Book .*^gG Copyright^ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT A SUGGESTED SERIES OF Five-Minute Addresses TO Young People FOR Superintendents and Clergy TO BE USED AS "TALKS FROM THE DESK" Or SERMONS IN CHURCH ARRANGED TO ACCORD WITH THE CHURCH YEAR By the Rev. William Walter gmith, M. A., M. D., Secretary of the New York Sunday School Commission, Inc., Field Secretary for Religious Education, Second Pro- vince, Secretary New York Diocesan Board of Religious Education, Director New York City Sun- day School Association. Copyrighted by Wm. Walter Smith, 1914. JAN 14 1915 ©CU393270 INTRODUCTION. There has been an ever-growing demand by- Clergy and Lay Superintendents for some Guide Book of Suggestions, that might help them in planning suitable "Addresses from the Platform" in Sunday Schools, changing from the Uniform to the Subject-Graded System. Formerly, the Uniform Lesson Topic itself furnished the Content and the Method. With the introduction of Graded Lessons, ten or twelve subjects run through the average school. Consequently, these Superintendents are in need of more general topics, yet such as are both germane to the Church Season and broad enough to interest and help all the scholars of the Grammar and High School Grades. Again, it is becoming an increasing and most commendable custom for the Clergy, even of very large Parishes, mindful of the imperative need to secure the Attendance of Scholars at Church Services for their training in the habit of Public Worship, to preach a Five Minute Sermon to Young People, from the Chancel Steps, just at the close of the Announcements at Morning Service and pre- ceding the Hymn before the Sermon, allowing the extremely young to depart, if so inclined, before the "Regular Sermon to Adults," of course shortening that sermon accordingly. This is a far better plan, both spiritually, psy- chologically, and in its final results, than the "Talk from the Desk" in School, on which so many still insist. These Outlines meet both these needs. They are based on certain recommended books, which contain material. The starred (*) books are essential, and form a small library of extreme and ever live value for a School. The Illustrations are derived almost wholely from "Glimpses Through Life's Windows," the best collection of bright, "taking" heart- compelling stories, most of them facts of his- tory and therefore "real" to the children, some three hundred stories in all. A Suggested Text is inserted in each Outline, in case of use as a formal Sermon. A Hymn is also noted, for in most instances, either in School or Church, a Hymn is likely to ensue at this point. Suggestions from those who use these Out- lines, that tend towards their betterment in the next edition, will be gratefully welcomed by the author. WM. WALTER SMITH. 73 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. October 16, 1914. Topics of Suggested Five Minute Talks to Young People for an Entire Year. JANUARY. New Year's Day. Circumcision. Epiphany. Conversion of S. Paul. Missions. The Pre-Lenten Season. How to Use the Prayer Book. FEBRUARY. Importance of System and Regularity. Confirmation and Its Call. Purification B, V. M. Ember Days. S. Mat- thias. Lincoln and Washington. Heroes. Lent and Its Purpose. MARCH. Self Denial, Fasting, Etc. The Sacred Name and Reverence. Bowing in the Service, Purpose, Etc. The Weeks of Lent. Annunciation, B. V. M. Holy Week, Devotional Aspect. APRIL. The Significance of the Resurrection. S. Mark. Rogation Days. Meaning and Teaching of Church Architec- ture. Neatness, Its Importance in Life. Punctuality. MAY. Tests in Life. Examinations. Your Vocation and Its Preparation. Ideals and One's Best. Dangers of the Summer Season. Ascension Day, Whitsunday, S. Philip and S. James Day. JUNE. Living Close to God. Others, Missionary Social Service in Summer. Personal Habits Formed in Youth. The Church Going Habit. Holy Trinity, Nativity S. John Baptist, S. Peten JULY. Patriotism, July Fourth. Vacation Time. Temptations and Sins. Visitation B. V. M. S. James' Day. The Message of Flowers. AUGUST. Bearing Witness for Christ in Summer. •Opportunities for Improvement in Summer. Transfiguration. S. Bartholomew. Importance of Perfect Truth-Telling. Persistent Prayer. SEPTEMBER. Worship of Nature No Substitute for Public Worship of God. Ember Days, S. Matthew, S. Michael and All Angels. Seek and Bring Unschooled Pupils. Loyalty. Never Weary in Weil-Doing. OCTOBER. Reality in Church Services. Church Attendance and Worship. S. Luke. S. Simon and S. Jude. Private Prayer and Personal Worship. Ideals of Giving. NOVEMBER. All Saints Day. Thanksgiving Day. Importance of Home Study. Learning as a Guide to Living. Character Made Only by Practice. The Church Year, Advent, Etc. DECEMBER. Advent Giving, Mite Boxes, Etc. S. Andrew, Ember Days, S. Thomas' Day. The Meaning of Christmas. Importance of Holy Communion. The Christmas Cluster of Saints' Days. Reference Books and Material Essential to Proper Presentation of This Series of Five Minute Talks to Young People. *Ethics for Children. Ella Lyman Cabot. $1.25. Very Fine. *Lessons in the Study of Habits. Walter L. Sheldon. Very Fine. *Ethics for Schools. Austin Bierblower, $1.00. ^Practical Ethics. Wm. DeWitt Hyde, D. D. $1.00. *Ethics for Young People. C. C. Everett. 50c. *Lessons on Morals. Julia M. Dewey. 