to remain the property of the State League. 3d: That a seal be procured by the incoming State Executive Committee to be used for all official communications and membership certificates. 4th: That the action of the State Executive Committee in having the new constitution printed be ratified by the Luther League of New Jersey in annual convention assembled.

Miss Carolena Nolde, Treasurer, reported as follows:

Balance, 1915-16

Receipts, 1916-17

Expenditures, 1916-17

Balance on hand October 12..

$45.48 65.55

$111.03 56.28 $54.75 The Rev. G. U. Wenner, L. H. D., D. D., of Christ Lutheran Church, New York City, delivered an address on "Weekday Instruction in Religion," which was most comprehensive and inspiring. Dr. Wenner said in part:

Protestant Americans are in accord with the constitutional provision which excludes instruction in religion from the public school. What is the solution of the problem thus presented?

Some say: "The parochial school." In some sections of the country the system may be satisfactory. Figures prove that whatever advantages it possesses, only a small percentage of American Lutherans send their children to the parochial school. In New York, with a considerable number of such schools, the percentage of children in attendance is negligible. Others reply: "Our catechetical method." No one denies its value. But it cannot do for children of fourteen years in six months what should have been begun nine years before for children of five years.

Whatever criticisms we sons of the Reformation may have to offer upon the Roman Catholic system, one thing we must acknowledge: they have never overlooked the value of a child. Nor should we forget that the founders of modern education were the Lutheran Reformers who gave a prominent place in their program to the suject of weekday instruction in religion.

The movement now in progress in America, initiated by the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, looking toward the use of methods by which the churches may be able to give to their children such teaching and training as will fit them to meet the requirements of the spiritual life, is one that deserves and needs the special support of the members of the Luther League, upon whom we shall have to depend to a large extent for the personal support that will be needed.

A recess was then taken, when the conventioneers repaired to the basement of the church, where an excellent luncheon was served by the Ladies' Aid Society of the local church.

Second Session, Saturday Afternoon The report of the Extension Committee was then rendered through the Chairman, Rev. F. C. Krapf, as follows:

Of the 132 more or less Lutheran congregations in New Jersey it was considered that about 80 were open to any consideration of an appeal to unite with the State League. Among these 80 congregations our work was carried on. On an average 20 societies were assigned to each of the members of the committee.

With the initiative very largely of the president, and with our co-operation, applications very early were sent to the Executive Committee from the Young Men's Lutheran Society of St. Matthew's Church. Hoboken, and the Luther League of the Church of Our Saviour, Trenton.

We draw attention also to the fact that by virtue of its union with the Northern District, it would

be proper to recognize the connection also with the State League of the Society of St. John's Church, Newark.

An application, properly filled out and with the fee accompanying it, is at hand from the Young People's Society of Christ's Church, Jersey City, Rev. John Kopp, president. We recommend its reception.

We believe the following things are worthy to be kept in mind for future representation of the Extension Committee: The establishment of a consistent attitude to the principle that by uniting with a District League the respective Local League is virtually received as a member also of the State League. That, if posible, the program of our State League conventions be so arranged that more time be allowed for special discussion of committee work, as much in the way possibly of efficiency conferences. The following societies were officially received into membership by a rising vote:

Young People's Society, Christ Luther-
an Church, Jersey City.

Luther League, St. John's Lutheran
Church, Newark.

Luther League, Church of Our Sa-
viour, Trenton.

Young Men's Lutheran Society, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Hoboken.

Mr. H. H. Schnepel, Statistical Secretary, reported as follows:

Local Leagues, 17; District Leagues, 2. Local Leagues that reported, 14; Local Leagues not reported, 3. Membership, 433. Northern District, 7 Leagues Southern District, 4 Leagues; not a member of the District League, 3.

Junior Luther Leagues-Three Leagues have Junior Luther Leagues. Membership of the Junior Luther Leagues, 100.. One League has a Young People's Society. One League has a Lutheran Guild.

Boys' Society-Six Leagues have Boy Scouts. One League has Knights of Luther. One League has Junior Mission Society. Five Leagues have no boys' societies.

Girls' Society-Two Leagues have Camp Fire Girls. One League has Young Ladies' Society. One League has Girls' Friendly Society. One League has Girls' Guild. Eight Leagues have no girls' societies.

