ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 August 1901, Page 2

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

CHILDREN'S DAY.

"All people that on earth do dwell, Sing to the Lord with, cheerful voice."

Such was the opening psalm of praise, and such the keynote for the children's services held ■ yesterday in St. Paul's Church. A beautiful spring morning, with glorious sunshine without, and choice Sowers and bright faces within greeted the preacher (Rev. R. M. Ryburn). A large congregation had assembled, and all listened attentively as lie spoke from the disciples' request in Luke xi., I—"Lord, teach us to pray," his aim. being to show what true prayer is and how it was exemplified in "The Lord's Prayer." He then proceeded -to give six "P's," showing that prayer must be Personal, Praise, Practical, Patient, Penitent, and Peaceful. The hymns which had been practised by the children were all taken from their own hymn book, "School Praise." With the choir they sang "Children of Jerusalem" while the offertory was being taken. In the afternoon another good muster of young people and a fair number of older people assembled, and a most enjoyable and helpful service was held. The service was again conducted by the Rev. R. M. Ryburn. His text was taken from the 20th verse of the second chapter of Galatians—"l am crucified with, Christ." By means of a large card, on one side of which lie had a large "I" and small "v" printed and on the other a, large "U" and small "i," ho illustrated the selfish and unselfish life, while the change was shown to have come about by the "crucifying," or in other words the "crossing out," of the big "I" by Jesus Christ. The claims of Christ were urged upon the children in a veiy forcible and earnest manner. The collection hymn at this service was "Courage, Brother; do not Stumble." In this connection a measure of praise is due to Mr J. Bo;il for his zeal in training the children so carefully at the various practices. At the evening service a special sermon was given to parents from the words "And David chose him five smooth stones out of the brook" (1 Samuel xvii.;, 40). In a solemn address the preacher told h is hearers that there were the stones of the Franchise, Example, Teaching and Persistence to withstand the giants of Drunkenness, Immorality, Gambling, Spiritual Indifference and Sabbath Desecration, and pleaded I with them to sow the seed patiently and in the light of Eternity, knowing the harvest was sure.