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PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEAD*:NOVeinber 19, 191t

Luther's Great Battle Hymn. Drink and War. By John Day Thompson. By Arthur T. Guttery.

Does the War Affect the Churches ? By W. Musson Kelley. The

Primitive Methodist Leader

4

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LUTHER'S GREAT BATTLE HYMN,

By John Day Thompson.

Recently, my friend Bickerstaffe Kendall, in es

striking article in the Leader, recalled how " the German troops entered Antwerp singing Luther's Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott.' '-' The thing which

struck me most when I first saw that intimation in the daily press was : " What a profanation, what a gross prostitution of a glorious spiritual classic! " It was enough to make Luther himself turn in his grave. I know that Luther, when living, was some-thing of ah imperialist; he had no trust in the common people, while Zwingle was a true democrat, but I cannot conceive Luther " made perfect," whatever " mansion " of the universe he may now be occupying, lending the sanction of his name, and of his noble song to the policy of the Kaiser, and to such deeds an the scions of the German stock are at present perpe-trating. Let us see how and under what conditions it came to birth, for whom it was written, and what are the true inwardness and spirit of it.

Heine well calls it " the Marseillaise Hymn of the Reformation," though he is in error in ascribing it to the time of the Diet of Worms in April, 1521. What may have misled him here is the phrase about the " devils " in the third verse—a verse unfortu-nately omitted from Godfrey Thring's version, as we have it in our Hymnal (637), but preserved in Car-lyle's, Everybody knows how Luther's friends tried to dissuade the all-daring Reformer from appearing at the Diet. They feared for his life. They even rode out to stop him at the very last, but he an-swered : " Were there as many devils in Worms to set at me as there are tiles on the housetops, I must still on ! " Devils were fiery real to Luther. He once threw his inkstand at Satan himself, and the mark is shown to this day. At another time he exclaimed : " I have seen and defied lots of them. Duke George [of Leipzig, 'a great enemy] is not equal to one devil. If I had business at Leipzig I would ride into Leipzig though it rained Duke Georges for nine days running."

And were this world all devils o'er, And watching to devour us,

We lay it not to heart so sore; Not they can overpower us..

And let the prince of ill Look grim as e'er he will, - He harms us not a whit; For why I His doom is writ;

A word shall quickly slay him.

These " devils " appear to have taken German shape to-day. I cannot stay to cite the evidence, but the real occasion on which this great chorale was first triumphantly sung was in connection with the Second Diet of Spires in 1529, when and where the German princes favourable to Luther's cause made their his-toric " protest " against the repealing of the liberties granted t testaantths ,FirLsut tDheie,and rt aaridhsios gained he oalilnoewertswenraemthe of

told that unless they would conform they would have no share in any of the temporal goods of the Church; and

794 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 191.4

it is this which gives its point to the last five lines of the hymn :

And, though they take our life, Goods, honour, children, wife, Yet is their profit small ; These things shall vanish all, The city of God remaineth.

Whether, then, as to its occasion or its interior spirit and essence this battle-song is the true sign and cognisance, the charter and spiritual possession, not of an insolent, brutal and truculent militarism, battering down with its giant ordnance the defences of a poor, tiny, but brave State, and then marching over it in malignant triumph, but of that very same little State, a weak and distressed minority, bereft of " life, goods, honour (nay, not that), children, wife." The song was written to hearten oppressed German Protes-tants; it is now no longer theirs in any sense; the right to sing it has passed, in this case, to poor, down- trodden and dispersed Catholic Belgians. It is a hymn which defies the bully; when the bully sings it, what a savage irony in the s;tuation ! It is not the hymn of enthroned wrong; it is the hymn of the humble refugee. It is a challenge to rampant diabolism, not the glorification of that which the German army would fain make of it. On German lips to-day it is a mere barbaric anachronism. It is a sacrilege; they have forfeited the right to it by their infamies. Hymns have, before this, passed the. fron-tiers of their aboriginal birth-land. Toplady wrote " Rock of Ages " in a great Calvinistic " rage," as a counterblast against Wesley's doctrine of Christian Perfection, but Methodists quickly annexed it as more Evangelical than Calvinian, and have since given it its true vogue in the world. What a profoundly touch-ing story that is of the Chief Rabbi of Lyons, who had gone to the firing line to administer religious consola-tion to those of his own race and faith who were wounded. A poor Catholic soldier mortally hurt, mistook him for a priest of his own Church, and begged the Rabbi to hold the crucifix he was clasping to his torn breast before his glazing eyes, and give him absolution. The Rabbi did not undeceive the dying man. He did, simply, as he was asked. He held up the crucifix, whispered the words of hope and comfort that came to him until the poor fellow passed away, and then left him, only to be shot down dead himself ere he could quit the spot. Yes, the Cross is his who lives it, not his who merely vaunts it. To return to Luther, no great song is ever of any private interpretation. It gains its power as coming from, and as appealing to, the common human heart; but a sense of mortal sickness seizes that human heart when it hears a lyric for the oppressed blasphemously chanted by the ruffian oppressor. That is even worse than captive Hebrews being asked by those who wasted them to sing in Babylon the songs of their despoiled fatherland. The Germans in their lumpish " serious-ness " scoff at " It's a long, long way to Tipperary," but it is better, infinitely, to sing doggerel like that from the heart than to desecrate with loathsome cant • psalm like Luther's.

I could wish that by our choirs and in our churches this noble hymn were much used during the remaining time of the war--preferably in Carlyle's version, which is wonderfully apt and faithful. It makes a fine chorale of confidence and comfort, taking that word " comfort " in its true etymological sense, not of mere easeful content, but of actually making strong. During Luther's critical year of 1530, he sang it daily at Coburg; and when on November 6th, 1632, the armies of the Catholic League and Gustavus Adolphus came face to face at Lutzen, the Swedes gathered to their morning devotions to sound forth its splendid strains. Gustavus himself may almost be said to have died with it on his lips, for, though victorious, he perished on that stricken field.

What would we not have given to hear it rendered to Luther's own music, in Luther's fine voice ! It is based on the forty-sixth psalm—a psalm which Briggs refers to the time just following the invasion of the Scythian hordes—the Huns of those days. But it also recalls the second Isaiah: " Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that. are of a fearful heart., Be strong, fear not; be-hold your God will come with requital, with the requital of God. Ife will come and save you."

A very interesting wedding took place at Queen's-road Church. Gt. Yarmouth, on Tuesday, November 3rd. The contracting parties were Mr. Fred.k. Ernest Kersey, of the Suffolk Yeomanry, and Miss Helen Elizabeth Berman, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Herman. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Annison. The bride, who was attired in a travelling costume of grey corduroy and a pink pan velvet bat trimmed with squirrel, also a set of squirrels to match, was attended by the sister of the bridegroom, Miss Agnes Kersey. Mr. E. Herman acted as best man. The loyalty of Mr. and Mrs. Her-man's family to our church is attested by the fact that this is the fifth wedding of its, members celebrated at Queen's-road.

SUNDAY NIGHT IN THE TRENCH.

A Story by H. Jeffs.

Private William Hawkins remembered that it was Sunday night. It was not so easy to bring it to mind after a fortnight, of which the greater part had been spent in a deep trench within four hundred yards of the trench occupied by the Germans. Scooped out from the front of the trench was a narrow tunnel into which, when the Sound of the -coming of a big " Black Maria " shell was heard, Private Hawkins crept. Sometimes such a shell fell within a hundred yards, and its bursting and rending of the earth was like a miniature earthquake, which made earth from the sides of the trench fall in. Up to the present, however, Private Hawkins, although he had accounted for half-a-dozen Germans in a couple of. sur-prise attacks in the darkest hour before the dawn, had escaped injury. It was not like Sunday at all on this day. There was the oft-repeated boom of the big guns, with the sounds of hurtling shells which had ceased to be terrify-ing, the crash of their fall, and the sound of their ex-plosion, and there was the frequent crack of the rifle shot as a head was popped up out of the German or the English trench. Private -Hawkins had been on duty since early on Saturday night. During the night he had taken turns with his comrade, Private Tom Smith, to snatch odd quarter-of-an-hour naps. Their " bully beef " and biscuits had been served out to them in the darkness, and they expected to be relieved, the Germans permitting, at nine or ten o'clock that evening.

A village lad was William Hawkins. He had lived a rowdy life till he was seventeen, and then, during a mis-sion at the " Primitive" Chapel he had got converted. He was one of those full-blooded, hot-headed,impulsive fellows who must be a whole hugger either on the devil's side or on Christ's side, and then he had taken the sacrament to be a soldier of the Lord. He was one of a large family of brothers, sons of a labourer, and as there was so little work no be had on the land, and his temperament did not easily adjust itself to settling down to a labourer's life, he had taken, at nineteen, the King's shilling and been trained at Aldershot. When the war broke out he got a week-end furlough, and ran down to see the old folk and his brothers and sisters. On the Sunday even-ing in the little chapel at the prayer meeting fervent peti-tions were offered fer him that he might be kept body and soul, and he poured out the fulness of his own heart that he might be faithful, not only to King George but to King Jesus. He carried in his knapsack a pocket Testa-ment. Each day he strengthened himself with a few verses, and on this Sabbath day, amid all the passions of nations at war let loose in deadly strife, .he ,remembered the Sabbath-day, and tried to keep it holy7 '

His comrade in. the trench did not call himself a religious man, but he was a real good fellow. They talked to each other about their homes and their people. Both, they found, had come out of villages in the same county. their eyes grew dim, and their voices were very tender as they wondered.. whether they should ever see their dear ones again. Said Private Hawkins, "Tom, my lad, let's have a little bit of religion, seeing that it's Sun-day. We can do that without neglecting duty. You keep your ears and your eyes open while I read a few verses from my Testament." He opened the Testament. It seemed to open of itself at Mark viii. He read from Terse 34 to the end :—

" And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, " Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take sep his cross, and follow -Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it ; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. Foe what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation ; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when -He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

" Tom," said Hawkins, " that is a great enlistment, enlistment for Jesus. The war He calls us to is a bigger thing than even this war against the Kaiser and his millions. I enlisted in Christ's army, and you do not know the peace it has given to use during all the scrapes we have been in since that first Sunday at Mons to know that I am Christ's soldier, and that if I fall my soul will still be in His keeping."

" That sort of thing ain't much in my line, old chap," said Tom Smith, " but when you look death in the white of the eyes all day and all night long, as we have been doing, a chap feels that he wants something to steady him after all. If I get out of this. all right, my life can never be the same again. This war, this cause that we are fighting for, have made me feel that I am worth more than I ever thought I was worth I will try and make a better job of my life. There is something better than beer sod silly larks when a chap is off duty. Thank you for reading the verses."

" We must not kick up a row," said Private Hawkins, " but it would give a nice finish to the thing and make it seem more like Sunday evening if we had a hymn. You listen and I will try to sing without making a noise my favourite," and very softly he started, " When I survey the wondrous Cross." He came to the third verse, See from His hands, His head, His feet," and completed it. Then there was a horrid screech and crash of a big shell, which fell less than six yards in front of the trench. Tom Smith was stunned and lay covered in mud and dirt. He came to himself in the field hospital and asked for Private Hawkins. He was told that Hawkins still lay in the trench until be could be removed for 'burial. The Lord, whose Cross he had been raising on that Sunday night, had summoned him to join the innumerable host, those who chanted around the great white throne their glad Hallelujahs to Rim who has redeemed them.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL CONFERENCE.

The Making of Saints and Citizens.

The Nottingham Sunday-school Convention may be described as a " hardy annual," and that in the best sense of the word. It is now a well-established fixture, and appears to grow in interest and influence year by year. This is due somewhat to capable organisation by District Sunday-school secretaries, but more to the responsive and enterprising spirit of the Sunday-schools throughout the District. -The latter possesses a number of energetic and enthusiastic Sunday-school leaders in its lay officials. Nottingham itself is a vigorous Sunday-school centre, and our circuits there represent thirty schools, 540 teachers, and more than 4,000 scholars. Most of the schools appoint delegates to the Convention, and, in addition to those appointed, there is usually a large influx of workers amongst , the young, and representing all departments of the work. The Conference is always held in one centre, a policy which is not without its advan-tages, and Canaan Church, Nottingham, is always the place of rendezvous. Notwithstanding the sharp snap of cold weather on Saturday last, this year's Conference was more successful than ever. It was certainly the best held for many years. The attendance at all the meetings—morning, afternoon and evening—was large and the interest unabated from beginning to end, while all the items of paper, address, and discussion were of a high order.

The morning session began promptly at 10.30 a.m., under the presidency of Rev. J. Grant, who gave an appropriate opening address, and Rev. W. A. Wright led the Con-ference in devotional exercises. The subject for the morn-ing's consideration was " Our Scholars Between Sundays," and was introduced by Rev. J. Norton in a racy and vigorous address. Mr. Norton emphasised the fact that the work of the Sunday-school teacher did not finish with his lesson, and that there were other lines of attention and service, along which considerable influence of a bene-ficent character with the scholar might be secured. The teacher should endeavour to bring himself into reasonable intimacy with the home life, and the recreative and social life of the young people, while exercising a sympathetic oversight relative to their mental, moral and religious necessities. He spoke highly of the good work of the Band of Hope and Christian Endeavouir Society, and urged greater attention to their claims and powers. Mr. Norton said there was no difficulty in getting the young people together, but the greater difficulty was to secure suitable leaders and workers. Mr. Hinckling, Leicester, sympa-thetically opened the discussion on Mr. Norton's address, and subscribed to most of the positions.taken by the speaker. As he said, there was nothing in the address with which much fault could be found. This was revealed by the general discussion,' in which several members of the Conference took part. Rev. G. E. Wiles (District Sunday-school secretary) pleaded for specialisation in the work, and Mr. Hodgkinson- emphasised the quality of much religious instruction given in the day schools, and the General Sunday-school Secretary closed the debate.

There was a splendid and augmented company present for the commencement of the afternoon session at 2.30. Rev. A. Taylor (local minister) presided, and Rev. W. 1'. Hosier (Long Eaton) opened with prayer. The paper for the afternoon was entitled " A Point in Method," and was given by Mr. W. Hodgkinson (Hucknall). Mr. Hodgkin-son soon disclosed the fact that he was an expert educa-tionist, and his utterance was correctly described as " brainy and thoughtful." In a masterly manner Mr. Hodgkinson showed that the successful teacher must understand the nature of the material upon which he has to work, the great end of his work, and the methods by which alone that end could be secured. It was exceedingly suggestive and much appreciated, as expressed by Mr. A. A. Driver (Nottingham) in his thoughtful opening of the discussion. Following this came the General Secretary, with the usual shoal of written questions, asking his advice on nearly every imaginable side of Sunday-school life and work. Of course, some were hardy annuals, but the Secretary treated each and all with sympathy and courtesy during the half-hour allowed for the task. It was a capital afternoon, and obviously enjoyed by the large number of workers amongst the young present.

The usual public tea was held in the schoolroom, and largely attended. The Canaan Church teachers again pro-vided the tea, and catered well for the crowd of visitors and delegates present. At' six o'clock there was a still larger company present for the public meeting. This was a fitting climax to the proceedings of the day. There was a splendid tone from start to close, and the whole of the programme went with a hearty swing. Mr. 0. Lac,ey. (Loughborough) made an admirable chairman, and Rev. T. H. Kedward led in devotions. The topics happily crowned the entire thought and discussion of the day-, viz., " The Youth (1) As Saint, (2) As Citizen." 'The speakers were Mr. Moses Bourne (Moira) and Rev. W. Spedding (General Sunday-school Secretary), and be had a good time. Mr. Bourne, in a masterly and eloquent manner, sketched the character of true Christian saint-hood, and made a forceful appeal to the young people to

• seek the highest and the best. The General Secretary showed the application of this sainthood to the great problems and duties of life, and urged high and Christian

friends ie:nl ds s oof nc

itheirti ze nsshni e s slIffurf. CSopieitlf edreiringce oanngdr a tiIa t e

saidi fc the

it was ws s

one of the best he had attended. Rev. G. E. Wiles (District secretary) thanked all who had contributed to the success of the Conference, and said they had had a splendid meet-ing. In fact, they were all anticipating next year already, and he urged them to book the date at once.

It need hardly be said that the success of the day'd proceedings was due in no small measure to the enter-prise and enthusiasm put into the arrangements by M , Wiles himself.

XOVEMBER 19, 1914

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER.

795

Scant News from the Front. The public is settling down, with as much composure

as it can command, and with not a little suppressed irri-tation, to expecting the poorest possible accounts of the great conflict, in which it naturally feels such keen and intense interest. After a duration of more than a month the battle of the Yser still continues, clearly with terrible havoc on both sides., but with each side doggedly holding its own, with, here and there, varying fortune. The desperation of the German attacks seems to indicate that their plight is becoming more and more serious. The centre of the terrific struggle has been Ypres, conceived to be the key to the Allies' position, and the defence of which will rank with the finest exploits of the British Army. Military critics continue to assure us that every day our position improves as that of the enemy grows worse.

Appalling Losses. As the casualty lists come through, very tardily and

some of them quite late, the enormity of our losses in these almost secret struggles •becomes slowly apparent, and the distress occasioned in all parts of the land may be readily imagined. Glimpses which we get from scraps of soldiers' letters from the front show that the sacrifice is fearful. Beyond question, too, the death roll of the enemy is awful. Mr. Belloc, a very shrewd observer, calculates that the German losses are at least a million and three-quarters. The men actually killed or disabled by wounding he reckons to be a million and a quarter, while sickness and accidents, in his estimate account for the other half a million. He believes that among the enemy's forces, of all available material for anything approaching a true army, a quarter has already gone. The devastation is well-nigh inconceivable, and may well make all sober people hate war with growing hatred.

The End of the " Emden." The elusive Emden, has been brought to bay and con-

quered at last, but the most pronounced anti-German will hardly dispute that her end has been anything but an inglorious one. War being what it is, we can afford to admit that she pursued a plucky and successful course. There can be but little complaint against an enemy who conducts his antagonism as Captain von. Mueller did, and none will deny that he has shown himself to be an honourable as well as brave and most capable foe. His treatment of conquered foes has been both humane and chivalrous. To the Australian cruiser Sydney has, fallen the honour of bringing the Emden to an end, and British sailors will not grudge her the credit due to her. With the end of the Emden and the bottling up of the Ecenigsberg the seas are cleared of commerce destroyers save a solitary German squadron which can hardly have a much longer life. To have effected this is a notable triumph.

The Doom of Turkey. The huge character of the bloody conflict between the

great combatants completely overshadows the contention into which Turkey has been dragged by its mad and mis-guided leaders. Happily, Britain can view this part of the struggle with comparative composure. Russia may well be trusted to account for the chief forces of her new foe, while the menace to our interests in Egypt can be dealt with by our troops at our disposal for that purpose. The sick man has often falsified the prophecies of those who have predicted his speedy decease, but the character of this conflict is such, in view of present conditions in Turkey, as can hardly have but one end. Surely the day &f doom has come. The attempt to stir up Mussulman revolt is evidently fizzling out. What effect the entrance of Turkey into the turmoil will have on the future of the Holy Land and the -return of the Jews it is too early to forecast, but it cannot fail to be significant and momentous.

The Opening of Parliament. Up to the present the new session of Parliament has

been almost entirely occupied with matters affecting the war, and this is well-nigh certain to be the case during the whole of its brief duration. The Opposition is obviously in a somewhat chastened mood, but they could not allow the occasion to pass without some rather shabby and venomous attacks on certain Ministers. When it was seen that the main point of the chief attack was really directed at Lord Kitchener it was rather summarily' dropped. They had a more serious and tangible case when they discussed the question of pensions to disabled ooldiers, and especially to soldiers' widows and depen-dents, as well as when they sharply criticised the actions of the Press Censorship. The pitiful poverty of the Tory Party has been once more demonstrated by the arrange. ment by which Lord Curzon takes temporarily the place vacated by Lord Lansdowne's absence. To come to that shows that the Conservative Party is in sorry plight.

Mr. Lloyd. George Recruiting. The intervention of Mr. Lloyd George at the great

City Temple meeting organised by the Free Churches to deal with matters affecting the Churches and the war once more shows what an asset he is, not to the Liberal Party only, but to the forces of the nation which make for righteousness and honour. The speech was one of the greatest which even he has delivered, and its tone and level and appeal were in every way worthy of the finest Christian pulpit. As a recruiting agent he is surely unmatched, and his rousing appeal at the City Temple was almost irresistible. Happily, the croakers, notwithstand-ing, there is not the slightest reason to dread conscription because of the failure of the voluntary system. Of the nearly two million men quite exclusive of Territorials which the votes of the House of Commons in August

authorised, all but one hundred thousand are now in training, and there is every prospect of all that are needed being readily secured. In spite of the hustling methods adopted in certain quarters, conscription is as long a way off as ever.

Furious Anglicans and Welsh Disestablishment. A rather illuminating if somewhat amusing discussion

is in progress in the pages of " The Guardian " bearing on the so-called plunder of the Welsh Church and its deadly effect on possible reunion. A specially silly and spiteful outburst has appeared over the signature of Mr. P. Lyttelton Gell which could hardly be surpassed for sophistry and venom. He makes the amusing declara-tion that " the Free Church Counocil has entered an astounding alliance with British Secularists and Irish Roman Catholics to destroy the parochial system which has made us a God-fearing nation and has maintained Christian teaching and worship in this land for 1,200 years, in order that they may weaken and impoverish the largest and most active spiritual organisation in our most needy counties. No other result can be attained, and therefore no other motive can explain their profoundly anti-Christian and ignoble warfare against the Church's work in Wales." Mr. Lyttelton Gell should try again, for he must be conscious of the hollowness and poverty of such stuff as this. Privilege makes people blind, and its removal often makes them either mad or silly. The Churches and the War.

Dr. John R. Mott is on a brief visit to this country, and while his voice—that of the most potent living spokes-man an world-wide evangelism—is likely overborne by the clamour of war, it is well to listen to the word of so sagacious a leader on the burning question of the hour as it is related to the work of the Churches. With respect to missionary income he has pointed out that during the great Civil War in America the receipts of five great missionary societies dropped a little in the first and second Years, but in the third year they rose to the amount originally received, and in the fourth year were consider-ably higher than the normal. There has probably been an all too ready acceptance of the notion that the work of the Churches must necessarily suffer great arrest and a too quick striking of the depressing note. In some dis-tricts the Churches must inevitably be hard hit, but in the main it is surely becoming clear that with most Churches "business as usual " will be possible, with the addition of some new opportunities not hitherto avail-able. To speak the confident and exhilarating word, and to stick hard at work, seems intensely imperative.

The President of the Wesleyan Conference and Intercession Day.

To multitudes of onlookers it will seem rather a piti-able thing that Rev. Dinsdale T. Young should think it becoming both of himself and his high office to avail himself of the opportunity afforded by the announcement of the King's suggestion as to a Day of Humble Prayer and Intercession, to indulge in a rather spiteful fling at the National Free Church Council for assuming to speak for the Free Churches. It may be that he scorns the Free Church Council—as probably do many of his friends --but before rushing into the columns of the daily press to ventilate it he might have remembered that its present President is a distinguished and greatly honoured Wes-leyan Methodist, and that the same is true of one of its secretaries. His rather bumptious and discreditable exhi-bition of spleen will do no one as much harm as himself. Death of Lord Roberts.

