February 1898

February

FORTUNATELY the great dark war clouds which were blackening the horizon seem to be blowing past, and like the bright sun of the genial spring which is approaching, hope of peace and prosperity is restoring confidence. However, as long as there are internal quarrels causing great strikes and lock-outs, we must not be surprised if nations distrust each other's intentions, and keep up enormous armies to guard their interests. "Si vis pacem, bellum para "-" if you want peace, be ready for war," is an old saying, and there is much truth in it, but it is sad that it should be so.

WHEN we remember that God made this earth, and then made man, and placed him on the earth to manage it for Him and under Him, it seems as if man had as yet realised little of the message of divine love, " Peace and good-will towards all men," as long as there is constant jealousy and strife.

ALL this is, however, only a public representation of what is going on in every human being the constant struggle between right and wrong, good and evil-sin seeking to do mischief, and causing misery.

IN proportion as we know and are convinced of this, shall we look to the saving work of the Prince of Peace. We must keep our Lent in trying to deepen our conviction of sin, and also our fear and hatred of it, that we may gather with deeper gratitude around the cross of Christ, and seek for that deliverance from sin, and that consequent peace which He came to bring.

The Church affords un many helps for keeping Lent holily, and cultivating our souls that the seeds of peace may be sown. How long shall the saviour cry "Is it, nothiug to you all ye that pass by ? (Lam. I, 12). How long will the people be careless, and live as if no saviour were needed, as if there were no heaven and no hell. All the faithful will pray that many hearts may be moved this Lent.

On Wednesday evenings during Lent, Evening Prayer will be said as usual at 7, a Litany sung at i1:30, and then an address given by the Reverend. E. Woodward, curate of Sandy. On Friday evenings, Prayers will be said at 7-30, the 51st Psalm will be sung at 8, and a short address will he given by the Rector. At Pymoor, Mr. Coiebrook will conduct a devotional service every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. At S. Owen's Mr. Zachary will do the same on Fridays at 7-30, and on Wednesdays he will hold a Prayer Meeting at the Hythe at 7 p.m., Mr anf Mrs. Carter having very kindly lent a room in their house.

THE clergy of this parish are also conducting religious services during Lent at Sutton, Clare, and Sandy.

THE following meetings have been arranged in connection with the" Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts; "-At St Owen's, on Monday evening, March 21st, at 7-30 p.m. At Downham, the 22nd. At Pymoor, on Thursday evening, March 24th, at 7-30 p.m. The address in each place will be on Missions in India, and will be given by Mr. Spence Gray, who has been a Missionary for many years. A lantern will be used to illustrate the places where work is being done, and the character of the work. We hope that many more Missionary Boxes may be taken to show interest in the work, and sympathy with those who have left their homes to instruct the heathen. "Blessed are the merciful, they shall obtain mercy."

A FRIGHTFUL accident which for a few days shed a gloom over the whole village. and stands out as a terrible warning to all, we are grateful to say is now likely to terminate without fatal results. John Hancock whilst yoking a horse to a drill was thrown down, the horse running over him and crushing his right arm in the most frightful manner. So precarious was the condition of the sufferer that the specialist Dr. Wherrey from Cambridge informed the Rector that unless an operation could take place within an hour removing the whole arm, death must inevitably follow. Even if the operation did take place, the patient would probably die. There was just the remotest chance of saving him. As his own home did not afford the facilities for such an operation, it was at first decided to remove him to the Rectory. However the doctors preferred the Clergy House, and thither he was conveyed, as everyone expected, to be operated upon and to die, but contrary to expations he has been mercifully preserved. Great credit is certainly due, not only to the other doctor, but especialIy to Mr Dunwoodie who has been most skilful in his treatment and most self denying in his attention.

THI; dreadful accident quite spoilt the Concert which had been fixed for the Tuesday evening. people seemed to have no heatrt to be at a concert whilst such an operation was going on, and a man whom most had known from childhood was hovering between life and death.