Hartlip Parish Magazine - February, 1918.

Dear Friends,

The "Day of National Prayer," so much prepared for and prayed for by some of us, has now come and gone, but I sincerely trust the impression made will long remain. That the preparation of the occasion deeply impressed vast numbers of people, was self-evident from the very large congregations at places of worship all over the country. For example at St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey there were overflowing congregations. In Liverpool it is said, "the congregations were doubled and trebled." In Manchester, "the parish churches have not in the aggregate been so well attended on any single day in human memory." Every Church and Chapel in Birmingham took its part in the great day. And in the Town Hall a vast united service was held at which the Bishop, Sir Oliver Lodge and the President of the Free Church Council took part.

A most exceptional venture of faith was made at Winchester Cathedral, which exceeded all anticipations, viz. "an all Night Vigil of Prayer." Short services were taken at half-hourly intervals. The celebration of the Holy Communion at midnight was a magnificent service: then again at 1 a.m. 2, 3 a.m. and on to 8 a.m. and 12 noon. Altogether over 500 persons communicated at these early hours. Altogether about 1,200 persons assisted in this all-night venture of faith and love: where Churchmen, Nonconformists and members of the Salvation Army knelt together in the true unity of Spirit. For these signs of Christian brotherliness, "Te Deum laudamus."

Our own services here were well attended, and most devoutly and heartily entered into; and that a deep impression was made there can be no doubt. But, dear friends, don't allow the impression and good resolutions to die down. Keep them alive by God's Spirit and re-make your resolutions EVERY Sunday IN GOD'S HOUSE, and determine that you will in the year 1918 give God the first place in your life. That is in fact, the only place He will accept, and when that is surrendered to Him, with what fuller meaning those words will then be prayed, "Our Father ... Thy will be done on earth;" and we will be zealous in getting others to do the same and to go with us

to God's House on Sunday and Week-day. Yes on weekdays to pray for our brave boys to whom we owe so much.

"Some man has died out there to-day
 FOR YOU AND ME -
 So - of your charity, a prayer!
 A deep abounding, all-sufficing prayer
 For all his past, his present and a future fair
 For him who died out there to-day,
 FOR YOU AND ME."

On Wednesday, January 16, a very interesting lantern lecture on "War in the Air " was given in the Schoolroom, when a good sized audience listened to the story of the aeroplanes, and these are what Sir Douglas Haig anxiously begs for on the Western Front: they cost large sums to build, and we can all help to provide the money, by joining the War Savings Association, Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Schoolroom, and putting in a 6d. or more as you can spare it. This is a good thing for our Country, and also for yourselves.

Ash Wednesday is February 13, the first day of Lent. How are we going to keep it?

The War teaches us self-denial, and Lent the same. A well-spent Lent helps us to realise the call to self-denial; and that is a duty we owe to ourselves and to God all our life. What then shall you give up? What more will you give to God of your time, money, thoughts and prayers? Let your religion be practical, and don't allow the tide of ease and indifference to carry you away from what is your bounden duty to God and your Own soul.

Your faithful Friend and Vicar,

J. S. McMILLAN.

HOLY MATRIMONY.
"Those whom God has joined together let no man put asunder."
Jan.16-Pte. Wm. Albert Price, R.E. and Ellen Maria Scott.
CALENDAR.
Feb.2-Purification of B.V. Mary. Holy Communion, 10.30.
"13-Ash Wednesday. 9, 10.30, 7.
"20, 22, 23 - Ember Days
"25-St. Matthias, A. M., 10.30.