fi . Goucher. > > ELE) | SOME PAPERS | i READ AT THE ALL INDIA Epworth League Convention — GALCUILA ON BEd Te GOO ae a Pe oe OCTOBER 14---17, 1897. SS SS Go EE ES ES ES GE BE RS A AE EA EO SOs EEE Se. a oie eee in Ee CALCUTTA: PRINTED AT THE METHODIST PUBLISHING House, 46, DHARAMTALA STREET, 1897. SOME PAPERS READ AT THE ALL INDIA Epworth League Convention HELD AT ~ CALCUTTA ON OCTOBER 14---17, 1897. CALCUTTA : PRINTED AT THE METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE, 46, DHARAMTALA STREET. 1897. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2023 with funding from Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/somepapersreadatO0Oalli INTRODUCTION. Oe The Zndian Witness in its issue of October 22, 1897, said :— It was easy to perceive that something of more than ordinary interest was about to transpire by the unwonted bustle in the immedi- ate vicinity of the Dharamtala Methodist Episcopal Church, Calcutta, on the morning of the 14th instant. An inquirer as to what was on foot would learn that the ‘All-India Epworth League Convention ” was about to commence. It may be necessary to state for the information of some that the Epworth League is the official designation of the young people’s society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was formed in 1889 by the consolidation of a number of already existing young people’s societies, some of which had been in operation for many years. without having been officially recognized by, or affiliated to, the Church. The Epworth League membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church alone now. stands at about 1,650,000, while the same organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Canadian Methodist Church, bring the total to considerably over 2,000,000 of a member- ship. The Epworth League desires the most fraternal relations with the noble Christian Endeavour Society in whose magnificent prosperity all Epworth Leaguers must rejoice. Both organizations aim at the same object—the capture of youth for Christ and their training for His service. We also heartily welcome the advent of other denomin- ational societies, such as the Wesley Guild, the Baptist Young People’s Union, the Lutheran Guild, e¢a/. It seems only a question of time for each of the other great denominations to have its own Church society, under the control, guidance, and fostering care of the Church itself. The Presbyterians of America are moving in the same direction. While there is the stoutest denominational loyalty on the part of each Society or Guild, there may be the heartiest fellowship between all. This may be promoted by frequent union gatherings and the use of (iar) the same Bible Readings, Topics, etc. From our hearts we as Epworth Leaguers say, God bless all the Young People’s Societies! May they prosper more and more ! THE EpwortTH LEAGUE OF INDIA AND MALAYSIA is closely affiliated to the parent League in America, and works on the same general lines, with special adaptations co the peculiar needs of the mission field. Its capacity for helpful, effective service in the development of our Christian youth, both English and Native, has been fully demonstrated. Itis now operating in fourteen different languages in India, and the Methodist missionary leaders are a unit in the conviction that it has a great and useful future before it in this empire. None is more enthusiastic regarding its possibilities than Bishop Thoburn, who is in fullest sympathy with the movement at every point, and by his presence and hearty participation in the work of the Convention, shows how thoroughly he apprehends the import- ance of this young people’s movement in connection with the evange- lization of India. God bless our Bishop and make him more and more a blessing to the work which he loves and lives for ! THE EPWORTH LEAGUE—WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR? By Rev. J. W. Rosinson, LucKNow. No vague idea, fit only for dreamy speculation, no dead and petrified mummy of other ages, fit only for calm dissection and diagnosis, not an invisible nothing to be searched for with some mental microscope, but a tremendous living reality, replete with life, with motion, with vigour—this is the Epworth League. Two and a half million of young people, the brain and the brawn, the manliness and the womanliness of the church we love. Nota band of riff-raff, not the illiterate and the vicious, but from our schools and our colleges, from our offices and our homes—the keenest intellects and the purest hearts and the cleanest hands of the land. The personnel of the League is as good as can be found in such a world as this. We have every reason to be proud of it. Think of such an army—two and a half millions of the best, the purest, the strongest, and all endowed with the energy and the push, with the living faith and the unconquer- able optimism of youth. Here is the hiding of power, here is energy to move the world. There was a time when all the possibilities of young Methodism were a practical waste. Each individual stood alone and worked alone. The mighty stream of young manhood and young womanhood that rushed down the century was power, but disorganized power, an unharnessed Niagara, awasted opportunity. The youth, the energy, the ability were there, but amounted to very little. Then came the organization, then came the League, and now all that tremendous power is conserved, the energy directed into right channels, it is an army organized with a definite purpose and with the majestic sweep of victory. It is no longer simply two and a half million of young people, with all of the life and the energy and the action which that implies, but it is all this power pulling in one direction, it is so much energy working in harmony, it is a single mighty army of offence and defence beneath the steady tread of whose feet the very world vibrates response. What does this league stand for? More, perhaps, than can be estimated now. Inthe battle of right against wrong, of light against darkness, of purity against impurity, of the prince of the powers of this world against the Kingdom of God, it stands for the nght on every point. Its scope of action is not limited. Its effort is to ‘ by all means save some,” by doing {everything possible to lift up and help the weak among its own number and by tearing down and so far as possible setting at naught all the devices of the adversary. But it has a few great aims. It means safety to its individual members. From the beginning the young man and the young woman have been considered in very special danger. Ata time in life when passions are strong, when (Fo) restraint is heavy, when pleasure wears beautiful garments, temptations are overwhelming and falls among them are many and grievous. Not so very long ago the young man and the young woman in our church stood practically alone. Exposed to fiercest temptation there were few to sympathise and fewer to help. The dance, the theatre, the wine cup, the card _ table, the private resort, the public infamy looked upon and considered the young both natural and easy prey. Temptation was free to attack each individual separately and had an easy task. He stood alone and so fell quickly. Now this is all changed. Our league is a real defence to each individual member. It has high standards of life and helps to reach them. It puts a premium on Christian character and Christlike manhood and womanhood and _ helps in its attainment. By filling heart and mind with ideals and ambitions pure and true, it leaves little opportunity for the entrance of temptation. With its moral teaching and training, with its encourage- ments to virtuous living, with its bonds of sympathy and brotherly kindness, with its loving heart and helping hand,- the League has a place for each young Methodist within its fold where he is largely shel- tered from temptation. And when shielding from the approach of temptation is impossible, it throws around him helps that make for a winning battle. To-day thousands of young people who would have fallen if left to fight the battle alone, stand triumphant, with pure lives and noble characters, because the League has been a defence to them. It also stands for the defence of Methodism. We do not believe in narrow sectarianism, but we believe heartily in being loyal to our denomination. ‘The church that Wesley led out of ritualism and secu- larism and spiritual death into religious life and Christian liberiy, we believe to be the best in the world, and believing this we love it and and are not ashamed to do our utmost to deepen its hold upon the hearts and lives of men. To spread scriptural holiness throughout the land is still our aim, and to allow our church to lose its identity and merge itself into bodies that have not this high ideal would be a dis- tinct loss to humanity. ‘To save our church we must keep our youth. Time was when we were not succeeding in doing this; they were stray- ing here and there, being enticed to