BIBLE UNKNOWN

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1932, Page 8

BIBLE UNKNOWN

IGNORANT CHILDREN

MELBOURNE, August 4

; J Many Adelaide children do not know the Bible, and-would think that: Isaiah, was.the name of a racehorse or -a •Hollywood star, according to .the Rev. D. P.. Mitchell, who gave an address in Melbourne oh “Child Life ,in ,a -City Chuvdh.” •• • , ■ , s Jn his address he made an attack on the State Government, which, he (.said, was obstructing the work of supplying the children with religious instruction. “It is the'poverty of the spirit that concerns the iCb’/ch ,eyen more, ; tHan material poverty,” he said. ‘‘The . Government provides clothing and food, but .is making no attempt to. give Divine treasure to the juvenile. It is even obstructing the good work. “Because of the decisions of the State, Government, thousands of children arc growing up in ignorance of the, Scriptures, and in that respect they fare more handicapped than children in any bther part of the Commonwea’th.’'

He said, that it could nut be denied 'that .religious observances had died out of hundreds of Adelaide homes. Many parehts confessed that they had never, prayed .since childhood. “Scores . f>f homes do not possess .a Bible, and parbiite never give the children instruction, in holy exercises,” he continued. “The Church and the Christian ministry .are seldom spoken of; -except by. way of criticism. It ,is .safe, to say that iriany children have never beefli' taken by . their parents to any religious service! , “As a matter of unmistakable urgency, the city churches must attack the. spiritual poverty: of, Adelaide. The distinct function of the Chiirch is to give. people God.” •* , •■ -