Hartlip Parish Magazine - May, 1919.

Dear Friends,

Easter Day with all its happy associations has come and gone for another year, but its joyful message remains as our priceless treasure. What a black, sad day was the first Good Friday to the faithful band of men and women when all seemed lost because HE HAD DIED.

But can we possibly imagine the unbounded joy of the Easter message, viz.: "He is risen." No wonder Peter and John RACED to the Sepulchre to see for themselves.

And in one sense, there have been Good Fridays in thousands of homes in the past four years; black and sad because this one or that one HAS DIED, and the loss seems irreparable. But the Easter Message is the balm and comfort, for it tells us they shall rise again; when we shall meet them and know them, when the joy, doubtless, will far exceed the present sadness.

The Paris Conference is very busy settling the innumerable complex questions of the Nations. We daily expect to hear of the signing of Peace when the celebrations will begin. But it will be a so-called peace in a most war-like world; for when was there such a warfare spirit exhibited EVERYWHERE, as at the present? For, e.g. India, Egypt, Ireland, at least half of Europe; and at home. To the serious thinking man and woman, Peace can only be celebrated in a very modified manner.

Now as to the future of our country. It is ultimately upon spiritual foundations that the new fabric of political, social and industrial order must be built. In that building anew our Church is called to take a foremost place. But it requires material equipment, worthy of its spiritual mission. First, we need a ministry. Well over 2,000 candidates from H.M. Forces have offered themselves; but that means years of training at great expense. Secondly, a more effective system for payment and

pensioning of the Clergy. Thirdly, Religious Education. But all this means a huge sum of money. And every parish is asked to do its utmost for this object; the fund is called the Central Church Fund. The Appeal will be made on Sunday, May 25, when I trust we will give to the utmost of our power.

I desire to express my deep gratitude to the Rev. J. M. Tamplin for his very searching and practical Course of Addresses in Lent, the helpfulness of which all must have realised. The Good Friday Lantern Service was better attended than ever, and also if possible more raptly followed. And on Easter morning one's heart's cords were braced to see such a large congregation at 8 o'clock; for, excepting Easter, 1912, we have not had such a number since 1909.

Te Deum Laudamus. May this be a symptom of greater zeal for God, and true religion.

I would draw your attention to two dates in May: the 27th, our Open Air Service - everyone is invited; and the 29th, Ascension Day, a day for true rejoicing.

The account of our Vestry Meeting and the most satisfactory state of our finance must stand over till next month.

Your faithful Friend and Vicar,

J. S. McMILLAN.

BURIAL.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
Mar.20-Eleanor Anne Pope, aged 69 years.
CALENDAR.
May25-Central Church Fund Sunday.
"27-Tuesday, Rogation Annual Open-air Service in Church Yard, 7 p.m.
"29-Ascension Day -
9.0, Children's Service.
10.30, Holy Communion.
7.30, Short Service.