enter many a so-called liberal fold. This they do no longer, for in the League is found an instrument that makes, not for narrow and bigoted sectarianism, but for intelligent Church loyalty. It teaches our young people what they are slow to learn when left alone, that so-called liberality of thought is very often nothing but looseness of thought and that there isin religion a great deal of so-called breadth that is purchased at the price of shallowness. The study of the history of the church and the cultivation of an earnest Christian spirit among the young is grandly conserving our beloved Meth- odism. We are not teaching them to be narrow, but to be definite, not to believe that there is but one church, but to see and understand that the church of Wesley and Simpson, of Asbury and Coke, the church into which they were born and which has done so much for the kingdom (yy) and the world, is the very best that the world now knows, and that in it are the safeguards, the doctrines, the protections, the incitements to holiness that make for the highest Christian character. The League does all this. It makes no attempt to provide amusements for the young, but does provide that which drives out the desire for amusement. Its organization, its methods, its reading course, its devotional meetings, its social fellowship, its entire tendency is to make our young people intelligently loyal to our church. Its success in this is manifest. We have to-day what perhaps no other age of the church has ever known, a church in which to a remarkable extent the conservatives in doctrine and the progressives on questions of morals are the young people. In- stead of wanting to stray into forbidden paths, we find our Lesgue in convention assembled beseeching the fathers to keep tothe high stan- dard on the question of amusements and not by act of General Confer- ence let down the flood-gates. No heresy trials spring from our Leagues. These notoriously come from men with busy brains but idle hands and cold hearts. Our young people are being taught that some things have been decided, that some questions have been closed for ever—that the work of the church is not dreamy speculation and the discovery of new doctrine, but to take hold with heart and hand and help lift the world out of sin and back to God. But it does something more than band our young people together for defence. We have realized of late years as never before that in the long run a merely defensive warfare is a losing warfare. Time was when we young people were nothing but a frightened flock, huddled together by our very weakness and fearfulness inviting attack, or else fleeing singly and helplessly before the invading foe. We were a burden on the hands of the church, we were only mentioned asa worry andacare. The thought of the pastor was only how we might be protected. We were a burden on the hand of the undershepherd and a constant source of anxiety to the sheep of the fold. Then the church that had on hand the fewest young people, with all their abounding life and restless energy, was felt to be the best off. There was no cause for worry only where there were no lambs in the fold. That was largely the thought. But that idea has passed, thank God, for ever. There is no longer a frightened huddling of the flock when the enemy appears. We are not looked upon now as a mere burden and source of anxiety and weakness. Many a pastor has learned to his great joy that the young people may not only bea flock but a force, not only a body to be tended with solicitation and care, but an army with which to invade and conquer and annex and divide the spoil. Now we belong not to the hospital but to the camp. To us the church instead of a place to be coddied and humoured has become a field for the development and the exercise of the noblest and strongest instincts of young manhood and young womanhood. The League is fast becoming an army of conquest. We realize the dangers that surround and we want the help and care of the church, but we feel too, that the ‘ C3) pastor is also to bea general who will lead us to victory. And we have the right idea of conquest. We have no desire to build up our church at the expense of some sister denomination. We steal no bricks from their walls. We seek not those belonging to some one else. Ina sense other than that in which John Wesley spoke, “the world is our parish.” With its millions who know not Christ, with its vast multitudes still groping in the dark, we have something more important to do than to proselyte. To save the sin-stricken, to lift up the fallen, to preach the gospel to the perishing—that is our mission. Our rivalry with other denominations is a generous one. We do not envy them their success. A live League stands for a conquering church. It also stands for unity in action. Our denomintional _ or- ganization gives us close organization, an absolute necessity in a conquering church. Our League has promoted unity and harmony of action among our young people. ‘There is no strength in loose organization, no matter how vast it may be or under what name it may go. The army of the church militant must have its closely organized regiments and brigades as well as do the army of the state political. We believe that our young people are stronger and more useful because of our League organization than they would be if scattered among a dozen different societies. The strength of compact organization is ours, the enthusiasm of high purpose is in our hearts, the sound of our captain’s voice fs in our ears, a taste of conquest for Christ thrills us, and with one heart and one thought and one purpose, with our eyes fixed on our great commander and with our ears open to his orders, as a mighty army of God we sweep forward with a tramp, tramp that shall shake all nations, with the certainty that the desire of all nations shall come and with the unwavering faith that soon, after the centuries of on our knees pleading “thy kingdom come,” we shall be privileged to arise and take up with men and angels that wonderful song of triumph, ‘the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our God and _ his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.” THE JUNIOR EPWORTH LEAGUE. Miss CraiG, CALCUTTA. The Junior Epworth League needs no introduction to a Methodist audience. It has a recognized place in our church, and has the sanction of all who are interested in the young people of our church, and how to interest, win, train and save these youthful hosts, is a question that may well engage our earnest and prayerful attention. Concerning the organization of the Junior League it might be con- sidered superfluous to add any suggestions to the present arrangement of the constitution of the League in regard to this Society. While not attempting to introduce new ideas at this stage, there are points to be considered which may greatly increase the usefulness of this society, as \ Canty) well as the interest of its members in it. All who are engaged in English work in this country, and have attempted to organize a Junior _ Epworth League will appreciate the difficulty of representing and carrying on all of the lines of work suggested by the constitution of this Society. In most places in India and especially in the large cities the membership is largely gathered from the boarding-schools con- nected with our church. When this is the case the field is rather limited in which to pursue the activities that are considered necessary for the development of a good healthy society. But even if this be true, as far as possible let the suggested lines of work be taken up. Have the children understand before organizing that the object of this society, is not simply to entertain them an hour in each week, but a place where they are to meet to ge¢ good, and then go out to do good. In organizing it is best if possible to select all of its officers from among the members. It will in all probability be necessary for some older person to take the direction of the society but it is better to put as much respon- sibility as is possible upon the members. Select officers for short terms only, say three or six months at the most, for there are office- seekers in this as well as in all other organizations. As far as possible give every member something to do. Have a programme committee, one member of which shall be the president, and make them respon- sible for the programme of each meeting. It many be necessary for some person of maturer years than any of the members are, to furnish the central thoughts for each meeting, but as far as possible encourage the members to contribute towards it. One or two might write short articles on the topic suggested by the daily readings of the preceding wees. A short attractive story read, or a recitation given will help to make variety. Encourage the members to take part in the devotional exercises. “Teach them to pray in public. Let there be a good deal of singing, it will impart cheerfulness and