Unceasing Prayer and Work

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 266, 8 November 1941, Page 8

Unceasing Prayer and Work

DELIVERANCE PROM TROUBLE Per Press Association. TIMARTJ, Nov. 7. Paying a tribute to the part taken by the Presbyterian Church in the national life of New Zealand, the Prime Minister, in a telegram forwarded to the Assembly at Timaru, declared that unceasing prayer and work must be undertaken if the nation is to be delivered from its threatened oppression. New Zealand’s effort, was, he said* a national contribution to the struggle for civil and religious liberty, and for all that was precious in the moral and spiritual life of the world. The text of the telegram read:— “I regret it is impssible for me to be present at the Moderator’s reception, because I -would be exceptionally pleased at this critical time in human affairs, to tender my personal respects to the Moderator and of the General Assembly, and pay a sincere tribute to the part in national life so conscientiously taken and so creditably discharged by the Presbyterian Church it is particularly fitting that a member of the War Cabinet, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, should be with you on this occasion. “The immediate future is full of uncertainties, but faith in the ultimate triumph of righteousness strengthens our souls and illuminates the path to victory. Nations which do place the true value on every citizen and which recognise the dignity and importance of every individual, and which in their legislation follow the biblical command, care for the unfortunate weak, aged, widows and orphans, the sick, suffering and afflicted, will not be overthrown. Blessed is he that considereth Our Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. I believe in the certainty of that deliverance, but we must all pray and work unceasingly for it. “I hope that the deliberations of the Assembly will be most successful, and that the church will continue to prosper in all its -work.” Recommendations for fixing the standard minimum stipend jf ministers at £330, and for the establishment of a maintenance-of-ministry fund, were placed before the Assembly by the maintenance-of-ministry committee, which also recommended that children’s allowances be continued, along with the possibility of establishing a fund to assist the higher education of ministers’ children; also, that car allowances dependent on congregations be fixed on the basis of the 1939 recommendations; and further, that a special collection for the maintenance of the ministry be held next year.