SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTERS.

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 251, 18 May 1916, Page 8

SUPERINTENDENT’S LETTERS.

PEACE DEPARTMENT'. Dear Comrades, —In my most difficult department, I have been asking C»od what message could I give you, and the only answer has been, ‘‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” The wars in Kurope, Asia, and A rica still appal and horrify us, and any who lift up their voices for peace are considered in some way to be reflecting on the millions who are engaged in strife. Under these circumstances, dear sisters, I can only urge you to lay foundations deep and true, on which Cod’s eternal peace can be built hereafter. Get your c hurches and communities to put out of their midst all that makes for folly and sin. Plead for more prayer, more worship, more humility. Let “sacrifice” and “service” be our key-notes. Plead with every member and friend to “follow after the things which make for peace.” At every Union meeting give a seed text that may grow in the family and communal life, sue h as — “Blessed are the peacemakers.” “Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He -hall bring it to pass.” “My peace I give unto you. not as the world gives.” “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to men.” “Put up thy sword; they that take the sword shall perish by the sword.” “I say unto you, love your enemies; bless them which curse you, and do good to them which spitefully

use you and persecute you.” “New Zealand, New Zealand, how often I would gave gathered thee under My wings as a hen gathereth her chickens, but ” If only we as a people* walked with God, and in simple loving faith obeyed His will, we could claim every promise in the Qist and 103rd Psalms. “He that putteth his trust in Me shall possess the* land, and shall inherit My holy mountain” (Isaiah 57: 13 to 21). The nation is made up of individuals, and 1 plead with you, beloved comrades, to personally do your glorious share in abolishing the things that make for strife, and hasten the reign of the Prince of Peace.

With loving greetings to every branch.—Yours loyally, BESSIE LEE-COW IK, Peace Supt. Amethyst Hall, Invercargill, May 6, icj 16.