75c. A Primer of Right and Wrong. J. N. Lamed. Character Building. C. S. Coler, M. S. $1.00. *Glimpses Through Life's Windows. Rev. J. R. Miller, D. D. 50c. The Best Book for Illustrations. A Book of Golden Deeds. Charlotte M. Yonge. $1.00. *Saints and Festivals of the Christian Church. H. Pomeroy Brewster. $2.00. Church Fasts and Festivals. S. P. C. K. 80c. Stories on the Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, etc. Rev. E. J. Sturdee. $1.00. Prayer Book Saints and Holy Days. E. H. Mitchell. 50c. Stories and Talks on the Sacraments. Rev. H. Page Dyer. $1.00. The Ritual "Reason Why." Charles Walker. Pa. 50c. *The Doctrines of the Church. Rev. Wm. Walter Smith. 20c. *The Story of the Christian Year. Rev. Pas- cal Harrower. 6c. The Books marked with * are essential to the References given for Material. All of these Books and Any Others for the Church School or the Parish supplied at net price by The New York Sunday School Commission, Inc., 73 Fifth Avenue, New York. Phone Stuyvesant 3635. JANUARY NEW YEAR AND CIRCUMCISION. Deuteronomy XXXIII. 25. Reference Material — Time. Hyde, P. 60. Cabot, P. 234. Circumcision. Brewster, P. 50. Mitchell, P. 9. Illustration — "Choice that Decides Des- tiny." Miller, P. 188. "How a Soul May Be Lost." Miller, P. 154. Suggested Hymn No. 541. SAINTS EPIPHANY. CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL (25). St. Matthew II. 1-5. Reference Material — "Church Fasts," P. 33. Snyder, P. 24. Brewster, P. 54. Mitchell, P. 9> 15. Illustration — "Finding the Imprisoned King." Miller, P. 18. Suggested Hymn No. 65. MISSIONS. Malachi I. 11. Ideal "Politics," man's relation to his fellow- men in Community, City, State, Nation, World. Mission — Brotherhood, Social. Ser- vice, Love for Mankind, General Uplift, Unifi- cation of the World, Reunion of Christendom, Broad Sympathies. Missions — Cannot know Christ, without Loving HIM and wanting others to know and love HIM. If we have not this "love constraining use" ; if it be not "woe is me if I preach not the Gospel," then we only know about Christ, not know HIM. Reference Material — "The Why and How of Foreign Missions." "The Conquest of the Continent." Illustration — "From Torch to Torch." Mil- ler, P. 53. Suggested Hymn No. 263. THE PRE-LENTEN SEASON. Joel II. 13. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 34. Brew- ster, P. 97. Illustration — "The Calmness of Peace." Miller, P. 48. Suggested Hymn No. 592. HOW TO USE THE PRAYER BOOK. Psalm XIX. 14, 15. Must learn how to Use Tools. Prayer Book, the Tool of Worship. Learn to use it Well. General Outline and Plan. See Table of Con- tents. Rationale. Practice of Coming to Church. History of Its Growth and Compila- tion. Reference Material — "Our Book of Wor- ship." Illustration — "Flowers of Prayer." Miller, P. 136. Suggested Hymn No. 459. FEBRUARY IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEM AND REGU- LARITY IN LIFE. I Corinthians XIV. 40. Character is a "bundle of Habits." Habit is doing over and over the same thing in the same way at regular intervals. The secret of ease and comfort and adaptation, i. e., of habit- formation, is System and Regularity. Ill- health often from irregular meals or personal habit. A break-down from irregular sleep. Worry from irregular mental habits. There should be System in Thinking, in Work, in Study, in Religion, in Daily Activities, and Mode of Living. The Clockwork System is labor-saving. Compare helter-skelter, disor- derly minds and ways, with those of a trained type. So Study, Public and Church Schools, should be planned out, systematically, with due time for each thing, in proportion. So Worship and Giving, so that God is not de- frauded or we ourselves harmed, by irregular- ity. Lack of such System tends to a com- plete giving up of the good and helpful habit. Reference Material — Cabot, P. 67, 74, 122, 226. Everett, P. 165. Sheldon, P. 34. Dewey, P. 97. Illustrations— "The Work that Lasts." Mil- ler, P. 30. "Weights and Wings." Miller, P. 54- Suggested Hymn No. 338. CONFIRMATION. Acts VIII. 17. The Seal of the Christian Life. By Holy Baptism, we receive the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit and are made "Members of Christ, children of God, and inheritors of the King- dom of Heaven." By Confirmation, we re- ceive the Fullness of the Holy Spirit, and con- firm, renew, strengthen our former Baptismal Vows, and are confirmed, strengthened, by the sevenfold Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Ghost for the temptations of the Child-Life by the former Sacrament, and the same Holy Spirit in greater measure, for the Adult Life in the latter Sacrament. How can we expect to resist and grow and be better without this help ? Hence importance to come and prepare and have it. It is then that "Con- version" is expected of the Candidate. Reference Material— Dyer's "Talks," P. 48. Illustration— "The Touch of Christ." Mil- ler, P. 210. Suggested Hymn No. 429. SAINTS. PURIFICATION B. V. M. (2), EMBER DAYS, S. MATTHIAS (24). St. Luke II. 2.2,. Reference Material — Brewster, P. 90. "Em- ber Days," in "The Story of the Christian Year." Snyder, P. 49. Mitchell, P. 18, 21. Illustration— "The Glorifying of Life." Mil- ler, P. 151. Suggested Hymn No. 151. HEROES. LINCOLN AND WASHING- TON, HEROES IN MORAL AND PHYSICAL BRAVERY. Hebrews XL 32, 33. Stand for Power of Principles and Ideals. Two of the Three Greatest Americans. Whom would you name as the "third"? Reference Material — National Encyclopae- dia of American Biography. See in Public Library. Consult under proper names. Illustration — "Heroic Faithfulness." Miller, P. 123. Suggested Hymn No. 176. LENT AND ITS PURPOSE. I St. John I. 8, 9. Re-living the Christ Life. Value of Fasting, Extra Prayer, and