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The Spike or Victoria College Review, June 1905

Christian Union

page 42

Christian Union.

Pre-Sessional Work.

"Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting,
The soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting
And cometh from afar."

Wordsworth.

The Universal Day of Prayer for students was observed on Sunday February 12th.

A meeting convened by the V.C.C.U. was held in the Girl's High School. The President read reports from the National Unions throughout the World emphasising the fact that a National Union had been formed in Italy; while the National Unions of France and Belgium were increasing in numbers and influence. The membership of the World's Student Christian Federation now stands at 100,000 students and Professors. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. T. H. Sprott, M.A. and P. W. Fairclough, F.A.S.

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A handbook designed for the use of new students was issued by the Union on the first day of the term. This handbook is intended to introduce students to College life and activities and to this end, full particulars of all college societies are given.

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By direction of the Executive, the President prepared a pamphlet "Why Study the Bible in College?" This pamphlet, which has been distributed, is designed to lead students to a thorough study of the Bible.

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The social to new students usually tendered by the Christian Union was this year, by arrangement, left in the hands of the Student's Association.

page 43

April 15.—Rev. J. Gibson Smith spoke on the Parable of Jesus. His address was very instructive and ought to help the Bible Circles in the study of Professor Sallmon's text book. He emphasised the continuity of the Parables and the profound practical bearing they have on the individual life.

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April 29.—This was a missionary meeting and an address on "The Principles of Missions" was delivered by J. A. Ryburn. He spoke of the aim of missions; their scope; and their motive.

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May 13.—Rev. G. P. Davys, M.A. addressed a fairly large meeting on "The Divinity of Christ." He dealt with the answers given by the Humanitarian, Arian and Catholic Schools to the question "Was Christ Divine?" He then dealt with the Scriptural, Historical aud Personal proofs of Christ's Divinity in a lucid and striking manner. The address was a model of convincing and lucid argument.

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May 27.—"Prayer" was the subject for consideration at this meeting. Two excellent papers were read by Miss K. Morgan and J. Christie. Miss Morgan's paper deal with "Prayer and Resolution." One part of prayer was repentance followed by resolution; it must also be marked by faith and submission. Mr Christie's paper dealt with "Prayer as a recognition of the Sovereignty of God." He dealt with the question, "In what manner is prayer a recognition of the double sovereignty over the material and spiritual universe?"

Sessional Work.

Bible study circles, four for women, and two for men, have been formed and meet weekly.

A Mission Study Class was formed at the commencement of the session. "Japan and its Regeneration," was the book chosen for this year's study, and is proving very interesting. We have had a glimpse of the physical features and trade of Japan, the characteristics of the people, its early history, its religion, and the first attempt to introduce Christianity. Our future studies will be on Japan since the revolution, and the page 44 influence that modern missions are having upon the people.

On Easter Sunday afternoon, a meeting was held at the Y.M.C.A. rooms, which was attended by a number of the delegates of the other N.Z. University Colleges. Dr. Torr, of Adelaide, delivered a thoughtful and earnest address on "Spiritual Athleticism."

Religious Meetings.

1st April—The President, W. Gillanders, delivered an address on "The place of the Christian Union in College Life., He answered the three questions; 1. Why should there be the C.U. at all? 2. What does the C.U. do? 3. What is the goal of the C.U.?