CHURCH NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 April 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTES.

[By Amicus]

Throughout the colony the Government have been congratulated by the different churches for giving the vacant judge-ship to Mr Theo. Cooper of Auckland. The many tributes paid to his Christian character have been fully justified by the address which he gave on taking his seat upon the Bench. In reply to the congratulations of his profession, he quoted as rules for his guidance those laid down nearly 300 years ago by Sir Matthew Hale. Three of them were : - (1) “That in the administration of justice I am entrusted for God, the King, the Country, and, therefore, (2), that it he done uprightly, deliberately, resolutely; (3) that I rest not upon my own strength or understanding, but implore and rest upon the strength of God.” In conclusion Mr Cooper said : “ I know that I cannot administer justice here in the fullest extent to the satisfaction of the community without Divine assistance. I therefore humbly pray the Divine Judge of the whole earth that He will answer my prayer and enable me without fear or favour or affection to deal uprightly between all parties and all classes that may come before me. ” These are noble words, and though unusual sentiments expressed from the Bench, they reveal the integrity of the man. They are the right words, and more than ever is Mr Cooper to be admired for striking so high a note at the beginning of his judicial career.

A great deal of discussion has taken place over the curt reply of the Premier when interviewed about Sabbath desecration. Commenting upon the subject the ‘-Outlook” says : —“lt is as ever expected, we are not surmised. But even Mr d lon mly be surprised if be rouses :hi Oh* i.uaivi coo-e : enc<- of the colony,

rid lie is taking the right course to do that. He may discover that there are sufficient votes relative to their question to overturn even the “Continuous Ministry.” A striking contrast to the Premier’s action is that of Colonel W yndham. He lias shown how ho can stand on the right side, in the Empire City, in any case. lie was asked if ho would lot his band play in the Ba«in Reserve on Sunday afternoon. Tbc reply came promptly, “No; ray men have been playing six days during the week, and they shall have no work on Sunday.” He was also asked if ho had any special request respecting his men, the answer was this: “I hope no one in their kindness will give the men drink.” At Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning the Rev Mr Stace of Brunnerton preathed a very impressive sermon from St Matthew 26-50. “Friend wherefore art thou come.?” After briefly referring to the special season of Lent and the various thoughts suggested by Palm Sunday, he dealt with the intricate subject of free will as illustrated from the life of Judas Iscariot to whom the words of the text were addressed. Every theologian has considerable difficulty in explaining the betrayal of Judas and the orthodox opinion so frequently urged chat love of money was his besetting sin is open to very grave questions. Judas was a trusted man and must have been honest or be could not have been appointed the treasurer of the missionary bind. Where he dishonest Christ would have checked him, for to allow Judas to continue in office was to place temptation in his way. Again it is hard to think that Judas would sell Christ for :]0 pieces of silver for a mere pittance to that which he could have claimed, Ho Jesus had no need tor mo to point out Christ—they all knew Him. The most feasible interpretation to my mind is that Judas grew impatient with Christ, With the other disciples ho realized that an earthly Kingdom was to be established and ho thought to hasten that time by testing Christ’s power in giving an announcement and effect a victory over his enemies. Ho afterwards learned his mistake and his remorse and sorrow are not those of the man who loves money, but of whose conscience had been keenly touched by a huge ' mistake. These views differ from mostpreachers, but they claim attention and simplify the betrayal. Mr Stace supported the teaching of Judas betraying Christ for the love of money. He also draw some very practicable lessons from the betrayer’s life, (I.) The power of a single passion to degrade. (2.) Great religious priveleges may not save us. The address was impressive, helpful, and characterise! with evangelical fervour.