THE VICTORY SIGN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 2 August 1941, Page 6

THE VICTORY SIGN

SERMON BY REV. T. COATSWORTII "The Victory Sign" was the subject of a sermon preached by the Rev. T. Coatsworth to a large congregation in •the Motueka Methodist Church. Taking as his text “This is the victory that • overcometh the world, even our faith” lie gave a most forceful and eloquent i address. Speaking of the famous V |sign he stated that the nation at present dominating Europe must ultimately !be defeated. Our enemies stood for j oppression, cruelty and opposition to justice and truth. Victory would come {through faith. It was the faith which the early church had which enabled them to carry on in spite of persecution and because of the faith of its members through all the centuries it still existed and must continue to do so. Victory would come through love. “There is hatred intense and bitter in the world to-day but love will conquer all,” said the preacher. “Victory will come through perseverance. The ■people of France to-day must be grieved because their leaders so easily gave up the contest a year ago. But the peoples of the British Empire and the United States of America will continue and persevere until victory is attained. Victory will come through prayer. As Christians we must pray for the overthrow of those who through lust of power and gain are devastating large areas and causing death and untold misery to civilian peoples. As in the days of Israel of old we must continue in prayer and intercession till victory comes. Victory will come through the Cross —not the mere wooden cross but what it represents, sacrifice; not that only but ultimate triumph and victory.” Stressing the fact that the Allies’ victory would mean freedom for the oppressed nations, for those in concentration camps, with justice and liberty foi all, Mr Coatsworth appealed to his hearers to do all they could by personal effort and sacrifice to bring about this great victory. Suitable hymns were sung, the choir 1 rendered an anthem and at the close iof the service the whole congregation joined heartily in singing the National j Anthem.