The greatest lovers of peace will have heard with un-alloyed sorrow of the death, under circumstances almost tragic, of the nation's greatest soldier, the veteran Lord Roberts. While paying a brief visit to the troops at the front, and particularly to the Indian troops in whom he took such pride, he was seized with chill, and in a few hours had passed away. As Sir John French has well said, "it seems a fit ending to the life of so great a soldier that he should have passed away in the midst of the troops he loved so well, and within sound of the guns." He has had a long and unusually distinguished military career, which the nation has been glad to recognise and handsomely requite. His intervention in political affairs has not always been wise, but everybody realised that in him the nation has had a most valuable asset. His arena was emphatically the military one, and in it he covered himself with honour and glory.

Endeavour Conference at Selly Oak. The quarterly Sunday-school and Christian Endeavour

Conference was held at Selly Oak, Birmingham, on November 14th. The workers turned up in large numbers to hear an address by Mir. G. Hamilton Archibald. The address proved highly interesting and suggestive, and, although it was a long one, the attention was unbroken from start to finish. Mr. Archibald received very hearty thanks, proposed by Mr. J. G. Milnes, seconded by Mr. W. R. Churchward, and supported by Rev. T. A. Kelley and others. Several questions were asked, which were readily answered by Mr. Archibald. Some points em-phasised by the speaker were : (a) Get out of the ruts ; don't be bound by tradition ; (b) study the child until you know him ; (c) feed him with suitable food ; (d) grade the school and have a trained worker at the head of each department ; (e) make plenty of teachers and have small classes, etc. After an enjoyable tea, provided by the Selly Oak ladies, who were warmly thanked for their kindness, interesting reports were read by the visitors to the various schools and C.E. societies, and visitors were appointed for the coming quarter. A special feature was the appointment of a number of teachers to visit the Sunday-school conducted by Mr. Archibald at Bourn-

vale, and report to the next Conference.

Death of Mrs. E. C. Rawlings.

Our Church in general and Dalling-road Cler'e Hammersmith, in particular have suffered a severe luss in the passing of Mrs. E. C. Rawlings, which took place peacefully in sleep on Wednesday morning, November 11th. She had been in failing health for some time, and during her holiday this last summer at Dovercourt she had the misfortune to fall and break hal. wrist, but it was hoped that quiet and loving care would restore her to health. Though never physically strong, she possessed great mental vitality The end, however, came quite unexpectedly. She was associated with our Hammersmith Church for thirty-five years, and rendered ungrudging service on its behalf. For twenty years she provided a stall at her own cost for the annual bazaar, and was the president of the "Women's Own" from its inception. She was devoted to the Women's Meeting, and spared no effort or sympathy to make it what it is to-day. She had a wonderful way of interesting the women, many of whom by her death have lost a true personal friend. Her interest in the missionary cause was deep arel practical. She was honoured in being appointed presiant of the Women's Missionary Federation. During her husband's Mayoralty of the borough of Hammersmith she rendered great public service, especially in the raising of £1,000 towards Sir William Treloar's Crippled Children's Fund. Her character was a fine blend of gentleness and strength. She was naturally retiring, but her character was marked by a great power of determination, decisiveness, and the ability to bring things to a successful issue. She was a soul of much charm, grace, and full of the milk of human kindness which never ceased to pour itself upon the poor and distressed. Those who were privileged to know her intimately know that her death has created a gap which will be difficult to fill, as she so often did good by surprise.

The funeral service took place in the Dulling-road Church on Saturday, November 14th. The church was crowded with friends from all parts of London. Among those present were His Honour Judge Atheriey-Jones and Mrs. Atherley-Jones (very old friends of the family), Sir William Bull, M.P., and Lady Bull, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hammersmith, the Town Clerk and several Aldermen and Councillors and Guardians, Revs. M. P. Davidson and J. D. Thompson (representing the General Committee), Rev. P. Kay and Mr. Brookes (London First District Committee), and representatives from London Church Council, General Orphanage Committee, National Free Church Council, Metropolitan Federation, Hammer-smith and Shepherd's Bush Free Church Council, members of the staff of Messrs. Rawlings, Butt and Bowyer, Hammer-smith Liberal Association, and other institutions and organisations, and a large member of our own and other Free Church ministers. Floral tributes to the number of eighty from all sorts of people testified eloquently to the respect and esteem in which the deceased was held.

The chief mourners were Mr. E. C. Rawlings, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas R. Reward (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Bowyer (sea-in-law and daughter), Miss Lanza Yates.(sister), Rev. and Mrs. J. Wellings (brother. in-law and sister), Mrs. Agnes Yates and Miss E. Yates (sister-in-law and niece), and Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Simp- son. As the coffin was borne along the aisle the organist quietly played "0 rest in the Lord." The service was conducted by Rev. John Holland, minister of the church. The 90th Psalm was read by Rev. George Bennett (Presi- dent of Conference), who also offered prayer. The lesson was read by Rev. W. Mincher, after which a choice and beautiful tribute was paid by Rev. G. E. Butt, who spoke under deep emotion. He mentioned that forty-nine years ago he had first met her in her father's home, by whose pious spirit and surroundings her natural piety was engen-dered and fostered. Even as a girl there was about her a winsomeness of spirit, charm of manner, and an eager-ness to serve the needy. He referred to the invaluable help she had rendered her husband in social, civic and church life, her untiring efforts on behalf of our church at Dalling-road, her sympathy with philanthropic and educational movements, and to her great and un-diminished interest in our missionary work, of which he, as an old missionary, had personal knowledge. Mr. Butt closed with a beautiful passage about the grave holding nothing of permanent value, the spirit having returned to its Maker to be beautified and glorified. The address showed a rare tact and grace of feeling and speech. It was of surpassing interest, and profoundly moved the con-gregation. The hymns sung were "The King of Love," " Give me the wings of faith," and "Now the labourer's task is o'er," a full choir being in attendance. The service was concluded with the benediction by Rev. J. Holland.

A large number of friends and townspeople gathered in the Hammersmith Cemetery as a final mark of esteem and love. The committal sentences at the grave were read by Mr. Holland, and prayer was offered by Rev. John Day Thompson. Thus ended a service whose memory will abide as a great treasure and inspiration.

Work Amongst Soldiers. SIR,—We have now in this town over 12,000 Terri.

torials, and more are coming this week. They are chiefly from Manchester and district and East Lancashire. Already I have received information from ministers and others of a considerable number of Primitive Methodists, but there must be many more than I am acquainted with. I shall be greatly obliged to have information of these immediately. What is needed is the name, and if possible the number, the battalion, and the address. It is of the utmost importance, that we should be able to get into touch with our own young men at the very beginning of their stay here, and this can only be done when the desired information is sent.—Yours, etc.,

J. T. BARIUM. Holmdale, Lathom-road, Southport.

NOTES OF THE WEEK,

793 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER NOVEMBER' 19, 1914

in Antwerp. In the trenches they had their baptism of fire, and all the while wore their C.E. badges. When the order to retreat was given our Wingate Endeavourers got separated. Two of them were sent home for a short holi-day, and worshipped with us on the following Sunday. They told us how they ran back during the retreat in -search of their comrades, but no word or sight of them could they get. With them, we hoped for the best, but with a great fear that they were either killed or prisoners in Germany.

More than a week dragged slowly on, and each post failed to bring any news. During those days I saw what aged fathers and mothers and young wives were enduring because of this war. The welcome postcard came at last. " We are safe in Holland." Since then many letters have come from Holland and many have been sent thither. In my letter just to hand our society steward and Endeavourer writes " We had a service here on Sunday, conducted by the Salvation Army. It was good to hear the Gospel again in our own tongue. One gentleman has offered to have a Bible-class in the Kazcrue. We got about forty nausea, but it is difficult to get arrangements made, though we expect to do so very soon." He goes on to say : "There is one thing we miss here, and that is the Y.M.C.A. Tent. The Y.M.C.A. is a. splendid thing in camp. I cannot tell its worth. They do good service for the Master and also for the men."

My pen returns to one of the other Endeavourers in that little Wingate group. The President of the Con-ference h,as sent me a letter received by him from Mr. J. T. Jenkinson (brother to Rev. J. W. Jenkinson, of Manchester), who is now engaged to assist Rev. J. Firth. In that letter he writes : There is one incident that may interest the Endeavourers of our Church. On the return of the Naval Brigades from Antwerp to Sandwich, three of our workers accompanied them to the station to see them depart for seven days' leave. After listening with intense interest to their thrilling stories, we managed towards midnight to get a short open-air service. Favourite hymns, such as 'Lead Kindly Light ' and ' Abide with Me,' were sung as I have never heard them sung before. From the middle of the crowd I noticed a bluejacket wearing a C.E. badge and thoroughly enjoying our impromptu meeting. Being an Endeavour enthusiast, I pushed my way towards him, and found, much torny joy, that he was a Primitive Methodist—George Mason—from Wingate. After one of our workers had closed the meeting

with prayer I had quite a long ' crack' with this good brother, who had worn the C.E. badge in the trenches of Ant-werp. Like all Prims I have met, he was proud to talk of the goodness and thoughtfulness of his home church people toward him." Mr. Jenkinson adds this suggestion: " Let 'all En-deavour soldiers wear their badge. Let every C.E. secretary send a badge to everyone on duty. It will help them in their fight against manifold tempta-tions of camp life, and link them to the Y.M.C.A. workers."

George Mason worshipped with us at home on that holiday Sunday. He had by him another soldier comrade, who has since been converted, and that as a result of Mason's prayerful interest and efforts. On his train journey back to camp this same youth was addressed by a Christian lady, who asked first concerning his C.E. badge. She secured his address, has since written

Endeavour Soldiers and their Friends. to him and sent several articles of apparel that are yielding him much

warmth and comfort. This sketch was started with the intention of giving

many interesting particulars concerning other Endeavour soldiers, but if the Editor can afford space these will serve for the next issue of the Leader. For this week I will close by quoting this, that came to me a few hours ago. It is from a Durham soldier who was neither an Endeavourer nor a Christian when he went to the war. He writes from France : "I think when this war is finished there will be a lot of changed men, and I am one of them myself. I have said my prayers many a time since I have been out here, and; I am not the only one."

Organ Opening at Hinckley. Thursday, November 12th, was a great day for our

Hinckley Church, crowning the efforts that have been put forth during the last three years, when the new organ was opened amid much rejoicing and an assurance that it will be entirely free of debt. Miss Lilian Thorp, of Leicester, unlocked the organ, and was presented with a pocket edition of the Hymnal Supplement with tunes, suitably inscribed. Rev, A. Surtees offered the dedicatory prayer, and gave a full historical statement, which showed that the old instrument was bought fifteen years ago from our Prince's-avenue Church, Liverpool. The new organ has been designed by Mr. C. W. Perkins (organist of the Town Hall and the University, Birmingham, Professor of the organ at the Royal Academy of Music, London), and built by Mr. J. Charles Lee, of Coventry, at a cost of £393 5s. Other expenses bring the total cost of installation to about £430, and the required sum will be to hand when the list of opening services is completed. A bazaar was held in March, 1913, which realised over £200, and £220 has been raised in twelve months by members' dcnations, etc., and successful opening services. Mr. C. W. Perkins officiated at the organ opening, and gave a recital at night. Mr. J. Watson, of Hinckley, was the soloist. The proceeds for the day amounted to £36 7s. 1.0d. On Sunday, November 15th, appropriate sermons were preached by Rev. A. Surtees. In the afternoon an organ recital was given by Mr. Victor Thomas, of Leicester, the soloist being Miss Lettie Nourish, of Leicester. Collections for the day amounted to £13 Os. 4d., making a grand total for Thursday and Sunday of £49 8s. 2d.

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOURERS AND THE WAR.

By Rev. Charles Humble.

One has a sad satisfaction in responding to the invita-tion of the Editor to give an account of Primitive Methodist Endeavourers who have gone forth to the war. During recent weeks I have sent to and received many letters from Endeavourers who are either in training or at the front, and many such letters lie on the desk in front of me. I have also had the painful pleasure of seeing several of my own circuit Endeavourers leave home. Some of these have already done service in the trenches and have been home on a short holiday, while others are at the present prisoners in Holland. Four months ago one could not have deemed such a situation within the region of probability, but war has come like a thief in the night, and, amongst others, Christian Endeavour young men have gone from their prayer meetings to the battle-fields of Europe. Truly we have seen strange things in these days.

Primitive Methodism has stood out more than most other Churches against war. As a Church we bore the reproach of being pro-Boers in the South African War. Many of us were frequently in danger of physical violence because of the way we resisted that war. Not long ago we heard a. Congregational minister say : "Yes, your Primitive Methodist Church came through the khaki war fever clean and healthy, and we honour you for it." As a Church we are sound on the question of peace and war. We. detest war. When this war was proclaimed our people as a whole were against it, and on that critical Sunday in August we agreed with Mr. Guttery's protests against going to war. Within the following week the full Statement of the case was made, and from that time we were in the main thoroughly convinced that our national duty meant war against Germany. Our word of honour and our righteous anger made it a moral impossibility to stand aside and see the weak crushed and killed. Our love of peace and our hatred of war are as strong as ever, but as a people we believe this war to be just and honour-able. We respect our courageous friends who in the columns of the Leader are opposing so vigorously the adoption of the Honour Roll, but we are quite as firm in our conviction that they are wrong. One is sorry to see

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stated as an objection to the Honour Roll that some of the soldiers are going because they are out of employ-ment. Of these there must be very few indeed, and even to these there is some credit due for going forth as soldiers at such a time. All the same, we know that the vast majority of the young men in our churches have left well-paid employment and good and happy homes.

Take this one sample. One of my circuit young men (now a prisoner in Holland), with good employment, married but quite young, a society steward, a Primary school teacher, a Christian Endeavourer, was on his way from work when the conviction was forced upon him, "I must offer myself as a soldier." This he announced to his young wife, and she, with a sad but brave heart, said " If that is your conviction, then you must go." As a sample of his influence, other two Endeavourers enlisted with him. In many talks with these young men I have had abundant evidence that they were going off as soldiers with just as serious and prayerful purpose as they have in going to their church services.

Let us follow these three in some of their subsequent experiences. Even at the railway station, before the train that. was to take them from us came in sight, they were the bravest of the brave. Another young soldier was there and was then brought under their influence and into their care, and as a result I have sent to that one—now also in Holland—an Endeavour badge. Our soldiers went with their C.E. badge well in evidence. Many were at the station to give cheer to the departing soldiers, but in actual fact it proved otherwise—they cheered us. One left the railway station on that day with a new conception of, and a new-born admiration for, the soldier. In each of their training camps these young men were definite and pronounced as Endeavourers. They travelled long distances to attend a service, and where there was no l'rimitive Methodist church they usually got to a Wes-leyan church. They kept a sharp, watchful interest over their unconverted friends. One of them bravely rebuked a comrade for making rude remarks to young women. "Have you a sister ? " he was asked. " Yes." " Would you like any other young fellow to speak to her in that way ? " The reply was, "No, I would not. I am sorry, and won't do it again."

These young mew were in the Naval Brigade that was unexpectedly called upon to go to the help of the Belgians

" NOVEMBER 19, 1914 THE .PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. • 797

There can be but one answer to this question. The war is certainly affecting the churches. It has already made a distinct mark. We look back to that first week in August as a dividing line. In some ways it has meant loss to the churches. In other ways it has brought gain., I em inclined to think that the gain outweighs the loss. The balance is on the right side.

To- begin with, it has worked up the pulpit. I write as a preacher. It has brought us back to the great centre, the fundamentals of our faith. It has lifted us out of the rut where we were travelling. During those days before the war clouds gathered—days which seem so far away, so long ago—a brother minister. said to me: "I have been giving my people a little talk upon ethics." The war has led many of us back to the great themes of the Gospel. We have seen our people in sorrow, overtaken by deep and unexpected loss. Many of their homes have been invaded. They have given up what was dearer than life. As we have stood in the pulpit and looked into their faces a "little talk upon ethics" has been impossible. The fountain of our own nature has been stirred. The seeds of the pew have spoken to the man in the pulpit. The pulpit has not failed. One .of the busiest women in this city said to me a few days ago, " The parsons are all bricks. They are doing splendid."

There is a new note of gravity among our young people. It impressed me the first Sunday after war was declared. A number of my brethren have spoken of the same thing. The young men and maidens who sit in our galleries on the Sunday night have woke up to the solemn issues that are at stake. They are beginning to see life in new colours. Many of them had been caught by the spirit of the times, the love' of pleasure, the desire for ease and comfort, -the determination to have a good time. They have come to clocer grips with realities. They listen with a new look in their eyes. They are impressed by the great moral truths we declare. Some of them linger in the prayer meeting. A few of them have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ: The flood of new emotion has carried them over the bar. They see their Pilot face to face, with new eyes.

There has been a perceptible improvement in our Sunday evening congregation. It has grown larger. It would not be correct to say that it has caught up the masses and swept them into the sanctuary ; but it has certainly touched some who had grown careless and in. different. They have turned their feet into the House of Prayer again. Some of the old memories have revived, Chords that had been silent for many years have begun to vibrate once more. Those latent forces that were tuned into their lives years ago, through the home, through the Sabbath school have woke up from a long sleep. The good seed never dies. They have found their way to the sanctuary, with a wistful lock in their eyes more eloquent than any words. Because the congregations have im. proved the collections have increased. There is nothing startling in the increase, but it is all to the good.

The prayer meeting is warmer, more hearty and more numerously •attended. We have heard new voices raised in prayer. Many who had burdened hearts have been driven, by the stress, to relieve them at the throne of grace. The war has certainly coloured our prayers and given the shape to many petitions. It has been the chief theme, the great burden. The sight of large numbers of bright, healthy young fellows, going away to suffering and to death, has touched the imagination and unsealed the fountains of emotion. Many have prayed for these who had almost forgotten to pray for themselves. It is better that men should ask for these things than remain cold and silent in God's house.

The' temper and spirit of mutual service has become a marked featuft in the life of our people. Men and women hale come out of their retirement. They have left the arm-chair. They have put aside their slippers. The large number of voluntary workers has been a benediction. The feeding of the children, after war was declared, became an impossible task for the official staff. Where 4,000 meals had been given per week, the number jumped up to more than 40,000. So many men were out of work. The ministers were appealed to for voluntary helpers. In three days a list of more than six hundred names was in the hands of the chairman of the Education Committee. The higher emotions have been touched by the new needs. We have talked about social service in our conferences. Now we have the practical opportunity afforded us in these latter days. Thank God many have not failed us.

Has there been no loss ? Yes, certainly. Many of our churches have lost heavily. Some of the brightest and most capable of our young men have gone to the front, or are now in training. Their places are empty. Many of them had made their own place in the vineyard. We find it impossible to fill up the gaps. The work is being done by others, as well as possible. We miss our friends in many ways. We miss their comradeship, their bright and eager spirit. They brought their own atmosphere into our meetings and our worship. Their buoyancy, their hopefulness, their very impulsiveness was distinct asset. It made for momentum. The wheels went, round more easily and more rapidly because they were with us.

But after all, this loss will mean gain. As with the tndividual, so with the organisation—we shall find our life y losing it. There is a reflex influence in such sacrifice.

It will come back upon the church in rich and abundant measure.

Many of our friends have left home under a strong and

a religious sense of duty. It is not a mere whim. It is not simply a craving for novelty and adventure. With many it is a distinct, religious call. The deep conviction of their soul. The men who have lefb home and business and pleasure for His sake will find their reward. The church that has joined in this sacrifice and encouraged this spirit will enter upon a glorious heritage.

A FRIENDLY INVASION.

The 4th Essex at Wymondham.

By Rev. J. C. Mantripp.

The rumour that the soldiers were coming had been renewed so often that there was an inclination to relegate this to the region of dead and forgotten things. At last they have come. The " billet " officers were busy for a day or two, and then the soldiers came. A splendid lot of fellows they appear to be. The impression grows that the longer they are here the more they will be respected, for the most part. But this is anticipating.

The normal quietness of an old Norfolk town such as Wymondham was naturally disturbed by this invasion of a whole battalion. For the people of the Churches their coming was the cause of some fears. There was no desire to shirk responsibility. Indeed, there was an intense anticipation of an opportunity to do something for the men who have pledged themselves to fight our battles. Still, there had been rumours of unpleasant things con-cerning some men, and it had been stated that these same men were coming to us, not merely to the town, but into our homes. Rumour, as usual, was wrong.

What to do, and how to do it. These were the questions that pressed. The local Free Church Council was moribund. The Free Church was without a minister. The Congregational minister was awake to the situation, but he was handicapped by the fact that his school premises were in the hands of the builders. Public buildings had been taken over by the military authorities for their own purposes. Our Central Church people were alert, and at once prepared to make our commodious school premises a centre for refreshments, reading, correspondence, social and religious gatherings, and—dare it be said 2—smoking. Then the Free Church Council revived. An emergency meeting was called, and the work organised, with our premises as the centre, and with subsidiary rooms for reading, writing, and games at the other churches. On the soldiers' arrival, after three days' notice, bills were put in their hands, inviting them to a concert. The school hall was packed. Thus a splendid start was made on the first night of their arrival. At this stage an invitation came from, the Anglican Church to meet and make arrange-ments for ministering to the needs of the soldiers. We met. The story of what we had done nonplussed the Anglicans, and greatly pleased the regimental chaplain. We felt it obligatory to go on at once. Subsequently we were informed that the Y.M.C.A. were coming to the town to work with the Anglican Church, and we were invited, indirectly, to work with them, with St. Thomas Is Beckett's Chapel as a centre. However, as this place has no more and not so suitable accommodation as our schoolroom, and as we had already organised our work and printed a thousand cards of information concerning our arrange-ments, and, furthermore, as we were filling our place and only touching one-third of the men, we could not see our way clear to do this. There was also a strong feeling expressed that the religious people of the town could cope with this work, and that the Y.M.C.A. should be set free to do work where it was more needed. At all events, we were doing a great work, and we could not desist. Other threats, not altogether obscure, we could treat with contempt, because we did not give them credit.

Certainly it does mean work. Mere enthusiasm will not carry us through. Yet organisation makes what would have been impossible a week ago possible now. The ordinary weeknight services are amalgamated and field in the other 'Free Churches in rotation. Refreshments are served in our schoolroom as early as 6.30 a.m., and throughout the day as need arises. The demand varies as the work of the men varies. The free supply of materials for correspondence is much appreciated, and the games are in great demand. We make no choice of the men, but those who come to us are splendid. There are a few Primitive Methodists amongst them. The conversation of the men is on topics not often associated with the Army. In casual talk one will refer to the various recent editions of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica," for instance, and give his opinion of these. They respond to kindness. .The low prices, merely to cover cost, charged for provisions is appreciated. A shilling a day does not leave a big margin, especially where the food provided has not yet become attractive. Other kindnesses that cost little are met with genuine gratitude. And the presence and influence of the best women of our churches call forth courtesy and the innate dignity of a real manhood. On most nights a concert is provided, and the soldiers contribute to this. On Sunday nights the songs are sacred. On Tuesdays and Thursdays an evangelistic address is given. And every night closes with family prayer. The reverence is in-spiring. The manner in which the men repeat the Lord's Prayer affords an example to our general congregations. Then the National Anthem at the break-up is ex-hilarating.

It is difficult to get all Free Church Christians to see the need of caring for the soldiers. Or perhaps they want to care for them in their own way, which is cer-tainly not the soldiers' way. Some are greatly shocked at Sunday refreshments. They canriot see that if refresh-ments are not provided on that day, when the public-house is the only alternative, there is no need to provide them on any day. And the smoking ! Yet it is glorious to see strong anti-smokers, who will remain such—for this

will be only an incident that will not change convictions—it is glorious to see these seated all the evening among the soldiers, almost invisible at times, with faces lit up with the joy that comes of helping others.

