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L. . C N #11:... 43”: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 19 21 DO ' YOU BELIEVE JT ADVERTlSlNG is the salvation of the up- hill business trend of to-day. It can create new markets and ire-open old markets. * * * It is said of the Schuberts that they advertised more heavily in bad times than in good. They did not figure that the time to slow up advertising was when every- one else did. They believed in stepping on the brakes when the thing was too easy, and on the accelerator when they were going up hill. * * * Aggressive salesmanship is going to be necessary. __ You have got to, get up on your hind legs and fight. Everyone has mile money the past two years. Why deny it? Some of that money will have to go back into advertising to keep the factories going full time. * * * People are going to read about merchandise, and any impression of quality or stability which they get must come through the medium of a/paper, the art work, and the printirg" (lgitphljlt, THE CONSERVATOR, Brampton THE TIMES & GUIDE, Weston THE EXPRESS; Mount Dennis . -- THE NEWS, Port Credit THE ADVERTISER, Mimico and New Toronto Bram t V; G'hfl'rm Westm Office m ESE-9:1 THEN WHY NOT TRY IT Publishers of-- Ear; tsifke - Pacais li) LIMITED THE- "WhaCis the meaping of this?" I demanded angrily of the clergyman when- they had gone. - "1 have acted no part in entrapping you-as you term it," he prbtested with calm dignity. "I had but one duty, and I have performed it faith- fully." _"Then I am to understand that you refuse to tell me the name of my dead wife, oc any facts concerning/er?" " do." “Very well, then I shall invoke the aid of the police in order to fully investigate the mystery," I said. "That all of you fear arrest is evident from the alarm betrayed on the arrival of the officers. What guarantee have I that Sybil has not been murdered?" The others also expressed regret at their hasty action, and having quite satisfied “themselves that Sybil was not merely unconscious,, they con- suited among themselves in an under-. tone and afterward withdrew with disappointment plainly _ portrayed upon their, features. c. “Unfortunately I can make no ex planation," he replied. T “I regret extremely that it is be, yond my power to T satisfy you. No doubt all this appears exceedingly strange; nevertheless, when the truth is revealed I venture to think you will not be inclined to judge me quite so harshly, sir. I was asked to per form a, service, and have done so. This lady is your wife, although, alas! she no longer lives," "Yes," he continued, preserving a quiet demeanor. "Such an occurrence is undoubtedly as unexpected to you as it is bitterly painful to us. This intrusion upon the death-chamber is, I know, warranted by circumstances, neverthe less it is my duty, as the officiating priest, to inform you that shortly before this lady expired she was united in matrimony by the Archbishop's special license to this gentleman, Mr. Stuart Ridgeway, and of course if you wish you can inspect the register, which I think you will find duly in order." "The marriage does not _concel“n us," the red-faced inspector answered, murmuring in the same breath an apology for causing us unnecessary pain by forcing the door. "The lady is dead, therefore we must of course return our warrant unexecuted." "But while I have been 11nc0n- scious you have. without my known ledge or consent, performed the, ere- mony of marriage, uniting ',,',1i'ru'l', a dead bride. You have thus rendered yourself distinctly liable to proSeC'u- tion, therefore I demand to know the reason at once," I exclaimed fiercely. "But why was 1 plaqed in a room to suffer all the horrors of asph- xiatioq? Why was I eitrapped here to be Wedded to a corpse?" "Mine," interposed one of the men, bald-headed and gray-bearded, who had until then been standing silent and thoughtful. " may as well inform you that I am a qualified medical practitioner and for two years have been Miss Sybil’s medical attendant. She suffered acutely from heart disease, and the hurry and excitement of the marriage ceremony under such strange conditions has unfortunately resulted fatally. I think my certifi- cate, combined with my personal reputation in the medical profession, will be quite sufficient to satisfy any coroner's officer.” He shrugged his shoulders uncon- cernedly, answering: (Continued From Last Week) "Dead! Impossible!” all three echo- ed dismayed, as next second they crowded around her, gazing into her calm; sweet face and touched her stiffening fingers, at last satisfying themselves of the terrible truth. Then they removed their hats reverently and, agast at the sudden and unex- pected discovery, stood eagerly listen- ing to the grave-faced man who had made the amazing announcement. "Approaching my dead bride as he spoke, he tenderly closed her staring eyes, composed her hands, and taking up the veil I had torn aside, fqlded it and placed it lightly across' her face. “Remember, you havé taken oath never to attempt to elucidate this mystery." _ This did not satisfy me, and I com- mented in uncomplimentary terms upon the unsatisfactory nature of the whole proceedings. I was about to/demur, when sud- denly the man who acted as my guide placed his hand upon _my shoulder, saying in a calm serious lone: - "Yes, but if I have suspicion-that Sy-bil has been murdered I am justi- fied in breaking it," I cried in protest. "She has not been murdered, I swear," he replied. "Moreover, Rr. Hunt, the eminent physician here, sAakes his proffessionai reputation by giving a certificate showing natural causes." "But before coming here you _ae- cepted my conditions," the man said, thrusting his hands deep into his pockets. "Sybil sought your aid to save her from a deadly peril, and you were Willing; to assist her. You have done so, although, alas! all our ef- forts have been unavailing and she has gone to that bourne whence none return. You have had the unique experience ot having been a bride- groom- and an widower within ten minutes. Although I admit that there ire many mysterious circumstances surrounding your tragic union, yet for the present it is] impossible to give any explanation. Indeed, as I have already told you, any inquiries must inevitably increase Four burden of sorrow and unhappiness. There- fore silence and wait until I am able to render you full satisfaction. When the true facts are exposed; you will find them more. astounding and in- credible than ever imagined in PO- mance and will recognize that the only safeguard to ourselves lies in the present preservation of our secret." Restoring happiness, keepipg many homes trom being wrecked. VITAL, the reliable nerve and blool remedy, has been of fipst aid and importance to countless men and women. Acting as; a general stimulant: it nourishes EéES'E'SREB fWTllli3S lit iWh'lfUist HUMES His face had strong individuality and vivid expression. As he 'stood there between the two handsomely- dressed women, in his gray furtive eyes, too wide apart, and always seeming to shun. observation, in his prematurely-gray hair, in his mouth set round with deep wrinkles, in his dark, blotched, bilious complexion, there seemed to be a creature ot an- other race. What passions had worn those "furrows? What vigils had hol- lowed those eyeballs? War this the face ot'a happy man who had “known neither the wearying cares of ambi., tion, the toil of money-getting, nor the stings of wounded self-love? Why did all these marks of trbuble and exhaustion suddenly strike me as ef- fects of a secret cause, and why was I astonished that I had not sooner sought for it? . “Then you threaten me?" I said slowly, after a moment's pause. " threaten nothing," he answered, raising; his dark eyebrows, and ad-. ding '. "There is no reason as far as I can see why We should be enemies, but rather let us be friends. Sybil’s death has brought to my heart grief quite as poignant as that which you are suffering, therefore in our mourn- ing for one who was pure, good, and angelic, should we not be united? I have given you my word that I-will elucidate the mystery as soon as I feel confident ,that no catastrophe will follow, therefore I consider that this should satisfy yoiat least tor the present, and that your own discretion should induce you to wait with pa- tience." T As he spoke there were some little details, the quick flutter of the eye- lids, the rapidly dismissed expression ot disagreeable surprise when I an- nounced my intention of breaking my oath, that did not escape me. But was it not the same with myself? I could have sworn that at the same moment he experienced sensations exactly similar to those which were catching me at the breast and in the throat. Djd not this-prove that