heartiness to the meeting. Children love to sing, and if they are taught that this is part of their worship, even the youngest may feel that they can contribute some- thing to the meeting. Have a Music Committee, whose duty it will be to select the hymns for each meeting, to see that each member is supplied with a book, and if their voices are sufficiently trained, let them lead the singing. A Mercy and Help Committee may also con- tribute their share toward carrying on the work of the society. A m/nistering spirit may be cultivated even among the little ones. This committee may also be helpful in the weekly meetings in many ways. If the room has to be prepared for a meeting, as in many cases it has, you will always find ready helpers here to assist in such work. Once a month, or at least every two months, it will be well to hold a meeting in the interest of temperance. Kindle in the minds of the boys and girls a hatred alike of the drink habit, and the drink-traffic. A little intelligent teaching of the effects of alcohol on the system, will be worth more to them now, that a great deal of pledge-signing after the drink habit is formed. It is somewhat difficult to avoid getting into ruts in the weekly meetings, as the resources at hand to draw from Cerone) are somewhat limited, but this ought to be an hour in which to help familiarize our children with the Word of God. ‘The Bible may be studied as a book, or as a collection of books. ‘The contents of each book should be carefully studied, especially the historical books, in order that the children may be able to give an outline of each book with the name of the writer. ‘he characters of the Bible will also be a profitable study. Our children’s lives take colouring from the people they associate with. Help them weave into their characters the integrity of a Joseph, the patient endurance of a Moses and the courage of a Daniel. They will need allof.theinspiration and encouragement the study of such lives can give them to fortify them for the battle of life, and to meet the forces that will be arrayed against them. ‘The New Testament should receive especial attention, as init are contained the fundamental truths which the children must first grasp in order to understand the plan of redemption. The books of the Bible should be learned in order, so that by a little practice the boys and girls may be able to turn in a moment’s time to any passage called for. ‘Ten minutes’ time given each Sunday to the study of the catechism not only fixes in the minds of the children the great doctrinal truths of the Word, but enables them to locate the proofs which show the ground work of the plan of salvation. An effort should be made at each meeting to press home to the hearts of the children at least one great vital truth. ‘The possibili- ties before them are so great that every effort should be put forth not only to save them from the power of Satan, but to place them in the hands of God for service. The call of the church and of God is for labourers, and in our Junior Leagues the forces ought to be mustered. If each boy and girlcan be made to feel a sense of personal responsi- bility for those about them, andcan grasp the great truth that through them others must come to a knowledge of the ‘good tidings of great joy,” forces will be set in motion that shall have their ending in eternity. In this formative period in the lives of the boys and girls impressions may be made which may never be possible in after years. They cannot be too young to feel the responsibilities of life, and there is no method of development equal to that of helping others. Our Saviour when upon earth exemplified this truth, and His methods cannot be improved upon. His chosen disciples when but children in Christian experience were sent forth to proclaim His power to save, and to prepare the people for the coming of his kingdom. Many of our children come from homes where Christianity is not a living experience, and may we not hope that the new life that has been quickened in these young hearts shall have an influence over their friends when they come in contact with them in their homes, and over again the prophecy will be fulfilled ‘‘a little child shall lead them.” In all of our work for the Juniors let us ever keep before them the call of the master for labourers. All over this land the cry comes up: ‘Fields are white and harvests waiting, Who will bear the sheaves away.” May the love of Christ that has been set before them, incline many of their hearts to say.: “HereamI. Send me.” ie Lies) THE PRESENT CONDITION, DIFFICULTIES AND OUTLOOK OF LEAGUE WORK IN NORTH INDIA. Mrs. W. A. MANSELL, LUCKNOW. The Epworth League of North India is not entirely of foreign importation but may be characterized as a foreign twig grafted upon a native growth. Before the Epworth League was started in America, an organisation similar in purpose, but differing in form, had already sprung up, under the care of Dr. and Mrs. Parker, in Moradabad and the surrounding district. Similar organisations spread over the country and are now after some slight changes called Epworth Leagues. There are local Leagues of all-sorts and conditions, from the League among High School and College students and men in offices to the little ones which enlighten the minds and hearts of small bands of new Christians in remote villages. At Unao we were much surprised to find in the League which meets in the Mission School room that a majority of the members were non-Christian boys, but were more amazed to see their familiarity with the Bible. Twelve young men and boys with great readiness gave very clear accounts of the persons and Scriptural nar- ratives represented by the pictures illustrating the S.S. lessons for the quarter. Such a membership is, and should be, exceptional and yet we like to remember in that connection the following fact: Last year a missionary lady who had gone from India met in South Africa a young Hindu who desired baptism. (Questioning elicited the statement that he had studied in this very mission school in Unao and had there resolved that when he should be freed from the spiritual thralldom of his Hindu home he would embrace the religion he had learned at school to admire and love. f With regard to the difficulties relating to League work the follow- ing points seem to us worthy of discussion : Although our young people’s societies have taken the name of Epworth League, we believe that very few of them have adopted the regular Epworth League constitution, and that not all of them who have done so really comprehend its details, the true objects of the society, and methods of work. To remedy this defect we would suggest that the subject of the organization and general conduct of the League be discussed year by year at annual League meetings held at the several District Conferences. In this way the tone of the League will be gradually raised and an intelligent appreciation. of its purpose aroused. Another difficulty relates to the motto. Do all our young people realise that they must “lift up?” Inthe old society which preceded the League a prominent feature was the bands of ready workers con- sisting of men and women as well as school boys and girls who carried on evangelistic work in the muhallas and bazars. In most places to-day these bands have disappeared. Our mission workers hold services, and in some cases the young people in our schools assist in (hz S. S. work, but the League as an organisation very frequently has no place in this work. In Lucknow, where our League is composed largely of College and School boys and girls the department of Mercy and Help is somewhat limited in its field of work and it also seems difficult to realise the ideal of the League, giving to each member a place on some committee on which he is expected to do some actual work. In the Literary meetings of the Hindustani Society there is a tendency to adhere persistently to certain forms. There is scarcely a League where it is not the custom to give Scripture instruction merely by means of questions asked upon a previ- ously assigned portion, when much more interest might be awakened by an occasional variation in the form of a Scripture talk, or a short informal Bible study. Another difficulty is occasioned by the presence in the literary programme of the inevitable joke, either in interlarding the news items in the inevitable “paper” or occupying a separate place upon the programme. In our own League more than once, the jokes have been so objectionable as to be severely criticised for coarseness and vulgarity, and we doubt not that such are attended with more freedom in places where there is not even as much refinement of thought and feeling. As we can not easily control these matters should we advise our workers to discourage the “joke?” It is difficult to know how to regulate the kinds of meetings to be held by the Leagne. If we hold only prayer and testimony meetings, we neglect the development of