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PRINCIPAL CONTENTS. The Art of Consolation.

By 0. W. Stacey ••• United Methodist Ministers and National Service.

By George Packer, D.D.

Things that are Being Said.: United Methodist Table Talk Waterloo Road Mission. London Should the State Purchase the Drink Traffic Our Deaconesses. By The Warden .- Ministers and National Service. By R. F. Bell Sunday Afternoon. By Ernest F. H. Cagey The Fellowship of His Sufferings (C.E. Topic).

By T. A. Jefferies, F.L.S. Young People's Topics. By C. N. Mylne Women's Missionary Auxiliary Jottings. By Provincial • . . "Gag the Old Gang " By Henry *Smith ... "Grow More Food" ... Departed Friends Our Publishing House. By Henry Hooks ... For Our Boys and Girls—Leaves. By E.W. - For Our Teachers. By B. C. Urtvitt, B.A„ B.B. News of Our Churches

PAGE

97

... 98

... 98 • 98 ., 99 ... 99 ... 100

100 ... 100 ... 101

...-101

... 101 ... 102 ... 102 ... 103 ▪ 1E4 ▪ 104 ... 104 • 104 -. 104

105, 106

A LIVING MEMORIAL. 1_1AVE you thought of NAMING A COT in the National

Children's Home as a Memorial to your'Gallant Dead ? Many parents and Churches have already decided to

do so. They prefer a living and progressive memorial to the noblest monument of brass or stone. By this means life springs out of death, and gain out of loss. -

The War, by unsettling the people's homes, has created new and urgent need for an institution like ours.

THE NEW SOCIAL PERIL. The following cases, among others, were all taken from the

daily papers within the last few days. (1) At the City Juvenile Court, a

" bright little boy " was charged with theft. En-quiries showed that he had been terrorized into crime by a gang of roughs. His father was dead, his mother missing.

(2) At Fulham, a blue-eyed baby. well clothed and asleep in a mail-cart. was abandoned by a heartless mother.

(3) At Westminster,two children of 3 and 4 were starved and frozen to death through the sudden death of their mother while their father was in France.

(4) At Poplar. a four-year-old girl perished through the ignition of her clothing while her mother was out at work

(5) At Willesden, a girl of nine was charged with being a

confined thief " for whom nothing could be done.".

Said the magistrate : " It is a case for religion rather than the police courts."

(6) At Acton, a motherless boy of twelve was found by the Attendance Officer to be

- doing all kinds of housework —even the family washing. The Chairman described him as " a little brick."

THS UNITED METHODIST, THURSDAY, MARCH 1st, 191U. "GAG TH OLD GANG!" (Page 103). A THRILLING OFFER (Page 100).

U.M. MINISTERS AND NATIONAL SERVICE (Pages 98, 100). THE ART OF CONSOLATION (See below).

THE

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OF „THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. With which is incorporated the "Free Methodist," founded 1886.

No. 483. NEW SERIES oLN: s1E6R2 s1 THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1917. [Registered at the General TWELVE PAGES. Post Office as a Newspaper. ONE PENNY.

General Treasurers: J. R.BaaLow, Esq., J.P. Col and Alderman Sir CHARLES C WAX/FIELD,

Bart. (Ex-Lord Mayor of London).

The Art of Consolation. I.

THREE years ago it would have been compara-tively easy for "the pen of a ready writer " to deal

-with this subject. To-day, the present writer, at least, would shrink from it if he _could so allow himself. These are days when ideas possess rather than are possessed by men and they demand expres-sion, even by those who must, perforce, express them inadequately. They are begotten of experi-ences that have paralysed the tongue and paled the cheek in shame and sent strong men and women to their knees in utter helplessness.

Thirty months of war have -taught us, as perhaps nothing else could have done, how necessary it is to speak of consolation as an art, how difficult an art it is, and how great a ministry there is for those who possess it. And the end is not yet. If rumour and prophecy be correct, before these words are printed the shadow will have deepened on thousands of homed that even now are clouded through anxiety. If ever there was' need'for an Order of St. Barna-bas, it is now. "Comfort ye, comfort ye, my -people, saith your God." ' But it is one thing to hear the command and quite another to secure the power to obey. Even a sympathetic sensitiveness of the need will not of itself supply what H. G. Wells calls, "the certain balm." In his "Mr. Brit-ling sees it through," speaking of the -helplessness of the Reverend .Dimple before the grief-stricken Letty, he says, "If he had had the certain balm how gladly would he have given it." Traditional platitudes failed him as they have failed many another recently.

There_are those, however, who have never dealt in platitudes, deeply sympathetic souls who seem frozen in the presence of grief, able to give least when they feel most. These dumb souls often give more than they know, for sympathy that is real has mysterious ways of communicating itself. Still, there is an art of consolation that may be cultivated and render a service to-day that is beyond -price.

II.

Wherein lies the secret of it? Can theories of method or rules of practice be supplied ? If so, that is the task of the experienced pastoral theologian. It will be simpler and perhaps more effective here

' to point to one or two helpful instances from familiar literature. Who that has read "Ralph Connor's " Sky Pilot " can forget the tender yet skilful deal-ing with the crippled but rebellious Gwen ? What a rare combination of artist, psychologist, and soul-physician there is in the "Pilot." He lulls pain as he paints the picture of Gwen's loved canyon ; he brings his bunch of wild flowers and adds to them by the fragrance of his own personality. He does not shirk the awkward question but _gives the answer he knows must cut, with the delicacy of the surgeon who moves among arteries. He took the

Bible "but, before he read, - with• the true artist's instinct, he created the proper atmosphere. By a few vivid words he made us feel the pathetic loneliness of the Man of Sorrows in His last sad days." Later came that little prose poem, the story of the coming of the Canyon Flowers after the -upheaval of the Prairie. That story, so deftly told, did what no tears or texts would have done. Homilies and moralisings, as Job long ago discovered, are apt to hurt rather than heal.

Mrs. Hamilton King's book, "The Disciples," is not known and appreciated as it deserves. None who seeks the secret of the Art of Consolation will neglect those poems of heroic suffering and service. "Ugo Bassi " is the friend of Garibaldi and the disciple of 1Vlazzini, "Servant of our Lord, one ,of the Order of Saint Barnabas, the Sons of Consola-tion." Was -there ever a more appropriate sermon preached than his "sermon in the hospital "? Both in spirit and form it is a classic -example of the inspired art of the consoler. And the clue to his delicate skill in the choice and use of healing words is revealed in the lines : -

"I, in the midst of those who suffer so,— Who needs must somewhat share the daily pain Which each of iye, Beloved, must endure, Must also seek some comfort, and some strength Of hope to live and suffer by ;—and this Hath God Olen me, Beloved, for your sakes, To whom I fain would pass it."

The ministry of consolation is impossible to those who know not the disCipline of pain and the blessed-ness of comfort that is given to be shared. Mr. Wells has discovered this ; for,' in the book already referred to, he' makes Mr. Britling succeed with Letty where the Reverend Dimple failed.. Why? "They were both in the same shadow. They found great comfort in one another. They had not been so comforted before since their losses came upon them." " Both in the same shadow," yes, but Mr. Britling knows something of the shadow's meaning and he interpreted it to Letty.

If the art of consolation has been better described than by Victor Hugo, will some good reader please tell me? It is the description of that "admirable consoler," the Bishop in "Les Miserables " to which I refer.

"He had the' art of sitting down and holding his tongue for hours by the side of a man who had lost the wife he loved,' or of a mother bereaved of her child. As he knew the time to be silent, he also knew the time to speak. What an admirable con- soler he was ! He did not try, to efface grief by oblivion, but to aggrandize and dignify it by hope. He would say Take care of the way in which you turn to the dead. Do not think of that which perishes. Look fixedly, 'and you will perceive the living light of your beloved dead in heaven.' He knew that be-lief is healthy, and he sought to counsel and calm the desperate man by pointing out to him the resigned man, and to transform the grief that gazes at a grave by showing it the grief that looks at a star."

HI.

These are but a few of the examples that abound in familiar literature. Many who read this article will know better examples, doubtless. If they did not -exist, however, or were beyond our reach, the Gospels would provide, in the picture of the Great Consoler, all that is needful for those who would be Comforters. Nay, lacking this, whatever else we may have, the deepest secrets of consolation will be hidden from us. In this, as in all else, He is the Perfect Example and the Supreme Teacher. But these lessons come not by book or precept.

"The -healing of His seamless dress Is by our beds of pain."

Those who have met Him there and who so carry the memory that they can create within sorrowing souls the sense of His reality, His compassion, His sufficiency, these have "a certain balm," the true secret of "the art of consolation."

GBORGB W. STACEY.

THE COST of Naming a Cot is small—£50 at any of the ordinary Branches ; £100 at the Sanatorium ; while for £500a Cot is permanently endowed,

We will gladly answer all enquiries, and do our utmost to carry out your wishes. Kindly mention this journal. and address to the

U.M. " Treasurer, Rev. HENRY Hooxs, 12 Farringdon Avenue. London, E.C.

Founded by Dr.

Stephenson.

98

U.M. Minister and National Service.

THE following Circular Letter is being sent to our Ministers this week :

30 Harehills Avenue, Leeds,

DEAR BRETHREN, • Feb. 27th, 1917.

You will have seen from the Report of the interview with Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the Director of National Service—published in the UNITED METHODIST of 22nd February, 1917—that it is desired that Free Church Ministers shall volunteer for Special Service wherever

there-tan be no service so important to the National possible. It is fully recognized that, even in these days,

Welfare as the Ministry of the Ward and the faithful discharge of the many and increasing Pastoral duties. In addition to the ordinary work of the Ministry Mr. Chamberlain recognizes the following as National Ser-vice on the part of Ministers :

(1) The work of Chaplains or Officiating Clergymen in the Army and Navy.

(2) Service at Y.M.C.A. and other Huts. (3) Religious and Social Work in Munition areas,

Factories, Hospitals, Camps, etc. ,

And suggests that some Ministers may be able to render part time service as

(4) Day School Teachers or in -other work for which they may have special qualifications.

Such part time service to be undertaken locally, and without serious interference with present Ministerial duties.

There is abundance of evidence that every Minister among us is willing to do his utmost to serve the Country to the best of his- ability, and you will kindly note that before undertaking any extra engagement :

(a) Consent should be obtained from the Circuit.

(b) Full information should be given to, and consent obtained from the Genera' Connexional Com-mittee through its Secretary.

(c) A certificate, that you are a recognized Minister of the United Methodist Church, will be required, and this may be obtained by application to the General Connexional Secretary.

In order that a complete and early report may reach the Director of National Service kindly 'oblige by filling up •the Form below and forwarding it as early as possible to the Rev. Henry Smith, who has kindly consented to receive the replies, classify and prepare them for pre-sentation to the Director of National Service.

I am, most sincerely yours, GEORGE PACKER

(Secretary of General Connexional Committee).

Form to be filled in and forwarded to Rev. H. Smith, 25 Bolingbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common, London, S.W. :

(a) What extra work of national importance have you already completed?

(b) What work of national importance are you now engaged in?

(c) What •work of national importance do you now volunteer to undertake and how much time can you give to it?

(d) Have you received the consent of your Circuit to your undertaking this extra national ser- vice?

Signed—

Name

A meeting of the ministers of the London District was held at our Waterloo Road Church, London, on Friday afternoon last. Rev. S. Gordon, chairman of the District, presided, and there was a large attendance. Rev. H. Smith explained the scheme of National Ser-vice for Ministers as drafted by the representatives of the various Denomina,tionas during the preceding week and since approved by Mr. Neville Chamberlain. An in-teresting conversation then took place. It was reported that two of the London ministers were already engaged for a great part of each week in service of a National character, that others were helping week by week in Y.M.C.A. work in the immediate neighbourhood of Lon-don, that one or two were already co-operating in local "Grow more Food" schemes. One minister is acting as a special constable in his district and as Chaplain to Conscientious Objectors at Wormwood Scrubs. Another has already applied at the local Labour Ex-change for National Service. All round a disposition to help was expressed. It was felt that the specific work of the p.astcn- and minister ought to receive special atten-tion and that in no case should personal profit be made out of any National Service rendered. Payment should be taken where it is available, and on the same scale Las similar labour would be paid to lay workers, but it should be used for church and philanthropic purposes, not for anything personal to the minister. In the end it was felt that each man must take his own course of action, securing, where necessary, the co-operation of his fellow ministers in his church work whilst occupied with National Service.

THE UNITED

Happenings. —Over a' million of British tonnage has been allocated

to France alone. —Stationery and printing used in the country's service

cost in the year 1915-16 £2,492,486. —Imported paper is to be reduced to 640,000 tons, dis-

tributed between the printing and packing trades. Thdie must be restrictions on the use of paper for posters. —Brewing is cut down to ten million barrels per

annum, which.will effect a saving of 600,000 tons of food stuffs. —It cost just over '3,000 to protect the Parthenon

Frieze and Metopes and the Assyrian bas-reliefs at the British Museum against hostile aircraft. —The Government is taking steps to ensure a minimum

wage of 25s. for able-bodied agricultural labourers be-tween the ages indicated in Mr. Neville Chamberlain's scheme. —Nearly £18,000 was spent in 1915-16 to find addi-

tional premises for the storage of Army forms, and on ." urgent and unforeseen works" in England and Wales a sum of £185,361 was spent. —The importation of apples, tomatoes and certain raw

fruits is prohibited altogether. Oranges, bananas and nuts will be restricted 25 per cent, and canned salmon 50 per cent. The importation of foreign tea, coffee and cocoa have been prohibited and Indian tea imports will be reduced. —Under the Government scheme to meet the national

need for food, farmers are to be guaranteed a minimum price for wheat of 60s. a quarter this year, of 55s. in 1918-Th and of 45s. in 1920-21-22. Oats ,will be 38s. 6d. this year, 32s. in 1918-19, and 24s. for the next three years. Potatoes will be guaranteed for the coming season only at £6 a ton.

Finchley the domestic refuse has not been col- lected for over six weeks. • --Lady lamp-lighters are being provided for South

London. —Welsh weavers have received a 71 per cent increase

in wages. • --I" Once a Boy Scout, always a gentleman," says the

Duke of Connaught. —General Cadorna has agreed to release 100,000 soldier

labourers for agricultural work in Italy during March and April, says the Central News. —Falling asleep whilst reading in bed by candle light,

a man at Addlestone, Surrey, was burnt to death, the candle setting the bed alight. —Lord Bessborough presiding at the meeting of the

London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, said : "It is quite likely that further restrictions of travel may become necessary as the war requirements increase." —The Duke of Connaught says that the other day some

soldiers by mistake came to have tea with him at Clarence House, but owing to the new "regulations he had nothing to give them. —Staring at a rent book at the Bloomsbury County

Court, the Registrar protested that he could not read Chinese. It was explained that the landlord was a blind man. —The Bland-Sutton Institute has discovered • an anti-

septic called Flavine, which puts in the hands of the surgeon in his fight against sepsis what is in all pro-bability the most powerful accessory weapon so far known.

—Miss Page, a war nurse, was buried with full military honours at Exmouth. —Queen Alexandra has sent . Z50 to the Edith Cavell

Homes of Rest for Nurses. —Eighty-five licensed premises, forty-one in England

and Wales and forty-four in Scotland, have now been closed by the Central Control Board. —The London residences of the Dukes of Buccleuch,

Devonshire and Westminster, have been occupied for war purposes. —The British have recaptured Kut, taking 1,730

prisoners, including four German regimental com-manders. —The London "Safety First " Council suggests the

reversal of the present rule of the footpath so that pedestrians should be instructed to keep to the left instead of the right. —The new money subscribed to the War Loan amounts

to £1,000,312,950. The subscriberS total over five millions. One million applications were received through the Post Office. —The Postmaster-General states that about 3,400

sorters and 6,700 postmen have gone from the London postal service into the Army or Navy, representing about 84 and 86 per cent respectively of the eligibles in each class. —The Chancellor of the Exchequer says that he has

received from 444 individuals gifts amounting to £60,000 and 'from 87 -others loans free of interest for £196,000. Promises have been received from 25 indi-viduals amounting to £13,000 a year during the war.

UNITED METHODIST DEACONESS INSTITUTE.

To keep out of Debt and obtain Challenge offers of £269 we need in

For Current For Retiring

Account. Fund.

Special Gifts - £322 £125 Received - 116 65

Slir Still to raise - £206 £60 WILL YOU PLEASE HELP US ?

Gifts gratefully received by the WARDEN. 25 Bolingbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common, London, S.W.

The Church that Ceases to -Count. Vitality has been well defined as "adaptability to new

environment," and if a Church remains stationary in a moving world, fails to grow with men's growth, she ceases to count.—REV. J. R. COHU in "The Modern Churchman."

A Present Imperative for Ministers. Whatever the outsider may say, we must act as men

who realize the vital need of the people in respect of the message entrusted to ministers of the Gospel. And, whatever we do or do not do, there must be no failure, to sustain and comfort our people under the else insup-portable burdens of the time.—DR. J. S. BANKS.

The Near Future of Religion. We have our own belief about the near. future of re-

ligion. The new spiritual movement will, we think, centre around the word "unity"; the unity of Chris_ tia.ns, the unity of life in which the sacred and the secular, the spiritual and the social shall be combined as never before.—The "Methodist Times."