Self-denial. All Life, phy- siology, and history, shows that denial and self-mortification lead the soul nearer to God and religion. The simple and the strenuous life always the best, the purest, and the hardi- est. Self-indulgence and ease always tend to softness and yielding to temptation. Reference Material — "Church Fasts," P. 38, 43, 49. Snyder, P. 38, 43. Brewster, P. 115. Illustrations— "The Marks of the Lord Jesus." Miller, P. 178. "Sweet out of Bitter." Miller, P. 73. "Through Mists to Sunlight." Miller, P. 150. Suggested Hymn No. 79. MARCH SELF-DENIAL, FASTING, ETC. St. Matthew VI. 17. Reference Material — Bierblower, P. 215. Ca- bot, P. 74. Snyder, P. 43. Illustration— "It is Only Pearls." Miller, P. 81. Suggested Hymn No. 18. THE SACRED NAME AND REVERENCE. Philippians II. 10. Origin of Awe and Reverence for the Sac- red. Moses and Joshua and "Holy Ground." Reverence in Use of Javeh by Hebrews. So especially with Use of JESUS and reverence for Christ as Divine. Use in Creeds and at Gloria. Relation of Posture, Gesture, and Ritual to Life and Emotions. Each Intensi- fies the other. Reference Material — "Ritual Reason Why," P. 197, 196, 233, 299, 198. Illustration— "The Master's Name." Mil- ler, P. no. Suggested Hymn No. 149. BOWING IN THE SERVICE, MEANING AND PURPOSE, WHEN. Micah VI. 6. Bowing an indication of Realization of Worth and Reverence, "an outward and visi- ble sign of an inward and spiritual" faith. Should never be mechanical or thoughtless. Where we bow in Morning and Evening Prayer. Explain where and why. Ditto mean- ing of "Eastward Position." Gloria Patri, Doxology, Creed, Name of JESUS, Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Ter Sanctus in Te Deum, Incarnatus in Creeds, Ter Sanctus in Magnificat, Invocation and Ascription, at Sermon, Gloria Tibi, Presentation of Offer- ings, Ter Sanctus in Holy Communion, Con- secration in Holy Communion Service, all Benedictions, Passing the Altar, Passing of the Cross. Reference Material — See topic above. Illustration— "The Word is Nigh Thee." Miller, P. 125. THE WEEKS OF LENT. THE ANNUN- CIATION, B. V. M. Daniel IX. 9, 10. Pationale of Lent. Period. Sunday in not of Lent. Mid Dent, Mothering, Refreshment, Passion, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy or Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve, etc. Reference Material — "Church Fasts," P. 49. Snyder, P. 38. "Getting Ready for Dark Paths." Miller, P. 171. Suggested Hymn No. 607. HOLY WEEK, DEVOTIONAL ASPECT. Lamentations I. 2. Our Relation, Personally to Holy Week. No Real Easter without Holy Week ; Rolled Stone without Gethsemane; Crown without Cross; Easter Day without Good Friday; Being Ris- en without being Buried. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 55. "Church Fasts," P. 59, 64. Brewster, P. 155, 157, 158, 160. Illustrations— "He Died for Me," Miller, P. 146. "The Print of the Nails," Miller, P. 95. Suggested Hymn No. 90. APRIL THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESUR- RECTION. Colossians III. I. Our Lord's Resurrection both a Proof and a Sample of Type of ours. A Proof of the Pos- sibility and of the Probability. His promise and a Proof of the Certainty. A Type or Sam- ple of the Way, Method and Nature, instan- taneous, supernatural powers, recognizable, with human, yet spiritualized body and form. The Joy of the Resurrection Importance of Communion with the Risen Christ in the Sac- rament of His Body and Blood. Reference Material — Sturdee, P. 32. "Church Fasts," P. 74. 80. Snyder, P. 65. Brewster, P. 162, 180. Illustration — "This is not the end." Mil- ler, P. 147. Suggested Hymn No. 114. SAINTS. S. MARK (25) ROGATION DAYS Proverbs III. 19, 20. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 132, 74. Brewster, P. 212, 227. Mitchell, P. 33. Illustration — "From Desert to Garden." Mil- ler, P. 170. Suggested Hymn No. 189. MEANING AND TEACHING OF CHURCH ARCHITECTURE. Micah IV. 2. ' A great Silent Picture, a Panorama of Teaching, a Sermon in Stone. Periods of Architecture. More refined in meaning, as it proceeds from lower heathen to higher, and to Christian ideals, Gothic the highest, etc. See Hegel's chapter here, quoted in "Religious Education." Form of the Church Plan (cru- ciform). Details inside the building. Font at Door (reason). Symbols, Decorations, Place of Altar, etc. Describe details as found in your own Church Building and explain each, includ- ing windows. Reference Material — Chapters XXVIL- XXXI. in "The Doctrines and Teachings of the Church." Also "Ways and Teachings." Illustrations — "On the Cathedral Rafters." Miller, P. 17. "The Chimes of St. Nicholas." Miller, P. 180. Suggested Hymn No. 489. NEATNESS, ITS IMPORTANCE IN LIFE. Revelations XIX. 8. Self, Clothing, Shoes, Books, Lesson Work, Home, etc. Disorder, slovenliness, lack of neatness, all tend to lower one's own ideals and self-esteem (and so lead directly to moral lapses) ; and also the Reputation one has, the opinion of others, so that ill-success in life, in work, in society, and position ensue, and one makes a failure of life, rather than a success. Many a person is lowered by just such habits, which, when once formed, are almost never remedied. Mental lack of Neatness exists with Physical lack, and the entire tendency is down- wards. Reference Material — Dewey, P. 21, 97. Shel- don, P. 47. Everett, P. 67, 71. Dewey, P. 21. Cabot, P. 14, 200. Bierblower, P. 257, 259, 260. Illustration — "Undeveloped Beauty." Mil- ler, P. 101. Suggested Hymn No. 505. PUNCTUALITY. Deuteronomy XXXIII. 