MARCH 31.

By Rev. Charles M. Teufel. General Truth-Jesus after He had arisen from the dead appeared to ten of His disciples. Thomas, another disciple, was absent. The ten naturally told Thomas about the risen Saviour appearing to them. Thomas, though loving these ten, refused to accept the fact of Christ's resurrection upon their statement. He insisted he must see Him for himself. Eight days later Jesus appeared again, this time when Thomas He directed His attention was present. to Thomas. He urged Thomas to make the most careful examination in order to be fully convinced. Thomas was convinced and earnestly acknowledged Him as his Lord and his God. Though Jesus humored Thomas' slowness to believe, He stated the more blessed person is the one who believes without seeing.

Point of Contact Seeing is believing with many people. While sight is not always dependable as evidence, yet the sense of sight does prove of great value. Usually it is sufficient to show the true state of affairs. So if one is shown a fact he usually accepts it as true.

Lesson Development-The resurrection of Jesus is the best attested historical fact we have. It is proven in very many ways.

The witnesses to it are of the highest character. Peter and John who wrote about it and spoke of it are among life's noblest and best and most truthful men.

Jesus' appearing was evident to different senses. Men's eyes saw Him. The sense of hearing heard His voice. The sense of touch felt the very risen Body.

The changed lives His disciples manifested His resurrection. For instance, at the time of His arrest (Mark 14:50), like cowards they forsook Him. Peter was a craven in the presence of a young girl. But when they realized Jesus was risen and had conquered death and the grave these disciples became bold, fearless men (Acts 2:32 and Acts 4:18-20). The conviction and belief in His resurrection accounts for this change in them.

Christ now lives in us (Gal. 2:20) and He is ever with us (Matt. 28:20). None of this could be true if the resurrection were not a fact.

Though we do not commend Thomas for his slowness in believing Jesus was risen, yet it has one good thought in it, namely, that Thomas wanted his own experience. So ought we to realize for ourselves that Jesus rose from the dead and is ever present with us. We need not the bodily presence to convince us, however, as Jesus has shown us the more blessed way (John 20:29).

Hints to Leaders-Find as many of the Scriptural references to Christ's resurrection as possible.

Locate the twelve appearances, among which were I Cor. 15:4-8, John 21:3-14, etc.

APRIL.

Springtime will soon be here. Now is the time to plan for some outdoor activities. You know your conditions best; so plan accordingly. Many suggestions will come from the Leaguers themselves if asked. At any rate enjoy this great work among the young people and do not allow the interest to lag. Inspiration is con

tagious. Be filled with it and something will result.

APRIL 7.

Why Jesus Performed Miracles.
By Rev. C. H. Shull.

Scripture Lesson-John 11:4, 40-42.

General Truth-The people who lived in the country where Jesus was born and grew to manhood were slow to see that He was more than a common boy among boys or a common man among men. They did not seem to see that He came from the Father and that He was divine as well as human and that He could do work that no other man could. But when He opened the eyes of the blind, made the lame to walk, brought the dead to life, cast out demons, forgave sins, they saw that He could do the work of God and that the glory of God was in Him and many believed on Him.

Point of Contact-We read our Bibles, pray, and are taught the truth. We have Christian parents, Christian teachers, we see that folks who believed on Christ, worship and serve Him. are different from others. We believe on Christ, see the glory of God in Him and need not that He should perform miracles before our eyes.

Lesson Development-Christ did not compel us to receive Him or believe on Him. If there was a sick child tossing in a fever, a blind beggar by the roadside, a hungry crowd, the joy of a feast interrupted: in these He found worthy occasion for a miracle.

The miracles of Jesus teach us that Christ is no alien or usurper but one who is in close connection with us and with all things. Christ is king of physical nature and can use it for His own ends. He uses vines, sun, rain, soil to change water into wine in every grape that hangs upon the vine as the sap ripens into rich juice. Out of sun, rain, soil, and a grain of corn He brings forth the full corn in the ear.

