“On
behalf of all the Anglican churches in the city, a service of intercession was
held in Christ’s church cathedral last night.”
Hamilton Spectator. September 10, 1914.
Taking as his text, the 1st
Epistle of St. Peter, chapter iv, verse 7 : ‘Be ye therefore sober and watch
unto prayer,’ His Lordship the bishop of the diocese of Niagara delivered a
sermon in which he urged all to remain calm even though the outbreak of war in
Europe was alarming.
Bishop Clark also
exhorted all to pray of a speedy termination of the hostilities :
“ ‘Four times within
the past fifty years,’ he said, ‘have we of this land been called upon to take
up arms in defense of our country or empire. On each occasion the call came
suddenly and without provocation.
“ ‘We know something
of the circumstances which led up to the present trouble. We know that Great
Britain did not provoke it. We know that Great Britain did her utmost up to the
very last moment to bring about reconciliation and peace.
“ ‘ With one voice
Canada had said England’s war is our war. But a few days ago we saw a number of
our young and grown up men go forth to do battle for the empire. We thank God
for these gallant hearts, and we pray God that we, too, of need be, may be made
willing and ready to follow them.
“ ‘What is there I
can do everyone is asking, and much is being done. We are becoming more frugal
and leading the simpler life. We are less expensive in our pleasures, in our
necessities, in our amusements.
“ ‘Now, let me name
this evening one or two ways by which we
may serve our country at this time. First, let us be sober, let us steady our
wills and not inflame them. Be not afraid of evil tidings and be not too much elated
by our successes. Remember we are not at war with the great German people, but
with the wretched, reckless military despotism of its rulers.
“ ‘Second, by prayer.
If we seek success by the strength of our forces and by the justness of our
position and cause, we shall be disappointed. No nation dare stand where Great
Britain stands today unless it is not only a nation at arms, but a nation at
prayer.
“ ‘Never was the call
to prayer rung out so clear and strong as now, and there is an evidence of that
in the large congregations which assemble on week days as well as Sundays. If
you will only pray earnestly, you will lay by as much service as that given by
wealth and activity. Here is a way for the sick, the poor and the bedridden to
serve.
“ ‘We come here
tonight to pray for our King, for our statesmen, for our soldiers and sailors,
and for our country; to humble ourselves before Almighty God and to confess our
sins. We know what is behind this war; we know not why it was God led us to
take part in it. It may be God’s judgment on our intense love of pleasure, money
and self-indulgence.
“ ‘Wake up Canada, I
say tonight! England calls on us. God calls on us to take our stand on the side
of truth, on the side of honor, on the side of righteousness.”1
1 “Bishop
Clark Asks Anglicans to Remain Cool : Splendid Service of Intercession Held :
Tells How Prayer Will Help Soldiers : Collection in Aid of Patriotic Fund”
Hamilton Spectator.
September 10, 1914
After the bishop’s
address, and before communion, an offertory was collected from the assembled. When
the offertory was counted, the large sum was forwarded to support the Patriotic
Fund.
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