In the matters of prayer, fasting and ceremonial worship, the churches must make radical changes in their practice, if they are to win back their influence over the masses of the people--an influence which, it is generally admitted, has been on the wane during the past few decades. The contrast is altogether too glaring between the simple form of worship, practiced and preached by Jesus, and that of most of our modern religious denominations. The luxury of modern living is a favorite subject of invective by essayists and philosophical writers. But it is little wonder that the layman runs to this extreme, when he has before him the example set by many of the successors of Jesus' apostles--popes, bishops, cardinals, ministers of wealthy parishes, etc. And, in saying this, the fact is not overlooked that many ministers of the Gospel are worthy, self-denying, conscientious followers of Jesus in these matters, but the exceptions are too numerous. The conduct of a class is usually judged by that of its most prominent representatives. As to creeds, theological disputes and sectarian differences, the common people are more and more acting on the lines of Pope's couplet: "_For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight; His can't be wrong, whose life is in the right. In faith and hope the world will disagree; But all mankind's concern is charity._" _After the death of Mr. Atwater it developed that he had instructed the Trust Company having his affairs in charge to make money gifts to about one hundred of his friends._ _A few of those so remembered have published the accompanying book for distribution among Mr. Atwater's intimate acquaintances. The text is that of a pamphlet which he published just before his death._ _Inside this leaflet are reproduced copies of a letter to the Trust Company regarding the gifts and a memorandum, found in his desk, as to the disposition of his remains._ Minneapolis, Minn. Sept. 1/15 Minneapolis Trust Company, 115 South Fifth Street, City. Dear Sirs:-- In distributing the property which will come to you under my will, I wish you to exercise a reasonable discretion, since conditions may be quite different at the time of my death from what they are now. I very likely have overlooked some of my old friends who should be remembered, and in such case I should wish you to make the matter right as though they were included in my list. In case I should die after sickness of some duration, the people who have taken care of me in this sickness should be also remembered.