Many are ready to plead, however, that society the incoming pastor will find an or ganization with which he is already familiar, and no time need be lost in making himself at home with the work of the young people. every valid argument for the maintenance of religious denominations applies with equal force to the maintenance of a denominational young people's society; and such a society need be no less fraternal or catholic in its spirit and methods of work because it is identified with some branch of the Christian Church. Many are the advantages peculiar to such an organization, one of which being that it is directly responsible to and is brought into close sympathy with the church where it finds a home. It also develops an intelligent denominational loyalty by courses of study in the history, doctrine, polity, traditions, and usages of the church with which the young people constituting its membership are identified. This is a distinguishing feature of the Epworth League. If it be worth while to identify young people with any Christian denomination they should be trained to intelligent loyalty. They need not be less zealous for the promotion of the whole Kingdom of Christ because they are prepared to give intelligent reasons for being Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, or Protestant Episcopalians. In the earlier days the sharp religious controversies rendered at least this service, the people were made acquainted with some theology and were enabled to give an intelligible account of the system of church government under which they lived. In our day when effort is made to dissolve denominational lines in order to promote interdenominational fellowship, there is an altogether too prevalent ignorance of any theology and of any form of ecclesiastical government. Bridget's lack of intelligent patriotism as manifest in her explanation that the Fourth of July celebrates the arrival of the Irish in America is no more serious than a kindred want of appreciative devotion to their respective denominations by Presbyterians who know nothing of John Calvin or John Knox, and by Methodists who are ignorant of John Wesley and Francis Asbury. Besides, frequent changes occur in pastoral relations. Readjustment is marvelously facilitated by uniformity of church machinery. Why should there not be one general young people's society modeled after plans thoroughly tested by experience and at the same time sufficiently flexible and adaptative to meet the needs of widely different communities? In such a denominational The Epworth League is the strongest denominational young people's society in existence and its growth has been phenomenal. Its history begins with the Oxford League, whose plans of organization were a product of the versatile genius of Bishop Vincent, and which were heartily approved by the Centennial Conference at Baltimore in September, 1884. The name Oxford referred back to the "Holy Club" in that ancient university where five young men called "Methodists" assembled for the study of the Greek Testament, and the League thus titled stood for the four ideas represented by that company of devout young men, viz., Intellectual Culture, Reverent Study of the Word of God, A Deeper Religious Experience, Methods of Practical Christian Work. Endorsed and supported by the Sunday-School Union, the Oxford League entered upon its beneficent work, and, subjected to some modifications as to local constitution, it advanced until by May 1, 1889, it numbered five hundred local chapters, with Dr. J. L. Hurlbut as the executive head. In the meantime a number of societies had arisen, and since their aim was one, their consolidation, with one staff of officers and one literature, would be a manifest economy of power. A growing desire for unity culminated in a conference of all the general young people's societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which assembled in Cleveland, Ohio, May 14, 1889. At that conference accredited delegates were present from the Young People's Methodist Alliance, the Oxford League, the Young People's Christian League, the Young People's Methodist Union, and the Young People's Methodist Alliance of the North Ohio Conference. The result of this meeting was the merging of these societies into one new organization to be called the Epworth League, whose object is "to promote an earnest, intelligent, practical, and loyal spiritual life in the young people of the church, to aid them in constant growth in grace and in the attainment of purity of heart." The success attending the new organization has been extraordinary. In less than two years five thousand local chapters have been enrolled with a total membership of vised by B. F. Helman, Esq., of Cleveland, about three hundred thousand. The Epworth League has been adopted in Canada, while Irish and English Methodism have applied for its literature and are seriously considering its adoption. It does not antagonize other societies but seeks to bring those already existing into close affiliation. With this in view, a single requirement is made of any local