a current of antipathy existed between him and Why had the police held a warrant for Sybil's arrest?' Why had such care beep taken to conceal her idenity? Why had I been married to her so mysteriously? “my had' she so sud- denly passed to that land that lies be- yond human ken? Had a fatal draught been' forced between her lips; or had she, too, been placed in that lethal chamber where I had so narrowily escipdd asphAiation? _ "Very well," he replied hoarsely. "It you intend to violate your oath, taken before your Creator, do so. Nevertheless I and my friends warn you of the penalty tor so doing." "Since I have been in this house," I said, Yan attempt has been made to murder me. I have therefore a right to demand-aa explanation, or place the matter in the hands of the po- lice." "There was no attempt to in- jure you. It was imperative that you should be rendered‘unconscious," the man said. TIMES & GUIDE, WESTON I observed that he was ali\;e to my suspicions, that he divined them, and anxiously followed hiy words. I sur- prised a swift gleam in his eye that revealed the instinctive terror ot the animal attacked at the moment of its fancied security. I felt convinced that a crime had beenkornmitted. At thought of it my heart-beats were quickened and my nerves thrilled. Again he placed his hand upon my shoulder, but I shrank with uncon- queyag'le repugnance from that con- tact. “I intend to elucidate this mystery," I said firmly. "Neither threats . nor oaths shall deter me from seeking the truth." pray?" ‘He shrugged his shoulders, but ansWer passed his lips. "And you expect me to accept all this and make no effort to ascertain the true facts," I cried.. "Sybil feared an unknown terror, but it appears to me more than probable that she lived in constant dread of assassination." The man frowned, and upon the faces of those about him settled dark ominous expressions. "It is useless to continue this argu- ment in the presence of the dead," he said. "I have your address, and if you desire it I will call upon you to, mot'- Pow." “ "As you wish," I replied stiffly. "f have no inclination to remain in this house any longer than neccssary." Crossing to where the body of Sybil reclined, I slowly raised the veil, gaz- ing for some moments upon her calm, pale face, as restful as if composed in peaceful sleep. Bending, I pressed my lips to her clammy brow, and taking a piece of the orange blossom from her hair, I replaced the veil and, overcome with emotion, walked unsteadily out over the fallen door, followed by the man whom I felt in- stinctively was my enemy. Together we descended the fine staircase. brilliantly liehtedvant1 hung with splendid paintings, into a sra- ciou hall, in which a footman with powdered hair awaited us. Half dazed my senses not having recovered from the shock caused them, first by the charcoal fumes, and secondly by the appalling discovery, of Sybil's death, I remember that when the flunkey threw open the door, a hansom was awaiting me. and that my strange companion gave the 'cabman-my ad- dress. I have also a distinct recollec- tion of having refused to grasp my enemy's proffered hand, but it was not until I found myself seated alone before the dying embers of the fire in my chambers in Shaftesbury Aven- ue, my mind troubled to the point of torment. that it suddenly occured to me that, in leaving the mysterious mansion, I had been culpably negli- gent of the future. . I had failed to take notice either of the exterior of the house or of the thoroughfare itt which it was situ'- ated'. I_had, I knew, driven along Cyxford! Street eastward to Regent Street, and thence home, but from what direction the conveyance had approached the Marble Arch I krfew not. In blank despair T paced my room. hr I Saw I should -be compelled to sears-blan- don for a house. of which all I krtev of the exterior was. that it had a Widr portico in front and was approached from the pavement by three steps. By omissioh to take notice' ‘of' it: aspect overwhelmed me with despair' for there were thousands of similar houses in the West End, and I knew Well, and what is the penalty no "Yes, old fellow, you know her far better than I do," he admitted, light- ing a cigarette and adding, “I'd take your opinion upon a woman's chat'.. igieter before anybody else's. As a novelist I have gained a reputation for portraying female character, yei T.assure