Eight Leagues' offerings for local work, $62.59. Five, no report. Three Leagues' offerings for benevolence, $43. One Young People's Society for local work, $25. One Young People's Society for benevolence, $10.

The Auditing Committee reported that they had audited the State Treasurer's accounts and had found them correct. The report was adopted and the committee dis-charged with thanks.

The Nominating Committee then reported the following:

President, Dr. W. P. Steinhaeuser, Asbury Park.

First Vice-President, W. H. Fiedler, Atlantic City.

Second Vice-President, Anthony Lar-
son, Perth Amboy.

Recording Secretary, Miss Louisa
Schindler, Camden.

Corresponding Secretary, Miss Caro-
lena Nolde, Riverside.

Statistical Secretary, H. H. Schnepel,
Orange.

Treasurer, Miss Blanche Davis, Riverside.

Member of Executive Committee for one year, W. H. Mahlow, Trenton. The Recording Secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for the convention and they were declared elected.

The report of the Committee on Resolutions was presented by the chairman, Rev. H. L. Y. Seyler.

Your committee begs leave to submit the following resolutions for consideration by this convention: Resolved:

1st. That the Luther League of New Jersey express by a rising vote of thanks its heartfelt appreciation for the reception and hospitality extended them by the Luther League of the Church of the Atonement, Asbury Park.

2d. That the Luther League of New Jersey in convention assembled sends its united thanks to Dr. William James Heaps, for the loan of his border cut used on our membership certificate.

3d. That the Luther League of New Jersey extends a vote of thanks to Mr. Clarence W. Smith for printing one hundred copies of the Luther League Rally Hymn for use of this convention free of charge. 4th. That the Luther League as a State organization keep in touch with its military members either through the corresponding secretary or some scheme to be devised by the convention.

5th. That we endorse the proposed merger of the general bodies of the Lutheran Church in America and pray for its speedy consummation.

6th. That the Executive Committee be charged with the duty of gathering before December 31, 1917, the balance of the Jubilee Fund apportioned to the Luther League of New Jersey and transmit the same to the Treasurer of the Luther League of America through the State Treasurer.

Report on State President's Address

We compliment the State President on his complete report along constructive lines and also on his efficient year's work as President of the Luther League of New Jersey.

1. That societies be not obligated to defray the expenses of their delegates overnight at the State conventions.

2. That all local and district Leagues be requested to remit their annual dues on or before September 1 of each year, as provided by the new constitution in order that the State Treasurer may be able to close her books and make a complete report at the annual conventions.

3. That membership contests be conducted by local Leagues as well as district Leagues in order to increase our ranks very materially during the coming year.

4. That Leagues affiliated with the Luther League of New Jersey owing two or more years' back dues have them remitted. (Referred to the Executive Committee.)

5. That corresponding secretaries of local and district Leagues furnish the State President with quarterly reports concerning their activities in order that he may be informed at first hand about the work in general.

6. That each local and district League when electing officers send their names and addresses to the State President and also to the State Stastistical Secretary at once.

7. That each League report at the next convention what books they have read.

8. That Model Luther League Meetings be exemplified at the next conventions of the Northern and Southern District Leagues in order that a better understanding be obtained concerning the right conduct of such meetings.

9. We recommend that the Executive Committee prepare statements of resolutions to be sent out by the State President.

10. That the president of the Northern and Southern District Leagues meet with the State President once a year for advice and counsel.

11. That all local Leagues be urged to purchase copies of the new Luther League Handbook when published.

12. That hereafter all State officers and members of the State Executive Committee attending the annual conventions have their railroad fares paid from the State League treasury. (Referred to the Executive Committee.)

13. That local Leagues elect a representative to the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW whose duty it shall be to solicit subscriptions as well as to send in items of news from time to time.

14.

That local Leagues closely situated be urged to visit each other and hold acquaintance socials. 15. That the district presidents visit each League in their respective jurisdictions at least once a year. 16. That the Corresponding Secretary and the Extension Committee co-operate in securing a revised and up-to-date list of local Leagues and their officers. 17. That more promptness be displayed by officers of local Leagues in answering correspondence from State officers.

18. That a seal be procured by the incoming State Executive Committee to be used for all official communications and membership certificates.

19. That the action of the State Executive Committee in having the new constitution printed be ratified by the Luther League of New Jersey in annual convention assembled.

