SERVICES OF INTERCESSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12003, 27 June 1902, Page 6

SERVICES OF INTERCESSION.

SsBnOES of intercession for the recovery of the King were he in several of the city churches yesterday, in tho place of the special Coronation services which had been previously arranged, and which were necessarily abandoned on the receipt of tho news of the illness of His Majesty and the consequent postponement of the Coronation. Appended are reports of the various services, the majority of which were held at ten a.m., the hour originally fixed for tho Coronation service :— ST. MATTHEWS. There was a very good attendance at the ten o'clock service at St. Matthew's yesterday morning. The Litany was sung and special prayers wore offered for the King during the Holy Communion. The vicar, in tho course of his address, said:—"Wo expected to assemble this morning with songs of rejoicing, but our service is changed into a litany of intercession. The news of the King's illness has thrown a cloud of sorrow over tho whole Empire. The information received is very meagre, but wo have every reason to believe that His Majesty is seriously, if not dangerously, ill. .Nothing but extreme urgency would have caused an opera- j tion ;: to be necessary at this time. Iho j Kings kindness of heart and consideration for tho feelings of his subjects would have led him to endure great pain and inconvenience rather than postpone the event for which the nation has been looking with such joyful anticipation. We cannot help a feeling of intense anxiety, for we expected so much from our King. It has given us such confidence to feel that Edward was to be crowned with acclamations of approval and consent from all parts of this united Empire. Never before did a monarch succeed to the Throne of Britain with such absolute assurance of the goodwill and loyalty of all his subjects. When our late Queen came to wear the crown she had reason to fear that loyalty to the Throne had waxed cold during preceding reigns, but after her long and glorious leign we find that respect for the monarchy is more deeply established than ever before. Through tho wisdom and tact j of Victoria there has grown up a feeling of profound respect for the Throne and of personal affection for the Royal family. At every stage and step of her reign she advanced and deepened the confidence and esteem of her subjects, and made it possible ■for her Royal son to succeed her without there being the faintest whisper of discontent in the nation with the principle of Monarchism. Thero has been reason enough for discontent with some of the monarchs of England. But if wo have had corrupt, licentious and tyrannical rulers—who have prostituted their high office, degraded the Court, fomented unjust quarrels and brought discredit upon the Church of God, the monarchy has; absolutely redeemed itself in these later years, and there is not the least symptom of discontent and sedition ever heard of now. The King has shown us that ho is just such a ruler as we need to ensure continuity and stability to our political institutions He has succeeded to the Throne at a ripe age. He knows his people and his people know him. He is an ideal King for ! us with all the tact, intuition, common j sense and practical wisdom of a high-born English gentleman. We looked to him as a j King who would maintain all the rights and dignities of Royalty and at the same time | allow the fullest freedom and development of the people committed to his charge. It inspired hope for the future to remember that he is so closely related to the most powerful Royal houses of Europe, that he j has ever been' welcomed with affection by them, and that, if spared, be would be able ; to promote and cement friendship among reigning dynasties. We know he would rejoice more in the victories of peace, of industry, of the commonwealth than in the extension of Imperial sway. Wo are aware of his intense horrer of war. We have seen how he has hailed the recently-made peace with words of wisdom and goodwill. We have in him a kindly and considerate ruler, who has the poor and suffering ever in mind. •His latest request that the generosity of his subjects should be displayed at this time in increasing the income of the great hospitals, and his message from his bed of pain not to allow the indigent and the children to be deprived of the feast prepared for them, shows the kindly heart of the King we have. We may well be anxious lest we should lose «ueh a head of the State, and we do well to present our supplications before the Throne of Grace, that the King of Kings may be pleased to restore his servant Edward to health and strength again. Our hearts go out in tender sympathy for the Royal family at this time of suspense, and especially for the gentle, winning, ever-beloved Queen Alexandra. From the day that Edward first brought his winsome bride to England the affections of our people have gone out to the sweet, loving woman who now shares the Throne. She has gone through the fires of-affliction; she knows how to suffer and be resigned. May God give her special strength and comfort in this fresh period of ■anxiety. Let us pray fervently that outKing may long be spared to us. Humanly speaking, so much depends upon his preservation to the nation that we cannot help a feeling of dread apprehension at the news of bis illness. Never before did a monarch come to a throne so influential and powerful, to preside over an Empire so great and wide Never before did a,monarch require so much mental and physical strength or need so much a wise and undemanding heart, and such high principle and devotion to -duty a3 our new Sovereign. So much depends upon the words and works, the conduct and ideas of the King to-day that we may* pray that God may restore him to his wontJed vigour, and that ' he may be endued with God's Holy Spirit, enriched with His Heavenly Grace, and granted in health and wealth long to live.' God save the King. A large number of persons partook or the Sacrament. Among the prayers used were the two, following: — "0 Lord our God, by Whose command the moments of our life run their course, receiver our prayers for Thy .servant Edward, .our King, now visited with sickness on whose behalf we implore Thy mercy, that our fears on account of his danger may be turned into joy at his recovery, through Josns Christ our Lord. Amen. «* O God Almighty and Sovereign Lord, Thou Great Physician of souls and bodies, we beseech Thee to save. and sanctify all Thy people, and to especially regard lhy servant our. King: raise him irom his bod of sickness, visit him in mercy ™d compassion and take away hi* infirmity. Hear he urayer of th nation, 0 Lord, that the King being raised up by Thy hand may receive his earthly crown and may live .to serve Thee vrith thankfulness and rule his people with all wisdom; and that Thy people.rejoicing in his recovery (if it.be Thy will) may give Thee thanks and praise for all Thy mercies, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