25. Promptness and Alertness in Life. Keep- ing to Expectations of others. Reliability and Dependability. Difference between Prompt- ness and Punctuality. Too early sometimes as bad as too late. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 62, 109. Dewey, P. 87. Cabot, P. 234, 241. Illustration — Battle of Waterloo. How the Late arrival of one general decided Napoleon's fate. Suggested Hymn No. 563. MAY TESTS IN LIFE, EXAMINATIONS, ETC. Daniel V. 27. An Examination or Test is of value (1) for the Teacher, (a) to determine how well (or poorly) she has taught; (b) to clear up mis- conceptions, (c) to sound the Results of her Teaching, (d) to prepare for further Teaching. (2) for the Pupil, (a) to secure Review and Comparison and Restudy, (b) to fix in mind by writing ("A thing is only one-third learned that is not written down"), (c) to recognize material in pupil's mind, under which he ex- presses in his own way and language ("makes his own"), material acquired from others, (d) as milestones or marks, steps in progress in a graded curriculum. Reference Material — Everett, P. 61, 64. Ca- bot, P. 188, 239, 226. Illustration — "Under the Master's Hand." Miller, P. 12. Suggested Hymn No. 393. YOUR VOCATION AND ITS PREPARA- TION. Ephesians IV. 1. Vocation is a calling, a fitness, according to one's talents or ability. Vocational Teachers and Departments in Public Schools. Misfits in life. Types of ability. Just as much "called" to be a carpenter as a minister. Both divine "callings" if really "in that state of life, to which God has called" you. Out of several "fitnesses" always choose the highest and best for God, for the World, according to your abil- ity. Move every effort to secure that end. Per- haps Ministry, Missionary, Teacher, Physi- cian, Nurse, Deaconess. Should always be a helpful and uplifting choice, not selfish, mer- cenary, or lacking in power of service and so- cial helpfulness. Reference Material — "Class Teaching and Management." Challoner, P. 14, 15, 16. Very fine material. Cabot, P. 221. ff. Illustration — "Failing of God's Intent." Mil- ler, P. 130. Suggested Hymn No. 421. IDEALS AND ONE'S BEST. St. Luke XIII. 24. An Ideal the most wonderful power in the world. Never realized. If realized, ceases to be an Ideal, but becomes a Reality. Like ap- ple in front of horse's nose, never reached, al- ways moves in advance to beckon. Sermon on Mount an Ideal yet important. All men live by are Ideals, Love, Worship, God, Heaven, Business, Sentiment. "Hopes," and High Aims are all that instil Ambition and secure advance. Take as Motto "Always the very best I can do." Anything lower, slackens the pace, lessens the effort, results in poorer re- sult. Never flinch, even once, from the Ideal of the Best. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 251. Bier- blower, P. 188. Everett, P. 58, Cabot, P. 67, 78, 81, 226. Illustration — "Importance of Little Faithful- nesses." Miller, P. 196. Suggested Hymn No. 363. DANGERS OF THE SUMMER SEASON. St. James I. 13, 14. Relaxation due to Freedom, Vacations, Few- er Church Services. Closed Societies of Influ- ence, Closed Sunday Schools, Closed Public School, Dress, Excursions, etc. Danger of Lowered Religious Ideals, Less Church Attendance, less "touch with God." Consequence, Temptations to Indifference, Flirtations, Immorality, Unbelief, etc. Need God and Religion more, not less at this time. Pledge Daily Prayer and Bible Reading, Weekly Church (once a Lord's Day at least), Holy Communion and Personal Carefulness. Reference Material — Hyde, P. 167. Everett, P. 152. Bierblower, P. 228, 272, 278. Illustration — "How Sin Destroys Beauty." Miller, P. 208. Suggested Hymn No. 414. ASCENSION DAY AND WHITSUNDAY. ST. PHILIP AND S. JAMES. Hebrews IV. 14, 16. Reference Material — "Church Fasts," P. 93, 98, 105, no. Sturdes, P. 39, 53. Brewster, P. 231, 236, 245. Snyder, P. 79, 84. Mitchell, R 34- Illustration — "Recognition in Heaven." Mil- ler, P. 92. "Into the Marvelous Light." Mil- ler, P. 193. Suggested Hymn No. 373. JUNE LIVING CLOSE TO GOD. I St. Peter V. 7. It is when we are "out of touch" with the Master that we are the weakest against temp- tation. "It is not by might nor by powers; but by My Spirit." Our Souls "have oft es- caped the temptater's snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayers." Constant "dwelling with God," in thought and spiritual commu- nion, and prayer; constant attitude of friend- ship with Him; constant feeling of His love and Presence, even in duties and pleasures of life, even in dances and parties, will keep the soul strong against the temptations, and never let us be off our guard, in thoughts, (the most dangerous and insidious) actions, or words. Reference Material — Hyde, P. 194. Illustration— "The Master's Touch." Mil- ler, P. 129. Suggested Hymn No. 660. OTHERS, THE MISSIONARY SOCIAL SERVICE SPIRIT IN SUMMER TIME. I. S. John IV. 21. There is almost no time, like summer, when the Help and the Influence and the Guidance of Companions counts so much. Hundreds of little occasions appear, when we can Help, not only spiritually, but morally and physically. Little warnings, little persuasions, little kind- nesses. The spirit of love and service. But not only to friends and companions, but strangers. Plenty of opportunities among poor, hospitals, etc. Flower Guilds. Fresh Air Homes (both service and gifts). Summer Vacation Schools. Playgrounds. Day trips for poor. Poor children in private summer residences. Hundreds of suggested ways, ac- cording to local conditions. Keep to the