RELIGION IN POLITICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 663, 15 June 1882, Page 3

RELIGION IN POLITICS.

To the Editor. Sir, —During the last week more or less interest has been excited regarding the religious question as it affects the Wakanui election. While not altogether approving of the methods which have been used to influence voters on this matter, yet no right-thinking man can give an intelligent vote unless he takes the religious question into consideration. It is not my intention to set creed against creed. Thoughtful men—men who have church history at their finger ends, will not need to be reminded of the terrible events which have been a blot on the historical page when any one section of the church has been dominant; but this I do say, that only such men as will bear to be tested by the light of Christianity, and who have what may be termed “ pronounced views ” on the vital subjects of religion should be supported by a profess- . . Ing Christian public. A great responsibility rests on every man in recording his vote, I care not whether it be for the "Wakanui or any other electorate. The men who are to be our law-makers must not be men who will, for the sake of selfinterest, be the first to break the law if they can do so without being detected. And before the electors of Wakarui go to the polling booth to-morrow, those of them who have the religious welfare of the country at heart should consider, and come to a distinct decision, which of the two candidates will assist most in advancing the moral and religious state of the New Zealand colonists. The New Zealand Parliament has too few of such men, and the disgraceful scenes which have tran- ■ spired on the floor of the House of Representatives during the past two sessions is plain proof that the representatives of the people are more frequently elected for'thelr talking ability than for their genuineness of character. The past careers of Mr Ivess and Mr Saunders are pretty well known to those most interested in the election to-morrow, and in concluding this communication I trust the electors will record their vote for that gentleman in whose Christian character th jy have most faith.—lam, etc., Pip.