Alcoholism in Scotland
The number of those affected by alcoholism is on the increase in Scotland and this makes sad reading. The alcoholic is under the terrible grip of an unsatiabile desire for strong drink at all times and is in the process of becoming a physical wreck and is liable to become incapable of applying himself to earning his living. Domestic misery and unhappiness ensue. The mental hospitals are receiving and dealing with an increasing number of these poor people, as special patients. The rate of such persons is four times higher than in England. In 1965, admissions to hospitals were 2,900, an increase of 1,100 since 1962. The age group of alcoholics was becoming younger, a report states. The whole picture of this matter is serious and depressing and even drunk-driving continues apace in all parts of the country. It is no wonder that these things obtain, from one fact alone — the tremendous extent to which money is expended on advertising all kinds of alcoholic drink to the encouraging of young men and women, as well as all other members of the public to indulge. The opening of new distilleries is front page news in the press, and when sales go down in any branch of the drink trade, there is lamentation on the part of heads of firms. Mr Bruce Millan, Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, at a recent conference on alcoholism, said: “Alcoholism is an illness, not a sin . . . and that a great deal can be done to prevent it as well as to treat it.” We would like to know what is being done to prevent it by the Government. Mr Millan did not mention any means of prevention in the report we read of his address. Public-house licenses are granted in great numbers. Clubs are started up and become nothing but drinking premises on Sabbath and week-day. As to alcoholism being a sickness and not a sin; this is too glibe an observation. When drunkenness is added to thirst, the sin of drunkenness arises and in cases alcoholism follows. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”.
Anxiety in the Episcopal Church
A Committee of the Episcopal Church has expressed serious anxiety about a steadily decreasing income, and also that a movement begun in their Church called “To serve Thee better” was in danger of “running into sand”. They suggest that an immediate rescue operation be launched to help their congregations to dedicate themselves to the policy, “To serve Thee better”. The rescue operation it is suggested, be undertaken by a stewardship department, led by a director. We would suggest that a return to the preaching of the whole counsel of God and the doctrines of grace and to humble and earnest prayer for the Holy Spirit’s power to accompany the Gospel, is what is needed in areas of the professing Christian Church in Scotland today. The Gospel of Christ in power is what is needed everywhere to open the hearts of sinners to the Saviour and to open the purses of the people for the Cause of Christ.
The Latest Propaganda for the Cult of Mary
From Egypt and the Coptic Church there, there recently emanated reports that appearances of the Virgin Mary have been seen in the vicinity of a Church a number of times by different people. There was linked up with this story the Biblical narrative of Mary’s flight into Egypt with the Child Jesus, nearly 2000 years ago. What spiritual benefits sinners or saints are supposed to derive from this fantastic report remains a mystery. One thing was admitted by the Bishop of the Coptic Church, that this — supposed — appearance of Mary might indicate future victory for Egypt in war against Israel. What a strange and complicated idea, when Mary was the Mother of Jesus, the consolation of Israel, for whom godly Simeon waited and saw as the salvation of God, in the temple. It was suggested by a practical reporter that what might have been seen was the reflection of a light from a nearby motor garage. We may conclude this note with the words: “If they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead”.
Nigeria
At the time of writing, peace talks are likely between the Nigerian Federal Government and representatives of the people of Biafra in Nigeria. In the month of April a Biafran official stated in London — that the Federal Government were trying to exterminate the Biafrans, and he complained bitterly that the British Government were selling arms to the Federal Government.
This is the British Government which would not sell ‘arms’ to the South African Government for the defence of their country against external attack. We are not using our pages to support the sale of arms to any country; but we note that there has been no outcry by the Prime Minister’s supporters for a ban on sales of arms to the Federal Government. Mission hospitals and civilians have been bombed by the Federal Government. British Missionaries have testified to this. Yet no debate at all, far less a vital debate, has arisen in the House of Commons on this issue. Truly many of the nations through the world at this present time, are in a very unsettled state. Many men and some nations appear to be eager to enter into controversy with others and then into open conflict and bloodshed. The Most High can turn the hearts and hands of men from conflict and war. “Wars into peace He turns”. There is of course the view that His judgments are presently abroad in the earth. God has controversies with men and nations. Let us hear what He saith: “Be still, and know that I am God”.
A Trade Union Opposes Sabbath Trading
The 321,000 strong Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, at its annual conference at Margate, declared out and out opposition to the proposal in Lord Derwent’s Private Members Bill to extend trading on the Lord’s Day. The Assistant Secretary of this Union declared: “Woe betide anyone who tried to turn Sundays for the shop worker into just another normal day.” Whatever the religious motives or lack of true religious motives there were behind this strong opposition to working on the Lord’s Day, one thing is certain that this Union recognised the need the worker has of one day in seven to lay aside his ordinary weekday labours and burdens. The law of the Sabbath, in the Fourth Commandment, recognises the need man has of this as well as setting forth other requirements. The law of God is not only holy and just, but good.