CHURCH OR ENGLAND TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12159, 24 March 1900, Page 4

CHURCH OR ENGLAND TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

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The monthly meeting of the Juvenile Branch of the Church of England Temperance Society in connection Avith St Matthew’,s Church avus held in the schoolroom on Monday evening, March 19, Avhen the room Avas Avell filled witli children and their friends. A good programme was well rendered by the juveniles and others, which, after prayer and hymns', comprised the folloAving items:—Dialogue by Winrty and Hetty Eldridge ; recitation, Frances Davis ; “Song of a Lifetime',” Annie limes' and Violet Bowers ; recitations by Violet Bowers, Hetty, Anna l and Winny Eldridge ; dialogue, Nellie Foster and Tilly Greig; leading. " Mark Twain's Jingles,” by Mr T. Gordon ; reading by F. Woodham. Miss -Porwood avus encored for a very arch rendering of the sang, “ The Miller and The Maid,” responding by repeating the last verse. The Vicar (Re\ r K. Williams, sen.) ably filled the position of chairman, and in his usual forcible and pithy manner put before the audience some of the sad results of drink, and the' good Avoid: that even Die juvenile members of temperance societies can do, and hoped all the children present Avould remain total abstainers to their lives’ end. Miss Alice Grot ton must be complimented for the painstaking manner in Avliich she Avorks up the dialogues. Mr Buchanan presided at the piano in his usual able manner. We are pleased to see the juveniles taking so much interest- in the meetings, and the children’s programme is evidently very popular AA-ith the parents. A collection- aaxi.s made at the door, which included 85 pennies contributed by the members, and several silver coins from the parents. The financial help by the members of tbs church, both at the adult- and juvenile meetings, is- very satisfactory and encouraging to those in office. THE PULPIT. THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. THE COLLECT. Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that Ave, avlio for our evil deeds do Avorthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy Grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 1. The Collect for Septuagesima (nearly the same as this one) spoke of the justice of our present punishment' for sin. This points forward to the additional chastisement in the last day deserved and rt-cei%-ed by the intemperate and the self-indulgent. Some obviously suffer tioav ; others with “ stronger heads" .seem to escape the penalty which yet must come. 2. Comfort does not etymologically mean the quieting and soothing, but the strengthening of the soul, a-nd the chief action of grace is on tho will. Strength against temtation—firm resolution —perseverance to the end—must come by the comfort, i.e., strengthening, which grace alone- provides. Slowly moves the march of ages. Slowly groAvs tbs forest King ; Slowly to perfection cometb Every great and noble thing. It is well for all total abstainers to bear this in mind. 1988