I thought I would be," said Helen Dahl, who was filling the part of pianist and helper.

Paul turned to her with a happy face. “I am so glad you are," he smiled. "I was afraid you would find it dull, and after the first meeting desert us, and I scarcely knew where else to look for a competent pianist, and one upon whom I could depend."

"I like your opinion of me, Mr. Cecil," she smiled back; "you certainly seem to think me a brave soldier, to desert after the first encounter."

"Indeed, Helen," he explained, "I did not mean that as it sounded. I know if you promise to come, you will come; but your first promise was for one Sunday only; it was all I asked, if you recall, and then if you were pleased, I wanted you to come regularly every Sunday."

"You may depend upon me," she assured him.

He turned to his other helpers, Ethel Penn and Wilbur Rex. "What can I hope for from you two?"

"Every Sunday possible," said Ethel.

"I hope to be present every meeting," answered Wilbur.

"That is almost too good to be true," and Paul turned to Dr. Carroll again.

"It is no more than I expected," he said. "In fact, I should have been disappointed if any had answered otherwise," and he looked at the group of young folks admiringly. "I surely am proud of you all."

Dorothy and Grace were waiting for Paul. Aren't you going home with us?" they asked. "We are all going," Helen answered. "With us?" Grace asked.

"Oh, dear, no; not today, anyway," laughed Helen. "I mean we are all going, each one to his or her own home. Is that plain enough?" she demanded with mock gravity.

"Yes'm," and Grace smiled up at the older girl. "We would like to have you go, wouldn't we, Paul?"

But Paul did not seem to hear.

"I cannot go today, dear," Helen whispered. "Maybe I can come some other time," and she kissed Grace, and calling a merry "Good-bye" to the others, started ahead.

The rest of the party followed slowly.

On the way home Dorothy and Grace chattered like magpies, telling Paul how much they liked the League, and Dorothy said she would certainly try to induce as many of her little friends to come to the next meeting as

she possibly could, and she would remind every one of the members of the soliciting committee every time she saw them to do the same.

Mother, too, came in for a rehearsal of all the success of the meeting, and how grand Paul was, and how much they all thought of him, until Mrs. Cecil said laughingly: “If you praise Paul so much, you will surely make him vain, and then he cannot do good work." "What is 'vain,' mother?" asked Grace. "It's being proud," interposed wise Dorothy. Mother laughed again. "Does Grace know what 'proud' means?"

"Is it thinking you are better than you are because you have done something that some one else hasn't?"

"That is about it," mother answered. "Paul may think he is the only one who can have a good Junior League."

Loyal Grace shook her head decidedly. "Paul will never think that. He knows it takes the help of others to make it a good League."

"Good for you, Grace," cried Paul. "You are my friend always. Mother is only trying to tease me. She knows I will not get vain.”

Mrs. Cecil looked at him approvingly. “I scarcely think you will," she decided.

The next few Sundays saw a good increase in membership of the League, until the roll held fifty names. A large card was procured and the names written upon this, and at each meeting, as the roll was called, a little gold paper star was placed to the name, when the member repeated the verse. The children liked to watch the line of stars grow out from their

names.

The helpers continued to be very enthusiastic and the League progressed finely.

One Sunday Paul announced an extra meeting to be held during the week, in the evening, and all the parents and friends to be invited. They would have some special exercises in connection with the lesson, and afterward a social session. He wanted all the grown up people and parents to see what the League was, and give them an opportunity of seeing what they were trying to do for the children. Each member was to be sure and be present, and make a special effort to bring their parents and friends with them.

He intended to have something else, too, but this was to be a surprise to all who attended. The date was set for the following Thursday, one week.

(To be continued.)

ONVENTIONS! This has been the month of conventions. The cordiality of the welcome has been second only to the warmth of the weather. But the conventions. Wisconsin met in the First (Norwegian) Lutheran Church, Stoughton, Wis., Rev. M. H. Hegge, pastor. The convention theme was "The Word of God." The papers and discussions were excellent. Rev. F. E. Cooper, Milwaukee, preached the convention sermon. The General Secretary conducted a Round Table on "The Ways and Means of Successful League Work." Dr. Frick conducted a model Luther League. Prof. C. O. Solberg, Northfield, Minn., delivered an address on "The Man with the Open Bible." Through the kindness of the local League a reception was tendered the delegates and visitors on Tuesday, September 3, after the opening session, and on Thursday afternoon the local League again placed the convention under obligation by giving them a splendid outing at Lake Kegousa. Stoughton proved her well established reputation by her deeds of hospitality. May the convention bless her church and young people richly in all goodness as she contributed without stint to the comfort and enjoyment of delegates and visitors.

