BAPTIST UNION

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 65

BAPTIST UNION

OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND AUXILIARY. The twenty-third annual meetings of tho Otago and Southland Auxiliary of the New Zealand Baptist Union were held at tho North-East Valley Church on the King’s Birthday. A devotional meeting at 10 o’clock, conducted by Pastor .Atkinson, was well attended. The business sessions were presided over by Mr J. A. Maclaren, and 40 delegates re* spondod to their names at the roll call. A resolution' affirming unabated loyalty to the King and to the Empire’s cause in this time of national crisis was enthusiastically carried, the assembly rising and singing tho National Anthem. The president’s address drew attention to tho need -for greater aggressiveness in fields of homo mission work, and urged that a greater measure of sympathy and support be given to those engaged in this difficult and important work. Reports from-the churches at Gore, Owaka, Mosgiel, Uavcrsham, South Dunedin, Mornington, Roslyn, Hanover Street, North-East Valley, Invercargill, North Invercargill, and the South' Island Bible Class Union were received. Among other interesting features disclosed by the reports, the large number of Baptist young men serving with the colours was mentioned as specially gratifying. , . • The following resolution relation to tho liquor traffic was unanimously carried: "That, while affirming its rooted conviction that nothing short of the national prohibition of the liquor traffic will prove an adequate solution of the drink problem, this auxiliary expresses its admiration of tho action of his Majesty the King in banishing intoxicants from the Royal Household during the continuance of the war; it rejoices that his example has been followed by so many of those who hold office of influence and authority in the State; it appeals to all leaders in'the social, civic, and political life of this land to adopt tho royal course, and commends to the whole community the ‘K. of K. pledge,’ in the full belief that the temporary benefits of voluntary abstinence will prove-the wisdom of its permanent and universal practice.” Tho Assembly also passed with unanimity a series of resolutions anent the war, to tho following effect: “That this auxiliary, while expressing its utter abhorrence of war as a means of settling international disputes, yet avows its conviction —first, that the Empire was fully justified in entering upon the conflict in which it is now engaged, and may humbly appeal to the God of righteousness to grant victory to its army and navy and its Allies in the tremendous struggle which is taxing all its resources; second, that tho ultimate responsibility for this world-wide strife rests with Germany; third, that the methods by which Germany has conducted her campaign against the peace of Europe merits the utmost condemnation of tho whole civilised world; fourth, that the military supremacy of Germany would be a calamity of tha greatest magnitude, and the shattering of her ambition to dominate Europe an object worthy of the united and strenuous efforts of tho Allied Forces; fifth, that the valour and self-sacrifice displayed by the Expeditionary Forces which have gono-forth from this dominion at the call of King and Empire command our fullest admiration, and lay upon us all the duty of succouring as far as oiir opportunities permit tha wounded and tho disabled; sixth, that the parents and friends of the fallen and injured should ever bo remembered by us in tender sympathy and earnest intercession.” Tho election of officers resulted as follow :—President, Rev. J. Carlisle; vice-presi-dent, Mr W. S. Sessions; secretary, Rev. Stanley Jenkins; treasurer, Mr A. S. Adams; auditor. Mr C. S Bcckingsalc; committee — 1 Messrs Driver, Brixton, Dosmouslins, Horner, G. Calder, Dicker, and J. H. M'Laren, The Rev. Stanley Jenkin read a paper-on “ How to Foster Unity in the Church,” evoking a helpful discussion. The Rev. T. Eccersall introduced the subject “How to Foster Denominational Loyalty,” and several speakers expressed appreciation of the treatment given to the question.

The evening mooting, presided over by the Rev. J. Carlisle, was largely attended. The Rev. J. Farquharson Jones, 8.D., gave an address on “ The Ideal Home,” emphasising the fact that such a homo must be founded and maintained in earnest piety. The Rev. J. K. Archer gave a stimulating address upon “ The Ideal State,” and stressed the importance of all Christians praying and working to secure the establish* ment of the Kingdom of God. The Rev. Chas. Dallaston dealt with the subject of “ The Ideal Church,” and gave prominence to the social and spiritual aspects of the church’s life.

Dinner was provided for delegates at tha Garden Tea Rooms, and a bountiful tea was served in the public school gymnasium. The choir, under the leadership of Madam von Look, contributed a programme of music, which was highly appreciated.