Government Re-elected
Following upon the election in October, Mr Harold Wilson and his Labour Government continue in office, this time with a small over-all majority. The Government faces a serious situation of almost unprecedented proportions. The resolving of Britain’s present difficulties is a task requiring courage and firmness from its leaders. One step in the right direction would be if the Government recognised that our present economic difficulties stem primarily from our religious and moral declension as a nation and only secondarily from the oil crisis, rising world prices etc. A nation that will not turn to the Lord in prayer can hardly expect the Lord’s blessing. May the day speedily come when the leaders in state will set an example to the people and be ready to call the nation to a Throne of Grace.
We are commanded to plead for all who are in authority. Let us pray for those who have the burdens of state upon their shoulders, and let us seek for them the wisdom that is from above so that they may guide the affairs of our nation in the fear of the Lord.
The Queen and the Sabbath
We understand from reports that Her Majesty the Queen travelled to and from the Continent on a Sabbath to watch her horse run in a race. We are sure that this instance of flagrant Sabbath desecration by the Queen will sadden the hearts of all true Christians. While it may be true that the Queen lacks God-fearing advisers who would warn her of her sin in this matter, yet this does not excuse her so long as she has an open Bible to guide her in the way of truth. We trust that the protests which will reach Her Majesty from those who love the Sabbath may be instrumental, through the Lord’s blessing, in making Her Majesty see her error in acting in this way. That Her Majesty the Queen might be a partaker of the rich grace that is in Christ Jesus, and a witness in her high station on the Lord’s side, is the desire of all who truly love the Lord.
Northern Ireland
The situation in Northern Ireland shows no sign of improving, rather the reverse with cold-blooded murders becoming common-place. The restrained policy of successive British Governments has borne little or no fruit. One wonders if even the transfer of bombing attacks to targets in London, Birmingham and elsewhere in England will arouse the Government to resolute action in dealing with I.R.A. terrorism. Having regard to the fact that I.R.A. terrorism has already cost many army and civilian lives and has provoked counter terrorist attacks from the other side, is it not time that the Army was given the opportunity to do its task unfettered by unreasonable restraints placed on it by the Government? Would this not go further to settling the Irish problem than ill-conceived conciliatory gestures to the I.R.A. such as the release of detainees and the proposed transfer of the Price sisters to a Northern Ireland jail? We fear, however, that the new government has neither the inclination or the will to act resolutely with regard to the situation in Northern Ireland. It is our firm belief that there are too many Roman Catholics in places of influence to allow such a policy to be embarked on.
Let us continue to remember the people of Northern Ireland in their trying circumstances, and let us plead with the Lord for the overthrow of the powers of the kingdom of darkness so active in that Province.
Christian Schools in N.S.W., Australia
From Springwood, N.S.W., Mr John L. Clugston writes about the establishment of parent-controlled Christian schools in that part of the world. He says: “Here on the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney, the John Wycliffe Christian Education Association has recently been formed to promote education on a scriptural Calvinistic basis. It is hoped (D.V.) to commence a school at Emu Plains at the beginning of 1975.” Any reader of the Magazine in the general area of Sydney who would like further information about the newly-formed association should write to Mr Clugston at “Coille nan calltuinn,” 321 Macquarie Road, Springwood, N.S.W., 2777.