MEMORIALS In the number of years that we have been in business we have constantly increased our facilities for the production of the finer grade of Church Goods, and now carry the largest stock of Lecturns, Crosses, Candlesticks and Church Silver to be found in this country A catalogue of Church Fittings has been recently published by us, and will be sent to any address upon application. GORHAM MFG. CO. 3 3 3 SILVERSMITHS b b b ECCLESIASTICAL DEPARTMENT Broadway & 19th Street, NEW YORK T Of the Church-By the Church-For the Church Luther League Henry Melchior Muhlenberg Organizer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of North America BY REV. C. ELVIN HAUPT, D D. HE power of purpose was never better shown than in the life of the man whose name leads these lines. The record of noble lives, such as this, is the heritage of the modern Church. Achievements like his are the incentives of all later days. It is hard to realize to-day out of what a small beginning sprang the grand body of the Lutheran Christians of America. It was but a handful of scattered Lutheran colonies; in the lands along the Delaware, on Manhattan Island, at Ebenezer, Georgia, etc. At the last named spot a loyal band of Bavarians, from the Salzburg, was settled in 1738. In the Lutheran town of Eimbeck, in Hanover, in Northwestern Germany, was born September 6, 1711, at the home of Nicolaus Melchior and Anna Mary Muhlenberg, the child, Henry Melchior; and baptized on the first day of his life. He grew to be a boy of studious habits. Confirmed in his twelfth year he grew fond of books, and looked forward to the holy ministry as a profession. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg He wrote some quaint poetry like the English youth, George Herbert; and a short stanza attributed to him runs thus: Two hands, both fresh and strong, did my Creator give: They shall not idle be as long as I may live. First I will raise them up to God, to praise and pray, In those years there were three small, struggling Lutheran congregations in Pennsylvania-one at Philadelphia, another at New Providence, about 27 miles northwest from that city, and the third at New Hanover. At Providence the worship was first held in a barn, and at Hanover the new log church had not yet been completed. A letter from these pious people in Amer ica reached Halle, and was offered to Muhlenberg. It was an earnest call to come over into Pennsylvania and help. Though he had at first purposed to go to India as a missionary to Bengal he now decided for America. In the spring of 1742 Muhlenberg bade farewell to his fatherland, and took a packet boat for Georgia to visit the Salzburg colony of 1738. After a long and dangerous voyage, from June 13 to September 22, he finally reached Charleston, S. C., and found his way, by land, thence to Ebenezer, Ga. After a second perilous coastwise voyage, in an insecure and small sloop, he was brought on his way safely to Penn's colony; November 8, 1742, to Philadelphia. Having set his foot on the new soil, he at once organized the church and school, began the erection of St. Michael's Church of Philadelphia, united with it another congregation at Germantown, and soon began a continuous work of planting and visiting organizations at every available point. His journeys were long and difficult, through forests, over mountains, among the Indians, across many streams; he officiated at pulpits and altars of the most primitive type, adjusted difficulties, restored peace, maintained harmony, exercised discipline, encouraged the weak, taught the young the catechism and comforted the sorrowing. It is believed that in the course of his busy life he found and visited every Lutheran house of worship that existed in his day in this land. He was the leader in forming the first Lutheran synod, or ministerium, in the United States, the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, founded in 1748. He resided at Philadelphia from 1742 to 1745, and at the Trappe," or New Providence, from 1745. Returning to the city in 1761 he abode there till 1776, the early part of the Revolution, during which time Zion Church was erected, the largest and best church in Philadelphia in its day (in which the funeral service of George Washington was subsequently held). 66 Returning to spend his closing days near New Providence, and growing infirm after many labors, he continued to preach as he FOL was able; till, on Sunday morning, October 7, 1787, in his seventy-seventh year, he fell asleep in Jesus. He was a busy man, staunch in the faith, unmurmuring amid many hardships, willing, self sacrificing, a true servant of the Church of Christ and a scholar. His correspondence with his old patrons and with Halle, as well as with his brethren in this land has formed a most important documentary foundation for the historians of the early eras of the Lutheran Church in America. He was the beloved ancestor of a large family. His son, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, was a patriot; giving his life, though a clergyman, to his country. He was a colonel, a member of the Pennsylvania Council, then a Representative in the first Congress, a Senator, Supervisor of the National Revenues and Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. Frederick Augustus Conrad, another son, was pastor, after his father, at New Providencę. G. Henry Ernst, a third son, was for many years (1779-1815) the venerated pastor at Lancaster, Pa., and a famous American botanist. Other descendants were H. Augustus, Minister to Austria, 1838-1840; Francis Samuel, lawyer