Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-06-21

day. and an appeal to the Epworth
leaguers to grasp the opportunity and
make possible great accomplishments
by the university.
Life without Miracles.
Rev. Frank D. Sheets. of Rockford,
who was to have lectured on the bibli-
cal character. "Onesiphorus." was I'M
able to be present. as his son departed
last evening for Spain to be gone for
some time. His place on the program
was taken by Rev. 7. A. Brewster, who
lectured on the possibilities of life
without miracles. his theme being that
it was not necessary for men to per-
form miracles or accomplish startling
and wonderful things to gain power
and position and live upright lives.
He cited the case of John the Bap-
fist. whom Christ said to be the great
est of woman born" who never per
formed a miracle. AS a contrast he
cited cases of history where men have
become famous in their times, but
whose bad characters or deeds have
overshadowed their attainments. and
makes it improbable that their fame
will be eternal. He mentioned Tiber-
ius, Nero. Burr. Hamilton and Poe as
examples You can not influence the
world for good. unless your influence
comes from a heart OF righteousness"
said the speaker He said that no
| thoroughly bad man had ever been
written as truly great. He brought his
references to the present, and said
| that there are countless thousands who
have not astonished the world, yet live
Cody and pure life. Il speak of
the people, he added. He said that
on the whole the citizens of the Uni
ted States have the stamp of faithful
ness and of high character
He concluded with an eloquent plea
for faithfulness in all work. He urged
that faithfulness be the rule in every
action of every day, and showed that
| this is not only a good rule from a re-
| ligious view, but from business stand
point.
Various Topics Discussed.
Yesterday afternoon the session was
opened by devotional service. led by
J. G. Eberhart, of Erie, the subject be-
| ing Power for Witness" E. c. An
derson, discussing the subject. THE
Bible and Missions" took of the books
of the bible and pointed out in each
the characteristics of each. At 2:15
the convention took up the department
of world evangelism. Short addresses
were made and papers read by the fol-
lowing: Claims of Missions" Miss AL
| ford, Tiskilwa; open Door for Oppor-
tunity," BeuIah Bernice Burnley, of Joy;
| Mission Study" w. II. Witter. of Cam
bridge. Mr.. Witter. in the discussion of
his subject, illustrated with maps and
drawings, and gave an interesting and
| instructive discourse on the various
mission fields, taking up the reasons
| for mission study, the courses available
and helps offered organization essen
tails, and what mission classes are do
ing for the young people. Under the
head of scriptural giving "Characteris-
tics of Scriptural Giving" were told by
Raymond Rush. Colona; and Steward
ship and Tithing" discussed at length
| by Miss Maud Brown, of Aledo "Our
Missionary Obligation" was discussed
by Rev. Alvin Ioder, of Milan, in a
brief address. A short talk was made
by the presiding elder, Rev. w. r.
Wiley, on echoes from the presiding
elders convention, and this was fol
lowed by an open conference on league
work during the past year. and the
outlook for the coming year. Reports
were made by members of nearly all
the leagues represented at the conven.
ton. All enthusiastically prophesied a
more useful service during the coming
year.