RELIGIOUS WORLD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 221, 27 October 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

RELIGIOUS WORLD.

There is talk of a Xational Mission, of repentance and tope, projected by the Church of England. We are sure this will command the sympathy and hearty cooperation of ail Christians of all denominations in this country, especially alter this long list of casualties in the recent engagements in Eranee has been circulated. It is part of our human nature to feel the blow that reaches practically to every home in Xew Zealand just now. There are exceptions "in doubt, but as we move about in tho crowd, or in the Hallway train, or on the car. we cannot heip hearing of ones who has lost a son, another r brother, another a nephew and so on. Ever/ blow is felt by a wide circle of relatives and trends. And in this way God >s visiting us and bunging the war homo to our very door. Wo are not to assume that it is a punishment —but ii there not a distinct call to watchfulness, to repentance and hope? T)i e Lord appreciates all that is goo.l and true in the Churches. Hii eye* ite as a (lame of fire, and out of His mouth goeth a sharp two-edged sword; but hu sees the faults and failures of the Churches. Many are asking the question: would it have happened, if tb* people at heme had been praying as they ought to have done for the mc 1 at the front? It is impossible to say. We can only refer to the Revelation made of Irs mode of wcrk'.ng. When Moses stood with r.rms sproal wide Success was found on Israel'- «de

But when through weariness ti ey failed That moment Amaleck pre»ai!ed. Ho knows when tlie Church is pretentious and unreal, when h is in evidence, but not in power; W i.. at biuH times the call to repentance comes, because ''thou hast a name that thou Uvest and art dead." The Church is no's the Bishops, Ministers, or Paisons, ou« the citizens belonging the tlr; various denominations; therefore the call come* to one and all, Repent, and dr- the first works; .lave faith in God; hold up year arms in prayer for those who need it While you wish to avoid the odious suspicion of being called a Pharisee, throw away your old Pagan ideas of idolat-y and your vested interest in gambliii£ and money-making, pleasure seeling and indifference to the Throne of Grace. The life of each member of the community is a conflict, and ; t ought to end in a victory for God and righteous, ness. Those vho are companions in prayer with those .<t the war, will also be companions in rp : rit with tho«e who conquer and win. We can hardly te'l what it means to I e victorious in this war—the blessing that may come to future generations. In the same way, who can understand what the future i* for those who win in this inner conflict? Eye hath not seen, ear hath nit heard, neither hath it entered into heart of man, the things 'which Goi hath prepared for them that love Him. The same comforting test may be trie means of healing the wounded hearts in our midst. The promise is ''To him that oveicomcth will I give to eat of the tree of life. He shall be clothed in white n.iment. 1 will give him th<* Morning Star. I will make hmi a pillv in the temple of cur God. I will giv> him to sit 'with Me on My throne.' Tl.esc are words of unimaginable glo-? and beauty, and we trust it r now *.be experience of many of those who hav.» fallen in battle for the cause of rignteousucss

Dr. Kelman tells us an irtrrestin.» battlefield story. "A private l: a Highland regiment was badly wounded, hul managed with difficulty to reach a neighbouring hedge and crawl beneath its cover. Lying there in agony ni> thoughts turned to the 143 Pi aim, ani to the old tune ol l.euchars he struck up

So I do lift my hands To thee, my God alotio Continuing through tl:c foil in:ng versos, he cam >in time to a stop. Instantly irom the other siJe of the hedgo came a voice 'Go on! Pon't '.top!' H> started again. ;.nd this time a dint floated over t!ic battl-field. Lord, k-i my prayer prevail, To answer it make speed For 10, my sp'r-t doth fail Hide not Thy face in need. Thus, out of tiie depth of their owi suffering did these bravo nier encourage others. Dr. •). Tort Xcwton of Cedar Rapids, lowa. Iras been tailed to succeed th.» Rev. It. J Campbell in the City Tern-, p!e, London. He was horn in America, and is of English parents, ant brought ui) in the IV b.ter a.i ChurA. lis preaching in the City T«mple last Summer v.on for him the ca'l t;> this world-famous pulpit. He is described as midlc-agcd, tall, robust and masculine, with a firm face re-flute lips.