ideal of service for others. Reference Material — Dewey, P. 207. Hyde, P. 104, 117, 137, 167. Everett, P. 84. Sheldon, P. 201. Cabot, P. 177, 52, 54, 59. Illustration — Read the Poem "Others." Meigs. S. S. Commission, 6c. Suggested Hymn No. 582. PERSONAL HABITS FORMED IN YOUTH. Ecclesiastes XII. I. "All Personal Habits are formed by the age of 13 or 14: all the Moral Habits by 21; and all Business Habits by 35." Cannot put off or delay. Bodily Habits, Personal Habits, Ta- ble Habits, Society Habits, Some Mental Habits, are all formed in youth; and some by doing over and over and so always (without exceptions) the same thing in the same way. They are high or low, right or wrong, accord- ing as they affect ourselves, our Companions in Society, and our Relation to our God. Care- lessness on part of parents and ourselves in youth are certain to produce unhappy misfits in Society afterwards, men and women who fail, just because of lack of training. Point out examples in each type of habit. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 18, 26. Bierblower, P. 13, 15. Everett, P. 7, 23. Dew- ey, P. 11. Illustration— "Call no Duty Small." Miller, P. 97 . Suggested Hymn No. 575. CHURCH GOING HABIT. Hebrews X. 25. Church Attendance and the Spirit of Wor- ship during it are as much Habits as anything else in action. It is highly important that such habits be cultivated in youth and developed as a part of daily living and routine. So easy to keep in the habit, without effort, when culti- vated, and so easy to fall out of it and become irregular, indifferent and in worship mind- wandering. Summer has a general drift away from Church Going, with all sorts of false ex- cuses, plausible, but not genuine. Be honest. Be true. Rest the tendency. Stand firm. Set an example. Be a true lieht. No one, how- ever humble, stands firm here, without help- ing others to do so; and, with Summer tempta- tions, this is highly important. So too with Mind-wandering during Worship. Reference Material — Hyde, P. 194. Illustration — "The Building of the Minis- ter. Miller, P. 69. Suggested Hymn No. 31. THE HOLY TRINITY. NATIVITY S. JOHN BAPTIST, S. PETER. Isaiah VI. 3. Reference Material — Brewster, P. 2^j. "Church Fasts," P. 124, Snyder, P. 92. Mit- chell, P. 51, 53. Illustration — Symbols and illustrations of the Trinity in "Doctrines and Teachings of the Church," Smith. Suggested Hymn No. 383. JULY PATRIOTISM, JULY FOURTH. I. S. Peter II. 17. The broadest view of Politics is Brother- hood, the Spirit of missions, Patriotism, De- votion to a cause and its Embodiment in our Country. Reference Material — Dewey, P. 217. Ever- ett, P. 143. Bierblower, P. 151. Sheldon, P. 94. Cabot, P. 182, 184, 214, 216. Hyde, P. 157. Illustrations — "A Story of Consecration."' Miller, P. 86. "A Vision of Faithfulness." Mil- ler, P. 52. Suggested Hymn No. 196. VACATION TIME. Proverbs X. 1-3. Need of a rest universal. Animals and hu- mans need it. Even unbelieving France and Japan both found a Rest Day essential to health. Nature shows it. Winter rest-time, in Vegetable World and Hibernation in Animal World. But vacation should always bring Recrea- tion., i. e., Recuperation of Body and Mind, new Strength, Rejuvenation. Not for mere fun. A relation period, but not for mere idle- ness. Can rejuvenate by changed work. So new scenes, new studies, new occupations,, both mental and physical. When more idle, we need more Spiritual Sustenance. There- fore, beware of religious drifting. Reference Material — Hyde, P. 38. Bier- blower, P. 173-179. Everett, P. 119, 125. Illustration — "The Seriousness of Living." Miller, P. 164. Suggested Hymn No. 599. TEMPTATIONS AND SINS. S. James I. 13. Temptation, unless cherished, is not Sin. Sin is yielding to or cherishing and harboring the temptation, so that it is, doing or coveting the sin. Temptations come to, all and their re- sistence makes real virtue and strength of character. There is no virtue nor credit in not sinning, where there is no temptation to sin. The harder the struggle, the more worthy the victory. It is the Thought that counts. "As a man thinketh, so is he." "Watch thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. ,> Reference Material — Everett, P. 173. Cabot, p. 137. Illustration — "One step enough for me. ' Miller, P. 106. Suggested Hymn No. 602 or 504. SAINTS. S. JAMES (25) Visitation B. V. M. (2). Acts XII. 1-3. Distinguished the several James. The life history of S. James the Great. Reference Material — Brewster, P. 340. Com- pare, P. 42, 2, 220, 340, 324, 204. Snyder, P. 160. Mitchell, P. 55, 60. Illustration — "Life out of Death." 'Miller, P. 8. Suggested Hymn No. 165. THE MESSAGE OF FLOWERS. Psalm LXV. 9-13. Art and Beauty are akin to God, the em- bodiment of perfection. Man's work never so perfect as God's. Exquisite coloring, Form, Diversity, Perfume, and Variety of Flowers. For the Pleasure of Human and Animal Crea- tures and for the Support of certain Winged Insects and Birds: and for the help of Man Medicinally. Their wonderful Message of Fragrance and Joy and Service and Purity. Use of Flower Services. Help to the sick. Cheer in Illness. Type of the Resurrection and Eternal Life. Seem to touch and Soften the Hardened. Reference Material — Programs for Flower Sunday, Children's Day, etc. Many of the Nature Stories in Kindergarten and Primary Lesson books, both Public and Sunday School. Illustrations — "The Fragrance of a Gentle Life." Miller, P. 38. "The Story of the Lily." Miller, P. 189. Suggested Hymn No. 464. AUGUST BEARING WITNESS FOR CHRIST