The Christianity of our Day. The Christianity of our day is actually greater in

numbers, truer in doctrine, •nobler in spirit, nearer the mind of its Founder, more influential for the good of humanity, and more promising as a world-wide religion than it has ever •been before.—DR. BALLARD in "The Rational Way to Spiritual Revival " (C. H. Kelly ; 1s.).

Loneliness. Loneliness may warp the judgement and wither the

heart., It may breed suspicion, egoism, madness even. It may prove the -very gate of hell. But it need not be so. For the soul that cleaves to God, loneliness, instead of bringing chill isolation, may become a pass-port to undreamt-of fellowships.—E. HERMAN in the "Christian."

British Religion. Men of our race are very sure that it matters more

what a man is than what he thinks. British religion is deep and rich, but it is, characteristically, deeper and richer in what it is than in what it knows itself to be. It sorely needs a mind of strong and compelling con-viction.—REV. NEVILLE S. TALBOT in "Thoughts on.

Religion at the Front."

Suspension of Ministerial Duties. May I' offer a word' of caution respecting the sug-

gested suspension of .pastoral duties? Think of the lonely wives, the anxious mothers, and the interested friends of- the men "Somewhere" in the War area. These of themselves are no inconsiderable proportion of the Methodist •community, and their "boys" much ap-preciate anything we can do to lighten their loneliness and to solace their sorrows.—REV. CLEMENT ASHLIN WEST in the "Methodist Recorder."

A Preacher on Preaching. Our sentences are too smooth to grip, our thoughts

too "safe" to interest, and our voices too quiet to arouse. We are cursed by a craze for academic and oratorical pianissimo. We are afraid of sound and ex-oitement and gesture, and affect a certain innocent and gentle aloofness. Is it any wonder that a message which cannot disturb our equanimity fails utterly to im-press others?—REv. A. PENRY EVANS in "The Liver-pool Congregational Magazine."

Prohibition. Prohibition is urged as a war measure. It is that,

but it is infinitely more. Drink is hurtful in peace as in war, but in these tragic days its havoc is more swift and fatal. We are content for the present to advocate prohibition as a war expedient, because of our conviction that when once Britain has known the dignity and joy of sobriety she will never go back to the evil conditions which have been our reproach for long generations.---L-ARTHUR. T. GUITERY in the "Primitive Methodist Leader."

Could You I Week by week, in ten thousand churches throughout

our land, men and women stand and say, "I believe in God the Father Almighty." The Father Almighty—and look at Europe! We believe, or we believe that we be-lieve, that 'somehow in the gracious providence of an all-wise God, all things-work togethet for good. Well, could we preach that to-day on the blood-soaked fields of France and in the violated homes of Belgium?—REV. GEORGE JACKSON, B.A., in the "Methodist Recorder."

Christianity in our Modern World. Some have seen in it a challenge to the Christian

Faith, and have in consequence become far more earn-est and enthusiastic in their search for truth, and for the Christian message, for to-day. With scarcely any exception, students agree that organized Christianity has failed, and they look for a radical Change in the life of the Church after the War. There is a belief that some-thing has been seriously wrong with the interpretation and practice of Christianity in our modern world.—The Report of the Student Movement for 1916.

What Prohibition 'would Do. The day will come when it shall- be known to all

men in this country that prohibition of the drink trade during, the war would have shortened the War by a hundred days, saved thousands of lives, saved a drink expenditure and its results (1,000,000,000), saved over

'200,000,000 cubic feet of shipping space, saved the waste of 100,000 acres of land, released man power enough to lift 60,000,000 tons, enormously relieved the strain on the Red Cross caused by drink and accidents through drink, released thousands of doctors and nurses, saved food to feed the entire nation three months. — MR. HENRY RANDALL in the "Christian Commonwealth."

Address

Circuit

Date

METHODIST. March 1, 1917

Things that are being Said.

NOTICE.--When Articles or Letters are signed with the writers' names or initials, or with pseudonyms the Editor must not necessarily be held to be in agreement with the views therein expressed or with the mode of expression. In such instances insertion only means that the matter or the point of view is considered of sufficient interest and importance to warrant publication. The Denominational position on any subject can of course be defined only by the Conference.

* * * *

The Editor's address is 188 Peckham, S.E.

* * * * * FRENCH HONOURS FOR A UNITED

METHODIST. Company Sergeant-Major J. W. Parkinson, C.S.-M.,

whose name was amongst the first to be placed on the Roll of Honour at Lord Street School, Rawtenstall, has been awarded the Francaise Militaire Medaille and the Croix de Guerre, two high - French decorations, for a very heroic act. During an engagement the enemy put up an intense barrage fire. 'In passing through this fire all the motor ambulances conveying wounded were knocked out of action except the one in charge of Par-kinson. He covered the same ground five times and rescued a large number of wounded, including French officers. On his third journey his fellow driver was shot by his side, and while lifting him into the aml3ulance, Parkinson was hit by shrapnel, and wounded in the thigh and leg. He took two other journeys, and then was too weak to continue. After five months in a base hospital he was summoned to Paris and decorated by General Joffre with the two medals named above.

Will the circuit young people's secretaries in the I.eeds District kindly note that the Rev. R. E. Mansfield is officiating as young people's secretary pro tern. in place of the Rev. R. J. Fletcher, who will shortly leave for Y.M.C.A. work in France. The schedules must therefore be returned to Mr. Mansfield.

• * * THE LATE REV. T. W. MEDHURST.

The Rev. T. W Medhurst, whose death was announced in the press a few days ago, was well known in the Baptist Denomination as Spurgeon's first student. He had reached the age of 83, and was born in the same year as Spurgeon. ' Mr. Medhurst was 54 years in the active ministry and held pastorates in Scotland, Wales and various parts of England. He is frequently men-tioned in Spurgeon's Life, and was a life-long friend of the great preacher. As a youth he attracted the attention of Spurgeon, who urged him to enter the ministry, and promised to give him the necessary tuition. This led Spurgeon to the idea of the Pastor's College. Mr. Medhurst retired a few years ago to Forest Hill, and was a regular attender at our St. James's Church until increasing weakness confined him to his house. He was an appreciative listener, and was greatly in-terested in our church. To visit him was always a pleasure, for he was full of interesting reminiscences. In 1867 Mr. Medhurst, who then had a church in Glas-gow, gave an address on Romanism to a handful of people at his own church. A friend who was present 'kindly offered to pay for it being printed, and about 200 copies were printed. Exactly • 48 years afterwards Mr. Medhurst received a book from America containing a number of addresses on religious subjects, and among them he noticed his address which he had delivered 48 years ago with his name attached to it. On enquiry of the American publishers as to how they had obtained it, it was found that a stray copy of the original address had found its way to America and fallen into the hands of the Committee who were publishing religious pamphlets. They had tried to trace Mr. Medhurst to get his consent, but failing had printed his address and they now enclosed a generous contribution to Mr. Med-hurst. This incident greatly encouraged Mr. Medhurst.

* * * * * MORE WORDS OF CHEER.

A young minister writes us : I will use this opportunity of saying how much we

appreciate the "tome" of our Connexional paper from week to week. Your own contributions -on the great matters that so deeply concern us at the present moment are a real help and inspiration to us. Your other con-tributors do their work well. Mr. Capey's column is always eagerly read as well as "Provincial's " spicy and pertinent comments. I have no doubt you get many discouragements : this is just a word from one of your constant readers,- who is genuinely grateful to you for the paper you so ably edit.

Another young minister says : Let me say how much I enjoy the UNITED METH°-

, IST in these days. You cater for all tastes and men. have especially appreciated your own articles and

those by Rev. John Naylor on H. G. Wells. * * * * *

U.M. ROLL OF HONOUR. SERGT. J. G..OXLADE.

Our Church and Sunday School at Brunswick, New-ington Circuit, London, have suffered a great loss in the death of Sergeant John George Oxlade, who died in hospital at Boulogne on the 5th. Feb. from shell wounds received on Jan. 2nd. Sergeant Oxlade was 24 years of age, a church member, member of the choir, and joint secretary of the Sunday School, in the work of which office he took a keen delight. He was a fine Christian

lad, and gave ample evidence of his love for and faith in Christ. Rev. Percival M. Despres (Wesleyan Chap-

THE UNITED METHODIST. lain), who was in constant attendance upon him during his five weeks of intense suffering in hospital, writes, "All who attended him had grown to love him. We were full of admiration of his noble Christian spirit." Sergeant Oxlade had been twice previously wounded, at Givenchy in May, 1915, and again on the Somme in September, 1916. A very impressive memorial service was held in his honour at Brunswick on Sunday, Feb. 18th, conducted by Rev. G. G. Nicholson (pastor), at which many old friends were in attendance, amongst them being comrades of the late Sergeant from Win-chester and Woolwich.

CORPORAL EDWARD S. MARRS. Many will hear with sorrow that Rev. F. and Mrs.

Marrs have received the sad news that their son, Corporal Edward Stanley Marrs, of the Hon. Artillery Company, was killed in action on February 5th. He was an old boy of Ashville College and had a great number of friends. Many hearts will go out in sym-pathetic thought to Mr. and Mrs. Marrs in this time of sorrow.

PRIVATE CLAUDE TAYLOR. Many will hear with regret that the Rev. John

Taylor, of Pudsey, has received a notification from the War Office that his third son, Private Claude Taylor, Royal Fusiliers, has died from wounds in France on February 11th.

His death has come as a terrible blow to Mr. Taylor and the family. Private Claude. Taylor was a member of our church before he reached his teens: At 18 he was a local preacher and Sunday School teacher, and was always deeply interested in church work. For twelve months .he was in charge of our Rossington Church, South Yorkshire Mission, where his work was much appreciated. A letter received from a corporal in the army says of Private Taylor : "He impressed his fine manly personality on myself to such an extent that he can never be forgotten because he has helped others to live the ideal life."

Many will sympathise with the sorely bereaved ones in this trouble.

PRIVATE W. MITCHELL. At our Bishopston Church, Bristol, last Sunday even-

ing, the pastor, Rev. G. H. Kennedy, referred to Willie Mitchell, who has fallen in action. Two of the deceased's favourite hymns were sung, viz., '"Teach me to live, 'tis easier far to die," and "Now the day is over:" "For all the saints who from their labours rest " was also sung. The Roll of Honour was read over, the congregation standing as the names of those were read who had fallen in battle.

* * * * * PERSONAL.

Bombardier Kenneth' R. Blackwell, R.F.A., younger son of the Rev. J. H. Blackwell, who has had twelve months' active service in France, including the battle of the Somme and has happily come through without a scratch, has been recommended for a commission, and has returned to England for six months' training in a cadet school. He is now enjoying a furlough at home.

Mr. Cecil A. Godfrey, son of Mr. John Godfrey, J.P. our Home Mission treasurer, has just been gazetted captain in the 9th Loyal North Lancashires. Mr. Cecil is a solicitor—Hind and Godfrey, Nottingham—and the circuit missionary secretary of our .Nottingham Central Circuit. He obtained his commission in the middle of 1916, and was sent out to France on August 24th, where he went immediately into the trenches. He has seen some hard fighting on the Somme and in Northern France, but apart from one or two severe shakings from shell explosions he has escaped injury.

Mr. Alec B. Fergie, after serving for a year in France, has gone into training for a commission. He is the secretary of our St. Paul's, Newton Heath, Schools.

The Rev. R. J. Fletcher (Hunslet) leaves this week for service in France with the Y.M.C.A.

The address of the Rev. W. P. Rhodes is B. and C. Institute, N. Camp, Ripon. He will be glad to hear from friends who want him to take an interest in "boys " in the Ripon Camp.

Mr. T. Hulbert, treasurer of our London District and president of the London Church Extension Committee, has been appointed President of the South Essex Sunday School Auxiliary. * * * * * A FABLE FOR THE TIMES. THE BELEAGUERED CITY.

There was once a city which, though its armies were victorious, was in dire straits for food.

The General Officer Commanding and the Civil Authorities knew that it would be revictualled in a certain number of months, but it was doubtful if they had food enough to last till the revictualling.

So they made strict search to ensure that nothing which could be used for food should be wasted.

Soon the General came upon a great store of barley and many barrels of sugar:

'"Thank God ! We are saved," said he. "Here is enough barley and sugar to ensure our safety. We can hold out now till the revictualling. This barley mixed with corn will make excellent Bread, and the sugar will save the children."

"Alas! " said the Civil Authorities, "you are mis-taken. All this barley and sugar is going to be turned into Beer. We dare not touch it."

At these words the General, who was a simple soldier and did not understand politics or agriculture, grew very angry.

"God bless my soul! " said he; "you are not serious? Nobody can be allowed to turn into Beer what might be made into Bread and so save the city ! This is a town of sane people and not a lunatic asylum ! "

'"You evidently don't understand the situation," said the Civil Authorities. "Even when it is a question between Beer and Bread, Beer will win."

"What, in war time, and when famine threatens? Nonsense ! " said the General.

99

"You will find it's true, all the same," said the Civil Authorities.

And so it proved. The barley was not used for Bread. The city fell, and the conquerors drank the Beer.

Moral.—When Beer comes before Bread, the people perish.

'C Ignotus " in the '‘‘ Spectator." * * * * *

SMALLER DISTRICT MEETINGS, 1917. A respected correspondent calls our attention to the

omission of the letter "s " at the end of the word "Committee" in the ninth line of paragraph 3 (c). It is suggested that the members of all Connexional Com-mittees and not the members of the Connexional Com-mittee only should forgo their right to attend the District Meeting next May.

* * * * * MINISTERS' HOUSES AND INCOME TAX. - The Rev. W. T. Haddy writes :

"Many thanks for paragraph from Methodist Re-corder ' re Income Tax on Ministers' Houses. The Charity Claim form is No. 68, not 19. I have been in correspondence with Mr. Thwaites, and he says No. 19 ' was a discrepancy. It might save trouble if you could mention

, this in the U.M.'" * * *

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND DRINK. We are gladto see that Mr. T. Wing: Mr. Galbraith,

Sir Walter Essex, Mr. George Faber, and Mr. Arthur Richardson, all members of the House of Commons, have given notice of a motion—" That the Members of this House request the Kitchen Committee to observe in the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors the same restric-tions as are imposed upon the general public." It is gratifying to note that two of those who give this notice—Sir Walter Essex and Mr. Galbraith—are United Methodists, and another, Mr. Wing, was formerly a member of the Methodist New Connexion Church. The motion is one which a self-respecting House of Com-mons should have no. hesitancy in passing. It ought not to put restrictions upon others which it is not willing to put upon itself.

Waterloo Road Mission, London.

WATERLOO. ROAD, London, has obtained unenviable notoriety during the last few weeks by public discussion in the newspapers as to the great amount of drunken-ness and immorality which is found there, to the great peril of the many soldiers and sailors who are in the neighbourhood and arrive continually at Waterloo Station. Right in the midst of the district, and opposite to Waterloo Station itself, we United Methodists have a strenuous and aggressive mission under the pastoral care of the Rev. S. Gordon, who has taken a very prominent part in the local agitation for increased restrictions on the physical and moral dangers which infest the district.

Our Waterloo Road Church had a fine history in the old Bible Christian times, and its present is entirely worthy of its past. The opportunities for high Chris-tian service are as great here as in any district in Lon-don. Possibly a larger number of troops arrive at and depart from Waterloo Station than any other station in London. The Union Jack Club, the most popular club in London for men in the ranks of both Services. is only a few doors away from the chapel. Our chapel is near the New Cut, the great open-air and shopping market for this poor and densely-populated district. Probably of all districts in London, Waterloo specially needs the light of the Gospel. A member of a recent national deputation to the Board of Liquor Control said that he was very familiar with Paddington, Euston, Victoria and Waterloo districts, but each of the first three was a paradise compared with Waterloo. That is the general judgement of those who know the neigh-bourhood most intimately. In the heart of this district is our United Methodist Church, one of the very few we have in the inner belt of London. Our people there are aggressively evangelistic, with keen and sympathetic interest in the philanthropic and social claims which such a district makes upon all Christians, and they are doing a most admirable work. It is essentially a young people's church and therefore a church with limited means but also a church with a future—a great future if United Methodism rises to the height of its oppor-tunity. Over sixty young people are away in the Ser-vices out of -a total membership of 238. We have a remarkably fine opening for development on broad and aggressive evangelistiC mission lines at Waterloo Road, and the friends there are specially preparing for the developments which must come immediately after the war if United Methodism is to prove worthy of its obligations and opportunity in this district.

A few years ago, in a way which was so remarkable that it was regarded as providential, the chance came for purchasing for £3,000 the freehold of the land on which our church and school premises stand. The friends are now engaged in a .strenuous effort to raise the balance due on that purchase (860), to clear the current account and to 'renovate the chapel. • These objects bring their need and aim up to 1;1,000. They have in hand towards that. amount 1250. Two friends have generously promised another 250 on condition that the effort is completed. Other promises have been re-ceived amounting to about £100. So that the friends need to raise £400 to complete their arduous effort. The undertaking has the warm unsolicited approval of the President, the Rev. T. J. Cox, who knows the church and the needs of the neighbourhood. Gifts will be gratefully received by the pastor, Rev. S. Gordon, 253 South Lambeth Road, London, S.W., or by the Treasurer, Mr. W. Vanstone, 61 Chandos Street, Strand, W.C.

