FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1861, 6 August 1918, Page 3

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR.

UNITED RELIGIOUS SERVICE,

There was a large attendance in the Town Hall on Sunday evening, at the united religious service in connection with the fourth anniversary of the declaration of war, Special prayers and intercessions were also made in the churches during the day. The united service was conducted by the Rev. Raine (Anglican), Rev. Harding (Methodist), Rev. J. H. Brcdin (Presbyterian), and officers of the Salvation Army. Special hymn sheets were distributed among the audience, who entered heartily into the singing. The Rev. W. Raine delivered the address, taking for his text “the Help of God.” The preacher asked them to look upon the spiritual sidff of the war, and to consider our indebtedness to God, and to see how we can be worthy of more help. He referred to God’s dealing with Paul, and said as God helped individuals so he helped nations —and our nation needed a continuance of His help now —our Empire was on trial. Judging by the past we could face the fifth year of war with renewed confidence in God. Our present safely was a great testimony to the faithfulness of God, M hose hand had been stretched out to defend and save our Empire. When the war opened our Empire was caught unawares —yet the Hand of Providence was over ns. Mas it mere chance that the fleet was mobilised on the outbreak of hostilities, or God's goodness'? The French saw in this the Divine hand. The preacher then graphically described the miraculous intervention of God in saving our troops from defeat and annihilation in the early stages of the war, both on the Western front and Gallipoli. God's goodness and help had been manifested, and was real. But the end is not yet, and we still need Divine guidance to maintain our glorious heritage of freedom and liberty. Statesmen have had visions of a new world without the heaping of armaments. Men are fighting and dying so that from the ashes of this war there, shall arise a new world, a new brotherhood, a universal reign of peace, when weapons of war would become implements of agriculture. He referred to the proposed “League of nations,” to maintain and enforce peace and greater liberty. This rested on the idea of fellowship of humanity over national claims —a fellowship based on justice and the rights of weaker as well as stronger nations. This great change among the nations can only bo brought ahont by making Christ our corner slone. Other'foundations will not stand. He appealed to all to become more worthy, to have more of the Spirit of Christ, to ask for strength, and to live as Christ’s faithful soldiers. At the conclusion of his address the Rev. Raine read the fol - lowing verses: — “EXSURGAT DEUS.”

Let God arise to lead forth those Who march to war! Let God ai’Lc, and all His foes Be sea tiered far! So Israel prayed, and Thou, 0 Lord, Waist with him then: Be with with us now, who draw the sword For war again. Grant Thou our soldiers courage high When Coes are near, To strive, to suffer, or to die Untouched by fear. Grant strength to those who mourn to-day Their loved ones lost, Yea, those who give their best, nor stay To count the cost. Fight Though for us, that we may fill Thy courts with praise; ‘ Then teach us mercy, teach us still The fall'n to raise. Yet more and more, as ages run, Bid warfare cease, And give to all beneath the sun Love, Freedom, Peace.