the intellectual side of our young people and fail to give them that pratice in doing public work work which may some. day will prove invaluable to naturally timid workers. To fit our young Christians to meetthe temptations to social drinking which is constantly being presented to them we should have occasional temperance meetings where they may learn the true reasons for total abstinence. There should be missionary meetings to show them their duties to others, and to God. How we shall keep these three meetings and the literary meeting in their proper relation is a difficult question. We believe that we need to give for more emphasis than is our custom to the former half of our mottw——look up. In many Leagues the only meeting which is held isa meeting which has a literary programme, with Scripture questions, a debate, recitations, essays and a paper. In Lucknow such a meeting is the only one we have, as on Sunday the two schools from which we get most of our members, have their own religious meetings and to add another on that day would be to add an unnecessary burden, but we find that some of our young people are feeling a lack in the League, and a few are asking admission to the Christian Endeavour Society of our English Church. Seeing this and realising the power which the Y. P. S. C. E., when properly conducted has over young Christians, it seems to us that one of the greatest needs eel See, is to lay special stress upon the spiritual side of the work——to recognize the development of a deep spiritual experience as the true foundation of all successful work. To this end the introduction of the League pledge will be a valuable aid. Great care and discretion must however be exercised, for no pledge is far better than a broken one. In all our work there must of course be elasticity and adaptation in our methods, but we feel assured that if not neglecting the literary and other meetings we still exert more than half our energies in the prayer meeting, if we will train our young people to deeper spirituality and to more active work ; if we will organise them thoroughly, and carefully guide their work, we shall have an outlook for the League which shall ensure to the Methodism of the twentieth century a more rapid stride than she has ever taken, because she has a new source of strength, the love of thousands of young Methodists for their God, their fellow men and their Church. THE PRESENT CONDITION, DIFFICULTIES AND OUTLOOK OF LEAGUE WORK IN SOUTH INDIA. By Miss BLAackKMAR, Szroncha. T, Present Condition.—-There are Epworth League Chapters and > Junior Leagues in every Christian Community of the Methodist Episcopal Church, English or Native, in which an organization is possible. All are much alive and progressive accordingly as the several officers, especially the presidents and secretaries, are zealous, enthusias- tic and systematic. District conventions committee does not neglect duty. 2. Difficulties. (a) There is a scarcity of helpful literature in the half dozen vernaculars of the Conference. There is a_ better supply of English literature, but it is difficult to get committees for the department of the Literary work sufficiently capable and wide awake to make the most of their supply in influencing members to read to advantage in educating in League work and its possibilties for good. (6) ‘There is too great tendency to localize sympathy. Chapters are not so mutually helpful as they might be. Conventions remedy this to a certain extent, but not wholly, for the great body of members do not attend conventions. (c) Too little importance is attached to regular business meetings. The chapters whose officers neglect to call the regular business meetings of committees and cabinet need not be surprised if ind:ffer- ence prevails, and the League work is not progressive. (2) There is great disadvantage in not leaving a central office for India. Article V. No. 4 Constitution of the Epworth League, ‘“* After es © be) approval by the quarterly conference or official board the names of the officers, with their addresses shall be promptly forwarded to the central office of the Epworth League.” ‘The central office being in the United States it would be a waste of time and money for all India chapters to follow this rule. A Central office in India located in Madras, Calcutta or Bombay, and a bureau of local vernacular litera- ture in each, would lessen many difficulties. 3. Outlook.—Encouraging of course, decause tt 1s the Epworth League! The League was originally intended for the benefit of the youth of the land. In South India the League is for all Christians ~ who choose to accept the conditions of membership. In the Epworth League all are young. I report from the youngest chapter in South India Conference. It is named Szvoncha Chapter. ‘There are thirteen members and a junior class. It was organized in August. Devotional meetings are held every Sunday. ‘There have been three cabinet meetings, one Temper- ance meeting when twenty-one adults took the Gospel Temperance Blue Ribbon pledge, and inaugurated a crusade against the use of in- toxicants of all sorts. No district needs it more than Sironcha. A Literary meeting was held one evening. EPpwortH LEAGUE KI Jal!! HOW TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN THE EPWORTH LEAGUE IN THE VILLAGES. Dr. J. E. Scott, Mutira. In the discussion of this important topic a preliminary question arises, viz., can the Epworth League be adapted to and made availa- ble for our village work? May we become generally successful in introducing this organization among our village communities? And then having been convinced of its availability and practicability for village communities, we are prepared to take up and earnestly study the modus operandi—the best way to organize it and the most successful way to maintain it. It certainly isimpossible to organize a thing which is incapable of organization and to maintain successfully that which ever tends to hopeless disintegration. The question of the availability of the Epworth League for our village communities is important because of the intrinsic excellence of the organization itself, calling out, as it does, all that is best in our churches, and especially encouraging the young people of our churches to seek a higher and_ better life and to do earnest service for the master. It is important because of the largeness of the field to which we would seek to apply it. The masses of the people of India do now and ever will live in villages, and more and more our largest Christian Communities, and, might I say, eur most spiritual and devout Churches, will be found—not amidst the (Pais) hurry and rush and distraction and manifold temptations of our large cities but—in the quiet and peaceful villages. We ask, therefore, with a good deal of solicitude, Can the Epworth League be successfully or- ganized and permanently maintained among our village communities? ‘To this question, after due consideration and much practical experi- ence, I would give an affirmative answer. Certainly there are difficulties to be met with in this form of League Work not known in our English work nor felt among the better educated Christians of our large Cities and Mission Stations. Where there are Schools and Orphanages the children already: have a training which more or less qualifies them for intelligent and enthusiastic League work. Moreover there are always present a number of competent trained Missionaries and others who are ever ready to encourage and guide and advise. But in the villages the people are, to begin with, untutored and inexperienced, with all their customs, habits, instincts and preferences, adverse to anything like system or organization. And asarule, adequate and constant help is not available. Before there can be any League there must be a wise and prudent leader to organize it, and it never can be successfully maintained, although started, unless there be some com- petent person or persons to stand by and encourage it. But in spite of these and other hindrances and difficulties, which will suggest themselves to the practical missionary, we maintain that the League can be successfully organized and carried on among the villages. It is necessary to remember, however, that the Epworth League was never intended to be a stiff formal affair. Consistent with its funda- mental idea or object of encouraging our people, and especially our young people, to gain a deeper piety and gain a more earnest service— teaching them both to “Look up” and to “Lift up”—there is allowable, in the organization and working of the Epworth League the greatest flexibility. It is not necessary nor desirable, for instance, that there should ulways and everywhere be the same forma! programmes— with its inevitable Responsive Reading, Essay, Recitation, Debate and Newspaper. If variety is the “spice of life” it certainly is the spice of the League. And ingenuity will suggest a score of ways in which the League will be