The work is wcrth while. The Army system is not ideal. Probably the recruits now joining are of a higheS average moral type than those remaining outside the Army. Contact with the men proves this. Still, there are temptations. And some find it hard to resist. At the family worship tender thoughts are aroused. These are deep, deep thoughts, thoughts that carry these men to the loved ones at home. The request comes : " May I have a few words with you privately, sir ?" What these few words convey makes all the work worth while. What some of us long for in the ordinary work of the Christian ministry, and often long for in vain, we get in this work. The men have come into this matter for a great purpose. Not all of them, but many of them. " I should not be here but for the sense of duty," is the word of many. With such men heart-to-heart talks upon the things that matter are possible. And they are actual. We regret the fact of war, and nothing can make war a right 'thing, even when it becomes a necessary thing. But this wefk is worth doing. It is a great thing for us at Wymondham that our Church is heart and soul in meeting this friendly. invasion. We know that other things remain to be con-sidered. We have given lads to the Army, and have not adopted the Roll of Honour, and probably shall not. We shall not become militarists. Yet if we can help manly men to keep manly in a difficult atmosphere, we shall be doing our Master's work.

The President at Birmingham. " Blessed are the cheer-makers, for they shall be called

the sons of the morning," is a new and welcome beatitude America has given to us, and surely the finest illustration of it in our Church is our beloved President, who day by day, all the country over, is carrying the benediction of exhilarating cheery speech to myriads of our people. A happy providence it was that called him to the Presidency at this the most perplexing and critical juncture in our national existence. In all our churches there are bewildered souls, looking wistfully for the clue to the maze, broken hearts longing for the balm that is always a sovereign remedy, sad and lonely ones whose husbands or sons are at the front, or preparing to go to the front, and • the man who would minister to these troubled ones must be one who knows where the, glory dwells and the healing sunshine is to be found. A croaker he must never be, but,an optimist, God's own optimist, who can speak comfortably to Jerusalem. Rev. George Bennett answers to this—and a Godsend is he. November 12th, at Spark-hill-Church, Birmingham, was an eloquent witness to this, when the President preached in the afternoon and lectured in the evening. The day was to have been devoted to launching the great debt-extinction effort for the Tyseley Church, but the war for the present has made that im-possible, so the circuit resolved to have a cheer-up day, and a cheer-up day it proved. Not soon will the afternoon sermon on the vision of the spiritual be forgotten-. It was so relevant, so apt, so informative, so fear-expelling and hope-creating, and withal so soul-gripping, that we would have liked every person obsessed by the material to have had his eyes touched by this spiritual seer and expert. It was good to be made sure of God, so good that many of us were careless as to the tea-drinking that immediately followed. There were souls in that service who will to life's end thank God for that message. And the evening lecture ! What a rollicking, laughter-provoking, although a blistering and bleeding effort, that defies descriptiont How the President waged war on pessimism, and not less on old-fogeyism and the officialism which will itself do nothing nor suffer others to do anything ! How the leeches were laid on to draw out the bad blood, and how the surgeon's knife was deftly handled in removing the cancer, and how the bands of music played whilst the dentist was pulling out old and troublesome stumps! Such a lecture is badly needed in most of our churches, and, its teaching heeded, the Church would be a Church glorious indeed, bright and gay, possessed of vim, a con-quering force. The splendid audience heartily seized the opportunity at the close, as well as throughout the lecture, to voice its appreciation and gratitude. As we left the building, not a few asked, " Can you get him to come again? " We have already intimated to the President that the sooner he comes the better.

Work among the Troops. Rev. Walter Duffield, Sunderland and Newcastle District

missionary secretary, is taking a keen interest in the soldiers at present located in the Heaton section of Newcastle. There were three or four thousand troops in that division of the city at the beginning of the week, and it was expected the number would be greatly augmented in a few days. As a matter of fact, the military authorities have taken our schoolroom at Heaton-road, including two large halls and three vestries. The Baptist School Hall has been taken over by the Y.M.C.A., in which the soldiers can write, read, smoke, play games, chat and so forth. Mr. Duffield, in addition to his visitations to the military hospital at Armstrong College, has flung himself into the Y.M.C.A. work for the time being, and has consented to conduct a class in easy con-versational German. On Sunday, 8th inst., he intimated to the Heaton-road congregation that thirty-seven men from their circuit (Newcastle Third)—local preachers, Sunday-school teachers and officers, and senior scholars—had joined the Colours, sixteen being from Heaton-road alone. He called the roll in the service, and asked for two minutes' silent prayer for Divine protection for the patriotic men. They were thrilling moments. Mr. Duffield's address is 25, Rothbury-terrace, Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

DOES THE WAR AFFECT THE CHURCHES?

By W. Musson Kelley.

798 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST .LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 1914

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4e- *

* * JOHN GILL, OPTIMIST. , By S. HORTON.,

* *

** • Author of "The Invisible Shield," " Wheat and Char " Roses and Thistles," " For King and Parliament," * * " Rags and Velvet," "Prince Charlie of the Canangate," etc., etc. * * * *************************************44********%i(************

Chapter XIX. John becomes a Builder.

" When opportunity knocks at the door, have the latch in your hand. '

On Sunday John was planned in the country, and he found that Joyce the builder had an appointment at a.

place about a mile farther on, and so he sent word that lie was driving and would give him a lift.

Joyce was a good man, a bit of a dreamer, full of ideas, and apt to try to grasp more than he could hold. He seemed greatly depressed, and John 'ventured to ask him if he were not well. And then he opened his heart and told him how he had engaged in a contract which was too large for him, and, after borrowing money everywhere he could, matters had come to a crisis, and unless he could find five hundred pounds in a day or two he would

'be obliged to call his creditors together. " Well," said John, after thinking the matter over for

a few minutes, "Call on me in the morning and we will see what can be done. I dunno say I can lend you the. money, but I've heard tell there are more ways of cooking a leg of mutton than roasting it. Now dunno you go to Longfields and preach as though God Almighty were dead, and you had just returned from the funeral, for I'll promise you this—I'll not see you stuck in the mud if I've got a chain horse that can pull you out."

The next morning when Joyce called, after going thoroughly into his affairs, and being convinced that the business was sound, John said "I'll tell thee, Sammy, what is the matter. You have too much sail for thy boat, and you must either take some in or get a bigger boat."

" Ay," replied the builder, but I cannot well see how I can do either."

" Well," said John, " I've a proposal to put before you, and it's this—that you take a partner who has some capital, and go on with the contracts you have and finish them. There's money to be made out of this, but you mon put some more into it to get out What you've spent already."

"I've thought of that," replied Joyce, " but I don't know of anybody with money that will come in, and in the meantime I've to meet the demand at the bank this week."

" Well," said John, "if you like I'll join you and find the capital. If you dunno like that, then I'll lend you the money to meet the claim at the bank. I dunno want to take advantage of a neighbour by offering him Holiton's choice."

Tho upshot of this conversation was that soon a new signboard appeared outside the joiner's shop, "Joyce and Gill, Builders," and with the capital John brought into the business it was soon not only solvent, but in a flourishing condition. John's common sense helped to steady Joyce, and the enterprise of Joyce gave wings to Gill's caution. In twelve months they had doubled the number of their employees and were compelled to put in new and improved machinery in order to keep pace with their increasing orders. " It was the best day's work I ever did when I took John into my business," said Joyce to his wife. "He is so safe and steady, and everybody respects him."

" 'Twas a lucky thing for me," wrote John to his son Dan, " when Samuel Joyce got stuck in the ruts and I became chain horse to pull him out. He's jannock is Samuel, as straight as a lightning conductor, and carries his religion into his business. He puts lime into his mortar, and wouldn't be paid to do a shoddy job. There are houses in Sunfleet you'd be almost afraid for a fly to knock his head against lest he butted them over, but not Joyce's houses. He makes them wind and water proof, and the smoke goes up the chimney without having to put a corkscrew at the top to pull it out. We don't make as big a profit as some, but we do make bread and butter and can afford a pot of jam once a month as a treat."

And this partnership did more for John than help to build up a fortune ; it set him reading and studying in a systematic way, for he had all sorts and conditions of men to meet, and, as he said, "He didna want to lower the credit of the firm."

He had always been a gentleman in manner and heart, and now he became one in speech. He had a great love for the dialect of the district, and he found it expressive in the homely conversation of the fireside, and in his orders to his men, but he never used it in his intercourse with strangers. He studied plans, quantities, prime costs and the measurement of timber, so that he was able to direct the clerks in the office at their work. Once, early in the partnership with Joyce, he heard Dick, his partner's eldest son, who had received a college education, laughing in the office at his lack of knowledge in book-keeping. He said nothing, but sat three hours every night with a young accountant as his tutor learning the art of figuring, and in three months he had mastered the intricacies of double entry. He surprised Dick one day by correcting some of his entries in the big ledger.

"Seems to me, Dick," he said, "you'll need to go to night school and take a few lessons in book-keeping if you cannot L'Io better than that," at which Dick winced ; and as John went out he chuckled.

I knew I should catch him on the hop some day," he said. " He thought the old man was too thick in the head to learn. Sharp chap is Dick, and if he hurries up he'll

be a man before his mother, but he's a few things to learn yet, and one is that a man is not too old at fifty to make new beginnings."

Then, what was perhaps a still greater achievement for one who had to begin so late in life, he learned to take out quantities, and to know all about plans, a task which his dislike to arithmetic made very irksome.

"I've made up my mind," he said one night to his daughter, after struggling hard with the mysteries of vulgar fractions, "1 binna going to let a row of figures get the better of me. There's one way, I reckon, of getting the sum reet, and a million ways of getting it wrong, and I've tried a good many of the wrong ones. I'll come to the reet one by-and-by. Patience and perseverance will do most things except make niggers white, so I'll have my supper and have another go at it when I've reinforced the inner man."

" Why need you bother, fathe'r," said Jemima. " There's Mr. Fletcher, the head clerk, and Dick Joyce, they can do all that is necessary, and there is no reason why you should trouble your head with learning quantities at your time of life."

" Get thee behind me, Sa—I mean Jemima," he replied with a laugh. " Do you think that I have not said that to myself a hundred times 1 Every time I've had some-thing difficult to undertake it has been the 'first thing that has come into my mind. 'Dunno you bother, John Gill. Let others do the hard work axd you take the easy end. If there's fasting and eating to be done, let other folks do the fasting and you do the eating,' and if I had listened I should have become as soft as a frost-bitten turnip, of no use to anyone. All my life I've denounced the Weary Willies ' among the working men, and the Tired Time' among the aristocrats ; and I've been in

about as much danger of becoming one myself as ever thou hadst of being the best housekeeper in Sunfleet. No, I make no account of men who, when they get on a bit, run away from every tough job, and say, What's the use of it ? ' I dunno want the prosperity the Lord has sent me to undermine my manhood, that's a fact. When I look in the glass I dunno want to look a coward in the face, but a man to whom I can take off my hat and say, ' Well done, old _fellow.' Now, if you dunno mind, I'll tackle those two chops and I'll try not to let them beat me either ; a man good at working should be good at eating."

It was in this spirit John faced the difficulties his ever-increasing business laid upon him, and he made wonderful progress, growing a bit every day, as he put it. Besides which he read widely and well, and his previous training in speaking made it easy for him to express his thoughts on almost any subject.

After four years' partnership Joyce died, and his son desired to withdraw from the business to go to Canada, and John found himself in a position to pay him out and take the business over into his own hands. He much desired Dan to come and join him, but that young man had fallen in love with his employer's daughter, and was looking forward to the time when he should take silk and become a barrister. It was a disappointment to his father when he refused, but he recognised that Dan knew hiS own business best. Jimmy had taken sole charge of the carrier's business, was making money fast, and had developed into quite a swell, his father Said. " Times have changed, lad," John said to him one day, when he saw a diamond ring on his finger, "since you were glad to have the tail part of a herring for breakfast. Now it's a new silk necktie every month, and you swagger about with a gold watch and diamond ring. But, remem-ber this, it is not what is outside a man, but what he carries in his head and heart that determines his worth. I'm a bit afraid you might get a swelling under your hat and forget that you once were glad of a piece of bread and treacle."

" No fear, Dad," replied Jimmy, " the only swelling that troubles me is the one on my big toe, where I've a corn that would keep a saint humble."

" Tight boots, my lad. You cannot have gentility and comfort. Get a pair of boots a size larger, and you will be bothered no. longer. Fools and women always try to make their feet less than Providence ordained they should be, and they pay a big price."

" Who is running women down now I " asked Mima, who entered just in time to hear the last sentence. " Father, I'm surprised at you. As for Jimmy, he back-bites them when they are absent and worships them when they are present."

" The first part of the statement is a gross calumny," replied Jimmy. " The second part is true, and so, sister mine, I kneel to you," and he fell on his knees before her.

" Get up, you silly boy, or I'll box your ears," she answered. ",You get more frivolous every day. I wish sometimes I could spank you as I used to do."

" Yes," rejoined Jimmy. " I was brought up by hand like poor Pip, and I pride myself that I do credit to my family. You have no idea what a tyrant she was, Dad, and how she used to pull any hair under pretence of making it curl, and rub the soap into the corner of my eyes to make them smart. If ever she gets a husband he will have a hottish time of it. I told Mr. Anderson so only the other day."

" I should be much obliged if you and Mr. Anderson would cease to discuss • either my merits or demerits,"

she interrupted. " What right, have you to bring- me into your conversation at all?"

" I didn't bring-you in, sister Mine. The fact is, I/ get so much of you at home that I am quite content to forget you when Pm abroad," answered Jimmy. "But he never thinks a conversation complete unless he drags you in. He thinks you are an angel, Mima, with wings tucked away under your dress, and in the interests of truth I am bound to disiLlusionise him. If other men saw women through the same eyes as their brothers, earth would become like heaven, for there would be neither marriage nor giving in marriage."

" I think it is so impertinent on the part of Mr. Ander• son to discuss me," went on Jemima.

" And yet you and all the young women of Salem Chapel discuss him every time you meet," answered. Jimmy. " It was only yesterday I heard you telling Annie Gray that you wished he would dress more like a parson and less like a Socialist orator. Where does the equality, come in, eh, Dad ? "

" There is hone," replied John. "In the matter of gossip women are privileged."

" You are a pair of nasty, naughty fellows, and I won't give you any nice hot cake for your tea."

" There," said John, " we've done it, lad. And, like a woman, she punishes us where we are most vulnerable. Women are always likely to get their own way as long as they keep the feeding department under their charge. The true sceptre that rules the world is the rolling-pin.",

(To.be continued.)

Rev. Nathaniel Watts. Rev. Nathaniel Watts, of Bromyard, entered the more

expansive life beyond on Wednesday, November 11th, after a brief illness of thirty-six hours. He had attended and enjoyed the service at our Bromyard Church as usual on the previous Sunday evening. The following evening, quite suddenly, he had a seizure, and never really regained consciousness. Although in his seventy-sixth year, it was quite unexpected, as he had been active up to the last. It had been his constant desire to " die in harness," and while this literally was not, yet virtually it was, per-mitted him. He was a son of the manse, his father being the late Rev. William Watts. He was ever full of good works, and never ceased to do what he could for the King-dom of God, and especially for the Church he loved. After an active ministry of forty-seven years, he was super-annuated in 1908. But superannuation was not retire-ment, for he continued- to render splendid service at Malvern, in the Worcester Circuit, and for the last three years at Bromyard. At the former place his saintly life and faithful labours are still spoken of with reyerence and love, while at Bromyard his memory will be fragrant and revered for many years to come. The people loved him as a large-hearted, pure-souled; faithful minister of Jesus Christ. As a circuit minister he always won the respect and confidence of his people. For faithful, plodding work he had few equals, and he had enviable success in winning souls to God.

The funeral, which took place on Saturday, Novem-ber 14th, at Bromyard, was attended by many friends, including the curate of the parish. The service, for con-venience, was conducted in the Congregational Church by Rev. W. Woodley. Pastor W. Ward, in charge of the Bromyard Circuit, read the Psalm. Rev. W. Wilcock, representing the West Midland District Committee, read the Corinthian lesson, and expressed to the bereaved family the sympathy of the District. Rev. John Jones (Congregational), an intimate friend of our departed brother, gave a most impressive address.

The President at Hull. The President of Conference (Rev. G. 'Bennett) has

recently paid his long-expected and eagerly anticipated visit' to the scene of his former labours, Great Thornton-street Church, Hull Fourth Circuit. Probably some of the best and most fruitful years of the President's ministry were spent on this circuit. It was during his term that the great revival broke out at Thornton-street, when Albert Shakesby was converted. That revival made a pro-found impression upon the west of the city and Hull Primitive Methodism generally. A preparatory devotional 'service was held during the week previous to the anniver-sary. This was well attended, and .fostered the spirit of expectancy and faith. Good congregations gathered morning and evening on the Sunday, the evening one being especially large. Mr. Bennett's timely messages deeply moved the congregations. The choir gave a very, helpful musical service in the afternoon, and the President a very cheering address. On Monday Mr. Bennett preached at 3 p.m. to a splendid week-day gather-ing. The service was of a deeply spiritual character, and was much enjoyed. After tea a reception was held by the President and Mrs. Bennett. Words of appreciation were spoken by Messrs. Knaggs and Brown, Revs. J. Goldthorpe and W. Swales. Musical items were rendered by the choir. Mr. Bennett responded in his own inimitable way. The public meeting in the evening was full of inspiration. Rev. S. G. Delafield gave a timely message and the President a most telling address. The services were con-cluded on the Tuesday with a lecture by Mr. Bennett. The audiences were large and enthusiastic. The President puts his whole soul into his work. His term of office will be one of great blessing to our Zion. Our church at

Thornton-street will be the better for many clays for the visit. Mr. Walter Hudson, Mr. George Sipling and Mr. J. E. Railtc,n made capable and efficient chairmen. The financial result was over £35. • - •

Dr. E. W. Reed ...

ICor. Chas. Roberts Dr. A. E. Quine

F.. Thorne, Jun.

Dr. E. G. Fisher

J. Whitehead ...

G. Greenwood ... C. J. D. Gair

W. Farrow

C. M. Hornsby ... Graham Price

George Herbert PrIc C. Chippindale W. G. Young ;A. Winch W. ,E. Gaunt

John Gaunt

Ronald Woolfenden

Cephas A. Maynard

F. Holden

J. R. Moore

T. S. Moore

F. J. Redhead B. Durham II. C. Baker

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

ij.Storr Brian E. M. McBee John Hall ..• T. Robinson • • •

th ••• •••

NOVEMBER 19, 1914

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 799

COLLEGE ROLL OF

Capt., R.A.M.C., attached Lancs. and Ches. R.G.A.

R.A.M.C., Egypt. 2nd Lieut., 3rd East Yorks.

Regt. Lieut., 20th Batln. London

Regt. Temp. Service Royal Navy-

R.N. Hosp., Hasler, Gosport. Comsn. 10th Manchester Batln.

(Terr.) Regt. Comsn. in 9th Manchesters. R.A.M.C., 20th County of Lon-

don Regt. R.A.M.C., 1st East Anglian

Regt. 13th Prov. Batln. 20th Hussars. Ccrrpl. Dispatch Rider, Royal

Fusiliers, in France. 4th Queen's Regt. Yorkshire Hussars. Yorkshire ,Hussars. Leeds Batln. W.Y. Regt. " D " Co., 10th Satin. Duke of

Wellington's W.R. Regt. Reserve Terr. Batln. Duke of

Wellington's W.R. Regt. Pub. Schls. Batln. Royal Fusi-

liers. 3rd Batln. Royal Fusiliers, 3rd

Co. " D " Co., P.S. Batln. Royal

Fusiliers. " B " Co., P.S. Batln. Royal

Fusiliers. " B " Co., P.S. Batln. Royal

Fusiliers. 6th Batln. Manchester Regt. 4th Royal North Lancs. Regt. Grimsby Batln. Lincolnshire

Reg t. Grimsby Batln. Lincolnshire

Regt. Grimsby Batln. Lincolnshire

Regt. Durham Light Infantry. 5th Batln. Reserve Durham

Light Infantry. "D" Co. 1st Batln. Man-

chester Regt. " C " Co., 14th Batln. 1st Royal

Montreal Regt. ••• 10th Batln. Manchester (Terr.)

Regt. Navy Wireless Operator. 6th King's Liverpool Regt. Acting Bombardier, R.F.A. Trpr., Royal Bucks. Hussars.

REV. G. STANDING AND THE WAR OFFICE.

Clergy/General Number/4066 (Chaplains). War Office, London, S.W.

16th November, 1914. Sm.,—With reference to your letter of the 12th inst., I

are directed to forward the enclosed copy of a letter sent by the Army Council to the Secretaries of the Baptist and Congregational Unions on the 10th idem.

I am, sir, your obedient servant, Rev. George Standing.

A. STRANGE. [COPY1

Clergy/General Number/4060 (Chaplains). 10th November, 1914.

GENTLEMEN,—I am commanded by the Army Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 29th ult., giving particulars respecting the enlistment of Baptists and Congregationalists in the Army, and to express the Council's appreciation of the response which has been made by your churches to the Secretary of State's appeal for recruits.

The question of the provision of Chaplains is being dealt with in another letter.

As regards the question of the accurate registration of the religious denominations of recruits, it is, as you are aware, the desire of the Council that every man who joins airy branch of the Army shall enjoy full freedom to be recorded as belonging to the denomination with which he is associated. The printed form of attestation in use for the Regular Forces makes specific provision for this, as you will observe from the specimen copy which is enclosed, and, in the case of the Territorial Force, a circular letter was recently issued (copy enclosed) with the object of making it clear that the same liberty should be enjoyed by these recruits as by those joining the Regular Army. The Council are taking into consideration the possibility of making arrangements which will ensure the more complete carrying out of their wishes in the matter. In this connection the suggestions made in your letter under reply will be borne in mind.

In the meantime I am to suggest that soldiers who find that their religious denomination has been incorrectly recorded should report the matter to their Commanding Officers, with a view to its rectification, and also that, either by communicating this letter to your denomina- tional Press or in any other way which may seem to you preferable, the fact that recruits are entitled under Army Regulations to declare their adherence to their own denominations should be mado known as widely as Possible among the ministers and members of your Churches.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, (Sd.) B. B. CURITT.

The Secretaries of the Baptist and Congregational Unions.

ELMFIELD HONOUR.

J. R. Normandale

H. A. Robinson ...

B. T. Yarker T. Nelson

j. W. Chadwick ...

D. Chadwick

Frank Hilton ....

THE CHURCH MAGAZINE IN WAR TIME.

AT this time of stress and anxiety there is a new seriousness amongst the people, and they are compelled to face the deepest realities of life. '1 his is the Church's great opportunity. We all see the necessity of maintaining

every branch of work with unflinching courage, and the Church Magazine will be more useful than ever as a Christian message to the multitudes outside. A good attractive magazine will enable every Church to evangelise its immediate neighbour hood and every Minister to extend the influence of his ministry.

