ot self-sufficient, and may then turn to God. But when
the crisis passes we are likely to lapse into an assumption of
self-sufficiency.

WHY DO NOT THE LEADERS OF NATIONS TURN TO GOD? Did not the recent war,
does not the present chaos of the world show them that their powers and
knowledge are inadequate? It would seem that the leaders, despite all
evidence to the contrary, still believe that their own powers and
politics are enough to prevent war and to secure an ordered and peaceful
world.

WHEN WILL THE PEOPLE LEARN? WHEN WILL THE LEADERS LEARN? I do not know,
but for the sake of mankind I hope we learn soon. The people of all
nations would do well to suspend their ordinary affairs for an hour each
day, and, in concert, turn their minds and hearts steadfastly towards
God. The purpose of regeneration would be better served in this one
hour than in all the other hours of the day.

IS THE MEETING FOR WORSHIP BASED ON SILENCE? No. Friends know that it is
not, yet some Friends have fallen into the habit of saying that it is.
Jane Rushmore brought out this point in one of our meetings of Ministry
and Counsel. She reminded us that the meeting for worship is based on
the conviction that we can directly communicate with God, and He with
us. Silence, we believe, is a necessary means to such communion. For if
we are busy with our own talk, God will not speak to us. Stillness is a
necessary condition for practicing the presence of God. For if we stir
about in our own wills, God will not move us. In the meeting for worship
we try to obey the command, "Be still, and know that I am God." God is
the goal. A living silence is a means thereto.

Recently I was visited by three young Friends, thirteen years of age.
They had some problems to talk over. I asked if they felt they knew what
to do in the meeting for worship. Their happy confidence that they did
know was a pleasant surprise, as I have found many Friends, young and
old, who are in need of suggestions and guides. I asked these three what
they did in the silence. After some hesitancy, one brightened and
replied, "I talk over my problems with God." I told her that was a
splendid thing to do. For young people of thirteen or thereabouts, it is
enough that they talk over their problems with God, or engage in some
other simple and sincere exercise. For some older people one or two
simple practices are enough. I am in sympathy with those who would
worship in simplicity of mind and