We easily see the glory of Christ's creative power, but to see the beauty of His spiritual truth we need to cultivate the higher faculties of the soul. Christ sits down with us as we feast on the good things which He provides and easy good nature becomes charity toward God and man; well used reason or good judgment becomes lively faith which deals with the unseen as with a reality; the natural virtues are transformed into their spiritual counterparts; and religion bestows a grace, an intelligence, an interest in life, a constant lofty aim which we sometimes enjoy without knowing the source.

Christ said: "Take away the stone." He used servants, waterpots, water, mud, the common things and common people of life to perform His miracles teaching us that we are coworkers with Him and may have part with Him in doing the great work unto which He was sent. We plant and cultivate and put upon the arbor the grape stalk. We plant, fertilize and cultivate the corn. We gather the grapes to the press and the corn into the crib but God giveth the increase.

We build churches, preach the Gospel, send missionaries, establish orphan homes, mother houses and hospitals. We are coworkers with God in transforming physical, mental and moral life, in caring for the orphan and the widow and the stranger within our gates; in alleviating suffering in the spirit of charity.

APRIL 14. What Our Church Did for Home Missions Last Year.

By Rev. C. H. Shull.

Scripture Lesson-Phil. 4:14-18.

General Truth-The gifts of the Philippians were precious to Paul because they expressed sympathy, fellow feeling, love. He reminds them of their former gifts to show his love for them. Paul was quite willing to receive kindness from the Philippians. The Philippian church, by their benevolence, indicated growth in sympathy, service and love above all the other churches of Macedonia. We know the promptness of their generosity from the fact that they gave gifts to Paul's necessity at Thessalonica, the city he visited next after Philippi. Paul did not seek the gifts on his own account so much as for the fruit that increaseth to their account, growth in sympathy, love, through the grace of giving. It is not I, he says, who received, but God. Giving to the servant of God is giving to God Himself.

Point of Contact-We make the afflictions of others our own by our gifts, showing the reality of our sympathy. We may relieve pastor and church officials from the necessity of urging us to give by applying ourselves and our money unto the needs of the church without being asked The Philippians had little; we have much. They had few opportunities; have many. Their obligations were small; ours are large. They did much; we do comparatively little.

we

Lesson Development-During the past year our churches of the General Synod paid into the Home Mission treasury about $110,000. We supported 270 missions in 29 states and one province in Canada. This seems a large number of missions and a large sum of money and indeed it is, but when we consider that the membership of our church is 350,000 it is only a fraction of what might be done and will be done if our boys and girls get into the habit of giving systematically and regularly to this and all other operations of the church. Let us pray extend thy Kingdom Lord in the spirit of our master and give as we pray.

The home missionary receives little honor and scant praise. He must be a hero; a self-sacrificing man to labor in the difficult home mission field. His salary is small and not always regularly paid. He often travels on long, bad roads, lives far from schools and other social advantages, often he does not have even the common conveniences of life. The city missionary may not have these difficulties, but he has no less hardships. Let our sympathy and our love go out to our home missionaries and their families in our 270 missions, and while we extend sympathy and love not to forget to give nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars toward this great work of the church.

APRIL 21.

the large factor in all His instruction. Never man spoke as He did. Men were astonished by the precious words that proceeded out of His mouth. Jesus knew the truth, for He was and is truth; also men, for He was the divine incarnate in man. He could and did present the right truth, at the right time, in the right way.

Point of Contact-Jesus touches the common things of life and they become charming. He speaks of the commonplace and it becomes interesting and gets our attention. We are led to know Him in His work round and about us and in our own lives. We learn of Him and our lives become interesting and get the attention of those whom we should bring to Him. In His round of every day work we appreciate our common tasks; in His patience we become considerate; in His love we become unselfish.

Lesson Development-Every boy and every girl is building character, for every act we do is getting us into habits which will make our character. Some are getting into habits that make the body weak for work, the mind slow for the problems of life, the soul feeble for spiritual service; others are getting into habits that make the body strong for labor, the mind alert for mental work, and the soul strong for God. Some are building character that will cost the country in jails, almshouses, courts and hospitals; others are building character that will take care of self, assist others and promote every good work.

In whatever character we build we move and live and have our being and do our work. We cannot get away from the results of our own life work. We are building a shelter to protect us or a ruin to fall on us. It is easier to get into habits than to break them. The habits we form while we are young usually go with us through life. Notice the care of Jesus in the use of body, mind and soul, and the carefulness with which He, the teacher of all teachers, instructs us as to the proper work for body, mind, and soul.