society desiring to be enrolled as a chapter,-that the officers of the local league shall after election be approved Ohio. Here we have the President surrounded by his Cabinet, each member of which is the chairman or head of a Department. Each Cabinet officer has associated with him in the conduct of his Department a committee of three or five, nominated by himself and confirmed by the League. The President must be a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the remaining officers are to be of good moral character, but all must be by the Quarterly Conference of the local approved by the Quarterly Conference. A church. The general organization contemplates District, Annual Conference, and General Conference District Leagues. The management rests with a Board of Control, five of whom are chosen by the Bishops, five by the Managers of the Tract Society, five by the Managers of the Sunday School Union, and two elected by each General Conference District. The Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday-School Union, Dr. J. L. Hurlbut, is Corresponding Secretary of the League, and Dr. Robert R. Doherty is Recording Secretary. The plan of local organization is clearly represented in the famous wheel de pledge is provided, but its adoption by local chapters is made altogether voluntary. The general headquarters of the League are at the Book Concern, 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, and communications addressed to Dr. Robert R. Doherty, the Recording Secretary, will secure a number of leaflets giving copies of the constitution, by-laws, courses of reading, topics for daily Bible reading, topics for young people's prayermeeting, and all needed information pertaining to the practical work of organization. Chapters, badges, colors, and all the paraphernalia of such societies are furnished. A Junior League preparatory to the Epworth, and admirably adapted to boys and girls, is ter must be determined by circumstances. embraced in the general plan. In the fulfillment of its mission as a denominational young people's society, the Epworth League aims to bring into one organization, fire with holy zeal and train for holy work, the million and a half of young people found within the borders of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is therefore naturally to be expected that in any church of this denomination where a society is to be established de novo, or substituted for one practically defunct, the Epworth League will be welcomed, since besides pushing the lines of work common to other organizations it adds certain denominational features. A delicate problem, however, arises where undenominational societies already in existence are flourishing and the members desire both to retain their organization and yet harmoniously co-operate with the Epworth movement. This is being in part solved by allowing such a society to become an affiliated chapter of the Epworth League on condition of having its local officers approved by the Quarterly Conference. But again it happens that in a large church there are two or more such societies, each one healthful though limited in numbers. Now these may be united in a League, each retain ing its identity but accepting a Department. The writer is a member of a League where three societies, King's Daughters, Christian Endeavor, and Young Men's Alliance, all vigorous and flourishing, have united in an Epworth organization, the Christian Endeavor taking the Department of Christian Work, the Alliance the Department of Social Work, and the King's Daughters the Department of Entertainment, and all are members of the Epworth League, harmoniously working to promote its plans, while the other Departments are constructed from those not before identified with any society. Many King's Daughters love the King none the less because they love the church in which they have been reared. Many members of the Christian Endeavor Societies love Methodism and want to be trained in her doctrines and usages, and the Epworth is making room for them, that they may march under the same banner with other young people of Methodism, and at the same time may retain the noble fellowships to which they belong as golden links between Christian denominations. The number of meetings held by any chap Where only one weekly meeting is possible, the program should be divided usually between devotional service and Biblical or denominational study. Ordinarily it will be found practicable to hold a devotional service on the Sabbath, morning and evening, and a weekly or fortnightly meeting for literary exercises and for business. The Devotional Meeting outranks all others in importance, but its character is so well understood and so much has been written upon its practical management that any words here would seem superfluous. It may be observed that in this meeting every member of the chapter is expected to participate, and, further, that there is specific work for each department, in connection with this service. The Department of Christian Work may furnish leaders, the Literary Department the program of