PRAYERS FOR RAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19859, 1 February 1928, Page 14

PRAYERS FOR RAIN.

, Sir,—Your correspondent, . "Reason," has - accurately summed up the position taken up by "Nemesis," by stating that the suggestions of prayers for rain might havo " received a hearing a , century ago, but could have little support to-day with our increased knowledge of natural law. As there appears' to be some misunderstanding as to my attitude to prayer as shown by another corespondent, "Convinced," I would state that no one more thoroughly believes irf the efficacy of prayer, or more earnestly prays for increased spiritual light, knowledge and understanding, and the power to help others than I do, but I would as soon think of asking for the moon, as a child might, as plead for any interruption of natural law, that would be impossible, and even if granted, would bring total * destruction in its course. Could God have prevented these destructive earthquakes in Japan, tha.t brought death and disaster to so many thousands ? Some * years ago at Martinique one Sunday morning, when the inhabitants were at worship in their churches, the top of Mount Pelee suddenly lifted off ana a sea of molt.n lava poured down, and in a few minutes wiped out the whole of the inhabitants. Did God need prayers to savo these unfortunate people, would He not have provided for their safety or diverted the course of the lava, if such had been possible ? In sor-ie places when a plague breaks out, t*i« people, headed by their priests, bearing aloft images of their deities; parade the streets calling upon these powers for help, while our Godgiven reason tells us to Jind out the cause, as we did by tracing it to infected rats, and so stamping out the epidemic. If people would pray more for spiritual guidance and knowledge, instead of their own worldly comforts, they would realise as I do that everything is working in perfect harmony and according 'to "Divine plan, and recpive knowledge and comfort and a perfect faith in the Supreme Architect that is guiding and directing our destinies, and doeth all things well. If "Nemesis" would read the article in last Monday's Herald on "Rainless Benefits," he would sec the truth of my assertion that the present drought is really a blessing in disguise, and will bring 1 many benefits that wiL far more than compensate for any present apparent loss or inconvenience. Mother Nature knows best what is good for us. T. E. Ceowhcssst. 47, Khyber Pass Road.