March 1, 1917.

United Methodist Table Talk.

Rye Lane,

100

THE UNITED METHODIST. March 1117

Should the State Purchase the Drink Traffic ?

MR. ARTHITR STEELE writes from Hanley : I wish to state my objeotions to State Control of the

Liquor Traffic. The weakness of the late Government in not following the King's lead makes me distrustful, and the only conclusio; a plain man can. arrive at is that the majority of the men who comprise the rulers of the nation are too fond of the stuff themselves to be the custodians of its sale. Further, the Government have thrust the drink upon the men who have gone to fight for us, and this in the face of the best advice pos-sible not only from the highest disinterested medical authorities, like Sir Victor Horsley, but from Lord Kitchener, Lord Roberts, Lord Curzon, Admiral Jellicoe, and many others. The result of this wanton spurning of this advice, will be—is even now—accomplishing the ruin of thousands of our best young manhood, who previous to joining the Army had •never tasted alcohol, and is reducing the fighting and enduring qualities of hundreds of thousands besides. And what shall we say to the Canadian and Australian mothers whose sons we are deliberately leading to ruin through it? It is to my mind the greatest blot in our conduct of this War. All the other blunders fade into insignificance compared with this.

Why should we be called upon to make sacrifices in food consumption when the Government are wilfully allowing 30,000 tons to be wasted—aye, worse than -wasted? If only the brewers' portion of grain was put to the bottom of the sea we should know the end of it ; but when it is made into alcohol we not only waste this precious food but turn it into a foe which has slain so many lives.

If we had State Control, it is an undeniable fact that the sale will not be diminished. So long as it is on sale, whatever the conditions and hours, it will be bought and consumed, either in the publichouses or carried home. The State can do many things to uplift the nation, but there is no such mighty achievement possible if at one stroke it would for ever banish this curse from the land. You may chain up a vicious dog, but you don't prevent him biting all who may come within the length of his chain—and there are so many weak, silly people who would venture to play with this dog of drink if even he were chained.

Briefly summarised, my arguments in favour of total prohibition are : (1) It is the only remedy for this food wastage, for loss in production in munition works, steel works, shipbuilding yards, docks, and collieries. (2) It is the only remedy to keep our men at the front brave, fit, and strong, and their officers from muddled brains, and it has been proved up to the hilt that alcohol is not only unnecessary, but harmful, even in moderate doses. (3) It is the only remedy that will safeguard the homes the men have left and which the State are morally responsible for until they return. (4) It is the only remedy that will prevent their home-coming being turned into a debauchery. (5) It is the only remedy that will enable the State to confront the ,problems which must arise after demobilization. Sober brains will be needed to adjust the 'present dislocatiOns and .recoup our lost wealth.

As a Christian I cannot favour half, measures. We have temporized with this traffic far too long, and as a Churchman I should fail in my allegiance by not oppos-ing the continuance of this curse that is our greatest enemy.

MR. J. -HARRISON, Morecambe: I am not accustomed to rush into print, but your lead-

ing article of last week pleased me immensely, on the State Purchase of the Liquor Traffic. As teacher in a young men's class seventeen years since I was on the ,look-out for information on all subjects, and I asked one of our ministers what he thought of the State Control of the Liquor Trade. Straight out he answered, "It is born of the Devil." For the moment I was nonplussed, but my mind was not changed, and I still think that any control is better than none. And what can be stronger than the State's? Surely we have had lessons enough on State Control during the last two and a-half years to be satisfied that when the State takes hold it can hold with a very firm grip. I may say, sir, I am not one of the rabid, bigoted teetotallers, though I am a teetotaller of forty-eight years' standing. If a licence were given only where there was a need for one, and withheld by State control where not needed, we should not have the corn-petition by private publicans and hotel proprietors, cater-ing to catch the drinking public, and like all businesses trvinz to make money out of it. And if the spending of £800,000,000 to get this control would bring the desired result, it would be cheap at the price.

A New Department in Life Insurance.

WITH so many matters of absorbing interest to occupy their minds, it may be that the announcement just made by a well-known Insurance Company regard War-time Insurance has escaped the attention of some of our readers. The plan is so attractive that such should write to the Star Assurance Society, (Dept. 11) 32, Moor-gate Street, London, E.C., for full particulars of their new War-time Life or Endowment Policy. Briefly, the plan is to issue a Policy at exceptionally low premiums for the first five years, not participating in Bonuses if such are declared, and thereafter the ordinary premium with full "With Profits " advantages. This plan will undoubtedly commend itself to those who want to make provision for dependents at the smallest possible cost during War and until things settle down.

Our Deaconesses. A Thrilling Offer.

FOR the most part my work as Warden proceeds with quiet, unexciting, steady persistency, broken in upon now and again with the joyous report of a specially-successful mission conducted by one of our Sisters, or by the story of the uplift of a church where one of them labours, or by an incident which tells of some life won-derfully changed and blessed. Continually, too, I am receiving gifts for the Institute accompanied by letters which tell either of great debts due to the Sisters or of ardent admiration of their work. And the gifts again and again represent real sacrifice for the good cause.

A number of times in these nearly five years that I have been Warden gifts promised to the Institute have given me thrilling moments. One such experience was when Mr. W. Mallinson handed me his proposal to help the Sisters' Retiring Allowance Fund by a total gift of Z500-spread over five years. The next was when his son, Mr. W. J. Mallinson, promised to the same Fund £125 spread over five years. Then there was one mid-day when a cheque for £100 for the same Fund from Mr. Joseph Briggs filled my heart with a great joy. After that came the delight of. receiving through Mr.

Mallinson's mediation a gift of £125 from Ald. Sir J. E. Jones, of Rochdale. Last Wednesday I had another thrilling experience when Mr. W. J. Mallinson, who is to preside at our Anniversary evening meeting, most generously promised that he would be responsible for raising at our Anniversary the £144 required to wipe out the debt due to the Bank at the last audit. It is A most bountiful and significant offer, and many will be anxious to help Mr. Mallinson to realize his purpose concerning the Anniversary. Know-ing how enthusiastic and skilful Mr. Mallinson is when he takes a project in hand, some readers will understand that after I had received it I was like a man walking on thin air as I walked from. Hackney Road to my next engagement in Southampton Row. The offer has lifted a great load off my mind.

An Honourable Obligation Follows. But -an honourable obligation follows : (1) We must

help Mr. W. J: Mallinson all we can. (2) I explained to Mr. Mallinson the other parts of the special effort we have in hand to-day—so much for the Sisters' Retiring Allowance Fund and so much to balance the expenditure of the year—and both to meet the conditions of the £125 challenge offers of himself and his father. Our evening Chairman of May 7th expects us to fulfil those con-ditions strictly. A review of our financial position at the moment shows that this means that we have still to raise by special gifts the sum of £266. The raising of that amount will bring us £125 and insure us £144 besides—a total of £269—more than as much again ! Surely we shall not miss such an opportunity ! I appeal to our friends to make assurance doubly sure by send-ing on their special gifts at once and on as bountiful a scale as possible. The above total of £269 means that we need at least £60 for the Sisters' Retiring Allowance Fund and at least £206 for the Help during the War Fund. We have only nine weeks left before the audit, but I am sure. the friends of the Institute will not let us fail for want of sums like these. They have not failed the Institute since it was founded and they will not fail it now. Remittances addressed to me at 25 Bolingbroke Grove, Wandsworth Common, London, S.W., will be gratefully acknowledged.

Still Returning Thanks. Mrs. Smith desires to acknowledge with grateful

thanks the gift of goods for the Ladies' Helpers' League Sales from Mrs. FL Gilbert Whyatt, Grimsby; also £1 from Mrs. Shelley, Harrogate, and 5s. from Mrs. J. Dale, Plymouth..

I desire to acknowledge with hearty thanks the fol-lowing :

For the Sisters' Retiring Allowance Fund : Mrs. But-ton, Harrogate, £1 1s. ; Mr. J. Marshall, Blyth, £5 Ss.; Mr. John Heelis, Bolton, 10s. 6d. ; , Mrs. T. A. Hague, Stalybridge.

For the Help during the War Fund : Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jones, Washington Station, Co. Durham, 5s. ; Mr. J. Marshall, Blth, £3 3s. ; Mrs. C. J. Shipway, Redland, Bristol, 2 2s. ; Mr. John Heelis, Bolton, 10s. 6d.

HENRY SMITH. 25 Bolingbroke Grove,

Wandsworth Common, S.W.

Ministers and National Service.

To the Editor of THE UNITED METHODIST. DEAR SIR,--At this moment there is no position in the

land more precarious and difficult than that of the minister of the Gospel. The nation is in straits, the Church is in straits, but, most of all, the minister. A fair percentage of ministers have determined their share in this unspeakable tragedy by offering themselves as Chaplains. Others have indulged the variant of serving in Camps and Huts for some brief months. A few have ventured to put their hands to some manual toil of direct usefulness in munitions, etc. The most of us, however, are still wondering and wistful as to the course to be pursued, so that in the end we may appear with credit.

Here is the biggest thing of its kind the world has ever known, and which we hope will awaken humanity to such moral sanity as will for ever stablish us in peace here is the nation threatened as we never ex.

pected it to be, with privation, not for want of work or money, but for want of food (and thus is exposed the blighting folly of complacently allowing the land to fall into desuetude because the rich absorbed its profits, or preferred to have. it as a mere hunting-ground); yet in the midst of all this the minister's line is mostly, "Busi-ness as usual."

Up to now England has been comparatively immune from the anxieties and agonies through which nearly every other warring nation has passed, or is passing. Parenthetically it may be said that in missing the disci-pline the nation has missed the character. The nation as a whole has not gained in moral strength. At home we have not snapped our chains. What improvement 'in habits has appeared, has been imposed from without. At last the Premier has issued an urgent and imperative summons to ministers of-religion to prepare the Churches and themselves for a vital and practical participation in plans to save us against famine. We are within hearing of many counsels ; counsels shaded and graded with caution, and more or less tremulous with indecision. What are we to do? It is an important moment. We have already. constituted one paradox not particularly palatable in egging men to fight, at least appraising their patriotism, yet pronouncing it as unbecoming for ministers to enter the trenches. Are we to constitute another? , In this dire hour of the nation's need is there anything to prevent u.s making a venture that directly involves a creative share in What comprises the ele-mentary necessities and ,conditions of life? We are still poring over our books, we are still visiting healthy people, and dealing with episodes common to Church courts, that are 'trivial in sight of the momentous chal-lenge to our future. Would there be any soiling of our vocation, any confusion of ideals, any weakening of efficiency if we plunged into other spheres of toil for the common weal?

While we are wondering how many of us can be spared from our churches, authority tells us that none of us can be spared from those spheres that mean at length bread to the 'hungry; and success to the battle. In our venture, providing it was local, none of our evening organizations need suffer, the sick and bereaved could still be visited, we could still cont;nue our week-end ministrations, while any -earnings that accrued might go either to the Connexion or to the circuits. It might even provide an opportunity .of getting rid of a stigma, long attached, that we are incapable of effort to familiarize ourselves with the stress of a harassed toiler's lot, and prove that we regard the production of bread as part of the sanctity of our faith. We may have been misrepre-sented and misconstrued in the past, but the fact re-mains our prestige in wide areas of humanity is low. What we need, et least, is the opportunity and will to bring ourselves into consistency with all our appraise- - ment of men in the trenchei, whatever be the strain in-volved. This will enable us to "catch the spring" in more senses than one. The intimate touch and associas tion with outward conditions might break up a ground hitherto hard and irresponsive. Above all we want to feel and actually show at all costs we are bound up with all the best interests of the nation, and down to the most elementary. Yours, etc., .

F. BELL.

Burnley (Hanover).—Mothers' Day was recently held. This has come to be one of the most popular Sundays in the year at Hanover. This year the preacher was Mrs. E. D. Thorpe. In the afternoon Mrs. Cuthbert Ellison presided, and an address was given by Mrs. J. D. Robertson. As usual the members of the Mothers' Meeting provided the choir ; the soloists were Madame Jessie Lord and Miss Annie Spencer.

Waterloo Road Mission EFFORT TO RAISE

][ 9000 To extinguish remainder of debt involved in the purchase of the Freehold of the Chapel. When the last Connexional returns

were made the debt was £860.

To keep current accounts clear. . To renovate the Chapel.

In hand ... • .

Generously promised by two friends on condition the effort is completed ... ••• •••

Other promises, about ... ••• Will you help this deserving, vigorous United

Mission in the very heart of • London, please ?

The President, Rev. T. J. COX, unsolicited commends this .appeal.

Donations will be gratefully received by-- Rev. S. GORDON, 253 South Lambeth Road, S.W. Mr. W. VANSToNE, 61 Chandos Street, Strand,W.C.

Longton, Staffs.

£250

£250

£100

Sunday Afternoon. BY REV. ERNEST F. H. CAPEY.

"` I HAD no idea,' says Hester in Miss Cole's Blue Grey Magic that life is so interesting, and to think that we have such a little time to learn, and feel, and think, so much ! I know what Omar means when he says :

"` The Bird of Time has but a little way To fly—and Lo ! the Bird is on the wing."

"Hester gave Toby's cart a push, sending it on ahead, then running. after it with a laugh.

C" Hester, you're frivolous this afternoon,' admonished Miss Raleigh. Fancy quoting the Prince of Pessimists with a laugh! '

"` Well, isn't that how you told me to use . him when you said he would teach me to make the most of the present? '

Lucky girl to find the present absorbing' enough to fill the horizon I ' "•

The Horizon. Not so lucky, I am thinking. If the present is ab-

sorbing enough to fill the horizon, there is something wrong with—the horizon. It is not the horizon which Henry Vaughan saw :

I saw Eternity the other night, Like a great ring of pure and endless light,

All calm, as it was bright ; And round beneath it, Time, in hours, days, years,

Driven by the spheres, Like a vast shadow moved ; In the which the world

And all her train were hurl'el.

"` The things we do in the body,'" writes James Smetham in one of his letters, "our ordinary, everyday actions, are more worthily performed if we live and labour in the light of eternity. I take more and more pains with my painting,' .says one of our Christian artists, just because I live more and more above it. Conscience is better than taste. . . If life is short, if art is long, if the night cometh, more reason why I should flee -from daubing, or haste. Let us get one picture done, round and sound, and see it solemnly launched on its voyager and then let us fit out another on the stocks, lay

The keel of oak for a noble ship Scarfed and bolted,, straight and strong.

With timbers fashioned strong' and true, Stemson and keelson and sternson knee, Framed with perTect symmetry."

* *

It is Enough ? When the late _Lord Sherbrooke, then Mr. Robert

Lowe, was fifty-seven, he attained the height of his ambition in entering the Cabinet. What does he say about it?

"Dec. 5th, 1868. I have this day accepted the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am almost angry with myself for not being more pleased. One gets these things, but gets them too, late. Ten years ago I should have been very differently affected."

Perhaps. But titles and honours and success, let them come early or late, cannot fill our horizon. We are made for something greater than anything on earth, or in Time. God in His mercy will not suffer us to be satisfied with anything less than Himself: Nansen was only twenty-eight 1,vhen, first of all men, he crossed Greenland. "We had reached the goal," he writes, "and what were our feelings now? Were they feelings of triumph or exultation ? For my own part I must con-fess that mine were not of this lofty order ; to no other feeling could I attain than a sense of God's repletion. As for our good, we had been kept waiting too long; there was too little surprise about its eventual attainment for us to give much thought to it."

Always a something 1 Henry Martyn obtained the Cambridge Senior Wranglership when he was twenty-one, and he writes in his diary :• "I have reached the height of my ambition and am surprised to find that I have grasped at a shadow." "Oh! the little birds sang East, and the little birds.

sang West, And I smiled to think God's greatness flowed around

our incompleteness, Round our restlessness, His rest."

Prayer. 0 Thou who carest for every one of us, as if Thou

rarest for hint alone, Thy law is truth, and truth is Thyself. I behold how some things Mass away that others may replace them, but Thou dost never • depart, 0 God, Beauty of all things beautiful.. To Thee will I entrust whatsoever I have received from Thee, so shall .1 lose nothing. Thou madest me for Thyself, and my heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee. Amen.

AUGUSTINE.

Death of Mr. Will T. Brooke.

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March 1, 1917.

THE UNITED METHODIST, 101

WE very much redret to announce that Mr. Will T. Brooke, of Stratford, died on Friday last, February 23rd. We have no particulars as to his death, but the facts that Mr. Brooke had for years lived alone and that an inquest was necessary seem to suggest that he has died alone without medical attendance. He is to be buried to-day (Thursday) at Abney Park Cemetery. Mr. Brooke will be remembered as a true • successor of Daniel Sedgwick, who was the most expert self-taught

hymnologist of his generation. Brooke made his first acquantance with Sedgwick as far back as 1862, and from that date until Sedgwick's death they were at first in weekly, afterwards in almost daily contact. The young city clerk grew up to man's estate and gradually acquired an influence over his friend which no one else possessed and was admitted to privileges from which Sedgwick's oldest and worthiest customers were sternly shut out. Brooke's contributions to hymnology were many and varied. He edited and published much. Among other things he has translated several Latin hymns into English for his Altar Manual. We fear that his last days were greatly burdened with poverty, but to the end he was a gentleman and a sincere Christian. - While not blind to his own shortcomings, he "trusted in the infinite merits of the Redeemer for salvation." His death means the loss of one of our most expert hymnologists. Readers who can turn to our issue of December 30th, 1915, would much enjoy Brooke's personal reminiscences of Daniel Sedgwick given there at page 670.