topics, and the Social Department is responsible for the twofold work of invitation and welcome. The Department of Entertainment supplies the chorister, the Department of Correspondence preserves records of attendance and programs, and the Department of Finance provides for all expenses incurred. In the week-night meetings care should be had to avoid wasting time over parliamentary usages. Besides, since too much business will seriously interfere with the higher work of the League, most matters may be relegated to the Cabinet and committees and brief reports be had from the departments at stated times. Three general lines of study open for the weekly or fortnightly meetings, Biblical, Denominational, and Literary including Scientific. Under Bible study must be included the study of the Book itself, its history and contents, and various collateral lines. The study of the Word directly, stripped of all glosses and comments, is of first importance, and this is done in the quiet hour at home, and with Bible Readings in the Devotional Service. In some instances the scheme of study devised by the International Bible Reading Association enables all the members of the chapter to read the same selected portion of Scripture daily. Members of the Epworth League are expected to be true Bereans searching for themselves the Scriptures and daily testing the promises of the Word. Collateral lines are, however, pressed to advantage, for here are sixty-six books written by more than forty authors in different countries and diverse languages at sundry times through The Life of Christ has been studied with fifteen hundred years, and a knowledge of steadily increasing interest through thirteen the authorship and origin of each book, its successive evenings, using as a help Dr. Hurlplan and purpose, would greatly aid in catch- but's inexpensive Chautauqua text-book on ing its spirit and meaning. Perhaps this this subject. And it may here be observed that study of individual books can be most readily nothing will be found more helpful for the illustrated by a specimen program recently average chapter in the study of these imporfollowed in a regular chapter meeting. The tant themes than the numerous Chautauqua Book of Esther was the general theme, and text-books, which may be furnished at a ten five-minute essays were given on the fol- trifling cost to every member of the League. lowing sub-topics: Captivity of the Jews and Palestine Exploration as outlined by Bishop its Results; Babylon in its Ancient Splendor; Vincent and aided by the rich suggestions and Return of the Jews from Captivity; Descrip- literature furnished by his pen would be a tion of Shushan or Susa; Ahasuerus or Xer- genuine delight. Scriptural Names, Natural xes; Haman-his Character and Promotion; History of the Bible, the Tabernacle, the Haman's Defeat and Execution; Authorship Priesthood, the Temple, the Sanhedrin, and Character of the Book; the Purim Festi- the Jewish Festivals, the Jewish Sects, val; Spiritual Teachings of the Book. These Scripture Coins, Sacred Numerals, the essays were followed by twenty questions Apocrypha, Versions of the Bible, ancient answered by as many different members of and modern; popular studies in Christhe League, and which pertained to the He- tian Evidence: Assyriology, as the disbrew Calendar, an Oriental harem, Esther's Jewish name, the leading traits in Esther's character, the Feast of Esther, population of Jerusalem, and kindred topics, and thus a large number participated in the study. A program for a study of the Book of Job in twelve five-minute essays is as follows: Ur, Chaldea and the Chaldeans; The Sabeans and Sheba; Authorship and Date of the Book; Story of the Book; Job's Wealth; The Camel, the Ship of the Desert; References to Egyptian Life; Job's Friends; the Arabians; Hebrew Poetry, Job, a Drama; Passages illustrating Job's Faith and Patience; The Spiritual Teachings of the Book; Job's Wife a Defense. Most of the Old Testament books and all of the New may be treated with profit in a similar manner, and better far such a treatment as is here outlined-followed often by a general discussion-than a formal address by one speaker however competent, since the members of the League are led to do the work and so reap the benefit. Character studies bring under review Moses and David, Solomon and Saul, Thomas and Paul, and others prominent in Scripture story. Sacred geography opens a field of delightful interest. An evening in Jerusalem, in Damascus, in Tyre, in Shechem, among the Sacred Mountains, or on the streams of Palestine, is full of charm and profit. Five evenings may be given to the study of manners and customs as illustrated successively in each of the four Gospels and the Acts. coveries in Babylon and Nineveh; Egyptology, as the finding of the mummied Pharaohs on the Upper Nile; these and kindred subjects may be so analyzed, apportioned, and simplified, that their study may be made fascinating and large numbers of young people may be led to participate actively in the work. All this means thought and tact and patience on the part of