We shall do our part. It is a difficult time for the production of a magazine, for the increase in the price of paper alone means a large extra expense. But there will be no increase in the price of "THE HOME MESSENGER," no difference in the quality of the paper, no reduction of the size of the magazine, and no falling off in the attractiveness of its contents. We hear from our friends in all parts of the country, that although some of the larger firms are cutting down their advertisements in the daily newspapers, there is no difficulty whatever in getting local advertisements for local magazines from local tradesmen.

WHY PRIMITIVE METHODISTS LOCALISE

THE HOME MESSENGER. I. An Unrivalled Inset.

By the Editor of the "Primitive Methodist Leader." The Home Messenger continues on its progressive career, even more

successfully than ever. After a careful perusal of the magazine we can only express our admiration of the aptitude of the Editor, which amounts to genius, in providing for the ever-changing and various needs of the people within the Churches, and of those who are outside. The circulation of the Home Messenger is in itself one of the greatest testimonies to its value. More than 300,000 copies a month are required to meet the great demands of the Churches, and this circulation is ever upward in its tendency. It is at this season of the year, when Churches are face to face with their winter's work, that they feel the need for some localised magazine, some agency that will render them assistance. Here they have it, inexpensive, effective, artistic in every respect. Churches seeking a magazine to localise should not fail to see the Home Messenger. As a magazine for localising by Churches, it stands out as most attractive in form and matter. There is no better magazine for the purpose.

I. The Church Magazine. By Rev. J. T. BARKBY.

Experience teaches—and is there any better teacher ?—that the Church magazine is one of the best means of reaching non-churchgoers and providing a second pulpit for the minister from which he can reach thousands who might never come within sound of his voice. It is, besides, an excellent advertising medium for the Church.

It will, of course, be said that this means money. So it does, but not to the Church if it be properly worked. It may even be, and in many cases is, a source of church revenue. The first thing to do is to select the inset, and to this we gave much thought. The inset is the backbone of the magazine, and as we were determined that our magazine should be the best possible, we must have the best possible inset. We secured samples of several, and, after careful consideration, fixed on the Home Messenger. For its interestingness, its up-to-dateness, the range, variety and quality of its articles and stories, the character of its contributors, the paper on which it is printed, and its numerous and beautiful illustrations, it surpassed anything offered us. And the choice always gave us great satisfaction. Our readers were so interested in it, that if for some reason or other they missed getting it, they would sometimes send for it.

• Some who removed from the neighbourhood left money for it to be posted to them. That was my experience at Nelson. I have found the same elsewhere, and do to-day, for as an inset the Home Messenger is my first and only love. .

Now is the time to arrange to localise THE HOME MESSENGER. Specimen copies for January next, with our new programme for 1915, and all particulars regarding localising, will be sent to any Minister or Church Official, on receipt of a postcard.

Write to Mr. FREDERICK A. ATKINS, Temple House, Tallis Street, London, E.C.

Tekoher.: 2.13111 HOLBORN. Telegrams: "OPRNEYBD, LONDON "

THE IDEAL BOOK POE A

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

"WITH SIGNALS

CLEAR." By RAMSEY GUTHRIE.

ILLUSTRATED BY

HENRY EVISON.

Large Crown Rvo. Cloth Boards, Gilt. Pub-lished 2/6. Net 1/11. Postage extra, 4d.

READY THIS WEEK.

Field-Marshal Earl RobertsS.C.

he Life-Story of a great Soldier.

BY

WALTER JERROLD.

Crown 8vo., 280 pages with illustrations. Cloth bound.

Price 1/- net Postage extra, 4d

The Great War. FOR KING, COUNTRY,

AND HUMANITY.

ROLL OF HONOUR. Many Members of our Churches, Brother-

hoods, and Bible Classes, etc., eto., have answered the call of Ring and Country. A list of these brave men should have a place of honour in all Chapels, Schools and Village Halls.

We have therefore prepare] a

ROLL OF HONOUR, on which can b3 inscribe] their names and services, and be kept as a permanent record.

It Is tastefully printed In colours, suitable for framing.

Nen. owes sq. ninon w eu •■11.1 mume-Irreer, Tem room or .en yr. rpm vb. To Imear

REDUCED FACSIMILE.

Price 1/- ; post free, 1/2.

London: W. A. HAMMOND, Holborn Hall, E.C.

TRADE MARE.

DFJ.Collis Brow CHIARODY

THE RELIABLE FAMILY MEDICINE. THE BEST REMEDY KNOWN FOR

re's E

Convincing Medic at Testimony with each

bottle.

Of all Chemists, 1/li, 2/9, 4/6.

COUGHS, COLDS, ASTHMA, BRONCHITIS.

Acts like a charm in Cut LPITA s short attacks of SPASMS,

PATIoN, HYSTERIA. DIARRHEA and A true palliative in NEURALGIA, other bowel complaints. TOOTHACHE, RHEUMATISM, GOUT.

Always ask for a

.5 Dr. COLLIS BROWNE."

- Buy your CHAIRS for Primitive Methodist Churches; and Schools from the "P.M.'.

Chair Factory.

Speciality lauds' Chairs for S.S. Primary Dept. (Phnie 172 Myeera1G0

JOTNEION, HOLLAND & CO. High Wycombe.

Do not glee up any ePecial Services because of the War, but advertise them well by the use of our TRACTS. They will be !wind very helpful, and the cost Is only mcdaate-500 3/-; 1,000 4/8; peat fr., cash wi,h order. Invitation Cards, 500 3/6 ; 1 COO 5/, We stall be glad to receive enquil ice for a ly d,sci iption of Pi luting for Churches or Sunday Schools, or Basin. , or Private purposes,

and wi.l reply promptly. PENDLEBURY & SONS, P.M. Priatere,

17. Blackburn Road. Borten.

EXTRA STRONG CLIMBING ROSES grand stuff, 5 to 7 feet, with mans branches : Gloire Dijon, Madam Berard, Dorothy Perkins, White Dorothy, Crimson Rambler, Hiawatha, 1/- each ; 9/8 dozen. W. A. Richardson, Marechal Niel,

3 to 4 feet, for 1/- each.

NEW ROSES. R tyon d'Or, Lady Hillingdon, Jessie, ild.; Sunbu st, 9d. each.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS. Paxton or Royal Sovereign, 2/- 100.

RASPBERRY DANES, Superlative, 1/- dozen ; 7/- 100. Perfection, 9d. doz. ; 15/.. 100.

APPLE TREES.-We have a quantity of fruiting Apple Trees ; most of them have fruited th s year. We have lost names of these, but they are all leading and best kinds. Special to clear, 6 for 3/6, 12 for 8/8.

CATALOGUE FREE.

R. S. BANKS & CO., SEAMER RD., SCARBORO:

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 1914 800

EVANGELISTIC, 81c.

SISTER OF THE PEOPLE. - Re-en-gagament desired ; experiencedvieltor and !speaker ;

Apply, SISTER, care of T. S. Brindley, 4, Ludgate Circus, B.C.

H IRED LOCAL PREACHER (un-married) wanted at once for Drifileld Circuit.-

Apply, with referencek Rev. A. R. WALSHAM, 18, Lockwood Street., Drlflield, E. Yorks.

}FRED LOCAL PREACHERS.-Two young men wanted at once.- State age, experi-

ence, &c., and enclose two copies of recent testimonials, to Rev. S. HORTON, Holborn Hall, London, E.C.

EXPERIENCED LAY EVANGELIST offer. his services to any needy Church on very

easy terms ; good preacher, visitor, organiser ; highest ministerial references.-Care of Linn's]; 92, South Bank Avenue, York.

SITUATION VACANT.

GIRL required as General Help ; good home for willing girl„ and one that is fond of

children.-Apply, C., 28, Bowen Road, Harrow, Middle...

ASPLENDID TEACHER'S BIBLE

IS GIVEN TO EVERY READER SECURING

EIGHT NEW SUBSCRIBERS TO THE

PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER.

Other Bib'ee of proportionate value given for fewer New Subscribers. Send card for particulars to

The Manager, P.M. LEADER. 73, FARRINGDON STREET, LONDON, E.C.

PILES, ECZEMA, RINGWORM, BURNS, SCALDS, CHILBLAINS, etc.,

cured by

Capt. BENT'S OINTMENT. One customer says: "I suffered tortures from Pile,

rvingtoXrwort Arlaystmether.Since using ept3eotmei.,eiottonehour

CAPT. BENT'S CO., Cambridge Chambers, Harrogate.

Post free 1/1i, or Bend 3d. to cover postage for _ free sample.

MISSIONS AND SPECIAL SERVICES. THE

NOTTINGHAM GOSPEL LEAFLETS are still the most popular means of

advertising. Price with announcement printed on one side, 500, 9s. ; 1,000 is. 6d., prepaid. Temperance Swiss for Tam-peranos Work. Window Bills, Posters, Circulars, Tickets, &c. Good work and low prices.

WM.WARD,,, CITY BUILDINCS, NOTTINGHAM.

CHEAP CHAIRS For Churches, Chapels, Missions & Schoolroom.

From is. 8d. each. Buy from the factory, Save middle prate.

HEALING BROS., High Wycombe

THE POSITIVE ORGAN. A real Pips Organ, giving the Ora:gaol two manuals and pedals on Re single keyboard. Price from 1870, Over FAO supplied. 111timates given for Ilk pain, Rebuilds, Two and Three Manual Organs eta.

THE POSITIVE OSCAN CO. (Ltd.)

se, Mornington Crescent, London, N. W.

(Opposite Tube Station.)

IRON BUILDINGS

, '1111111'11 II FOR ALL PURPOSES.

Batimates Tree,

CINCER, LEE & CO., PRACTICAL BUILDER.,

Plymouth Avenue, Longsight, Manchester. Extent sedlazeatsdm.

SOME

2,000 BRITISH CHURCHES SAVE INTRODUCED THE

INDIVIDUAL COMMUNION CUP, so providing a Clean Cup, free from infection, for every Member.

Is your Church one of the 2,000 ? If not, write for Free Lists, Literature and Testimonials, to-

TOWNSHENDS LTD., BIRMINGHAM.

WAS ansis_will)ou to-day show your Patriotism by sending your order to keep our Workpeoplc going ?

BLACKPOOL.-Mrs. DEDMAN, 42, Dick-eon Road ; Some from Home for old and new

wend. with or without board P.M. ; piano.

BLACKPOOL.-Mrs. HEwirr, 40, Hull Road.-Home from home ; highly recommended'.

lion to Central Station and sea; with or without Board; piano ; stamp.

BLACKPOOL.-Mrs. MUSGRAVE, Oakroyd Roam, 79, Albert Road. - Home from

home; close to sea and Central Station ; with or without Board ; P.M. ; Piano.

BOARD D and RESIDENCE. - Comfort-able home ; cycle accommodation ; easy access to

City and West End ; liberal table ; Emile moderate.-WOODLANDS, Bowes Road, New Southgate.

COL W Y N BAY.-Misses VENABLES (late of Osweetry), Meirion Gardens.-Apartmente

or Board ; close to sea and wood.; good bade, bath, piano ; splendid winter resort.

LONDON.-Mrs. BLACKWELL, P.M., 52, Huntingdon Street, Caledonian Road, King. Cross;

comfortable bed and good breakfast 2o. ; very central ; highly recommended. •

BULBS. BULBS. Finest Quality.

Satisfaction Guaranteed. 4d. a Lot. 15 Freesias 4d

4 White Hyacinths .. 4d. 30 Snowdrops 4d. 4 Red Hyacinths .. 4d. 80 Cr.u., white, blue, 4 Blue Hyacinths .. 9d. yellow, or mixed 4d. 4 Pink Hyacinths .. 4d. 40 Spanish Iris.. .. 9d. 6 Mixed Hyacinth. .. id. 80 bias 40. 2 Exhibition Ilya- 90 Narcissus, Pheasant

clothe, named .. 6d. Eye id. 20 White Tulips .. 4d. 90 Do., Double white .. 4d. 20 Yellow Tulips .. 4d. 30 Fine mixed N arcis. 2 I Scarlet Tulips .. 4d. f 4d. 20 Pink Tulips .. 4d. 15 Gladioli, Bride .. 4d. 20 Fine mixed Tulips .. 4d. 15 Blushing Bride .. 4d. 12 thionodoxas .. 4 1. 12 Gladioli Peach Bios. 15 Parrot Tulips .. 4l. nom 4d 15 Double Tul Pis .. 4d. 15 Anemones _ 41. 15 Cottage Maki _ 4d. 90 Jonquils .. 4d. 15 Anna 4d. 15 Scilla Sibirica 44. 15 La Reins 4d. 2 Phalle Candidum 44 15 Bose Chia de Lin .. 4d. 80 Star of Bethlehem 4d. 30 Ranunculus 4d. 15 Winter Aconites .. 4d,

VIOLAS. Finest named aorta, 91 doz. ; 100 in 10 sort., 4/ .

Cabbage Planta, fkl 100 ; 3/- 1,0)0.

White r vane

ROSES, f.'1,7:LatTe!lityLyoZ Cochet Carolina Tatout, Madame A. Chatenay, K A. Victoria, La To.ca, Frl.ce de B Ig rie, Mr9. Cuthbrush, Killarney, Richmond, Mrs. J. Laing, Hugh Dickson, Madams Revery, J. R Clarke, Pha.i.eer, Grose an Tepitz, Dean Hole, G neral Jacqu mino., Ulrich Brunner, Capta'n H ward, Clio. JIro e, an I m ny others. Purchasers' selection, 61 each ; 6/6 doze,. My seleclion, 5/. doz,,.

LONDON.-Vernon House, 36, Ampthill 1..1 Square, Easton:-Mrs. ALLISON, P.M., proprietress. Bed and breakfast, ft., flret-class table ; near P.N. Church.

LLANDUDNO.-The Bodnant Priiate Hotel ; highly recommended ; good table ; exten.

.ive private grounds ; comfort first consideration ; moderate terms ; reference, Rev. Thos. Waugh. Tele-phone, 201-Pe oraixx11/03..

QT. ANNES - ON - THE - SEA.- Mrs. • OREENHALOH and Miss HIDING (late of Southport). -Ivy Dene, 65, et. Andrew's Road, S. Comfo table Apartments.

QOUTHPORT.-Mrs. DYSON, Moray KJ House, 10, Victoria Street, off Promenada Cowart-able Apartments ; bath and piano; sea view; many and central ; weil.aired bade

SOUTHPORT.-Apartments, near Pro-menade, Lord Street, igatione, and P.M. Church. A

home from home-Mrs. STAPLES, 20, Suam& Road, Southport.

QOUTHPORT.-3, Victoria Street (off ▪ Promenade) is the (W)right house for comfort,&c.; public, private, en I permanent apartments ; sea vie*: beds a speciality ; most central ; terme moderate.-Apply, Mr.. AV ntoliT.

FINE STRONG PLANTS.

Satisfaction or money returned. Zd. a lot. Special War Prices.

20 Giant white Pansies 3d. 20 Alyssum satatile .. 81 20 Giant yellow Pansies 9d. 6 Campanula gr an- 20 Peacock Pansies .. 3d. dIflora .. _ 8d. 20 Red Fancies - - 9d. 6 Do., carpatica .. 6d. 20 Blue Pang es .. 3d. 9 Oriental Poppy .. F. 20 Mauve Pansies .. 9d. 8 Daub e Moll, hock. . 10 MadamPerrett 20 Myosot is Victoria.. I.

Pansies .. .. 3d 20 Sweet William, nixd. 3‘1. 20 Choice Mixed Pa ales ad. 15 Do., Pink Beauty .. 51. 12 Gypsophila painculata 3 Hel,nium autumnali 8(1.

extra Wrong .. 9d. 6 Caraations, mixed .. 9d. 12 Coreopsis grand iflora, 4 Do., Grenadin, sat. 3d.

strong clumps .. 3d. 4 Do., white. .. 8d. 6 Gaillardlas .. .. 3d. 20 Brompton Stocks.. 8d.

25 Canterbury Bells, 10 Hybrid Pyrethrum Ild. mixed- .. 3d. 1 Michaelmas Daisy,

20 Canterbury Bells, Purity .. ... 8d.

blue, white, or rose 3d. 1 Do., Climax .. .. 3d. 8 campanula pyre. 10 Chrysanthemums

midalis, blue .. 3d. - maximum Robin- 8 Do., white .. .. 3d. sonic .. . 8d. 8 Campanula Hoer. 10 Do., King Edward.. 8d.

helm' .. .. 3d. 10 DJ., Lowthian Bell 84 25 Iceland Poppies .. 3d. 3 Grum, Mrs. Brad- 15 Do., Excelsior .haw _ ... 8d.

strain,many new 12 Perennial Lupine - 8d. colours .. .. 3J. 8 Thalictrum, Hardy

16 Polyanthus .. 3d. Maidenhair .. 3d.

WALLFLOWERS. WALLFLOWERS. Blood Red Golden King, E tigers Queen, Ruby GSM;

Cranford B•outy, Rose Queen, Vulcan, or ell colours mixed, fine h s iy transplanted 1I int ., 100, 1/3 ; 300, 8101 500, 5/-. Worth 5/. 100.

APARTMENTS, HOTELS, HYDROS, &c. Any Advertisements, for the current issue, of this description must

reach the Office not later than first post Tuesday Morning.

NOVEMBER 19, 1914 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 801

THE

Primitive Methodist Leader INCORPORATING

..11114 PREGITITE METHODIST" TER PRIXIITTE METHODIST

THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 19, 1914.

All Literary communication, must be sent to the Editor, 7a, Farringdon Street, London, S.C.

Advertisements and all communications relating thereto must be rut to Mr. T. M. Grindley, 4, Ludgate Circus, Loudon, B.C., and must arrive by Tuesday morning.

Church Neve% Remittances and Notices of Births, Marriage. and Deaths, and prepaid subscriptions for the .Leader" must be sent to The Manager, 73, Farringdon Street, London, S.C. Church News and Notice. should arrive by Tuesday morning. The Leader subscription rates are—Quarterly, Is. 9d. ; Yearly, ea Id. ; Abroad, 843. Id. Post Free.

THE CHURCH'AND THE WAR.

Some Thoughts of a Pacifist.

By M. T. Pickering.

This nation has never known such troublous and testing times. How she will weather the storm, and what will happen after the storm is past, will depend primarily upon the dominant elements in our national life. It is surely not too much to say that the manner in which she carries herself in this crisis, and how she will fare when it is past., will depend largely upon the attitude and the contribution of the Christian Church. The Church never had a greater opportunity, and never a more serious responsibility. if she blunders now she will blunder to her own undoing and her nation's hurt. She always needs sanity, but the highest wisdom is an imperative at this hour. There are evidences that more lucid, sane and restrained thinking are needed in some areas of the Church to-clay. What is her place, privilege and duty in these dark days ?

The Church needs sanity in speaking of the causes of this war. To speak or write as if this was God's judgment upon us for our national sins, our inordinate love of pleasure, our Mammonism, in short because the nation has forgotten God, is wild talk and makes sad reading. Who can think of God visiting upon the nations the unspeakable horrors of this war because they have sinned! Belgium harassed, ravaged, ruined 'because of the sins of nations ! A strange way for a kind Providence to correct errors and misdeeds. It is unthinkable. The Fatherhood of God contradicts it. We must look elsewhere for the cause. It is in the wickedness of men's hearts, not in the will of God. We must cease talking so unwisely. It is equally erroneous and undesirable to speak as if this way, the horrible way of a horrible war, was God's way of bringing about a better world. War is hell-born, not heaven-born. It is of the devil, not of God. The genesis of this war was in the nethermost regions. In men's ambitions, greed, grasp of territory and love of power, in these things we find war. This, however, is our consolation*: God can and will overrule the evil of men, and bring us at last to a new and better day. But this must be said—if men would, then God would have led us to this new day in a kinder and more tender way.

As far as our data goes we saw no other path open to Britain than entering upon this conflict. We did our utmost to avert war. Our bond to Belgium to respect and preserve her neutrality demanded that we stood by her side. A pacifist, we abhor and detest war as deeply as does any member of the Society of Friends. We hate it with a deep and bitter hatred, and yet we dare not be untrue to our pledge to protect the weak. We could not stand by and see a bully abuse and wreck the home of one who did him no wrong, and only asked to be allowed to live at peace. If war of defence is ever justifiable, surely this war is such. Few, very few, but say the American War for the Abolition of Slavery was more than justifiable, even imperative. This conflict is the culmination of the teaching of Nietzsche, Treitschke, Bernhardi, and of pro-fessors and- others in college, university and press, the heart of all being that might is right. Many of our own boy-; have answered the call, and given themselves, if needs be their lives, as they believe for the making of a new and better world. Ungrudgingly we give them their meed of praise. They are amongst the fairest our Church possesses.

Yet, while believing all this, the Christian Church must needs go steadily. The Church is not only disappointed, it is largely defeated. Say what men will, to-day wit-nesses the defeat of our hopes. If Europe had been Christian there would have been no war ; nay, if pro-fessedly Christian nations had been Christian there would have been no war. Our day's paper, with its terrible toll of life, is saddening, depressing, disconcerting. We feel ashamed, saddened, humbled. We repeat, the Christian Church must go steadily. Germany's. mad- militarism must be and will be overthrown, and Germany and Europe set free for a larger, truer life. This will be done all the mere effectively by a sober-minded, high-toned national life. In this the Christian Church must lead the way. The note of the Jingo is entirely out of place in the Christian Church. Our boys will do none the worse, but, in the day of conflict, all the better if a pure idealism nerves their arm. For our own sake, for the world's sake, while 3 abate not in interest or sacrifice, let us choose carefully our terms in speech, and let us preserve in our hearts the highest motivity.

Tben, too, the Church's place and privilege to-day is to guide and comfort the sorrowing. Some say this note of comfort is wanting in some of our churches, that (as far

worship is concerned) you might think we were at peace. These churchea we think are few. To-day of all clays we

• 15"1

say, " Comfort' y Comf - e, comfort ye, My people." We know

•

some who have no sons, no kinsmen at the front, who cannot sleep because of the tale of horrors. There are those who are stunned, bewildered, utterly perplexed, and these need guidance. There are those amongst us who have their sons in the war zone, who are anxious, sorely troubled, and to these we have a message and a mission in these dull, dull days. Our people will never forget the kindness and comfort of the Church given them in this lone night of their lives. The Church does right in no limping language, but in plain, bold terms to pray for victory as speedily as possible and as bloodless as possible. It must be quite as plain and earnest in its petition that such victory be used not for selfish, revengeful ends, but the good of all.

The Church must be loyal to its ideal—the end of all war, world-wide peace. We are bent on the overthrow of jingoes and junkers, not only in Germany, but in Britain and everywjsere. The nations must be emancipated from the barbarous thought that brutality or might is the right way to settle disputes. The business of. Britain for the moment is the destruction of Germany's cruel militarism, but away beyond that it is our duty to create conditions that will prevent a return of such craft and brutality in Germany or anywhere else. The Church must do more than dream—it must work.

The Ultimatum ought to go, for it often precipitates war. A longer interval would often mean peace. Private trade in war material ought to end, and Krqpps in Ger-many and some great firms in Britain should cease to be. Secret diplomacy should be unknown to-morrow. The power of decision should be with the people, not with emperors or statesmen. The people in the main do not want war. We must toil for international arbitration, where those nations that will do right shall do right, and those that will not do right shall be kept in check by the will and power of the many. Never again should it be possible for a handful of mad militarists to involve the nations in war. May this be the birth-throes of a new day when justice, righteousness and true brotherhood shall reign everywhere. Our task for this hour demands all our resources ; it is the destruction of German militarism. But let us be not unwise, but be ready for our other task to usher in a new day and a new world in which men are brothers everywhere. The Church needs grace, wisdom and courage for these days. May she not fail.

