SOUL OF THE NATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901, 17 June 1931, Page 10

SOUL OF THE NATION.

CALL TO REPENTANCE. PROPOSAL BY PRESBYTERY. "Our chief business in the community is to fortify the soul of the nation*" said the Rev. E. R. Harries, quoting at tho Auckland Presbytery last evening a wartime utterance of the late President of tho United States, Mr. Woodrdw Wilson. Mr. Harries proposed that in view of tho present depression and distress somo special united action should be taken by tho Churches. Ho thought; it might' bo possible for tho moderator of their Church to approach tho heads of tho other churches and suggest tho calling of tho nation to repentance and prayer. Mr. Harries moved, "that whereas tho economic position of this Dominion .is 0110 of great and growing gravity, and tho duty of tho Churches is not only to alleviato distress but at tho same time to cultivato a deeper insight into tho spiritual causes of the present situation and to lead the nation to God, the presbytery therefore pray the Right Rev. tho Moderator, Professor John Collie, tb give this matter earnest consideration and suggests that lie consult the heads of other Churches with a view to such concerted action as might achieve this end." The Rev. W. Lawscn Marsh, who seconded tho motion, said wo lived in an ago which had been steadily receding from God. One day had been set asic'lo for prayer, but something very much larger than that was required. Tho motion was carried unanimously.