TO THE EDITOR

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 162, 24 March 1939, Page 1

TO THE EDITOR

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES Sir, —Probably Herr Hitler is the worst-bated of all meii by democratic? countries. We hate him because we know lie is utterly untrustworthy. He gives his word one day, and breaks it the next. But, Sir, are we not to blame also? Hitler’s promise was made by the mere attachment of his signature to a piece of paper, in a more or less private room, and before a few honoured statesmen. We come in our hundreds and stand “before God and His congregation”, and most solemnly pledge ourselves to Renounce sin, to Believe Christ, and to Obey His teaching; and how do we keep this pledge? I speak as the father of four good sens who will all have to take their part in this holocaust to Mars' which threatens the world today, if it- eoiaies. And I feel bitterly that I have my share of the responsibility to bear. Have Are not all? I appeal simply- to the mere common, sense of Men. Had we, all of us, kept > our promises, Avould we be threatened Aidth this Avar to-day? I appeal to the men especially. I have seen the tears in the eyes of many a Avomart who has tried desperately to bring hex children up to keep the promises she made for them Avhen they Avere infants; but a. house that is divided against- itself cannot stand. I would beg of all fathers to remember their promises again, aud to start again to keep them. Surely there is not one amongst us avlio does not believe that by constantly renouncing rnnstnntly hearing the Word of God / constantly coming to worship Hint, the selfishness in our natures must’ ■ softened. T do not believe in mngie;..t‘/ but this is merely comnlon sense, simple psychology. Tf we all daily re- 'y nouneo sin. daily believe Christ, and daily seek to do His wilt”; it Must have an effect upon us. But do not soma of 11s hinder this Arork? Is it really too late to begin again ? PARISH PRIEST.