The eighteenth annual convention of the Luther League of Illinois was held in Bethel United Norwegian Lutheran Church, Rev. C. E. Tiller, pastor. This convention was most successful. The West Side District of the Chicago District League entertained the convention. The topic was "The Tools, the Worker, the Responsibility." The music was of a very high degree of excellence. The solos by Professor Reimemstadt, the Norwegian concert tenor soloist, were much enjoyed. Sunday morning was Young People's Day and sermons on Young People's work were preached in all Lutheran Churches of Chicago connected with the Luther League of Chicago. The convention sermon was preached by Rev. Gustav Stearns, Milwaukee. Rev. G. Keller Rubrecht, of Milwaukee, spoke on "What the League Demands of the Leaguer." The grand rally address was delivered by the General Secretary on Sunday afternoon in Bethel Church on "Men of Enterprise in an Awakening Church." Special manuals with hymns and psalms were used on Saturday afternoon. The Chicago District League entertained the convention at a picnic in the beautiful Humboldt Park and a

luncheon in the park pavilion. It was thoroughly enjoyed. There was nothing of stiffness, nor of the icebox climate in the fellowship of this convention.

Pennsylvania held its nineteenth annual convention September 10-12 in Zion's Lutheran Church. Rev. S. W. Herman, pastor. The topics discussed were very practical. "The Lutheran, the Church of a Positive Gospel," was discussed by Rev. Dr. G. J. Gongaware, of Pittsburgh. "The Luther League, a Promotive Agency of the Spirit of Our Church," was the subject of an address by Rev. H. E. Clare, Wilkinsburg. Rev. Dr. J. C. Seegers, of Reading, and Mr. W. C. Stoever, president of the Luther League of America, spoke on the second evening of the convention. The General Secretary spoke of the general work of the League and of the Albany convention. "The Responsibilities of the Lutheran Church" was the subject of an address by the Rev. Ellis B. Burgess. The fine musical program arranged by the local committee for the last evening of the convention was thoroughly appreciated. The reception to the delegates and visitors at the close of the first evening's session was much enjoyed and did much to promote the good Christian fellowship of the convention. The convention went in a body to visit the magnificent $13,000,000 State capitol of Pennsylvania which was specially illuminated for the convention. The rotunda under the main dome with its marble walls was a blaze of glory. This was one of the largest conventions of the year and was one of much interest, inspiration and instruction.

We had the privilege of speaking this month in the Lutheran Church of Cedar Rapids, Ia., the most beautiful English Lutheran Church in the State and which has the largest Luther League in Iowa. It was a Sunday thoroughly enjoyed in the work.

The General Secretary will attend the New Jersey convention and will join a committee from Albany, "a flying squadron," that will visit some twenty places in the Mohawk, Hudson River valleys and in adjacent parts prior to the national convention. Until after the national convention of the Luther League of America, address the General Secretary, care of the LUTHER LEAGUE KEVIEW, Post Office Box 876, New York.

LUTHER M. KUHNS.

in life's broad field the seeds of hatred, strife and sorrow. God hates lying and tells us that no liar shall enter the gates of heaven. We should pray constantly for God's help to keep from all forms of lying, and for strength to speak the truth at all times in the fear of God. II.-False Witness Against One's Neighbor.

The specific form of lying against which God speaks in this commandment is that of bearing false witness against one's neighbor. The fact that this particular kind of falsehood is fastened upon for condemnation is significant. Bearing false witness against our neighbor is the most frequent and most injurious form of falsehood; men rarely bear false witness in favor of others, it is almost always against them. It includes slander, calumny and all forms of misrepresentation.

The terms used in this commandment suggest the idea of a tribunal and of an authority with power to censure or to punish offenses upon which it is called to pronounce judgment. God in His dealing with men recognizes the authority and rights of government and courts of justice, and would have men obedient to them, as well as to Himself. So in this commandment we are not to bear false witness when we stand before the tribunals of men. But it is not before courts of justice alone that we "bear witness" for or against our neighbor. All of us may not stand before the judge on the bench, but all men come before the court of public opinion. It is therefore before the court of public opinion that we must have a care lest we bear false witness against our neighbor. Public opinion is able to inflict severe penalties upon those who come before it, and our witness concerning our fellows may send them to ruin and blast all the joys of life. How we should guard our words that we speak no ill of our neighbors. To do this requires the spirit of a true Christian and the help of our blessed Lord and Master. It will help us greatly in the keeping of this commandment to read prayerfully and carefully what St. Paul says of charity in our second Scripture lesson for this week (I Cor. 13: 1-13).

QUESTIONS.

1. Where in the Bible does God speak against lying?

2. What are some of the evils of lying? 3. What is the best aid to speaking the truth?

4. Why do men bear false witness against their neighbors?

By the Rev. William C. Stump. I. Loyalty-General Principles. Loyalty has wel! been defined as "The willing and practical and thoroughgoing devotion of a person to a cause," and a loyal man has been described as, first, "One who has some cause to which he is loyal; when, secondly, he willingly and thoroughly devotes himself to this cause; and when, thirdly, he expresses his devotion in some sustained and practical way, by acting steadily in the service of his cause." Worthy examples of loyalty are: The patriot, so devoted to his country that he not only lives, but is ready to die for that country; the man who becomes a martyr for the sake of his faith; the captain who is so devoted to the requirements of his position that he works for the saving of ship and passengers, when he is conscious of his own coming destruction.

