1918-01-07 — Page 9

PRAYER AND THANKS GIVING,

War Sermons at the Cathedrals and the Union Church,

In socordance with a wish ex-

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, 'MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 1918,

for...

the Laity for being too world- us the importance of the part the the earliest possible moment it of the Lord that cams to and liberty in jeopardy make to as a rule the professional soldier ly and pleasure-seeking. It is British seamen are taking in shall cease, and we find ourselves Jeremiah concerning the Philis the right arm and good conscieron and sailor could only say that no time to blame one another. the great struggle. We have asking the questions “Why does tiner, before 'that Pharaoh of all just men.

Main fighting, he was merely do Most likely there are faults on known all along that our God wait? As we believe in smote Gaza." The Philistina On these two nations, togeth- ing his duty. But in this both sides. We all alike. need to Navy was the

dominating Him, we know that He has but to oracle is part of the remarkable er forming the now closely war he was quite sure that every come back to God, in Whom we factor in the issue of the war, but raise His hand and the anger.of group of utterances by Jeremiah united family of the English-professional soldier and sailor of YESTERDAY'S SERVICES IN all believe and whom we worship too many have failed to recognise men will subside, as did the waves after the fateful battle of Car speaking race, side by side with ours believed he was fighting for

THE CHURCHES. in private. Some form of public the vital importance of our sea on the Sea of Galilee at the bid-shemish where the flower of gallant, indomitable France, now his faith and for an ideal was

assembling of ourselves together mer. There is nothing more heroic ding of His Son; but God waits the Egyptian armies, led by rests the burden of completing the These words are true, and the is necessary if the social aspect of in the war than the notion of the for man. He waits for us. Men Pharaoh-Neos were defeated by initiated task. Their reluctance truth of them is but another way. our religion is to be maintained. men who man all kinds of oraft have not only bean forgetting the lately risen Assyrian power to take it up is perhaps the most of saying that we humbly believe. Our Lord promises. His special to sweep for mines. Many former their duty to themselves and to under young Nebuchadnezzar, certain guarantee that they will it is the sword of the Lord presence with even two or three fishermen, coasting orews and the others, but they have been losing "Thus," says the historian, "end-never lay it down, until its enlarg that has been put into our hands, gathered together in His name like, now spend their days and sight of their Creator. Bome ed the last native Egyptian regime ing purposes have been substanti and that it ought not to rest until and He enjoined on his followers rights sweeping for mines in the have deliberately sought to in Asia. The famous battle on the ally attained, until freedom and its work is finished.”

lights of banks of the Euphrates did in-equity are established brand based Of course this is not to claim, the perpetual reception of the danger zones all over the world. extinguish the pressed by Elia Misjesty the King, sacraments of his divine love. We But for them all our communica. Heaven thought of His copar dacie tak a turning point in among the peoples of the world, Pharisee-wise, that we ara peo- certainly come short of our tions with Europe would be out from the of His people ancient history, and it is rio ex and the obscene spectres which ple or as persons are free from yesterday was eat apart through privilege and duty if we abandon off. Hundreds of these men and even from the hearts of little aggerated picture which the pro- threaten our civilisation, yea, our fault. Far indeed from that it wa out the British Empire se a day the habit of public worship. There have made the supreme sacrifice ones. Others, through weakness phot sketches bere of the condi- very humanity, are banished to take it rightly the conviction we of Prayer and Thanksgiving in is a mighty influence in the fact for us. Many have been ship rather than malice, have allowed tion of the nations in an altered their native night.

are doing God's work should lead connection with the war. The that millions of people will wrecked several times through themselves to drift away from the world.

