HE seventeenth annual convention of the

of New Jersey was held

on Columbus Day, October 12, in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Jersey City, Rev. E. E. Neudewitz pastor.

After the devotional services, conducted by Rev. G. H. Bechtold, of Asbury Park, the address of welcome was made by the pastor loci. Carl E. Thorbeck responded and expressed the gratitude of the delegates for the cordial reception and the hope that the benefit derived would be mutual.

President Thorbeck in his report stated that he had made a determined effort to secure the membership of more Leagues. His recommendation to secure the services of National Secretary Kuhns for one month was adopted. Secretary Kuhns at this point brought the greetings of the various State Leagues, whose conventions he had recently attended.

The question of district leagues was opened and a spirited discussion followed, and the resolution was adopted dividing the State into two districts, the lines of division to be determined by the executive committee.

National President Stoever addressed the convention and emphasized the necessity for more earnest prayer in our work.

The Rev. F. H. Bosch, of New York City, discussed the question of the Junior League, setting forth as its aims the education of the minds of the children and the redemption of their souls. The social side is too much overdrawn and should be minimized and be given its proper place.

The election of officers resulted as follows: Rev. G. H. Bechtold, Asbury Park, president; Miss E. A. Busch, Jersey City, recording secretary; Miss Emma Rothfritz, Asbury Park, corresponding secretary; Miss Gertrude Krais, Newark, statistical secretary; Miss Mary Sarstedt, Riverside, treasurer.

The question box, conducted by Rev. Kuhns, brought forth many helpful hints for successful League work, viz.: Business should be transacted quickly; League must have a definite propaganda; raising of money should be a minor consideration; pastors must have a living interest in the League.

President Pestke, of State League, of Wisconsin, presented greetings from the Leaguers of his State.

At the evening session the keynote of the convention was sounded: "Lengthen thy cords; strengthen thy stakes." Rev. G. A. Genzmer described the return of the exiles from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem. Few in number, with a great task before them, they were not discouraged or even self satisfied, but were intent on growing and expanding. So we too must enlarge our tents and extend our work. After the first wave of enthusiasm is over comes the ebb tide, which calls for increased effort and labor. Therefore "lengthen the cords; strengthen the stakes." Enlarging means that we must also strengthen, so as we grow we must give the new members something to do, something that is solid. They can get all the flimsy things in the world. Bring them into touch with Christ.

Rev. F. V. Christ took as his theme "Intensity," and showed how the men of intense spirit in all ages could turn the world upside down. Just as men are interested in spreading evil, so we should be intensely interested in spreading the gospel. Laymen should put this intensity in their work. All can be preachers and deaconnesses by serving the Lord with intense earnestness."

In point of attendance the convention was not very large, but the interest and enthusiasm of those present fully compensated their presence for a strenuous day's work.

If you would increase your happiness and prolong your life, forget your neighbors' faults, forget all the slander you have ever heard, forget the temptation, blot out as far as possible all the disagreeable things in life. They will come but they will only grow larger when you remember them. Obliterate everything unpleasant from yesterday, start out with a clean sheet today and write upon it, for sweet memory's sake, only things which are lovely and lovable.

"None of us ever forget self when we go away in the summer. Let us not forget the Church in our prayers, in our offerings and support, and in our deepest interests. Who forgets his or her Church at such a time has little thought of the Master; for the Church is His, purchased with His blood, and dear to Him as the apple of His eye."-St. Mark's Messenger.

E

VERY member of the Luther League will join in the congratulations we have to offer to our genial General Secretary on the completion of twenty-five years in the ministry and ten years of valuable service in the Luther League work.

In October, 1897, Rev. Luther M. Kuhns was ordained by the Pittsburgh Synod and has devoted a quarter of a century of his life to the cause of Christ in a way that has endeared him to every Lutheran in this land and in many foreign lands. He has worked without ceasing and most unselfishly in the young people's movement of our Church since the organization of the Luther League of America, in 1895.

We print below what was said in the REVIEW at the time of the General Secretary's election:

"At a meeting of the National Executive Committee, held in President Stoever's office in Philadelphia on November 15, 1902, Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, of Omaha, Neb., was unanimously elected General Secretary and accepted the office to assume the duties as soon as possible.