The cause to which one is loyal may be good or bad. Therefore the selection of a cause to which one expects to be loyal is a very important matter. Left to unknown or evil influences, or to an untrained conscience the choice is apt to be evil. Ignorance, lack of enlightenment, is often the cause of a bad choice. No one will question the loyalty of Paul when he persecuted the Church. It is well known that his cause was a bad one, yet he, himself, later attributed the reason for his loyalty to such a wicked cause, to "ignorance, in unbelief." For the very fact, therefore, that conscience plays such a vital part in the selection of causes, the conscience should be awakened, enlightened, and instructed in harmony with the divine law. It is essential, therefore, to have "Our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

True loyalty, furthermore, demands pure motives. If a person serves a cause from wrong or selfish motives, he will desert the cause at the time of dissatisfaction. If, on the other hand, he serves the cause because it is. in itself, good, and is loyal to it on this account, he will not desert the cause, but will even sacrifice himself for it. It has been well said that "a loyal man serving his cause is not seeking his own private advantage." Causes for loyalty are objective. They are above and greater than self. The benefits of such loy

alty reach farther than selfish, personal interests. They go out to all who are involved, and to the good of the cause itself. "The cause to which a loyal man is devoted is never something wholly impersonal." It concerns others. Christ "came not to be ministered unto," nor to live himself, but "to minister and to give His life a ransom for many."

Loyalty may be falsely understood. The rich young man boasted of his loyal fidelity to the law, but when requested to do "that one thing more, he lacked the very germ of loyalty.

There is need of loyalty. It matters not what the cause may be, it pleads for loyal devotion. Paul was loyal to an evil cause, because he believed in his "ignorance" that he was doing the right thing. But after his conversion he became decidedly devoted to a righteous cause.

II. Loyalty-Specific Application of Principles.

Church loyalty means the application of the principles of loyalty to church work. And especially in that sphere of church work known as Home Missions are we bound together by those ties of "fellowship" which plead most earnestly for our devotion to a most worthy cause. And as "fellow citizens" and members of that one family, what a common cause we have. What a call for loyal devotion to a cause that is unmistakably good. But vast numbers of these "fellow citizens" are calling to us for help. Shall I say, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Yes, I am, and if I am loyal to the tie that binds me to that brother and "fellow citizen," I will be active in loyal service.

Leaguers, let us not forget the principles of loyalty. Let us remember that we must render practical and thoroughgoing devotion to the cause, from true motives. Let us remember our less fortunate "fellow citizens," who need our constant loyal devotion, our prayers, our loyal support.

Remember also that perfect example of loyalty. He was truly obedient and loyal in carrying forward His Father's cause to victory, although it demanded His death. He loved the cause for which He was sent. expressed an active and passive affection in the whole of His redeeming work on earth.

He

The cause of Home Missions is in need, and worthy of our loyal devotion. It contains high and noble ideals. It should be carried on out of love for Christ, which is the highest

virtue. There is in it that reciprocity of love, as stated by John, "We love Him because He first loved us." If we truly love Him we will be in love also with His cause; we will be devoted to it; we will be active in it; we will surrender our private self will in order to conform with His will; we will put down all selfish motives, and do, not as we will, but as He wills; we will be loyal to one of the greatest causes to which a man can devote himself.

20th Week after Trinity.

October 20, 1912.

My Neighbor's and Mine
(Ninth and Tenth Commandments.)
Exodus 20:17; I Kings 1:5-16.

Topic reviewed by Rev. Paul W. Koller. A well known commentator once said of these commandments: "This is a most excellent moral precept, the observance of which will prevent all public crimes; for he who feels the force of the law that prohibits the inordinate desire for anything that is the property of another can never make a breach in the peace of society by an act of wrong to any of even its feeblest members." There is no doubt but that his observation is perfectly true; for the spirit of covetousness does lie at the root of the breaking of all the commandments that touch our fellow men. "Thou shalt not covet" prohibits the very source of murder, adultery, theft and slander.

The importance of these two commandments closing the Decalogue is often not appreciated by us. We are conscious of the evil of theft and murder, but "to covet" does not seem to be a very serious matter. But it is serious, not only for us, but for our fellows. We will have learned something worth while this week if our study brings us to a deeper appreciation of the sin and danger of covetousness.

These commandments are fundamental in character, for they deal with a man's inner life and with the motives that contro! his actions. They show us, too, that God can recognize as true only heart service to man, as to Himself. I-The Field Covered.

The range of the prohibitions of these commandments is very wide. While they only seem to designate a limited number of things, namely, a man's material possessions, his family, his household and his "live stock," ye! the comprehensive character is clearly shown by the last clause, "anything that is thy neighbor's."

Individuals, as well as nations, violate this law. "It is violated by the ambition which