It is never war wearines that us to searching enquiry how far day was observed in all the today unitedly seek God's blessing the ruthlessness of the enemy's realization that they had been The Pharaoh, retreating to his will make us descend our post, for we are worthy of it.

sailor made to love God-and for ever. home country, seized upon Gaza, that postis in the vanguard of hum- If we conceive the present churches of Hongkong, particular upon our country. How shall we piracy. I read of one reference being made by the approach God? The King says it at Hull who had been torpedoed Many who once were Christian, then, as none of the keys of anity's unceasing struggle against struggle merely as a stage in the preachers to the righteousness of must be in a spirit of reverent eight times and is still on active or of Christian parentage, have Egypt, Phillis, thus become a anti-Christ, a struggle in which course of secular biology, a

obedience; in other words in service. Your collection, if it bowed to the spirit of worldliness buffer between two warring giants, humanity has never yet failed of contest between giants the Allied cause. There were humble spirit. In former times should amount to $1,000, might and have based their rule of con experiencedchastisement so severe final victory, though always on power and opportunity-well,- large congregations at all the days of humiliation have been provide a minesweepers hut on duct on the weak foundation of that the Jewish prophet beholding the verge of seeming defeat. "O even on that materialistic basis places of worship.

appointed by the sovereign. There some dangerous coast which respectability. Perhaps God waits it, either in anticipation or actual sword of the Lord, how long will there is room and need for more must be an element of humiliation perhaps might be called "The for such soule; wants to be asked ity, and recognising the assertion it be ere thou be quiet?" The of what in atblelio circles is in our national day of prayer. Hongkong Hut." Such a Bum by them to unravel the tangle of Divine justice in the bumbling of answer lies in the very word of known as "training." If we mean We do not humble ourselves be would be not too high a measure which they bave made; waits for Tyre and Zidon and Ashkelon, is the query. For the sword is "the to win, simply in the trial of cause we are fighting in such a of the gratitude of such a congre- them to realize that without His moved almost to expostulation Lord's," and that does not rest strength and endurance, we could

35 the cause, but we do because in the gation

a day of sid their efforts will be fruitless. "O thou'sword of the Lord, how until the charge given to it be very well do with a larger mea- past we have not obeyed the law thanksgiving for our lives being There are high-men and women long will it be ere thou be quiet? accomplished. This is a claim one sure of self-control and self-sacri of our God. The cause which led spared. In any case every dollar on this earth to-day whose natur- put thyself up into the scabbard, makes with reverence and with fice, with the checking of extrays- reticence, and not unmindful of gences; the abandonment of to this great strife may be mainly is wanted for warm clothing al virtues are admirable, but who rest, and be still." German lust of power, but not minesweepers' gloves, literature, fail to bead the knee or to part Then comes the second thought, the possibility of taking the name | luxuries, the foregoing a great entirely. Our own past history means of rest and

re their lips in a single prayer to checking the ao natural impulse of the Lord in vain.

deal which dissipates energies of has many stains. Before Aug. creation under the careful their Creator. God waits for of the first. "How canst thou be

mind and body, and diverts needed On this day and in this place resources from the work in band. as though we supervision of the Mission to these. And there are Christians quiet, seeing the Lord hath given there is, of course, no occasion to There is something to be learnt 1914 it looked officers of both Services present, thought more of our comfort and Seamen. If some of you are whose prayers are too selfish: thee a charge?" There is a task to apologise for viewing the great from the whole-heartedness of while both military and naval out pleasure than of our duty and contemplating any expenditure who are always asking for unne be completed, before there can be question in its religious light, or the enemy, who, whatever his

ever since that is not absolutely necessary, [cessary temporal favours or who

an end of trouble. It is not per- for expressing our hopes and hop of Victoria (Dr. Lander) been in all of us the spirit the amount and put it in the spiritual life that they fail to cessation of distress. The for-ous terms.

not I suggest that you write a chit for are so wrapped up in their own mitted to

ask for the mere renewing our dedication in religi errors, has at any rate set before himself the motto that this..one preached the special sermon, and the clergy present included of sacrifice and service, considera collection instead. Anyway, let realize the greater needs of the oss of retributive justice have

Indeed it is for that very purpose

thing he has set out to do, and tion and co-operation there it be a real offering worthy of our many. Perhaps we are among been

motion, put in the Rev. C.-L. Cooper Bunt

such and God is waiting for us.

not that we have assembled here. Yet one about it accordingly, should have been. We must not National Day of Prayer (Chaplain