permitted to do its fundamental and _ helpful work even among the most rustic village communities. Certainly there could be no communities less like the typical city congregations than the average inhabitants of our sweeper wards. But I have seen some of the best Leagues in India among sweepers. Best in the magnitude of their influence upon the people, best in the sense of the largest results from the smallest effort, best in the absence of the ordinary evils and weaknesses of some of our City Leagues, v/z., a tendency to mere worldly and literary society—with an occasional exhibitjon of egotism or exaggerated personalism. The most available League for the village is the League in tts simplest form. Something which encourages the simple people to study (.76- ) and reverence the Bible —to learn by heart its verses, specially the life of our Lord with his parables and miracles—and recite them clearly and intelligently and distinctly before their brothers and sisters. Something which will train them to recite and expound in their own village language a selected parable or other narrative or story from the Bible, something which will teach them new hymns and _ sacred songs and how better to sing the old ones. Something which will familiarize them with the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Comandments, and even in some places with the Apostles’ Creed. Something that will teach them quietly and pleasantly how to behave in a meeting —how to sit, rise, speak and otherwise conduct themselves, without at the same time making the whole performance stiff and formal. If these points are kept well in mind the clever worker can introduce the League anywhere and he will find a wide field ready to his hand. And as a direct result he will find his people greatly helped ; there will be more interest in the services, the people will become familiar with the Bible and pastor teachers and other workers will become much better fitted for their work. This brings us to the question before us which is already half answered, It should not be difficult to organize such Leagues in villages. Our Methodist System ts splendidly adapted for this very work. Let me give a few practical hints. The circuit System with its preachers in charge, circles of village, and pastor-teachers, Bible Readers and other workers are all available and can be taken advantage of for this work. The League in a town or village need not be held weekly, but if thought best, fort-nighty, even monthly. To begin with, the Preacher in charge is the one to call the first meeting. He and his staff of workers may constitute the officers and can be assigned to various work on the programme—but especially can be more available in training and coaching others in any simple work which may be assigned. The place of meeting not unusually will be out of doors and the League often will be held in the evening under the wide-spread branches of some friendly tree. On my district, where there are a dozen such Leagues in successful operation, the Leagues are held after the work of the day is over and the people can come together around the central light which has been provided, and the members seat themselves ina semi-circle around the leader who alone, perhaps, will be honoured with a stool or elevated seat. There will be singing, prayer, Scripture, explanation of hymns and parables and debate; perhaps, more singing, friendly criticism, appointing of offices, arranging another programme and appointing those who are to take par, the fixing of a convenient time and place and so the village league is organ- wed. At first the same officers may serve in various places on the circuit, the preacher in charge always being the life and soul of the whole movement. If the simple kind of League is thus organized in a central com- munity of village Christians it should not be difficult to maintain it. et fae) There are several helps to the permanency of sucha League. The missionary incharge and the Presiding Elder should give it their eh- couragement. The latter can encourage the Native preacher in charge by saying that he would like to be present at his League session when he comes to hold the (Quarterly Conference. Sometimes the session can be made entirely devotional. Upon all great occasions such as the District League, the village league should send delegates as repre- sentatives. As a rule each League will be able to form singing bands, called in North India Gan MWanda/ts, which will do excellent service at such times as AZe/as or special meetings in the villages. Above all, the leader should see to it that the League is not allowed to become too formal or monotonous. It should not be monopolized by*the men but all should be encouraged to take part. Even at the beginning there will generally be found several bright boys and girls who can be in- duced to take part. In the Hatras League a Chamar girl stood up and recited the Apostle’s Creed and several other non-Christian boys devoutly recited the Lord’s prayer. In one place non-Christians put seven annas into the collection. Do not expect too much. Where there has been an apparent effort made although nothing very grand or artistic results, praise it and they will do better next time. Use the tennis call of “well tried.” All things are possible to the one who first believes in the possibility, practicability, and usefulness of village Leagues, second proceeds, in the way I have outlined, or in some other better, to organize them, and //zrd will use his ea and in- genuity and versatility in maintaining them. THE SOCIAL DEPARTMENT. Miss KNow_es, Darjeeling. In the Epworth League reading course for 1896 there is one book namely the Social Law of Service, which I should like to see widely circulated among our Christian young people of India. The author states that practically no subject can be more im- portant than the social one, because it is so closely connected with the problem .of life. He very clearly sets forth the relation of the Old and New Testaments socially considered, and we are shown that to go back to the real teachings of Christ, we must go back to the Old Testament which teaches us that the glory of God means the welfare of society. What means the land laws, the usury laws, jubilee laws and many others? In Leviticus we find this command, ‘When ye reap the har- vest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thot gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger.” The duty of Jews was to their own people and their business was to establish right relations among themselves first, then for others. How much broader the New Testament teaching? Although a continuation of ( 6) the Old certain marked differences appear. Our duty is no longer simply to those of our own house, or even of our own nation, but it is to all the world. It was hard for a Jew to comprehend this idea of a universal society, which is illustrated by the Parable of the Good Samar- itan. Their year of Jubilee had a social, purpose, it aimed to abolish poverty, to secure as nearly as possible competency for all the nation, but the spirit of Christ’s Mission is recorded in the Gospel of Luke, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor: He hath sent me to heal the broken- hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind.” By the introduction of Christianity, the social law was ‘established as never before in other religious systems. Although there was humanity among the ancients, there was no philanthropy, the highest point fora man to attain was to conduct himself justly, never troubling about others. The highest civilization previous to Christ was found among the Greeks and Romans but these taught that the lower sorts of humanity are by nature slaves. Brahmanism, Buddhism Stoicism, are purely individual, while Christianity is a social as well as an indivi- dual salvation and its most fundamental law is the welfare of man. Why should we not steal? St Paul gives us a reason, ‘“‘ Let him that stole, steal no more, but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thiug which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”. Why should we speak the truth? The same apostle says, “Because we are members one of another.” Love bridges the chasm between human souls, and makes both giving and receiving a blessing. Nolonger is society exclusively national, as among the Hebrews, not only is itin our own home, but an interest in all the world. ‘There is only one law taught by the Christian religion : that is, the law of love which finds expression in the “Social law of Service,” ; Never was this law so universal as now, however discouraging may be the views of many as to the depraved condition of the world. The social improvement of our Christian young people to-day is better than ever before, and the question for discussion is, how to help in giving Christian young people mental and spiritual life under the best physical conditions. Satan has stolen many of our best