July 1898

July

THE last month has been an eventful one for the parish. Apart from the great change, which has come over the appearance of tha fields owing to the fine weather, it has been a time of some relaxation in preparation for all the labour of the harvest.

THE Flower Show has been a thorough village holiday, exactly what we wanted it to be. The weather was fine, but dull and cold, and this no doubt prevented many from coming from Ely and neighbourhood. However, as the number admitted to the show, was larger than that of last year, the parish must have been much more extensively represented. The management of the whole was admirable. Everything was well done, and the Committee are to be congratulated on the perfect order which prevailed throughout. Amusements were plentiful, and as far as we could see they were not abused. The tea arrangements were most admirably organised by Mr. Palmer, the turnstile was left entirely to the management of Mr. Woodward, and the sports Committee left nothing undone to make them attractive, As to the Show of Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers, it was conceded by all, that the exhibits were the best ever seen at one of these shows, There were 465 entries-35O in class B, 110 in class C, and 5 in class D. This is a considerable increase on last year, and especially an increase in the Cottagers' class. This is as it should be, for the show must be the show of the whole parish, and not of merely a part. However, what was better still, was the way in which the prizes were distributed; out of about seventy exhibitors, sixty obtained prizes, an immense improvement on the past. It showed that the general quality of the exhibits has been raised and that therefor all the prizes did not go to a few. It also show that anyone who takes some trouble with his garden will be rewarded. The parish must look back to this show of 1898, with the utmost satisfaction. Many thanks are due to the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Vallis, for all his trouble, and to Mr. Stockdale, for the generous spirit in which he gave up his place to the Flower Show Committee.

ON Monday, the 11th, Mrs, Thornton took twenty girls who are working in her sewing class, for the Crippled Children's Home, to London for the day the Zoological Gardens proved a source of great delight, and the outing in a steamer on the Thames, was not less enjoyable; in fact the many wonderful sights to children, only one or two of whom had been in London before, were almost too much for them.

ON Tuesday, the 12th, all the Sunday School children went for the day to Cromer. The pleasure which this trip gave can hardly be estimated. The railway journey with its varied scenes, the charms of the sea, and the happy exchange of experiences on the homeward journey, all helped towards a truly happy day. The conduct and manners of the children were thoroughly good, and not one child gave tbe least trouble.

IT is with great regret we have to announce the resignation of Miss Storer. For a long time she has worked on with a wonderful courage, when she was really unfit for work. She was beloved by the children being always kind with them. Miss Storer was a thoroughly good Mistress, and has again this year in spite of failing health, succeeded in raising the amount of the government grant. We wish most heartily for her, that she may be restored to health and once more to some sphere of usefulness as a teacher.

THE Harvest Festival will probably be late this year. The date of course, cannot be fixed yet, but when this annual thanksgiving is celebrated, a stained glass window given by Mr. W. H, Fisher, M.P., to the memory of his father, a former Rector of this parish will probably be unveiled.

THE CLERGY AND THE CHURCH.-In the last magazine we said the clergy have solemnly sworn to give faithful diligence to minister the doctrines, sacraments and discipline of Christ. Now we give the promise publicly and openly made in the presence of the congregation-"I do solemnly make the following declaration :-I assent to the thirty-nine articles of religion, which I have now read before you, and to the book of Common Prayer and of the ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons, I believe the doctrine of the Church of England, as therein set forth, to be agreeable to the Word of God, and in public prayer and administration of the Sacraments I will use the form in the said book perscribed,and none other, except so far as shall be ordered by lawful authority." This is the promise or declaration made by every clergyman when he enters upon the charge of a parish. As the thirtynine articles come first, let us quote a few passages from them. Article VIII.-" The three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius Creed and that which is commonly called the Apostles' Creed ought thoroughly to be received and believed." Article IX.-" There is no condemnation to them that believe and are baptised." Article XXVI.-" Baptism is a sign of regenerafion or new birth." The baptism of young children is in any wise to be ordained. Article XXVII.-" The cup of blessing is a partaking of the Blood of Christ" Article XXXlII,-" That person which by open denunciation of the Church is rightly cut off from the unity of the Church, and excommunicated ought to be taken as an heathen". In these few articles we say that the three Creeds are to be believed that people must believe and be baptised to be saved. That baptism means regeneration or new birth, that young children must be baptised; that the consecrated wine is the Blood of Christ; that some people should be excommunicated and regarded as heathen. All this the clergy are sworn to adhere to. It is a good thing they should be reminded to stick to the thirty-nine articles.