BAZAARS AND SPECIAL EFFORTS.

On November 5th and 6th a red, white and blue bazaar was held at Pillowell for debt reduction on the chapel. The schoolroom and stalls were appropriately decorated With the national colours. The opening ceremony was performed the first day by Mr. W. A. Bennett, J.P. Mr. G. H. Rowlinson presided, supported by Revs. G. R. Brake and S. J. Elsom.' Rev. W. Turner gave the financial statement. The opening ceremony the second day was performed by a company of thirty children. Rev. W. Turner presided. The children had been splendidly trained by Messrs. Davies and Turner. It was purposed to raise £100. Sir William Hartley had promised 5 per cent. on all raised. Despite the war, which made the effort more difficult, £72 has been realised.

A successful bazaar was held at Monkgate Church, York First, on November 11th, 12th and 13th. There was a good attendance each day. Mr. J. G. Marriot, Bowden, was the opener on the first day, and Mr. W. H. Hudson, Selby, presided. On the second day Mr. W. H. Hudson, Newton-le-Willows, was the opener, and Mr. G. Yokes, Claxton, was the president. On the third day Mrs.

'Nightingale, York, opened and Mrs. T. J. Gladwin presided. On the third day, which was regarded as the children's day; the children gave a very happy opening programme. The opening ceremonies were sup-ported by Revs. J. Reavley, T. Oliver, T. Allison Brown, J. F. Lewis, and Mr. S. R. Slack, B.A. The financial statement was most encouraging, being above last year's amount. This was hardly expected considering the many appeals that have been made necessary by the war. The amounts were :—First day, £54 12s. 4d. ; second day, £41 Os. lid. ; third day, £76 4s. 99d., making a grand total of £171 17s. 3d. The club collecters did exceedingly well, Miss Dowson collecting £21 15s. 9d., Miss Fox £20 2s. 9d., and Mrs. Latham £11. The Bazaar Com-mittee, under the direction of Mrs. Nightingale, worked arduously. , The choir rendered valuable assistance. The secretaries and treasurer, Messrs. J. Brough, G. Massey, and G. Greaves rendered great and energetic service. The result of the effort was highly satisfactory.

A successful series of " At Homes" terminated on Saturday night at Ebenezer Church, Halifax. On Wednesday the host and hostess were Mr. and Mrs. Torn Smith, of Pellow. Mr. J. Brearley, J.P., presided. On Thursday Mr. and Mrs. J. Shield received the guests, and Mr. Arthur Smith was chairman. On Saturday Mr. and Mrs. W. Shackleton gave welcome to a large company. In the absence of Mr. Arthur Howarth through illness, Rev. W. Potter conducted the proceedings. The chairmen were well supported by Messrs. J. Pawson, Greenwood Howarth, J. Hart, J. W. Yearsley, Gee. Maude, and E. Harrison. Capital concerts were arranged by Messrs. R. Ackroyd, H. Beaumont, and J. Robinson. A most taste. ful refreshment department was supervised by Mesdames Shackleton, Harrison, Harold Brearley, A. , Howarth, Lingard and Metcalfe, assisted by a host of friends. Sweet and fancy stalls were provided by the young ladies classes, and a number of minor entertainments were kept going for the amusement of the guests. Business as usual" seemed to be the motto of all, with the result that the proceeds were announced as £52 14s., a very credit able result, considering the extraordinary claims of the times. It is hoped that our new church fund will benefit by the sum thus raised.

DRINK AND WAR.

By Arthur T. Guttery.

It is one of the infamies of the liquor trade that it always degrades patriotism and invests enthusiasm with moral peril. It seeks its sordid gain and piles up dividends when all other sections of the community hear the call to economy and sacrifice. It grows rich on public misery and feasts royally when heroes bleed on many a stricken field. It inflames rejoicing into riot and sinks grief into despair. It is always cruel, and never more so than when the nation is strained in every nerve to endure the horrors of war. It is the malignant foe of public order, it is the most pressing peril of the hour, and patriots of all creeds and parties should resent its call to lust and loot.

Our churches and homes give their brightest, bravest sons to serve the nation on sea and field. The sactifice is supreme. To give the boys, who are our joy and mike, to exhaustion, wounds and death. is the final proof of devotion to Britain. They who join the marching hosts are brave, but they have compensations in novel excite- ment, the rushing march, the throb of glory and the eager shouts of valiant comrades. They who remain have the dull ache of weary suspense, of lonely fears, of hideous dreams that multiply a thousandfold the horrors of battle. Tens of thousands of parents who hate war make the sacrifice of more than life because they love Britain and reverence the cause for which it stands, but they are angry when their boys are needlessly flung into moral dangers that a cruel and brutal traffic may grow rich upon their ruin. The risk of death that is the errand of shot and shell must be faced without complaint, but we will not submit to see our bright-eyed, clean-blooded lads exposed to a moral-shame that is worse than death. A Government that can check the piracy of drink and does not use its power incurs an awful guilt, for which no military victory can atone. To shame the soul of a nation. is worse than to lower its flag. To slay the virtue of our sons is a crime for which there is no pardon. We fear the degradation of drink and the vices which it inflames more than we do sixteen-inch siege guns, and we call upon the Government to save us from the foe at home while we support its cam-paign across the Channel. This protest is no mere fad ; it is the solemn and growing conviction of thoughtful men and women of all parties and all Churches. Soldiers and citizens, medical men and Labour leaders, preachers and politicians see in the drink the greatest danger of the moment, and if the Home Secretary would challenge the liquor traffic, curtail its hours of sale, deliver youths and women from its flaunting temptations, he would enlist a public opinion that is irresistible. His Temporary Restriction of Hours Bill was an honest attempt, but ly yielded to the pressure which the drink trade is swift to organise. Public opinion was not as matured then as it is now. We have learned much from the scenes upon our streets, in-our police-courts and in shattered homes. Let Mr. McKenna try again, and he will find that the con-science of the nation will support the statesman who will save Britain from a scandal that should be impossible when we are fighting for our imperial mission and national existence.

The drink trade puts its shameful hand upon instincts that are generous. It is thoughtlessness more than vice that would treat our boys and the women that are lonely, with liquor. It is an easy geniality that betrays with a kiss. It tempts to ruin while it means to cheer, and the time has come when our valiant youths must be guarded from this insidious evil. The devil is still clever at dis-guise ; • he lurks in ambush, and he must be unmasked and driven from his prey. Excitement that is base is a danger at this moment. What we need amid the heat of war is not the inflamed passion, but the steady nerve and sober judgment. We need to see far and see straight. We are called to solemn business ; we are pledged to a sacrament of blood, and the artificial 'stimulus of the public-house or the wet canteen involves a waste of fibre and a lowering of moral temperature that we cannot affoad. All our strategists tell us that the essential factor is the morale of our troops. They differ in their views of strategy and tactics, but they agree that it is morale, the cheery temper, the clean habits, the calm courage, and the personal devotion of free men that will drive back the mightiest militarism. It was the morale of the Iron-sides, who were ploughmen, that broke the proudest chivalry in pieces ; it was morale that enabled " Sir John French's contemptible little army " to make retreat glorious as victory ; and we must not sacrifice this invalT able factor in our valiant lads because we fear to give battle to the greed of the liquor trade. It is no depreciaa tion to the troops we have possessed in days of peace to say we are creating a new army. Britain has never seen its like before. Its power cannot lie in expert train,. ing, experience of vial., and prolonged drill and marching ; its supreme strength is in its moral quality and high ideals, and the trade that would lower them is guilty of . high treason, and should be regarded as an enemy of the State.

The physical injury caused by alcohol is notorious ; it is forbidden in training for Olympic games—much mom should it be denied in a Continental campaign. It is al, wanton waste, and may be fatal in a war of " attrition," where economic exhaustion will decide the issue. We shall. need all " our silver bullets " to smash Kaiserism, and it is fooling to fling them into the publican's till. Thd Russia we have called barbarous has set us a brilliant example. It fights with a teetotal army. In ,times of war it has to open new banks to accept the savings of a sober peasantry, and experts tell us that the percentage of recovery from wounds in the field is beyond all record, because the blood of the troops is not tainted with alcohol. It is no use to invite the trade to be merciful ; it is of little avail to leave the initiative with the local police. We look to the central Government to guard our sons and preserve the new army from the poison and shame of strong drink.

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802 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 1914

What Our Readers Say. How We Lose Church Members.

Sin,—The letter under the above heading in your last issue from "A Grieved One" compels another to speak. I am impressed that the decadence of our churches is more largely due to their passivity, their sins of omission, than to any other cause. I have been a member of our Church all my life, but now for some years circumstances have compelled me to live in a large town away from my own family. I go in and out of the church, but seldom is a word spoken by. anyone. The minister I know by sight, although when he first came to the circuit, now some time ago, I called upon him to give him a welcome and to wish him a happy term of service. Having some knowledge of the life of the manse, I knew some of the pangs of changing circuits and the value of a kindly greeting to a new sphere. The minister has usually called quarterly for my contribution to the funds, but never otherwise, although this could easily be done. All this treatment is very hurtful to a sensitive soul away from kith and kin, so much so that to attend the church is the hardest thing to do in the week's work. Sentiment for and interest in Primitive Methodism have hitherto kept me going, but my conception of Christianity is of so different a nature, so much bigger and kindlier, that I am driven to the conclusion that I must seek a spiritual home—which I understand it is the function of the Church to be—in another place. The attitude of the Church or its ministry will never shake my Christian faith, but insomuch as a Church displays so little of the humanness of its Master, I tremble for its ultimate fate. Will He not come one day and say to all such Churches : " I was an hungered and ye fed Me not" ? Can anyone be surprised that young people away from home became lost to such Churches?—Yours, etc.,

WISHFUL TO BE LOYAL.

The Roll of Honour. SIR,—There must have been many who were grieved

and indignant after reading Mr. Reeves' recent letter— grieved that a leader of our Church found it possible to take such an attitude, indignant that a letter should be written calculated to make the task of those trying to save the country more difficult. I used to think as Mr. Reeves does, and I want to tell him why I have changed my opinion, and to ask if I am wrong,-for I most certainly am if he is right. And may I request that his reply shall tot be, "If your conscience says you are right, well and food," for that seems to me to be but a coward's retreat, or conscience (or what passes for it sometimes) cannot

make wrong right. I was what was usually understood by the term " Little

Englander," and prior to the actual outbreak felt we should remain neutral. But I read the Parliamentary White Paper dealing with the question—read it carefully, earnestly, and I hope intelligently—and learnt there that we were bound by our word solemnly pledged to defend Belgium. I read of the bribe offered by Germany, also of the intention of the latter to regard the pledge they had given as merely a " scrap of paper." I saw Belgium broken, battered and bleeding, her historic monuments and sacred buildings ruthlessly brought to the ground, her women outraged, her children slain, her old men made screens for the invader, and her sons giving their lives readily for the defence of what to them was more precious than all else. I thought of England as mother, and realised, if she had no instinct above that of the wild beast, she must do her utmost to save the stricken. I have seen our wounded men who have returned ; I have listened to their stories. May I repeat one or two?

A young fellow, some Scots mother's son who was breath-ing out his fast fleeting hours of life, said : "I was taken prisoner with five others ; we were stripped of all our clothing and then shot in cold blood—I in the back, which shattered my bones and left the bullet in my lung. Sup-posed to be dead, I was thrown with scores of others into a trench, and when I recovered consciousness found eight or ten dead bodies upon me. I managed to get clear, and fortunately was picked up later by our ambulance." The man in the next bed said : " Whatever you hear, do not dismiss it as untrue. I was slightly wounded, and, fearing the enemy would ill-treat me, I feigned death. The enemy passed us by, but just as I thought I was safe one of them stepped out from the ranks and, walking along the edge of the trench and holding his rifle by the barrel, proceeded to break the heads of the wounded and dead. That is how I came by this broken skull."

These are facts and admit of no argument. My deduc-tions may not be as sound to Mr. Reeves, but they changed me. I -realised that Germany was only following out a long-conceived purpose of conquering the world, and so satisfying the empire lust upon which they had thrived for years past. I believed that, having overcome the Conti-nental Powers, it would be the turn of this little island set in the silvery sea next, and then good-bye to freedom as we understand it. Having come to these conclusions, I felt there were only two things I could do—viz., offer myself and persuade others to do the same. I started with the young men who had been working with me in the church I have tried to serve for thirty years, and continued it among all and sundry.

A word as to the conscientious objector. I do not say he does not exist, but I have not met him. It has been my pleasure to address meetings of all sizes up to a vast company of 12,000, and although I have heard many reasons given for non-enlistment, they have all had their births in selfishness—good homes, good businesses, good wives, good prospects ; and why should I sacrifice these is the argument to be found beneath the excuses given. Now I believe it to be my duty. and the duty of every Christian minister, to sacrifice, and urge others to adopt the self-lessness of the Gentle Galilean. and if necessary give life Itself that others may be saved from worse than death. Ain T wrong, Sir 7—Yours, etc., C. WOODHAM.

Fest ing-grove, Southsea.

Sra,—With homocean definiteness Mr. Jeffs touehes the spot. "Potsdam—the Windsor of Germany." Yet, alas! he doesn't say " Windsor—the Potsdam of England." Mr. Jeffs went to Potsdam, and was not pleased. Herr Jeffs (his German brother) came to Windsor, and was also made unhappy. Why didn't they both explain to their respec-tive BrotherhoodS the real meaning of Windsor and Potsdam ? Now the hell-fire of war is blazing it is too late to call each other "drunken brutes." The devouring flames must be extinguished. How much more blood will be wanted to quench the holocaust cannot be guessed. Rev. Dr. Sir W. Robertson Nicoll asks for "more men and still more men," and now threatens to take them by force. This is the revised gospel of the religious "Press ' gang. It used to be, " Set down my name, sir! " (price twenty-five shillings the thousand). Now, "Down with your name," without the " sir." No doubt he gramophones the voices of Kitchener, Von Kluck, and the Grand Duke. Mr. Jeffs believes " God was with the English Puritans." He is surely right.. _One of these was named Oliver Crom-well. He began at home.- We must change Windsor to Westminster before attempting to translate Potsdam into Paradise. Then—and not - till then—will " God save the people."—Yours, etc., JABEZ BELL.

Prestwich.

The Scripture Examination Text-book. SIR,—The answer of the writer of the Examination

Handbook to my previous criticism is so misleading to your readers and unfair to me that I may perhaps be allowed a brief reply. (1) He -denies that there is actual confusion in his Handbook between Ahab and Ahaz. The following quotation from. p. 25 will enable your readers to judge between us. " During the greater part of Isaiah's prophetic ministry, the nation of Israel was cursed by the figures of weak rulers. Much of Ahab's wickedness may be traceable to his weakness." Such words can only mean that Ahab was King of Israel during part of Isaiah's ministry, and the reference that immediately follows to " his wife " prohibits the charitable assumption that " Ahab " is a misprint for " Ahaz." Your corre-spondent says I " will be surprised to learn that he is perfectly aware of the distinction" between them. I am far more surprised (a) at his oversight in preparing the Handbook, (b) at his reference to the " alleged " confusion, (c) at his inability to confess a clear mistake. (2) He defends his estimate of Ahab as "a weak personality, a mere apology of a man," and declares, for some unknown reason, that I " will be grieved" at this. On. the con-trary, I shall be pleased to revise my own view of Ahab if he will furnish any facts proving that it is wrong. Can he quote any Biblical passage or any authoritative Biblical scholar in support of his assertions ? Until he does, I shall hold the usual view, that a king who govelned Israel twenty-three years, who dared to oppose Elijah and institute a foreign cultus, whose renown as a warrior was so great that Benhadad charged his captains to "Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the King of Israel" (1 Kings xxii. 31), and whose army, only held together by his leadership, was " scattered abroad, as sheep that had no shepherd" (2 Kings xxii. 17), when he fell at sunset after fighting, though mortally wounded, all through the day, was something more than "a weak personality," however wicked he may have been. It remains for the writer of the Handbook to substantiate his view, or to frankly confess that he was thinking of Ahaz when he talked about " a mere apology." Of course, my criticism of the Handbook was not confined to the foregoing extract. As I pointed out, other examples could easily be given. In making my protest, I did not con-sider it necessary to multiply examples, - for the task was far from pleasant. Nor do I propose to do so now. 1 have already stated in my former letter that " I was pre-pared to make every allowance for the difficulties of preparation," and I am therefore quite unmoved by the innuendo contained in the gibe that " if the critics are invited to write the next Handbook they may appreciate some of the difficulties more intelligently." Such an answer is neither fair nor -sufficient, when one simply asks that the children should not be set to learn statements that are erroneous.—Yours, etc., WILLIAM UPRIGHT.

Hindley, near Wigan.

A Voice from the Interned Camp at Groningen.

SIR,—I was much impressed with Rev. G. Standing's article in the Leader of October 29th, and with the letter of Mr. Hayes. In some degree I have passed through the same inconvenience and experience stated in those con-tributions, and thousands of young men are passing through these experiences to-day. I left a locality in the North (Wingate) that is Primitive Methodistic, and never before had I been away from the influence of our own Church and my own home life. To me it was a new mode of life to be in camp among men drawn from all parts of the country, with language and habits so different from may own. We were stationed for training at Eastry, Rent. The nearest approach to our own Church was the Wesleyan Chapel, but here I could only attend one hour a week. All that I had to bind me to what was good and true during the week was the companionship of several Christian Endeavourers and the Y.M.C.A. tent. What camp life would be to many without these tents I cannot imagine, for herein are provided accommodation for writing and reading, while the concerts arranged are a source of helpfulness and are very attractive. But the Y.M.C.A. cannot do everything, so I am' proud to think that our own Church is not going to be left behind. And this is the time to do the work, and the opportunity should not be lost. It will mean sacrifice, bat no good work is accomplished without it. If your readers could only imagine what I saw during my short period in the lines they would not hesitate to give their portion to help those who feel it their duty to take up arms against this

common enemy. I sincerely hope that all Primitive Methodists will rise to their duty at this hour and give to the call from the military camps all the support the work merits. So far as I know, I am the only Primitive Methodist here ; if any of your readers know of others I should be pleased to learn their names and battalion, so that I might seek them out. My friends send me the Leader weekly, and I am pleased to receive it as-it keeps me informed of what our Church is doing.—Yours, etc.,

THOMAS RACE. (Interned at Groningen, Holland.)

Howe Battalion, 2nd R.N.D.

Donations for Army Work. Sin,—I beg to acknowledge receipt of the following

contributions : —Ladies of London-street Church (Read-ing), Chester-le-Street Church and Sunday-school, Rev. S. Horton, "J. Gill's Copper Kettle " (per Rev. S. Horton), Rev. A. T. Guttery, John-street Church (Shef-field), each £5 ; Upper Moss-lane Church (Manchester), £3 ; Mr. Beresford Adams, Mr. G. Tyler, Marple Circuit, each £2 2s. ; Mr. R. W. Cartwright, £2

' Mrs.

J. Hockenhull, £1 14s. ; Eccles Society, £1 12s. ; Hucknall Torkard, £1 12s. ; Rev. J. D. Thomp-son, £1 11s. 6d. ; Redditch Society, £1 4s. ; Aylestone Park Sunday-school, £1 4s. ; Mr. A. W. A. Clarke, Rev. T. B. Caukwell, Mr. C. Rhodes, Mr. J. Devenport, each 21s. ; Middleham Circuit, Mr. J. Hockenhull, Mr. T. Jones, Mr. J. Thomas, Councillor H. Warburton, Mr. J. Lithgow, Phcenix-road Church, Mr. Stoner, Mr. J. Manterfield, Mr. Edmunds, "Prim" (Emsworth), Mr. R. Waugh, Rev. J. Travis, Councillor R. Durham, Mr. J. Creer, Pollokshaws C.E., Mr. and Mrs. T. Whitfield, each 20s. ; Mr. F. Barron, 13s. ; Chipping Norton Women's Bible Class, Mr. R. Bolton, Mr. and Mrs. Haywood, Alderman T. W. Swindell, each 10s. 6c1. ; Carlisle-terrace Sunday-school (Goole), Mr. J. Brownlow, Mr. J. Pier-point, Mr. J. Thomas, Mr. W. Lee, Mr. R. Davies, Mr. H. Vickers

' Mr. F. Craddock, Mrs. E. Bowyer, Mr. W.

Lewis, Mr. A. Mann, Mrs. T. Hampton, Mr. and Mrs. J. Crowdes, Mr. H. C. Larby, Rev. F. Pickett, Rev. J. A. West, Mr. T.'11. Bennett, Mr. J. Senior, Countesthorpe Sunday-school, each 10s. ; Mrs. Appleyard, 7s. 6d. ; Belle View Society (Shrewsbury), 7s. ; Mr. J. Hayes, 7s. ' -

; Huthwaite Sunday-school, 6s. • Mr. J. Bailey, Mr. H. Bruith, Mr. J. H. Hall, Rev. R. Evans, Mr. R. Young, " C. M. L.," Crewe First, Miss West, Mr. J. L. Rigg, Rev. C. E. Mortimer, Mr. and Mrs. F. Asher, each 5s. ; Mr. J. Hilton and Friend, 4s. ; Mr. H. Turberfield, Mr. Ogg, Mr. E. Chappel, Mr. T. Dawson, Mrs. Hannah, each 2s. 6d. •, Mr. G. Armstrong, Rev. P. Ford, Mr. E. Oliphant, each 2s.

We have now in cash and promise about £700. We require £550 more. Will friends kindly do their best? We shall then be able to claim the full £1,250 promised by Sir William Hartley.—Yours, etc.,

JOHN MAYLES. 93, Mount View-road, Stroud Green, London, N.

P.S.—The contribution acknowledged last week from Glasgow Third Circuit was made up as follows :—Words Party, £1 •, Ex-Bailie J. Gray, £1 ; Mr. J. Abraham, Mr. A. Carmichael, Mr. R. London, each 10s. ; Mr. C. R. Somerville, 5s. ; Mr. R. L. Ashford, Mr. A. Whittam, Mr. C. Hannah, each 2s. 6d. ; Mrs. W. Inch, 2s.—J. M.

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By Rev. Geo. Standing.

Rev. F. W. Wilkinson has been appointed officiating clergyman to Primitive Methodists at Braintree. The appointment of Rev. J. E. Sunderland at Weymouth has been confirmed. A circular letter has been issued by the War Office stating that the present number of Free Church chaplains is not final. Information is being sought as to the number of men in the Army belonging to each denomination, and appointments will be made accordingly. In order that we may be prepared to state the number of Primitive Methodists in the Army a circular is being sent to each minister asking for the names and addresses of the men who have gone from each circuit. Some of the ministers have been exceedingly kind in sending the names of men. This letter will involve extra work to these men,„ but considering the importance of the information for the development of our work, we hope that the men who have already helped us so well will do this extra service. On the other hand, some circuits have sent us no names. Will the ministers seek the information we need and let me have it promptly ? It is of the greatest importance that we should be prepared to the numbers given us by the War Office. Many of the names on our official lists are not on our. private lists, which means that many men who have registered as Primitive Methodists have escaped the notice of our circuit authorities. In many cases that is easily accounted for. Many lads leave our schools in their teens and only come to our churches occasionally. It is to the credit of the men and their teachers that these men have registered as Primitive Methodists. We are glad to link them again to the Church. In scores of cases that have come under our notice during the •past few weeks these old scholars have come back, not only to the Church, but to Christ. From one of the churches in the area of the Aldershot Command I received a list this week of twelve lads who bad found their way back to their Lord. Last Sunday a lad prayed in the Aldershot Chapel : "Lord, I thank Thee that I came up to be a soldier. I thank Thee, Lord, that I came to this chapel. I thank Thee, Lord, that I came last Sunday and got converted. 0 Lord, I have brought my mate. 0 Lord, save him." Together they knelt at the communion rail, and the convert of a week led his mate to Jesus. Old scholars who had slipped away. The names of these men have not come to us from the circuits, but they are down on our official roll. We shall be glad if some inquiry can be made of society stewards and school authorities an& other persons who can give the informa-tion, so that we may have as room as possible a fairly accurate list of Primitive Methodists.

