SERMONS FOR THE YOUNG.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13649, 17 July 1908, Page 2

SERMONS FOR THE YOUNG.

(To the Editor of the " Timaru Herald.'') Sir,—l have waited, to give others an opportunity of publicly expressing their appreciation of the Rev. Mr Guthrie, for his two very timely and able addresses on Socialism. Much is demanded from the Church—aye, much more than what she is doing, let me tell some of her lukewarm members—and it is especially pleasing to find one of the younger ministerial brethren speaking on such an important topic. I only wish that lie had taken the liberty—not one, I believe, would have presumed, to call it such; they would have gladly sat with undivided attention—to allow himself an hour and a half, so that he might not be handicapped by thebrevity of time —not that he did not do Ids subject ample justice in tho brief time at his disposal. I regret to think that the Rev. Mr Guthrie is likely to leave Timaru. It is very unfortunate indeed that when we have a young gentleman with the God-given talents which he undoubtedly possesses, we cannot retain him in our midst. JSueh a 'man is an incentive and inspiration to the young life of any town. This brings me to a further reason for writing. I desire, specially, to urge on Mr Guthrie's attention the wisdom, and need, while he is here, of specializing his Sunday evening addresses, for the, young men and women. God only knows the allurements which, are broadcast for the lowering of our manhood and w r omanhood; and, if Mr Guthrie would arrange special talks to young men and women, I believe that he would do an incalculable amount of good. I do not wish to be uncharitable, but the old folks have been preached at, year in and year out. Suppose, for the wee while Mr Guthrie remains in our midst—if he cannot be kept:—a little special attention could be paid to the young fellows and maidens- I sincerely believe that such' talks, in the hands of Mr Guthrie, would attract large attendances of those who,, perhaps, are not in the habit of attending church services, and would prove of great benefit. I must apologise for trespassing at such length on your space, but I trust that some abler pen will take the matter', up. Let me say, .before closing, that I do not belong to Chalmers Church ; I am a member of' another denomination altogether.—l am, etc., ARROW.