"Rev. Kuhns is not unknown to Luther. Leaguers. He has been a member of the National Executive Committee from the date of the organization of the Luther League of America in 1895 at Pittsburgh. Those who attended the first national convention remember with pleasure the manner in which he spoke for the young Lutherans of the West and all alike were most favorably impressed. He has been greatly interested in the work of the National League ever since and has realized with the officers and other Executive Committee members the importance of having a General Secretary in the field. After prayerful thought the national officers were convinced that Rev. Kuhns was the man to undertake this work, and he also realized the great opportunities and possibilities which finally led to the determination to give up his charge at Omaha and accept the call to the National Secretaryship of the Luther League of America.

"Rev. Luther M. Kuhns was born in Omaha, his parents being the late Rev. Dr. Henry W. and Charlotta (Hay) Kuhns. For generations the family on both sides have been Lutherans. His grandfather, John Kuhns, was

REV. LUTHER M. KUHNS.

Gettysburg, from which institution he graduated in '83. He received his theological education at the seminary at Gettysburg; was licensed by the Maryland Synod and ordained by the Pittsburgh Synod.

"In June, 1888, he was sent as missionary to Omaha, where he has enjoyed a most successful ministry. He is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church; has built and furnished two churches, and the congregation has today a splendid church edifice valued at $25,000 and, except a small loan from the Board of Church Extension, all out of debt.

"He has been chairman of the Education Committee of Nebraska Synod for a number of years, its Statistical Secretary for a long time, for twelve years secretary of the Committee on Traveling Secretary, for several terms secretary of the Nebraska Synod, and for three successive terms president of the Synod, the constitutional limit. He was the

CHAPTER III.

A STRANGER AT THE Meeting.
HE evening of the open session finally

T arrived and almost every member was

present, and a large turnout of the parents and friends. Paul was delighted. It was a far larger crowd than he had dared to hope for. The children marched in from the Sunday school room singing the "Rally Hymn" and took their accustomed places. A meeting was then conducted exactly the same as the afternoon session, up to the presentation of the lesson. Then Paul made a little speech to the parents, telling them of the object and purpose of the Junior League. He said it was a place of amusement, but to save the soul of the child. It was not to take the place of the Sunday school, or the church service, but to help supply the things not to be received during the short lesson of the morning hour, and to teach the child the history and doctrine of their glorious Church and faith. To make them love their Church, and create in them the desire for more knowledge, so, when they come under the pastor's care they will be anxious and ready to accept his instruction.

After his address he rapidly outlined the lesson and gave them a question drill on it, and some of the supplemental work which they had been having.

Helen and Ethel then delighted the members and their friends with a violin and piano selection, after which Dr. Carroll gave a short history of the organization of the League and paid a high compliment to Paul and his assistants. He then led them in player, closing with the Lord's Prayer, in which all joined.

At the close of the service all were invited to the basement, where the older members served refreshments, and all present were expected to enjoy themselves in the society of their friends.

Paul moved among the assembly, seeking out the parents and asking why this one's boy or girl did not attend and whether he could hope for their presence at the next meeting.

Among the people in attendance was a man who introduced himself as a Mr. Austin, from Portland. He was a prosperous looking, elderly gentleman, and seemed to be particularly interested in Paul. While he did not speak to him he watched his every movement very closely, and made many inquiries about him

and his parents. No one seemed to know Mr. Austin, but he made himself agreeable, and told Dr. Carroll and others, with whom he talked, that he was a Lutheran, a member of St. Luke's Church, of Portland, and deeply interested in young folks. He happened to be in their community on business, and learning of the open session, had come to see and hear what he could. He left earlier than the others, and when he was gone, Dr. Carroll told Paul of the questions asked.

Helen, too, had accidentally been near him on one or two occasions, and had been questioned in regard to Paul. Once Grace came to speak to her and Mr. Austin regarded her very attentively for a moment and after she went away had asked questions about her. Helen told him she was a sister to Paul, and then pointed out Dorothy also, and the three seemed to occupy practically all of his attention during the remainder of his visit. She also spoke to Paul of the interest which the strange gentleman manifested in him and his sisters, but they were all at a loss to explain it.