ST: MARK'S. There was a service of intercession at St. Mark's Remuera, which opened with the i s 'of the hvmn "Rock of Ages." T.he %£? W. Beatty.'in his address, said: When the news came of the King's serious illness, wmdi has awakened grief and apprehension in the hearts of all his people, it, was thought right that an opportunity should be given to mate public and united supplication.to God for help in this time of trouble. \N o pray for him', who. touched by the finger of Goo has exchanged a throne for a sick bed ana irfthTmidst of high and important duties has been made painfully sensible of his mortal weakness. We pray for the Queen, who has been a loving and true wife, a wise and tender mother, and over whose household the shadow of sickness and deatn has often fallen. And we pray for ourselves and the whole realm to which we belong that it may please the Lord of life and death to lengthen the days of one who has ruled wisely and well. Humanly speaking it would be an irreparable loss to the British Empire if we were deprived of the King's sound judgment, practical wisdom, unfailing tact, and kindly sympathy. Novei in the historv of our country was a grave, strong just, humane ruler more needed. A? we use the solemn words of the Litany anu of the prayers for the sick, let us lift, humble trustful, penitent hearts to our Father and Saviour, and our petitions will be heard and answered in wisdom and in love. Mr. Beatty also referred to the lamented death of Bishop • Oowic. Hvmn 277, "Nearer My God to Thee," was sung, and prayers were read from the Order of Visitation and Communion of *hc Sick.

ST. PAUL'S. "- At St. Paul's Church there was a Communion service at half-past seven, at which the vicar Canon Nelson, announced the death of Bishop Cowie. There was intercession for the King and for the late Bishop's family. At the ten o'clock service there was a congregation of about 100. Mr. H. W. Wilson (town clerk) and Mr. F. E. Baume were present, representing the City Council The ' service opened with the singing of Oh, Cod, . .Our Help in Ages Past, ' Tbe Litany was , ; -.taken from the service prepared for the - Coronation, and there was shortened communion. During the communion the hymn, '* Christ Will Gather in His Own, was sung. I At the close of the service there were prayers 'of intercession for the King _ and for the | family of the late Bishop Cowe. j