It is fine to attend Sunday School, League, and Church service every Sunday, hear the word of God and see how the truth applies to the things of today; better still to do the truth. It is fine to hear what the Church has done and is doing; better to have a part in doing that great work. It is fine to look at the report board and see the number of new pupils; better to have brought one in. It is fine to hear the League program rendered; better to have a part in that program. Hear the Word and do the Word and you are building upon solid rock.

Hints-Reputation is not always character. It is useless to pretend. Faithfulness has its reward. Faith without works is dead. There are practical ways for boys and girls to do the truth in life, home, Church, community.

APRIL 28.

The Lutheran Movement in England.
By Rev. C. H. Shull.

Scripture Lesson-Gal. 1:18-24.

General Truth-Paul did not think that his knowledge of the Gospel was imperfect; but he wished to confer with Peter to get his views. Paul heard all kinds of statements about Cephas, the leader of the apostles; he knew the large place Cephas filled in both Jewish and

Gentile sections of the Church. For the prudent shaping of his own course, as an apostle, it was important that Paul confer with Peter and find out his personality, principles and conduct. Paul labored with no information except by his own research and his own personal contact with Christ, yet thought it not unworthy to confer with Cephas, the leader of the apostles, and James, not an apostle, the Lord's brother. Paul is emphatic in asserting his independence of the twelve, but they who knew him as persecutor must also know him as an apostle. They saw Paul's conversion and his effective gospel work and the glory of God in him.

Point of Contact-The gospel works in each of us and shapes our principles, conduct, and life, independent of others, and yet we gain much by conferring with others and uniting with others in worship and Christian work. The unity of the gospel and the unity of our soul life is shown by the possibility of our unity in principle, conduct, and activity.

Lesson Development-In the years prior to the Lutheran movement, the leaven of the gospel was working in the minds and hearts of men of thought and heart power in England independent of what was going on in Germany, and yet when English and German thought and heart confer they are in accord. in salvation by grace. through faith and the word the only infallible rule of faith and practice. The translations and writings of Luther find good soil in England, give a mighty impulse to the Reformation movement, and become the dominating factor in that movement.

John Wiclif, who became divinity professor at Oxford, England, in 1363, declared the Word to be the only infallible rule in matters of faith, rejected prayers to saints, purgatory, transubstantiation, private confession and pled for a spiritual rather than a formal church. In 1506 Colet, of St. Paul's, London, expounded the word scientifically in divinity lectures. From 1511-1515 Erasmus, divinity professor at Cambridge, taught the Greek Testament to his pupils and prepared the way for the reception of the teaching, coming from Wittenberg.

The minds of many young Englishmen were excited in wishing for a better order in which every one might read the word for himself, and the individual conscience set free. Many Englishmen gave eager ear to the news that Luther had broken the silence and uttered the protest against Roman abuses in faith and practice. In vain did Rome try to stay the progress of truth, but it swept all obstacles before it. scholars of Oxford and Cambridge could not be suppressed. Thomas Bilney, one of these, meditating upon the New Testament, found what penance, torture and priest could not give him --salvation by grace through faith; he made his confession to Hugh Latimer, and Latimer the persecutor of Lutheran doctrine became the defender of the Lutheran faith.

MARCH 31.

"The Holy City."

Luke 19:41-44.

By Rev. Arthur T. Michler.

The young

General Truth-When Jesus saw the holy city He shed tears over it. And why? Because it knew not who He was. Consequently it would be overthrown amidst much sorrow and crying.

Point of Contact-Did you ever have something to which you became very much attached? Then did you ever lose it? You missed it and felt sad. Jesus loved Jerusalem and because of her coming destruction wept over her.

Lesson Developed-Jerusalem, the holy city, is the capital of Palestine. She is held in reverence by Jew and Christian alike. Here is where Jesus, our Saviour, did so many of His mighty works. The city is filled with holy associations.

Jerusalem is very ancient. Back in Abraham's time we read of a king, Melchizedek, a priest of the most high God, who met him on his return from battle.

