN TEXT.—" It came to pass while He blessed them He was parted from them and carried up into Heaven."—Luke xxiv. 51.

LAST year's lessons started with the Incarnation, the beginning of the so-called ,Humiliation of Jesus—" the Word made Flesh —this year's lessons start with His Ascension., the beginning of His abiding Exaltation. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the- founding of the Christian Church, and, apart from scanty notices supplied by the Epistles, is the only authentic source for the history" of Christianity during its first thirty-five years. The almost unanimous verdict of scholars is that it was written by Luke. He was probably a native of Philippi, though Harnack favours Antioch. His writings evidence that he had received a liberal education, and in the New Testament he stands out as a man of modest, tender, sympathetic and constant nature. He certainly was the first doctor to be a missionary. if he cannot quite accurately be described as the first medical missionary. Teachers should ac-quaint themselves with the author, the aim, the date and the characteristics of this remarkable book. Rack-ham's "Acts " in Methuen's "Westminster Commen-taries " is a really fine work ; Bartlett's small but scholarly volume in the Century Bible is most helpful and reliable ; the articles on "Acts " and "Luke " in the Bible Dictionaries should be consulted. Robertson has an invaluable, instructive and impressive commen-tary in " the Guild Text Books" (A. C. Black. 6d.).

The Risen Christ continues His ministry through His People (vv. 1-3).

There are two supreme agencies in the great work of building up the Kingdom of God : our, first lesson deals specifically with one of these—the Living, Reign-ing Christ, who is the Jesus of history ; the second les-son deals specifically with the other—the Outpoured Spirit. Luke begins the "Acti," as likewise his Gospel with an introduction, and dedicates both books to Theo-philus (Lover of God). The epithet "most excellent " in Luke implies not a moral attribute,- but a recognized form of address for a person of rank, denoting the patrician order of knights. " He seems to have been a sort. of literary patron in the Early Church—a Mecx-nas ' of Christianity, yet not a professed Christian, as he is addressed by his title and not as brother." - There is a sense in which Christ finished his work (John xvii. 4), and yet another in which He only began it. The electrician lays a wire from London to Liverpool, and when his work in complete the purpose of the wire in transmitting messages begins. Acts has been called "the Gospel of the Spirit," and also "the Gospel of the Risen Christ"; it records what He continued to do through His people by the Holy Spirit. The Acts is the, opening chapter of an endless record of Divine enablings and conquests, and the Church of to-day, as in the first and eighteenth centuries, may contribute a memorable chapter to this ever-enlarging volume.

Power Promised Adequate for a Seemingly Impossible task (vv. , 4, 5).

The key that unlocks Acts and enables the reader to catch the significance in Luke's mind of this or that incident is the carrying out of the programme outlined in Acts i. 8. The Gospel is first to be proclaimed in Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine, and then in ever-widening circles through Judea and Samaria until it reaches the "uttermost parts of the earth." When Paul had preached the Gospel in Rome our author .closed his treatise for his task was done. How could ordinary men, conscious of frailty, depressed, disheartened and

RECITALS (HUMOROUS AND DRAMATIC).—" The Sky Pilot " (Ralph Connor), "Doctor Marigold " and "A Christmas Carol " (Charles Dickens), "A Doctor of the Old School " (Ian Maclaren), and miscellaneous pro-grammes. An opinion : "He captured the audience at the outset with his fine renderings, which were given in masterly style. . • . He held the audience spell- bound " (Sandiacre). For dates, terms, and recent opinions write J. T. Hardy, 58 Diseworth Street, Leicester (16 years U.M. lay preacher).

hopeless through the Cricifixion, proclaim Christ cruci-fied and continue His work of world-wide redemption? Preaching Christ has for its object the regenerating of the heart, the transforming of the life and the recreat-ing of men in the likeness of Christ. Luke lays em-phasis on the Divine initiative and power behind the witnesses. "The Holy Spirit is the prime factor in the story from first to last," and the only adequate agency for the stupendous task. By knowledge and obedience men become possessors of great wealth and power. Forces once regarded as hostile are now man's allies simply because he has learned to understand them, to obey them, and so to appropriate them. As our bodies are encircled by the atmosphere so our spirits are en-circled by the spiritual Universe whose presence we have to recognize. Pentecost is the supremacy of these invisible forces ; it is the recognition and appropriation of the mighty energy of God ; it is the Spirit of God operating on the spirit of man for the accomplishment of His purpose in Christ. Our word "dynamite" is the nearest English equivalent to the Greek word " dyna-mis." God's outpoured Spirit is man's dynamite, de-structive only of evil : efficient and mighty when operat-ing through cleansed lives for individual and social salvation. Power is imparted for God's ends. Note that the departing Christ refers tenderly to the gift of power as "the promise of the Father."

The World for Christ through witnessing (v. 8). 'A striking characteristic of the Acts is the reiterated

emphasis placed on the Universality of the Gospel. Christianity is in every way worthy the acceptance of men who sought a faith as imperial in its outlook and as catholic in its spirirt as the Roman Empire itself. The question of the disciples in v. 6 indicates their cramped conceptions and their parochial outlook. C. ii. 21, with its world-wideness of view shows what Pente-cost did for them. Sure signs of the indwelling Spirit are breadth, catholicity, comprehension, universal brotherhood. Wheri the Spirit of God sways a man's life he exclaims, "The world is my parish " and " to His Kingdom there shall be no frontier." God wishes us to appropriate, to use, and to enjoy "all things bright and beautiful," for "all things are ours." Christ gently rebuked His disciples for their short-sighted, nation-bounded question : the Scriptures and the Spirit are not given to enable men to predict in detail the future. The Father determines the future because He alone foresees the development of affairs ; our concern should be to ful-fil our mission, and for its accomplishment He gives adequate grace and power. God gives His Spirit to His servants specifically for witnessing. Witnessing is one of the dominant conceptions of the New Testament.

