YOUTH WORKERS’ INSTITUTE

Evening Star, Issue 22378, 30 June 1936, Page 12

YOUTH WORKERS’ INSTITUTE

THE OPENING SESSION The fourth annual Youth Workers’ Institute was opened last night in Knox Sunday school buildings, when, in spite of tho inclement weather, there was a fairly large attendance of Sunday school teachers, Bible class leaders, and members. Mr A. L. Haddon, director of the School of Religious Education, presided, and welcomed the members, especially those who had come from Central Otago and other outlying places. The opening lecture was the lirst of a series dealing with the Psalms, and in the unavoidable absence of Dr S. E. Hunter, this was read by Dr J. D. Salmond. After dealing with the unique character ot this “ Bible within a Bible,” many interesting facts of its growth and divisions, and the nature of the songs were given, the whole address being intensely interesting and informative, making a fine introduction for the further study of this great Book; for “ so long as man kno'ws God, or seeks to know Him, so long will the Psalms be loved and used, and so long as the human heart praises God, so long will it find itself in the climbing way.” 1 The Devotional Life of the Worker ’ was the subject of the Rev. R. G. M’Dowall’s talk, the speaker stressing particularly the foundations in the devotional life, for on these foundations depended the kind of superstructure to be raised. For example, the way we think of God will determine how we pray, a tolling dins tration being that of the prophets of Baal and Elijah on .Mount Carmel. Mr M'Dowall then dealt with the following four conceptions:—God as Sovereign Lord, Infinite Wisdom, Love, and a Living God. and in a thoughtful and reverent way brought to each listener a consciousness of His majesty, power, and nearness in our lives. Sectional meetings, for all grades of the Sunday school, and for young people followed, and the evening closed with devotions led by the students of the Women’s Training Institute. Many availed themselves of the opportunity of examining the bookstall, and of getting to know one another during the social half-hour at Ibc close of the meeting. The instituc will he continued tonight and to-morrow night.