On the other hand, many,of the names sent to us from the circuits are not on the official lists. Rev. J. E. Sunderland reports to me to-day that of the names sent to him by me only one or two are on his official list. That means that although these men have come from our churches and schools and are so well known to our minis-ters that letters of commendation have been sent concern-ing them, they are not registered as Primitive Methodists. This is a distinct loss to our Church, and means that we are at a grave disadvantage in all our negotiations with the Army authorities. A letter has now been issued by the War Office to the heads of denominations and to officers in command of recruits in which it is stated that the complaints concerning registration have been so numerous that steps are now to be taken to secure the proper registration of men. Not only are new recruits to be registered correctly, but in all cases where men have been registered wrongly through ignorance of the regula-tions, facilities are to be given to remedy the error. I hope that the friends of our men who have been registered wrongly will give this matter attention. In every case that has been reported to me I have found that officers are eager to put the matter right.

Last week an officer stated in his letter to me that he had ordered the man I mentioned to be re-registered as a Primitive Methodist, and, further, that he would be glad to be informed of any other cases in his command, and he would give them his attention at once. The Army authorities are doing all that is in their power to help us. We must do something now to help ourselves. By the request of the War Office the letter is being published in the denominational journals, and we are asked to give their communication wide publicity. The letter has not yet come into my hands. I have asked the Editor to reserve a space for it, that it may be known by our people at the earliest possible moment. If it arrives too late it will be published in this column next week.

Information has arrived at this moment that the camp at Codford (Wilts) is being broken up for a time, and that until the huts are ready the ;nen are to be billeted in neighbouring towns. The 9th and 10th Gloucesters have gone to Cheltenham. Mr. Stretch intends to open his school in King-street for the accommodation of the men. He will be glad to receive names of Primitive Methodists in these battalions. Large numbers of men have gone from Codford to Bournemouth. The ministers—F. W. Harrier and F. J. Hopkins—are ready to receive them. Soldiers' clubs have been opened in our schools, and arrangements are being made for services. Please send names of men at Bournemouth to Rev. F. J. Hopkins.

NOVEMBER 19, 1914

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 803

If the men are located ie. Mr. Harper's area the names will be passed on. Our people at Bournemouth are eager to serve these men. The men are there temporarily, and in the meantime Bournemouth wilt do its part.

A MAKER OF MEN.

By Rev. J. Firth. He was from the county of the broad acres. A typical

factory hand of the industrial West Riding. The written word does not reveal his character. It is impossible to portray him with pen and ink. You must meet him and hear his philosophy in the vernacular, and seeehis cheery face, and appreciate the robustness of his faith, the magnetism of his personality, and the rich, manly in-fluence of his life. His name had been sent on to us by a brother minister, who said that Jim had enlisted in -Regiment, and was located at —, well, say Aershot, in my area. From the letter I gathered that Jim was some-thing of a rough diamond, and that he had only been con-verted about four years. I decided that Jim must be visited and helped to go straight in his new surroundings. Little did I imagine that I should be the one to benefit from the companionship. The candles had just been lighted in the tents of the — Regiment as I passed into the lines to search for Jim. The day had been very depressing ; I had passed from camp to camp searching for men, and my total " bag " had been six. Time and again my hands had almost been upon the man I wanted ; I had been in their very tent of barrack room, only to be met with negative answers in reply to my final query, " Is so-and-so here?" The excuses hadebeen varied : "He's at the hospital being ' knocked "'—i.e., inoculated ; " His company's on parade " ; " He's waiting at the pay office for his dibs," and so on. To add to my depression, it had commenced to rain soon after dinner, and amidst it all I couldn't get my thoughts away from the home comforts I had forfeited on entering into this new sphere.

It was in this mood that I entered the lines of Jim's company. My search was not without its touch of humour. As soon as my voice was heard, heads popped out of the tents in the vicinity, asking, " Have you brought the photos " I quickly elicited the fact that a pseudo-photographer had been in the camp some days previously, and on promise of quick return of the pictures he had collected a shilling from each of them. After I had good-humouredly chaffed them about their smartness, I was guided to the tent where Jim resided with twelve other recruits. Carefully picking my way down the, lines, for the mud was nearly over our boot tops, I was at last able to call into a dimly lighted tent for Jim, " Is Jim Jagger in here 7 " " Aye, he is lad," came back a cheery voice, and my hero came crawling from underneath its folds. "Hello! " was his greeting: "Awm so glad to see yer." " How are you getting on down here?" I queried. " Fine ; better'n. I iver I expected it to be," he replied. " But it looks damp in there, and you haven't any tent boards." " That's soa," he said, " but it's nom so bad as it looks. We've gotten a waterproof sheet for't floor, and plenty of blankets, and food, and yer know we'r noan down here for a picnic, but to do our duty." Whilst we chatted we were accetted by a recruit from another company, who asked Jim, " Have you made your complaint yet ?" " Com-plaint ! " said Jim. " What are yer barn to complain about now." " Well, we want to complain about the amount of pay we married men are getting. Only 2s. for a whole week." " But they're payin' your wife, aren't they ? " " Oh, yes,' replied the chronic one, " but it's not enough, considering the rations we get." " Rations I What's wrong wi't rations ? " " Well, there's all that -jam we get, we're always getting it:" "Now look here," says Jim, "awm noan barn to hear thee swearing abart jam. Doesn't to know t'maker of that jam is a brOther of mine. He's a Prim, and for that matter he's a brother of thine, too." The grunter had found his measure and passed on, but not without my telling him that he was becoming a proper Tommy. " Your equal cannot be found outside the first Army Corps. Get some of Jim's philosophy and you will be much happier."

" I suppose you find your 2s. enough, Jim ? " "Enough! Why a' wanted t'wife to hey all on't, but authorities wouldn't let ma' ; but I've arranged to keep only a shillin' for mysen, and she has all t'rest. Do you know," he said, " I've been talking t'lads in my tent ; they get 7s. a week, and 'ave persuaded 'em to send 4s. apiece home to their mothers. There'll be some proud mothers to-morrow and some happier lads, too." " How's your religious experi-ence, Jim? " " Well," he said, "'a sometimes feel a bit cramped like, but na' and agin 'a can feel it liftin' ma oop, and 'a doan't know what t' do wi mysen. Do you know 'a had a vision on parade this morning? It suddenly comes to ma, that we were Al like soldiers. They've enlisted into this regiment, and they've been all soarts—miners, snobbers, clerks, schoolmasters, and I doan't know what—but," he said, " they're all level nah ; privates in the King's Army. Conversion is like enlisting. We've come through all sorts o' stations, but we're all level in Christ." I suppose you enlisted as a Prim ? " " Of course I did. Recruiting Sergeant asked ma what religion; and a' said, ' Awm a Prim.' Who are they ? ' said t' Sergeant. Doan't ya know what Prims are? Then 'a pity yer. First of all a'm a member of Christ's Church. but by denomination a'm a Prim. Put that darn, Mister.' " A young fellow, a Congregationalist, behind Jim said, "I wish I had as much courage as you." " Tha' mon hey courage," says Jim. " Our fathers were noan afraid of what they were, and surely we are noan barn'd to be."

I wish I could relate all the good things I have heard about Jim, of his influence in tent and company. You who know the Army, think of these facts. There is no gambling in his tent, and there is little swearing and drinking. Imagine him talking to the men of his tent " Na', lads, we're barned to enjoy ourselves, but in the reight way. We're noan barned to be pigs, but men. It's

men this country wants," and so on. It's almost incon-ceivable, but really true, that Jim reads his religious papers to them. It's because Jim is a man himself, that in that camp he is a maker of men. The inspiration he brought into my life hasn't faded yet. If only we had a - Jim Jagger in every tent in the country I

MAYOR'S SUNDAY AT BLACKPOOL

Rev. John Bradbury on "The Sacramental Meaning of Life.',

When Councillor William Cartledge was proposed AS' Mayor of Blackpool for the present year he, was truly described as a man " of grit, grace and gumption." One of his first decisions was to be true to his own Church on Mayor's Sunday. Though strong pressure was tried to be true to clerical and Conservative custom in regard to the official service, he firmly. remained true to his decision. Then his temperance principles were tested. Again the pressure and again the decision to be true to his con-victions. During his mayoralty he should provide no in-toxicating drink. As he walked through great srowds that lined the promenade, he wore with his Mayor's robe gloves he wore when he was earning but a few shillings a week in a Derbyshire village. That is the spirit for such a town as Blackpool and elsewhere.

To meet the wishes of the unusual numbers that desired to attend the official service last Sunday morning, the Palace was engaged, which accommodates over 3,000 people. It was packed to overflowing for the service, with representatives of all the interests of Blackpool and of the troops which are now in the town. The whole service was full of soul and deeply impressive. Rev. John Bradbury conducted the service throughout. His sermon was on " The Sacramental Meaning of Life." It was based on 2 Samuel xxiii. 16-17, and was followed by the huge con-gregation with great interest.

We quote a few things the preacher said. "We are living in great and heroic days. Never was it sa great a matter to be alive as to-day. The daily page of human life is being writ with heroisms that make us feel we actually live in the times of our loved King Arthur. We are compelled to tell again to our children the old English story of St. George and the Dragon. Surely if the hero be in us he is awakened by call and story of the hour." " Few men inspired affection more than King David. He was no ecclesiastic, but a big human. His religion was glowing and chivalrous. The religion I believe in is the religion that makes men, men of two-thirds backbone and the other third grit. For a down-right good man there are still people who will live or die." " The three mighty men who brought the king water from the old well by Bethlehem's gate are name-less, but they were heroes indeed. It was in the place of childhood's memories and sweet simplicities they found entrenched the enemy. But they broke through and reached the well. To-day there has been an invasion, not only of territory, but of human rights. The greatest military Power in the world has turned bully, and we are in a death-grapple. We are fighting what for ? To save Britain. To save human freedom. To save civilisation. To save the oppressed. To save,the religion of Jesus Ohrik." " Life is a poor and meaningless thing until we give it sacrificial expression. What is high station? It is but the larger chance to 'serve God by serving your brother-men. What is duty ? It. is holy chance to be brave, the yielding to the urge of God in your souls. The blessings of life should lead us to the sacrament of unselfishness and heroic love. At the price of blood and sacrificial purpose God in Christ has redeemed us. You may forget all I have said to you this morning, but I ask you to remember this last word : Nothing is yours until you, in your heart of hearts, give it to God."

There was an overflow service in the Pavilion, which was largely attended by troops, and was effectively con-ducted by Rev. John Swales. In the evening the Mayor and Corporation attended the Chapel-street Church, when Rev. John Bradbury preached on " The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The collections, which were given to,charity, amounted to over £40.

IN MEMORIAM. Mr. Thomas Morecroft.

A rude shock of loss and sorrow came to Stafford and adjacent circuits cn hearing of the decease of Mr. T. Morecroft, of Armitage, which took place on November 5th, at the age of seventy-four years, after less than five days illness. The cause of death was hemorrhage of the brain, which led on to syncope. For a long time he had been an invaluable asset to Stafford Circuit. He was the creator, under God, of Handsacre Church, and to it his pretence appeared almost indispensable, while the general public seemed to love and trust him almost to a man. Tradition has it that as a boy he found a few torn pages of " Pike's Early Piety" on the wayside, and, having read them, bought the book and became a lifelong embodiment of its teaching. Last March the circuit presented him with an illuminated address testifying to his hold on evangelical Christian religion, loyalty to our Church, unstinted labours in the circuit, and the high moral and spiritual values of his own life. He has served as circuit steward, local preacher, class leader, school superintendent and teacher, and his home was ideal in its unstinted and un-wearied hospitality. The service was conducted in Handsacre Temple by Revs. A. Taylor, E. W. Gibson, T. Clamp and Mr. J. Bassett. There was a procession of several hundreds, led on to Armitage Church, where the rector, Rev. E. Sampson, M.A., read prayer, and the Dead March in " Saul " was played. The circuit minister then committed the body to the grave and the rector added the benediction.

A NEW ARMY Wanted! tGoel

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804 - THE . PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 1914 ,

Services and Preachers. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd.

BERMONDSEY, ST. GEORGE'S HALL, OLD KENT ROAD, S.E. 11 and 7, Rev. Joseph Johnson; 3.30, P.S. A. Fellowship.

BLACKPOOL, Chapel Street (facing the Central Pier). 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. J. Swales. Thursday, 7.30 to 8.30, Devotional Hour. Visitors heartily invited.

BRIDLINGTON, Quay Church. 10.30, Rev. W. Turner; 6.30, Rev. G. Tucker:-

• John Street. 10.30, Rev. G. Tucker ; 6.30, Rev. W. Turner.

CALEDONIAN ROAD, N. (corner of Market Road). 11, Rev. W. Roberts; 6.30, Rev. 1 *. Everingliam.

CANNING TOWN, E. (Mary Street, Barking Road). Ladies' Committee Anniversary, 11 and 6.30, Mrs. Heywood ; 3, Special. Monday, Tea and Meeting.

CULLERCOATS. 10.45 and 6.30, Mr. Gordon Fanstone, B, Sc.

HAMMERSMITH, Balling Road. 11 and 7, Rev. J. Holland.

HARRINGAY, Mattison Road. 11 and 6.30, Rev. E. J. T. Bagnall.

HARROGATE, Dragon Parade Church. 11 and 6.30, Rev. W. Younger.

LEEDS NINTH, Meanwood Road. 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. B. A. Barber.

Harehills Avenue. 10.45, Mr. F. Sadler ; 6.30, Mr. I. W. South.

LIVERPOOL FIRST, Prince's Avenue Church. 10.45 and 8.30, Rev. J. T. Barkby (of Southpo t).

MORCAMBE, Parliament Street. 10.30, Mr. R. R. Tickers; 6.30, Rev. E. Shepherd (Missionary Anniver-sary).

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, Central Church. 10.30 and 0.30, Rev. F. W. Beal.

SCARBOROUGH, St. Sepulchre Street (off Eastborough). 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. J. Reavley.

SOUTHPORT, Church Street, 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. A. T. Guttery.

SOUTHSEA, Central Hall, near King's Theatre. 11 and 6.30, Rev. Lewis Hancock, Pastor. Visitors heartily invited.

ST. ANNES-ON-THE-SEA. 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. A. J. Campbell, F. L. S.

SURREY CHAPEL, -Central Mission: Blackiriars Road, S.E. 11 and 7, Rev. J. Tolefree Parr; 3.30, Brotherhood.

WEST NORWOOD, S.E., Knight's Hill. 11, Rev. L. H. Wood ; 6.30, Rev. W. R. Bird. Visitors welcomed.

The President's Engagements. lin11, Holdernese Road, Saturdey, Sunday, and Monday,

November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd ; Howden, Tuesday, 24th ; Goole, Wednesday, 25th ; Selby, Thursday, 26th.

Connexional Evangelists' Engagements. MISS PERRETT, Earsdon, North Shields, till December

3rd. Mr. J. B. BAYLIFFE, Silsden, till November 23rd.

Evangelists' Engagements. MR. TOM WILSON (Gipsy Tom); the Yorkshire Evan-

gelist, 101, Beckett Street, Leeds. All the year round. Week-end and Mission Services.

MR. J. CAREY, Whitely Head, till November 26th.

MISS BOTT (Seater Ethel), North Ferriby, Hull Fourth, till November 26th.

ALBERT SHAKESBY, Hexham, till November 23rd.

MR. TOM HOLLAND, Blyth, November 14th till 23rd.

SISTER ELLEN, Glebe Church, South Shields, November 21st to December 3rd.

SISTER LILY, South Yorkshire Mission. Booking few week-ends. — Address, 33, Queen's Road, Carcroft, Doncaster.

T. J. HARRISON, Ilkeston Circuit, from October 10th to December 18th.

MR. HEWITT, 32 Ivy Street, Burnley. Missioner for deepening spiritual life and soul ravine ; successful preacher, soloist and visitor ; town or village ; terms moderate.

Mr. F. P. BENTLEY (Yorkshire Evangelist), Mouthlock, Westmoreland, November 15th-26th. First open date March 14th.—Apply, Hutton-Cranswicle Beverly.

Births, Marriages, Deaths. NOTICCS must reach the Office, 73, Farringdon Street, London, RC., by

Tuesday morning. Tern's, prepaid Under 30 words, 2s. ; each additional 10 words or lase, ed. Memoirs, reports of marriages, etc., muss be accompanied by a prepaid notice.

BIRTH.

BISHELL.—On November 14th, at 16, St. Ives Mount, Upper Armley, Leeds, to .Rev. and Mrs. C. T. Biahell, a daughter.

MARRIAGE. STARRET—MoLLisom.—On November 14th, at Edinburgh,

Dickinson Starkey, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Starkey, Hull, to Helen Grieve Mollison, second daughter of Annie and William Mollison, builder, Canada.

DEATHS. Heiteer.—On November 5th, at 15, Hamilton-street, Hoole,

Chester, Mr. Handsley Hornby, aged 72, late of Alford, Lin-colnshire. His end was peace. From his sons and daughter.

Periterrsoe.—On November 13th, at Ivyholme, Station-road, North, Stockton-on-Tees, Elizabeth, beloved wife of the Rev. Emerson Phillipson, aged 61 years. Interred at Norton Churchyard, on Tuesday, the 17th inst.

Weers.—On November 11th, at Fernhill, Bromyard, Wor-cester, Rev. Nathaniel Watts, aged 75 years. " Safe in the Homeland."

IN MEMORIAM. HADDON.—In memory of a devoted wife and mother, who

departed this life on November 18th, 1913. Rev. B. Haddon and family.

Inaaese.—In loving remembrance of Charles Ingram, who entered into rest November 17th, 1912.

Ministerial Changes and Engagements. (Changes indicate that ministers named are leaving and Are

not engaged.) Changes in 1915.

Rev. Geo. Baldwin, from Upton Park, after four years.

Engagements for 1915. Rev. A. Surteea to Hinckley, for a third year.

PERSONAL The death of Mrs. E. C. Rawlings, of Ealing, W.,

removes from our 'Church in London one of its most gifted and devoted ladies. For many years she has been an outstanding personality. Keenly intelligent and possessed of many distinguishing gifts, she wielded a great influence both in the Church and those numerous social, philanthropic, and political organisations with which she was connected. Her gentleness, her unfailing kindness, her wide knowledge and deep interest in everything pertaining to the Church with which she had been associ-ated from her birth, marked her out as a. leader in every- thing she espoused: Dulling-road Church, Hammer- smith, with which she wee connected for many years, was crowded at the funeral service on Saturday last. The service was suffused with bright hope. Sorrow itself was everywhere present, but everyone knew the rich human life that had passed on before and gave God thanks for one so devoted. Seldom has an address reached the lofty heights of that given by the veteran missionary, Rev. G. E. Butt. Mr. Butt spoke with long and intimate acquaintance. His reminiscences of the departed lady, his delineation of her cpalities of mind and heart, what she was to her sorrowing husband and daughters, how she served the cause of the poor and those that mourned, made a deep impression. The service throughout was chaste, reverent and tender, the music at the close, " Oh, that I had the wings of a dove," adding an effect wholly in harmony with the occasion. Many London ministers and officials were present, in addition to many representa- tives of public bodies. Widespread sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband and daughters, Mrs. T. B. Heward, of Richmond, and Mrs. Bowyer, of Hammersmith, both of whom follow on in their devotion to the Church and all good work.

The effect of the war on the weekly denominational journals is here and there proving somewhat disastrous. Some weeks ago the " Presbyterian " had to suspend publication until the war ceased, and the " Methodist Times " reduced itself to half its pages, and then re-formed itself in a differently sized paper. Now we learn with regret that the " British Congregationalist " is to be issued once a month only. This is all the more unfortu- nate as this is the only purely denominational journal among the Congregationalists. These changes serve to show how difficult it is in the present unsettled state of the country for the smaller weekly religious journals. to maintain their existence. Happily our own journal has been able in previous years so to strengthen itself that it is weathering the adverse days without any change.

Mr. Robert William Dalton, third 'son of Rev. Dr. Dalton, of Hull, has recently been appointed to a First Class Staff position in connection with the " Commercial Intelligence Department " of the Board of Trade, a posi-tion recently created by the Treasury. In conveying the intimation of the appointment the Under Secretary to the Board of Trade tendered his warm congratulations to Mr. Dalton upon his early promotion to such a distinguished post. Mr. Dalton is a very capable linguist, and is rapidly becoming an authority on commercial statistics. He was a contributor to Harmsworth's Ten Volume work on " Commerce." For one so young and gifted it is con-fidently anticipated that there will be a most dis-tinguished future.

Councillor H. Speed, Vice-President of Conference, has been returned unopposed to Birkenhead Council. He takes a deep interest in the work of the Council, and, with Alderman A. Goodwin and Councillor E. T. Coston, J.P., worthily represents Primitive Methodism.

Alderman A. Peel, J.P., circuit steward, Bradford Fifth, has been appointed Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford. The Lord Mayor, Alderman G. H. Robinson, J.P., is the part-ner and life-long friend of Alderman Peel. The Lord Mayor has invited Rev. F. Hobson to conduct one of the services on Lord Mayor's Sunday, November 22nd, at the Tetley-street Baptist Church, where the Lord Mayor is Sunday-school superintendent.

Alderman J. I. Grimshaw, of our Lamberhead Green Church, Orrell Circuit, has been re-elected Mayor of Wigan for a second year.

Rev. H. J. Taylor and Alderman F. 0. Linfield have been visiting the camp at Shoreham. Over 20,000 men are in training there. They were greatly impressed with the quality of the " boys." A cheerful, capable and enthusi-astic crowd they seemed. The men who had been there from the first, and are going to the front in January, said that now they have every reasonable comfort. They are well cared for in every way.

For the second year in succession Councillor E. Vaughan has been elected as Mayor of Crewe. Councillor Vaughan is a member of Heath-street Church (Crewe First Circuit), and during the first year of his mayoralty has rendered considerable service in Cheshire and North Staffordshire by occupying the pulpits of our churches.

We regret to record that Private Arthur Vaughan, of the Royal Horse Artillery, son of the Mayor of Crewe, has been wounded, and is in hospital at Rouen.

The mayoralty of Swindon has again fallen to an official of our Regent-street Church, Councillor Charles Hill being

succeeded by Councillor W. E. Morse, son of the late Mr. L. L. Morse, J.P. Though still young, Mr. Morse has taken an active interest in civic matters, and has given promise of filling an important place in our Connexional life. At his request, the members of the Corporation accompanied him on Sunday morning to his own Church, where Rev. S. A. Barron, who is thus the Mayor's chaplain for a second year, officiated.