'There is the witness of Jesus Christ the Son, supported by .the witness of tha Father and of the Spirit ; there is also the witness of the disciples to Jesus Christ the Son of God, supported by the witness of the Holy . Spirit. The best witnessing for Christ springs not from mere obedience to a Divine commandment, "Go ye into all the world," etc., but from grateful, compelling love, arising out of a soul-satisfying experience of Christ. Of what value is Christ to me? What difference has His coming made to my life and experience? If I have found Him to be of incalculable worth to me then I will see to it that others share my find. A witness is in Greek a "martyr." We are called to be Christ's "mar-tyrs." It may be easier to die for Him or to make some one great sacrifice than to place Him always first amid the commonplace of life. The foremost witness should always be that of the life. The finest argument for Christianity is a genuine Christian. Following the life-witness should be the lip-witness. The high tides of Christian life and experience through the centuries have always been simultaneously vocal with song and speech. The air is laden with earnest cries for social reform—ampler housing, sweeter environment, healthier hygiene, improved sanitation, more industrial fair-play, etc., etc. Christ in the heart and Christ's teaching fearlessly and faithfully applied in daily life will give men first the true summun bonum = blameless character, and ulti-mately better conditions and a desirable environment. The great need, the one hope and the only Saviour of the world is Christ.

The Invisible, Exalted, Yet Ever Present Lord (vv. 9-11).

There have been altogether too many irrelevant things said and written about the evangelist's description of our Lord's Ascension depending on geo-centric con-ceptions. "To talk about Copernicanism in this con-nexion and to object to the whole idea of the Ascension be-cause we cannot put down the heaven into which Jesus en-tered on a star-map, is to misconceive the Resurrection and everything connected with it. The Lord of Glory mani-fested Himself to His own, and at• last put a term to these manifestations in a mode as gracious as it was sublime ; but the whole series of events is one with which astronomy has nothing to do " (Hastings' Bible Dict., Vol. i., p. 161). The central thought involved for Christian'i in the Ascension is that "Christ has taken into the Godhead the form of Manhood," and ever liveth at His right hand "to make intercession for us." He went from us to come nearer to us. The universal Christ has taken the place of the local Jesus. The human spirit can now feel the immediate impact of the ever-present, ever-living, exalted Christ, who is central

highest virtue, mother of them all," did he succeed in the quest.

(8) Hymn : "We have an altar" (C.E.H. 199). (9) Repetition of Covenant. (10) Roll Call. If the responses could take the form

of "My Resolution " for the New Year, it would give practical effect to the consecration. "My resolution for the New Year is--"

(11) Reception of any new members (if any). (12) Hymn : "My gracious Lord " (C.E.H. 176).

(13) Silent prayer. (14) Mizpah Benediction. [If there be time, the new Committees should be

installed. A short address should be given to them by the President, on "better work during this half-year," the Committees standing. A prayer might then be offered, mentioning each Committee by name, and asking for faithfulness on the part of each member, and in particular some feature of each Committee's work might be named.]

Church News in Brief.

70

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908.

the Rosebery Road Building Fund showed total receiptS up to the present date amounting to £2,347 15s. 10d. The Circuit committee's recommendation as to the allo-cation of Sundays for Connexional and special funds was unanimously adopted. The resolution from the Lakenham Church, requesting the services of a special evangelist for three months was cordially received. Rev. R. Wilton and Rev. J. Stephens, supported by the unanimous feeling of the meeting, proposed and seconded a resolution requesting the District and Con-nexional Committee to consider the division of the District, as it is geographically and financially difficult to work.

NEW MILLS . -Held at New Mills, Rev. W. Reed pre-siding. Income slightly exceeded expenditure. The preachers' meeting reported two young men were corn-ing on trial as local preachers. A committee was ap-

f Anniversary Services.

SUNDERLAND (Thornhill).-This church has just cele-brated a very successful anniversary. The occasion was rendered additionally interesting by reason of the fact that it was the first occasion on which the Rev. James Ninnis (pastor) had occupied his pulpit after absence, owing to a serious operation from the effects of which he has now happily recovered. The annual tea and meeting, held on the Wednesday, were most successful. In continuation of the effort a Yuletide bazaar and Christmas tree was held last week. At the close of the bazaar, the pastor announced that the sum of £162 had been raised, which, with the proceeds of the anni-versary, makes a total of £189. The outlook is par-ticularly hopeful. The membership now stands at the highest figure ever known in the history of the church, and the building is crowded every Sunday night.

HUDDERSFIELD, HIGH STREET (Berry Brow).-At the chapel anniversary services Rev. G. W. Stacey preached in the morning, and Rev. FL James in the evening. The choir gave a musical service in the afternoon. Mr. Walker Priest, of the Huddersfield (Brunswick) Circuit, took the chair, and Rev. W. Kenyon gave the address. Mr. Haigh Littlewood presided at the organ.

DERBY (Becket Street).-The fifty-first anniversary ser-vices were conducted by Rev. Dr. Townsend (President). The congregations were very good. Special music was rendered by the choir. On Monday there was a tea and meeting ; chairman, Councillor Joseph Hill ; speakers, Revs. R. F. Bell (Dairyhouse Road Circuit) and Dr. Townsend. During the evening selections were rendered by a quartet party. Proceeds were in advance of last year.