IN SUMMER. St. Matthew V. 16. "What you are talks so loudly, that I cannot hear what you say." "Even a Child is known by his doings, whether his works be pure and whether they be right." Proverbs. "No man liveth to himself." The Power of Example strong. Even a hypocrite shows himself. No one can escape influencing someone for better or for worse. People will judge the worth, the value and the reality of Christinity, by the way we live it. There is more harm done to the Cause of Christ by the inconsistent living of Christians, than by out-and-out wickedness. Keep a high standard. Set a Noble and Con- sistent Example. Do not let down the bar- riers, nor grow careless in Summer Relation. You live for yourself and for others. Reference Material — Everett, P. 84. Illustrations — "Preaching while we Walk." Miller, P. 56. "Immortality of Influence." Mil- ler, P. 94. Suggested Hymn No. 586 or 510. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT DURING THE SUMMER. II. Corinthians IX. 6. Recall what was said about RE-creation. Not necessarily idleness. Waste of opportun- ity is wrong. Not only no advance made: but a Retrogression going backward : from lack of Practice, Use, Review, etc. An inevitable law. What is not used is lost. Should not waste three months or even one month, when we can gain all we need of Fun, of Re-laxation, of Change, with the Addition of some Advance Work. Reference Material — Dewey, P. 43. Ever- ett, P. 18, 611, 65. Bierblower, P. 190, 191. Sheldon, P. 34, 62, 101. Cabot, P. 67. Illustrations — "Buried Souls." Miller, P. 23. "Storing away Beauty." Miller, P. no. "Things We Can Never Get Over." Miller, P. 135. "Meaning of Time." Miller, P. 80. Suggested Hymn No. 572. SAINTS. TRANSFIGURATION (6). S. BARTHOLOMEW (24). S. Luke IX. 28, 29. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 164, 171. Brewster, P. 358, 379. Mitchell, P. 65, 67. Illustration — "Reflecting the Divine Beau- ty." Miller, P. 175. Suggested Hymn No. 167 or 639. IMPORTANCE OF PERFECT TRUTH TELLING. Proverbs XII. 17, 19. Falsity and Unreality despicable. A Spy is only a spy, because he sails under a disguise: otherwise he is an honorable Scout. "White Lies" and Society Deceits are black and dan- gerous. A lie is any statement, or even silent, or subterfuge, even if literally true, that is in- tended to deceive. Expand. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 70, 178. Bierblower, P. 100, 114, 283, 286. Everett, P. 103. Dewey, P. yy. Illustration — "Dead with the Form of Life." Miller, P. 116. Suggested Hymn No. 405. PERSISTENT PRAYER. I. Thessalonians V. 17. "Prayer is the heart's sincere desire, Uttered or Unexpressed." God is a Prayer-hearing and a Prayer-answering God. So sure is believ- ing Prayer in HIS name that somehow, at some time, in some way, God will answer our Prayer, and Faith will be rewarded. It may not always be our way: but always the way that is best. Even bad Prayers may be ans- wered, if we are persistent, though it is to our destruction. Be not weary in Prayer. That is what is meant by "Prayer without ceasing." Learn its power and never flinch. Reference Material — Look up "Prayers" in Concordance or Bible Subject Index, and see the numerous times, occasions, persons and answers. Illustrations — "For the asking." Miller, P. 102. "The Best yet in Store." Miller, P. 119. Suggested Hymn No. 643 or 337 or 340 or 651. SEPTEMBER WORSHIP OF NATURE NOT SUBSTI- TUTE FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD. Isaiah LXVL 23. Almost never a genuine excuse : but a false, plausible one. A feeling of admiration, not worship and love of God. Artistic apprecia- tion not praying to God. Those, who make the excuse, are false, and, in their own hearts, they know it. We are commanded to assem- ble for Divine Public Worship (1) to Praise God, and Thank Him for His Benefits to us, (2) to Hear His most Holy word, (3) to Ask Strength, Help, and Guidance for Ourselves, (4) the same Type of Requests for Others, for the Church, the Nation and the World, (5) to Witness Publicity for Christ and His Religion before an unbeliving work. Nature Worship, however, lofty, fails to meet these require- ments. Reference Material — The "Exhortation" in Morning Prayer Service. Illustration— "The Story of the Old Tree." Miller, P. 205. Suggested Hymn No. 30. SAINTS. EMBER DAYS. S. MATTHEW (21). S. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS (29). S. Matthew IX. 9. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 176, 180. Brewster, P. 417, 428, 253. Mitchell, P. 75. Illustrations — "Unrecognized Angels." Mil- ler, P. 98. "Man's two Guardian Angels." Miller, P. 169. SEEK AND BRING UNSCHOOLED S. Luke XIV. 23. PUPILS. If we value an opportunity, pass it on to others. If we appreciate our Church and Its School, help Build it up. If we are glad to learn about Christ, our Friend, and study His Guide Book to the Life Beyond, we should yearn to have Others reached this help. If we realize the Christianity in bettering human lives and elevating the World, then we should hunger that every unreached Soul secure this uplift. Cannot say the Lord's Prayer "Thy Kingdom Come" and not be Missionary in Spirit and in Service. Reference Material — Sturdee, P. 103, 109. Cabot, P. 99, no. Everett, P. 96. Sheldon, P. 54. Hyde, P. 104. Dewey, P. 153. Illustrations — "A Brand from the Fire." Mil- ler, P. 116. "Guided by Love's Songs." Miller, P. 28. Suggested Hymn No. 580. LOYALTY. Revelations II. 10. One of the Highest and Noblest Features, and yet one often found lacking. People