Rev. T. Jackson gratefully acknowledges the following from readers of the Leader: —" S. N. R. I.," Yorkshire, El. ; " Resh," Wickhambrook, 3s.

At Mount Tabor Church, Birkenhead, on Sunday, Rev. M. T. Pickering preached to a large audience on " Drink in Time of War.' The congregation was deeply stirred by this question, and enthusiastically requested the Government to curtail by law the hours for the sale of drink. Twenty of the young men belonging to this church have left to serve under the Colours.

Owing to the outbreak of the war, the Tunstall District Ladies' Orphanage Committee, Group I., were compelled to abandon their garden party this year, but decided to make up the loss entailed, if possible, by securing extra subscriptions. This they have been enabled to do, and gladly report £14 8s. 9d. as the result, this being an increase on last year's effort of £1 4s. 9d.

On Monday, November 9th, Mr. J. Rickard was elected an Alderman of the Nelsen Town Council. He has been a member of the Council for many years, representing the Labour Party, which has always been strong in this Lancashire town. He is the circuit steward, school super-, intendeet, and a local preacher, and is always at his post. He takes the place on the Aldermanio bench occupied by his brother, Mr. W. Rickard, who is also an ex-Mayor, but who now retires. Both of them have seen to it that cieste work has not interfered with their church duties.

Rev. W. Speckling was unable to fulfil his engagement at Derby last week owing to an attack of influenza.

Miss Elkins begs to acknowledge the kind generosity of Mr. J. Calow in presenting her, for the benefit of the people of Jamestown, with medicines to the value of £4 7s. 3d. She desires also through the Leader to thank most sincerely those ladies who have so generously contri-buted to the Bedstead Fund. The following are the names of the ladies included in the above :—Mrs. Hare, Mrs. Whitby, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Rookledge, Mrs. J. Wat-son, Mrs. Reed, Miss Rudd, Mrs. Parker, Ebenezer Institute (per Mrs.

' Meggitt) Mrs. E. Adams, Mrs. Speed,

Miss Peacock, Mrs. Leach, Miss Stokoe, Lincoln Ladies, Mrs. H. Watson, Mrs. Erstob, Middlesbrough, Sunder-land and Seaham, South Shields Branch, Mrs. McCready, Mrs. Hewitson, Mrs. Croft Baker, Mrs. T. Robinson, Mrs. Noad, Nurse Shipley, and A Young Worker.

Rev. J. Firth, whose address is Yew Cottage, Amesbury, near Salisbury, has been officially appointed by the War Office to the position of Army chaplain. As .ran been previously intimated, the other chaplain is Rev. George Standing.

Mr. Barnabas Stocking, a local preacher for more than fifty years on the Ealing Circuit, died last week at the age of ninety-nine.

We regret to record the decease of-Mr. George White, an old and valued worker at Ebenezer Church, Halifax.

Rev. Nathaniel Watts, of Bromyard, died last week at an advanced age. . He had been a supernumerary for six years.

Rev. T. R. Maland, of Leamington, will become super-intendent of Newcastle-under-Lyme Circuit on January 1st, and Rev. Ralph Street, of Tenbury, the superinten-dent of Leamington Circuit.

On November 6th the Hartley College Literary and Debating Union held an open night. The dining hall was

arranged to represent an assize court. Frequent visits to the local court served to give the idea, and its actual procedure was closely followed. An original and intricate case had been prepared by the secretaries of the Union, and its success was highly gratifying. The eloquent speeches of counsel, with the variety and humour intro-duced, rendered the case most interesting. The jury had no easy task, but found the prisoners-guilty, and the Judge pronounced the sentence. A good company of visitors assembled, and a collection was taken for the African Missionary Fund.

On Friday last, in connection with the Student Christian Movement, a number of Indian students were entertained at the College. At the tea-table Mr. Gow neatly expressed the welcome of the Hartley men. After tea a concert and social was held. The Indians added to the interest of the programme by contributions in their own and our tongue.

Rev. Thomas H. Berryman will superintend the Stanley Circuit until next Conference, and Rev. Abel H. Briggs will fill the position of second minister.

Mr. James Gray, of Pollokshaws, Glasgow, has been appointed a J.P. for the city of Glasgow.

The committee of the London County Council dealt with the applications for music and theatre licences at the Sessions House, Clerkenwell, on Thursday and Friday last, when Mr. C. Pinhorn, of the London United Temperance Council, opposed some thirty-five cases. Amongst the applications were those of the London Coliseum and the London Hippodrome to have the restric-

tion removed, but on the opposition offered by Mr. Pinhorn, the committee decided to recommend that the prohibition should be continued. One public-house application was amongst the number, and was refused.

"Shaping a Destiny,". by Clarice Dadd Leine. (A. U Stockwell).—From the first page until the last, and it runs to 396 pages, this story is intensely interesting. It is instinct with life and movement, many of its char-acters are very loveable and splendidly pourtrayed, and if its value is known it will have a large circulation. It is an ideal story for the home circle or Sunday-school library.

G. S. H. inquires whether there is any fund out of which a landlord would be likely to get his rent in respect of property let to a prisoner of war who is interned, and also whether an Englishwoman who is married to a German who is interned would be able to get support from the Prince of Wales's Relief Fund or any other fund of that kind.

In reference to the first question, I do not know of any fund to assist landlords. Every landlord will have to take his chance and do the best he can, but I should think that if a proper application was made to the local committee dealing with the Prince of Wales's Relief Fund such committee might grant some relief to the wife, especially as she is English in fact, although of course by, marriage she takes her husband's nationality.

REV4VAL SERVICES,

Mrs. M. E. DUNN (nee MISS PARKER)

has a few dates vacant for above in 1915. Terms, etc., on application to-

48, GRAHAM MANSIONS, HACKNEY, N.E.

NOVEMBER 19, 1914

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 605

Guild of

CHRIST CRUCIFIED.

International Lesson for Sunday, Nov. 29, 1914. Nark xv. 21-41; Luke xxiii. 39-43. G.T., Isaiah liii. 4.

Kind Hearts.

TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA OPPORTUNITIES.

Endeavour Topic for Week beginning Nov. 22 , Rev. iii. 7-13.

By Henry J. Pickett,

I.—We now reverently approach the closing scenes of the greatest event in history. Such is the majestic bear-ing of Jesus, and so evidently is it the path of His own choosing " for our sakes," that the verdict of the Roman chief responsible for the whole proceeding (for the method of execution was Roman, not Jewish) is the spontaneous verdict of our own hearts : "Truly this man was the Son of God " (ver. 39).

IL—Approaching Jerusalem from the Damascus Gate, the visitor sees a low, round knoll or hill, "the.shape of a skull," now called Gordon's Calvary, from General Gordon, who discovered it, and held by a body of English trustees, possessing as it does a garden tomb, hewn out at the base of the hill or rock. This was also the hill of stoning, on which, in all probability, the scene of Stephen's martyrdom took place. It is quite near to the highroad, and just outside the wall, impressed the writer as the "Golgotha" of ver. 22.

III.—It is here, at Calvary, we see Jesus supreme. What the tools of the Roman Government and the mad-dened crowd foolishly regarded as utter weakness was, in reality, the manifestation of the Power of God, and What they regarded as the end of a sincere but mistaken fad was the starting-point of world-wide conquest. "For this hour came I forth," said Jesus. If, at the beginning, we have a picture of Christ's humanity, sinking, after the exhaustion of the night, under the weight of His cross (ver. 21), at the end we have an exquisite view of His essential power and grace, promising pardon and heaven to the cry of the penitent and wondering thief (Luke xxiii, 40-43). The " mere mound" of Calvary has become the most conspicuous, the most attractive and life-giving place in all God's wide domain.

IV.—Following the sacred and delicate reserve of the Gospels, we dwell rather upon the greatness and glory of the redeeming Jesus than upon the harrowing details of the actual crucifixion.

Christ's Supreme Surrender is part of the great teaching of Calvary. What was said in derision (ver. 31), and possibly, even then, in the faint hope of witnessing another marvel, so eager were they for signs was, in a sense they understood not, true. Loyalty to the supreme work of human salvation so fastened Him that "He could not save Himself." The " could not" being a chain forged by love, not in any sense a failure of resource or power on the material side. Unintention-ally, they bear a double testimony to Jesus, which; from such a source, is wonderful as evidence :—(1) Tc the un-mistakable facts of His ministry. " He saved others." (2) To the unbreakable strength of His love. - What was true for Jesus should also become the law governing our devotion to the service of others. The supremacy of Christ's surrender is seen : (a) In His refusal.of the accus-tomed drinks to stupefy the senses and so lessen pain. Ile will not enter the conflict with any loss of sensitive- ness nor any weakened faculty (ver. 23). (b) In His willing and immediate response to the cry of sincerity (Luke xxiii. 39-43). (a) In His voluntary dismissal of His own spirit. (ver. 37), for such is the true rendering of the text, "He dismissed His spirit." In no part of His life was Jesus more divine than in His voluntary humiliation. He was never in man's power any more than He chose to be. It is only as we ponder this that we are able to view as we should the wonder and greatness of His condescen-sion.

V.—Thus the hour of Christ's surrender becomes the scene of

Christ's Supreme Victory. This victory Jesus had foretold. So far from marking any defeat, He had said, "1 I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me." The seven words by which Jesus broke the silence of those hours of suffering are eloquent of triumph :—(1) A prayer for forgiveness (Luke xxiii. 34). (2) A promise and a gift (Luke xxiii. 43). (3) A precious bequest (John xix. 26, 27). (4) A heart-cry for God (Matt. xxvii. 46). (5) A prophecy of Christ's longing (John xix. 28). (6) A declaration of triumph (Jchn xix. 30). (7) A supreme dismissal (Luke xxiii. 46). And what was the derisive title over the central Cross but a prophecy of world-wide and final truth :—In the language of culture, in the language of law and govern-ment, in the language of religion, the three realms com-prising the then known world, Jesus in His death, and through it, is proclaimed King!

VI.—And the proof of true Kingship is seen in

Christ's First-Fruits •

of triumph witnessed at and around Calvary. Even on the way to Golgotha (von 21) it is at least probable that a premise of fruit was given. In Rona. xvi. 13 a Rufus is mentioned as being, with his mother, members of the Roman Church. Mark -wrote for the Romans, and the likelihood is that the father's pressed service of bearing the Cross for Jesus led to his discipleship and that of his familY. And what quiet faithfulness and devotion, typical of greater things to come, is the account of the sympathetic, watchful women, serving Him as those who Only stand and wait ! While the conquest of the penitent thief (Luke xxiii. 30-43) is the herald of an unending crowd whose cry of need has brought the promise and possession of eternal peace.

ON TIDYING-UP. "I wish you would tidy-up the fireside for me," said a

Yorkshire mother to her little girl. " It would help me ever so much."

" All right ! " said Miss Nine-years-old. And in less than a minute she was kneeling by the hearth, with a queer-looking box at her side. In the box were dirty dusters and several brushes, besides other more or less useful articles. For tie next few minutes the little woman was very busy. The ashes were taken up and carried out. The bars were swept, the oven door was cleaned and, the knob polished. The hearth was washed and the oven top nicely dusted, then the fire-irons were rubbed and put back in their places, and when mother came downstairs and caught sight of the fireplace glad-ness shone in her eyes.

" You are a good girl," she said ; " the place looks lovely." And Miss Nine-years-old felt as if -she had suddenly grown six inches and a bit.

The other 'day I saw a gardener " tidying-up" a garden. When he began his work the garden looked as if it belonged to nobody. Dead leaves seemed everywhere. Many plants were dying or dead. Bits of stick and twigs were scattered about, and when the sun shone on the place it seemed to make the garden blush for shame. But very soon its appearance was changed. Dead leaves, weeds, twigs, and sticks were carried off to the rubbish-heap. A sharp knife made quick work with the bushes that needed pruning. The spade brought up clean soil to the surface, and very soon there was a tidy garden, in which the gardener planted wallflowers and bulbs that the garden in spring might be covered with beauty. A good gardener loves to see a neat garden. It annoys him to see rubbish littered about, and parts of the garden run-ning wild. Gardens are made to be kept in order.

Bob Careless lived at home with his father and mother. They loved him very much, and were anxious for him to look well and do well. But Bob was careless, and every-body knew it. That was how he got his name. His real name was Robert Armstrong, but " careless Bob " suited his character better. Judging by the way he dressed himself,- he hardly knew when it was Sunday—at least, not until after tea. If his boots were left to him, they were never clean, and there was a story told that one day he went into the town with odd boots on. One belonged to his Sunday boots and shone like a ripe cherry, the other belonged to his working boots and hadn't felt a brush—nobody could tell when. He never seemed to think about anything that mattered, though he dreamed plenty. Indeed, some people wondered if ho was ever really awake. One Sunday he stood in the street, look-ing as if he were only half-washed, and not much more than half-dressed. Lots of people were passing, and all at once his mother seemed to realise what an untidy youth Robert was.

"Bob," she said, with a touch of temper in her tone, " I wish you'd tidy yourself up a bit. You're not fit for people to look at."

" Oh, I'm all right,'' said Careless Bob. " No, you aren't ! " replied his mother. " You're all

wrong. You're a disgrace to us all. Come in and tidy yourself up. Look as if you belonged to somebody. No woman has such a careless lad as I have. You make me feel ashamed," and as she said this there was a tear in each eye. So you may know that she felt Robert's care-lessness very much.

What made him so careless ?_ For .he -was always doing something he ought not. " I didn't see it," " I didn't know," " I couldn't help it," were oftener said by him in a day than they ought to have been in a month. That shows he was continually forgetting and upsetting things, or causing somebody trouble. The carelessness was in his soul, where all our faults are. Our souls might be like well-kept gardens ; is yours? What is in the soul comes out in the life—in manners, and speech and walk. By the way, did you clean your boots well last night? And are your finger-nails clean just now ? Or is carelessness growing in your soul ? Next time I see your mother, I think I must ask her.

Posers for Father. 1. Which was the longest day of Adam's life? The day

on which there was no Eve. 2. Why is a room full of married people like an empty

one? Because there is not a single person in it. - 3. What makes everybody sick except those who swallow

it ? Flattery. 4. What is enough for one, too much for two, and

nothing at all for three ? A secret. 5. Why is a postman like a poet Because he is a man

of letters. 6. What are the two hottest letters in the alphabet?

K N Cayenne). 7. What group of stars is like an empty fireplace? The

Great Bear (grate bare). 8. When may an empty pocket have something in it ?

When it has a hole in it.

New Members for the Guild. We welcome 7122 Marie Ellis Paddick. Per Mr. T.

Austwick, Doncaster: 7123 Cyril Austwick, 7124 Reginald Newbury, 7125 Norman Newbury, 7126 Alfred Brooks, 7127 James Brooks, 7128 Mabel Lymn, 7129 Tom Lymn 7130 'Phyllis Hancox, 7131 Albert Hancox. Well done, Doncaster !

To join the Guild, send name, age, and address, with promise to be kind. Badges are one penny each. Ar extra penny stamp to be enclosed for postage. Marl, letters " Guild " and send to Rev. Aatnua, Jvsa, 218, Chippinghouse-road, 'Sheffield,

Of the seven churches, that in Philadelphia was the one after the Master's own heart. With Smyrna, it shared the distinction of receiving no word of blame, but stood quite alone in the emphatic and unstinted eulogy Christ bestowed upon it. Had the inhabitants of Asia given their judgment respecting these Christian communities, Sardis would have stood first. If the churches them- . selves had declared their preference, Ephesus would have received the palm. In neither case would the Philadel-phian church have been in the running. It was without wealth, numbers, talents, reputation—a church of " little strength." Nevertheless it won the Master's highest regard, and for reasons at once convincing and significapt. These are found in Christ's revelation of Himself (ver. and in the way these lowly saints " kept the word of My, patience." Their holiness, fidelity, alertness to serve more than compensated for lack of social prestige and talent. Relying on the Word of God, in all ,weathers they set their course thereby. Their patience signified more than endurance. It was persistence against heavy odds. Dr. McLaren said : " The patient man in the New Testa-ment is one who will put his hand through the smoke of hell to lay hold on plain duty." In such patience there is the heroic strain of Luther, who said : "Be there as many devils in Worms as tiles upon the housetops I will go in." In the eyes of Christ these qualities counted for everything. Where do we place the emphasis?

The joy which Christ had in this church arose in part from its spiritual ability to deal with its extraoidinary opportunity. Philadelphia was one of the gateways into the central_ plateau of a populous hinterland. Recent alterations in the caravan routes had enlarged its strategic importance and facilities. In order to reach the peoples of the tableland the Gospel—like travellers and trade—must needs pass through Philadelphia. To have a church there, so fruitful in character and good works, gave Christ unalloyed satisfaction. The extension of His kingdom was in good hands. A church which had done all it could. would leap to the call of " the open door," and count the task congenial. Dwight L. Moody, in his young days, heard someone say : " What could God not do if only a fully consecrated life were placed at His entire disposal ! " The arrow found its mark, and Moody, uncultured but earnest, vowed he would give God such a chance. The magnificent outcome we all know. And Philadelphia came similarly to be " one of the two centres which have been the bulwark and glory of Christian power in a Mohammedan country." Opportunities to serve Christ and the Church abound. Never were there more " open doors " than now. Remember therefore :—(1) Christ's diplomas of merit are not iron crosses, but calls to wider service ; (2) spiritual fitness provides the best channels for His grace ; -(3) open doors, disregarded, gradually, close.

Exhorting them to fidelity to their larger day and wider duty, Christ guaranteed them the defeat of their bitter opponents—the Jews. In the terrible persecution impending, He promised to keep.,them with His mighty hand. Though great difficulties dwelt hard by their opportunity, they should overcome. Their worth and work would be imperishable. Each high priest of the Emperor's temple, when vacating office, secured remem- brance by erecting a statue with his name inscribed thereon, within the temple precincts. As pillars in the temple of God, bearing inscriptions to the glory of 'God and the grace and power of His redemption, they would abide for ever. WILLIAM J. WARD.

OUR QUESTION BOX.

Legal, Social, and General.

All communications for answer in this column must 14 sent to HISTORICUS, 6, Gunnersbury Avenue, Ealing Concision. W.

Questions answered by post on receipt of Is. postal order and prepaid envelope. Proceeds go to S.M.W. and 0. and Local Preachers' Funds.

NEWS FROM THE DISTRICTS.

London First. Rev. P. Kay introduced the business of the District

Committee. Special reference was made to the death of Mrs. E. C. Rawlings, when testimony was borne to the great interest which she took in all Connexional matters, particularly those that were missionary. Foreign missions had a very warm place in her heart, and she never tired of advocating them. Rev. P. Kay and Mr. K A. Brooks were deputed to represent the District at the funeral. A resolution of sympathy was passed and sent to the bereaved husband and family. Note was also taken of the death of Mr. Barnabas Stocking, of Acton, who passed away at the ripe age of ninety-eight years. In the early days of our work in London our friend did yeoman service, and he never tired of speaking of his commission from the late Rev. George Lamb to go and mission Notting Hill. Revs. J. Dobson and W. Roberts bore testimony to his Christian character. They also conducted the service on Saturday, the 14th, in our little church at Acton. The committee of the District Sunday-schools was glad to learn through its secretary, Rev. T. H. Bickerton, that the Dis-trict was second in the Connexion in the number of entrants for the Scripture examination. He pointed out, however, that there was a large number of schools .still who had not responded. Rev. R. Finall introduced a resolution in which the Government was commended for their action in relation to the curtailment of the hours for the sale of intoxicants-in London, but urging them to a still further restriction in the interests of the thousands of young men who are in London training for Lord Kitchener's new army. Mr. H. W. Pinhorn and others took part in a very interesting discussion on the question. Rev. W. Roberts, as District missionary secretary, pre-sented an application from the Upton Park Circuit for help towards the erection of a new church at Ilford. The matter was referred to the G.M.C. for its consideration.

London Second. The District Committee meeting was held under the

presidency of Rev. W. R. Bird. There was less business than usual and it was soon dispatched. Rev. W. Spedding's

89. Lower Middle Division-1st, Lydia Richards, Gilfach Goch, South Wales Mission, 95 ; 2nd, William Joseph Hayes, Gilfach Goch, South Wales Mission, 94; 3rd, Mabel Lillian Carter, Gilfach Goch, South Wales Mission, 92. Junior Division—No 1st prize won ; 2nd, Levi Newcomb, Carcroft, South Yorks Mission, 88 ; 3rd, Florrie Edith Mant, Dover-street, Folkestone, 87.

The Roll of Honour. Sin,—The letter of Mr. Jeffs is a little " superior " in

its suggestion of our lack of knowledge of " the Bible, the spirit of Christianity, the teaching and spirit of German (Pan or otherwise) militarists, philosophers, and politicians, and of general history." But, more than that, it is "much ado about nothing," inasmuch as it wholly refers to matters unmentioned either by Mr. Reeves or myself. We made no claim that " the Churched should remain quiescent, and should have preached non-resistance." Neither did we plead for " quiet submission to the unscrupulous violence of individuals or nations." My sole concern wan with the wisdom- of establishing a " Roll of Honour," and I plainly stated that those who have heard " in the war the call of God should have full credit for their act." I believe the "Roll " is unjust and unwise, that it differentiates in a dangerous fashion, and comes perilously near making patriotism and piety interchangeable terms. Of course, the last-named may be true, but if so, those in authority amongst us should say so, in order that the revision of our theology, pulpit teaching, and general practice may be duly considered. I totally deny that all those who have enlisted from our schools and congregations are worthy a 'place, apart from, and superior to, all their fellows, such as this " Roll" indicates.—Yours, etc., N. BROWN.

105, Queen's-road, Blackburn.

"Doris Manners," by J. Paul Seymour. (A. H. Stock-weD).—This story of 159 pages will interest any man or woman who likes to read of the course of love in human life. The heroine has many lovers, but wins out witt the artist upon whom her affections were set.

E06 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. 'NOVEMBER 1-9, 1914

visit to the District in March was fixed, for Dover on 6th and 7th, and Snodland on 8th. It was thought by some that it was a large expenditure for three days' service. The report of the scholars' examination for the Upper Middle Division was given, and the prize-winners are : Herbert Alsford, 97 marks ; Hilda Campey, 94 ; Fred T. Berry, 92. Record was made of ministerial fixtures, and also that a parentless boy had been accepted and taken into the Alresford Orphanage from the Croydon Circuit. A pleasing incident occurred recently in St. Bartholomew's Hospital, when a sister in membership with one of our Kentish circuits noticed that a new patient, in for an operation like herself, was reading a newspaper, and as it fell on the reader's bed it was seen to be the Primitive Methodist Leader, which instantly became a link to join these sufferers in sweet and holy fellowship. It was an added pleasure to both to discover that the present minister of one was the recent minister of the other.

SCHOLARS' SCRIPTURE EXAMINATION.

Brinkworth and Swindon District. Upper Middle Division.—lst prize, Pearl Judge,

Chinnor Circuit, Stokenchurch School, 96 marks ; 2nd, Clara E. Dowling, Newbury, Newbury, 95 ; 3rd, Howard L. Hill, Swindon First, Stratton, 94. Lower Middle Division.-1st, Kathleen Hunt, Brinkworth, Wootton Bassett, 99; 2nd, Winifred M. Phillips, Swindon First, Hay-lane, 96 ; 3rd, William Brown, Brinkworth, Wootton Bassett, 91. Junior Division.—lst, Howard Hollis, Swindon First, Hay-lane, 93 ; 2nd, Doris Cato, Hunger-ford, Hungerford, 924 ; 3rd, Flossie Waite, Swindon First, Hay-lane, 911.