LONG EATON (Zion).-The recent sale of work was very successful, realizing about £65 clear. This pays off all "floating " debts, with a -few pounds to spare. Chapel anniversary sermons were preached by Rev. T. Scowby. In the evening solos were rendered by Miss Dolcie Fletcher, and the chapel was quite filled. At a musical service in the afternoon, under the auspices of the School Institute, £8 was collected for the local Sick Nursing Association. A capital meeting was held on the Monday evening, after a public tea. Mr. J. Comery presided, and addresses were given by Revs. T. Scowby and S. T. Nicholson.

Bazaars. M ITCHAM. -A very successful sale of work and Christ-

mas tree was recently held. It was opened by Mrs. Bonnette, of Sherwood Lodge, supported by Mr. Bon-nette and Revs. I. Elsom, I-I. Rickman, and J. Lewis. The stalls presented a very attractive appearance, and various entertainments and competitions were arranged. The sale was for the reduction of an adverse balance of on church expenses, and realized .4.31. This amount exceeded expectations.

LEEDS (llunslet Carr).-Four special efforts are made during the year to aid the funds of the church. This quarter it was the turn of the married ladies, and their effort, which was an unprecedented success, took the form of a sale of work, which was opened on the first day by Mrs. J. T. Liversedge. On the second day the opening ceremony was performed by an old scholar, Mrs. Hayes. The pastor, Rev. W. A. H. Babidge, presided. During the sale the proceedings were inter-sfSersed with vocal and instrumental music, etc. The attendance on each day was unusually large. Proceeds, over

HUDDERSFIELD, HIGH STREET (Newsome).-A cake and apron sale, in connection with the church and Sun-day School, was opened. Mrs. E. H. Sellars, of the High Street Church, presided, and Mrs. Schofield was the opener. They were supported by Revs. Henry James (superintendent), and W. Kenyon, and Messrs. William Eastwood and Nelson Eastwood. Tea was afterwards provided, and the sales went on merrily. Mr. S. Mar-shall and choir-members, with the assistance of Mr. B. F. France, of Berry Brow, gave selections of music during the evening. Net proceeds, about £36.

L EAMINGTON. -A very successful cape and apron sale has been held. The Rev. C. 13. Johnson presided. In the absence of Mr. Albert Coate, Rev. E. Boaden opened the sale. After the sale an enjoyable musical programme was rendered by the choir, assisted by a quartet party.

LIVERPOOL (Lawrence Road).-A winter garden sale was opened on the first day by Rev. H. Rayrnont, the chairman being Mr. J. W. Boundy. The opening cere-mony on the second day was by the children, who had been admirably trained by Rev. Cuthbert. Ellison (pas-tor). The prayers, lesson, singing and verses (corn-posed by Mr. Ellison) were given by the children, and

A NEW CURE FOR DEAFNESS.

A GENTLEMAN who has cured himself after suffering for fourteen years from Deafness and Noises in the head, will be pleased to forward full particulars of his Remedy to all readers of THE UNITED METHODIST, post free. Write H. Clifton, 187 Kingsway House, 163 Strand, Dondon, W.C.

the schoolroom was tastefully decorated. Proceeds, about £100.

MANCHESTER THIRD (Lower Openshaw).-A bazaar has been held in order to raise 6300 towards reducing the Trust liability. Mr. M. Pickard opened on the first day, Mr. Arthur Rushworth (Manchester First Cir-cuit) presiding. On the second day Mr. Edward Tudor, one of the oldest members of the. Circuit, should have opened, but was prevented from being present. Mr. George Saxon performed the ceremony, and Mr. H. Seddon presided. On the third day the opening was performed by thirty children giving a floral opening prepared by Rev. S. Vernon. Mrs. James Saxon pre-sided and Mrs. Alfred Saxon received the children's gifts, which amounted to about £3. As a result of the effort £220 has been raised. In addition to this the Central Openshaw Church promised to make them a grant of £75, and Gorton Church a grant of so the total result of the effort is £320.

FIExHAm (West End).-A very gratifying and success-ful two days' bazaar has been held. Captain Cuthbert, D.S.O., of Beaufront Castle, who was accompanied by Mrs. Cuthbert, performed the opening ceremony on the first day in the presence of a large gathering. The object of the effort was to free a debt of £600 still remaining on the new school. Proceeds, inclusive of efforts during the year, were £200.

Circuit Quarterly Meetings. HASLINGDEN. -The steward's statement showed a

balance in hand of £52 15s. 9d. All the officers were re-elected. The missionary committee was re-elected, Mr. James Riley succeeding Mr. J. Fletcher as treasurer ; secretary, Mr. Joseph Ratcliffe ; Circuit reporter, Mr. J. H. Smith. A congregational meeting was held after the evening service recently, when a few of the mem-bers of the church and congregation offered to defray the cost of the coming Christmas tea, which offer was gratefully accepted. This offer is timely owing to the cotton trade depression.

CARDIFF (Newport Road).-Rev. E. Ratcliffe in the chair. It was reported that the churches in the Circuit were in an improved condition. The numerical returns showed' an increase of twenty-four members, but a de-ficit was reported on the current account. Re-election of all officers. Great sympathy was expressed with Mr. Robert Bird, J.P., in his illness, and a letter was ordered to be sent him expressing the deep feeling of the whole Circuit for him in his affliction, and praying that he may soon be restored.

