"A GREAT PEOPLE"

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 86, 8 October 1940, Page 8

"A GREAT PEOPLE"

THE BRITISH NATION

MUCH TO BE PROUD OF

'I cannot agree with those who assert that as a nation we are wicked and Godless and that we are being punished for our abominations,'' said Commissioner J. Evan Smith, of the Salvation Army, at the citizens' 'intercessory service at the Town Hall today.

The Commissioner said that while undoubtedly some criticisms could justifiably be levelled at the British nation and there had been many shortcomings, it had a great deal of which it could be proud.

"When all that makes for discredit has been said," he continued, "we stand in history as a great people who have given much for the welfare and progress of mankind. The British Empire has done more to establish a Christian civilisation than any other nation in the world.

"Its King and Queen are lovers of God, righteousness, truth, and justice. Its leading statesmen for years past have been of stalwart character and they have claimed the blessing and guidance of God in the direction of the nation's affairs. The Divinely-inspired speech by Lord Halifax was in striking contrast to the arrogant and brag-

gadocio speech by Hitler

set an example to the whole world in disarming our forces to our own hurt and were badly let down."

For anyone to speak derogatively of the nation, the fruits and freedom of which they enjoy, was discreditable, said Commissioner Smith. Nevertheless, there was a need ior people as individuals to be better exponents of the art of living. A righteousness that touched only the big things of human life or the official life of a nation was not in itself sufficient. SUPERFICIAL, RELIGION. "A religion which touches only the great things of the State, its Coronations, its thanksgivings, and its ceremonials, is not at all satisfying," said Commissioner Smith. ' "A religion that is confined to the opening of Parliaments, or is the subject only of enforced church parades is entirely inadequate. A religion that is kept for christenings, marriages, and burials, or is a Sunday affair only, is, to say the least, superficial. "If righteousness is to exalt a nation, then that righteousness must not only fill the mighty streams, but also the rivulets of national life. It must enter into the relationships of parent to child, husband to wife, employer to employee, neighbour to neighbour. It must nestle in the tones of the voice, the glance of the eye, the manner of the life. To be exalted, not only the nation as a whole, but its individual people must be righteous. Righteousness must saturate the whole of life's energies and activities." Exhorting his listeners not to leave God out. the speaker reminded them of Christ's words: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."

Mr. H. W. Milner presided over the latter part of the service, and Mr. C E. Jamieson was at the organ.