But if we take at all seriously, - the -to

Forces),

without cause, and they must I think I speak for you all as well and I am not We are not thinking deeply finish their work before life can certainly, as for my own pag, in

insinuating Rev. F. Hastings, Rev. V.H.essure ourselves by our enemies Thanksgiving. Copley Moyle and Rev. HG.Her by ourselves but our great Ex-The collection in the morning enough about this war, its causes resume its even tenorit is to be shrinking from over-loud and over-view-it doubly becomes us to see that we do DOB higber Griffiths. There was a special ample, Christ. And then we are amounted to $1238,80. Mr F. BL. and its remedy, or we would raise hoped upon a better plane. confident claims that, “God is on form of service, while prayers constrained to see our shortcom-Bowley, of Messrs Dennys and our hearts oftener to God and Such is this excerpt, from an- our side" in any sense ordegree be. that we keep back no part of the

We may come to any Bowley, the Cathedral Treasurer, aek Him to intervene that the were said for the soldiers and inge. sailors of the King and his Allies, earthly tribunal with our heads will be happy to receive any monies

cause it is ours, as though we had some sort of proprietary claim on the sick, wounded and dying, erect and a feeling that we are to augment it,

the assistance of heaven due to chaplains, doctors and nurses, not as these Germans, but when

our deaarvings. prisoners of war, for the Allied we really approach God, the

Mr Lloyd George did well warn

St. John's Cathedral. At the morning service at St. John's Cathedral there was 8 For large attendance, those present including H.E. Governor (Sir Henry May, K. C. GG, who was accompanied by the Misses May and Capt. L1. Edwards, A.D.C, as well as Major General Ventris and Commodore Sandeman. There was also a large number of

Cetachments attended, The Bis- our mission; and

the war began there has

danger. Thanks were expressed our secret thoughts, we feel we

this on

and

The Roman Catholic Church.

Special services were held in the

price.

Unless our prayers lead us to fuller consecration they are futile, mere pidgin, if one may use the term, of no more efficacy than burning incense to a jose. We

peace of the Christ child may cient history: is not its bearing settle again upon the world. The evident on the circumstances of magi brought to the crib of Christ to-day?

Early in the course of the pre- gold, frank-incense and myrrh, cause sad for all exposed to initely only one who scans different Roman Catholic Chut spirit of self-denial. They did so of the day declared, to the heart- his countrymen long ago againas cannot by offering up prayers

symbolizing love, prayer and the sent conflict the Prime Minister for the measure of success grant must acknowledge our sins and chee, the principal observances not because they wanted somaj deep acceptance of the whole imagining that victory is always make God a means to our ends. ed to our arms and the Hongkong say, as the poor publican, "God being at the Cathedral. There was material help but because the Empire, that having reluctantly our appointed British portion "as

What we can do is to seek of His Boll of Honour was also read, he merciful to us singers." We low Pontifical Mass, with There were special hymns and have had much to rectify since special music, at 9.39 a.m:, when loved God as they knew Him, and drawn the aword we should not a gift of the gods," and refraining grace that we ourselves be made

they wished to adore His Son. sheathe it until certala objects on that account from the effort the service concluded with the the war began. If complete vic- Rev. Father Walsh preached.

Freaching from the text Phil iv., Their motives were pure and ur- had been attained-objects not in- at self help which is a first and fitter weans to Bis ends, and that e, filled their souls spired by ambition or self-glory indispensable condition of Divine is the right and legitimate signi singing of the National Anthem, tory had been given at the very 8, the Rev. Father Walsh said: selfiab

commencement of the war it

ck to their homes but by the ineradicable love of help. The enemy may speak of ficance of this day's whole ob- People are asking in these days! the Bishop said :--

In the course of his sermon.might have done our national what is wrong with the world" in the If the prayers of right and loyalty to duty which unser gott much as he does of

character more harm than good. The King has called the whole Adiniral Beatty was right when he/ Nations that knew and loved the men for peace will rise from are the salt of our nation's life unser Hindenburg, but he is like ceptance of the requirement of pure unselfish hearts God will and spart from which its life wouldly yet to find himself in the pos- our Sovereign, but not for that rea nation to prayer. He bids us pray said victory could not come till

ition of the Papuen who chastises certainly hear them. Sursum not be worth preserving. with our intelligence. We are to the nation was on its knees before

Corda! Lift up your hearts!