At this point a most forceful and inspiring address was delivered by Mr. Harry Hodges, of Philadelphia, Pa., the General Secretary of the Luther League of America, who took for his theme "Luther League Problems."

A questionnaire followed this interesting address participated in by a large number of the delegates. This proved one of the most fruitful features of the convention.

Dr. Steinhaeuser, the President, made a few remarks, outlining the policy to be pursued during the coming year, and called upon all Leaguers to cooperate in making the year as successful as possible. He then presented the Luther League of New Jersey with a handsome gavel, to be used at future conventions.

The convention then sang "God Bless Our Native Land." Thus ended one of the most successful, interesting and inspiring conventions in the history of the Luther League of New Jersey.

"It is well enough to be serious, but relax at times. Even a machine is the better for an occasional rest."

"The wise employee does his work so well that he makes himself indispensable to his employer."

"Try to live better today than you did yesterday."

H'

EAVY snowfall had spoiled the skating, so the group of jolly boys and girls had adjourned to the Library, where, selecting books and magazines to suit their various tastes, they seated themselves in their own particular alcove. However, reading was soon neglected, for the question was raised, "What's on for New Year's Day?" All agreed that the last day of the holidays must be especially interesting. Some suggested parties, others a mummers' parade, while Bob Ellis declared, "A party with ice cream and fruit cake for me."

"No, indeed, Mr. Bob, we shall do something entirely different this year," interposed Jeanne Conway, leader of the crowd and the others exclaimed, "Tell us quickly what wondrous idea has entered that brain of yours!"

"Well," answered Jeanne, drawing her chair up to the table around which they had all gathered, "it's this-to make New Year's calls but in a different way than usual. We shall go out by twos and call on our teachers and every High School student in Alton. You know, our crowd is claimed to be entirely selfish and disinterested in everything but our own good times. Let's show them we can at least call on them once a year. What think you all?"

"Fine!" "Splendid!" "Great!" cried the others delightedly. "But just how shall it be done?" they questioned.

"Oh, friends and fellow students," said Jeanne, "if you favor the idea you must plan to carry it out."

"We'll do it," laughed the rest, and therewith fell to planning. Few persons were coming to the Library this stormy day and so Miss Nelson, the librarian, did not check the forbidden talking. At last, after much discussion, a plan was devised. They decided to go by twos, each couple to draw an equal number of slips of paper containing names of all the students, the names drawn being those on whom each couple were to call, extending greetings from the crowd. "And," added Jeanne, "all meet at four o'clock at the square, go to Professor Bowers' for our final call and then come to my home for dinner and to spend the evening. Mother said I might invite you."

Delighted exclamations and a speedy acceptation met this announcement and then they decided that the slips should not be drawn until one o'clock on New Year's

afternoon. But at this point Anna Ellis objected, saying, "There is one person I refuse to visit even though I draw her name. and that is Ellen Murray. She is the most uppish, standoffish girl I ever saw. She never came to my home even when I invited her and I'll not go to hers. So there," and Anna tossed a magazine to the tabl in very apparent disgust.

"Anna, please don't spoil the fun," begged Mary, but Betty said, "Well, it is true. Ellen never has done a single thing or gone to one place we've asked her and she's lived here almost four months now. Coming from the city, she probably thinks she is too good for us. I say, let her out."

Other comments followed and Ellen's aloofness was roundly scored. Jeanne, however, remonstrated, saying "Perhaps she has some good reason. I've heard that some one is ill at her house and maybe she has to help. Ellen Murray is the brightest student in High School and I don't believe we know her well enough to judge her."

"That may be, Jeanne Conway, but I'll not go there and that settles it," declared Anna emphatically. The question did, indeed, seem settled until a happy thought came to one of the girls.

Let's

"I know," she cried. "Every afternoon about four o'clock Ellen goes down Berry street. Dear knows where she goes, I don't, and don't care either! New Year's Day will probably be no exception. watch from Professor Bowers' and when she leaves the house hurry over there and extend our greetings to whoever comes to the door. No doubt Ellen will be glad just to know we've been there."

The suggestion was received hilariously. Jeanne was forced to consent to it, but Anna declared, "Don't count on me for the greetings."

"Anna, hush!" remonstrated her brother "somebody might hear you."

"If books have ears-yes-and Miss Nelson is over at her desk."

