April 1898

April

WAR at all times is a very terrible thing, when we think of the many lives which must be sacrificed on either side, and the many lives which will be spoilt by loss of limbs and internal injuries. Fortunately in the case of America and Spain we hope since neither nation is very warlike that the consequences may not be so terrible as they have been, even within our own memory. One consequence we shan all feel for a time, namely an increase in the price of bread, because so much of our flour comes from America, and if this war is a long one, this may be very serious. We hope we may have a very abundant harvest in England, to supply the decreased importation from the United State.

CUBA is the largest Island among the West Indian Islands, most of which are British possessions. Its population is 206.000, of whom about 38,000 are negroes and free, and 19,000 are negroes and slaves. The land is very fertile and produces two crops of maize in the year, and abundance of rice,but the chief products are sugar and tobacco. Cuba has belonged to Spain since 1492, but from 1868 to 1878 the inhabitants rebelled against Spain. Now they have been in rebellion again for a long time, and the Americans have interfered in behalf of the Cubans. Hence the war-May it soon end, and end in justice to all.

We had a very happy Holy Week and Easter. Good Friday was kept as a day of prayer and fasting at the foot of the Cross. During the commemoration of the Three Hours Agony of our Lord, the addresses were given by Mr. Addleshaw, and a large and reverent congregation remained throughout. We pray that the great example of self-denial on the Cross may find an echo in the lives of all Christians.

ON Easter Day, ninety-eight devout souls were present to fulfil the great command of our Lord to "shew His death" in the Holy Communion. Where. we ask with sorrow, were the seven hundred other grown up people in the parish who profess to be Christians, and yet to 01.:1' Lord's. loving appeal" Do this in Remembrance of Me," only reply "No we will not, it is not necessary. Still we thank God for the ninety-eight obedient souls. That is more than there ever have been before, and four times as many as there were twenty years ago.

Now that the summer is approaching with its fine weather, again we. must raise our voice against the desecration of Sunday, and plead that our Lord's teaching may be remembered. Sunday is God's day and to be spent with God. Two occupations alone are permitted: works of necessity and works of mercy. Bicycle riding for pleasure, going out to tea, visiting and entertaining friends, to the neglect of the worship of God are a violation of God's commandment, and can only bring unhappiness upon the sinner.

Two Flower Show Meetings have been held. It has been decided to to hold the Flower Show on July 19th, and Mr. Stockdale has kindly lent his fields again for the purpose. Everything will be done to make it attractive, and to provide a public holiday.

THE first Cricket Match of the season will be played at Littleport on Saturday, May 7th. Everyone ought to take an interest in cricket, and we hope many will join the Club. Last year we had a most successful season, and now Downham should try and establish a reputation and retain it.

IN future there will be two celebrations of the Holy Communion monthly at S. Owen's 1-30 a.m., on the first Sunday in the month, and one at 11 a.m., on the third Sunday.