games and innocent pastimes, and if we attempt to restore them for the glory of God there is great danger that we go over into the dominion of the evil one. I. I think that home should be made the centre of wholesome recreation ; that parents should enter into innocent home pleasures with their children, not leaving them to seek these entirely with outside people. II. Through the Literary Department much help may be given, but let us not forget that hundreds of young people never take up a > (19 ) book to read. The taste must be created, by talking of good books and their authors by seeking to get a review of a good. book occasionally the taste may be educated. III. Should we not avoid entertainments with the object merely to entertain ; the entertainment should be secondary and_ subservient to the highest good, and it isa glorious thought that in so many of our Christian churches noble men and women are planning to attract young people to higher and nobler things through this social law of service the law of love. Epworth Leagues and Christian Endeavour Societies are born of this spirit. Through these, we are coming nearer to the establishment of right social relations in our churches, and besides uplifting young people each leader develops his or her own individuality ; not in isolation but surrounded by the freshening influences of youth. I close with a few lines from “Zhe Holy Grail” which will illustrate the spirit of the Scriptures as to our service to others “Not what we give, but what we share For the gift without the giver is bare ; Who gives himself with his alms feeds three Himself, his hungering neighbour, and Me.” ‘Os DEPARTMENT OF LITERARY WORK. By Miss BLackMAR, Sivoncha. I have spent some half hours in profitable study of that remarkable wheel constructed eight years ago in mid-May days in the lake-side city, by that famous committee who threw into the ecclesiastical crucible, multifarious ideas, hopes, desires and prejudices that after a time of simmering, bubbling, and evaporation finally evolved that pure fine crystal called the Epworth League. What possibilities of education are suggested in that wheel! Each sector is a_ school. What a well rounded life should be developed under a training in all. Still it is rather exhausting on the whole. Time unlimited is needed : Consider the work of the Literary department: 1. (a.) Bible study. (4) Instruction in Doctrine, Polity, History, and Present : Activit- ies of the Methodist Episcopal church. (c) Thesame of other denominations of the church universal. (2) To give stimulus and direction to general Christian culture. 2. It shall have charge ofall courses of reading and study pursued by the Chapter, Epworth League, C.L.S.C., etc., etc. 3. It may open wherever practicable, Libraries, Reading rooms, Art rooms, night schools ete., 4. It shall arrange for Lectures, Literary meetings, in which members shall prepare Essays, Papers, Talks, Debates, etc. ( 20 ) 5. (a) It shall endeavour to arent the circulation of the books and papers of the church. (6) And do what it can to quicken the intellectual life of its members and the community. Such is the work allotted to the Literary department. Can any one inform those who want to know if this manifold idea and design has been materialized in axy Epworth League Chapter ? I. Is the Bible studied more and with more practical results? Whatever else India Chapters may ot accomplish it is possible to train the children and youth to habits of diligent Bible study. The poorest may possess a Bible. To study in the way the Lord Jesus Christ meant when he commanded “Search the Scrip- tures,” is to increase in the knowledge and love. of God, to acquire spiritual power. If the Christians of India are thorough Bible students, then are the churches increasing in _ spiritual power. I here record my belief and prejudice in favour of some old-fashioned methods of Bible study, to read the Bible carefully from beginning to end, not once or twice only, but continually as the duty and privilege of Christians. While the study of Berean and other selected lessons has profitable advantages, yet the whole Bible is not read as it was when there were less helps. Sunday school children com- mitted to memory not only chapters but entire books which memory held for life-long profit and comfort. Epworthians, what testimony can you bring to prove the excellence of this part of League work, and results in higher spiritual life? Are members of the League becoming intelligent and broad minded? Full of quick interest in the success of their own dear chapter. Do thought and sympathy extend beyond that limited circle, or is the tendency centralized and localized ? What do they know of the History and Polity of sister churches? “To give stimulus and direction to general Christian culture.” Christian culture includes the training and elevation of the spiritual nature. Every human being has a God-given right to the highest Christ- ian culture. How great excellence then, is required in members of the League who constitute the Gommittee on work of the Literary Depart- ment. Simon Peter was a poor unmannerly unkept fisherman. In the School of Christ he was “‘ transformed by the renewing of his mind,” and recorded for the direction of Christian culture in the Epworth League (as well as in all the world,) the golden rule, “ Finally be ye all like minded,” compassionate, (or sympathetic) loving as brethern, tender hearted, humble minded, be pitiful, be constant. This is the rule for Culture, that will endure the revealing and trial by fire. The second general division of work appears to be well to the front, as it should be ; but Committees fully capable to direct, are not always available. India is such a /azy and such a busy country. The people are not great readers.” How shall the blind lead the blind? Here and there are bright exceptions doubtless, but we are considering the C20 7) League in /zdia. To create ard arouse in Young India a hunger for Libraries and Reading rooms, containing the best literature, for lectures and for art rooms is no sinecure. But all the advantages and great attainments are not for the Occident alone. Christ’s love is lifting up the Orient. Given time enough and the chains of ages will be broken and cast away and India shall stand in the radiance of a cultured Christian nobility. Lzterary Committees of the Epworth League! You have a great trust! ‘To the Master you are responsible ! MINUTES OF BUSINESS SESSION. Calcutta, October 16, 1897. In connection with the All-India Epworth League Convention held in Calcutta, on Oct 14-17, there was a long business session on the above date. Rev. Dr. E. W. Parker, President of the Epworth League was in the chair, and F. W. Warne, General Secretary, was secretary of the meeting. Present, Rev. W. A. and Mrs. Mansell, Rev. J. W. Robin- son, Rev. J. E. Robinson, Rev. J. E. Scott, Mrs. J, O. Denning, Miss Romer or bombay, Rev.'R. Clancy, Rey. L.A. Core,, Rev. J. Culshaw, Rey. and Mrs. Hewes, Rev. D. H. Lee, Miss Maxey, Miss Lamb, Miss Stahl, Miss Maskell, and a goodly numher of others among whom were Neva. Burges, Gen. Secretary, 1.5.5.U.. and Rev. Bi J..Chew. The General Secretary gave a brief report of the successes, difficul- ties, and needs of the work. It was resolved that the General Secre- tary should charge four annas for each charter. The office in Chicago had not charged him and this was simply to cover packing and posting. Resolved, that the Presiding Elders be requested to call attention to the charters and take steps to secure a charter for each League. J. W. Rosinson. 4 B,J. GHEW. Resolved, that we request the Methodist Publishing House, Calcutta, to keep on hand and be the depot for the supplies of Epworth League Literature and supplies in India. K. W. PARKER. W. A. MANSELL. A committee of five was appointed to consider and arrange for an Epworth League reading course for India. The committee to consist of Miss Maxey, Revs. J. E. Scott, J. W. Robinson, W. L. King, and Mrs. Denning. Resolved, that the Epworth League workers throughout India and Malaysia be requested to furnish banners in every language in which there is a League, for the coming Central Conference anniversary. Resolved, that we recommend that the Annual Conference Epworth League officers hold office for two years, or from Central Conference to Central Conference. teen) \ A communication from representative Endeavourers at Mussoorie, was read, recommending that between the Y. P. S. C. E. and the Epworth League there be the following bonds of Union or agreement (1) a joint advisory committee (2) uniform prayer meeting topics. ‘This had been referred to the Executive Council of the C. E. and their secretary had communicated with the General Secretary of the Epworth League, proposing a meeting of representatives of the Executive Committee of the Christian Endeavour and of the Epworth League. ‘The above sug- gestion was approved and the following committee appointed: