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Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 July 1915, Page 3

Speaking at the Century Hall on 4 Sunday evening the Rev. AV. iH. E. , Abbey made .some interesting remarks legarding the use and service of money, lie declared that the early church was quick to express itself outwardly in a form of communism. "They had all things common." It was the first real J rite ot Socialism, though of purely a voluntary nature. Tho twentieth century was witnessing tho first real attempt at compulsory Socialism. It was too soon to speak of the latter, but the voluntary system was a failure, being nullified by human greed. "A certain man sold a possession but kept back part of tho price." This was the preacher's text. He said that tho sin of capitalism lay not in the conversion of land into money, but in the • monopoly of money. The possession of money was not a sin. It was ra- ' ther a means of service. Money is ; an instrument of labour. But a "cor- • ner" in money deprived life of its modus operandi—it's means of work. Money locked up meant idleness somewhere; a shortage of service. Capitalism was criminal'-jvhen it deprived money of its power to work for the common wealth. There were three avenues of work—manual labour, brain power and money. It was equally wrong to use brain, hand or gold tor selfish ends. There could be it monopoly of brain power, just as there could be a monopoly of money. " Money was only a symbol; a symbol of woll-being, of opportunity and service.. The sin of Ananias was that ho kept back part of his services to the early church and to humanity. There could be a capitalising of service, a holding back of Christian and huniiaiutariau effort. The most dangerous capitalists were those who enjoyed all the privileges ot life, who have business acumen and physical strength, yo't who refuse to do a hand's turn" towards alleviating human suffering; who never devote brain and heart qualities to the cause of Chrisrt. The persoin who would work not for Christ and the Church was a bigger menace than any old money-hags with his hoarded nilillious. There was a price to be paid >for all religious liberties. Everyone who came to dirtst had to pay a price for the privilege ot Christian freedom. Tt was a communism of service; ai socialism of tove. Social democracy was all in the new Testament. The sharing of lifo and love was a Christian injunction. IF we could not give money we could at least give heart, spirit and sympathy. , The address clcwsed' with an appeal to Christian people not to Keep Tjack'part of the price. - • . - -