The Fellowship of His Sufferings.

BY REV. T. A. JEFFERIES, F.L.S.

HEB. II. 16-18 ; rv. 14-16.

(C E. Topics for March 11th.)

Fellowship in Suffering. WE have had several studies recently on fellowship,

and the word is full of brightness and bracing for those who know anything of the joy and power of Christian unity. But we must realize that fellowship, when real, can never be limited to experiences of the joyous kind. It means sharing, and the sharing must apply to life's difficulties as well as its delights.

When therefore we turn to the deeper fellowship between the Christian and His Master we must brace ourselves for all that, it means. It is ours to have His joy fulfilled in us, ours also to know the fellowship of His sufferings.

Christ's Sufferings. How may we have fellowship with Christ's suffer-

ings? It will not help us here to think of Calvary alone, for there we seem to be face to face with suffering that no other can know. Perhaps it is only seeming, but let us go further back. Christ's sufferings came to Him as He pursued His redemptive mission. His coming into this world, His sympathetic appreciation of the burdens of others, His keen sense of the sins that confronted Him at every turn, His indignation at cruelty and injustice towards the weak and young, the indif-ference of worldly minds to higher things, the prostitu-tion of noble powers to petty personal ends, the treachery of friends, the base cunning of foes, and the darkness of His death—all these, and many others added together made up the burden of the Sin-bearer, the burden which He carried, as Peter puts it, "up to the tree." Now in most of this we have sufferings that we can share at almost any time. We have only to follow Christ in a practical straightforward effort to combat evil, and we shall quickly find ourselves struggling with the very things that caused Him pain. The fellowship of Christ's sufferings is not a matter of sitting down and dwelling with sympathetic imagination on His sorrows until the tears overflow : it is to rise and grapple with the sins and sufferings of the world about us, to carry the spirit of Jesus into -life, bearing !n the same spirit all that the world will put upon us and that loving hearts must ever feel in contact with the tragedies of sin. I have nothing to say against the attempt, either in private devotion or in the solemnity of the sacrament of the-Lord's Supper, or in any other sincere way, to realize more fully the debt we owe to Christ. But I do insist that the real fellowship of His sufferings is not found in contemplation but in participation, in actually sharing according to the measure of our ability the pangs He suffered by following Him in the work He did and the life He lived.

Getting Down. • Our lesson tells us that our Lord took hold not of

angels but of the seed of Abraham, that He might be made in all things like unto his brethren. The equiva-lent of this in our case is that we should not confine our efforts to "nice people " but force ourselves to get down to the level of those who need us most. It is a difficult lesson, but it is one of the first elements in sharing the sufferings of the Saviour. Many a church now closed would have been strong to-day if its workers had looked after Lazarus at the gate instead of catering for the nice people who had gone to live in the suburbs; and many a man whose religious life has lost its power would find it come back as fresh as ever if only he would go in the name of Cht-ist to comfort and help some needy souls in the dark corners of the city. Do not suppose that I am speaking now to wealthy and educated folk. This applies to all Christians. It is always repulsive to the- heart where purity and love reign to face the results of evil and get into touch with the degraded, even when they live in the same street. Sometimes, too, the working man needs to "get down " to 'the point of view of his masters, indeed this is a much needed change to-day, and involves the throwing over of a mass of prejudice which will constitute a most real self-surrender. To get out of oneself, to establish real, personal and patronage-free relations with others, to see things from their point of view, to eschew pre-judice and preference, and to distinguish what is due to social custom and training. from what belongs to moral character so as to judge justly and help effectively —this is the first step, and one which will teach us very quickly something of Christ's sufferings. The next step is shouldering the burden, but we have used up our space.

Young People's Topics. BY REV. C. N. MYLNE.

"METHOD OF PRAYER FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS."

Scripture : COL. I. 1-8; PHIL. I. 1-11. (March 11th.)

WE leave our text-book for a week or two, and turn to more personal matters connected with God's King-dom in China.

Prayer for Foreign Missions is the topic; the easiest thing in the world to talk about, but the most difficult thing to understand in practice. We need first to ask what we mean by prayer. It is not merely to tell God about our affairs, nor yet to ask for the things we want and put the name of Christ at the end. Words are not always necessary to prayer, and to practise the spirit of Christ is of greater importance, than to use His Name. The business man- must serve many years before he be-comes expert. The athlete must submit to a severe training and discipline before he is strong and fit. The student must study hard and continuously to obtain the coveted degree, and before we can acquire the power of prevailing prayer, we must put forth strong effort and bring ourselves under severe restraint and discipline. All prayer for Foreign Missions must have two things at least. They are : Petition and Practice. Petition links us with God—the only source of Power. Practice puts forth all its strength to fulfil Petition because God 'requires this before He will answer prayer. Much of our prayer lacks power, because it is so vague and foggy ; there is nothing clear or definite about it. And even when we pray clearly, we fail because we stop when the talking is finished. It is not enough to pray "O God, bless all our missionaries in China! " We should take our United Methodist work in China, and pray' for it in definite parts. Thus, we might divide the work in this way. On Monday we will pray for our work in North China, Tuesday for Ning-po District, Wednes-day for Wenchow, Thursday for the Chinese Churches of West China, on Friday for the Miao, on Saturday for the Nosu and allied races. On Sunday our prayer shall bey for God's blessing on all missionary enterprise in China. But our prayer must be definite; so on each day from Monday until Saturday we take the part of the work selected for that day's prayer, find out which of our missionaries are working there, what are their difficulties and their needs, and bring them by name to God. On Sunday our special petition shall be that God will lead all missionary work into greater unity, and therefdre to greater triumphs. Our prayer will gain in power by being clear and distinct.-

But this is only the first half of Prayer. To be com-plete, Prayer must flow out in Practice. God- will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. A child in the cradle cries for what it wants, but growing older and stronger learns to do a great deal for itself. Our fault

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is that though we need full-length beds, our prayers are cradle prayers, and God does not answer cradle prayers from those of full age: In spiritual things we are not to be babies in arms all our days, but to grow self-reliant, dependent on God only for those things which are beyond human reach.

"Do thy duty, that is best, Leave unto thy God .the rest."

If United Methodist practice was only equal to United Methodist prayer, we should not be compelled to starve our mission work as we do at present. When praying for mission work, let us ask ourselves, "Have I done all I can do for missionary work?" If our conscience answers Yes, then rest assured that the work will be blessed because of our prayer. But if conscience says that we might have done a little. more, worked a little more, given a little more, then, depend upon it, our prayer will be cold and lifeless, it will return to us void. Do not let us insult God by praying for mission work unless we are actively engaged in doing our best to the limit of our ability.

Go into the mill where the looms are at work. Listen to the shuttles, watch how the loom is driven by a band, revolving on the long shaft, linked 1.4) with the engine room, where the great cranks and pistons supply power to all the looms. Behind this power is steam, and back of 'that, the furnace. Let the furnace be cold, and all work is suspended. Keep the furnace hot and all the machinery works, the shuttles fly, and the cloth is despatched the wide world over. Prayer is the furnace of the Church. A praying Church burns, and sends out power in every direction. But a furnace must be fed with fuel or the fire burns low. What shall feed our prayer? Our Scripture passages tell us—thankful grati-tude, and confident faith, issuing in earnest Evangelism, the keynotes of Methodism. Our U.M. Church, more than any other, has cause for gratitude and faith. Our marvellous developments, our phenomenal advance, our boundless opportunities, turn our prayers into anthems of praise. Let gratitude and confident faith feed our prayers, as fire with fuel, while we besiege God with prayer till He bless us, more even than in past days. But Prayer must be emphasized by active, self-denying service, thus making the union of Petition and Practice the basis of future victory both at home and abroad.

Women's Missionary Auxiliary.

Items for this column should be sent to Mrs. Vivian, 49 Windsor Road, Doncaster. and not to the Editor.

Rochdale District. —Mrs. T. Chapman has visited us, and we have been greatly instructed and interested in our Wenchow Mission. We have had laid on our heart again the great need of the Girls' School for an educa-tionist. One speaker remarked at one of the three meetings held how surprised she was no capable teacher offered. It is surprising, truly, when we remember that we have been pleading for this for a year. It is a great privilege to meet our missionaries' wives, and these more or less informal gatherings, when questions are asked and answered in• such a lucid way, are certainly •the right thing in these days.

A new branch has been formed at Smithy Bridge and seems promising. Our latest subscriber is a very old aged pensioner. She has just got her extra allowance through, and desired to give the first half-crown to Missions. F. A.

Wolverhampton.—A very successful meeting of the W.M.A. was presided over Iy Mrs. Price Lewis. Mrs. Dickinson (District secretary) introduced Mrs. Sam Pol-lard, who gave a most interesting address upon the re-ligious and social conditions of China and the great need for more help to be sent to the missionaries to enable them to' carry out their work. Mrs. Pollard also spoke with great fervour as to the need for medical assistance for these people. A good collection was taken and much good will be the result.

Acknowledgement. —Mrs. Brook acknowledges with grateful thanks gifts for abroad from the fallowing : Miss A. R. Cohn, St. Paul's, Guernsey ; Miss Akrill, Lincoln ; Mrs. Kimber, Bristol North ; Anon., for China; "Inasmuch "• Mount Pleasant, Exeter, W.M.A., per Mrs. Wadland; Pembury Grove, London, W.M.A., per Mrs. Prior ; • Leicester Road, Manchester, W.M.A., per Miss L. Webster ; Trafalgar Square, Ashton-under-Lyne, W.M.A., per Mrs. Stewart; and Bethel Church, Dur-ham, W.M.A., per Mrs. Aitchison.

Radiumising the Soil.

PROFESSOR BARTON SCAMMELL, M.S.C.-I., President of the Society for Radiumising the Soil, writes from 35 York Street, Dover : "The effect of electricity on the increased yield of crops has been fully demonstrated by the careful work of Sir Oliver Lodge and Mr. Newman. The action of radio-active matter is, however, more potent and enduring, and it is interesting to note that the radio-active emanation partakes of the character of

'electricity, as witness the change of oxygen into ozone, by their agency. The problem of applying this new force to agriculture has been solved by utilizing the radio-active qualities of coal dust and peat, thus forming fertilisers of greater powers than any hitherto known, and at one fourth the cost of chemical manures. The results already obtained are proofs of the value of this new discovery of science, and copy of the official reports will be sent to all interested."

—The Board of Trade have made an order taking pos-session from March 1st of all coal mines in the United Kingdom,' other than those in South Wales and Mon-mouthshire, possession of which was taken on December 1st last.

1HE UNITED METHOD-ST.

Jottings. " MAN 'has too long been allowed. to regard the world

as his oyster. It is woman's oyster too." Well put, Miss Abadam ! And as true as apt.

"The bread you ate for breakfast was made of grain or flour probably brought from overseas in a ship"— said a National Service advertisement last week. Really? But if it came from overseas it must have come in is ship, unless we have an unknown aeroplane goods service. Evidently a Case of "laying stress on your emphasis," as an old friend of mihe used to say.

This reference to bread reminds us of the quip in last week's "Punch "Lord Devonport's - weekly bread allowance is regarded as extravagant by a lady corre-spondent, who writes, In my own household we hardly eat any bread at all. We practically live on toast."

A correspondent sends me the following extract from a letter just received from a United Methodist soldier :

"Please accept my thanks for the UNITED METHOD-IST. I do appreciate your kindness ; in fact, I quite look forward to its arrival and felt quite disappointed when it missed last week. And when I have done with it quite a number of the chaps read it, and last week they all wanted to know where my weekly chapel paper was."

That will gratify our Editor. At the same time it points out a good use our readers can make of this, journal when they have done with each issue—send it on to some United Methodist soldier or sailor.

That reminds me. A lady speaking in public the other day said that she read the UNITED METHODIST with real pleasure. When it came week by week the first thing she turned to was the W.M.A. column, then the Deaconess column ; then she took the rest in a more or less casual order. Another lady, this time sit-ting at the tea table., said that the first thing in our paper she looked for was the Deaconess column, then the "Happenings " column. She is a nurse in a mili- • tary hospital in France, and she found "Happenings " very interesting now she was away from home. Neither lady mentioned " Jottings" 1 But then, neither of them said she didn't read it, and neither said she didn't like it. So there is hope yet! .

The best story about the late Duke of Norfolk repro-duced just after his death appeared in the "Daily News." "The Duke of Norfolk• went out 'to South Africa with the Sussex Yeomanry. The day this was announced I chanced to meet one of the. Heralds. This is very seri- ous news,' he said, about our Chief, the Duke of Nor-folk." Yes,' I replied, his life is too valuable to be risked in such a cause." Oh ! ' the Herald rejoined, I mean something much more serious than that. I

maintain that as Earl Marshal he must take supreme command of the King's Forces in the field. From the moment he lands at Cape Town Lord Roberts is subject to his command. This is very serious.'" It is a delici-ous story, and casts a flood of light upon the official mind.

Though I know what Oliver Wendell Holmes says about puns and punsters I ,must confess to something of a joy in that elementary form of literature called pun-ning. One of the best bits I have seen lately is found in the "Asterisks" column in an issue of the "Star" last week : "The potato pirates ' referred 'to by a con-temporary are the men who force up the potato pie rates." The next "Asterisk" is nea•-ly as good : "` No U's lost this month,' says Admiral von Capelle. But it's no U's telling us that—we don't believe it."

The " John Bull" placards came out strong last week. "Gag the Old Gang ! By, Horatio Bottomley," said one. "Plot to upset Lloyd George. By Horatio Bottomley," said a second. 'General Election in May? By 'Horatio Bottomley," said a third. Three arti-cles by the redoubtable! Not a bit of it. There was only one article, and the three placards called attention to parts of it. "General Election in May?" occupied 41 lines, say 400 words. The "Plot to upset Lloyd George" occupied just 18 lines, and does not contain enough evidence on which to hang a dog not to say a political party. Yet it gives the title to the whole article and obtained a contents bill all to itself The un- sophisticated- calls a thing like that a fraud. Once more Mr. Horatio Bottomley makes very small piffle go a very long way.

"Artifex" of the "Manchester Guardian, " Is always well worth reading. Recently he has been giving his readers a glimpse into the mind of the soldier. How full of significance is this bit of talk of a soldier boy :

"You wouldn't be afraid. I'm not afraid. Not out there, that is to say. Before I joined I was a coward. Oh, yes I was. You know that. My grumpiness and had manners:was fear. I was afraid of myself, f of other chaps and of life: But I'm not afraid now. Not of life, nor of death, nor of anything else. And I don't pity anyone. Not out there I mean. But it comes back to you here. Sometimes when I am at meals I see the face of the first chap I bayoneted—the chap I told you of. And then I can't go on eating for a bit. It turns me sick."

More frank talk of the same kind follows.

It is a remarkable bit of self-analysis and expressed in vivid and unmistakable language which the cleverest psychologist might well covet. What a world of mean-ing between what the soldier boy is "out there" and what he is "here." What a world of meaning the

words cast- upon the influence of environment and the gregarious. "Out there " that seems natural which here is nauseating. "Out there" in company he can do with comparative ease what "hero" is a haunting terror to him. Kipling embodies the same contrast in his "We sin by two and two, but we pay for it one by one." The act is gregarious, but its consequences are personal. The experience of this simple soldier lad shows how easy may be the doing by two and two, but how real may be the suffering by one and one. There will be thousands of our boys who will come home bringing with them the memory of haunting faces and scenes and that will put a new seriousness and depth into life. I have a nephew in the Army who has risen from the ranks to be caplain. He entered the Army a boy, he comes home a man. His father wrote me the other day : "Charlie has been home again. He seems more serious and staid and silent every time he cames home." Yet I venture to say that "out there" he will be ,exuber-ant with life and talk. When he comes "here" it is different, so different. Ah me! it is very, very signifi-cant.

A quiet but enjoyable discussion has been going on in the 'Under the Clock" column of the "Daily News" about the design of St. George and the Dragon printed on the new L1 Note. One reader, at any rate, will hear no good of the St. George there depicted. " I am thinking that the Dragon would scarcely be satisfied with the unprotected leg of St. George, nor, indeed, with his whole body. For, look you, did you ever see such an anemic-looking individual? Look at what should be his noble chest. Why he wouldn't even pass a C3 test for our Army of to-day."

Pretty severe that. But not so severe as Ruskin's comments on Pistrucci's representation of St. George and the Dragon on the sovereign§ which were in, use in 1873:

"As a piece of mere die-cutting, the St. George is one of the best bits of work we have on our money. )But as a design,—how brightly comic it is ! The horse looking abstractedly into the air, instead of where precisely it would have looked, at the beast between its legs : St. George with nothing but his helmet on (being the last piece of armour he is likely to want) putting his naked feet, at -least his feet-Show-ing their toes through the buskins, well forward that the dragon may with the greatest convenience get a bite at them ; and about to deliver a mortal blow at 'him with a sword which cannot reach him by a couple of yards,—or, I think, in George III.'s piece,—with a field-marshal's truncheon."