LOUTH.-Rev. G. H. Hinchliffe in the chair. A hearty vote of sympathy was passed to Mr. B. Motley, one of the Circuit stewards, on the loss he had recently sus-tained by the death of his wife, and a similar resolution was extended to Mr. W. Kenton, who since the last meeting had sustained a similar bereavement. The Circuit accounts showed a debt of £19 19s. 6d. The recent aggregate services showed a balance of 4'68 6s. 11d., of which £10 was devoted to the Circuit Trust, and £58 6s. 11d. to the reduction of debt upon the Circuit. The aggregate receipts were said to be L;22 in advance of last year. The Circuit officers were re-elected. Thanks were accorded to the preachers and mission band workers for their services. The Circuit Trust treasurer was asked to prepare a statement of the accounts of the various Trusts in the Circuit for the next quarterly meeting.

GRIMSBY . -Held at Freeman Street Church. The quarterly reports were of a satisfactory character, and the Circuit officials were re-elected. It was unani-mously resolved to recommend Mr. M. Pearson for the ministry.

GRANTHAM.-Rev. H. Cook presided. The treasurer reported a balance in hand of nearly. All the officers were re-elected. A good Circuit mission band has been formed with Mr. W. A. Baker as secretary.

PRESTON FIRST.-held at Deepdale, Rev. J. H. Bow-ker presiding. Encouraging reports were given from the three churches in the Circuit. It was decided to contribute £12 12s. per year to the Superannuation and Beneficent Fund, viz., the full amount for each minister engaged in the Circuit.

PARSLEY, PUDSEY AND YE AD ON. -Held at Rodley, Rev. W. Barnes presiding. The treasurer's report showed an income for the quarter of £191 5s., expendi-ture, £203 16s._ 8d., increasing the deficit to £12 11s. Gd. In order to meet the increased quarterly expenditure it was also further decided to make a levy of 12s. Gd. per quarter on the Farsley, Pudsey, Trinity, Yeadon and Laisterdyke churches, and 5s. per quarter on the Rodley and Pudsey Bethel churches. The numerical returns showed a total membership of 943 (an increase of 6), with 47 on trial. The Ladies' Missionary Auxiliary Committee was duly elected.

N ORWICH. -Held at Calvert Street, Rev. R. Wilton presiding. The numerical report showed membership : 953 full members, 56 on trial, 13 juniors; increase, 10 members on the quarter. The financial report was an exceedingly gratifying one, the balance due to Circuit steward being reduced from 9s. 3d. to £4 3s. 3d. In addition to the above D.0 8s. 4d. was raised on behalf of Local Preachers' Mutual Aid. The report of

pointed to consider the interests o the Sunday Schools. Arrangements were made for a mission to be held at Rowarth. A strong resolution, in condemnation of the House of Lord's rejection of the Licensing Bill, was passed.

NOTTINGHAM C ENTRAL . -Held at Alfred Street Church, Nottingham, on Monday, December 14th. The business was commenced at three p.m., tea being pro-vided in the schoolroom at five p.m. After tea business was resumed. Rev. F. Marrs presided. The Circuit officers and committees for the ensuing year were elected. Following an appeal by Rev. James Longden, on behalf of the Thanksgiving Fund, 225 guineas were promised.

CHATHAM. -Held at Union Street, Rev. W. Rodda presiding. A resolution, congratulating Councillor S. Vinall on his election to the Mayoralty of the Borough of Gillingham, was heartily passed. Negotiations re the Union of the Chatham and Rochester Circuits were brought to a successful issue. Mr. Lambeth presented the recommendations of the Joint Committee, which were unanimously adopted. The united Circuit will consist of fifteen churches and five ministers. Messrs. W. Coopper and G. E. Lambeth were re-elected Circuit stewards.

General News. LOUTII (Newmarket).7-In connection with the Sunday

School, a public tea and meeting was recently held. The public meeting was presided over by Mrs. Hinch-liffe, and an interesting programme was given by the scholars.

SHEFFIELD SOUTH (Talbot Street).-Instead of allow-ing an adverse balance on the current accounts to be carried forward and to accumulate as in past years, until only a bazaar could possibly liquidate the debt, the minister of the church -(Rev. W. •Dewdney) sat in the vestry to receive subscriptions from members. By this means it was hoped to raise ;4720. The result has ex-ceeded expectations, £23 was handed in by close. upon 100 subscribers. For the second year in succession the friends have found this a simple, practical, and business-like way of dealing with a deficiency on the current accounts of the church.

ABERAVON. -Sixteen persons have recently been re-ceived on trial, a senior Endeavour Society has been formed, and has an average attendance of thirty-five. This society has undertaken cottage prayer-meetings directed by the Sunshine Committee, and has engaged to supply the programme for the quarterly temperance meetings recently commenced under the auspices of the leaders' meeting. Over £50 has been raised towards deficiency on Trust accounts and renovation scheme. The many people assembling at the services are a gfeat encouragement.

Musical Services. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE (Sandyford).-At the choir anni-

versary the pulpit was occupied by Rev. Thomas Sunder-land. Anthems were rendered by the choir. The evening service was followed by a musical service, when an excel-lent programme was rendered by the choir. Soloists, Miss Lily Ward, Miss Annie Spark, Mr. G. Greener and Mr. W. N. Carr. Mr. Harry Walker conducted, and Mr. Hugh H. McEwan officiated at the organ. At the termination of the, programme, the Rev. T. Sunder-land complimented the choir on their services.

LUMBAGO AND RHEUMATISM.

KNEES AND FEET SWOLLEN-PAINS IN THE BACK AND LIMBS-DIZZINESS.

"ABour six years ago," says Mrs. A. Bellamy, of 13 Acacia Road, Norbury, S.W., "I was seized with what the doctor said was lumbago and rheumatism. I was obliged to take to bed, for the pains in my back and limbs were fearful. I was unable to stand, and could not bear anyone to come near me. My knees and feet became swollen with the rheumatism, and in my limbs there was a terrible aching sensation. I had such frightful pains in my head that I did not know what to do; my sight grew dim, and I suffered dreadfully with nervousness and dizziness.