No utterance since the war can, bis totem for not answering his son alone by any means. We re cognise that in making this re seek a clear understanding of the God. Let us come humbly, with no

This war must be more to I should think, have been oftener prayers. issue at stake. We are not fight attempt to excuse ourselves for

than the loss of personal com- quoted, expressing as it does with Still there is such a thing as quirement our Sovereign.bas, as ting for territory, for indemnity, our national sins but with honest

Christian instincts and inclina- as effort, to spare us for wealth or power, certainly not repentance and true determine

forts; more than our own nation's noble determination the fixed re- having God on our side, not so often, rightly interpreted the welfare. We should mount to solve with which, counting the to save

diminish the tions of his people, who do height and see beyond our little cost so far as then it could be sacrifice,

remain largely Christian st good is heart in spite of unfor

the

Prince of Peace are fighting one another in conflict so bitter and 60 awful that the greatest wars of history read like child's play in comparison. There is hardly a person who is not to some extent affected by the present unrest,

men to suffer, and women, and

as the

eousness.

Our

of

,

to

servance.

We observe the day in loyal ac-

for the power to tyrannise over tion to forsake them. Let us and the glad music of other days selves all the nations of this earth counted, our country forsook its costliness by which any people of the earth-not even come before God with thanksgiv- to punish in any vindictive spirit ing. The King couples it with is running into the minor chords destined by Him to add to His accustomed, congenial path of always attained and advances are manate and not very preditable wrong-doere. We are seeking to prayer and St. Paul enjoins it in of a universal lamentation. And

pose of indiffernce, which has defend the very principles of liberalmost every Epistle. We have yet we are requested to express glory and to the happiness of peace, and entered, open-eyed, achieved, and without which we ty and justice. An American of much cause to be thankful. We to God, to-day, our thanksgiving men. Then with pure hearts-upon an ordeal by fire which is should never appreciate their pre-rather been the vogue for some.

moral ciousness. There is such a thing German birth, Otto Kahn, has may be thankful that our leaders as well as our prayer.

made so, if need be, through con, testing its fitness for fession and contrition-we survival in a world which, after as being on God's side, and it is time, accentuated in certain rea sent me a copy of his address to in 1914 chose the awful path the Harrisherg Chamber of Com-lof honour instead of the shame is wrong"? God's world cannot this we need not give up

Why thank God if the "world should pray, and pray often. For all, God has founded upon right the happy portion of every man pecte, as I hope I may say with who strives for the right for out offence, in our life here in the

East. merce. In it be says; America's ful path of neutrality. There he wrong-God is in the heavens daily occupations, nor even inter-

Constantly we need to fortify right's own sake in self-forgetful-

Outside of the. Homs country His all-seeing war of the 18th century to gain is no neutrality when wrong is and all is well.

there are no established or State And as for our country's share Churches in the Empire, and it independence was a great, cause. being perpetrated. We must give eyes that search to the depth of rupt them. Labour can be turned and refresh ourselves for the neas.

our present into prayer and offered to God, continuance your heart and mine are watching Her war of the 19th century to thanke to God for those who steppthe councils of nations, He knows And a silent ejaculation uttered as most exacting task by recalling in this sad war-sad to us though therefore the better befits us here eradicate slavery was a greatered into the breach and endured the

rich in promise for the Future free from whatever constraint the who among the councillors are

often ass war thought enterstit will its lofty aim.

The royal message in compliwe may surely, in all bumility presence of such institutions still; but her war of the 20th. cen-hardships of war and jeopardised true, and pure and just, and Heim.. You are only one of, ance with which this day's special yet sincerity, believe and trust might create, to give our ready. tury is the highest cause for their lives, and for those who

be a prayer especially pleasing to which any people ever unsheathed made the supreme sacrifice. Knows who are culpably respon the sword. It is to defend the We must give thanks for the sible for the havoc that is being millions, but the family of God is observances are being held urges that we have been assigned a

servance of this special day. very foundation of liberty and many Allies who bave been wrought In the meantime, His made up of individuals, and God that we pray to have the "clear partnership in the travail by voluntary assent to the due ob. It is also I think befitting that humanity, the very ground-work raised up for ue and especially power is keeping the earth in its hears you. Pray, then, to day in sightedness and strength neces- which, as the Cross reveals to of fair dealing between nations. for that great free State of our orbit, and the sun in its place. He the presence of the tabernacled sary for the victory of our cause," us, God brings to prove His far

giving we make mention that very basis of peaceable blood and language, for the is bringing the grain to maturity, Christ, that truth in all things and again that we may be "en- reaching purposes of beneficence among our grounds of thanks.