This is as spicy and mocking a bit of writing as I know in Ruskin. It will be found in "Fors Clavigera," Letter XXVI., and is followed by a very graphic de-scription of Carpaccio's representation of St. George and the Dragon—a representation so very, very different from Pistrucci's :

"But Victor Carpaccio had seen knights tilting; and poor Pistrucci, who designed this St. George for us, though he would have been. a good sculptor in luckier circumstances, had only seen them presenting addresses as my Lord Mayor, and killing turtle instead of dragon."

I must leave that caustic sentence as my last as nearly as possible. Only the reader will find others as enjoy-able in this, one of the best letters of general interest which Ruskin ever wrote in "Fors."

PROVINCIAL.

Principal H. S. Redfern. To the Editor of THE UNFIT]) METHODIST.

DEAR. SIR,—I have a cheery message, en voyage, from Principal Redfern, which he desires to_ appear in the "Echo." It is too late for March and would be quite belated-in April, so I crave the hospitality of the columns of our ever estimable weekly. The letter is directed from the s. s. "Miyazaki Maru," nearing Capetown, Jan. 10th, and runs as follows :

"DEAR MR. SWALLOW,—We left England Dec. 18th and we expect to reach Capetown in four days' time. After the perils and discomforts of the first part of the voyage, and the long, dreary time of the whole, you can imagine how much we are looking forward to our arrival at our first port. Will you please insert in the Echo ' a word of thanks to all the good friends who have by their kindness contributed towards mak- , ing our furlough (as far as- it was possible at such a time of national crisis) a season of happiness' and refreshment for soul and body.

"As I write I call 'to mind the faces of many old friends, some of whom I have seen perhaps for the last time ; of many hosts and hostesses who by their overwhelming kindness have shown their love of mis-sionary work; of many eager questioners and listeners; and I think of earnest talks with both ministers and laymen about the problems with which we are faced. Mrs. Redfern and I are going back greatly encour-aged, to meet what we know will not be an easy task, by the remembrance that we are being followed by the prayers and good wishes of so many dear friends.

"Yours very sincerely, "H. S. REDFERN."

It is reasonable to hope that the writer and his dear _ones by this time have safely reached Ningpo. Every reader will accept the grateful words as far as they apply, and all will pray for the future work of Principal and Mrs. Redfern.

Yours as ever, J. E. SWALLOW, Ed. "M.E."

March 1, 1V17

Bolton.

'the taniteb tibetbobist. THE WEEKLY 00ORNAL OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Publithist Office : 12 FarrIngdon Avenuo, E.G. Agaves Address : 188 Rya Lana, Peckham, S.E.

" Gag the Old Gang 9 " ■■■•■•■••■••■

March 1, 1917 THE UNITED METHODIST. 103

THIS Ukase has been issued once more by his im-perious majesty, the editor of our most blatant weekly, the man who is always "seeing red" and cannot speak without screeching. It will be perused by hundreds of thousands and accepted docilely as the last word of wisdom. It echoes, as not unfrequently happens in this weekly, the staccato cries of the Northcliffe organs. The cry is part of a deeply laid and ceaselessly pursued pro-ject to abolish democracy and liberty as the ruling forces in these islands and to set up an oligarchy such as Lord Northcliffe and Mr. Horatio Bottomley think they have engineered into being in the present National Govern-ment, and such as they hope to engineer into being when the present Government refuses to follow the path which their mentors think they ought to follow. It is easy to attach too much importance to the wisdom and whims of both these gentlemen, but it is not wise to ignore the mine they are sinking under liberty and democracy with the hope of blowing them into the air. From that point of view alone I want to examine their aims and methods, and the title at the head of this article will serve as well as any other for a starting point.

Mud Slingers Par Excellence. By '"the old gang " is meant the late Prime Minister,-

Mr. Asquith, the late Foreign Secretary, Lord Grey of Falloden (so much better known - among us as Sir Edward Grey), the late Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. McKenna, Mr. Runciman, lately President of the Board of. Trade, and Mr. Samuel, the recent Home Secretary. It is true that Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law were members of the Coalition Government too; but they moved on insulators and carried an aura which preserved them from the surrounding taint, as her white robe and pure face preserved the virgin martyr from the paw and jaw of the lion in the old Roman amphitheatre. They were the two righteous men in Sodom. As for the rest, plots were laid for their over-throw when they were in power, plots which, with the help of Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Bonar Law, inten-tionally or unintentionally afforded, have matured in the way which Lord Northcliffe and his satellites desired. But it is not enough that these former leaders are out of office : they must be hounded out of public life. So their past actions as ministers are misrepresented, their motives are traduced, their characters are maligned. No mud is too vile to sling at them ; no untruth or part ''truth too palpable to be spoken concerning them. It is all very mean and contemptible and nauseating. There is just sufficient fact to give the traducers a seed plot in which to work. Like all mortals, ministers in the last Government made some mistakes; just as the Prime Minister and the War Minister and the Food Controller and the Controller of Agriculture are doing to-day, and just as Lord Northcliffe and •'Mr Horatio Bottomley will do to-morrow, if the country for its sins has to suffer under their sway. But then he who never makes mistakes never makes anything. All doing involves the possibility of misdoing, undoing or imperfect doing. And the risk of all this is multiplied a thousand fold when the country is suddenly plunged into an upheaval of chaos unprecedented in the world's history. It would be a miracle if no mistakes were made under such con-ditions and not even the critics of "the old gang " could have worked that miracle, though they pose to be wiser than ever it is possible for mortal man to be. But they are always wise after the event. The test of a man and of a statesman, is not, "Did he make any mistakes?" but, "What was the trend of what he did? Did it help the nation to meet its difficulties? Did it on the whole show resource, device, courage, coolness, resolu-tion? Did it help the nation to keep its feet, its head and its heart? " There is no doubt what the verdict of history will be concerning the "old gang."

The Gag for Mr. Asquith. But '" the old gang " must be "gagged." Gagged—

mark you, forcibly silenced. That operation must be practiced upon Mr. Asquith, for instance—a man who has held the highest office a commoner can hold and for a - longer time, with one exception, than any other man in our history ; a man with the keenest mastery of the illuminating phrase and the most massive utter-ance among all our public speakers ; a man of discip-lined, trained brain ; a man with an unrivalled experi-ence of public affairs a man of unsullied character and stainless honour ; a man of matchless patriotism ; a man who is a typical Englishman and has vocalized

better than any other statesman the typical British mood about this war and its spirit and aims, in words that will become classical and be passed on to the next generation as a perfect expression of the minds of our people to-day ; a man that dominates the House of Com-mons, as was shown on the opening day of the present session of Parliament, by the sheer force and massive-ness of his brain, his knowledge, his character and his personality. But he belongs to "the old gang," and to that portion of the old gang which is to be—gagged! And by decree of Mr. Horatio Bottomley -and Lord Northcliffe, too ! Out of Bedlam it is all excruciatingly incredible.

What is his crime? What is the crime of his col-leagues? Their crime is that whilst resolutely uphold-ing the authority of Government, whilst utterly pledged to back it up in the prosecution of the war, they do not .say that they will open their mouths wide and see what the Government will send them. They—they who are mere Englishmen—presume to think that they can speak in Parliament, in the very House of Commons to which their constituents have sent them as their representatives. They actually have the presumption to ask questions. They venture to say that they warmly approve of some of the things -it is proposed to do. Worse still, they dare to offer suggestions to the Government. Mr. McKenna—think of it !—called Mr. Asquith "the leader of the Liberal party." That all is done in an entirely patriotic spirit, with courtesy of speech and manner, with a supreme desire to help, makes absolutely no difference. The impudence! cries Carmelite House - and 93 Long Acre.

The Sacrosancts. The fact is, an attempt is being made to create the

idea that the National Government is a government of all the talents, all the potencies, all the possibilities, all the infallibilities, not only of Great Britain but of the Empire and the world. They are the people, and wis-dom will die with them. When they speak let the earth keep silence. When they act, let all the world know that the one right and adequate and unimprovable thing is being done. The only people that have the right to speak are at the addresses given above. The only people that can possibly do better are the same English All-Highests. As for such small people as Mr. Asquith and the rest of the "old gang," how dare they ! The present Government is sacrosanct. Let all bow down and adore and be silent. "Hands off' Lloyd George " is the slogan one of the All-Highests hurtled through the air last week. Soon it will be °Eyes off Lloyd George! " as if he were the -sacred Lama of the Empire. What pitiable, deceitful nonsense it all is ! Mr. Lloyd George is no party to this nonsense ; nor is Mr. Bonar Law. They must loathe the whole thing as fictitious, phan-tasmal, un-British. In their heart of hearts they agree with Mr. Andrew Fisher, the Australian statesman, who "pities the country where public men are allowed to follow their own devious ways without criticism and without caricatures." They know that the very people who now, like those of old, cry "Hosanna! " are as likely as not soon to cry "Crucify! Crucify ! " For with these people "The King is dead; long live the King ! " is the facile rule—so long as they are the King-makers.

" Shut up the House of Commons !" But not yet have we traced the nefarious plot deep

enough. "The old gang " are the representatives of a great tradition. They are exponents and ornaments of the Parliamentary system of Government. That system as we have it in England is not perfect. It is built up on a franchise that is too narrow : more should take part in electing members to the House of Commons, and the bar of sex should be removed. The House should have a larger share in shaping policy, both at home and abroad, and should be taken more into the confidence of the Government of the day. And it has other defects. But with its shortcomings it. is the one medium through which the Democracy can make itself felt in legislation, the supreme means whereby it can approximate to the government of the people by the people for the people, which is its true glory and its high design. And it is this institution, this vehicle of the people's voice and will, that certain men are out, not to amend but to destroy. The best name they can give to it is "the talking shop." Their best use for it is to shut it up.

mons. Its best work is done ; it has enabled us to rout the ratters, to stampede the Stupids—the nation watts to win the war and to win- it before Summer is ended. It is sick of the politicians and disgusted with the talkers and the triflers. Mr: Lloyd George has now enough money to carry on to the beginning of June. Well, give Parliament a good holiday."

There breathes through that quotation a supreme, vehement contempt for Parliament and Parliamentary institutions. The House of Commons is ju't good enough to vote money. After that its duty is to go home and leave governing to a few. What these men are after is the substitution of oligarchic rule for democratic rule, the rule of the few for the rule of the many. They want to Prussianize our Parliament, not to strengthen and enlarge its powers and functions. Lord Morley says that the true question against Ruskin's and Carlyle's school was how to get the rule of the best. Democrats have an answer : it is not the answer given at Carmelite House but the very negation and destruction of it. That is part of the deeper reason for the cry "Gag the Old Gang ! "—they want to cripple, then destroy, our Parliamentary institutions.

Liberty at Stake. But the deepest reason of all, the reason that goes

to the very root of all this cry against Parliament and all this imperious talk about using the gag is that these people are out to destroy British liberty as we have known it increasingly in this country for these last three hundred years. They attack Parliament ; but Par-liamentary freedom and civil and religious freedom are bound up together indissolubly. Gladstone, probably the greatest statesman England has ever had, was in no doubt on this point :

"I am deeply concerned that among us all systems, whether religious or political, which rest on a principle of absolutism, must of necessity be, not indeed tyranni-cal, but feeble and ineffective systems ; and that methodically to enlist the members of a community, with due regard to their several capacities, in the performance of its public duties, is the way to make that community powerful and healthful, to give a firm seat to its rulers and to engender a warm and intelli-gent devotion in those beneath its sway."

Again :

"It is a great and noble secret, that of constitutional freedom, which has given to us the largest liberties with the steadiest throne and the most vigorous execu-tive in Christendom."

The antidote to the Northcliffe poison was provided long ago in that great pamphlet, the greatest perhaps in the English language and one of the noblest pieces of English prose, Milton's "Areopagitica." Would that it were read and pondered as it deserves to be in these days ! Liberty for Milton is

"the nurse of all great wits; this is that which hath rarefied and enlightened our spirits like the influence of heaven ; this is that which hath enfranchised, en-larged and lifted up our apprehension degrees above themselves. . . Give me the liberty to know, to utter and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties."

Your modern plutocrat, your modern megalomaniac, your to-day's aristocratic anarchist meets all that with the gramophone cry "Gag! " Liberty to know, to utter, to argue freely according to conscience? Moonshine.! Well, I for one am content to wait to see whether it is so or not.

"In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible Knights of" old: We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held."

If men were asked whether the future lay with the ideas of the Northcliffes and the Bottomleys or with the ideas which Shakespeare and Milton and Wordsworth vocalized and our fathers died to bring into the realm of civil, national and religious life, there is no doubt what the answer of the overwhelming majority would be. But "the price .of liberty is eternal vigilance," and we shall do well to be on the alert when these enemies of democracy, of a free people and a free State drop their poisoned sweets, Prussian-like, in English lanes and streets and homes. Whoever cries either " Gag the Old Gang ! " or " Gag the new Gang 1 " is an enemy of all that is noblest in the achievements of English national life in the past, and of all that is most potent for the richer, fuller and nobler life of England in the future. These birds of the twilight and of the night thin) they will destroy England's historic freedom. But, in the noble words of Milton,

"Methinks I see in my mind a noble and puissant nation rousing herself like a strong man after sleep and shaking her invincible 'locks ; methinks I see her as an eagle mewing her mighty youth and kindling her undazzled eye at the full midday beam, purging and unseeling her long-abused sight at the fountain itself of heavenly radiance ; while the whole noise of timorous and flocking birds, with those also that love the twilight, flutted about, amazed at what she means, and in their envious gabble would prognosticate a year of sects and schisms."

HENRY SMITH. "If the partisan pettifoggers of the Opposition make

trouble, I would . . . shut up the House of Corn-

" Grow More Food." THE Prime Minister's wish that as many as possible

should use their gardens and any allotments they can secure for growing more food received impressive signifi-cance in the speech which he made in the House of Commons on Friday afternoon. • About 70 or 80 per cent of our important food stuffs came from abroad, he said, and at the moment our stock of food was low, lower than it had been for years. That was largely due to the bad harvest, not to submarines ; but it was es-sential for the safety of the nation that we should put forth every effort to increase the production this year. There were only a few weeks left for the spring sowing, and it was urgently necessary that farmers and others should be induced to hisrease the area under cultivation at once, otherwise we might have to choose between diminishing our military efforts, which would be dis-astrous, and under-feeding the population. This choice Germany had had to make, and she had chosen rather to under-feed her population than to diminish her mili-tary power and strength. It was a choice we wished to avert if we could—and we could.

It will be remembered that one of the ways in which Mr. Lloyd George's letter, published in these columns last week, suggested that this might be done was by each one growing potatoes and other foods as exten- sively as possible. There are signs that this idea is being taken up with enthusiasm in the Free Churches. The pastor and congregation of a large church in the North of London have taken an allotment, and bands of workers by rota are already preparing the land for culti-vation. At our Lloyd Park Church, London, the Hall has been given over to the meetings of a local horti-cultural society at which practical talk and expert guid-a-nce—a very vital point in all local schemes—are given as to what best to grow and how to grow it in the three different kinds of soil found in the immediate neighbourhood. The Hall in connection with our Car-shalton Church is also being used for a series of lectures by practical experts in promotion of the policy of growing, more food in the immediate neighbourhood. And we doubt .not that up and down the denomination steps have already been taken to meet what is a really grave and hazardous condition of things in regard to our national food.

It will be a great comfort to many that the brewing of beer has been cut down from the pre-war total of 36,000,000 barrels to 10,000,000, with a resultant saving of 600,000 tons of food stuffs and of many thousand of shipping tonnage; The immediate result is the saving of a supply of food equal to the nation's requirements for a month. But one wonders why the ten million bar-rels of beer are still allowed to be brewed and to that extent to increase the peril of shortage in the nation's food. On the ground of logic it is absolutely"' inde-fensible. On the ground of national policy it is crimi-nal. We refer our readers to the "Fable for the Times " found on our Table Talk page. It puts the case irrefut-ably and finally and one wonders how statesmen can go on playing with a position which on their own show-ing is of the very gravest kind and involves the possi-bilities of a hunger for women and children that would be a disgrace to our Government and to Parliament and to the whole nation, besides being a crime against the Commonwealth. Mr. Lloyd George said on Friday, "The situation calls • for the -gravest measures. If we take drastic measures we can cope with the peril. Unless we do it means disaster." Yet good food is still to be destroyed to foster not a necessity but- an indulgence. It would be more economical to pay the brewers to give over brewing than to go on destrciying food. But, as we said last week, if the Government fails in its duty the people must show themselves to be even more patriotic than the Government. We must all do our utmost to do as Mr. Lloyd George says and not as Mr. Lloyd George's Government is doing.

Departed Friends. Mr. Frederick Howe, Southport. •

Our Manchester Road Church, Southport, has sus-tained a heavy loss by the death of one of its members, Frederick Howe. At one period, when manager of the Stamford Mill, he resided at Lees and he and his family attended our Zion Church and took part in various forms, of church and school activity. About four years ago he made his home in Southport and became a generous friend of our Manchester Road Church. For many months he had been in the grip of an incurable. disease. It never mastered his spirit. He was patient, cheerful, and heroic. Long before the end, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 11th, he rejoiced with exceeding joy in the hope of eternal life. The funeral service was held in Zion Chapel, Lees, and was conducted by Rev. W. Lacon Tonge (Southport), who -gave an address. Rev. J. Hibbert (Lees) took part. The interment took place in Lees Cemetery.