ALL SAINTS' CHURCH. At All Saints' Church there was a celebration of Holy Communion at half-past seven a.m., with special intercession for His Majesty the King. During this service Archdeacon CaWer announced the death of the Primate. At ten o'clock, the hour originally fixed for the Coronation service, there was another service of intercession, the Litany, prayers, collect, epistle and gospel from the Order of the Visitation of the Sick being used. CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. At half-past seven Holy Communion was celebrated' at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Epiphany, followed in both houses of worship by special intercession on behalf of His Majesty the King. At ton a.tn. members of both congregations attended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this course being adopted in accordance with the original arrangement providing for a joint service for the Corona tion. The vicar, the Rev. G. A. Carver, recited the Litany, and the Rev. W. E. Lush offered tho special prayers from the Order for tho Visitation of the Sick, including Psalm lxxi. The hymns " Oh, God, Our Help in Ages Past" and "Jesu, Lover of My Soul," were sung. -ST. MARY'S. There was a large congregation at St. Mary's, Parnell. The Rev. Canon MaoMurray conducted the service, and was assisted by the Rev. Dr. Purchaa. Mr. Leslie Hunt, organist, played " Blessed Are The Dead," from Spohr's "Last Judgment," as the clergy and choir marched in. " Oh, God, Our Help in Ages Past," was then sung by the congregation. Canon Mac Murray then asked the prayers of those present for the King, Queen Alexandra, and members of the Royal Family in their trouble, and also for the widow and family of their late beloved Primate, whom God had called to his rest. The Litany was intoned by the Rev. Dr. Purchas, after which the hymn, God of Our Life, to Thee We Call," was sung. Then the vicar read the special service for the Communion of the Sick, and the ordinary service followed. The other hymn, was " Great King of Nations, Hear Our Prayer." PITT-STREET METHODIST. A united intercession service was held by the Methodist clergy in the Pitt-street Church yesterday morning. The Rev. C. H. Garland presided and tho following ministers also took part in the service: The Revs. W. Gittos, J. J. Lewis, J. Law, J. T. Pinfold, W. Ready, S. Griffith, T. T. Thomas, C. H. Poole, and Hauraki Paul. The service commenced with the singing of the hymn, "Let God Who Comforts the Distrest." Prayer for the King's recovery was offered by the Rev. W. Gittos, and then followed the hymn, " Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright," and the reading of Psalm xxix. by the Rev. J. J. Lewis. The Rev. C. H. Garland, in referring to the illness of the King, said that this unfortunate and painful event brought home to them forcibly tho vexatious uncertainty of all things human. That day was to have been a day of superb rejoicing, but instead of that thoy beheld the Empire in sorrow: one touch of Nature made them all akin. Rich and poor, the high and tho low were all as one in the time of sickness. Perhaps in the minds of some the King of England was nothing more than a figure-head, but this was a mistake. In spite of the limitations to the Throne, for which they were all thankful, the Sovereign was an important power for good or for evil. He was the first Magistrate of the realm; it was he who dissolved Parliament; it was under him that all public offices were held, and it was he who represented the majesty of the State to all foreign Powers. It was, however, in his social life that the King exercised tho most potent influence. He surrounded his Court, not with the buffoon and the profligate, but with those esteemed for their genius, knowledge and character, and he so gave an elevating social tone to the greatest Empire in the world. It was impossible to exaggerate His Majesty's social influence as tho first gentleman of the realm and as a man who brought with him to the Throne such a high moral and religious character. King Edward VII. had an abiding place in the affection and confidence of his