you my ability in that diretr tion only exists in the imaginations of my reviewers. I can write about women, but, hang it, old fellow, I'm absolutely ignorant of them in real life. You, a calm philosopher, can analize a wornan's nature and lay every fibre of it bare asrif by the scalpel, while I, finding my concl11- Sions always hopelessly at fault when attempting to study from life, haw written merely what I have believed to he artistic." My troubled thoughts wandered back, as they constantly did, to those days in the Pyrenees when all was peace and love and all earth were a brighter aspect under the smile ot my well-be-loved. Alas! her soul was like a shadow that had disappeared in the solitude, where the dear phantoms of dreams resided. _ i Each hour as I pondered I was plunged more profoundly into the gulf of suspicion. Yet the very posi- tion ot the intricate problem which I had before me, to forbid all hope of discovering anything whatsoever without a formal inquiry. With fool- ish disregard for the future, I had taken an oath to seek no explanation of what I might witness within that mysterious house; I had placed my- self irrevocably under the thrall ot the strange cynical man who had acted as Sybil's messenger! Yet now that Sybil was dead and everything pointed to a crime, I was fully justi- fied in seeking the truth, and had resolved upon bringing” the assassin to punishment. 'I)uring this debauch ot melancholy the door opened, and my old friend and college chum, Captain! lack Bethune, burst into the room, ex- claiming: that while I prosecuted my inquiries those responsible for Sybirr, death would be afforded ample time to effect their escape. . As the cheerless morning wore on I sat after breakfast gloomily, trying to verify my first impression that Sybil had been the victim of foul play inthe hope of dispelling it. But iwwas on the contrary deepened. Either I was wrong to think thus- and at any price I was determined to convince myself by facts that I was MrPongt-or I was right. The sole re- sourse henceforth remaining to me for the preservation of my self- i'espect and the unburdening of my conscience, was ardent and ceaseless search after certainty. "Nothing," I said, languidly grasp- ing his hand. "Sit down and have a drink. To what good or evil fortune do I owe? the honor of a visit at this unearthly hour?" "Good fortune, old chap," he laugh- ed, flinging off, his overcoat and throwing himself baék in the capa' cious arm-chair. "The best fortune that could befall a man. Congratulate me, Stuart." That such a Search was beset with difficulty I was well aware. But ner- vousness gave way to determination, at once feverish and fixed, and it was in a. mood of perfect self-mastery that, after a long period of mental conflict, I flung myself upon my divan with my plan of operations clearly laid out, and lay thinking over them until the yellow light of the wintry dawn crept in between the curtains. "Morning, Stuart, old chap. That ancient sérvitor of yours, Saunders, told me that you're a bit seedy. What's the matter?" “Upon what? Have you finished a new book; or has your publisher been unduly generous?" “Neither. It isn't a book; it's a woman!” "A woman?" I inquired, puzzled. "Cm engaged to be rmarried, old fellow." "To Dora Stretton ?" "To Dora. Stretton, the most ador- able girl in the world." . "To Dora. Stretton, the most ador- able girl in the world." . I sighed; not because I regretted his choice, far from it. I envied him his happiness. - "With all my heart I congratulate you, Jack," I cried, next second springing up and grasping his hand. "I wish you every prosperity. I have known Dora ever since a child, and although she may move in a smart set, yet I have had opportunities that you have not, of observing her true- heartedness and-what shall I say --her hatred of the hollow Shams and artificiality by which she is sur- rounded." "Your books are popular, so I sul pose your confession prows thai pure fiction pays better without an admixture of fact," I laughed. "Yes," he said. "T'rrt afraid that is so," and then went on smoking with an expression ot. joyful contentment, (To he continued next week.) When the Chauffeur of the Home- dood Sanitarium, Guelph, went out to the garage the other morning. he found the big Packard car belonging to the institution a mass of flames, the‘damage amounting to about $500. . The