INTERCESSION SERVICE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17285, 28 September 1916, Page 11

INTERCESSION SERVICE.

CHRISTCHURCH MINISTERS’ ASSOCIATION. ADDRESS BY REV J. COCKER. A service of intercession under the auspices of the'Christchurch Ministers Association was held in the Salvation Army Barracks last night. Major Newbury presided and there was a good congregation. The service opened with the singing of the hymn “ 0 God Our Help in Ages Past.” Prayers were offered by Major Newbury, and the Revs H: Johnson, L. B. Busfield and J. B. Vickerstaff, and the Rev F. Rule read a lesson from the Scriptures. The Rev J. Cocker delivered an address on the righteousness of the war. Undoubtedly the war was a righteous one, he said. Britain had entered the conflict for the freedom of Europe. Germany had said that if Britain went fco war with a European power her dominions would break from her rule, but tho dominions had showed their faith in the Mother Country by the noble manner in which they had responded to her call. It had also been proved that Germany had lied when sho 'said that Britain had entered the war for the purpose of gaining territory. Again, Britain entered the war for her honour and because of her pledged word. If she had refused to answer the call and had allowed Belgium to be crushed and France to be overwhelmed, Britons would have hung their heads in shame. Tho Hun intoxicated by his success would have made war on Britain and forced those who are now fighting for Jier to fight against her. But Britain did her duty and wont out to fight. God was with the British nation in this fight, because it was a righteous war. None of the Allies was prepared for the fight, but Germany was ready and wanted war. Tho churches believed that the war was a righteous war and had helped splendidly in a great number of ways. People understood much better now the spirit o'f self-sacrifice, therefore they understood the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who died for them. In conclusion tho speaker made reference to tho excellent manner in which the women had helped in the war. He said he was proud of them for the great sacrifices they had made in giving their sons for tho Empire, and for the excellent work they nad carried out. During the evening a solo was sung by Captain Hawkins. A collection was taken up on Mutlf of the Ministers' Association.