be recognized and lightened in our understanding and toward the children of men. living together among the peoples triumphs of our arms in many and supplying waters of refresh-may

If this

BO were not

it there stands as the visible head Bought; that impurity may fortified in courage in facing thei of the earth, against the fierce and places and recently the liberationment to the parched lips of men be combated and justice up. sacrifices which we may yet have is bard to know how we of our scattered Empire a King brutal onslaught of ruthless, law from Turkish rule of the Holy It is true that He is allowing held, that those who by the to make."

are to interpret the fact that the who is minded and able to make leas, faithless might to spend the City of Jerusalem, for which Jews little children; but this is not authority of God rule the nationa

I do not read that as implying cause of the Ailles has received himself truely one with his lives and fortunes of this genera-and Mohammedans join our God's action. He has made men may not by selfishness abuse only that we require a quick, increasingly the sympathy, the people in their time of searching tion so that our descendants may praises. Let us come before be freed from the dreadful calami-God with

the trust which has been placed perceptive mind for adapting approval, and finally and more or trial. free, and men have abused Hie

Amongst the many institutions" & great hope. Ia gift. Yet out of suffering He is in them, or by the spirit of hatred material means to the end in view. less active co-operation of the ty of war and the fear of war, so his presence there is no place bringing good to men and to God. "By prayers and supplica. (still more do we need clarity of last respect the secordary neutral convulsions of the time many of that the energies and treasures for anxiety. He says "Be anxious tions, for this is God's way. A

be blinded against the light of That no doubt is required, but world at large, excepting in the which have been shaken by the now devoted to plans and instru- for nothing" There is no pessim- ments of destruction may be ism possible to those who de His future historian would be well tion with thanksgiving, let your vision lest the end itself be countries which are terrorised by which will be yet more so, that of petitions be made known to God." obscured from view, and not the proximity to the ruthless enemy. the British monarchy is not to be henceforth given to fruitful works will, Russia may at present bet within the limits of truth to say

Later in the day Father Walsh least potent source of obscuration Is there a corner of the world numbered. Monarchs who pro- of peace and progress, and to the disappointing, Italy may be hard that in our generation so-called betterment of the conditions of the pressed. there may be months of sivilized nations were running Preached in St. Joseph's Church. is war weariness after these forty where a German triumph would fessed to rule by right Divine, months of cumulative effort and not be deplored as threatening it interpreted personally or dyna people

endurarce." hardship and sacrifice in front of very rapidly into luxury and

with political and economic sub-stically and exercised arbitrarily, It is an understanding of this us, but the end is certain. Already, effeminsty; that truth had become Union Church was crowded at We long that the sword were servience, and where the defeat of may, indeed must, regard with that inspires the heroism and the Germany adopts a very different a by-word in the market place the evening service yesterday, put up into its scabbard, which the enemy's ill designs is not apprehension the reconstructions, sacrifices of our millions of sailors tone from what she did at the and often in the assembly halls when prayers and intercession amongst all the nations actively eagerly awaited as a charter of political and social, which will and soldiers on all fronts, and now beginning. No longer does the that modesty in speech and were offered in accordance with engaged in such a struggle can further emancipation?

come in the wake of this war. our patriotism is to lead us to pray. mighty War Lord speak of our dress was daily more rare; that the King's Proclamation. The but do so?