society of the Ihiughters and Maids ot England in. truelph now numbers 150 members. . CHAPTER IV A DEEPENING MYSTERY This parable is also a prophecy.The central lesson that it is intended to teach is, that we should always be watching and ready for the return of our Ltjrd. The bridegroom is Jesus Christ. The figure of the bridegroom sets forth the wonderful love of Christ for the Church and also the intimate union of Christ with the Church (Eph. 5: 25, 28, 30-32.) in our present parable, the Church composed of all true believers in this dispensation, is not vibwed in her position as the bride of Christ but as virgins waiting tor His return (cf. Lu. 12: 36). Our at- titude toward His return should be one of eager expectancy and intense longing (Ti. 2: 13; 2 Tim. 4: 8; 2 Pet.. 3: Ill, 13, R. V.). The lamps represent the religious profession, or outward form of godliness (cf. ch. 5; 16; Lu. 12; 35; 2 Tim. 3: 5). The five foolish virgins had the outward profession as much as the others and "were looking for and apparently desiring the Lord's return, It does not follow' becauSe one is interested in, and apparently long- ing for, the Lord's return that he is necessarily a saved person. Irhe only point of difference was that the wise had constant supplies of oil while the foolish had onlrenough to burn a short time (V. 8, R. V.). The differ-' ence was 'not outwardly manifest until the lamps of the foolish virgins began to go out. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, that which gives the outward profession power to con? tinue burning and to give light (cf, Ace. 10: 38; 1 Jno. 2: 20, 27; PS. 45; 7). The foolish seem to -have had some oil but not supplies to last. They had oil in their lamps but none in their vessels to replenish the lamps. From this it is clear that there is a work of the Holy Spirit of a very definite character which is still short of regeneration, and that, therefore, one can have some measure of the Spirit’s power and yet be lost at last (of. Heb. 6: 4-6; Mat. 7: 22, 23). In the words "The Bridegroom Tarried" Jesus gave' His disciples a hint that His return might not be as immediate as they expected. The same hint is given in fthe next parable, and it shows how unwarranted are the state-. ments of those who desire to discredit the Bible teaching regarding the sec- ond coming by saying that Christ and Paul-taught that He was coming very immediately. In chapter 24: 48, the wicked servant failed because the Lord came sooner than He expected: on the other hand, these foolish vir, gins failed because He did not come as soon. as they expected. The pr'ae- tical lesson for us is to be ready at any time when He may come, Wheth- er His coming be very near at' hand or very tar away, and in order to be ready, to have constant supplies ot the Holy Spirit and not merely enough to keep us going a little while. We need to have our lamps filled again and again. While the bride- groom tarried all the virgins, wise as well as foolish, first nodded (this is the force of the word translated "slumbered") and then tell fast asleep. This is a true but humiliating picture of the whole professing Church. It may be said it was well enough tor the wise virgins "to take rest as they were all ready, but if they had been awake they might have seen the sorry plight of the other vir- gins before it fas too late. Of course, it will not do to force the imagery of _the parable and say that because there were five wise and live foolish, there will be an equal number of those who are ready and those who are not ready. II. “Behold the Bridegroom Com.. eth," 6-13. Golden Text.~W’-a.tch therefore ye know neither the day 1201' the 1 wherein the Son of man cometh. _ 25: 13. Lesson Text-Mat. 25:1-13. (f Mat. 7: 2437; 24: 1-51; Eph. 6: 20; 1 Tim. 6: 17-10.) Time.---Mondriy, ApriL3, A. D. Place.--Mount of Olives. Exposition.