FATHERS AND CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 13

FATHERS AND CHURCH.

DUTY. TOWARD FAMILY,

RESPONSIBILITY IN RELIGION.

APPEAL MADE BY VICAR. "To-day we are commemorating what I hope will become an annual celebration, that of Fathers' Day," said Canon Grant Cowen at a special service at St. Matthew's Church last evening. Tho preacher spoke on a father's influence and responsibility, while at tho morning service the Rev. Charles Chandler dealt with other aspects of a father's duty. Staling that while he had every respect for Mothers' Day, Canon Grant Cowen said he felt that fathers had an equal responsibility both toward God and toward their families. It seemed easier for women and girls to serve God than for men and boys, possibly because of their more sheltered lives. When boys went out into the world they met with sarcasm and opposition when they tried to live the Christian life. It was hoped that next year Fathers' Day would be celebrated not only in St. Matthew's but in every church in the Dominion. It was too often said by business men lhat Ihey led busy lives and that they had very little lime to give to tho Church. They sent their wives and children to church and Sunday school, while they themselves were willing to give subscriptions to the Church. In not going themselves they were missing the greatest thing in life. "Vou cannot possibly enter Heaven clinging to your wife's skirts," continued the preacher. "Some men think that because their wife and children attend church they need not interest themselves. After all, it is somewhat cowardly to leave the spiritual responsibility for your children to your wife. In the sight of God you are head of your home, and at the same time you are the person responsible in tho sight of God to give an account of your homo. Yours is the responsibility to put the child on the right path, and you cannot shift lhat responsibility on to anvone else.

" 'Too busy!' That is no answer. What of iho example you give in your own home? Young people imitate, young people do as you do. If when they grow up they fall in the pitfall, do not blame them unless you havo set their little footsteps in the right path." Continuing, the. preacher asked men to take their proper place in tho home and the Church, and not to allow others to assume their responsibilities. "How do you spend your Sunday ?" asked tho preacher. "I know that you are busy men and when you go home on Saturday yau are weary and tired. But what is your Sunday programme ? Digging in the garden, and in summer going out when you can ? I want to say that you are the father and it is your duty to take the spiritual lead in the family. Do not wait too long; life is 100 short. Life without God is nothing, and without God in the home, homo life cannot be happy."