those who direct the programs, go before the young people, and outline their work. In the Meeting for Denominational Study the Articles of Religion and the leading Doctrines will be examined under the direction of a wise leader, proof-texts from Scripture being exacted. Ecclesiastical History in such topics as the Apostolic Period; the Great Persecutions; Constantine; Monasticism; Mohammedanism; Gregory the Great; Hildebrand; the Crusades; the Reformation, Luther and Melanchthon; the English Reformation; the Huguenots; the Wesleyan Revival,-will lead the way for an exercise in English Methodism. "A Fireside Tour to the Epworth Rectory" will embrace the ocean voyage; the journey from Liverpool to Lincolnshire; description of the home at Epworth ; Samuel Wesley; Susannah Wesley; John Wesley; Charles Wesley. From the study of John Fletcher, George Whitefield, Thomas Coke, and other noted characters, the transition is easy to a view of early American Methodism. The early beginnings in New York and Maryland will introduce Philip Embury, Barbara Heck, Thomas Pilmore, Captain Webb, Robert Strawbridge, Francis Asbury, and other worthies, while the Christmas Conference at Baltimore and the withdrawal of the Church South at the Conference of 1844 will be two epochs between which any num ber of minor events may be chosen for consideration. The Families of Methodism; the Conferences, General, Annual, Judicial, District, and Quarterly; the General Conference Officers and their work; the Local Church Officers; the General Church Societies; Methodist Missions foreign and domestic; the Educational Work of the Church, with study of the seminaries and colleges in the vicinity; the Peculiarities of Methodism, as Class-Meetings and the Probation System, with a debate on the Itinerancy versus the Settled Pastorate; these are some of the subjects of study in a well-ordered chapter. That this study of denominational history, polity, and peculiarities, conducted not in blind zeal but in a Christlike spirit, must result not only in making better Methodists but in developing the young people into more useful and catholic Christians will hardly be denied. It certainly fosters a reverent affection for those who with sublime self-sacrifice in the early twilight of the history of the church toiled to lay well its foundations in truth and right eousness. The Literary and Scientific meetings are so like to those of a Chautauqua Circle as to need no consideration here, for the course of reading whether it be that of the C. L. S. C., as it is in many instances, will constantly furnish material and suggestions for the program to be used. Space will not permit a consideration of the social culture and active Christian benevolence fostered by this society. The general organization finds completion in the constitution of the Board of Control whose first meeting was held in February, 1890, in the city of Chicago. To summarize all, we may in conclusion observe that the Epworth League seeks to reproduce for the young Methodists of to-day the spirit and genius, the beneficent instruction and inspiration, found in the home of the Wesleys whence it derives its name, and of which Bishop Vincent writes so well: "Sweet home of Epworth where reverent scholarship presided; where the Holy Scriptures were continually quoted and habitually followed; where songs rose from grateful hearts to the listening Heavens; where the voice of prayer was scarcely ever silent; where neighbors were collected for worship and counsel; where each child was brought into sacred conference with its mother concerning the soul, the law of God, the grace of Christ, and the home in Heaven !" O THE AMERICAN CABINET. NE hundred years ago, when Wash- party, was Washington's Secretary of State, ington inaugurated the novel experi- Alexander Hamilton, the founder of the Fedment of free government, whose eral party, was the head of the Treasury Desplendid success we live to enjoy, four de- partment, Henry Knox was placed over the partments were deemed sufficient for the War Department, and Edmund Randolph proper conduct of affairs at home and abroad. was the first Attorney-general of the United These departments were those of State, States. The affairs of the Navy were at first Treasury, War, and Justice. Washington managed by the Secretary of War, and it was was not elected to the presidency as a party not until 1798 that Benjamin Stoddart of man-for there were no political parties at Maryland organized the Navy as a separate that time-but he was unanimously chosen department. In 1829 the Postmaster-general by the American people for the highest office for the first time was invited to a seat in the in their gift, because he had proved himself Cabinet by Andrew Jackson, previous to eminently worthy. Washington selected as which time he had been only a subordinate his confidential advisers men of widely dif- officer of the Treasury Department. The Inferent political principles. Thus Thomas terior Department, now one of the most imJefferson, the founder of the Democratic portant departments of the government, was |