CHURCH NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 August 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTES.

Why d m'fc Men attend Church ? [By Amicus]. Perhaps no question demands the attention of the Protestant Church mbre Than the above. Not only inthe colonies is their need for this investigation, but other countries are similarly afflicted. Ministers and Christian friends try various means to counteract the indifference shown, but the question still continues to defy solution. At H)ly Trinity Church yesterday the Rev. G. W. York dealt with the above subject, selecting as a text Hebrews X., 25 : " Not forsaking the assembly of yourselves together as the manner of some is. As one entered the spacious church yesterday, a day of superb splendour, and saw the vicaut pews and the sparsely seated congregation, the need of this Apostolic injunction became! very apparent. Of late we have taken particular notice of tha morning attendance in the thr*e local churches, and it is questionable if more than twenty men attend the services, excepting those of the choir who arc really expected to b 3 present. Small wonder that our clergymen are exercised at the apparent negligence of their parishioners. At the morning service Mr Yorknarrated the difficulties under which the early Christiana attended worship. The Heronian persecution, the Jewish abhorrence of Christianity and the Pagan envy necessitated Christians worshipping in catacombs, private houses, etc. In these days of liberty we should esteem our privileges and not need the encouragement of the text. The evening discourse was devoted to reasons why men do net attend church. Women esteemed more highly their Christian privileges and were found in larger numbers at the services The preacher invited those present to correspond with him and specify their reasons why men would not attend. He dealt with the possibility of clerical inabilities and • asked the forbearance needed with men subjected to the same weaknesses as themselves. The preacher thought that men were swayed from church attendance by the Higher Criticism and the perusal of literature treaty with infidelity. Ho explained the meaning of the Higher Criticism and indicated possible reasons why men might grow dissatisfied with them. Indifference and worldliness were also touched upon and those present were urged to use their influence in striving to bring others to the house of God.

We do not think it likely that the Higher Criticism and the Xew Theology are likely to prejudice men against Christianity. It is true men are study ing the great subjects these branches of thought embody, but he who devoutly;' studies the investigation of learned men of scripture will be more than satisfied with the reality of Biblical teaching. A few may demur at the story of Jonab and the Whale or the introduction of Genesis, but the higher critics have done more than centre their learning on these points. Our theology becomes much clearer when ho can distinguish plenary from verbal inspiration, spiritual resurrection and hell from the conception of our forefathers, or the evangelism of the world with Calom's elect, or can discriminate clearly the authorship of the Gospels and how thej were written and this can be done when the synoptical problem is mastered. The Higher Critcism lias done all this for bible students and we venture to assert • has cleared the labryinth of scripture difficulties more than all the commentaries of previous generations. For our man turned aside by these studies' thous a;*ds have been elevated to enlightenment and truth, and an increasing interest in Christianity. As we are invited to give suggetion* as to why men do not attend church lat.I at . tach the following : (1) The need of more pastrol visitatioi embracing when the opporfunicy occurs a conversation with men in spiritual matters (2) The need of careful preparation for the p>dpit. Mon think and will no listen ti a discourse that does not stipulate thought.

(3.) A more complete equipment of mer, for tho work of the Churcb. To reined \ tho first two reason? an exfc'a man i.needjd as in the case of Holy Trinitv. This necessitates more liberal support. We always give our ministers the woikof two men—A moat unfair policy.

(4.) Indifference of man to Christianity. Tui3 is perhaps the greatest evil of all. The devil need never worry about these men.

(o) The entanglement of the mind with worldly affairs. Business, mining speculations, dredging returns, enthrall the mind, which becomes the slave of mammonism.

(6) The need of more brilliant Eervices. We cannot understand why an anthem by the choir, a solo now and again by members of the choir, should not be given as music, would give men greater pleasure, and proYe a greater attraction.

• (7) Tho want of activily among Christians in the method of dealing with individuals, and thus assisting the Minister to interest men in the beauty of Church attendance.