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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, October 1909

Christian Union

page 54

Christian Union.

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
Will draw all men unto Me."

—Jesus Christ.

Christian Union

During the months since our last report, the regular work of the Christian Union has gone on without interruption. In spite of approaching examinations, the second term has seen little falling-off in attendance, either at general meetings, or in the Bible-study and the Mission-study classes. We are glad to note this, and take it as a sign that there in growing up among members more of that enthusiasm, upon which the furtherance of the Union's work so much depends.

Towards the end of the first term, we were visited by Miss Holden, travelling Secretary for women of the Australasian Students' Christian Union. She attended Women's Bible-study circles and committee meetings. She spoke at a general meeting of the Union, asking for women graduates to take up work in the Y. W. C. A.'s. of Australia and New Zealand.

Miss England's class has been continued throughout the term. The course of lectures on Job has been finished and a short course on Proverbs begun. We wish again to thank Miss England for so kindly devoting her time to helping the Union.

The Rev. W. Mawson, of Canton Village Mission, who is touring the College on behalf of the Student Volunteer Movement, was with us near the end of August. Besides addressing an ordinary general meeting, he spoke before thirty-three members at a special meeting of the Union, on Tuesday, 31st August, upon the "Student Volunteer Movement." On Sunday morning, the 29th, he preached in St. John's Church, and in the afternoon addressed a crowded meeting of men in the Y. M. C. A. buildings, upon the subject "China's Young Men." Mr. Mawson spoke with earnestness and conviction, and his work will surely bear fruit.

With the approaching end of the session, we wish to remind members of the Union of the forthcoming summer page 55 Conference. The choice of position has fallen on Marton, and the Conference will be held from 29th December to January 4th. The Order-paper contains the names of some eminent speakers. Several visitors are expected from Sydney and we hear that Melbourne 'Varsity is sending four delegates. The camp fee is 22/6. The position of Marton no doubts ensures a large contingent from Victoria College. We would urge members of the Union to think of the Marton Conference, when making arrangements for the New Year's holidays.

Meetings.

On Saturday, 5th June, in the College, Professor Mackenzie delivered an address upon "Amateur Theology in English Literature." There were over 40 present. The Professor said, that since a learned class has grown up outside the clergy, theologian has arisen. Naming Carlyle as the high-priest of this new order, he very interestingly discovered Carlyle's theological view, as far as that write has shown them. He scathingly condemned the realism of certain modern novelists who forgot that true art is to show "the good, the beautiful, and the true."

A missionary address was given on June 19th, in the College, by Miss Hill, who was home on furlough from India. She told of work in a village of the great plain of India, and of the crying need for more missionaries. Miss Hill has been for several year in India and has her heart in the work. A novel feature of the meeting was the introduction of two young girls, closely veiled in Indian fashion. Miss Holden also spoke at this meeting.

The Christian Union Social was revived this year and was held in the gymnasium on July 24th, the first Saturday of the second term, and the day of the opening of the Gymnasium. Invitations had been sent to all students, and the Social was very successful indeed. More than 200 students were there. The thanks of the Union are too many willing helpers other than members of the Union.

Dr. Gibb spoke upon the subject of "The Trinity," on Saturday, 7th August, in the Gymnasium. About thirty-five members were present. the speaker traced the growth of the conception of the Trinity in the early Christain Church, by page 56 showing how it had met the growing idea of God. The doctrine of the Trinity was one of the most inspiring in the Christian faith.

In the Gymnasium on Saturday, 21st August, the Rev Johnston spoke on "Methods of Textual Criticism." In a very clear and instructive address, he told of the different groups of manuscripts extant of the Bible. He told of the conflict of manuscripts, and of the principles which govern critics in appreciating variant readings.

The Rev. W. Mawson addressed the Union on Saturday, August 28th, in the College, upon "Mission work in China. He spoke simply of his work in the Canton villages, and stirringly of his hopes and fears for China. There were thirty-five members present.

Another Missionary address was given at the next general meeting of the Union, on Saturday, September 18th, in the Gymnasium. The Rev. W. G. Ivens spoke of the Melanesian Mission. Mr. Ivens has spent some years in Mission work in the Solomons. He painted three vivid pictures of his work—mental and spiritual state. Thirty-three members were at the meeting.

A. D. Brodie, Corresponding Secretary, V. C. C. U.