The doctor attended me for a month, but the only relief I got was from the pains in the head. Otherwise I was as bad as ever, unable to move in bed.. I looked upon my case as hopeless, and felt irritable and miser-able.

"Within a week after beginning to use Doan's Back-ache Kidney Pills I was able to move, and three weeks later I was so well that I left my bed. I can truly say that Doan's pills were the means of restoring me to health and strength when I thought I was beyond a cure. (Signed) ALICE BELLAMY."

Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are 2s. 9d. a box, or 13s. 9d. for six boxes. Of all chemists and stores, or post free on receipt of price from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells Street, Oxford Street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mrs. Bellamy had,

December 24, 1908.

[14 'MAU CURES COUGH.

Safe and Pleasant for Children.

STOPS COLD If taken promptly after a Chill.

Invaluable for Bronchitis, Influenza, Whooping Cough, tic.

14 BALSAM rAMM

Cash price, 1/- t 2/6. Of all Chemists.

Complete Edition, Paper Covers, gchl by post, 8d.

71

BILLY BRAY OR,

The King's Son, BY

F. W. BOURNE.

laniteb inetbobtst Mal% SUNDAY'S PREACHING APPOINTMENTS,

December 27th, 1908.

Circuit. Church.

Hackney King's Cross Mission, Charlotte Street. Bermondsey Bermondsey Mission, " Manor," Galleywall Road. Bayswater Walham Grove, Fulham. Brixton Railton Road, Herne Hill. Brixton Park Crescent, Clapham Park Road. Newington Brunswick, Great Dover Street. Eltbam Park Place. Brighton Bristol Road (1 minute from Marine Parade and

F Brighton Stanford

ront). Avenue (3 minutes from Preston Park,

Beaconsfield Road Tram). Old Shoreham Road (2 minutes from Dyke Road

Leeds tram, Old Shoreham Road Stop).

Woodhouse Lane. Morecambe Sandylands Promenade.

Brighton

Appointments are inserted in this column at the rate of 2s, 6d. per quarter prepaid.

Afarning. Evening.

H. S, Dinsley. H. S. Dinsley. Kaye Dunn, B.A. Kaye Dunn, B.A. F. G. Taylor. F. G. Taylor. J. Botheras. T. J. Cope. F. H. J. Thornton F. H. J. Thornton J. Whitton., J. Whitton. F. L. Buxton. F. L. Buxton: J. C. Pye, J. P. Davey.

J. P. Davey. S. B. Lane. ,

S. B. Lane. J. C. Pye.

B. Dutton. J. Hibbert. W. G. Peck. G. H. Kennedy.

THE UNITED METHODIST. The Weekly Journal of the United Methodist Church.

TUESDAY MORNING is the latest lime for receiving Advertisements for insertion in the ensuing number.

All communications to be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 12 Farringdon Avenue, Farringdon Street,

London, E.G.

Appointments .Wanted I

WILLIAM HALL, "Matlock Evangelist," is now booking dates for Missions, January, Febru-

ary, March. Easy terms. Successful soul winner. Highly recommended. Apply early.-North Parade, Matlock Bath.

t'cludati anal

mo LITERARY SOCIETIES, ETc. - MR. G. _L BOWER CODLING (Teacher at Central

Y.M.C.A.), assisted by Mrs. G. Bower Codling, Mezzo-Soprano, is open to engagement for Dramatic and Humorous Recitals. Whole or part programme. Lessons also given in Voice Production and all branches of Elocutionary work.-Particulars, Saxilby, Nimrod Road, Streatham, London, S.W.

FELIX HOUSE SCHOOL. - Lady wishes to highly recommend this excellent Boarding and

Day School. Most successful Examination results. Home comforts. Loving Christian training. Moderate Terms. Prospectus, 50 Barry Road, Dulwich, S.E.

HEBREW, GREEK, LATIN, French, German, Spanish.-Offer of first three correspondence

lessons for nominal sum of one shilling, to "United Methodist " readers only. - Eversley Language System, Abbotts Park Road, Lgv-rott.

REWARD BOOKS SCHOOL OFFICIALS

before ordering elsewhere should be sure to see our

NEW LIST OF BOOKS. For Value they cannot be beaten. We are willing to send

SAMPLE PARCELS, carriage paid, to any School wishing to see books. These may be returned if desired.

ANDREW CROMBIE, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, B.C.

LIVERPOOL.- SHAIEWEIYHOTTEElt, Mount Pleasant (four minutes' walk from Lime Street and Central Stations). Cab fare from any station, ls. Cars from Landing Stage stop at door. Night Porter. Telegrams, Shaftesbury Hotel, Liverpool.

HERNE BAY. ,_„_..Hfeobrron Ladies, Businessf R e s t

Young Ladies, and others. Reduced terms, October to Easter, from 10s. 6d. Stamped envelope-Miss Thompson, The Cottage, Gospel Mission, Kensal Road, W.

SOUTHPORT. Simple Life Home, 3

Albany Road. On prome- nade, near park. Most comfortable home. Large library. Easter to October. Board and residence, 27s. 6d.-Apply, Warden.

BRIGHTON -SUSSEX HOUSE, 58 Old ■ Steyne, Private Hotel, En

Pension. Near sea, Royal Pavilion, Palace, pier. Electric light. Separate tables. Established 2.5 years. Terms, from lit guineas.-Proprietors.

