Now if the athlete will do this it is important that the Christian be just as willing to do all in his power to win the race that is everlasting. Now then what does this mean? It means that every one of us must learn early in life that unless we form the habit of controlling our appetites and desires, we will soon be unfit morally and spiritually to win the race set before us.

This leads us to a consideration of what we mean by the word temperance. In general it means right and proper use of all that God has given us to enjoy here on this earth. It carries within it this spirit--all things are lawful for me but not all things are expedient. God gives us richly the things of earth to use but if we misuse them we become intemperate.

From this thought we can readily see that we can be intemperate in a great many things. For instance, we can exercise too much. That is intemperance in bodily exercise. We can have too much pleasure and that is a very common form of intemperance-only it is not known by this name. We can work too much so as to overwork the body. This is intemperance also. Then we can eat too much and this is frequently a very common form of intemperance. all of our activities we are to be temperate in all things, so as to prepare properly to win the race of eternal life.

In

But the word temperance has come to mean a particular form of self-denial. With reference to drinking alcoholic liquids it now means the total keeping away from such a practice. It means--a non-use of all such things whether used in moderation or not. Now whilst our liberty as Christians does not forbid us from using wine and such things in moderation, yet because of the great misery and untold sorrow it has brought thousands of homes, it is the wise thing never to form the drink habit. Now let every Junior Leaguer note this and decide with himself never to be caught by evil men and persuaded to form the habit.

This leads us to think of the fact that only from the boys of today will the future drunkards come. No habitual drinker ever began with the idea of becoming a slave to the habit. He always intended to stop with the taking of such and such a glass. But the habit grew and soon became the master. It then finally ruined him, cost him his position and wrecked his home and family. If you never learn the habit you will never fill a drunkard's grave.

Point of Contact-Did you ever see a man reeling along the street, paralized with drink? Then did you think that he was once a boy and is some mother's son? How does his mother feel? Would you like him for a father? Why not? You can become like him if you want to, but never drink and be temperate in all things. You will then be best fitted to perform life's duties.

FEBRUARY 3.

Missionary Topic--Missionary Ships That Have Sailed.

By Mrs. E. C. Cronk.

(A complete packet of literature giving fuller outline of the twelve missionary programs prepared for Junior Leagues for 1918, with readings, recitations and exercises may be secured from Mr. Harry Hodges, Drexel Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa., for 30 cents, postpaid.) Suggestion for Leader's Introductory Talk— If a message is to be carried into all the world it must be carried not only on land but also across seas and oceans. Ever since Jesus gave

His message, ships have been sailing o'er the seas bearing the messages of the Cross. There is not an ocean nor a sea, nor a gulf in the world that has not been crossed by missionaries carrying the Word of God. The first missionary ships were the ones we read about in the Bible.

Bible Lesson- The ship of Alexandria which carried a captive missionary.

(Have this story told from Acts 27 and 28, which may be printed on blackboard or chart. The lesson may be given by one person or may be assigned to nine juniors.)

1. Prisoners Abroad (Acts 27:1-9). 2. A Storm at Sea (Acts 27:9-20). 3. A Prisoner Preaches to the Crew (Acts 27:21-26). 4. A Fourteen Day Fast (Acts 27:27-30). 5. Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Men Overboard! (Acts 27:37-44). 6. Ôn an Island With Barbarians (Acts 28:1, 2). 7. Saved from a Viper (Acts 28:3-6). 8. One of the First Mission Dispensaries (Acts 28:8, 9). 9. Departing With Honors (Acts 28:10).

SOME FAMOUS MISSIONARY SHIPS. (To be presented in three minute talks or papers)

1. "The Sophia Hedwig"-the ship in which the first Protestant missionaries sailed for India. (Secure material from the Story of Lutheran Missions, page 31.)

2. "The Hope." A messenger to Greenland. (See Story of Lutheran Missions, page 52.)

3. "The Candace"-Pastor Harm's mission ship. (See Story of Lutheran Missions, pages 61 and 135, and A History of Lutheran Missions, pages 196 and 197.)

4. "A Stuffy Little Two-Master"-the ship which brought Henry Melchior Muhlenberg to America. (See Life of Muhlenberg.)

If a longer program is desired and material is available add stories of "The Messenger of Peace"-John Williams' ship; "The Sarah Ann"-Dr. David A. Day's wheezy little steamboat, and "The Mission Day Spring"-John G. Paton's ship.

SHIP'S CARGOES OF WHICH CHRISTIAN LANDS SHOULD BE ASHAMED

(Suggestions for talk or paper)

Not all the ships Christian lands have sent to heathen lands have borne only missionaries and cargoes of blessings. Business firms in Christian America and Christian England have manufactured many of the idols worshipped in heathen countries and sent them over in large quantities. The rum and the whiskey which have been such a curse to Africa and other countries have been sent over in ships from Christian lands.

