THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIV, Issue 45, 4 March 1887, Page 23

THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH.

TO THE EDITOR N. Z. TABLET.

Bib, — Some time ago I read a letter in your most valuable journal, which contained a very excellent sermon delivered by the Rev. Father Fauvel, of Temuka, on the above subject. It made a good impression on me, and I am pleased to aay that I have become a member of the Association; also that I have resolved to do my utmost for the furtherance of the same. The best method of increasing the membership of that Association is by keeping the subject constantly before the people, and it is with that object in view that I crave for a short space to humbly plead on behalf of those poor people who know not the true pleasures of this life (the practice of virtue), nor the happiness which awaits the faithful children of God. Furthermore, and principally, to plead on behalf of those who have already been baptised, and who are enduring hardships almost beyond conceit. We know that Christian duty bids us to assist in making the true God known to them. It is sorrowful to think that there are human beings adoring trunks of trees, and euch like, and that being enlightened is all they require for giving that adoration to the true God — the One who shed His blood for them, as well as for us. Everyone — 'Whether a pious person or not — will admit that there is nothing more beautiful than to see men practising religion, and where is religion more beautifully practised than among the natives of the South Sea Islands, Asia, Africa, etc. ? Therefore, let us do our best for the spreading of the Gospel, both by joining that noblest Association under the canopy of heaven (which costs only a half -penny per week 1), and by praying that God may give priests the vocation (for, mark 1 it requires a special vocation for mission life) for undertaking that life, the hardships of which it is impossible to pourtray. I will now say a few words on the hardships endured by missioners and Christians in Asia. From Annam, and China, we hear most distressing news. The Christians there have baen, and still are, undergoing great persecutions. They have been massacred by hundreds, and the churches, presbyleries, etc-the labours of the whole lives of our holy and dear priests — have been burnt ; and, hark 1 owing to the shortness of funds, and the large number of famishing souls, the missioners can only give to each parson as much rice (mark, dear reader, rice is their only food !) for the whole day as would suffice for an ordinary meal I If we even had to go without meat for a week, would we not consider it a great hardship? Fathers of families, transport yourselves for a moment into the places of those Christian families referred to. Imagine your dear children crying to you for food, and you having none 1 Imagine that you see tbem clad in rags, shivering from the cold, and you baying nothing with which to buy them clothing ! Would these not be beart-rendins? scenes ? And yet this is the case in those countries 1 Therefore, let us in this land of plenty do our best for those poor souls. Let us fear God, and do good, for if we- harden our hearts to the appeals those holy missionaries make to us, He may punish us by want. It is to be hoped that the subject will be taken up more heartily in New Zealand, where we have a plentiful supply of the necessaries of life ; likewise that our influential men will make a move in the matter. The Rev. Danaieo. Grangeon, Procurator of Eastern Cochiu-China, in a letter to the Rev. Father Pernot, Director of the Seminary of Foreign Missions, after describing the persecution and hardships endured by priests and Christians in Asia, says : " We were proud of our 42,000 Christians whom the grace of God had given us, but persecution has carried off 25,000 of ttiem. Must we see the 15,000 or 16,000 who are left to us peri9h by famine before our eyes ? Will the charitable sculs who have protected us till now fail us at this moment? Will you kindly plead our cause with them, and assute them of our gratitude 1 The good God, who approves of, and requires, gratitude, will not reject the supplications of sorrow patiently borne. All our hope is in His mercy. May He do with us exactly as pleases His Majesty I " I conclude with once more appealing to all to join in that good work, and thanking you, Mr. Editor, for your indulgence. At ihe same time, I beseejh you, sir, to use your vast influence on behalf of the Association. — I am, etc., Charity.