ADDRESS BY REV- C. E. WARD.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1414, 15 April 1912, Page 5

ADDRESS BY REV- C. E. WARD.

DEPTH IN CHRISTIAN LIFE. Yesterday the Rev. C. E. Ward, of Christchnrch, in a discourse delivered in fho • Sydney Street Primitive Methodist Clmrcli, said that a complaint of to-day was the want of depth and strength in Christian life and conduct. This arose largely from want of thought and rcfleclion as to the real value of the Christian religion, and its advantages. It was not that the people were irreligious—meaning therehv that they scorned God, the Bible, or religious truth. But that many had no deep, 110 strong conviction of religious truth and duty. This was, perhaps, specially noticeable in young men. "The priory of tho .young man is his strength." But' this must bo strength of intellect, purpose, and character, rather than that of body. Though all were desirable. Ho would lilce to see our voung men athletes, disciplined, well rood, and deeply religious. ' They should cultivate strength and fullness of power. The religion of Christ was a real power and help to young manhood. Tliev miftht to he full of hope, vigour, determination, and courage, with a clean and -.strong sense of rfutv. and be prepared to- play their part in life's battle'. Depth of life was not mystery of life, nor was it unreasoning hope, 'it was intelligence, common sense, reality, and without if there was n tend' eney to descend toward-' shallowness and poverty of character. Religion binds us to the infinite. It, challenges our slrongesl powers, and lures even w'oalmcss to-' war(l> might, confidence, courage, and hope. .Mr. Ward said; "1 claim for the religion of .lesus Christ llto highest and noblest influence upon the intellectual faculties. It always appeals to the bestin us--.-timing the mightier impulses, givins faith, hope, fortitude, and a noble ?en*e <*f duly thus developing manhood uid character," 1