TH The General Secretary's Meetings HE introductory meetings arranged by the Executive Committee of the Luther League of America for the purpose of inaugurating the work of the General Secretary have been eminently successful. They have been representative meetings of our Lutheran young people. Philadelphia On February 16 a meeting was held in Baltimore with the pastors and young people of the Lutheran Church. The outlook is most encouraging. Rev. W. S. Freas, D.D., president of the General Synod, presided at the evening meeting, which was held in the First Church, Rev. E. K. Bell, D.D., pastor. The addresses were delivered by Messrs. W. C. Stoever, president of the Luther League of America; E. F. Eilert. editor of the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW; F. A. Hartranft of the Executive Committee, and the General Secretary. Close attention was given these addresses. A number of questions were asked about the League work, and, as a result of the meeting, a resolution was adopted instructing a committee to present the subject of organizing a Central Luther League in Baltimore to the various societies in the different Lutheran Churches of the city, and calling of another meeting for the further consideration of the matter of organizing. The hope ful sign was the marked unanimity among the workers. very cheering to the general officers, who had been invited to present the cause of the Luther League of America. Mt. Airy Seminary spirit of This was At Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, on February 18, the General Secretary met the students of the Theological Seminary. There is a splendid League at Mt. Airy, of which Mr. W. C. Stoever is president. Its meeting was very interesting. After consideration of the topic, "The Lord's Day," the General Secretary was given the opportunity of speaking. Quite a number remained to ask questions and evinced very considerable interest in the great work before us. Jersey City On February 20 a call meeting of the New Jersey State League was held in Jersey City, in the church of which the Rev. E. E. Neudewitz is pastor. Rev. F. C. Krapf of Elizabeth, president of the Luther League of New Jersey, presided. The fine lecture on the Twin City Convention, profusely illustrated with stereopticon views, was given by Mr. E. F. Eilert, editor of the REVIEW. At its conclusion fraternal greetings were presented by Pastor Neudewitz and President Krapf to the General Secretary, who responded, calling attention to the local and national work of the League. New York City Washington's Birthday was spent in New York, the cradle of the League. It was an inspiration to note the genuine intensity of interest in all that concerns the League in its birthplace. On February 23 the General Secretary was privileged to meet the prin cipal workers in this cause in the metropolis, and to address the delegates' meeting. The evening meeting was held in St. James Lutheran Church, Rev. J. B. Remensnyder, pas tor. This beautiful church, so exquisite in its appointments, was well filled with Leaguers from all over Greater New York. Mr. I. S. Runyon, president of the New York Central, presided. Addresses were delivered by Mr. George D. Boschen, president of the Luther League of New York State; Mr. E. F. Eilert, editor of the REVIEW, and by the Revs. F. H. Knubel of the Church of the Atonement, and C. Armand Miller of Holy Trinity. These excellent addresses called attention to different phases of Luther League work, and in kind words extended hearty greetings to the General Secretary. He responded to this characteristic Lutheran greeting, and called attention to the magnitude of the work of the Luther League of America. Pittsburg The meeting of the Pittsburg Central was held on the evening of February 24 in the First Lutheran Church, Rev. David H. Geissinger, D.D., pastor. All the time was given to the General Secretary, who spoke of the aims and objects of the Luther League. At the conclusion of his address an adjournment was had to the lecture room, where a reception was held. Rev. J. M. Guss, president of the Central, called the meeting to order, and a few informal addresses were delivered by Revs. S. N. Carpenter, Dr. Geissinger, W. H. Fehr and A. J. Turkle of Allegheny. President Guss then presented the greetings of the Central, and extended his hand cordially greeting the General Secretary. He acknowledged the splendid spirit of the reception and congratulated the Pittsburg Central on its fine record in the National League work. Wahoo and Blair, Nebraska On January 29 the General Secretary spoke at Wahoo, Neb., in the Swedish Lutheran Church, to a fine audience that gave close attention to the address. On January 30 he had the opportunity of addressing the 130 students of Luther Academy at Wahoo. This institution, of which Rev. O. J. Johnson is president, is in a flourishing condition. It is finely located. Ground has been broken and work started on a new building costing $25,000. TH February 6 was spent at Trinity Seminary, Blair, Neb. This is a college, and the Theological Seminary of the Danish Association. The 150 students of Trinity Seminary showed much interest in the Luther League. After the meeting we had a most fraternal conference with President Anker, Professor Vig and Prof. Dr. J. N. Lenker. These meetings have all been full of en couragement. The awakened interest has been felt and the future is rich with promise. Many hearts have been warmed to the work, and with a better understanding of the scope of the League work have come into sympathetic touch with it. An enthusiasm has been created which will import energy and strength in not a few of our congregations. LUTHER M. KUHNS. Junior Drill [CORRESPONDENCE MAY BE ADDRESSED TO MRS. LAURA F. Fry, 1920 N. 7TH ST., PHILADELPHIA] HIS concludes the study of the places and events in our Lord's earthly life, as appropriate to