APPEAL TO YOUNG MEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15689, 17 August 1914, Page 7

APPEAL TO YOUNG MEN.

DUTIES OF A SOLDIER.

THOSE WHO REMAIN BEHIND,

BISHOP AVERILL'S ADVICE. Many people were unable to find 6cats

and remained standing throughout the evening service at St. Matthew's Church yesterday, when the Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr A. W. Averill, addressed a 6ermou to young men, taking as his text: "I have written to you young men, because ye are strong."" The preacher said that St. John, when he used these words, was contrasting the lives of heathen young men and Christian i young men. "And to-night," proceeded Dr. Averill, "I want to speak especially to you young men, ' because- ye are strong, ana because you axe called upon to play a leading part in the great struggle- in which our Empire- is engaged at Luc pre--1 sent time, on behalf of riglit, honour, freedom, and deliverance from tyranny and op- ' pression. | "It is easy to sec how the country depends I u])on its young men, and not only upon its young men, but upon itfi strong young ' men, strong physically, strong morally and ; spiritually. Young men of clean life and i manly ideals are a valuable asset, when j they realist) that their strength is a trust I and put it at the disposal of their country at the time of their country's need. Remember men who volunteer to servo ] tneir country, cease to bo irresponsible indiI viduals, and they become representatives of their country and of their Empire. Therefore, they hold their country's reputation and honour in their hands: hence i the need for men of character, strength ano ' self-control, men who realise their respon--1 nihility as well «6 the privileges of a soldier's life and his duty." Bishop Averill then referred to those men who aro unable to volunteer for active service, and to the community in general. "Go on steadily with your ordinary work," ho said. " Don't be over-anxious for news from the. front. Remember the British authorities are too wiso and too careful to show their hand for the benefit of their enemies or oven for the satisfaction of their friends. Now, thore is plenty of steady work for the community to do. As well as looking after thoso going away from our shores, look after the families of the reservists, who have been called to Iho colours at Home, and don't forget this: Look after those who aro out of work on account of this war. I know it is not very romantic, but it is just as valuable in God's sight. " I havo a strong opinion of you young mon," concluded Dr. Averill, " but I want to say ono word of warning. I trust you to bo strong, but bowaro of false oxcitemont. Don't think you are acting in a patriotic way, or a manly wuy, by colobrating with strong drink events in tho war. Bowaro of that falro patriotism 5 which costs you nothing. Bo strong, be - sober, bo vigilant! Let this time ol 3 stress, this time of temptation, reveal youi truo character. Show your strength tc tho world, and then you will bo a credit k to yourselves and a credit to you! Empire"