DAY OF INTERCESSION.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 64, 10 January 1918, Page 3

DAY OF INTERCESSION.

Large Attendances. The following proclamation by his Majesty the King was read in all churches in the Dominion on Sunday. To my people,—The world-wide struggle for the triumph of right and liberty is entering upon its last and most difficult phase. The enemy is I striving by desperate assault and I subtle intrigue to perpetuate the wrongs already committed and stem the tide of free civilization. Wo have yet to complete the great task to which more than three years ago we dedicated ourselves. At such a time I would call upon you to devote a special day to prayer that we may have the clear-sightedness aud strength necessary to the victory of our cause. This victory will be gained only if we steadfastly remember the responsibility which rests upon us, and in a spirit of reverent obedience ask the blessing of the Almighty God upon our endeavours, with hearts grateful for the divine guidance which has led us so far towards our goal. Let us seek to be enlightened in our understanding, and fortified in our courage in facing the sacrifices wo may yet have to make before our work is done. I therefore hereby appoint 6th January—- ■ • 0-1" first Sunday in the year—to be setr'aslde as a special day of prayer eM thanksgiving in all churches quire that this Proclamation be read at the service held on that day. GEORGE 8.1. h\ accordance with the expressed wish of the King, special services of intercession were held thoughout the Matamata district by all the churches on Sunday last, and it is pleasing to be able to record that the attendances were large at all services. METHODIST CHURCH The Methodist church at Matamata held services throughout the circuit on Sunday, and at all places large attendance were recorded. Services were conducted at Omahine, Hinuera Valley and Waharoa by the Home Missioner, Mr W. Richards, while the service in the Matamata church was taken by Mr J. Allen. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Special services were conducted by .the Rev. R. W. Jackson, Presbyterian Minister, at Tirau, Matamata and Walton. Taking for his text St. Matthew 23 ver. 8, " When -is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren," the preacher laid stress on the fact that Christ came to teach the Gospel of Brotherhood. That it was the denial of these Divine principles which is at the root of present world war. Germany had been teaching and fostering a spirit fn direct contradiction of this for many long years. The root idea of militarism as displayed by the Kaiser and his party is in direct antagonism to Brotherhood —the Brotherhood of men and nations. The preacher concluded by saying that our motto should be not Germany over all, or Great Britain over all, but Brotherhood over all —Christ over all. CHURCH OF ENGLAND At the Matamata Anglican Church a special service, with special hymns, was conducted by the Rev. T. H. C. Partridge, who preached a sermon in accordance with the' occasion. The service was largely attended.