In David's time we often read where the city is called Salem and spoken of as Zion. The city was built upon a table-land and surrounded by deep valleys. Jerusalem continued to be the capital of Judah after the separation of the nation into two parts.

The Jews were penned up in Jerusalem and were finally carried away captive into Babylon. Later they returned and rebuilt the city and the temple. Often they were attacked by armies. In the time of Christ, Palestine was a Roman province.

There were many beautiful buildings in Jerusalem, but narrow and dirty streets. The city. being located on three hills, was naturally of a somewhat rolling character which added to its attractiveness. Outside the city wall, for the entire city was surrounded by a large wall protected by turrets and battlements, the land descended into valleys, making Jerusalem a city set on a hill.

In addition to the temple, the grandest building in the holy city, towers were built by the Romans. One of these was named Hippicus, after a friend of Herod. The palace of Herod and Tower of Antonia were the other prominent buildings in Christ's time. Before the Palace of Herod or Judgment Seat is where Jesus was tried and given over to be crucified.

In Jerusalem. after Jesus' ascension, the apostles received the Holy Spirit. Here the church was born. From here the gospel has spread throughout all the world. About 70 A. D. Jerusalem was captured by Titus. Finally she came under the power of the Turks. Later the Mohammedans secured control unti! a few months ago when it was captured by an English army operating against the Turks in Palestine.

Hints--Poster-Sketch the tops of houses and domes of buildings to represent a city. above it in semicircle arrange word "Jeru salem" in letters cut from gold paper. Time of meeting at bottom. Invitation-Scripture verses concerning the Holy City and the New Jerusalem on one side of small card, notice of meeting on other side.

APRIL 7.

Missionary Topic-Behind the Lines.

By Mrs. E. C. Cronk.

A packet of leaflets containing fuller outlines of the twelve missionary programs prepared for Junior Leagues for 1918 and the leaflets called for, may be secured from Mr. Harry Hodges, General Secretary. 838 Drexel, Building, Philadelphia, Pa., for thirty cents postpaid. Additional helps for leaders, and story material for these programs will be given in Tidings, published monthly by Lutheran Board of Publication, Columbia, S. C., price 25 cents a year. (United Synod.) Lutheran Boys and Girls, published weekly by Lutheran Publication Society, Ninth

and Sansom streets, Philadelphia, Pa., price 40 cents a year. (General Synod.) The Lutheran Mission Worker, published quarterly at Literature Headquarters, 844 Drexel Building, Philadelphia, Pa., price 35 cents a year. (General Council.) For additional information about the missionary topics write Mrs. E. C. Cronk, Drawer 280, Columbia, S. C.

Suggestions for Leader's Talk on "Where Bettles Are Lost or Won"-The battle does not depend entirely on the men who are fighting at the front. The people "back home" have just as much and more to do with winning or losing the battle. The soldiers in the army cannot fight unless they have food to eat, and clothes to wear and munitions with which to fight. We have seen, all over our country, posters declaring "Food will win the war." The soldiers at the front are not supplying the food. That is the work of those behind the lines. Some one picked up the National Service Handbook not long ago and read the heading of the first paragraph in it-"An Army of One Hundred Million."

"Why," said she, "I thought that was about all the people we had in the United States." It is all the people we have, and that is just what Uncle Sam wants-every one of his people to stand together and make up his army. The boys and girls who save wheat and sugar and meat are in Uncle Sam's army, helping him to win. The people who give their money, and who cultivate the farms, and do the part given them to do, are the ones who fight behind the lines to win the battles.

In our missionary work, too, the victory depends on those behind the lines. Why do we not have Lutheran churches in all of our towns and cities? Do you suppose it is because our brave soldiers, our Home Mission pastors are not willing to work hard enough to build them? Do you suppose it is because there are no Lutherans in these towns and cities, and no people who are outside of any church who should be led to the Saviour? The trouble is not at the front, but behind the lines. Our pastors are eager to build churches and there are many people to be gathered in, but we do not furnish the money that is needed for the work. In our foreign mission fields people must be sent away from the Christian schools and hospitals because there is no more room. The missionaries are pleading with us to build more schools and churches and hospitals, but we are not sending them the money which will win the battle against darkness and sin. Think of what would happen in all of our mission stations if every member of every church was really a member of the missionary army.

