Hartlip Parish Magazine August, 1917.

Dear Friends,

The health of the village has much improved - during the past month, I am very pleased to say, and trust it may - with the advent of summer weather - continue so.

Emily Chambers, née Hollands, who was in failing health some while before leaving Rainham, came home to Hartlip in the fond hope that with a sister's care and attentive nursing she would recover. But this was not so to be. God had willed it otherwise. All the attention that was lavished upon her availed nothing; for after much suffering she passed away, and was laid to rest in our quiet Churchyard on July 7. May God's blessing follow her two motherless little boys, who had just been admitted into our Choir in time for their mother to know her wish was gratified.

Saturday, August 4, is the third anniversary of the war. Much that was considered, if not impossible, at least most remote then, has happened since and we are very differently conditioned, regulated, governed, defended, maintained and Allied now. The struggle in which we are engaged is a life and death one, not only for nations, but also for Civilization, Freedom and Christianity; for these the Allies fight, and for these they mean to win, by the Almighty's help. These have been three black years for thousands of homes in all parts of the world; for them the war is written in letters of blood, for it has robbed them of their nearest and dearest. Alas the vacant chairs, oh, the cruelty of war! Well may we pray daily

"Make wars throughout the world to cease."

But comparatively we have experienced here in England little of the horrors of this war. To do so, we should talk with Belgians, French, Poles, Serbians, Montenegrins, Rumanians, who have lost home and country, kith and kin. What a vast deal we have for which to be thankful. But are we thankful? Not in a conventional sort of way, but really so, deep down in our hearts? Then strive to be at the special services on August 4 or 5. If only to thank God in His House for our lives, homes and country. Details of the services will be given later.

"The National Egg Collection," Fleet Street, is making it strong appeal for our wounded and sick. HALF A MILLION eggs are required every week. What can our Parish do to help? Could we muster a dozen or a score eggs weekly from

Hartlip and I would arrange to forward them if you let me know.

Inclosed in the Magazine this month is the four-page leaflet, "Over the Top," written by a Chaplain on the Western Front. I ask you to read it, for it gives a splendid idea of what the Tommies are experiencing night and day; and also what is being done for their comfort and welfare both of body and soul. Also how they are cheered with the knowledge that they are being remembered in the old country. It tells how those brave fellows value the accommodation which the Church Army and other Huts afford them for recreation and rest; as also hymn singing and prayer at the close of the day. How ready we should all be to give something towards the building of these Huts, when they are known to be such a boon and comfort to the men.

We hope to hold another small "Sale" at the Vicarage early in August for War Funds, from which we trust again to give a donation towards building these Huts, also for the blinded soldliers and sailors, as we did last year. Therefore, we invite you all to come then and help us, to help our hero boys.

Your faithful friend and Pastor,

J. S. McMILLAN.

OFFERTORIES IN JUNE.
£s.d.
June3-Organ Choir Fund0151
"10-Church Expenses0112
"17-Church Expenses0161
"24-8 a.m. G.F.S.024
"27-Church Expenses0136
Wednesday - Clergy Orphan School060
BURIAL.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord"
July7-Emily Chambers, aged 36 years.
CALENDAR.
Aug.4 and 5 - Special Anniversary of the War.
"8-Sale at Vicarage for War Funds.