DOMINION PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

White Ribbon, Volume 29, Issue 3, 1 August 1957, Page 3

DOMINION PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Members, For the last eight weeks I have been travelling in the North Island, and despite the fact that the weather has not been particularly kind, my heart has been warmed by the goo<l steady work of Unions. True, in many instances the work has suffered through lack oi members, and vet, in 'pite of the disappointments, the frustrations, even lie open enmity, our work has gone boldly onin some Unions more so than in others.

fine great problem is, of course, how to augment our forces. This would come quickly if our ( hurchcs were again more valiant for the abolition of the Liquor Trade than is apparent at present. A great revixal of out-spoken men and women is needed —men and women such as the Temperance Cause had in the ealy of this century. In those days there were a great many who counted it a privilege and an honour to strike a blow r at the Liquor Traffic. In our Temperance history, many stories are recounted—stories !>oth courageous and humorous, but oh, so thrilling! Have you ever realised what the world owes to the “reformers” of every age? The slaxe traffic, the cessation of child labour, yea, even the suffragette movement, all had the “minor-ity-reformers” to arouse public opinion, and we are privileged to be among that glorious company. We wonder, do xve not, when we shall see the fruits of our labours, though I do not think that that should be our chief thought? Reforms do not come to fruition speedily. The important thought is that we have been called into this xvork—we are only expected to do our part faithfully in OUR time. God is not hampered with time. All God requires is our faithfulness. His Will is carried out sometimes by just a few trusty disciples, and at other times with a full army. Too, when God uses the few, His strength is given in abundance, for our supply of strength does not depend on numbers. Who is able to stop God? No mail and no trade of e.il can do this.

Personally, I feel within me a spirit of elation This is no time for despair, for God is at work NOW. Never in our life-time has the question of strong drink received more publicity, by cay of nexvsp pers, through Courts, from the Halls of Science, and even from the United Nations’ W orld Health Organisation. Take courage, my friends. The xery fact that the Liquor Trade is clamouring, through a network of advertisements, is a sign of its ultimate death. A rotten trade indeed, spoiling, destroying, casting out its human wreckage for us to see. It cannot prosper, for its character is exil. Two last xxord" Wear your little white bow vitll gallantry It is a witness, in Church or in the street. The enemy is pleased to see it hidden. Be prayerful. The "oil is almost her.' Bray xxith might, for prayer is the greatest weapon the Christian can use. If your Church and its members are half-hearted on this question, PRAY, and believe what you pray. Unbelieving praxer never rises to God’* throne, but falls back into your own heart, still-born. Such prayer is the cause of personal discouragement and failure Believing prayers are our 'eagle-wings," and from divine heights the vision is gloriously unafraid. Yours in joy \.s service, Constance: Toomer.