To

Exercise. "Either-Or." Facts for this exercise are given in leaflet in the packet noted above. present this plea let one member represent the "either" side and another the "or." "Either" may take up a coin of the denomination referred to, look at it, while telling what it will do, and then pass it over to "or," after hearing what the same coin could accomplish on the other side. If there are other expenditures not noted on leaflet that come more within the range of your Juniors' experience, substitute them.

Conduct a discussion on "Things Boys and Girls Can Do to Win the World for Christ," emphasizing Praying, Studying, Giving, and Going.

Something to Do. Give to each Junior a list of missionaries and missionary needs for which special prayer is to be made. Arrange a mission study course in Bearers of the Torch, African Adventurers or some other junior text-book. Plan for regular and systematic giving to missions with special calls for special needs. Keep before your Juniors constantly

the call to missionary service. Many of the world's greatest missionaries made their missionary determination during the Junior period.

APRIL 14.

When, Why and How Should We Use the Bible. John 5:39.

By Anna M. Landis.

General Truth-God's Book, the Bible, has many treasures, and they must be searched for. Those who find these precious truths and keep them, have eternal life.

Point of Contact-Many boys and girls have been to the seashore and have loved to hunt for pretty shells. Other boys and girls have not been there, but they, too, have hunted for something pretty. The search in either case may not have been easy, but the result gave joy. God's word precious to all who search for the hidden beauties.

When shall we use the Bible? The Lutheran Church has always urged the training of the young people along the principles of faith. We are told that from a child, Timothy knew the Scriptures. The child cannot learn of itself, but the parents and teachers must make it their care to see that the boys and girls of the church are early taught to use the Bible and learn the precious texts, committing a number of these golden thoughts to memory. What is committed in early youth will stay throughout life. Many things may come into our lives to hinder our getting the knowledge of the Scriptures as we should, but if we in our youth have committed Bible texts, it will be a pleasure to repeat them as we grow older. Youth is the seed time, and if we sow well, we may reap a good harvest.

Why should we use the Bible? First, we answer, because it is God's Book. It is the Book of Life, and in it we can find the most beautiful stories of great men and women; of little children like Samuel, Joseph, Daniel, and, above all, the wonderful story of Jesus of Nazareth, who, as a boy, worked in Joseph's carpenter shop, and was among these children of the little village of Galilee. The Bible tells us how we must live if we would be saved, and some day go to meet our Saviour who has gone up to heaven to prepare mansions for all who love Him and are His true children.

How should we use the Bible? The Bible is not quite like other books. It is God's book, and therefore it must be used reverently. We must believe it, if we would be saved. There are so many bright, good things in it that we will all want to believe, and follow, and on the other hand, the Bible paints a picture of much sorrow and woe, and we might wish we did not have to believe these words, but as that is a part of life, we must hear it through God's word. There are many chapters in the Bible, and it would take us a long while to read it through, but we select memory verses from the Psalms, Proverbs and other sections of the Word of God, and in that way learn to know many precious truths. Luther, the great Reformer, found the Bible chained to the bookcase in the school which he attended, and he read it so much that he made it a part of his life, and the great Reformation was the result of his reading and his love for his German brethren, and his desire to set them free from the power of Rome.

Hints. Poster A Bible cut from black paper on a white card. Notice of meeting at bottom.

To make meeting interesting, have children before the meeting hunt up what great men like Webster, Gladstone, etc., have said concerning the "Book of Books." Have them report at meeting. Appoint one of the children to look up and tell about the work of the American Bible Society. Put up a chart with the inscription: "The Books of the Bible." Draw a large book-case, draw books in it, and write on these the names of the books of the Bible. Color each group differently. Drill the children on these from time to time.

APRIL 21.
The Life of Peter.

Mark 8:27-29.

By Anna M. Landis.

General Truth--"Thou art the Christ" was the great confession of Peter, one of Christ's apostles. Christ's love for this apostle causes Peter to throw off his sinful life and make this true confession.

Point of Contact-In our Christian country, our young people go to Sunday school and Luther League and have learned to know Jesus by name and they, too, can say, "Thou art the Christ," or Master.