people, who loved him for his father's sake. There was enshrined in the romance of England the memory of King Arthur, but the memory of the late Prince Albert was quite equal to any romance. Yes, they loved the King for his father's sake, for his mother's sake, and for his own sake. His Majesty IfcsS in his younger and more impetuous days had his youthful foibles, but both before and since he had came to the Thorne he had manifested a desire to rule wisely and justly and to follow in 'the footsteps of his illustrious mother. He was known to bo a very humane man, and his humanity had been exhibited in a marked degree since he became King. Now that His Majesty was sick and his life, for aught they knew, trembling in the balance, the people of tho nation with one accord were gathered together to ask God to deliver their monarch from his pains, to restore him to health, and if it be the Divine will to establish him as our King for many years to come. Other hymns were sung, and Mr. Abbott, the Revs. W. Ready, J. T. Pinfold and J. J. Lewis successively engaged in prayer, in which the recovery of the King was earnestly besought. The service closed by the Rev. J. J. Lewis pronouncing the Benediction. BERESFORD-STREKT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. A united service of intercessory prayer for the King was held in the Beresford-street Congregational Church last evening. The Rev. J. Wilkins (pastor of tho Beresfordstreet Church) presided, and the other ministers present were the Revs. W. Day (Mount Eden). G. H. Barrett (Newton); and A. J. Leo (Dovonport). The service commenced with the singing of a hymn, which was fol- ■ lowed by prayer and the reading of a portion of Scripture (dealing with the restoration of , King Hezekiah) by the Rev. J. Wilkins. The Rev. W. Day delivered a short address. He said that the present occasion was not one for much speech. There were times when thero was nothing so golden as silence— silent prayer, silent endurance, silent listening to the speech cf God. "Be still and know that I am God." Dealing with the reasons for tho service they were holding, he said there was a peculiar pathos about the King's trouble which they were all feeling as a personal trouble. One touch of nature made the whole world akin. Perhaps they felt neater to the King in his trouble than they would havo felt in his joy had the Coronation taken place that day. Their predominant feeling was sympathy, and if sympathy could heal His Majesty would be well at once. The speaker, referring to the meaning and object of intercessory prayer, said that they did not desire to bend God's will to their own. They wished to be prepared to say, " Father, Thy will bo done." It had, he said, in conclusion, always been the confidence of God's people that the prayer of faith shall save the sick. Prayers were offered by the Revs. G. 11. Barrett and A. J. Lee and Mr. W. H. Lyon, there being also an interval of a few moments for silent j prayer. The front of the pulpit was draped with a Union Jack, and at the close of the service " God Save the King" was sung. AUCKLAND TABERNACLE. An intercession service was" held in the Baptist Tabernacle, Upper -street, yesterday morning at ten o'clock. The Rev. J. B. Sneyd, of the Mount Eden Baptist Church, presided. Pastor Clark was also present and assisted in tho service. There was a good attendance, ministers and congregation earnestly joining in prayer for the recovery of tho King. Short addresses were given by the ministers, and passages of Scripture read. Special hymns wore sung, concluding with hymn No. 1271: — " God bless our native land. Oh, Lord, our Monarch bless." ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. Intercession services were held in the Roman Catholic churches in the forenoon. At St. Mary's Convent Chapel, Ponsonby, ! His Lordship Bishop Lenihan celebrated Mass. At the close of the service he offered special prayer for His Majesty's speedy recovery, the congregation joining. At St. Patrick's Cathedral Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Patterson at seven a.m. and ton a.m., special prayers being offered.