Dr. Parker, Revs. R. Clancy, J. W. Robinson, W. A. Mansell, Mrs. Denning, Revs. J. Culshaw and F. W. Warne. Resolved, that we adopt the International Bible Readings as the daily readings for the Epworth League. Resolved, that the Committee appointed to confer with the C. E. executive committee be requested to arrange, if possible, prayer meeting topics harmonious with the I. B. R. A. readings. Resolved, that W. A. Mansell be appointed Vernacular Editor of Epworth League Literature. Resolved, that the committee appointed to publish the report of the convention be requested to include the necessary information for the League workers in India, and that J. E. Robinson, J. Culshaw and F. W. Warne be the Publishing Committee. Resolved, that the General Secretary be instructed to open cor- respondence with the officers of the Epworth League in America to arrange if possible a regular supply of Epworth Heralds free of cost for distribution among our Hindustani and other vernacular Leagues. J. W. Rosinson. W. A. MANSELL. Resolved, that we express our enjoyment and appreciation of the music given during the convention, and our thanks to to all who have contributed to the success of this part of the programme, especially do we desire to express our thanks to Mr. J. S. Derrick for his kind and efficient services in training and leading the choir. EK. W. PARKER. J. W. Rosinson. E. W. PARKER, F. W. WARNE, President. Secretary. LES‘O1 ee 9&T aE “IV.LOJ, FIGE “rolun ¢ ‘810q -mleyy FO ae) ory J ~ on 10 9GT Yan) ie} st ANNAN N SHON NR Ate 186 ~ bo cO s MNS HOD OOO NN OD BAM 2 OAH NOMNOHNDNOIQOOWAHHEA “1OLUN f*|"-101U9G “101NEG ‘s.10q ‘ON|-Meyy JO “ON "sonduOrT 7° “ON ———_— a cs Te0L puriy Jorjstq, e10desulig—'u0y molear Hi BIsKB]e I eee eee “QOLI]SIC] SOOULAOI [RI]UAD “qorysiq Avquog eee JOIST, BqINI/eO JOE EI CS OUILT qouuysiqy BMuNng JOLYSIC josUVeY—"UOH BUTINg- jesueg JOISIC. SVIPe JOlysiq( yns00 Tq qoujsiq fuvssey JOLNySIq e10odumey JOLYsIg 1yRyspuryng POLS CEP ed eu sity yolysiq oseculy 46 66 JOINS PEquIopley — "00H eIpUy INOS qouysiq, e11oossn]q, 66 oc JOUysIq. BIS Y—'U0H ipl Baas Ni Jolysiq andeyig JOLIISIT [eQquieg St oe Lee FOU FLG UPTO JOLIISI PUepLI0O yOlysiq, UowWIN yy qoLysiq, Bpuor) VOUS [BMYIEL) yourjsiq, A[jlaivg —‘a09 pay UMON “6 “ gouystq yesofnxy—"u0g Avquog "JOLI4SI, FO oulRN eee OM IDEAS a) ht emule MM ‘A UOSyHOr (? ‘H BUG uosuqoy “Wf opi) “SD suryt "TM [Josue uosME'T 'O “£ uvqy] ‘YH esvoq “S'S ee Tigl 16) eee four|9 ‘7 eVZNOGep “M “O "93008 “H “f£ uos{IA\ “LL ‘d suring “A uoWO]OS *V [suey “V “AM elowmsse “HL sop mousy “S **" 310100 “M "HID Hf ioyivd “MY uosuyor "Ss VL eus04sg ‘d esvel gy “Wd — —_—— — ——————- “OUIVN BL. od "“SOTVISTISIS onseo’y] qyzomMmday CONSTITUTION FOR LOCAL CHAPTERS OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. As revised by the Board of Control, at Cleveland, 1892. ArticLtE I. NAmeE.—This organization shall be known as_ the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church of. , and shall be subordinate to the Quarterly Conference of said Church, and a Chapter of the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church. ARTICLE II. Obyecr.—The object of the League is to: pro- mote intelligent and vital piety in the young members and friends of the Church; to aid them in the attainment of purity of heart and in constant growth in grace, and to train them in work of mercy and help. ArTICLE II]. MempersHip.—r1. Members shall be constituted by election of the Chapter, on nomination of the President, after approval by th» Cabinet. 2. The pastor shall be ex officio a member of the Chapter and the Cabinet.* ARTICLE IV. DEPARTMENTS.—The work of the League shall be carried out through six departments, as follows: 1. Department of Spiritual Work. 2. Department of Mercyand Help. 3. Department of Literary Work. 4. Department of Social Work. 5. Department of Correspondence. 6. Department of Finance. The distribution of work under each department shall be as follows : I. Department of Spiritual Work.—This department shall arrange for the regular prayer-meetings of the Chapter. It may also plan special revival meetings, and neighbourhood out-door and cottage services, and the like. It shall look after the spiritual welfare of the members of the chapter, inviting those who are interested to join the classes of the Church. It may conduct children’s prayer- meetings, or devotional meetings for special classes of persons, as sailors, railroad men, etc. It shall help the superintendent in building up and strengthening the Sunday school. It shall also endeavour to interest the young people in the missionary enterprise of the Church. To it shall be committed all the evangelistic and * Wherever a Chapter so decides, there shall be two classes of members active and associate. Active members shall, in addition to election, as provided in section 1, subscribe to the following pledge : I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can to help others attain, the highest New Testament standard of experience and life. I will abstain from all those forms of worldly amusement forbidden by the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so far as possible, the religious meetings of the Chapter and the Church, and take some active part in them. In such cases, active members only shall be eligible to election as officers of the Chapter. Associate members shall be entitled to all other privileges of membership. (25) devotional activities of the Chapter. Where the work of the League is so divided that the different departments interweave their efforts, the department of Spiritual Work shall arrange for the devotional services in sociables, lectures, and all such meetings. II. Department of Mercy and Help.—This department - shall arrange for the systematic visitation of the members of the Chapter, the sick of the neighbcurhood, the aged, and new comers to the community. It shall interest the League in the charities of the place and plan to give aid when needed. It shall have charge of temperance work, social purity work, tract distribution, and the like. All kinds of charitable work, when undertaken by the Chapter —such as visiting hospitals, nursing, distributing flowers, — starting industrial schools, running employment bureaus, coffee-houses, day-nur- series, etc.—shall be under its care. Ill. Department of Literary Wook.—It shall be the aim of this department to encourage the study of the Scriptures, to instruct the membership of the Chapter in the doctrines, polity, history, and present activities of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the other denominations of the Church universal, and to give stimulus and’ direction to general Christian culture. It shall have charge of all courses of reading and study pursued by the Chapter. It may open, whenever practicable, libraries, reading-rooms, art-rooms, night- schools, and the like. It shall arrange for lectures and_ literary gatherings, when members of the Chapter and others shall present essays, papers, talks, debates, etc. It shall endeavour to extend the circulation of the books and papers of the Church, and do what it can to quicken the intellectual life of the members and the community. LV. Department of Social Work.—TVhis department shall be on the outlook for new members, and be ready to receive them and introduce them at all meetings of the Chapter. It shall have charge of the social part of all gatherings. The music of the Chapter and its entertainments, ot er than the literary programmes shall be under its care. It may provide flowers for the pulpit, ushers when needed, and attend to procuring badges, emblems, banners, decora- tions, etc., and be the custodian of all such effects belonging to the Chapter. Picnics, excursions, and the like shall be under its care. V. Department of Correspondence.—Vhis department shall keep a cmplete record of the membership, of all the meetings, and of all courses of reading and study pursued by the Chapter. It is desirable t' at it sends reports of its meetings to local papers. Also, that it keep copies of all programmes, newspaper and other notices of its affairs, and all memorabilia relating to its doings. It may carry on correspondence wit!: absent members and other Chapters, and read the replies at the meetings of the Chapter, as the Chapter may order. It shall conduct all correspondence with the central and district offices, and be the custodian of all the records of the ( 26%) Chapter. By it members in good standing shall be recommended to other Chapters. VI. Department of Finance-—This department shall present to the Chapter plans for meeting the financial needs of the Chapter. It shall collect all dues and receive all moneys, disbursing them as the Chapter may direct. All matiers involving an expenditure of money shall be referred to it for consideration before the final action of the Chapter. ARTICLE V. OrFicers.