Lent, Passion Week, and the Eastertide. Do not forget what was said last month. Anybody who will draw these few easy lines, then put down the figures from 1 to 48 in their regular order, telling the name of the place, and the events of each place as you go along, will receive not only distinction in the REVIEW, but a picture-prize besides. The only condition is that you must draw the map, and name the places and events, in the presence of your pastor, and ask him to please put his signature under your own. 18. Capernaum-Jesus makes this chief city of Galilee the headquarters of his future ministry; the miraculous draught of fishes; heals a demoniac in the synagogue; cures Peter's wife's mother, and the sick of the whole town at sunset; paralyzed man let down through the roof; preaches the Sermon on the Mount (out on a grassy slope in the suburbs); on His way back to the city gate heals the devout centurion's servant at a distance. 19. Nain-Raises to life the only son of a widow. 20. Capernaum-Anointed by a penitent woman in a Pharisee's house; afterwards teaches the multitudes by parables. 21. The Sea of Galilee-Stills the tempest. 22. The Opposite Shore-Drives a legion of demons out of a wild man into a herd of swine. 23. Capernaum; raises to life the daughter of Jairus; a woman with an issue of blood touches the hem of his garment; the eyes of two blind men are opened. 24. Nazareth rejected a second time. 25. Upper Shore of the Sea-Feeds the 5000. 26. The Sea of Galilee-Walks on the water. 27. Capernaum-Confutes the Scribes and Pharisees. 28. The Border of Tyre and Sidon-Heals a daughter vexed with a demon, in response to a mother's persistent prayer. BIBLE READINGS 29. Upper Shore of the Sea-Feeds the 4000. 30. Mount Hermon -The Transfiguration. 31. Capernaum-Pays his taxes with a gold-piece taken out of a fish's mouth. 32. Jerusalem-Goes to the Feast of Tabernacles, alone with His disciples, after the crowds had all gone ahead; opens the eyes of a man who was born blind. 33. Back Through Samaria-" Fire from heaven" on the villages which would not receive Him; sending out of the seventy disciples, two by two. 34. Perea-Parables; the Lord's Prayer. 35. Bethany-Visits the home of his friends. Mary and Martha and Lazarus. 36. Jerusalem-The Feast of Dedication. 37. Perea-Heals a man with the dropsy; parables of the great supper, the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the rich man and the beggar, the Pharisee and the publican. 38. Bethany-The crisis miracle of raising Lazarus out of his grave; the Jews resolve they must put Jesus to death. 39. Galilee Begins his last journey to Jerusalem; cleanses the ten lepers; blesses little children; .tests the rich young ruler; foretells His death and resurrection. 40. Jericho-Heals two blind men; visits Zaccheus. 41. Bethany-Where he spends every evening of Passion Week up to Thursday. 42. Jerusalem-Rides in triumph on Palm Sunday; shouts soon turn into hisses; eats the Passover for the last time; washes the disciples' feet; institutes the Lord's Supper; the agony in Gethsemane; the arrest by Judas' band; Peter's denial in the highpriest's hall; Jesus before Pilate and Herod; scourged and crowned with thorns; crucified, dead and buried; the guard at the tomb; the empty sepulchre on the third day; appearances, first to Mary Magdalene, second to the other women, third to Simon Peter. 43. Emmaus-Fourth appearance to two disciples on Easter afternoon. 44. Jerusalem-Fifth appearance to the Apostles assembled in the upper room, Thomas being absent; sixth, same, Thomas being present. 45. Sea of Galilee-Seventh appearance to seven disciples as they are fishing. 46. A Mountain in Galilee-Eighth appearance to the eleven disciples, Matt. 28, 16-20; ninth appearance to five hundred at once, 1 Cor. 15, 6. 47. Jerusalem - Tenth appearance to James, 1 Cor. 15, 7; eleventh appearance to all the Apostles, for final instructions concerning the Kingdom. 48. Mount of Olives-Ascends into heaven. Bible Readings 23 March 8. II Lent-Jere. 22: 29; Isa., 45: 20-25. March 15. III Lent-Ex. 20; Ephesians 6:1-9. Monday-Genesis 18:1-19. Wednesday-I Samuel 2: 27-36. March 22. IV Lent-Psalm 119: 105-120. Monday-Genesis 4:1-15. March 29. V Lent-Ex. 20: 13; Matt. 5:21-26. April Tuesday-Matthew 16: 13-20. Wednesday-Mark 4: 1-13. Friday Philippians 2:5-11. Saturday-Matthew 21: 1-9. 5. Palm--Matthew 10:32-39; I Peter Monday-Matthew 26: 1-25. April 12. Easter-Matthew 28: 1-15. Saturday-II Timothy 1: 13-18. April 19. I Easter-Jeremiah 1: 15-19. Monday-Exodus 31: 12-18. Friday-II Thessalonians 3:1-18. April 26. II Easter-Ex. 20:14; Eph. 5:1-14. Monday-Leviticus 19:1-11. Thursday-Matthew 19: 16-22. Luther League Topics (Continued from page 20.) with the unclean; but if you would justly shrink from every physical pollution, and be vastly ashamed of uncleanliness of body, is there not far more reason why you should dread and keep yourself from the certain defilement of the soul? Far better walk unprotected through the pest house, than breathe in the germs of the loathsome disease of lustfulness. And, then, Daniel and his friends were peculiar, but all men have admired them ever since they stood up while the whole congregation bent down to worship the golden image! It is a matter of rejoicing that cur General Secretary has been so well received in his itinerary, at Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jersey City, New York City, Pittsburgh, Columbus and Springfield. If a good beginning makes a good end, certainly the prospect for the growth of the League is encouraging, and the cfficers of The Luther League of America sincerely hope and pray that through the efforts of Secretary Kuhns our young people may be united for work in their local Churches; that an interest greater than heretofore will follow the work, and that the increase in service and in giving will be marked before the year expires. The