CHOR LEY WOOD-Very comfortable home I offered two ladies or

lady and gentlemen, convalescent or invalids, in beauti-ful and healthy neighbourhood. Near common ; twenty miles from London. Moderate terms.-Norwich House, Charley Wood, Herts.

SOUTHPORT-Mrs. GREEN HALG-1 ,Tborn- le hill House, 12 Victoria Street,

off Promenade. Comfortable Apartments ; bath and piano ; sea view.

51EuAtions - Vac 2,nt

METHODIST EMIGRATION. Domestic) Servants for Queensland -Free Pas-

sages. Ages 17 to 35. Good references required. Situations guaranteed. Also Farm-workers. • Fares for Man, Wife, and family, only £5. Send stamp and state experience.-Methodist Emigration League, Norwich.

rot-. Sale

RECITATIONS and DIALOGUES.-40 Christ-mas Carols and two Anthems, 4d. ; 13

Sketches and Dialogues, ls. ; 13 Recitation Books, ls. ; 13 Miscellaneous Poems, ls. ; The Rose-bud Reciter, 6d.-J. Ward, Publisher, Retford, Notts.

6 -P A AGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND HOW `± TO USE THEM. Post Free. Send 'for

one.-Trimnell, The Herbalist, 144 Richmond Road, Cardiff. Established 1879.

AGENTS (Ladies and Gentlemen) required to intro-duce exquisite Photogravures of the celebrated

painting "The Mobbing of John Wesley at Wednesbury." Specimen and particulars of profitable employment on receipt of two stamps to cover postage.-G. Turley Water Orton, near Birmingham.

EDINBU RCH -TEMPERANCE HOME FOR WOMEN, Navitie, Glencraig,

Fifeshire. President, Mrs. Macfie, of Bo rthwick Hall ; Treasurer, Miss M. E. Cook, 27 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh ; Secretary, Mrs. Lockhart, 9 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. Terms-7s. to 21s. per week.

SOUTHEND BOARD - RESIDENCE. - Per- . manent or otherwise, suit one

or •two middle-aged Ladies. Quiet, homely, near station.- "Roseleigh," Ileygate avenue, Southend. Members, late C. H. Spurgeon.

10 Minerva Road. - Cromhurst y Boarding Establishment for

Business Men. (Station 5 minutes.) Easy reach of City. Terms, etc., to suit individual requirements.-PROPRIETRESS.

PRESTATYN. -PArelcaitt I ou s e4. North ,NeVsaoiress.

Within few minutes' walk of Kea and d Mountaints. Golf. Terms moderate.-H. Gordon Pitchford.

NORTH DEVON Braunton. - Comfortable Private Apartments.

Healthy District. Excellent cooking and attendance. Suit Christian workers needing rest. Near Station, etc. Terms moderate.-Address, Suffolk House.

• Sun Record one of highest in United Kingdom. Comfortable home amid beautiful surroundings. Christmas Party being arranged. Billiards, Golf, Shooting. Home Farm. From 30s. - THE TORS, YELVERTON, R.S.O.

A BEAUTIFUL SAMPLE HANDKERCHIEF sent free to introduce our special offer. Send

stamp for postage, and you will be delighted.-The British Linen Co., New Oxford Street, London.

MINISTERS AND STEWARDS.- Announce your Services, Bazaars, etc., with

Handwritten Posters, 35 by 22i. Twelve words, post free, Is. 6d. Any size executed by return.-Melton Bros., Writers, Lincoln.

WATERPROOF COVERS, pliable as rail sheets, 12ft. by 9ft., 12s. ; 15ft. by 9ft., 15s. ;

any size made at ls. per square yard, with lashes ; superior stout rot-proof green Canvas, made to any size, ls. 6d. per square yard, with lashes ; cash returned if not approved of. - H. J. Gasson, Government Contractor, Rye.

NEW SONGS OF THE GOSPEL, No. 2. America's Best. Containing, " When Love

Shines In," "Anchored in Jesus," "Alone with God," and 130 others ; with music, 10d., post free.-Hardy, Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees.

"Dp OULTRY.-Large Christmas Turkeys, 10s., 9s., ...I... and 8s. each ; plump Turkey hens, 6s. and 5s. Gd. each ; fatted geese, 5s. each ; large roasting fowls, 4s. pair, trussed, post free.-Mrs. Aliens, Woodbine Cottage, Rosscarbery, Cork.

T ADIES who wish a good shape of knicker, well J made of hard-wearing material, should send

3s. 3d. for ordinary size, or 3s. 6d. for extra size, of Shepherd Check Scotch Wineey, unshrinkable, to Messrs. Alex. Adamson & Co., 36 Whitehall Street, Dundee, who will send, post paid, a single garment, on mention of this paper.

,-O CLOTHING CLUBS, AND OTHERS. -Calicoes I Calicoes I Buy direct from the

Manufacturer at wholesale prices. Sample lengths of Longcloths, Twills, etc., etc., 5s. per dozen yards, carriage paid. Special terms for large quan-tities.-The Waterbok Manufacturing Co., 30 Prin-cess Street, Manchester.

UGS I RUGS 1 I-Good all-wool, 7ft. long, Oft. 11.1. wide, and weigh 41b. ; Government grey ; only been used a little ; much better than common new ; I will send one, post free, 3s.-H. J. Gasson, Government Contractor, Rye.

MILITARY Clothing.-No rubbish. 14,000 good large dark grey or blue Waterproof Cloth

Overcoats for Sale, put out of service for other patterns, 4s. Gd., is. 6(.1. ; special quality, 7s. 6d. ; name size required. Can be sent on approval.- H. J. Gasson, Government Contractor, Rye.