• AT MOUNT EDEN GAOL. The arrangements made for the celebration of Coronation Day in prison were carried out yesterday, the day being observed as a Sunday in the matter of hours. A special dinner of roast beef and plum pudding was served out in the middle of the day. and from to-day the prisoners will be allowed one ounce of tobacco a week, a-quarter of an hour smoking time being granted each day, this being kept up until further orders.

COSTLEY HOME. Provision having been made for a dinner to the inmates of the Costlcy Home, Epsom, and also the hoisting of the new flag on Coronation Day, rather than disappoint the old people, and on account of the King's command that the poor should still receive what was intended for them, the chairman (Mr. James Stichbury) gave instructions to the manager (Mr. Skynner) to go on with the arrangements. The new flag was hoisted by Mr. Stichbury, who led off with "Pule Britannia," the inmates joining in, after which the chairman explained that after the very sad news received by telegram by him from Sir J. G. Ward of the illness of the King the ceremony would be curtailed. The

flags were then lowered to half-roast in reverence to the memory of the late Bishop Oowie. The chairman invited all the inmates to take their places at the dinnertables (the Rev. E. C. Buck! saying grace), where an excellent spread, consisting of roast beef, potatoes and cabbage, also pram pudding, was provided. Afterwards the following provided fruit and confectionery: — Mcsdames Pritt, Louis Myers, Moss Davis, Coleman, Cotter, Corbett, Tylden, Nairn, Mulgan, McCosh Clark, Shera, Bedford, Bartley. Cameron, Moore Jones, Richmond, Bamford, Budd, and Goldie; the Misses Crowther, Mr. U. L. Murdoch, and the committee of the Remuera dance. Mrs. Louis Myers then handed round to each inmate a large stick of tobacco. The chairman had tiic glasses filled, and called on the inmates to drink to the restoration to health of the King, all singing " God Save the King." The Chairman, on behalf of the inmates, thanked the ladies above mentioned for their kindness in providing as they did for the comfort and enjoyment of all those in the home. ONEHUNGA. The Mayor of Onehunga (Mr. D. A. Sutherland) and members of the Borough Council gave a public feast yesterday afternoon to all the children of the town. The invitation was extended to the parents as well, and fully 200 accepted the same. The feast was held in the old school building. The children all appeared to thoroughly enjoy their treat, which consisted of an abundant supply of all kinds of cakes, with lollies, fruit, and tea. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Sutherland) and Messrs. Rowe, Hill, Shaldrick, Vause, Barr, MoLeod, Colledge, and Kelsall (members of the Council) and their wives, Mr. Mcintosh (headmaster of the Onehunga public school) and Mrs. Mcintosh, together with tho teachers of the school, were in attendance, and by their kindly services to the children and their parents made the feast a most successful and enjoyable function. The first religious service was held at ten a.m. in St. Peter's Anglican Church by Canon Haselden, and took tho form of an intercessory service for the restoration of the King's health. The members of the Presbyterian, Congregational, Anglican, and Methodist Churches, with the Salvation Army, held a united service last night in the Congregational Church. 'j-he Rev.. C. A. Lyon presided, and Mr. Harry Prime officiated at the organ. Special prayers for the King were offered by the Revs. Canon Haselden, C. Griffin, A. C. edderspoon, and others. The last-named clergyman read a portion of the fifth chapter of the Epistle of St. James, and Canon Haselden delivered an address. In referring to the sickness of the King, Canon Haselden said he believed that God was preparing tho British nation for some great trial, and he trusted that the spirit of unity as manifested in that meeting might continue. Suitable hymns were sung, and the service terminated with the organist playing the National Anthem.

IN THE COUNTRY. THAMES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. The distribution of bags of lollies and cakes to the school children in this district, which feature was a part of the proposed celebrations in connection with the Coronation ceremonies, took place this afternoon. In some instances the chairmen and members of the School Committees attended and gave short addresses to the children, in which, occasion was taken to explain to them the reason why tho Coronation celebrations had not taken place.