The voice of the people may But the House of Windsor its Amid all the horrors, anguish, contemptible little army and the the primary end of marri-Rev. J. Kirk Maconachie was We have nothing to be ashamed not always be the voice of God, very change of name is significant sorrow, and distress we turn to the ease with which we can be crush age was being persistently and the preacher and among those of in war weariness, so long as it we know, but it is at least the-will be closer in the confidence Apostolic injunction: "In nothing ed. Now the utmost he hopes is flagrantly defeated, and the present were H. E. the Governor does not mean weariness in well- esse, as Lincoln pithily put it, that and affection of the nation, which be anxious but in everything by that submarines will starve us out marriage tie, that no man should (Sir Henry May K. C. M. G.), doing. The enemy indeed, who you can't fool all the people it has loyally served and never prayer and supplication with before America can strike with set asunder, was being gradually Commodore H. G. G. Sandeman, lightly rushed upon the all the time," and the civilised sought to exploit, and from which thanksgiving let your request all her might, Whatever, our

regarded as a contract to be R. N, representing H. M. Navy, war, at his own promediated world to-day does not misjudge it receives free and loyal service. be made. known unto God." wisest. leaders may

severed at will; that justice was and Lieut. Col. F. J. Thureby time, expecting it to conclude its own higher interests in holding I think too we shall be at one think (Phil. LV 6). We appeal to God, of the military situation we know giving place to a selfish greed Pelham, A. P. D. representing in five months with gratification a it undoubtedly does" that in the hope and belief that

that clutched the supreme Ruler and Arbitrator, that God's cause is advancing individuals and of nations and service was used, and there were ambition, may well feel loth to tutelage to the Power which has bolises the steadiness of the the hearts of H. M. Army. A special form of of his inordinate vanity and these cannot possibly consist in the safety of the Throne sym- Mr Balfour, in his last book. Scripture prophecies are being deadened the spirit of true charity hymns appropriate to the occas- admit straightforwardly that he systematised. barbarity as its de-nation, expressing those char quotes philosopher of two fulfilled. His kingdom of Righte- the love of men based on the love on. The service concluded with is deeply anxious to see it end. liberate policy on land, and acteristics of good sense and centuries ago: "Whatever the oneness and Peace will certainly of God. It is not hard to see, then, the National Anthem and the world thinks, he who hath not come. His fair world is pot always

But the British Empire, whose made piracy its chosen method selfcommand which have belong- ed and still belong to our race, meditated upon God, the human going to be subject to such horrors why God permits the sorrows of Benediction.

unpreparedness, though it may upon the seas. soul and the summum bonum may sa our generation has had to brought to his knees though

our day. Many a sinner has been The preacher took as his text: have been culpable, will avouch its The Germanic powers have and have enabled it under Prov possibly make a thriving earth witness. His peace is to be affliction, and many a nation has long will it be ere thou be quiet in a position to welcome with dign violent attempt af universal be- tion to the successive changes

"O thou sword of the Lord, how reluctance through all history, is come to grief in their insane and idence to adjust itself by evolu worm, hat he will most certainly universal and even now if we make make a sorry patriot and a sorry known our requests to Him. His been bettered through suffering, put thyself up into the scabbard ity the earliest overtures toward remony, but all too well have which time and circumstance statesman. Of late there has peace will keep our hearts and Already visible blessings have rest, and be stil

a real and righteous peace. Not less they succeeded in incurring un- have necessitated in the long been less conventional religion, the ights. 20

come through the world-war. We How canst thou be quiet, see so is Americs, forced by her senasiversal detestation, and hewing out course of its wonderful and though one hopes there is more

thank God There will be a collection for others that are certain yet to charge? against Ashkelon, and protracted delay and extreme for most niche in the temple of tura oltin with such hopes, humbly

for these and for ing the Lord hath given theea of bonour into the contest after for their unhappy race the fore-glorious history. national righteousness. I suppose mine sweepers, of whom there are Church-going is no longer fashion- now thousands who risk their These reflections, however, do bath appointed it-Jer. 47tions, Inclinations and even endures

against the seashore, there He bearance against all her tradi-pitude while human emory held and referred devontly to the able. Some-blame the Clergy lives every day for us. As the not make us less weary of the He said This striking principles prcept indeed the over. Bir John Jellicoe, in recent we observe this day

- Turone, of the Resverly Grace, for not being in touch with Mission to Seamen's report says, modern thought, and some blame every month bas brought home to conflict, nor less anxious, that at apostrophe concludes the word' mastering appeal which justice speech at Sheffield, remarks that (Dondanse on pano 22.)

appear

The Union Church.

►

1