BELFAST RB BOOKLET 2020 - Flipbook - Page 62
Ci t y of Belf ast Grand Bl ack Chapt er - Dem onst rat i on Bookl et 2020
WE GIVE THANKS TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE
VICTORY HE HAS GRANTED US IN EUROPE.
"Four years ago, our Nation and Empire stood alone
against an overwhelming enemy, with our backs to the
wall. Tested as never before in our history, in God's
providence we survived that test; the spirit of the people,
resolute, dedicated, burned like a bright flame, lit surely
from those unseen fires which nothing can quench.
Now once more a supreme test has to be faced. This
time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to
win the final victory for the good cause.
Once again what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and
endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve.
After nearly five years of toil and suffering, we must renew that crusading impulse on
which we entered the war and met its darkest hour. We and our Allies are sure that our
fight is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation
of the life of men in every land.
That we may be worthily matched with this new summons of destiny, I desire solemnly
to call my people to prayer and dedication. We are not unmindful of our own
shortcomings, past and present.
We shall ask not that God may do our will, but that we may be enabled to do the
will of God: and we dare to believe that God has used our Nation and Empire as an
instrument for fulfilling his high purpose.
I hope that throughout the present crisis of the liberation of Europe there may be
offered up earnest, continuous and widespread prayer. We who remain in this land can
most effectively enter into the sufferings of subjugated Europe by prayer, whereby we
can fortify the determination of our sailors, soldiers and airmen who go forth to set the
captives free.
The Queen joins with me in sending you this message. She well understands the
anxieties and cares of our womenfolk at this time and she knows that many of
them will find, as she does herself, fresh strength and comfort in such waiting
upon God. She feels that many women will be glad in this way to keep vigil with
their menfolk as they man the ships, storm the beaches and fill the skies.
At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young or too old to play a
part in a nationwide, perchance a worldwide, vigil of prayer as the great crusade sets
forth. If from every place of worship, from home and factory, from men and women of all
ages and many races and
occupations,
may
our
intercessions rise, then,
please God, both now and
in a future not remote, the
predictions of an ancient
Psalm may be fulfilled:
The Lord will give
strength unto his people:
the Lord will give his
people the blessing of
peace."
IN MEMORY OF THE FALLEN - 60 - AND THE FUTURE OF THE LIVING