THE STRENGTH OF THE NATION MOVEMENT.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 263, 18 May 1917, Page 6

THE STRENGTH OF THE NATION MOVEMENT.

Beloved Comrades, —We are having the mightiest stirring since Convention that we have ever had, 1 think. Our Manifesto has appeared in every important paper in the Dominion. We have had one donation of j£io, and have spent ,£B4. Of course, I am not going to let our W.C.T.U. exchequer bear any of the burden, hut we look to God in the financial, as well as the other phases of our great advance movement. Here is a little of work done during the month : Manifesto and letters printed and despatched to all parts of North Island. Interviews with Mayors, doc tors, Efficiency Board member and Chairman, Sir James Allen, and others. Fine meeting in Wellington called by the Mayoress, another in Theatre. Manifesto printed in large size in “Herald,” “Star,” “War Cry,” “Vanguard,” “Methodist Times,” “Outlook,” Wellington “Post,” “Dominion,” “Press,” “Lyttelton Times,” ‘Otago Daily- Times,” “Otago Star,” “Southland Time*,” and “Daily News.” South Island organised, finishing with fine Working Bee in Invercargill on May 2nd, when Manifestos were sent to Mayor And Councillors, headmasters of schools, Patriotic Committees, Friendly Societies, ministers of every denomination, and every organisation we could reach. The Presbytery of Scoych Dinnes graciously granted me audience, and promised every help. Our prayers have begun in all directions, and in a few days God may lead us out of homes and churches to pray as our brave pioneers had to do—in streets and public bars. 1 have spoken to Commissioner Hodder, and he has promised the help of the Army in our fight against Drink, so if we have to go forth to show how desperately in earnest we are, we may have not our own 5000 women, but 20,000 to hold up praying hands to God, and break down the awful walls of Drinkdom in New Zealand. Sisters, there must be no turning hark now’. “Our God shall fight for us." “Whatsoever He* saith unto you do it.” I am willing to go to prison and to death for God ,uk! our people. Are you?

We have so often sang “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Will you stand now in this time of testing that is coming, or will you fail Him just when He needs you? Pray, Pray, Pray. Call your neighbours together. Get your little ones around you, or pray alone; but Oh! Comrade's, pray with such passionate pleading that you will shake heaven and earth. Read Psalm 18, and cry unto God as David did. till God shall how the Heavens and come down. BESSIE LEE-COW IF.