THE INSPIRATION OF CHRIST

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22197, 14 September 1937, Page 16

THE INSPIRATION OF CHRIST

A FOOTBALLER'S VIEW ADDRESS BY VICE-CAPTAIN OF SOUTH AFRICAN TEAM [THE PRESS Special 1 ' Service.] DUNEDIN, September 13. A brief address on the inspiration and power of Christ in the realm of sport, as well as in everyday life, was given by Mr D. H. Craven, the vicecaptain of the South African Rugby football team, during the evening service in the First Church of Otago yesterday. Mr Craven, who was introduced to the large congregation by the Rev. W. Allen Stevely, said that on two points he felt that he and the members of the congregation had much in common. The first was their love of the game of Rugby football, and the second was their belief in the never-failing love of Christ. All. of them, at certain times, must have felt a longing fpr everything which was good and beautiful, and it was then that the contemplation of Christ and His perfection came to their aid. He was thankful to the game of football, which had taught him many things in life, Mr Craven continued. He had always kept as his goal the prospect of representing his country in that sport, but as the result of some of his experiences he had come to a realisation that there was more in life than Rugby football, and he had endeavoured to seek Christ's aid in modelling his thoughts and actions on those of the Redeemer. It was a mistake to think that the practice of Christianity meant the giving up of everything that was enjoyable in life, for actually.it gave people the power to enjoy those things to the full. He was convinced that Christ was always with them on the football field, helping them when He was needed, and, although there was no time for prayer during a football match, he had to admit that on one or two occasions during the second test match he had prayed. In modern days there were so many misleading theories that they had reached a stage when there was something which they all required if they were to have a clearly-defined line for the conduct of their lives, and that something was religion, Mr Craven added. He had been aware of this for many years, and consequently had endeavoured to model his life along lines which brought him the greatest spiritual benefit As one who had tried the things which were worth while, and which had helped him in his career, /he hoped that his simple message would assist others to realise the great good that a full realisation of the love of Christ would bring.