and Congressman; William Augustus, author of the well-known hymn, "I Would Not Live Alway," and Frederick Augustus, D.D., LL.D., professor of Greek in Franklin and Pennsylvania colleges, and in the University of Pennsylvania, and first president of Muhlenberg College named in honor of that venerated forefather, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, "of whom," said the Evangelical Review, "the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is his imperishable monument." Luther League Topics for 1904 OLLOWING is the scheme of Topics, adopted at our last national convention at St. Paul, Minn., for the church year, beginning with Advent, 1903. The texts appropriate to these subjects have been selected by a sub-committee of the Literature Committee of the Luther League of America, viz.: Revs. F. P. Bossart, F. G. Gotwald and the Editor of the Topics. As will be noticed, the scheme follows the same general lines as those of the present years-i.e., The Church: Doctrine, History, Missions. Appropriate lessons have been selected for the leading festivals of the church year. As far as possible the historical topics have been placed in connection with their own anniversaries. The idea seems to be current in some quarters that the Editor of the Topics, or at least the Literature Committee, can change the topic themes at will to please some of our friends. This is a mistake. It is true the Literature Committee, which includes both Literature Secretaries, does prepare the themes for submission to the national convention. For example, the committee must prepare the scheme for 1905, 1906 and 1907, to be submitted to the next convention, to meet at Buffalo. But after that body has acted on the work of the committee. the Editor of Topics does not have the right to make any changes. Some time before the convention at Cincinnati, three years ago, we sent out a special request for suggestions as to lines along which future Topic themes were to be selected and arranged. The result of those letters was the present plan of historical and missionary subjects being alternated LUTHER LEAGUE TOPICS FOR 1904 with Biblical Topics. The present plan has elicited a large number of notes of approval. Recently there have been some adverse criticisms. Now, as the Editor of Topics and the committee are all anxious to do the very best for our constituency, and as the time for critical suggestions, both favorable and unfavorable is before our next meeting, when the schemes for the three years 1905-1907 must be arranged, the Editor asks that during the next month or two our officers of the local Leagues and pastors will kindly write him (Rev. George H. Schnur, 152 West Fifth street, Chillicothe, Ohio) any suggestions they may wish to make with regard to future selections of Topics. If they have a criticism to offer, write it. If you like the present arrangement (i.e., to have about twenty historical and missionary subjects along with the thirty-two Biblical themes in a year) say SO. If you have any subject or line of subjects to suggest send them along. In the following list of Topics for 1904 there are twelve missionary subjects. The six having more especial reference to foreign work are descriptive of the work of some Lutheran societies that we ought to know more about. During the last two years we have studied the work of our own American synods and general bodies. This year's scheme gives opportunity of learning something of the missionary work of Lutherans of other lands. The Editor wishes to make public acknowledgment of the very helpful work of all the writers who have prepared the Topic development so kindly and willingly during the past year. We are sure, too, that the leaders of meetings have appreciated the variety of helps which we have had. We urge that every local League ought to circulate both Topics and REVIEW among their members. Luther League Topics for 1904. November 29. December 6, 13, 20, 27. I. Biblical-THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM. 2:2-5; John 18: 36-37. Isa. II. Biblical-CHRIST, THE LORD. Isa. 7:14; III. Missionary-HOME MISSIONS: MEANS. Luke 6:38: Mark 4:21-25; I Cor. 16: 1-3. IV. Historical-LUTHER, THE SINGER. 33:1-5; Col. 3:16, 17. Christmas-JESUS THE MAN. LENT. February 21, 28. March 6, 13, 20, 27. 9 I. Biblical-HIS HUMILIATION AND EXALTA- Rom. 5: 12-21. IV. Biblical "WHO HAS REDEEMED ME?" I V. Historical-THE CHURCH OF THE REFOR- EASTERTIDE. April 3, 10, 17, 24. May 1, 8, 15, 22. Easter. Biblical-" THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN." John 20: 1-18. I. Missionary-BUILDING CHURCHES. I Kings "THAT I MIGHT BE HIS." Eph. 6:11-22. II. Biblical 2:1-10. III. Historical-THE CHURCH OF THE REFOR- SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN Pentecost. Biblical-THE HOLY SPIRIT. (Art. AFTER TRINITY SEASON. THIRD QUARTER. I. Biblical-MORAL INABILITY. I Cor. 2: 9-16. III. Biblical-THE SPIRIT'S CALL. II Thess. IV. Historical-THE SWEDES ON THE DELA- V. Biblical" TO OPEN THEIR EYES." II Cor. VI. Missionary-NEUENDETTELSAU FOREIGN VII. Historical-WILLIAM VANT. Heb. 11 24-40. VIII. Biblical-" BORN AGAIN." I Pet. 1: 22-25. XI. Missionary--THE UNCHURCHED MASSES. XII. Biblical-JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH. Heb. FOURTH QUARTER. XIII. Historical-EARLY GERMAN LUTHER- OF HANOVER (SOCIETY). Acts 15: 6-35. CHURCH." Eph. 5: 15-33. XVII. Historical-THE SALZBURGERS ON THE SAVANNAH. Matt. 5:1-12. Ps. Matt. 1:18-25. EPIPHANY, 1904. January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. New Year. Biblical--THE LAW FULFILLED. I. Missionary-TIE