—1. The officers shall be a President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Fourth Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 2. The President, who shall be a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, shall be elected by ballot on a majority vote. The other offlcers, who shall be members of the Methodist Episcopal, or some other evangelical Church,* shall be elected in the same manner. 3. All officers must be approved by the Quarterly Conference or the Official Board. 4. After approval by the Quar’erly Conference or Official Board, the names of the officers, with their addresses, shall ~ be promptly forwarded to the central office of the Epworth League. 5. The officers shall perform the duties usually assigned to such officers. They shall also, in the order named, beginning with the First Vice-President, represent and have charge of the departments of Spiritual Work, Mercy and Help, Literary Work, Social Work, Correspondence, and Finance. They shall, together with the President and Pastor, constitute the Cabinet of the Chapter, aiding the President as he may request. 6. For the purpose of enlisting all in the work, and rendering it more effective, the Cabinet shall assign each member to at least one department of work. Each cabinet officer shall name to the Chapter a committee of from three to five members, for the management of his department, the officer being ex officzo chairman. 7. It shall be the duty of the Cabint to organize a Junior League under the control of a Superintendent, to be appointed by the pastor. The Superintendent shall be a member, ex officio, of the Cabinet. ArTiIcLe VI. Mrertincs.—The Chapter shall hold a devotional meeting on ——evening of each week, to be led by one of the members of the Chapter, under the direction of the committee on Spiritual Work. Other meetings shall be held as the Cabinet may arrange for them. ARTICLE VII, By-Laws AND AMENDMENTS.—The Chapter may adopt such By-laws, consistent with the Constitution, as may be needed. Amendments to Constitution or By-laws must be submitted in writing to the Cabinet, and when approved by it, may be adopted by a two- thirds vote of those present at any regular meeting. * Tn all those cases where the Chapter is divided into active and associate members, this clause should read ‘* who shall be active members.” Gen) CONSTITUTION OF THE JUNIOR EPWORTH LEAGUE. ArticLE I. Name.—This organization shall be known as the Junior Epworth League, and shall be auxiliary to the Epworth League. ARTICLE II. OrGANIzATION.—1. The Junior Epworth League shall have a suyerintendent, appointed by the pastor, who shall be ex- oificio a member of the cabinet of the Epworth League Chapter. The Department of Spiritual Work of the Epworth League is expected to assist the pastor and superintendent in carrying on the work. 2. Where no Chapter of the Epworth League exists, the Junior Epworth League may be organized, and shall be under the control of the Sunday-school Board. ARTICLE III. Opject.—The object of the Junior Epworth League shall be to promote in its members an earnest and intelligent spiritual life, bring them into membership in the Church, and train them in works of mercy and help. ARTICLE IV. MEemMBrersHip.—1. Members shall be boys and girls under fourteen years of age. Divisions in the membership may be made for purposes of greater efficiency. 2. Names of persons proposed for membership shall be given in writing to the secretary, and they shall become members when elected by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting. ARTICLE V. DepARTMENTS.—The work of the Junior Epworth League shall be carried on under the same general plan as that of the Epworth League. ‘The following is the arrangement of departments : Department First. Sprritual Life—The key-word Heart denotes that the first work of the Junior League is the development of true heart-life. The conversion of the children should be the purpose of every Junior superintendent. Plain and simple teaching of our doctrines and instruction in Christian duties will result in personal acceptance of the Saviour. Attention should be paid to ¢destemony. Let the children be taught to testify in their own way to their own faith, The same is true of prayer. Our Juniors should practice in public prayer in these meetings. The truest evangelism is personal work. Converted children. can do much to bring other children to Christ. ‘This is a most important part of the work. DEPARTMENT SECOND. Mercy and Help.—The key-word Hanp denotes helpfulness —a hand reached out to do good. ‘Tae Juniors are taught unselfishness. The measure of one’s ability to help others is the measure of his value in the world. ( 28 ) Temperanie work: By signing the pledge, by holding a monthly temperance-meeting, by circulating temperance literature. Tract distribution: By giving out tracts and religious papers. Visit the sick with cheerful words, flowers and offers of help. Missionary work: Vocal work helping in the Church missionary collection, and by doing some definite work, such as supporting an orphan in some foreign field. It is a good thing to have a monthly missionary meeting. DEPARTMENT TuHrrp. Literary Work.—The key-word Heap means @lellectual life and trainiug. Children should be taught that all knowledge is laid under tribute to the growing believer. There should be study of the Bible as a Book. There should be drill in the history of our own Church, in the “ten points” of doctrine, the catechism, etc. Our children should grow up intelligent Methodists. Literary meetings may be held with greit profit, simple rules of parliamentary practice taught, ‘and much done to secure correct habits of thought and a taste for good literature. There will be a /unior Reading Course, carefully selected with reference to the carrying out of this plan. DEPARTMENT FourtH. Social Work. The meaning is a life of dusy activity. Seeking new members: The children seeking the children to bring to them the inspiration of League ideas ; bringing especially to children of irreligious homes such influences as will help in all: their after lives. This department will have much to do concerning wholesome entertainments. The children must have entertainment. There will be room for much wisdom and experiment, but it is wise to take pains. First lessons are likely to be permanent. Music is an important factor in the work. Let the best hymns be systematically taught and committed to memory, and let good music be furnished for all meetings. Radges should be worn. Let all Juniors be taught their meaning and taught to stand by their colours. DEPARTMENT FirrH. Correspondence.—The key-word Pen means training in the keeping of records, and this is more important than at first appears. Writing to absent members will keep them interested and loyal. Systematic furnishing of all notices for the pulpit and the papers will be excellent training. DEPARTMENT SIXTH. FAinance.—The key-word is Pocket, and means the consecration of our money to God. No more important work can be done than to nightly train the Juniors how to save money in the years when discipline is needed, and how to gzve money in the years when habits are being formed. Give the Juniors information concerning our great causes. and teach them to give. The key-word is Feet. (5295s) Let the business natters of the Junior Epworth League be attended to in a strictly business-like way, and let the League learn to be self- supporting. ArticLe VI. Orricers.—The officers shall be an adult superinten- dent appointed by the pastor, who shall have general oversight of the work ; a president, four vice-presidents, a secretary, who, together with the superintendent and pastor, shall constitute the cabinet of the Junior Epworth League. These officers shall be elected by ballot by the members from among their own numbers at a regular meeting, and shall take their places in the order named. ArticLe VII. By-Laws.—The Junior Epworth League may enact such by-laws as it shall require, in accordauce with the provisions of the above Constitution. Modification of this Constitution may be made to suit the special needs of different localities. ‘“‘ Mission Bands,” ‘ Bands of Hope,” Girl’s Sewing Circles” and like societies, may become departments of the Junior Epworth League, The Constitution and Plan is to be worked wherever practicable. It will pay pastors and superintendents to take the trouble necessary to give it a thorough test. Wherever this cannot be done fully, let it be done as nearly as possible. Po SORA ad Bivens Rex to vq Il wine wad 3 wr ae | 1 ond Hes Migiay ee hw hy oars FERS : - 2) | Noth Pr ey fal Ba As pcs tend aT tne TERE! VEY Soke 11 dees 4 dS Dee Ae ! a, 5G. a Sig a he. bs! 74, 5 2 LOS POE cad Pay tay ats Wie Oh. PITS has SARS Ba eM Ee he i che Hey . Laas iwc. a> - ' : en B * . ct) A ot! eo RT 5 au Pe CE bie dtr i Pe , 4 PA ea. POS Sie belles chalh ky I) i nas > Pak: = se ss - - Fl 5 . S ‘ ai) + tet “ia i £4 rad "yy ah, Ae » bbs - _ whe ‘eee < boa wet F 3) fs i Hs Pe ei! 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