The Story-Christ had finished feeding the multitude of people who came to hear Him preach, and after that he healed a blind man; that is, made him to see, and as He and His disciples were going along the wayside He asks the question, "Whom do men say that I am?" Now, dear boys and girls, Jesus, our Master, knows all things, and He really knew what was in the hearts of His people, but He wishes them to confess with their own lips. Peter, the apostle, who always spoke for the other eleven apostles, answered by saying, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God."

Peter the Apostle-Of the early life of Peter we know very little. As a man, we know that he was a fisherman along the sea of Galilee. This occupation, while perhaps having lots of hard work connected with it, was very interesting, and the life out in the open air was of great benefit to this young man. One day Jesus came walking along the seashore, and He saw Peter with his brother, Andrew, casting a net into the sea. Jesus never lost an opportunity of doing good, so He said to these young men, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." At first they did not understand just what Jesus meant, but the Bible tells us that they left their work and followed Jesus.

The Apostle's Love for His Master-One day, when Peter was with his Master, he said, "I will follow thee, even unto death." My dear young friends, Peter did not know what that meant, for Jesus was soon to die for the sins of the world, and this very apostle on the night of Jesus' trial, said he never knew his Master. Now this was a falsehood, but it was just as Jesus had said, that Peter would deny Him. This was on the night when the cruel people were trying Him, so that they might put Him to death. No sooner had Peter denied his best friend and Master, than he was sorry, and asks to be forgiven. Jesus is merciful, and we find that He very lovingly forgave Peter, and on the first great day of Pentecost, after Peter had made a wonderful speech telling people to love Jesus, a great promise was made to him by our Saviour, when He said, "Thou art Peter (mean

ing a rock, or a part of a rock) and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." Now this does not mean that the holy Christian church was founded on just one man, but on the great doctrine which he believed, namely that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Hints. Poster--A fisherman's boat, several fish or a fisherman's net sketched in black ink on white card, and the words: "Peter, a Fisher of Men," in black letters at top. Notice of meeting at bottom. Invitation-A small fish cut from cardboard, on back the invitation "Come, learn more about Peter. the fisherman who became one of our Lord's disciples, at Junior League, on, at —

APRIL 28.
Life of Andrew.

By Anna M. Landis.
John 1:40-41.

General Truth-It is not enough to be a follower of Christ ourselves, but like Andrew we should bring others to Him.

Point of Contact-Our boys and girls can find some children in their home towns, whom they can ask to go with them to the League meetings.

Story-John the Baptist had been preaching his wonderful seashore sermons, and among his hearers was a man by the name of Andrew. He was deeply interested in what the friend and forerunner of our Saviour was saying about the kingdom of heaven. After listening for a while he hunts up his brother, Simon, and saith unto him, "We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted (or explained) the Christ." The next day Jesus went into the city of Bethsaida. the home of Andrew and Peter, and there he found another man by the name of Philip, who also was anxious to become a disciple of Jesus. The beginning was only a small band of Christian people, but the good work which these humble fishermen did, spread; and today we can look back to those early days when Jesus spoke along the seashore, or from a boat out on the water.

The name "Andrew" in the Greek language means "strong man," and such he certainly was, as we read of his great faithfulness to His blessed Master. He was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for to him, as to all great, good men and women, it was the power of God unto salvation. Yes, he was strong because he was filled with the love of Christ, who can and will give us power to do many good things. He followed His Master, but he wanted others to know of Jesus, so he asks them to come along. He was following out the old but very true saying. "To be happy we must make others happy."

Andrew, like the other aostles, was a very close companion of Jesus, and he had learned much from this wonderful teacher. As to education, it is not likely that Andrew had much, because, in his day, they did not have the same chance as the boys and girls have now, but by being with Jesus he learned more than he could from books. Andrew's life along the mountainside and seashore taught him some wonderful lessons. He loved nature, and that made him a good, religious man, and was a true example of how others should live. Let us learn from him to bring others to the feet of Christ and there learn the true way of life.

Hints. Poster Several silhouettes of children carrying umbrellas, and below the verse: "In April there may be a shower, but get your umbrella and come for an hour---to the Junior Luther League meeting on

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