ANDREW CROMBIE, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.G.

• 11111•11111/111111•1•111•1111116•11111 GM MI= MB •

HANDSOME REAL FUR HEARTHRUGS, full size, beautifully mounted and lined, un-

used. Russian Silver Wolf, lls. Gd. ; Tasmanian Opossum, 21s. ; Canadian Racoon, 25s. Approval willingly before payment. Lennard, 20 Tollington Park, Finsbury Park, N.

A MUSIC GAME.-Capital Christmas present. Instruction combined with amusement. A

Dummy Piano Keyboard, full compass, all Rotes colored, modelled separately sharps and flats for playing the game, No jarring sounds or false notes. Post free, 2s. 4d., six for 10s. Liberal terms to Trade for making it known.-Hoopers', 13 Regent Street, London.

CHURCH BAZAAR PENCILS FREE. Stamped with name of Church and date of

bazaar free. Sample 3d.-Banks and Co., "Greta " Works, Keswick, Cumberland. (Cut out for refs.)

XMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS.-Nothing nicer than Irish Linen Handkerchiefs. 25 per cent

under shop prices. Free patterns.-Robert Elliott & Co., 20 Westgate, Hale, near Manchester.

FANCY WORK for Bazaars in aid of Missions to Seamen. Carriage and post paid list on applica-

tion.-Miss Sladen, 1 Upper Phillimore Gardens, Ken-sington, W.

A A Miscellanea us

NEW CURE FOR ECZEMA■- ady peanently • c

Lured afterrm 5 years'

suffering will send particulars of remedy free.-Address, B. G. Avice, 257 High Holborn, London.

PORTABLE HARMONIUMS AND • ORGANS, from ce3 10s. A real treat for Christian workers ; new invention ; closed for travel-ling to portmanteau size ; lightest and cheapest ; send illustrated list.-Harland, 76 East Road, City Road, London. Mention this paper.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ENLARGEMENT, framed complete, 23 by 18i inches, for 7s. 6d., carriage

paid. Frame 2-inch oak with gilt slip. Quality of work the best only- Send to " United Methodist," 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.

OLD FALSE TEETH.-We give highest possible prices for above. Offers made, and if not accepted,

teeth returned. Dealers in old gold or silver in any form. Bankers' refs.-Woodfall & Co., Birkdale, Southport.

u lir CHURCH at Normacot, Longton Circuit, 1V_L . would be pleased to receive a gift of

(Methodist New Connexion) Old Hymn Books from any Church that can spare a few copies.-Apply, W. H. Wright, 50 High Street, Longton.

METHODIST EMIGRATION. Australia t Free and Assisted Passages ; _Farm-hands and Do-

mestic Servants. New Zealand I Assisted Passages, Canada t Lowest Fares, all classes, Farm-hands aid Domestics especially wanted, situations assured, good wages. Send stamp, stating experience, and Colony desired. Introduction to Methodists everywhere. Better help given than any other Organization.-Methodist Emigration League, Norwich.

Conference Minutes WITH

FINANCIAL HANDBOOK. Price 2a.

By post, 2s. 4d.

We have rebound a Small Edition of the above. Those desirous of securing a copy should write at once to the

United Methodist Publishing House, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

HOTELS and HYDROS, BOARDING HOUSES and APARTMENTS

LONDON.

WI LD'S FIRST-CLASS - -

TEMPERANCE HOTELS, 30-40 Ludgate Hill (Central for Charing Cross, Cannon Street and

Holborn Viaduct Stations, for the Continent). ELECTRIC LIFTS. (Close to Euston, Midland and G.N.R. Stations).

70 and 71 EUSTON SQUARE. Handy for Early and Late Trains. Home Comforts. Cleanliness and Quiet. Central for Business or Pleasure.

KINGSTON

YELVERTON SOUTH DEVON

RECOMMENDED BY

U.M.C. MINISTERS and OTHERS.

DIV ADVERTISE your " WANTS " in THE UNITED METHODIST, 25 WORDS for ONE SHILLING, and One Halfpenny for each additional word. Three insertions for price of two.

CHURCH FURNITURE. Seats, Chairs, Pulpits, Choir Stalls, Communion Furniture. Notice and Hymnal Boards, Collection Plates and Boxes, Hassocks, Memorial Brasses, etc.. etc.

SCHOOL FURNITURE. Seats, Chairs, Screen Seats, Classroom Screens, Desks, Cupboards, Tables, Blackboards, Bookcases, Chairs, Folding Partitions, etc.

1 INSTITUTE FURNITURE. Laboratory, Library, Museum, Mission Fittings.

ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES POST FREE. (State Department,)

Geo. M. HAMMER & Co., Ltd., 370 Strand, London, W C. I Manufactories: Crown Works

Bermondsey, S.E. Actual Manufacturers of every description of

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made from

It should be taken last thing at night, and an extra blanket put on the bed to ensure warmth.

It is also delicious as a Supper Food on all occasions.

KEEN, ROBINSON & CO, Ltd., LONDON.

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION CUPS. Are in lase in hundreds of Churches,

including those of Revs. Dr. Townsend, President, United Methodist Church ; J. II. Jowett, M.A.,

Birmingham ; Dr.Clifford,London ;

Dr. Wenyon, Woolwich ; etc., etc.

THE "IDEAL" TRAYS.

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Address the Makers-

TOWNSHENDS, Ltd., Birmingham.

BY APPOINTMENT. _

• . .

