PEACE THANKSGIVING.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 140, 10 July 1919, Page 2

PEACE THANKSGIVING.

Matamata Services. Peace thanksgiving services were held in Matamata on Sunday. A combined service was held by the Presbytorian and Methodists in St. Andrew’s church, whore addresses were given by Revs' R. W. Jackson and Jefferson. The church was full, even after extra soats had been providod. A combined choir assisted with the wellknown anthems. In the evening the Anglican church was well attended, the address being givon by the Rev. Moir. The Rev. R W. Jackson based his address on 46th Psalm, 9th verse “ Ho makoth wars to cease unto the end of the earth.” He remarked that there had never been an ago in the world’s history that could bo compared to the present; that no generation had witnessed a war on such a stupendous scale as the one which had recently terminated in a glorious victory for Britain and her Allies. Worse than war were the despotisms, the lust and passions out of which wars had their origin. The wrongs, the oppressions, the injustice that precoede war are u million told more terrible and demoralising than all the bloodshed possible on the battlefield. It has often been asked, can any good come out of war? Can any good come out of evil ? Yes, said the preacher with emphasis. The war which had recently terminated has brought visibly nearer the realisability of our text that God maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth. Until a recont date the brotherhood of nations could scarcely be visioned by the most visionary, a league of nations was a dream of dreamers, but the late and terrible war had brought almost within actual grasp the dreams and aspirations of our most modern prophets. War is an evil thing, but all students of history are agreed that good comes out of evil, has ever done so, and that it was never more thoroughly demonstrated than in recent times, as in our own times. In concluding the preacher referred in glowing terms to the part our New Zealand boys had so herocically played in saving the world from the most terrible despotism imaginable, and in hastening the day of universal peace and goodwill among men and in the bringing fulfilment the day when wars shall cease unto the end of the earth. The Rev. Jefferson in his address to the children took as his text Phil 4, verse 7 “ The Peace ot God which passeth all understanding.” Ho referred to the pleasure at seeing so many children present. Speaking on peace he said the best definition he could give was “peace is a perfect harmony of spirit, the result of perfect understanding in love.” He did not think that such a state could be said to exist among the nations as yet. Deep down in the heart of Germany there was mouldoring hatred and revenge. In this spirit Germany could never prosper in the sight of God. History showed that any nation which had dishonored God and turned her back upon her God had been overthrown. And that was Germany’s position that day. We owe our success to trust in God and be urged them to continue to exercise that trust. Now that God had given them peace let them not forget Him. "We cried unto him in our hour of adversity. Let us remember him in our prosperity and His peace shall abide among us. As individuals let our lives be ruled by the true spirit of Christianity, then we need have no fear for the peace and prosperity of the nation.” The Rev. Moir took for his text “ The Lord shall give his people the blessing of Peace.” He stated that it was seen right through history that God was always on the side of Right, and assisted in snatching victory from apparent defeat. The reason the Allies had won out was because they were on the side of Right and Truth, and that God had helped them. The result of war was a splendid tribute to the British Empire, which, it was recognised by candid people/- of others nations, had saved the world. But, ho pointed out, with this eminence and further greatness came a greater responsibility—to make the world safe, safe for democracy. This must begin within the Empire and all must bo right at home; the Empire could not put others right until it was right itself. Democracy did not mean being ruled by a oligarchy,- whether of aristocrats, plutocrats or working men. It meant a state for all mankind. All were brothers in Christianity. The spirit of brotherhood would have to bo fostered, and we had to begin with ourselves and with humble lioarts.