THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DAY OF PRAYER

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 6, 2 October 1917, Page 8

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE DAY OF PRAYER

Sir,—Lest-some of . us fail to realise the solemnity of the Government's request for a day of prayer, to be observed next Sunday, the 7tli instant, I ask for space ii your daily whereby a • message may reach the heart as well as the eye of these people, together with the indifferent and the sceptical. A prominent local clergyman lias pointed out the significance of the Government's action in this matter, and refers to it.as a matter for general thanksgiving. Hitherto'it has been held by a large section of the cifliWnity, both in private, public, and political circles, that State affairs should be purely secular—entirely divorced from religion. And there are many who still hold these views, who openly express disapproval and annoyance at the State for seeking the aid of the people—as has been done ,on two occasions lately— through the channel of the Church. There has been, too, a considerable amount of talk about a change of Government, societies are being formed (though I give them a short life) for the purpose of returning men to Parliament who would be capable and worthy representatives of the people. . This, -I tnko it, is an expression of "want of confidence" in the present Government coalition. Let me here say that I am -an absolutely disinterested person, but I do believe that this sudden change from a strictly .secular policy by the present Government is both gratifying and commendable. I i>elicve the present request, which is of vital importance, emanated from the House;-whether suggested from an outside source, I do not know; but even if it had it is sufficient that it should have been agreed upon and the appeal sent by the House of Representatives. Nobody can deny that these iron have "Dower —considerible poorer—in t lio administration of the affar.s of this Dominion, nnd I iepard tlii« chanpe of mind and ncconipaiiving action i;i connection with the combination of the secular with the sacred by the House as a sign of (lie change which, is taking place throughout the Empire in this day 'of national crisis. . I agree with the local divine, it is indeed/something to be thankful for. and tho Government deserve, and vill have, the utmost confidence of the people throughout the length and brerdth of the land when thev—who are 111 Ttnlity a purely secular body—give a lead in such important matters as Hie subject in hand, nnd i-re not afra'd to blend the secular with fhe sacred. Let us remember this side of the question on Knndav next, and in our intercessions that (liv implore Him who gcvorns all to rive wisdom and con?age to our rulers in ell tljeir deliberations.— I am, etc., ... • .✓WATCHING. Wellington, o"fobir/I. ,•