FIRST & FOREMOST Walker's enormous variety of Merry Sketches, Mono-logues, Humorous, Charles Dickens, Sunday School, Temperance, and Day S c h o o 1 Dialogues, Stump Speeches, Min- strel Entertainments, and Services of Song. AS Write for Free detailed Catalogue to William Walker & Sons (Otley) Limited, Otley, Yorkshire. Every season many bright

new numbers are issued.

PUBLIC FAVOURITES.

.. .

72

THE UNITED METHODIST. December 24, 1908:

a. •::::::1•• —••21:••:•••• ........... • ..... 11$.1:::11111,111131:M.4 . . n

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Fire Insurance. The Free Methodist Fire Insurance Association.

Insures Connexional, Circuit and Ministers' Property only ; all profits accruing are appropriated solely to Connexional purposes.

All communications to be made Lo Rev. E BOADEN, 13 Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa.

r.

APPlication for Advertisement Space in this Paper should be made to

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.

"VISITORS TO LONDON."

TRANTER'S TEMPERANCE HOTEL (Established 1859).

6, 7, 8 & 9 Bridgewater Square, BARBICAN, LONDON. Central for Business or Pleasure. Absolutely Quiet and Home-like.

Write for " HOW TO SPEND A WEEK IN LONDON," with Tariff and Testimonials post free on application.

WILLIAM LOSSOCK, Proprietor-Manager. Telegraphic Address : " HEALTHIEST, LONDON...

•

The best remedy is a basin of

MILK GRUEL

Address : 19 FERDINAND ST,, CHALK FARM, N,W.

(Train to Chalk Farm Station, Charing Cross and Hampstead Tube Railway.)

I:1

THE BEST WAY OF ADVERTISING SPECIAL SERVICES & MEETINGS.

REV. J. ODELL says of the NOT-TINGHAM GOSPEL LEAFLETS : " We have always found the little hand-bills of our Bro. William Ward, Printer, City Buildings, Nottingham, to be very useful and preach well and truly where-ever they are taken. Every Evangelist should be supplied with them." 500, with notice of meeting on back, 3s. ; 1,000, 4s. 6d., prepaid. TRY THEM.

Temperance Series for Temperance Meetings. Special Prices for every description of

Printing required for Religious or Tem-perance Work, including Circuit Plans, Sunday School Anniversary Hymns, Bazaar Guides, Synod Handbooks, Posters, Window Bills, Circulars, Tickets, etc. Send for quotations.

W. WARD, 1 City Buildings, NOTTINGHAM.

ESTABLISHED 1872.

041 414 Agencies at and NORWICH.

CAPETOWN, JOHANNESBURG, WELLINGTON, N.Z., SYDNEY, etc.

Resident RePrcsentatives: BRISTOL, GLASGOW, BIRMINGHAM, BELFAST, etc., etc.

Builders of the Organs at the Leysian Mission, London Central Hall, Liverpool ; Baptist Church House, London, etc

ORGAN BUILDERS. `td. BEARD, LONDON

COLDS! COLDS!! COLDS!!!

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When replying to ADVERTISEMENTS please mention

" UNITED METHODIST."

Late of the Brompton HosPital.

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Cough Specific. THE LUNG SAVER.

For Coughs, Colds, and Lung Complaints. Gives instant relief and certain cure. Highly recommended by the Medical Profession. Prepared by GEO. HARDY. Price ls. lid., 2s. 9d , of all Chemists,

or Post Free.

3F1Al2{1)1I,81 Brompton Cough Lozenges

(the genuine), in boxes only (never sold loose). Every box is wrapped in Govern-ment stamp and bears Hardy's label.

Price Is. lid. Depots 42 WATERLOO RD., StE.

SUPPLIED TO THE ARISTOCRACY. On Sale at all BOOTS' DEPOTS.

t••

71

"A Master of the King of Instruments." —Manx Sun.

Mr. J. A. MEALE, F.R.C.O., Musical Director of Queen's Hall, Hull ; Solo Organist, Crystal Palace Musical

Festivals, The Celebrated Methodist Organist, Is booking Recitals for this Season and 1909.

Programmes to Please the people. Crowded Audiences.

PRESS EXTRACTS, "Mr. Meale seemed to have not one instru-

ment only, but many at his command, and his brilliant interpretations will not soon be forgotten." Some of the effects produced on the organ were astonishing."

"He He played with such effect that it sounded as though it was being produced by the full band of the Grenadier or Coldstream Guards." Ministers and Church Officials should book Mr. MEALE for a Special." His perform-ances never fail to arouse unbounded enthu-siasm. Invariably a great financial success. Address: 400 Beverley Road, Hull.

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"This Sweetmeat, made as it is

from best Sugar, Butter, Cream, etc., Is a food, and a very good

one at that."—Dr,Gordon Stables.

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CHEAP CHAIRS

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Churches, Chapels,

Missions and Schoolrooms,

Eg- From "I s. 8d. each Buy from the Factory,

Save middle profits.

EALING BROS., High Wycombe.

Organs tfirgans! All descriptions of Pipe 'Organs for Churches, Chapels, Schools, Public Buildings and Private Residences are built by the

SWEETLAND ORGAN BUILDING CO., BATH.

TRUSTEES of Churches requiring instruments are advised to communi-cate with the Rev, A. LEACH, 18 ROCKLIFFE ROAD, or with his son, Mr. HAROLD E. LEACH (Secretary and Managing Director), at the office of the Company,

CLEVELAND PLACE, BATH. ••• ........

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Printed at Titi. MAGNET PRESS, 188 Rye Lane, Peckham,. S.E., and Published by ANDREW CEOMBIE, 12 Farringdon Avenue, Farringdon Street, London, E.C., for the UNITED MirrHoDxsr CHURCH, Thursday, December 24th, 1908.