CARDS IN PULPIT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1932, Page 3

CARDS IN PULPIT

USED AS BASIS FOR SERMON

FOUR KINGS AS SYMBOLS.

SYDNEY, May 25

A pack of cards in a church 1 The congregation of St. David’u Church of England, Surry Hills, Sydney, received a surprise when the rector, .ar ivmg, in the pulpit, produced a pack of playing cards, and based his sermon on them.

Cutting the cards Mr King held up the king of clubs, as symbolising force, upon which foundation empires bad failed. Then lie showed the king of diamonds, representing wealth and materialism. Nothing lasting about these, he said, and empires had also fallen on that foundation.

Next the king of spades—slavery, coercion—which were equally futile. Lastly, the king of hearts symbolising love, upon which, the Lord’s Empire was founded. It was the only uarantee of universal happiness. The novel sermon created such an impression that .Mr King was asked to repeat it.

Mr King said in referring to his sermon, that he saw no evil in cards. “I love- a game of cards,” he explained, “and I’m keen on euchre and five hundred. We often have a game here, and see no harm in it. I think a game of cards soothes the nerves of troubled people.

“No, I don’t play bridge,” Mr King said. “I. tried to learn auction bridge at a friend’s bouse once, but I didn’t have time. 1 think it is very interesting and* a game would lie nice and cheerful.”

Mr King, who is popular with his increasing congregation, said that the evil was not in cards, hut in mankind.