Now American tobacco companies are pouring tons of tobacco into China, Africa and India. After China has made such an heroic struggle to rid itself of opium, Christian America is sending shipload after shipload of tobacco in, with the slogan "A cigarette in the mouth of every man, Woman and child in China."

Prayer-Have special prayer for any missionaries now on the ocean. Pray that the ships sailing between America and non-Christian lands may be messengers of peace and blessing.

Service Plan for the Juniors to do something to make the trips of outgoing missionaries pleasant. A letter or a quotation may be arranged for each day of the journey, or a gift for each day. See that ships that are sailing bear from

your League, gifts of money and materials needed in our missions.

FEBRUARY 10.

"The Book of Books."

By Charles W. Fuhr.

Scripture Lesson- II Peter 1, 19-21. General Truth-The Bible is the greatest book in the world. It is God's message to us and tells us of His love and plan of salvation. It is the Word of God.

Point of Contact-Have you ever received a letter from father or mother who has been away from home for a long time? What did you do with it? Did you not eagerly read it? Here is a Book of messages (hold up a Bible). It is from our Father in heaven, and it tells of things more wonderful and of far more good to us than any letter father or mother can send. Lesson Developed-During the coming week the Lenten season will begin. It is a time when we should especially turn our thoughts to this Book of books, and learn from it again the story of the sacrifice of His dear Son Jesus. But first, let us hear something about the Lenten season. (Here have an essay by one of the members on "Lent and How to Observe It.")

Now let us find out a few of the many wonderful things found in this Book of books. One of these is how we ought to live. At one time, God gave ten rules of right living called Commandments, and as we all know them, let us stand and repeat them (repeat Ten Commandments). Now we will hear how these Ten Commandments were given to us. (One member to tell the story of the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai.)

Another of the wonderful things to be found in this Book of books is how the world on which we live came to be formed. (1) Who can tell where in the Bible we will find this story?

Another wonderful message is how Jesus came into the world and died for our sins. (2) Who can tell in what part of the Bible we find the story of His birth? (3) Who can tell where we will find the story of His death and resurrection?

Another wonderful story is how the Holy Ghost came from heaven and the church was established. (4) Where may we find that

story?

Our Heavenly Father not only wants us to read His Word, but He also wants us to speak with Him in prayer. We are told about this in this wonderful Book. (5) Who will tell us the story of the giving of the greatest of all prayers? (St. Matt. 6:9-13; St. Luke 11: 1, 2.)

(NOTE. Have members previously appointed to be prepared to answer these questions and if, time permit, to tell the story.)

Suggestions to Superintendent-A very interesting blackboard exercise might be made by showing the divisions of the Bible into the Old and New Testament and the groupings of books, as follows:

Take a few minutes of each meeting and follow this topic up by having them commit to memory a few of the books of each group.

LUTHER LEAGUE TOPICS

(Continued from page 30.)

that He ever failed to fulfill perfectly His holy law. He taught the need of repentance, confession and forgiveness, but He Himself breathed no word of repentance. He confessed no sins because He committed none. He spent much time in prayer, but He never prayed for His own forgiveness, because He had no sins to forgive. He was tempted in all points like as we are, but He always resisted the most vigorous and insidious assaults of Satan. Wonderful and impartial were the tributes paid to our Lord's holy life at the close of His ministry. Listen to the verdict of Pilate, “I find no fault in Him." Hear the importunity of Pilate's wife, "Have nothing to do with that just man." Consider the testimony of the dying malefactor, "This Man has done nothing amiss." Ponder the confession of the remorseful Judas, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." Think of the declaration of the heathen centurion, "Truly this was the Son of God."

Let us make the holy life of our Lord, who was meek and lowly in heart, our example. Not only did He live a perfect life, He has left us a perfect example. The saintliest characters have become so through following His steps. This Lenten seasons calls us to holiness in our conversation and conduct. "Be ye holy for I am holy" is His command. "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Because He was holy Jesus is qualified to be our Teacher, Counselor and Example. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and earnestly seek to possess our Lord's patience, His humility, His zeal, His obedience, His forgiveness and love. Pray much. Jesus never assumed to conquer Satan in His own strength. He prayed for Himself and His disciples that they might be kept from the evil.

If you long to be like Jesus you must alsc study the Divine Word. Acquaint yourselves with its teachings and doctrines and remember that it was His absolute holiness that made it possible for Him to die for others.

Bible References.

Luke 2:11; John 4:42; John 6:68; II Tim. 1:10; Titus 2:3-11, 12; Matt. 26:31; John 10:11-15.