are not openly and intentionally disloyal, but the true ideals of loyalty do not stand pre-eminent. There is often a false kind of loyalty, that stands between friends, as Chum, Gang, Class, Club Loyalty, that hold the bond, even when sin exists that is hidden, or harm is wrought. But this Loyalty, to-day, is a different kind. It is loyalty to the Ideals of the True, the Beautiful, and the Good. Above all the low- er forms. Reference Material — Cabot, P. 118, 145. Illustration— "The Only True Living," P. 160. Suggested Hymn No. 506. NEVER WEARY IN WELL-DOING. Galatians VI. 9. The vast majority of people, young and old, begin and never complete their undertakings. The number of unfinished jobs in life is over- whelming. Students begin College or High School or Special Course in Night School, or Electives : and become weary. Candidates are confirmed, come to a few Communions, and drift away. Pupils begin Church School or Lesson Study, and lose interest. Even with the Adults, this is frequent. One of the great- est hindrance in life. Begins always with the habit of not sticking it out, allowed to grow in youth. Can cultivate the opposite virtue, of never flinching, or drawing back or giving up or being "downed" in anything whatever, we undertake. Only be careful to plan wisely and rightly before undertaking: but after the de- cision, cling manfully to it. Reference Material — Cabot, P. 239. Bier- blower, P. 195. Sheldon, P. 34. Illustrations — "Heaven Helping the Weary." Miller, P. 37. "A lesson from Two Birds." Mil- ler, P. 128. "The Seriousness of Living." Mil- ler, P. 164. Suggested Hymn No. 586. OCTOBER REALITY IN CHURCH SERVICES. S. John IV. 23. I. Corinthians XIV. 15. The Creed, Prayers, Hymns, etc., should be visualized and thought of, not gone through by rote and routine. All things we say or hear by rote are not thought about until after pro- duced. We say first and then think. We can- not say by rote and think first. Therefore, fol- low Creed, etc., with eye on book or wall charts, to make them real. So also with Pri- vate Prayers. Reference Material — "We cannot hide from God." Miller, P. 112. Illustrations — "How a Wrong Heart Mars." Miller, P. 120. "Form of Life." Miller, P. 116. Suggested Hymn No. 472. CHURCH ATTENDANCE AND WOR- SHIP, IMPORTANCE OF. Psalm XLV. 11. Our Worship, our Privilege, our Communion with God, our Necessity. Expected of each person. Witnessing for God to the World. Gaining our own Strength for Life and Ser- vice. A Habit, like other things. Hence no one should fail to cultivate the Habit. Hence Attendance at least One Service each week re- quired. Reference Material — "For the Asking." Mil- ler, P. 102. Illustration — "The Soldier at Prayers." Mil- ler, P. 34. Suggested Hymn No. 29. SAINTS. S. LUKE THE EVANGELIST (18). SS. SIMON AND JUDE (28). S. Jude I. 1. Why we keep Saint's Days. Value of such observance. Compare nation and Secular, and Family and Church Days of Observance. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 185, 191. Brewster, P. 455, 465. Mitchell, P. 87, 90. Illustration — "Faithful unto Death." Yonge, P. 47- Suggested Hymn No. 173. PRIVATE PRAYER AND PERSONAL WORSHIP. I. Thessalonians V. 17. Prayer is Friendship and Communion with God. Cannot be a Christian, i. e., a Friend of Christ ; cannot love Christ, without prayer. It is the most important habit of all life, and naught else in learning, or pleasures, or wealth, or position, or Church Work even, can com- pare with it. It stands first. Have some per- sonal book of devotion, both for Private Pray- er, Family Prayer, and Preparation for Holy Communion. Suggest some. Give out Grad- ed Prayer Cards to every Pupil and Teacher. Always say Morning as well as Evening Pray- ers. Develop the Continual Prayer Spirit, un- der which, anywhere, at any time, in any place, one can talk with God for help and guid- ance and strength. Read Grow's "Hidden Life of the Soul." Family Prayer Service, Prayer Book. Reference Material — "The Fragrance of Prayers." Miller, P. 14. Hyde, P. 194. Illustrations — "Keeping the Life White." Miller, P. 14. "Religion for Weeke Days." Miller, P. 205. Suggested Hymn No. 652. IDEALS OF GIVING. Proverbs III. 9, 10. God has given us all things. All owe some share to God. Old Jews gave First — Fruits. Counting Tithes, First Fruits, Offering, Sacri- fice, Gifts to Poor, etc., a pious Jew gave about four-tenths of his income. Can we Christians do less? Do we love God less? Yet we aver- age less than one-tenth. All should give some- thing, large or small, but in proportion. We mark it in School Records, that we give, which is fair, but what we give should not be marked, since it lies as a conscientious reckoning be- tween God and ourselves. No one is too poor to give something weekly. Suggest Duplex Envelope System. Honesty in giving what is supplied at home to give, not keeping back, like Ananias and Sapphira. Do not steal from God. Better to earn our gifts and feel sacri- fice in them. Self-denial an important ele- ment to God. "Penny not the standard." Reference Material — Cabot, P. 4 (Generos- ity) and P. 11 (Joy of Giving). Everett, P. 88 (Selfishness). Sheldon, P. 134, P. 214 (Gen- erosity and Stinginess). Dewey, P. 131. Bier- blower, P. 50, 53. Cabot, P. 154. Illustration — "Let Him Have All." Miller, p. 35. Suggested Hymn No. 268. NOVEMBER SAINTS. ALL SAINTS (1). THANKS- GIVING DAY. Proverbs III. 19, 20. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 195. Brew- ster, P. 470. Illustration — Yonge, "Cup of Cold Water," P. 17. Mitchell, P. 91. Suggested Hymns Nos. 174, vv. 1, 19, 20.. IMPORTANCE OF HOME STUDY. II. S. Timothy II. 15. Home Study, quietly by oneself, without dis- traction, is essential, just as in Public School. Written Work essential, since it "fixes" learn- ing. Fitch says "a thing is only one-third learned, unless written out." Our short period of religious study, for life, living, as compared with secular studies for earning money or showing off well in Society. Equally impor- tant with heaviest Public School Studies. Learn God's Rules in the Guide Book to Chris- tian Living. Like Baedeker's Guide Books to Europe. Not theory but practice. Right knowledge in order to have Right Doing. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 34, 62, 170. Everett, P. 61. Cabot, P. 78, 226, 234, 239. Illustration — Miller, P. 63, 168, 195. Suggested Hymn No. 284. LEARNING AS A GUIDE TO LIVING. II. S. Timothy III. 15. Cannot have Wisdom by absorption, nor Good Character by merely Wishing for it. Must work for both. "This fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom," and "Even a child is known by his doing, etc." No one lives rightly very long, who has not taken pains to learn rightly. Every lesson should end in doing something better that very day and thereafter for having learned, i. e., must function in doing. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 18, 26. Everett, P. 11, 19. Hyde, P. 53. Illustration— "Cathedral Rafter." Miller, P. 17. Suggested Hymn No. 281. CHARACTER MADE ONLY BY PRAC- TICE. S. James IV. 17. This meaning not merely Doing; but Daily Doing, Constant Practice. No matter how bad or hard-set a habit is, we can overcome or change it ; by striving for a month. Every Day to do the opposite Right Act, i. e., not merely refrain from the sin. It is DAILY LIVING that counts ; not daily Refraining from Sin. It is the strokes or acts of behavior. It is posi- tive, not negative. Character is a "bundle of habits," i. e., doing over and over the same act. Reference Material — Sheldon, P. 18, 26. Illustration — "Power of Habit." Miller, P. 82. "Cast of Life's Blessings." Miller, P. 199. Suggested Hymn No. 501. THE CHURCH YEAR, ADVENT, ETC. Leviticus XXIII. 4. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 7. VII. "Church Fasts," P. 9. Mitchell, P. 105. Illustration — "Love's Greatest Gift." Mil- ler, P. 153. Suggested Hymn No. Leaflet Rhyme "Ad- vent Tells Us Christ is near, etc." Tune "Pley- al." S. S. Commission, 30c. per hundred. DECEMBER ADVENT GIVING, MITE BOXES, ETC. Isaiah XL. 3. God owns everything and has loaned the world to us. We profess to Love God for all He has done. His work needs gifts. His Church and Kingdom must be spread. His Poor cared for. If we say we Love Him and know Him, we surely, if we be in earnest, want others to know Him, and so we want to spread the Good News. This is the Gospel. is the object of Missions. Texts on Giving. Giv- ing and Missions essential to unselfishness. Should be proportioned to ability. Should be systematic, not haphazard. Should be earned oneself, and the i^ift of love. What Our Ad- vent Offerings are devoted to. Importance. Urge liberality. Reference Material — Cabot, P. 154. Shel- don, P. 214. Everett, P. 88. Hyde, P. 177. Illustration — "For the Lord's Treasury." Miller, P. 45. "Building beyond the Skies." Miller, P. 146. Suggested Hymn No. 39. SAINTS. S. ANDREW (Nov. 30). EMBER DAYS. S. THOMAS (21). S. Matthew IV. 18, 19. Reference Material — Brewster, P. 4. Mit- chell, P. 105, in. Illustration — "Helping While we May." Mil- ler, P. 49. "Let your Light Shine." Miller, P. 88. Suggested Hymn No. 143. THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. S. Luke II. 10, 11. Old Legends of Christmas. Christmas in Other Lands. Christmas Customs. Christmas as Nativity of Christ, our Lord. Its meaning and Import to us. Reference Material — Snyder, P. 13, 19, 24. "Church Fasts," P. 14, 19. Brewster, P. 35, 36. Mitchell, P. 112. Illustrations — "Christ's Wonderful Love." Miller, P. in. "So loved that He Gave." Mil- ler, P. 159. Suggested Hymn No. 54. IMPORTANCE OF HOLY COMMUNION. S. Luke XXII. 19, 20. Need of Daily Food for our Bodies: of So- cial Pleasures : of Physical Development ; of Mental Stimulus. Even so, equally impera- tive is Food for the Spirit of Man, his immor- tal part, for which alone all the other parts exist. The Mentally Spiritual or Intellectual Help is by Hymns and Sermons and Lesson Books. The Devotionally or Emotionally Spiritual Food is Prayer and the Holy Com- munion, which bring actual soul-touch with God Himself. This Food, like the other kinds of Food, should be Regular, Systematic, and Depended upon. Christmas one of the five Greatest Seasons of Obligation and Com- munion, Easter, Ascension, Whitsunday and Trinity being the others. No one should fail of partaking of Easter Communion. Reference Material — "Talks on Sacraments." Dyper, P. 6-28, 81-92. Sturdee, P. 115. Hyde, P. 194. Everett, P. 178. Illustration — "Blessed are the Hungry." Miller, P. 163. "Gate of Life." Miller, P. 103. Suggested Hymn No. 233. THE CHRISTMAS CLUSTER OF SAINTS' DAYS. S. STEPHEN (26). S. JOHN EVANGELIST (27). HOLY INNOCENTS (28). Acts VII. 55. The Three Types of Martyrs for Christ. 1. In Will and Deed. 2. In Will but not in Deed. 3. In Deed but not in Will. Reference Material — P. 108, 113, 117. Brew- ster, P. 41-45. Mitchell, P. 113-117. Illustrations — "Love Giving Life." Miller, P. 141. "Each in his Own Way." Miller, P. 16. "Heroism in Duty." Miller, P. 201. Suggested Hymn No. 174, vv, 1,4,5,6,19,20.