LEIPZIG SOCIETY. Acts II. Biblical-THE GOSPEL PROCLAIMED. Luke 4: 14-21. III. Missionary-MISSION METHODS. II Cor. 8: 16-24. Septuagesima. Historical -PASTOR HARMS. Ex. 14:13-31. (H. M.) LOUIS Sexagesima. Biblical" IS MY LORD." John 20: 24-31. "THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS." Isa. 1: 16-20, DEACONESS' MOTHER- XXI. Historical-LUTHER, THE TRANSLATOR. Reformation Day. Historical-THE NINETY- Jude. XXIII. Biblical " THE LIFE EVERLASTING." XXIV. Missionary-WOMAN'S HOME AND FOR- XXV. Practical-A THANKSGIVING DAY LES- Young Women for the Ministry of Mercy* C BY MISS BLANCHE CHRISTY URRENT church usage applies the term, "the diaconate," to the ministering in works of mercy under control of the Church. Diaconate in a general sense is ministry-service. Young women consecrated to this ministry are called deaconesses, and these exercise a love born of living faith in Christ toward the helpless and needy. The "Apostolic Constitution" bears testimony to the worth of deaconesses in all manner of church services with these words: "We need deaconesses for many things. So in our Church we need young women in this organized and consecrated service" for many things. 66 But when a need is great it can be simply stated; it is only when there is doubt as to a real need that reasons must be multiplied. If we believe that this is a true service done to the Lord in His needy ones, then we know there is a need for such workers. Some may regard this as a matter of mere sentiment, but it is a matter of Christian devotion and fortitude and of hard work. To understand the need fully let us consider the growth and the nature of the deaconess calling. To Phoebe was intrusted the carrying to Rome of the Epistle of Paul to the church in that city, and her the writer commends to these Romans as a sister and a servant of the Church at Cenchrea. He asks that they receive her worthily, as saints ought to receive a person in her office, on her errand and with her indorsements. This pious woman may have gone to Rome to look after women of the Cenchrean and Corinthian churches, who had removed to the capital of the world. In the discharge of special commissions they were commanded to assist her should she need help, for she had been a helper of many, and of the apostle himself. While all we know of Phoebe is contained in two verses of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, she has throughout the entire history of the Christian Church been looked upon as a deaconess, the function of her office corresponding to that of deacon of the Apostolic Church-but only so far as the original design of the diaconate was concerned. For certain limitations were made, based on the injunctions of Paul in those verses concerning the impropriety of woman's teaching publicly and the propriety of her keeping silent in the churches. Now, if I seemingly disregard the teaching of Paul on this point, I am speaking upon request of some in authority, not from a de A paper read at the Luther League of Ohio, May 28, 1902. sire to teach, prefering to "learn in quietness." But were the women in our chuches of to-day to observe Paul's command to the letter, where could our Sunday schools find teachers? I fear the dearth would be so great that many children would be deprived of instruction they now receive, and some schools even be closed. The women spoken of in Romans who labored in the Lord were probably deaconesses, but no other traces of the office are found in the New Testament. A little later than this there is undoubted proof that such an order existed. They were consecrated to their office by the laying on of hands of the bishop and his blessing. This consecration was forbidden by the Nicene Council, lest it appear as if the deaconess was consecrated to perform priestly functions. Their duty consisted in the care of the poor, sick and imprisoned. In some churches they prepared the female catechumens for baptism. The existence of the order of deaconesses was not protracted, though the name continued to be used as in the Greek Church to designate officers in convents. They were still found in Constantinople at the end of the twelfth century aiding at the communion. The total disappearance of the deaconesses was, to a large extent, due to the States having assumed the care of the poor and sick, and the gradual introduction of infant baptism. in The institution of deaconesses in the Protestant Church is of recent origin. Among the rare notices of the existence of deaconesses since the Reformation is one in connection with the Puritan Church Amsterdam. In Governor Bradford's "Dialogue" it is stated that there was one deaconess "who visited the sick, relieved the poor, and sat in a convenient place in the congregation, with a little birchen rod in her hand, and kept little children in great awe from disturbing the congregation." There came to a little village on the Rhine in 1833 a discharged prisoner named Minna. Longing in her loneliness for help temporal and spiritual, she hastened to Theodore Fliedner, the young, active Lutheran pastor of the village parish. She told him of her anxiety to gain her daily bread honestly, but she had no means of doing so. For her and others like her the young pastor felt most strongly the necessity for providing a refuge before they returned to domestic life. He was with-out means, but he prepared a place of refuge for the poor woman in a little summer house 12 feet square. Soon appeared a second applicant. The summer house made a sitting room by day; above it an attic, reached only |