Father and Son. As already intimated in our column, Guernsey

(Salem) has sustained recently great losses in the per-sons of John and William Ingrouille, father and son. An appreciation, with portrait, of the latter will appear in the "United Methodist" Magazine. John H. In-grouille was a member of Salem for 60 years, and to him and a faithful few of the old days the present strength of the church and circuit is largely due. Both father and son served the circuit in almost all possible offices with great fidelity. The father fell on sleep after a calm and bright eventide at the ripe age of 91 years, full of honour and rich with the love of all who knew him. As a last act of kindness he left a legacy of £100 to the Salem Church. The son, unhappily, was cut off in the zenith of his strength. He was an honoured local

104

THE UNITED ikit:THODIST. March 1, 1917.

preacher, and will be missed sorely by all the Churches. He enjoyed health until about three weeks from the end, during which time he 'suffered as he lived, a. true Christian gentleman. He died on Dec. 19th last, just one month after his beloved father. He leaves three daughters and two sons to mourn his loss.

Mr. Wm. Adams, Birmingham. The church at Bordesley Green, Birmingham, has

sustained a great loss in the passing of Mr. William Adams. Originally belonging to the Church of England he has worshipped with our people for the last twelve or fourteen years,. though he could never see his way to joining us in church-membership. Often has he -related how, continually passing the chapel, the words "Bible Christian " impressed themselves on his attention and were The means of his allying himself to us. For some years he led a Bible Class on Sunday afternoons in our chapel, and was a staunch supporter of any work that had for its object the leading of men and women to live better lives by the power of the Gospel of Christ. By his industry and attention to business he had achieved success in commercial life and being of simple habits and of broadminded denominational views, he was enabled to help in a generous manner not only our own' church, but other churches in the neighbourhood and many philanthropic causes. His loss will be felt as a teacher of the highest things. His one great theme fas righte-ousness by faith in Christ, and on this he insisted even to the point of wearying some by his persistence. None could ever doubt his sincerity ; and many of those who have come into contact with him are more 'robust and living more, strenuous Christian lives and have a clearer conception of the Scriptures through having known him. He was of a very active disposition and after only a few days' illness he passed into the beyond on Feb. 10th, in his seventy-eighth year. Rev. A. C. Phillips

-'(minister-

in-charge) conducted a memorial service at Bordesley Green- on the following day week.

Our Publishing House. DEAR MR. EDITOR,—To a few business items I wish

to call attention : New Issues.—We have just issued two important

booklets : (1) " Guide to Church Membership," with Church Certi-

ficates, prepared by Rev. J. B. Stedeford under the authority of Conference. Price one penny.

(2) "Our Church," by Rev. E. C. Urwin, B.D., under the authority of the Young People's Committee. Price 10. In the hand of ministers and church officers these booklets should be of immense service in the way of preparation for church-membership on the part of adults and young people. Every church should possess itself with a supply of each of these useful booklets.

(3) "Hymn. Sheets for special occasions "—a four-page sheet of 14 hymns suitable for gatherings of Christian workers. Price 1s. 6d. per 100 -net. This replaces a . four-page sheet much out of date.

Circuit Numerical Schedule.—As in past years this Schedule is being despatched this week in the parcels of the superintendent ministers. To those superin- tendents who do not take parcels it is being sent through the post. If any superintendent minister does not receive it within the next 10 days he must communicate with me.

Two Circulars—(1) National Service, (2) Auxiliary Fund.—Under instructions from Revs. Dr. Packer and G. Parker we are-sending this week to all- ministers in active service. the above-mentioned_ circulars in one cover.

Extra Cost for Paper-2,000 Shilling Fund.—To the present hour 1,185 shillings have been received. To

-cover the expenses of circulars and postages and leave '100 balance

' -925 shillings are still required before

March 31st. Four of our lay brethren have sent us 2G2 2s. each—most encouraging contributions. There are still multitudes of our readers who in these diffi-cult days could not do as much, but who could at least send us something. We are the more anxious because beyond March we have to face a -still further increase in cost of paper, even if we are fortunate in securing a supply at_ all, and it would be such a real. advantage, in facing future difficulties, to feel that for this year, closing on March 31st, we had met the increase.

Soldiers' and Sailors' Companion and Diary Pocket Book.—We have: still a supply of this very useful book. Dr. Kelynack says it is an ideal souvenir for the men at the Front. • Something which those on active service and still in training will appreciate and find of value. The volume is small and compact and just the size for the pocket. We should be glad to have the stock cleared. Single copies is. 3d. net, by post is. 5d. Six or more copies 1s. 3d. net, post free.

Yours cordially, HENRY HOOKS, Steward.

12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C., February 26th, 1917.

Educate in Temperance.

MR. E. W. LUKEY writes : Would it be worth while- for the powers that be to

bring pressure to bear upon the Government to initiate and carry through a publicity campaign in relation to Temperance? Temperanc eis taught in the schools : Why not to the nation? Why consider what we can save op travel, amusement, clothes, and food and not on drink? The Government is afraid to prohibit at the moment. Anyhow, it might 'not be -afraid to educate.

For Our Boys and Girls. , LEAVES.

A FEW weeks .ago I opened -a letter addressed to me which contained a photograph on which were written these words, "With love from baby." It was so good a photograph that I wondered however baby had man-aged to be so still. Whenever I have my photograph taken—which is very rarely—the photographer-has gene-rally to have half-a-dozen shots at it, and then finds some difficulty to make anything of me. When I see other people going to have their photographs taken I usually feel sorry for the people ; when Z. go,' I feel sorry for - the photographer.

'Passing a house the other day I heard a voice that I recognized to belong to a - little girl I know very well, about two years of age, shouting at the top of her voice, "I will, I will, I won't, I will." Peeping Over the wall I saw her mother trying to take her photograph. She stood her on a chair, sat her on it, laid her on a cushion, sat her on a cushion, offered her toys, but all to no purpose. Baby simply refused to have her photograph taken. She was like another little girl I know who has a habit of climbing on the table when she should not. One day father gave her permission to climb on it and she would not. How contrary we like to be.

It is delightful to have our photographs taken oc-casionally, to give to our friends when we are leaving them, or to have photographs of them when they are leaving us.

I wonder have you ever imagined that leaves can take photographs.

I was telling you some time since something about leaves. 'How that they are the mouths of trees and plants. Perhaps some of you - can tell how much of a tree or a plant has come out of the ground and how much out of the air. Make a bonfire sometime of a dried shrub and -after the burning notice what is left. The ash that is left is the only portion of the shrub that came out of the earth. Leaves serve many won-derful purposes. In the spring of the year the coming leaves act as covers to the young buds. Just as our bed-clothes when we go to "blanket fair " keep us warm, so -the leaves wrapped together in various and interesting ways protect the young buds until they are strong, when the leaves unloose their grasp of each other arid let the buds get out'of their snug beds. The hyacinths, tulips, daffodils.are good examples of 'what I mean. You can also find out for yourselves the three different kinds of leaves there are according to the ways their veins run. But I want to tell you about leaves taking photographs.

At a large gathering of boys and girls some few years since a rather novel incident took place. The Lord Mayor of a large city was addressing them, in a public' park. To do so he stood just in, front of a tree with the sun shining directly on him. After the ceremony a wise man went and plucked a few leaves from off the tree under whiCh the speaker had stood. He took them home and made a few experiments. Later he gave a lantern lecture and showed a number of photographs he had got from the leaves he had plucked. And one of them was - of the Lord Mayor. Everybody who knew him could -recognize his photograph as taken from the leaves. The very links in the 'chain of office that he wore could be seen.

It seems that the rays of the sun carried the image of the Lord Mayor on to the leaves and they received his impression. Of course nobody could have seen it by-just looking at the leaves.

That probably often happens. When we do a kind act or a naughty one the very leaves and indeed the very walls take an impression of it, and if we cannot see the impression, God can.

There are many eyes peeping at us to see the good deeds we do and many ears to hear the kind -words that we say, and otherwise. If God needed to be told (He does not) the very walls and leaves would tell Him about us. Let us always live whether at home, at school, or at play when we are having heaps of fun, to please Jesus. Then all will be well with us. E. W.

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22nd Annual Meetings.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCHES.

City Temple, London, E.C., Tuesday, March 13th. President, PRINCIPAL W. B. SELBIE, M.A., D.D.

MORNING, SESSION, 10 O'CLOCK.

Dr. Selbie's Inaugural Address, Rev. J. H. Shakespeare's Review of his Campaign, Election of Committee, Public questions dealing with the Drink Traffic, National Service, War Savings and Food, Free Churches and the War etc.

Speakers.—Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Compton-Rickett, P.C., M.P., Revs. Dr. Clifford, Dr. Chas. Brown,' J. E. Rattenbury, R. C. Gillie, Principal A. E. Garvie, J. Tolefree Parr and Mrs. Geo. Morgan.

AFTERNOON SESSION, 2.0 O'CLOCK.

Secretaries' and Treasurers' Reports, Women's Auxiliary Report, Nomination of Officers, and other necessary business.

Speakers.—Rt. lion. Walter Runciman, M.P., The National Duty of Churches ; " Rt. lion. T. R. Ferens, M.P., R. Murray. Hyslop, Esq., J.P.. Mrs. Frean, Rev. Dr. J. Monro Gibson, Thos. Nightingale, E. Aldom French, Dr. Scott Lidgett, Dr. F. B. Meyer. and Mr. Beddoe Rees. •

EVENING, 6.30 O'CLOCK.

GREAT DRINK PROHIBITION DEMONSTRATION. Speakers.—Dr. W. B. Selbie (Chair), Dr. C. W. Saleeby, Revs. S. W. Hughes,

A. T. Guttery, and Arthur Mee, Esq.

At the Morning and Afternoon Sessions seats will be reserved' for delegates and personal members, but accommodation will be available for members of any of the Free Churches, and the general public, without tickets.

At the evening demonstration seats will be reserved for delegates and personal members, and there will be reserved seats in the body of the City Temple, tickets price One Shilling. At this meeting the remainder of the seats will be available for the general public, admission free. Further particulars of— Rev. F. B. MEYER. B.A., Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, E.C.

March 1, 1917.

THE UNITED METHODIST. 105

For Our Teachers. BY REV. E. C. URWIN, B.A.', B.D.

HINTS ON THE. INTERNATIONAL LESSON, MARCH 11th, 1917.

JESUS. THE BREAD OF LIFE.—John -vi. 40.

The BibliCal material for this lesson, a discourse of Jesus given in the style so characteristic of the Fourth Gospel, is such that teachers must make a good deal of independent preparation, being content • to take the cen-tral idea of the passage, Jesus as "the Bread of Life," and illustrate that from other sourzes. "How John found Jesus satisfying his heart's need" is the point of view from which to approach the lesson.

Hints for Teachers' Study. (1) We found last week that the miracle of the feed-

ing of the five- thousand is the one certain case in which John departs from his usual habit; and records something already told in the Synoptic Gospels. But a leading characteristic of the Fourth Gospel reappears in the fact that he appendS to his account of that miracle and its sequel the walking on the sea, a long discourse given by Jesus at Capernaum to many of the very people He had fed at Bethsaida. Thee circumstances under which this occurred are very graphically set forth in ch. vi. 22-25–, with all the marks of first-hand evi-dence. The course of events appears to be as follows. On the morning of the day following the stupendous sign, the multitude, still at Bethsaida, looked for Jesus and His disciples, having observed that Jesus had not gone with His disciples, but that they had departed without their Master. Only one boat was left at anchor-age, and that was evidently not the disciples'. Where then had the Lord gone? The arrival of a fleet of fish-ing boats in all probability, perhaps driven in by the same storm which had so harassed the disciples, gave many of the crowd an opportunity of going to Caper-naum to find if He had by any means come thither. Finding, to their astonishment, that He had already ar-rived there, they ask : Master, how? i.e., by what miraculous power hast Thou transferred Thyself hither?

(2) The discourse which follows, broken by querulous and incredulous questions of the hearers, styled "the Jews" as so often in the Fourth Gospel, to represent those antagonistic to Jesus, may be conceived as partly taking place on the seashore at Capernaum, and later, as vi. 59 informs us, in the synagogue there. The spirit of antagonism and controversy with which it is -received already marks the changed temper and atti-tude to Jesus since His firm rejection of the attempt to make Him King.

(3) Teachers should make an earnest effort to analyse the discourse, and to summarize its leading ideas. The following scheme may help provisionally : (a) Vv. 26-34, a distinction is made between material bread and the Spiritual Bread. The former perishes; the latter gives eternal life. (b) Vv. 35-50, this Spiritual Bread is identified directly with Jesus Christ, "which came dawn out of heaven.' (c) Vv. 52-59, the identification is made more complete in defining it as consisting in the giving of His body and the outpouring of His blood. Note the results of the discourse upon many of the dis-ciples of Jesus (vv. 60-71). But the words of Peter in v. 68 show that the meaning of Jesus was not quite lost ; the twelve felt that He only had the words of eternal life, the soul's sure support. Incidentally note that this confession of Peter in vv. 68, 69, is the Johan-nine counterpart of the famous confession of Caesarea Philippi, Mk. viii. 29, etc.

(4) Finally a most important point of interpretation arises in connection with this famous discourse. From very early times Christian scholars have been struck by the broad similarity of the teaching of Jesus of Himself as the Bread of Life with the thoughts to which He gives expression in the institution of the Lord's Supper in the Synoptic Gospels (Mk. xiv. 22-25, Mt. xxvi. 26--29, Lk. xxii. 18, 20). This is especially apparent in the thought of Jn. vi. 53-56, where Jesus speaks of "eating His flesh and drinking His blood." The clues: tion therefore arises : In Jn. vi. is Jesus thinking of His own death so long before it occurred, and of the Lord's Supper which He instituted to commemorate it? It is interesting to observe that this is the nearest to which the "Fourth Gospel gets in mention of the Lord's Supper, for in Jn. which are all concerned with the events of the Upper Room, the record is very different from that of the Synoptics. The suggestion is therefore made that in the discourse of Jn. vi. 26-59 Jesus is seen, a year before it actually took place, antici-pating His death, and declaring it to be a necessity for the quickening of men, so that in His death men will find Him to be the Bread of their Life, "broken" for them. Whether we can go further and say that there is also an anticipation of the Lord's Supper, intended as a perpetual symbol of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord, is by no means so certain. But at the same time, if we would approach the true explanation of the strange discourse of Jn vi. we shall find it in the e circle of ideas which Jesus gives expression to in more developed form in His Last Supper with His disciples.

Hints on Teaching. (a) Junior Classes. •

(1) A brief talk about, say, our present national short-age of food will serve to revive interest in the subject of last week's lesson, which is the starting-point of the present one. We are learning the necessity -se-if making a little go a long way. And if someone came who could miraculously increase our food supply we should be in-clined to make him at least Prime Minister. But that was what Jesus did for the hungry five thousand, and

so we are not surprised at what John tells us, that the people came and wanted to force Him to be their king. That was why Jesus sent the disciples away, and Himself went up the mountain to pray.

(2) But that was not quite the end of the story. For John, unlike the other Gospel writers, is very fond of giving us the things Jesus said after one of His great miracles, and he does so here. The next day, he says, finding that Jesus and His disciples had disappeared, many of the crowd crossed the lake in boats to find Him.

.When they did find Him, they could not understand how it was He 'had, managed to get there, and they began to question Him. "But why do you come after Me? " said Jotsus. "Is it because I broke the loaves and fishes? I can give you better food than that, I can give you food for your souls." "Whatever does He mean?" said the Jews. "Can He do more than Moses did for our fathers, when he gave them manna in the wilder-ness?" "Yes! " said Jesus, "I can. I can give you Myself.. I am the true Bread, the Bread of Life, whom God has sent to you to give you life. If you will- only believe in Me, you shall live forever ! " -

(3) Now what did Jesus mean? Hardly anyone seemed to know, and perhaps even John and the other disciples could not quite understand . just then. But some time after, something else took place which made it all plain. Jesus was put to death, and after it was all over the disciples -remembered that the night before it happened they had supper for the last time with Jesus, and again He broke bread, and passed round a cup, and said, "This is My body, broken for you. Take, eat ! This is My blood, shed for you ! Drink ye all of it ! "

(4) Did Jesus really mean the disciples were eating His body and drinking His blood? No, but rather something like this : that just as the things we eat and drink feed our bodies and help them to live, so if we take Jesus into our hearts; love Him, and make friends with Him, He will keep our hearts good, and pure and true. And even to-day Christians all over the world like to remember this, and sometimes they gather to-gether in the 'same way that the disciples gathered with Jesus in the Upper Room, and break the bread and drink of the wine as though they were eating Christ's body and drinking His blood, and so remind themselves that Jesus is "the Bread of Life."

(5) We call this the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and some wonderful stories could be told of people keeping that sacrament in strange places. Tell the story of Sam Pollard and Frank Dymond, in Chao-tung, when the latter wa.s expected to die of small-pox, keep-ing the sacrament in the little back bedroom of their Chinese house with the biscuits and tea for bread and wine; and of the two Christian soldiers in France about to go into battle who sought out their Chaplain and asked to have the sacrament, and all three going be-hind' a bush, with only a crust of bread, which the Chaplain broke into three, and some cold water, and there.holding their sacrament to remind them that Jesus Christ was the living Bread.