Missions District. Upper Middle Division.-1st prize, Dorothy Hinson,

Northwood, Harrow and Northwood, 92 marks ; 2nd, Con-stance Hudson, Cla.pton Park Tabernacle, Clapton. Mission, 91 ; 3rd, Doris M. Stephenson, Chertsey,

kChurch News. Abergavenny. •

The missionary anniversary services were held on Sunday, November 8th, Rev. T. Thompson being the preacher. Through. out the circuit an increased enthusiasm for missionary work has been displayed, and our financial returns have increased very appreciably. The meeting held November 9th was also of a most inspiring character. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Yorwerth Davies, B.A. B.D., and Rev. T. Thompson. Mrs. Jenkins was the solist, and Miss E. A. Sayce accompanist. Rev. S. J. Hall acted as missionary deputation for our Rose Cottage Society, where we realised a substantial increase again in the collections. Accrington.

Whalley-road Church has been favoured with the services of Mr. Tom Holland, who has just conducted a most enjoyable series of mission services. His coming was anti-cipated by a week of special prayer, which provided a helpful atmosphere for mission work. The indoor services grew in interest and in numbers evening by evening until at the final gathering, when the missioner was assisted by his gifted family, the place was packed. An interesting feature of the mission was the open-air gatherings from day to day, when large crowds listened with eager interest and manifest pleasure to the thrilling songs of this powerful singer. At each of these meetings a collec-tion was taken up for the local Belgian Relief Fund, amounting to the sum of £8. This feature of the missioner's work should commend itself to all lovers of humanity. Within the last three weeks, at two missions alone, Mr. Holland's open-air gatherings have resulted in some £28 being raised for sufferers through this terrible war. Bedale: •

On Thursday the chapel anniversary was held. The special preacher and lecturer was Rev. W. Younger, of Harrogate. After an inspiring sermon in the after-noon, at which there was a good congrega-

- tion, tea took place, and in the evening Rev. W. Younger delivered an enthralling and absorbing lecture on " The British Empire and the European War," which was full of fine patriotic points and delivered with telling effect. Rev. W. Skelson voiced the thanks of the church to the lecturer, and also the chairman, Mr. F. H. Dawson, and to the ladies for pro-

' vidieg the typical Yorkshire tea and supper. The gathering was a marked success. Bradford First.

The work at the Central Hall continues with the keenest enthusiasm. The three weekly open-air meetings are regularly held. and are productive of great good. Daring the past six weeks several additions

have been made to the church. The Hall anniversary was a great success. On the Saturday nearly 200 attended an excellent tea, generously given by Messrs. R. H. Brooks and G. W. B. Sawyer. This was followed by a grand concert, presided over by Messrs. W. E. Hobley and W. Firth. The Sunday services were a great inspira-tion. Rev. W. Potter (Halifax) preached morning and evening. In the afternoon a musical service was held, presided over by Mr. H. Barker. On Monday evening a splendid open-air service was held, fol-lowed by a public meeting. The chairman was Mr. J. W. Drake (Sheffield), who spoke helpful words and contributed £10. Revs. W. Potter, H. Coulbeck and R. Lee Featherstone gave inspiring addresses to a good gathering. On Sunday, November 8th, " The Messiah " was rendered to a large congregation by an augmented choir, conducted by Mr. H. Barker. Mr. F. Wil-son presided at the organ and Mr. A. Pear-son at the piano. The principals were -Mrs. Firth, Miss A. Fielding, Mr. T. Read, and Rev. H. Coulbeck, and to all great praise is due.

Burnley First. The anniversary of the Rehoboth Endea-

vour Society was held last week-end. The rally on the Saturday was well attended, and addresses were given by Mr. J. P. Astin and Rev. R. W. Berry, B.D. The roll call was conducted by Rev. J. Hawkins. Rev. Ward Hartley presided. On Sunday Rev. Ward Hartley preached to large congregations. In the afternoon the service was conducted by the Juniors, who provided an excellent programme. The day was closed by an enthusiastic prayer-meeting, in which a man arid his wife, together with other two young people, spontaneously came forward and gave themselves to Jesus.

Castleford. The visit of Miss Hetha RiChards to

Bradley-street Church on November 1st and 2nd, on the occasion of the anniversary of the ladies' class, was greatly enjoyed, this being her sixth visit. On Sunday afternoon Miss Richards gave a sacred recital, and at night gave a sermon recital. Miss Richards also gave miscellaneous re-citals on the Monday afternoon and even-ing. Craven Arms.

Harvest services were held at Wrickton on the 1st and 3rd inst., when excellent sermons were preached by Mr. T. A. Cook (Chorley). On Tuesday the tea was fol-lowed by a public meeting, when addresses were given by Mr. T. Goodman, Mr. B. Massey, Mr. T. A. Cook (chairman), and Rev. A. Cole. The proceeds amounted to over £6. Cullercoats.

A series of meetings closed at Cullercoats on Thursday evening, at which addresses on " The Church " were given by Rev. D. Cooke, assisted by Revs. T. Cooke, M.A.,

Congregational minister, Whitley Bay ; G. Fawcett, Sunderland ; W. R. Hetherington, South Shields ; and W. E. Ferndale, Birtley. There were twelve addresses in all dealing with various aspects of the Church, eight of which were given by Mr. Cooke. iA rich spiritual tone has pervaded the gatherings. Thursday evening's meet-ing was described as a consecration service, and a large number remained to the sacra-ment of the Lord's Supper, after a fine address by Mr. Ferndale on " The Call of Church." The points enforced were dis-cipleship, membership, and partnership.

Derby Pint. At Borrows-di anniversary services were

held on Sunday, November 1st, when ser-mons were preached by Mr. W. Gayer, of Nottingham. In the afternoon there was special singing by the choir and Brother-hood members, the address being delivered by Mr. Gilliver. The collections were in advance of last year Doncaster.

An Endeavour social was held on Satur-day at Bentley-road Church. During the evening a presentation was made to Rev. and Mrs. S. Rowley, of an oak hanging clock as a wedding present. On Thursday a lantern entertainment was given to the soldiers by the Toll Bar friends. The accommodation of the church was taxed to its utmost capacity. It has become quite a popular centre for the soldiers. A Band of Hope entertainment was also held, when the children rendered songs and recitations. Addresses were given by Mr. S. Cook and Rev. S. Rowley. Downham.

Very successful Endeavour anniversary services were conducted at Upwell on November 8th and 9th. Inspiring ser-mons were preached by Mr. T. W. Mews, of Pinchbeck. In the afternoon the choir rendered a service of song entitled "Little Minnie," Mr. Mews giving the connective readings. On Monday there was a public tea, followed by a rally. The chair was taken by Mr. W. T. Racey, president of the Wisbech and District C.E. Union. Excellent speeches were given by Mr. Mews and Rev. J. W. Whittaker, who also impressively conducted the roll call. The collections were in advance of last year.

Gateshead. The church anniversary was held at

Joicey-road last Sunday. Rev. S. Palmer was the preacher. In the afternoon a musical service, arranged by Mr. E. 0. Bowran, was given. Mr. H. Nicholson pre-sided, and the • artists were the Misses Graham, Simpson, and Elliott ; and Messrs. Jones and Pearce. On Wednes-day the annual tea, provided by ladies of the congregation, was held. After tea, Rev. S. Palmer lectured on " Oliver Crom-well." The lecture was illustrated by limelight views, which were operated by Mr. E. Anderson. Mr. D. S. Bowran was the chairman. All the services were well

attended. Proceeds £20, £5 in advance of last year. Gateshead First.

Eighton Banks Church had a social gathering on Saturday, November 7th, and a good number attended. On Sunday, November 8th sermons were preached by Mr. Hethering, of Gateshead. In the after-noon a musical service was given by the New Washington Choir. Chairman T. Bruce. Proceeds in aid of trust fund.

High Wycombe. On Temperance Sunday Rev. J. G.

Cushing preached a powerful sermon at our White Hart-street Church in the morn-ing, and one that was much talked about and praised at Westbourne-street ia the evening, both being powerful appeals for total abstinence in the Church and the nation. On Wednesday, November 11th, Westbourne-street Schoolroom was kindly lent to the Women's Total Abstinence Union. A threepenny tea was held, of which about 160 partook. A. splendid meeting was afterwards held, presided over by Mrs. Haddow. A capital musical pro-gramme had been arranged by Mrs. Wyse. A forceful and fine address was also deli-vered by Rev. J. G. Cushing.

Hitchin. We have just held our missionary round

with gratifying results, three out of the four societies being in advance of last year. Rev. Arthur Lawton, of Leytonstone, served us splendidly as deputation. The preachers at the various places were : Hitchin, Rev. G. W. Elliott ; Baldock, Mr. W. J. Osborne; Stotfold, Rev. A. Lawton ; and Bennington, Rev. H. J Sadd. Ben-nington, a gallant little village society of twenty-six members, has once again main-fested its intense missionary zeal by rais-ing t ye £22

year. 5d., which is £1 better than

Ilkeston. The - Bath-street " Women's Own " held

their anniversary on Sunday, November 8th, Mrs. Fairhurst, of Rochdale, being the special preacher, and Madame Inger, of Heanor, the soloist. At 2.30 a musical service was presided over by Mrs. (Dr.) Barber, when Madame Inger and Master Mills again sang. 'Miss Gaunt (Heanor) gave two recitations, Miss Rigby Taylor presiding at the organ. On Tuesday -we had a visit from the President of Confer-ence (Rev. G. Bennett), who preached most inspiring sermon. The public tea, which was given by the Women's Ov/P, pwaaregildaerngetlygaavttee a ndelde.ctuInre the evening the

meetings

Man," gws which owuagshthoroughlyot have been e en joyed. d

a great T

success. The fine. nciaThlerehasuryltnes‘:£Plelf8aes)y. devoted to the trust funds.

Kidderminster.

het seatells igohf iespecial services have been

proved' a great success, the preachetr:tvhantaesel.

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OVEMBER 19, 1914

-both services being Alderman A. G. Turley, West Bromwich, special service in the afternoon by the choir. On the Monday the sale was conducted by D. W. Wright, which proved a great success. The total amounted to over £11. On Sunday last we were favoured with the presence of Rev. W. Cole, Scarboro', who preached to large congregations. In the afternoon a P.S.A. was held, when a splendid programme was presented. Collections over £2. Knighton.

Miss Beck, of Worcester, has concluded a mission at Cwm y gaist. Services were largely attended, people coming great distances to hear this talented evangelist. Several clear cases of conversion have re-sulted, and a lofty spiritual tone remains in the society. Miss Beck commenced a mission at Lloiney on Sunday last, Nov-ember Lowestoft.

Privates C. Cook and F. Maryman, members of the Endeavour Society at Peter-street, Lowestoft, in writing to their society from the camp at Leiston, state their decision to remain true to their faith despite the difficulties of camp life. Manors.

A sale of work was held ai Norton on October 29th. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. G. Walker (a member of the church thirty-seven years). She was supported by Rev. W. Fidoe and Messrs. P. C. Marsh, T. Severs, and T. W. Heseltine. The net proceeds amounted to £37 14s. 10d. This will form a nucleus of a fund to be raised for the extension of Sunday-school premises. Manchester Fourth.

Miss Elsie Bicheno, the gifted daughter of Rev. G. ,Bicheno, Kettering, paid her first visit to Higher Ardwich Church on Satur-day and Sunday, when her recitals were highly appreciated. On Saturday she was assisted by Misses Mason and Felpts and Mr. C. M. Auty, B.Sc. Mr. J. T. Dobbins presided. Miss Gladys Harwood and Mr. T. M. Garner were the vocalists on Sunday afternoon, Mrs. G. A. Genney presiding. Mr. .1. W. Driver was the -accompanist on both occasions. Rev. R. H. Auty preached special sermons morning and evening to good congregations. The pro-needs were chiefly devoted to Sister Louie's Poor Fund. Nottingham Fourth,

Radcliffe-greet Chapel anniversary was held on November 8th and 9th, the preacher being the Rev. G. Bennett, Presi-dent of Conference. This was Mr. Bennett's twenty-first yearly visit. All the services were well attended. On the Sunday afternoon there was a chorsl ser-vice by Radcliffe-street Choir, conductor Mr. Tasker, organist Mr. Parkin. The chairman was 'Mr. W. G. Hughes, and the vice-chair was token by Mr. H. Dumpleton. Madam Ethel Parkin effectively rendered solos on Sunday afternoon and evening. The tea on Monday, wholly given by Mr. and Mrs. Parkin, was attended by a large number, and the meeting following was enthusiastic and large. Councillor T.

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The church anniversary was held at Roy-ton on November 8th. Rev. T. Kynaston was the preacher. A song service was held in the morning, and special solos and anthems were rendered in the afternoon. Good congregations assembled, and the proceeds were satisfactory.

The Vice-President of Conference (Mr Speed) visited Shaw on November 7th and 8th. A public meeting was held on Satur day, presided over by Mr. T. Fitton, when the Vice-President gave a vigorous address and Sister Laura, Revs. J. Yearsley and F. L. Cull also addressed the meeting. A splendid day was realised on the Sunday, when Mr. Speed preached twice. The church was well filled, and a successful week-end enjoyed. Peterborough Second.

A series of successful efforts have re-cently been made. At Cobden-street the effort took the form of a gold and silver tree, when Alderman Batten presided, and his sister unveiled the tree. To the delight of all the total proceeds amounted to £60. At Woodston " Coming of Age " services have been held. Councillor Impey preached in the new church on the Sunday, and spoke at the Monday meeting. The feature of the evening was the presentation by the ladies of an individual communion service to the society. At Midland-road a gold and silver tree has been held. Mrs. Gaunt presided, and Mrs. Johnson un-veiled the tree At the conclusion Mr. A. Boughen was able to state that the sum of £27 had been realised. Thanks were moved by Rev. G. T. Turberfield, and sup-ported by Rev. J. McKinney. Pickering.

Themissionary meetings in the Pickering Circuit are now complete for the year, and the financial results constitute a record for the circuit. Revs. G. T. Fawcett, W. Fidoe, G. Chun, G. E. Rudram, and E. Lacey have served well as deputation. Bios. T. Hudson, G. Welburn, W. Robin-son, W. Hayes, R. Smithies, F. Pickering, J. S. Jacklin, G. Rex, W. Huddlestone, M. Watson, W. Readman, J. Snowden, J. Dixon, J. Coates, C. Parker, A. J. Coates, E. Wood, R. Hornby, and G. Turnbull rendered good service as chairmen. The following are the amounts raised : -Picker- ing, £18 17s. 3d. ; Kirbymoorside, £18 14s. 6d. ; Marton, £7 7s. 10d. ; Thorn-ton, £7 7s. ld. ; Wrelton, £4 18s. 3d. ; SaPon, £4 17s. 7d. ; Lockton, £3 193. 9d. ; Clapton, £319s. 4d. ; Levisham, £3 7s. 4d. ; Newton, £3 5s. •, Brawby, £3 ls. 8d. ; Middleton, £2 12s. 8c1. ; Pickering Carr, £1 15s. ; Hutton £1 14s. 9d. ; Newton Dale, £1 11s. 7d. ; Rosedale Abbey, £1 is. 4d.; Stape, 18s. ; • Rosedale Ebene- zer, 12s. ld. ; Hartop, 8s. 6d. The net amount forwarded to the two missionary funds is £81 15s. 4d., which is £5 13s. above last year. Preston First.

The annual " At Homes " were held at Saul-street Church on November 4th and 5th. Hosts and hostesses were : First night, Mr. and Mrs. De Fostra (in the absence of Rev. W. and Mrs. Sutton) ; second night, Mr. and Mrs. John Astley. The presidents were Mrs. Simpson and Mr. R. Huggon. The music_ was contributed by members of the choir and friends, with Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse as pianists. Everyone worked hard and gave gener-ously to make the effort a success. Net proceeds for church funds £18.

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808

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST LEADER. NOVEMBER 19, 1914

choir. On the following Monday Mr. Coward lectured on " Whitfield, Prince of Preachers and Evangelists," and greatly delighted the audience. Mr. J. W. Golightly (Wesleyan) presided. Rev. F. J. Hadfield and Messrs. M. M. Water-house and J. .W. Hollings also took part in the proceedings. The collections amounted to about £15. The young men's room has recently been decorated and fur-nished and entirely paid for by the young men's class.

Reading.

The church anniversary at London-street has been a success. Sermons preached by Rev. J. Dodd Jackson. Annual tea well patronised and a large company for the public meeting, addresses by Revs. J. A. Alderson and J. D. Jackson. Mr. A. Watson was in the chair ; proceeds, £37. London-street has also sent £.12 10s. to the National Relief Fund and £5 to the special Army Fund, and is holding teas for the Belgian Relief Fund. The church is in a very healthy and prosperous con-dition. Mr. W. S. Stevens (organist) has gone on a business tour through India, and is greatly missed from the Young Men's Institute, of which he is the presi-dent. Over £200 has already been promised toward the jubilee.

Rhosymedre.

The first round of missionary services has just been held. Rev. G. T. D. Pidsley served splendidly as deputation. The Revs. S. Buckley and A. F. Slater assisted at the respective meetings. At Rhosymedre the children gave with excellent taste the mis-sionary demonstration, Africa's Hope." The funds, though not equal to previous years, were satisfactory.

Rotherhithe (London).

The anniversary of Union-road Endea-vour Society was held on November 8th and 9th, when Rev. Daniel Dur2n, of Tun-bridge Wells, preached inspiring sermons. Ill the afternoon Rev. A. H. Richardson, of St. George's Hall, giive an interesting address, Mr. S. Wyles presiding. On Monday the'annual rally was held ; chair- man, Mr. G. Heigho. The report was given by the secretary, Miss A. Sharp, and powerful addresses delivered by Revs. George Faulkner and D. Dunn. Mr. E. Winter conducted the roll call. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. G. Heigho, and solos rendered by Miss F. Endersby,

largely contributed to the success of the anniversary, the accompahist being Mr. E. W. Heigho. Finances in excess of last year.

Sheffield.

The sisterhood anniversary at Endcliffe was successfully celebrated on Monday, November 2nd, Mrs. J. Maland presiding over a large audience An excellent pro-granitme was provided by Miss Ross, Miss Helliwell accompanying. The report showed a gratifying increase of members for the year. £2 12s. was raised by the effort, and the new session inaugurated with high hopes for the future.

Skegness.

We held our chapel anniversary on Sun-day and Monday, October 25th and 26th. The preacher was Mr. M. H. Rylatt, of Old Leake, whose finely conceived dis-courses were greatly appreciated. On Monday a Providence tea was well patronised, and in the evening a large com-pany gathered to hear Mr. Rylatt deliver his popular lecture, " The Holy Land and the Land of the Pharaohs." At the close of the lecture ancient manners and cus-toms were described, a number of men and women being arrayed in Eastern costume for this purpose, and a fine and costly collection of Eastern curiosities was exhibited with explanatory notes. Coun-cillor Thomas W. Walkek, of Leicester, presided, and also gave a very effective address. The net financial results were well up to previous years.

Southampton First.

This circuit has just been favoured by a visit from Rev. W. Spedding. On Satur-day, November 7th, a school convention was held at Bevois Town, when addresses were given by Rev. J. T. Evans and Rev. W. Speddina

'. Mr. C. W. Bosworth pre-

sided. At this meeting Rev. and Mrs. J. T. Evans were presented with a silver-plated salad bowl and silver fruit stand in celebration of their silver wadding. On Sunday Mr. Spedding preached at St. Denys in the morning, visited and ad-dr,ssed the school in the afternoon, and conducted serviceat Northam in the even-ing. On Monday a public tea was held at St. Denys, after which there was a tea-table conference, presided over by Rev. J. T. Evans. An excellent address was given by Rev. W. J. Hammersley, of Win-chester, on "Our Boys and Girls in Their

Teens," followed by an interesting discus-sion. A well-attended public meeting was afterwards held. Mr. F. J. Wyeth pre-sided, supported by Mr. R. Hallum. Forceful and inspiring addresses were given by Revs. W. Sawyer and W. Sped-ding. Mr. Spedding's visit has been much appreciated.

Stratford.

The annual cricket social was held on November 7th at Forest Gate, Mr. A. C. Thurston (captain) presiding. Rev. A. T. Slater presented gifts to the member with the best match record and to the secretary, this being forwarded to his place of train-ing. On Monday, November 9th, a can-tata was excellently rendered at the Henniker-road Church, Stratford, by the choir of the Connaught-road Church, Ilford. Mr. .J. T. Jackson presided. On November 10th an " At Home" was held at Cobbold-road, Forest Gate. Councillor and Mrs. Henry Bywater were host and hostess. There was a very satisfactory attendance. The effort was a financial and social success.

Sturminster Newton.

Missionary meetings have recently. been held for the Ilazelbury and Sturminster rounds, the " deputations" being Rev. E. G. French, of Poole, and Rev. J. Turley, of Gillingham. The income has been well maintained for both home and African funds. At the " report" stage of the meetings Rev. R. W. Burnett made use of the page of missionary facts in_ the November number of the Herald," and much interest was aroused by the announcement of our projected work for the camps upon Salisbury Plain.

Wigton. • Interesting services were held in the

Silloth Church on October 25th to 29th, the occasion being the extinction of debt on the property. A series of services and lectures were arranged and the best of talent secured. Our people were in an expectant mood, when Rev. T. P. Ellis, of Batley, opened the Sunday's services, which were of the highest order. On Tuesday a large company gathered to hear Rev. Tom Sykes preach and lecture. On Wednesday we welcomed our ex-Presi-dent, Rev. J. Ritson. His sermon and lecture were utterances which will strengthen the love for our Church in all our hearts. Thursday was our winding-up

day when we had Dr. Dalton, who ren-dered excellent service. We rejoice that the debt is now removed.

White-le-Head. • On November 12th Mr. Jos. Carey, of

Thornley, concluded the first half of a united mission at the- churches of White-le-head and Tanfield Lea. These churches, though neighbours, are in different cir-cuits, Burnopfield and Stanley respec-tively. Since October 31st Mr. Carey has been conducting services at the White-le-head Church; and his labours have been abundantly blessed. At the close of Mr. Carey's lecture on November 7th there were ten converts. In more than one case man and wife have knelt together at the peni-tent form. On the closing night at White. le-head the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to the converts by the Rev. J. Charlton and Mr. Carey, and after this impressive service six persons decided for Christ. Good congregations have gathered night after night, and over sixty souls have accepted salvation, all of whom will take up membership in the White-le-head Church. The second half of the mission commences at Tanfield Lea on November 14th, and it is hoped that it will be even more successful than the first half,

Women's Missionary Federation.

Rhosymedre.

The Rev. G. T. D. Pidsley addressed the monthly meeting held on Monday. Mrs. Buckley presided, and conducted the Scripture reading. Solos were rendered by the Misses Edwards. Mrs. J. Evans and Master Elvet Buckley were the instru-mentalists. Tea was served at the close by the ladies of the Rhosymedre Church.

Tunstall.

A most successful meeting was held at Wolstanton on October 29th. Mrs. Beech presided, and Rev. H. J. Hallwood gave an excellent address. Mr. W. Tinswell sang two solos, accompanist Miss Boulton. The missionary letter was read by the secretary. Tea was very generously given by Mrs. Metcalfe, and a splendid collec-tion was taken for missionary funds.

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