CHURCH MATTERS.

Manawatu Herald, 13 December 1904, Page 2

CHURCH MATTERS.

TO THE EDITOR OF TBS MANAWATTJ HERALD. Sm,—At the combined service of Methodists and Presbyterians heljtf in the Methodist ‘Church on , Sunday evening in memory of the late .Mrs Nye, both Rev. Harris and Mr Hutchison referred to the question of unity, and Mr Harris in the course of his remarks mentioned that the last combined service of the two churches was held some four years ago on the death of Queen Victoria. It is very pleasing to see such a spirit # o( harmony between the Presbyterians and Methodists; but why should that feeling be allowed to rest here ? Thd congregations of both churches are very small, and in a little town like this what should there be to prevent a permanent union between the two, and thus have one tolerably sized congregation instead of two insufficient ones ? What should there be to pre* vent it ? Alas! some will say the creed of the two churches would clash; there must be one common doctrine if such a union is to be brought about. This is the only obstacle, but un* fortunately it seems to be an insurmountable one. And yet, what do the majority of those who attend! these churches care about the slight diver* si'.y in creed ? I venture to say that some, if questioned, would not know what the creed of their church Was. As a modern writer in the London Times puts it, “The working classes do not see much difference between Church and Chapel; they will be married or buried by one, though they worship in the other; and if reproached by the parson or district'' visitor for backsliding in the direction of chapel, they will say: “ We're all v going to one place; and, so long as . we Set there, it does not matter by what road we go.' ” Undoubtedly.. this spirit is the true one. “ One . faith, one hope, one baptism;" this' should be our motto in practice as- • well as in theory. If those responsible tor the government of the churches would only look at the question in the same light as many ot their congregations do, church union would be a.J comparatively easy matter. this may be, it has occurred to me , somewhat forcibly that a union be- • tween the Presbyterian and Methodist' ■ churches here is very desirable,' ■ Whether the plan could be put into •; practice is a different question.. I , am, &c., Casual Church-Gob*.