(6) Remind the children that perhaps when they are older they may be able to take part in that wonderful service. But -even now they can take Jesus into their hearts, and be friends with Him, and only so can they live the best life possible !

(b) Senior Classes. (1) Begin, though presenting it slightly diffPrently,

with the same idea as in the Juniors, that the present-day .circumstances are revealing how important for the sustenance of our bodily life is the food we eat. Lead up to the consideration that the question of the sus-tenance of our spiritual life, thought, feeling, and will is even more important.

(2) Show that this was probably in the mind of Jesus in a discourse recorded by John after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Narrate, briefly, the cir-cumstances, and show how apposite is Jesus' description of Himself as "the Bread of Life." John, for example, when he wrote his Gospel, must have felt it to be true, for he had kept his soul alive only by taking Jesus into his heart.

(3) Remind the class of the wonderful and historic service of the Christian Church, in which this truth is set forth in an acted parable. Recall the Last Supper, at v. hich our Lord instituted _this way of remembering Him, and show how Christians ever since have felt it a privilege as well as .a duty to keep this service of memory of Jesus Christ, "feeding on Him in their hearts by faith." The two illustrations in the Junior Notes, par. 5, might be used, as well as Bernard of.Clairvaux's hymn, No. 732 in the U.M.F.C. hymn book, "Jesus, Thou Joy of loving hearts."

Victory and Death. And other Poems. By Mildred Low. (Elliot Stock; is. net.)

Five short poems suggested by the War. The verses inspired by the Collect for Peace will indicate Miss Mildred Low's quality :

"0 God, the Author of our peace, Whose service perfect freedom is,

There standeth our eternal life, In knowledge of Thy mysteries.

"Thou lowest concord, yet we strive! Forgive Thy servants' many faults !

Defend us now, we humbly pray, In all our enemies' assaults.

"That through the might of Jesus Christ, Thy people in the darkest hour,

May surely trust in Thy defence, Nor fear the adversaries' power."

EVERYONE SHOULD READ

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106

Our Magazines for March. THE Editorial Notes of the "United Methodist

Magazine" deal with "The Itew World Order and Its Builder." Many admirers of Mr. M. G. Burgess will be glad to read the Rev. John Austin's sketch of him, and those who have not the pleasure of knowing Mr. John Rounsefell, M.A., B.Sc., the Head' Master of our Shebbear College, will be charmed as well as informed by what Mr. G. P. Dymond says about him. The biographical notices of Mrs. M . Mordey, the Rev. S. T. T. Tomlin, Mr. John Hughes, Mrs. Inger and Mr. Edwin Brown will be prized by all who knew these friends whose passing has left the United Methodist Church much poorer. With his usual incisiveness and insight the Rev. James Ellis discusses the social service of the efficient church. All lOvers of literature will read with pleasure- Miss S. Gertrude Ford's informing article on "Some Tendencies of Modern Poetry." The Rev. G. W. Stacey still continues to provide real "Manna for the Month." His first Sunday's portion on "A Changed • Tense " is specially suggestive. Many will regard Marcus and Violet Warrener's third contribution to the story of "The House of Transformations " as the very best so far, and quite a number will be delighted to recognise the prototype of Phoebe the Seer. Mothers in the home will be refreshed by Mrs. Brooks's article on "The Ravell'd Sleave." Toilers alike in north and south will be interested in the Rev. R. H. Colwell's illustrated article on "Life in a Pit Village." "The Fellowship of Books " is as usual lively and helpful. " Our Children's Portion " and' "The Denominational Outlook " complete an excellent number.

There are two fascinating articles in the "Missionary Echo " for this month which no one should miss—"The Fifth Moon Festival," by the Rev. Alfred Evans and "WA Miao Quarterly Meeting," by the Rev. W. H. Hud-speth. They give one a vivid insight not Znly into missionary work in South-West China but into the thoughts of our native missionary workers there. Note should be specially taken of the statement in "Through the Secretary's Field-glass" that through the difference in the exchanges an English sovereign is now worth a third less than before the war, which of course means that we ought to raise a third more for our Missions in China if we are even to maintain the work on its present limited scale. Miss S. Gertrude Ford has a characteristic poem on "Missions in War Time." "Our Women's Auxiliary" pages are al ways interesting, but are made specially so this month by Mrs. Wake-field's story of "An American's Visit to Meru," and Miss Ethel Squire's "Reflections." The Rev. Edward Eves writes in a pleasing way for young folk on "The Missionary Barrel," and the Rev. John Hinds tells the story of "Christmas at Tong Shan."

Drink versus Bread. To Me Editor of THE -UNITED METHODIST.

DEAR MR. EDITOR,—The reading of your editorial in this week's UNITED METHODIST on the importance of growing more food stuffs, reminds me of .when nearly forty years ago I attended a great meeting held in the Steam Plough Works at Hunslet, Leeds. The then Duke of Argyll was the speaker, and stated in his address that someone had said, "He who makes an extra blade of grass to grow is a benefactor to his country." Now, I should like to ask, if this statement be true, what shall we say of the man who destroys that blade of grass? Is it going too far to take the opposite of such a statement and designate that man as a curse to his country, so far as that particular act of destruction is concerned? What is the use of growing more corn for the people if my neighbour comes along and buys it to make it into liquid poison? It is not the brewer alone who is to blame, but the buyer and the drinker, for if there were no drinker there would soon be no brewer. That there is no need to drink intoxicating

:liquor I have proved for myself, having lived eighty years without it ; and still am enjoying the best of health.. There is as much food destroyed in the making of- alco-hol as would provide a 21b. loaf of bread for every family in the United Kingdom six days a week, that is if it were all in wheat. In conclusion, may I repeat my qUery : What'is the use of one class of men growing food for the nation if another class is to spend its time in destroying it? WILLIAM BOYES.

Leeds.

RADIUMISING THE SOIL. MRS. LYLE, of Reading, writes . " The early turnips and

carrots grew to an enormous size; the cauliflowers became giants. . . ,"—Send stamped addressed envelope for pamphlet to Professor BARTON SCAMMELL, M.S.C.I., President of the Society for Radiumising the Soil, 35 York Street, Dover.

THE UNITED METHODIST.

News of Our Churches. All communications sent by the halfpenny post for this

page should bear on- the outside, distinctly written, the words "News for the Press,"• and should be directed to "The Editor, United Methodist,' 188 Rye Lane, Peck-ham, London, S.E." A number of communications have been surcharged through omitting to conform to these Post Office regulations. News should arrive not later than the FIRST delivery on Tuesday morning, and be written on one side of the taPer or postcard only.

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTS. Engagements. 1917-18.

Dunstan, W., superintendent of the Ilkeston Circuit. Husband, F., Ryde, I.W. Murphy, David W., Bodmin Circuit. Rowe, Ernest H., Chagford Circuit, Sutton, J., has accepted a unanimous invitation to re-

' main another year as pastor of the Boston Street Church, Manchester, and the church at Altrincham.

1918-19. At the earnest request of the St. James's Church,

Forest Hill, Rev: A. H. Boyden has withdrawn his decision to leave in 1918 and will remain until 1919.

1918-20. Nicholson, W. T., had intimated his intention of leav-

ing 'Bethesda, Elland, in 1918, but at the cordial and unanimous request of the friends will remain till Con-ference, 1920.

HANLEY. £356 Raised by Subscriptions.

• TWELVE months ago it - was resolved to free the Bethesda Society debt, notwithstanding war conditions.. An inaugural tea was held and a subscription list opened, when promises amounting to £230 were re-ceived. Since that time, by a leaders' canvass, notices in the local magazine, and reminders from the pulpit, the list has steadily grown till, on Tuesday, Feb. 20th, the congregation assembled for tea and meeting to com-plete the effort. There was a goodly gathering, con-sidering the absence of the young men, and a hopeful tone prevailed. ' The lecture hall was afterwards well filled when the pastor, Rev. F. J. Wharton, occupied the chair, supported by the church stewards, Messrs. A. Steele and F. Titley, with Mr. E. Simpson, secretary of the effort. The statement revealed a total raised of 4-356, representing 104 homes and 212 persons, whose gifts ranged from 1s. to £50. The stewards congratu- lated the donors and urged a regular system of church support. The pastor outlined the future programme of work and indicated that the ladies and young people were already sewing for a sale in October, thus en-suring the straightening of finance year by year. Messrs. T. Hall, T. Beech, and J. Wright took part. Solos were given by Miss Hodgkinson and Messrs. Stanley Adams (treasurer), Ernest Simpson (secretary), A. M. Walker (financial secretary) were warmly thanked. The above result is a considerable achievement when it is remembered that the regular net income last year for all purposes was £800.

PLYMOUTH. AN old pastor of the East Street Church, Rev. W. E.

Chivers, B.A., returned to it for the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. Very good congregations greeted him at the Sunday services, and all were delighted to see him in his old pulpit. On the Monday he lectured on "Idylls of the King," and on Wednesday he gave a striking address on "The Need of Men with the Forward Vision." His visit has done great good, and the financial result constituted a record for the church.

Anniversaries. Leeds (Hunslet). — The 'seventieth trust anniversary

has been the most successful of the past few years. The preacher Feb. 11th was Rev. j; W. Dew (a former pastor), of Nottingham. College, and on Feb. 18th Rev. R. E. Mansfield. On Saturday, Feb. 10th, a seventieth birthday party was held, at which birthday cake, kindly made and given by Mrs. J. H. Evers, was distributed to the 200 guests. Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Ingamells were host and hostess. Total trust proceeds, £60.

Leicester (Hill Street).—Home and foreign mis-sitonary anniversary services held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17th and 18th. Mr. Rowland Hill presided at the lantern lecture. On the Sunday morning Rev. W. T. Barraclough (pastor) preached. In the afternoon Mr. E. Clayton presided over the juvenile meeting, and Rev. W. H. S. Snow (Newark) gave the address and also occupied the pulpit in the evening.

Manchester (Beswick Street Mission, Ancoats).— Although the workers at this mission are still busy (and have been for the past four months) distributing free meals to the poor of their own locality, they try also to keep the work and needs of our missionaries con-stantly before the mind of their scholars. The mis-sionary anniversary took place last Sunday, and although there are only 13 collectors with boxes the day closed with total receipts of

Newton Heath (St. Paul's).—In connection with the church anniversary Rev. A. Bamforth related his experi-ence with the Y. M. C.A. in. France. Mr. Pickles pre-sided, and musical items were provided by Madame Middleton and W. Bethel and W. Middleton. The Sun-day services were conducted by Rev. F. G. Stopard. In the afternoon a service of song was given by the choir, entitled "Signal Light."—On Saturday evenings a series of popular concerts are being held.

Silsden.—At the choir anniversary services large con-gregations assembled for the two musical services given by an augmented choir. The principals were Miss Emilie Green and Mr. W. Hoyles. At each service Rev.

March 1, 1917.

R. Key gave an appropriate address. The proceeds amounted to £7 17s. old.

South Molton.—Great success has attended the an-nual missionary meetings at South Molton, Waterhouse and Georgenympton. Rev. J. T. Henwood (Barnstaple), who was deputation for the circuit, conducted the ser-vices at each church consecutively, and a report of 'the financial and spiritual progress made during the past year was given by Mr. G. Isaac (pastor).

Evangelistic Missions. Gateshead (Burnopfield).—Following the revival at.

Stanley, which is still continuing, Messrs. Thompson and Rhodes commenced a mission at Burnopfield. The interest in the mission has grown until the church has been crowded to excess, and many have been unable to gain admission on the Sunday evenings. Burnopfield has been admitted to be, hard ground for mission ser-vices

' but the two brethren have worked so energetically

and faithfully that the obstacles have been gradually surmounted. The second and third Sunday evening services will long live in the memory of those present. Mr. Thompson gave a special address on the second Sunday to young people on the subject of "Finding our Possibilities," and the result of that one service alone was 31 decisions, 23 of them belonging to the Primitive Methodist Church in the neighbourhood. The last Sun-day was a time of heart searching as Mr. Thompson spoke on "Almost, but-- " Fourteen again responded to the appeal. There have been decisions at many other of the services. The Life Story on the last Saturday attracted a big crowd and the friends had a good time. The chairman was Mr. A. Davis.

Westcliff (Chalkwell).—A ten days' mission has been conducted at this church by Rev. W. J. Redmore as preacher and Rev. T. J. Watson as organist. Despite the darkness, fair congregations gathered. The ser-vices were hearty and the addresses fully appreciated. Good was done particularly amongst the young people. The mission closed with an old-fashioned Methodist lovefeast in which the homely ritual of olden times was observed, and the meeting was characterised by the old-time fervency and power. At the request of the leaders a regular week-night service was arranged for, most of those present pledging themselves to attend.

General. Burnley (Myrtle Bank).—Missionary sermons were

preached by Rev. W. Whitehead. In the afternoon a well attended missionary meeting was presided over by Rev. Cuthbert Ellison. Mr. Whitehead gave an address, and Miss Florence Smith contributed a missionary recitation.—A mothers' day was held on February 18th, and proved quite a success. Sister Muriel was the preacher. In the afternoon the service of song, "Rare Metal," was given, Mrs. Cuthbert. Ellison being the reader.

Clitheroe (Moor. Lane).—In connection with the annual "At Homes

' " on the Wednesday Alderman and

Mrs. Whipp received the friends and the Mayor, Alder-man Roberts, presided. An excellent concert was given by Madame Coleman, Miss Jennie Renton, Messrs. Jos. Hanson and Harry Holt, with Mr. Greenhalg.h as humorist. On the Thursday, Master W. Marsh and Miss L. Houlker were host and hostess, and Mr. Jack Pilling, chairman, the entertainment being given en-tirely by the children. On the Saturday, Rev. F. B. and Mrs. Dutton were host and hostess, and Councillor Thornber, • chairman, the concert being given by Madames Webster and Berry, Mr. Langshaw, Miss Doris Hartley (elocutionist) and Mr. F. Morgan .(humourist). The net result in aid of church funds amounted to £31 17s. 6d.

Huddersfield (Sheepridge).—Three of the newer features of the work at this church- especially concern young people. A social club has been formed and a cosy room is open every night for games and reading and all forms of recreation. Concerts, tournaments, discussions and like entertainments are arranged for Saturdays. A recent social proved a great success, and finally wiped off the debt. The club has been entirely furnished by the members, who now number 65.—Alter-nate Sunday evenings after churCh a social hour is held, when a bright "sing-song ". and a short address are followed by hot tea and coffee and refreshments. The Social Hour is much appreciated these unpleasant nights. No charge is made and no collecfion taken : members voluntarily providing for an evening in their turn.—This meeting of the social needs of the young people has resulted in the gathering together of increasing numbers, and their highest instincts are developed and their spiritual nature nurtured in a newly-formed C.E. society or guild, conducted by the acting pastor, Rev. T. P. Skillings (recently returned home from South Africa).

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March 1, 1917. THE UNITED METHODIST. 107

who in addition to taking three services on the Sun-day, addressed meetings at Paignton, Torquay, and Newton Abbot. As a few of his recommendations were taken up immediately, we are encouraged to hope that his services will prove fruitful of much good.

Torrington.—The friends arranged for a Treasury Note and Silver Tree in connection with the church social on Thursday, for the purpose of replenishing the church and trust funds. A musical programme, ar-ranged by the organist, Mr. F. J. Webber, was greatly enjoyed. Mr. W. Ellis, of Barnstaple, presided, and the tree was stripped by Mr. W. B. Slee, of Highbickington. The proceeds-45 and upwards—came as a surprise to many, and will enable the stewards to square both the church and trust accounts with a few pounds to the good. Councillor W. Pope and the pastor, Rev. E. Hortop, warmly thanked the friends for their generous help.

West Hartlepool (Burbank).—A week-end visit has been paid by Mr. Fred Duxbury, the elocutionist. On Monday evening he rendered- Dickens' "Cricket on the Hearth " in a manner which was worthy of his reputa-tion as an elocutionist. The programme also included Carlton's "The Old House," Tennyson's "Dora," and a number of camp stories. All the solos were rendered by Mr. A. Northrop.

Worksop.—The circuit has been honoured by a visit of Rev. A. E. Greensrnith asi missionary deputation. The series of meetings at which he has been present will be long remembered, and they -have been most effective in quickening missionary interest and enthusiasm. The first meeting was at Whitwell, where the friends came together in large numbers. Mrs. Bottom presided, and the collection was in advance of last year.—At Potter Street, Worksop, on Sunday and Monday. These were two full and glorious days. An address was given at the Women's Own on Monday afternoon, which was followed with keen interest and great delight by a large gathering. At the evening meeting, presided over by Mr. D. F. Alderson (Wesleyan), there was the largest gathering seen at a missionary meeting in Worksop for years past. Mr. Greensmith gave a most graphic and moving description of his life among the Mendi people in West Africa, and made such an im-pression on his hearers as assures a sincere and prayer-ful interest in him and his work for years to come.—At Clowne on the Tuesday and at Creswell on the Wednesday we had large gatherings, good meetings, and very good collections.