TR AROHA. [BY TELEGRAI'U. —OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] Te Anon a, Thursday. The Coronation Committco met last night and postponed all celebrations. Large numbers of country people who had not hoard the news of the King's illness came into the town during the morning expecting to share in the festivities. Intercessory prayers for the King were said at St. Mark's Church. P AERO A. [BY TELEGRAM. —OWN* CORRESPONDENT.]' Paeroa, Thursday. As mentioned in the HERALD to-day, the whole of the official programme associated with the Coronation festivities were postponed on account of the King's illness.- The children's feast, however, was carried out in the volunteer drill-shed and was without doubt the most enjoyable affair of the kind ever held in Paeroa.' The children attending both the Roman Catholic and the public schools united, Dean Hackett, Messrs. Murphy, McGregor, and the teaching staff of the publio schools, together with the members of the School Committee, being indefatigable in their exertions to make the children enjoy themselves. A large number of parents were also present, and entered with spirit into the fun. Soon after the schools had assembled the children sang the - National Anthem, after which Dean Hacketfc said grace. The children were then regaled with refreshments, over 500 bags of sweets being distributed. A good programme was then started, several tugs-of-war causing great excitement. The assemblage broke up about four p.m., everyone, both old and young, having spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. In consequence of King Edward's illness the Coronation service which was to have been held at the Aaglican Church did not take place, but instead there was a celebration -of the Holy Eucharist as an act of intercession for tho restoration of the King's health. The Rev. J. P. Cowie officiated. The service was of a choral nature. The pupils of the Convent School, about 125 in number, together with nuns and some adult members of the congregation, attended Mass at St. Mary's at half-past nme a.m. Dean Hackett conducted the service and also gave an address, during which he referred to the illness of King Edward, which necessitated the postponement of tho festivities and the singing of the hymn of thanks- | giving after the Mass that. day. The Mass, as had been announced last Sunday, was for those who died during the South African war. The Dean quoted a paragraph from the London Monitor showing that the death-roll during: the late war, now happily ended, passed 22.000 on the British side, including 6000 Catholics. Peace had been purchased at great cost, but later on the world would know an important factor in the bringing about of that peace was the personal influence of King Edward. The united service at the drill hall was postponed until Coronation Day. IN" THE SOUTH. [BY TELEGRAM!.PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wanganlt, Thursday. Service of supplication for the King was held at Christ Church this morning, the Mayor of the borough, councillors, and the German Consul being amongst those present. Wellington, Thursday. The children attending the various State schools in the city and suburbs, were entertained to-day, and supplied with refreshments. The caterer for the affair in the city supplied one ton .of cake and 1200 dozen small cakes for the youngsters. Palmerston North, Thursday. The provisions prepared for the celebrations to-dav were disposed of among the school children and tho charitable institutions. This morning fully 600 children were present at luncheon in the Theatre Royal. Special intercessory services were held in tho Anglican churches this morning, and a united service was held this afternoon at the Theatre Roy.d. Blenheim, Thursday. At the children's gathering to-day a. short religious service was held at eleven o'clock, and appropriate hymns were sung. _ Short addresses, expressing sympathy with the King in his illness, were given by the clergy. A Maori ceremony appropriate to the sentiment of sorrow and sympathy was also observed. The town is "thronged with visitors. Intercession services were held in the churches this morning. Nelson, Thursday. Special intercessory services for the restoration of the King's health wore hold to-day. CrtRiSTCHURCH, Thursday. Intcrcessional services for the recovery of the King were held in all tho churches this morning. There were special prayers and hymns. The Cathedral, where Bishop Julius preached, was crowded, and large congregations were present at the other churches. Hokitika, Thursday. All the celebrations have been abandoned. The Borough Council met and passed a motion of condolence. Intercession services were held to-day. The occasion is observed as a close holiday to enable the townspeople to attend the services. The utmost concern is felt through the district. , Ashburton, Thursday. United religious services were held this afternoon, and were largely attended. Prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of the King, and the proceedings terminated by singing "Cod Save the King." The inmates of the Old Men's Home were entertained at dinner, and afterwards presented with a stick of tobacco and a Coronation card each.

1 Waterproof coats, from 255; special line, 39,5 6d. Rainproof coats, special value: covert coats, from 17s 6d; at George Fowlds'. A devotional meeting of the city and suburban congregations of the Presbyterian Churches will be held in St. David's Church, Khyber Pass Road, this evening, in connection with the Rev. James Lyali's mission. i Prayers will bo offered lor His Majesty the j King.