work before him is great, as the work for our Church is large, and the earnest support of all our Leaguers of whatever name, together with their prayers, is the request of all who are interested in the success of our Church. How to observe Lent is a question often asked, and about which there is much difference in opinion. Many act as if the only preparation for the season was a series of frivolities broken only for the time from Ash Wednesday until Easter Monday, and then a return to the same wearying round. Every Christian should live in daily converse with, and think about, his Lord and Christ, but at this time our hearts should be thoroughly warmed with the great love of which we are specially reminded as we approach Good Friday, and of all the events previous to and which culminated on that day. Less conformity to the world and more harmony with God's plan is the spirit which should prevail among all Christians at all times. But as anniversary occasions and birthdays remind one specially of the events which they commemorate and produce a spirit of thankfulness and of joy, so as we meditate at this season upon the love of Him who gave Himself for us, we should be filled with a returning love and thanksgiving, which will prepare us not only for the proper observance of these weeks, but will fit us to live aright in the weeks to come, so that we may fulfil the command given by the Saviour in the Sermon on the Mount to "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." The men and women the Church needs most to-day are those who really plan and purpose for the Kingdom of Christ. How many Church members do this? How many Church officers? They plan and purpose and toil in business and worldly matters, but how many take time to do anything of this kind for the cause of Christ? It is an undeniable fact that in modern EDITORIAL church life nearly all the real planning and working for the spread of Christ's Kingdom is done by the minister. It is shirked by almost every one else. How much of their real working interest do our people give to the Church? How many really belong to the Church? We belong to ourselves. We belong to our business, our ambitions, our pleasures, but we do not belong to the Church and to Christ. Does His cause command our love, a love that seeks with heart and brain and soul to work the works of God. How many pastors can go to their members and church officers and find them willing to devise new and larger things for Christ and His Church? And yet with each year they plan such things for their business and their worldly ambitions. What is your League doing to change these conditions? When your duty is shown you, are you willing to do it? Are you willing to pray over it? Are you willing to say honestly, "Lord, make me willing to be made willing?" Our great failing lies just here. We know our duty and responsibility, for we have been taught for many a year, but when the duty comes we are not willing to meet it, nor will we honestly pray "Lord, make me willing." It is inconvenient, or burdensome, or one of a hundred other things and we deliberately put it away from us. What lesson then has this Lenten season for us? As we follow Jesus on the way to the Cross let us remember how it is written, "For even Christ pleased not Himself." Ask not how, but trust Him still, Publishers' Column. 25 The new edition of the Luther League Hand Book which has just been issued is highly commended by all who have seen it. It gives a complete history of the Luther League and also thoroughly explains what it is. There is a model constitution with hints for organizing a local League as well as points on starting a central or district League. The book is mailed to any address on receipt of four cents. Another edition of the Luther League Hymnals has just been issued to fill the large demands for this excellent book. Our Leagues are beginning to realize what an especially fine book this is. If you have not seen it we would be pleased to send you a copy as soon as the books come from the binder on receipt of 60 cents, which includes postage. The LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW offers Ten Dollars in Gold for the best Luther League Topic on the subject, "Relation of the Luther League to the Church," Psalm cxix, 9-16; and Five Dollars in Gold for the second best topic. The subject means "The relation of the local League to its own local Church," primarily. Subject to the following conditions: 1. The manuscript is to be written plainly in English (type-written preferred), 420 words in length. 2. The manuscript to be signed by a nom de plume only, and sent, postpaid, on or before April 15, 1903, to the editor of the "Topics," Rev. George H. Schnur, Chillicothe, Ohio; but do not let him know your real name. 3. All competitors must be subscribers to the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW, and in addition must send the name of one new subscriber, with 50 cents. If you are not a subscriber send your own and one new subscription, with one dollar, to the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW, P. O. Box 876, New York (by P. O. Order or Draft), and inclose a note giving Mr. E. E. Eilert your nom de plume, and sign your own name. 4. All members of any Luther League and all Lutheran ministers in America are eligible to take part in this contest. NOTE. The committee of three judges will be selected from three different synods. They will see only your manuscript with the attached nom de plume. Perfect fairness in the award is thus insured. All manuscripts will be the property of the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW, to be used as seems best. Fulfil the conditions exactly, for no manuscript will be allowed to go to the judges unless its nom de plume, with the subscriptions, have been received by the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW. |