THE TEST OF FAITH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18519, 2 October 1923, Page 9

THE TEST OF FAITH.

NEED FOR.; PATIENCE. -

i BISHOP'S CONFIDENCE.

"JESUS ■ IN OUR MIDST.".

Reference to the results of the 'healing mission, was made by -Bishop Averill at an; intercession service -held at, St. Matthew's Church last 'evening. Few sea£h were vacant, when the service commenced at 7.30 p.rr.'. '.'■';.■'•' . „ , Bishop Averill said the work of, that memorable morning was as a blade of corn which would grow to become an ear and finally to contain, the full corn. The blade was the earnest of what was to come.,, Prayers had been offered in simple faith, which in itself was an assurance that God had heard and granted their requests, though the full manifestation of the answer might only appear after many days and in a way that God knew; was best for them. They must, run the rac« set them with patience and look to Jesus. " A wonderful experience Mvas riven ■ us'..this morning, Bishop Averill continued. "It seemed to take us-back to the very day of Jesus Christ in Palestine,' and we seemed to see Jesus in our. midst. Jesus going about doing good, laying His hands oil the sick and strengthening the, souls andbodies of men, • bringing downward the great loving heart of the Father and saying .to each one of us 'He cares.' Such, a service as that' this morng must be very dear to the heart of tho good God. It was a manifestation of love, of kindness and devotion. It was* a bit of pure and simple Christianity in this: twentieth century. It was from beginning* to end an object lesson of bearing one another's burdens, so fulfilling the wish'of the Lord Christ that " ye love one another.' ". It was beautiful but pathetic, the Bishop continued, to think how many, came to the mission .as the . blind man came to Jesus, as He went out of Jericho, realising that this was their last opportunity. And just as the need of the poof man was such as to stop Jesus, so human need to-day would stop Jesus as He. passed by to bestow upon them His benediction and , His life.

It mattered not, in one sense, how many physical cures might or might not be reported. They were not merely looking for physical cures. That sign of the nv.ssion hardly crossed his mind that morning, , because he knew that God would work chiefly from the centre to the circumference.

Prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the mission, the faith which had been forthcoming and the v spiritual ■ and physical blessings which had occurred. Prayers were offered for those who would receive tho laying-on of hands this morning and following days, special appeal being* made on behalf of the sick and afflicted children. .'..