But somebody did hear, and somebody bent her head and brushed away the tears, for that somebody was Ellen Murray herself. "Standoffish" and "proud" was she? No wonder they no longer wanted to include her in their merrymakings. But then they did not know! With head erect now, though tears still dimmed her eyes, Ellen turned away from the bookshelves which separated her from the others, slipped

through the side door out into the falling snow and hurried home.

The storm lasted but the night and the remaining days of vacation were spent in winter sports-days which sped all too swiftly by. The New Year was announced by the ringing of every bell and the blowing of every whistle in the little town of Alton.

One o'clock of New Year's Day the crowd assembled, drew the slips, read the names and proceeded on the series of calls, meeting again about four and going to the home of Professor Bowers.

Anna watched at the window. Soon the others noticed her eyes gleam with satisfaction and knew that Ellen had left the house. Quickly they reassured their principal of their hearty good wishes and hurIried down the street. At the Murray home they stopped. Jeanne rang the bell. The door opened and there, to their utter astonishment, stood Ellen.

The boys and girls alike were speechless Before even Jeanne recovered from her surprise Ellen, smiling and with eyes sparkling, greeted them with "A Happy New Year to you all." Then she invited them in. Jeanne, leader of the crowd, advanced, the others following slowly. There seemed nothing else to do. They were ushered intc a most delightful living room and Ellen was urging them to sit down and stay with her a while. As Tom Bender exclaimed later, "If I had not sat down I would have fallen over from heart failure, for whoever heard of one person being in two places at one time?"

Ellen proved herself a charming hostess and if anything seemed queer about the almost silent group she allowed it to pass unnoticed. Mrs. Murray was equally lovely and after welcoming the young folks left them, to return shortly with hot chocolate, cake and candy. Soon, the restraint being broken, the crowd were gaily telling Ellen of their afternoon's calls.

In the course of the fun a peculiar sound was heard. Looking up the young people saw a wheel chair in which sat a boy no older than themselves. Surprise and pain flashed over their faces, but the boy wheeled the chair into their midst and greeted them quickly. "I'm Jack," he said, "Ellen's brother. And you are Jeanne, Anna, Tom, Bob and you see, I know you from Ellen's description."

Tom was first to speak. "We never knew Ellen had a brother." To which Jack made reply, "No? Well, I've never been keen on her telling. I don't get outdoors except on

the back porch-the chair is too heavy for mother and Ellen. And since you've never been here before you couldn't well know. But you are all so busy with your school work and good times, so Ellen says."

"Ellen's a dear and the brightest student in the school," replied Jeanne quickly.

"That's what I say," continued Jack, "but she only laughs. I don't know what I'd do without Ellen. After school she hears my lessons; rushes to the Library for reference work; then off to read to a blind woman; then home again to supper; and every evening we study together. She says the studying helps her and it surely does me because -some day, perhaps I can walk again and then I'll not be tagging along without knowing anything. Ellen is a regular helper," he said appreciatively, "but she doesn't have any fun with it."

"She will after this, though-that is-" stammered Tom, "if you'll let me come some evenings and study with you. I can't do it like Ellen, but that would give her some time with the girls." "I'll come, too," pu in Bob, and Ned laughed and said, "I'm no expert teacher, but I'll push that chair for you and get you outdoors to see the townif you'll allow me."

Mrs. Murray and Ellen watched Jack tc see how he would accept these suggestions, for since the accident he had been quite reserved and sensitive, but they rejoiced to hear him say, "Oh, boys, that will be great -and I surely thank you."

Jeanne walked over to Ellen and said, "And one afternoon each week I'll go read to Mrs. Barton." "So will I," said Betty, and Laura added, "I, too." Jack smiled and joyfully exclaimed, "Why, if you're all going to help we might form a helper's club!" Jeanne took up the suggestion at once, saying, "If we do we'll look to you and Ellen for leadership, but now we must go."

"But you'll come soon again?" questioned Ellen earnestly as she bid them good-by, to which they warmly answered, "Yes."

And often in the coming year the young folks gathered at Murray's, for with Jack as president of their newly organized AltonHigh-School-at-Your-Service-Club the Murray home was made headquarters, and many were the ways of helpful service the members found to render.

When, on the last day of the year they met at Ellen's and sat before the open fireplace, many were the reminiscences of the passing year. Suddenly Anna Ellis exclaimed, "Ellen, the year has brought me you and you have taught me the way to be unselfish, loving and helpful. I'm ever so