THE Women’s Protestant Union held its annual conference at Zion College, Thames Embankment, in May. One of the most interesting addresses was delivered by a French Protestant pastor, and we give the greater part of it as it appeared in the English Churchman of 29th May:—
Pasteur Blocher, from Paris, thanked the meeting for its hearty welcome. He said that France had stood firmly in the hour of test, and their wish was that France should be won for the Gospel. France needed the Word of God more than ever before, and the door was wider open. Was there, the question might be asked, any danger of reaction to Romanism? He did not think so. The Pasteur recalled the dread Saturday when the French were mobilised—the day of great emotion—and it was not remarkable that people should crowd to the churches. It was indeed a stirring time; but what did the Roman Church do for the soldiers? It gave medals and scapulars, to be worn as a charm against death. They did not give the Word of God, and the result was that the feeling soon died out. Rome exercised its power in hospitals, and did succeed there in obtaining some professions of religion; but soldiers gave no indication that there was any danger of reaction in favour of Roman Catholicism. People from the provinces gave the same reply. When the terrible flood came in and the French retreated behind the Marne, there were many who waited for a word from the Pope, but nothing came. The man who pretended he was infallible could not make up his mind as to who was in the right—indeed, he could not make up his mind until the Allies had won. This had its effect, as they might understand, even upon devout Roman Catholics. In dark Brittany there was deep and bitter disappointment. The coming elections would show that the idea of a Roman Catholic reaction was a delusion. France, indeed, was more open to the Word of God than ever before. A sign of the times was the publication of a French book calling on Roman Catholics to endeavour to secure a new Pope. One great fact in favour of Gospel propaganda was the new alliance between France and Protestant Powers like Great Britain and the United States. It will, therefore, be a difficult thing for the priests to exercise the same power as before. The finger of God is pointing to France as an opening for the preaching of the Gospel. The people do not know the Word of God, and it must be brought to them. It is a great day of opportunity. It is a time of great suffering and sorrow in the nation, and there can never be a more favourable moment for the preaching of the Gospel. France is like the man who fell amongst thieves, stripped and bleeding; and what it most needs is the Word of God. God is bending over France. He had wrought great things for France; had given her a great deliverance. Surely hearts would be touched, and therefore he pleaded for the greater spread of the Gospel.