THE HICKSON MISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1923, Page 2

THE HICKSON MISSION.

AFCKLAND. June 27. A warning against the attitude ot “extravagant, hope” and emotionalism in connexion with the forthcoming 11 icksoii healing mission is eontaiiied in a sermon hy Canon P. James. In pointing out the dangers of credulity and superstition, Canon James states that lit* approaches the subject in a spirit I)f “reverent sc-ept icism. ” “A great nave of credulity lias seemed to have swept, over the world," he declares in speaking of the recent revival of the cult of spiritualism. “The recoil from this stupid materialism of the close, of last century has reached the position, much mofi harmiul to true, religion, of a limitless credulity, capable of swallowing any extravagance. So far as the Christian mission will contribute to a genuine religious revival, which is uninistakeably coming in the Church nf England, we must welcome i ; with till our hearts. From the experience of Other lands wo may confidently hope that the mission will turn some to God who are now utterly irreligious. But so far as it inav lead to a mere revival of superstition and ecclesiastical magic. 1 fear it. In these weeks before tho visit, of Air Hickson, iluriic' tin' visit, ami after it. I beg veu to think soberly, and to speak hunihlv and discreetly, otherwise we shall assist two evils; we shall help to bring discredit upon the Church, and after such excitement has abated 111 venr or two. we shall find infinite harm dr ne to the cause of true religion. In mo second place we shall raise extravagant hopes, certain to he disappointed, i'll the breasts of those we would most of all shrink from paining—the sick and afflicted among us.”