--': '.'While the B1 groom Tarried." Lesson THE This Week’, All the virgins. wise and foolish were awakened by a startling cry The grocer pays more fin Red Rose than for other tcas-and he sells it at a less profit. When you buy Red Rose you buy the best. _ Some goods pay more profit than others. Usually, the poorer the quality the greater the profit. Sheridan acres of hardy Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreensand Perennials. Plants for Hedges and Windscreens. --.. WISE AND THE FOOLlSH VIRGINS S.S. Lesson VIII February 20, 19 2 1 5 day nor the hour man cometh. Mat. SHERIDAN, ONT. Send for Catalogue 13pide- D. 30 (Read 6: IO, for “Behold The Bridegroom.” The sleep- ing church will be aroused in a simi- lar way (I Thes. 4: 16; Jno. 5: 28, 29). To those who are ready it will be a glad cry; to those who aren't Pea- dy a cry full of gloom. The coming of a cry full of gloom. The coming ot the Bridegroom is represented as be- ing at midnight in order to empha- size the startling; unexpectedness of it (cf. ch. 4:21). It may also be intend- ed to hint at the spiritual darkness that will be upon the earth when the Lord comes (cf. Lu. 18: 8; 1 Tim. 4: l; 2 Tim. 3: 1-5). The last part of the cry will startle many: "Come ye forth to meet Him." The blessed part of it for the one who is ready is that it is to meet Him, but that is also the tet'-. rible part of it for those who are not ready. A well-trimmed lamp is ot no use unless there is oil to feed the wick. Happily, five had no other preparation to make at that late hour. Alas! for the the other tive, they had preparation to make for which there was‘no time. In their trouble they turned to the prepared ones but could get no help there. The five wise’had only enough for themselves. The wip- dom of one cannot make ‘up for the foolishness of the other and the goodr ness of one cannot make up for the sin of another. The Bible demolish'e's the Romish doctrine of the superer-a ogatory merits of the saints: there ‘is no room in the Bible teaching for the application to others of the merits ot. saints (ct. Rom. 14: 12; yes-49': 7-9; Jer.15: 1; Esk. 14: 14-16, 20; 1 Pet. 4: 18). No one can possibly have more grace than he needs for himself. The wise tells them to go to the original sourse of supply and obtain tor them- selves. It is or Christ Himself that oil is to be bought (Rev, 3: b8)./The price is "without money and withhut price" (Isa. 55: lp, Lu. bl; 13; Ac. 2: 38). The Holy Spirit is a free gift. In a sense there is a price, viz. that we must meet the 'eonditions upon which. God bestows the Holy Spirit (Ac. Ir: 38: 5; 32; Jno. 7: 37, 39; Lu, 11:13,c Mk. 11: 24; Jas. 1: 5-7). There.is F tremendous significance in those three Words "Buy For Yourselves" no one" else can do it-for you: each indi- vidual soul must stand in individual: relations to Jesus Christ. There is deep significance in the Words “They That Were Ready." Note to what they went in, "The Marriake Feast." Air, there is a wonderful feast coming, a, marvelous marriage festal banadetp Note the _ words" The Bridegroom. The policy of co-operation between Presbyterian and Methodist churches has resulted, during the past eight years, in the elimination of overlap- ping in 96 of the 99 mission fields, and in 24 of the 34 Augmented Charg- es in Southern Saskatchewan. Came." Yes, some day though He has long tarried, the Bridegroom will come. Who can tell what day? It will be at such an hour as even faithful, watching servants think not (Mat. 24: 44): No sooner was the bridegroom gone in that "The Door Was Shut." Those are ominous words. The door is now open to all (Jo-o. 10: 9). but soon it will be open to he one (cf. Lu. 13: 25-28). The foolish virgins who were careless before are now most eager to get in. Hear their cry, "Lord, Lord, open to us." Many who are in- different now and will not yield to any urging to come to Christ some day will cry "Lord, Lord, open to us." But the virgins were now too late and many who are carless now will be too late when the Lord really comes. And. now comes the solemn application, "Watch, therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour." Knox Church, Goderich, raised 311,-: 000 for the Forward Movement, an excess of $3000 over their opdectiv4,, New Ontario has also several co- operating or union congregations that have released fifty mcn for other fields. Practically every congregation gave their Forward Movement money to the denomination serving them) and every congregation under Pres- byterian care, where a. canvass was conducted, exceeded their objective, in some cases two and three times over. Mayor Burgess of Guelph is draw- ing the attention of the council to the fact that there are too many indigent patients in the hospital, one physician having sent seven of the eleven pa- tients admitted on that basis this, year. T " Nurseries 'e CH URCH co- OPERATION PAGE THREE I