Morecambe (Clarence Street).—The annual fisher-.1-nan's service was held on Sunday evening week and _attracted a large congregation. Hymns and anthems were rendered by the choir, conducted by Mr. J. Cooper. Solos were sung by Messrs. W. Baxter and J. Wood-house. Short addresses were given by Messrs. Martin, Allan and George Alexander. Rev. W. J. Southern presided. The service was of a most impressive charac-ter and was a time of great spiritual blessing.

Newton Heath.—A party of fifty wounded soldiers from Blackley were entertained by our St. Paul's Church and School on Saturday week. Rev. W. S. Green pre-sided.

Penzance (Parade Street).—On Sunday evening week six new members were received into church fellowship by the Rev. J. Hartley Duerden during the ordinary Sunday evening service, a proceeding that greatly added to the impressiveness of the service. Good spiritual pro-gress is being made, and fifty new sittings have been Jet .during the past eighteen months.

Ryde, I.W.—Despite the fact that the town, being a holiday resort, has been badly hit commercially by the war, the finances, congregations and membership at Ryde have been well sustained. At the recent annual sale of work the sum of over was realized—an in- crease upon the preceding two years. During the -present winter the schoolroom has been opened each night as a reading and recreation room for men of H.M.'s Forces, and as a canteen where refreshments are provided at the lowest possible charges. The work of the willing band of helpers has been highly appre-ciated by -the lads visiting the room.—At the annual Sunday School meeting an excellent programme was -carried through by the children, who had been thoroughly trained by their teachers. The secretary's report showed that good work had been done during the year, and numbers and finance were encouraging. The superintendent, Mr. W. J. Till, presided, and an address was given by Rev. R. J. Harris. The prizes distributed were of a novel character—each child receiving a Post Office Savings Bank Book, with the amount that was due to him from the School duly accredited. Mrs. Perrott, of Cluntagh, who made the presentation, con-gratulated all present on their desire to help their country, and spoke many words of counsel to the

-children. Southport.—Duke Street Church, under Rev. T.

Nightingale, reports a successful year. The ,deaths and removals of members during 1916 numbered 27, but 26

have been received in the same period, leaving at present 289 on the books. The Sunday School has in-creased by 16, the present number of scholars being 190, while the average attendance is the highest ever attained. On Tuesday, Feb. 13th, the parents of the scholars were invited by the teachers to a tea and social, and they responded in very large numbers, spending a most en-joyable and profitable evening. The total income of the church during 1916 was £1,117 7s. 8d.

' of which more

than orie-third was for denominational and charitable funds. The church anniversary was held on February 11th, when Mr. Nightingale appealed for £60, which was obtained.

South Yorkshire Mission (Scotter).—A lecture, "An Evening with Longfellow, the Poet of the People," was recently given by Rev. Frank Rhodes, of Epworth. Miss Bru.mby sang "The Bridge," Miss Butler "The Village Blacksmith," and Miss King and Rev. Fredk. Lee the duet "Excelsior." Rev. F. Lee, who presided, also read illustrative extracts from Longfellgw. There was a gratifying company, who expressed their apprecia-tion of a happy evening.

Sunderland (Thornhill).—Rev. Wm. 'Hall presided over the annual church meeting, and reports and balance-sheets from the various church organizations were presented.- A considerable reduction of the church membership roll was reported. This is not to be taken as an indication of spiritual inactivity but rather to the contrary, inasmuch as it has been felt for some time that the church roll did not present a true return of the real membership of the Church. The financial position of the church is satisfactory, but larger income is neces-sary to meet current expenses. It is hoped by means of special efforts during 1917 to wipe off the adverse balance of about £200.

Tiverton.—Tiverton and other churches in the circuit have been favoured by a special visit of Rev. S. C. Challenger (Connexional Young People's Secretary). On the Sunday he preached at TiVerton, addressed a large gathering of young people and workers in the afternoon, and on the Monday he gave his informing lantern lecture on "The History of the English Bible." Mr. Challenger also addressed meetings during the week at Rackenford, Cadeleigh, Bampton and Felton. It is believed that his visit will be helpful in stimulating Sunday School and other workers.

Torquay and Newton Abbot.—A Correspondent writes : We have been favoured w:th a visit of our Young People's Secretary, Rev. S. C. Challenger,

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ANNIVERSARY MUSIC. O L D I ER Births, Marriages, Deaths. NOTICES of Births, Marriages, Deaths,

etc., are inserted at the uniform price of 2s., unless they exceed 30 words, in which case 6c1. extra for every eight words or under is charged. Notices, together with Remittances should reach the office of the UNITED METHODIST, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C., not later than Tuesday morning.

R EPORTS of Marriages, Silver Weddings, etc., intended for insertion in the Editorial Columns must be accompanied by a Pre-paid notice of the event at the rate above specified.

DEATHS. TAYLOR.—On the 11th February, at a

Casualty Clearing Station, France, from wounds received in action, Claude Taylor, Private 7th Batt. Royal Fusiliers, third and dearly loved son of the Rev. John Taylor, 70 South Parade, Pudsey, in his 26th Year,

MARRS. Corporal Edward Stanley Marrs, H.A.C., son of Rev. F. and

Mrs. Marrs, killed in action in France on the 5th inst.

STARK.—At West Looe, Cornwall, on Sunday, February 18th, 1917, Sarah,

the beloved wife of John Stark, aged 65 years.

PERSONAL. MRS. FOTHERGILL wishes to thank

the numerous friends who have sent messages of sympathy in her sore bereave-ment, 112 Tachbrook Street, Westminster.

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Tub of Clothes Washed in 4 Minutes.

WASHED BY SUCTION AND AIR BEWARE OF IMITATIONS

Thousands satisfied. The PATENT SWIFT-SURE " VACUUM CLOTHES WASHER, I6s. 6d., carriage paid on FORTNIGHT'S FREE TRIAL. WILL SAVE £10 YEARLY in Clothes, Soap, Fuel, &o. NO BOILING required. Dainty laces or heavy blankets without injury or hard work. • Prevent shrink-ing. Illustrated lists and testimonials tree.-BRITISH VACUUM CO. (17apt. U 91 Duke Street, Liverpool. LADIES INVITED to send post, card for our

catalogue ; best value . in costumes. blouses, skirts. overalls, raincoats. costume lengths from 12s, 6d. carriage paid, children's clothing.-Florence Co., Salop Street, Wolverhampton.

SILCOTO (reg.) Plate Powder, for cleaning silver, electro-plate and all metals. By post 8d. large

dredger. Sample, two stamps.-Silcoto, 45B Spencer Street, Birmingham. Silver brooches free.

WALKER'S HAIR RESTORER.-"Koma-soze" (Regd.), a proved "par excellence"

hair-grower. A boon to ladies and to gentlemen. Will positively stop falling hair. Send 6 stamps for sample. -Proprietors, Frederick and A. E. Walker, Hair Specialists, 141 Mansfield Road, Nottingham.

• ULCERS • ABSCESSES

TUBERCULOSIS a INTERNAL GROWTHS

CURED BY VITADATIO Australian Herbal Remedy, without operation, when other treatments fail. Send postcard for free trial bottle (value 9d.) and booklet to 1/Itadatio Ltd., (Dept. R.W.), Park Square, Leeds.

TUMOURS

PORE ST GrATE CIRCUIT. Forest Gate-Katherine Road...

„ -Field Road ... Canning Town-ShIrley Street

Plaistow-Harold Road... ... Ilford--liford Lane Grays-New Road -. Manor Park-Romford Road ... East Ham-High Street, N. ... Westcliff-on-Sea... Seven Kings Southend-Scott's Villas

Corner of Romford Road ..." Near Forest Gate Station ... Bottom of Rathbone Street Near Plaistow Station South of Ilford Station Enquire at Grays Station ... Near Manor Park Broadway ... Right of East Ham Station ... Leigh Road (nr. corner of Argyll Road) Right of Seven Kings Station ... Eastern Esplanade, Southend ...-

Rev.W. E. CHIVERS, B.A. Rev. J. W. ARMSTRONG Rev. J. B.BOOTH Rev. W. BAINBRIDGE Rev. J. BODEN Rev. W. BRYARS Rev. H. WILLIAMS U Rev. P. QALPIN Rev. W. J. REDMORE Rev: J. B. SQUIRE, B.A., B.D. Rev. T. J. WATSON

Mr Services commence at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Visitors will receive a hearty welcome.

ROBERT STATHER

erfect Pianos DON'T FORGET

when buying a PIANO,

to insist upon an . "ALL-BRITISH" MAKE

and see that you get it.

If you buy a ROBERT STATHER PIANO you DO get "ALL-BRITISH," and you also get the VERY BEST POSSIBLE

VALUE OBTAINABLE.

Write now for LATEST LISTS Post free to any address. Prices and Terms to suit all pockets.

ORGANS from 6LALL UPIRNIECAESS

WRITE NOW TO

ROBERT STATHER, The Methodist Musical Instrument Maker, 187 SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, Finsbury Park, London, N.

ESTABLISHED 1870.

LONDON. Brixton -Streatham

(Riggindale Road). 11 a.m., 8.80 p.m.

Clapham Junetion- (Mallinson Road). 11 a,m., 6.30 /cm

Stockwell- (Paradise Road) 11 a.m., 6.30 A.m.

Fulham-Walham Grove, 11 a,m., 6,80 1..m

Fulham-Munster Road 11 a.m., 8.80 A.m,

Park Crescent- Clapham Park Rd. 11 a.m., 6.30 p.m.

Newington- Brunswick, Gt. Dover Street. 11 a.m., 6.130/..n.

PROVINCIAL.

Bridlington- 10.45 a.m.,6.3013,m,

Brighton- Bristol Road. 11 a.m.. 7 A.m. Stanford Avenue. 11 a on., 7 A.m. Old Shoreham Rd 11 a.m. and 7P.m.

Bristol- Redcliffe Crescent lla. m., 6,30 p.m.

Sheffield -Scotland Street Mission

10.30 a.m. 6.0 P.m.

R. L. Wildridge

C. H. Buxton

R. W. Gair

E. 0. Dinsley

- Rosevear

J. H. Blackwell

G. G. Nicholson

R. L. Wildridge

C. H. Buxton

R. W. Gair

E. 0. Dinsley

W. Hird

H. Cooper

G. G. Nicholson

Morning

Evening.

W. Conrad W. Conrad Balmer Balmer

L. H. Court L. H. Court

T. Letcher T. Letcher

J. G. B. Corin J. G. B. Corin

J. Millar - Johnson

W. Madgen W. Madgen

Cheap Chairs For Churches, Chapels, Missions & Schoolrooms,

FROM

EACH.

Buy from the Factory. Save Middle Profits. HALING BROS.

High Wycombe.

108

THE UNITED METHODIST

March 1, 1917._

ADVERTISE OUR WANTS

in the UNITED METHODIST. 25 words for 18. and one Halfpenny for each additional word. Three Insertions for price of two.'

ASHVILLE COLLEGE HARROGA.TE,.

UNITED METHODIST

BOARDING SCHOOL.

Chemical & Physical Laboratories. Carpenter's Shop. Gymnasium.

Playing Fields, etc. Five Resident Graduates and Seven

Visiting Masters. Inclusive Fees. Principal- Rev. ALFRED SOOTHILL, B.A. (Lond.)

COLLEGE Forest Hill, S.E. Established 1863:

Boarding & Day Sokol for Boys. Healthy Situation.- Modern Equipment.

Moderate Inclusive Fess. GYmnasiunt, Playing Field for Football &Cricket.

At the College of Prec,cptors'Examinations (1897-1915) 369 Stafford College Students were successful, taking several places in

honours and many distinctions.

Prospectus on application to PRINCIPAL W. G. BOTHJSRAS, Stafford College, Westbourne Rd..

FOREST HILL, S.E.

THE UNITED METHODIST

Edgehill Girls' College, BIDEFORD, N. DEVON.

Governor I Rev. R. S. HALL. HEAD MISTRESS :

Miss E. 0. JOHNSON, B.A. (Hons.) Lewd., Assisted by an Efficient Staff.

The College is beautifully situated, with long garden, playing fields, our own farm, sanatorium, good class rooms, labora-

tory and gymnasium, Good successes in .Loud, Matric. and Oxford Locals, Associated Board of

R.A.M., R.C.M. and R.D.S.

Terms, from 33 Guineas. For Prospectus apply to Head Mistress,

or Rev. R. S. HALL. Governor,

All communications.- respecting Advertisement, should be addressed to the ADVERTISEMENT' MANAGER, "United Methodist," 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C.-

Geo. M. HAMMER & Co.,Ltd. Established 1858. 'Phone 5254 Hop. MANUFACTURERS a EVERY DEtliIPT1ON of

a:hPni'_

hrsII5'2° Communion

Seats, Chairs,Hymnal Boards,

FURNITURE -tttet; gli.Bgret. !It:re Itstrgulsialtrerum'

snolvlavlOoms 430 STRAND, W.C. ch..r(irngiTrIsel°°)Lebypital)

HOTELS, HYDROS, BOARD RESIDENCES, aid PRIVATE APARTMENTS.

MISCELLANEOUS.

BAZAAR.-If you are holding a sale of work, we will provide a stall of goods yielding good profit

without risk.-Write for particulars, James, 46 Wilson Street, Finsbury, E.C., London.

AS T HMA BRONCHIAL ASTHMA.- , Immediate relief without

burning powders or taking medicines. A wonderful remedy. Fortnight's free trial.-Write H. Zeals, Asthma Depot, Staincliffe, New Oxted, Surrey,

6 A -PAGE BOOK ABOUT HERBS AND HOW `-± TO USE THEM, free. Send for one.-

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

BLACKPOOL. -Mrs . , J H Ainley, Trafford Tuse 81arneyRoad

Public and Private Apartments. Near Central Station and Sea. U.M.

BLACKPOOL -misses PILLING, Alma House, _ 25 Banks Street, N.A. Public and Private Apartments. See view.

U.M.

BLACKPOOL -Mrs. SCHOFIELD, Norfolk • House, 19 Banks Street.

Pleblic sod Private Apartments. Sea view. N.S. T. M

BOURNEMOUTH -"STANHOPE DENS" • Boarding Establishment,

Glen Fern Gardens. Comfortable, homely. Delight-fully situated near pier, gardens, and all interesting, Terms moderate. Stamp for tariff. - Address, Mrs. Gray.

HARROGATE. Imperial Hydro, opposite . Royal Pemp-room and Valley 4ardens, pear all baths, Winter Garden, Knroaal ; Physician. Tele. 42. Illustrated Tariff. Manageress.

MORECAMBE. -n%nFievaFIclie,141i10 Windsor Terrace, Heysham Road. W.E. Public and Private Apartments. Home comforts. Terms moderate.

U.M.

SOUTHPORT (safety area). - MATLOCK HOUSE, 60 Bath Street. Apart-

ments or Board. Near Prom., Lord Street, churches. Methodist home. Highly recommended by ministers. Piano, bath. Invalids specially studied. Terms moderate.-Mrs. Hall.

ST. ANNES-ON7SEA■-Public and m vate Apartments.-

Near sea and golf links. Sunny aspect. Close to station.-Misses Podzus and Richards, " Resthaven,' 64 St. Andrew's Road, S.

TORQUAY.-Miss MARTIN, Woodland Lodge, 'Chelston. Private Apartments or

Paying Guests. Near sea and station. U.M.

Services & Preachers SUNDAY, MARCH 4th.

Individual Communion Cups For Lists of PATENT "IDEAL" OUTFITS and SAMPLES ON APPROVAL. carriage free, write

to the Makers

Townshends, Ltd., Birmingham

BLANKETS I COMPULSORY SALE.-For few weeks only, of genuine White Yorkshire

Blankets. Full size, heavy and warm. Sample pair 65, 6d. Pure Twill Sheets, 5s. 6d. pair ; Alhambra Quilts. 4s. 6d. ; Ladies' " Record" Stockings, splendid quality, 2 pairs 25. 6d. Handsome present given absolutely free with all orders. Send to-day. Thou sands testimonials. All goods packed free.-Record DraperyCo., 41 Carlisle Street, Bradford.

Trade )isrk. A real Pipe Organ, giving the effects of two manuals and pedals on its single keyboard. Price from £77. Over 900 supplied. Estimates given for Repairs, Rebuilds, Two and Three-Manual Organs, etc. POSITIVE ORGAN CO„ Ltd., 44 Mernington Crescent (Opposite Tube

Station), London, (Opposite Tube

The Message of the Flag (Compiled and arranged by DAISY M. MOLD and HILDA TAYLOR.) An attractive CHILDREN'S EXERCISE. with

an effective display of Flags, suitable for Sunday School Anniversaries, Young People's Gatherings, and Entertainments.

The Form of Service, with Hymns selected from our Sunday Sohool Hymnal is published in booklet form. Price 1 d. per copy, ori9d. per dozen, postage extra.

A set of printed Flaps can be had for the above Service at Es. net the set, carriage extra. SPecimen Cody of the Service will be sent for lid.,

Post free.

The

Positive

Organ.

Printed at TIM MAGNET PRESS, 188 Rye Lane, Peckham, S.E., and Published by HENRY HOOKS, 12 Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C., the LIMED MVrMODIST Osumi, 'Thursday, March 1st, 1917.