So many people congratulated Paul and his helpers on the successful work they were doing that he confidentially told Helen he "really was afraid he would need a new hat, and he did not know how he could possibly afford it," at which Helen laughed, and replied, "When you need a new one, I think it will be forthcoming."

The evening was certainly a success, and was going to do more for the League than they had hoped, when they were in their most hopeful mood.

Paul, Dorothy and Grace walked home with Helen that evening, and as the two little girls went ahead comparing notes and telling each other about the happy time they had enjoyed, it gave the older ones a chance to have a private chat, which they were quick to take advantage of.

On their arrival home and the children put to bed, Paul told his mother all the events of the evening. When he came to the part of the stranger and the interest which he seemed to have in their family, she became visibly excited.

"What did you say his name was?" she asked.

"Mr. Austin. I did not learn his first name." "Where was he from?"

"Portland. He said he was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Why, what is the matter, mother?" Paul cried. Mrs. Cecil had turned deathly white and was breathing heavily.

"Nothing, Paul; nothing at all," but she clutched at her heart convulsively.

"You do not know Mr. Austin, do you, mother?"

"I once knew a Mr. Austin," she said faintly. "He was living in Portland, too, some twenty years ago." She seemed whiter than at first. "What is the trouble, mother? Let me bring you some water," and he ran and fetched her a glass.

"I shall be all right in a moment," she said, sipping the water. "It was all so suddenly told. What sort of a looking man was he? Did he speak to you?"

"No, he did not speak to me, or either of the, girls. He talked with a number of people, among them Helen Dahl, and Grace came to her while he was talking. He looked her over very carefully, but did not attempt to speak to her, and Helen then pointed out Dorothy, and she said he watched all three of us nearly the entire time he stayed."

"What did he look like?"

"He was a little above average height and finely built, with gray hair, smooth face, and looked to be about sixty years old and very prosperous."

"Oh, I wonder if it could be possible!" she moaned.

"Could be who?" asked Paul.

Mrs. Cecil did not speak for a few moments and Paul waited patiently for her to break the silence.

"Did I ever tell you anything about my Uncle Henry?" she questioned.

"Not that I remember, mother."

"He was mother's only brother," she went on, half to herself, "and I was his only niece. It appeared he could never do enough for me, and then he wanted me to do something for him-and-and-I could not, and thenand then-__"

She looked at Paul vaguely.

"And then he grew angry and said I was ungrateful. He was in a rage, beside himself with passion, or he would never have said the bitter things he did; and then-I went away, and I have never seen or heard a word from him to this day."

"What did he want you to do?" Paul asked softly.

"He wanted me to marry a man I loathed, and he was very unreasonable about your father, who was a good man. I knew some things about my uncle's choice, which I believe he did not. In going against Uncle Henry's wishes I gained his ill will. Years afterward the man was exposed and I think Uncle Henry learned to know him as he was, but whether he was still bitter against me I never knew. He was a very proud and reserved man, and could not own himself in the wrong very easily, but if convinced that he was really in the wrong, he would attempt to make reparation in some manner."

"If this was your Uncle Henry, what do you suppose he was doing at the League meeting?"

"There can be only two reasons: either he is desirous of seeking a reconciliation, or else it was purely accidental-his being in this town."

"But mother, you would not want to have anything to do with him, would you?"

"Yes, Paul, if he is willing to own himself in the wrong, and really wants to be friends again. He may be poor, or he may be prosperous. I do not know, and do not care as to that; but if he is lonely, if he is sad, we ought to cheer him as much as possible. He is getting up in years. He lost his wife and only child Marie long, long ago, and has lived alone ever since."

"But think how he has neglected you and forgotten our very existence, one might say. I never knew we had any relatives. Why have you never spoken of him?”

"True, he has neglected us; but what does the Master say: 'If we forgive not every one his trespasses.' You know the rest. If he is lonely, if he still loves us, we can surely learn to love him. I love him again, and you children love him as a long-lost uncle. I never told you, as it would only have made you feel bitter against one, who, perhaps, was really acting according to his best knowledge, and who is now afraid to ask forgiveness, lest he be refused. He knows how much he has wronged me."

"How can you let him know you are willing to be friends?"

"He will come to us. He is very proud and reserved, as I told you; but his sense of duty is strong, and if he once decides himself (Continued on page 26.)