MR MASSEY AS BIBLE STUDENT

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2760, 19 July 1924, Page 3

MR MASSEY AS BIBLE STUDENT

THE PROPHETS AND MODERN LEGISLATION. “There is no question about it, that- the literature in the Bible is the most magnificent literature in the English language,” remarked the Prime Minister in the House during the discussion on Air -Isitt's Religions Exercses in Schools Bill. “There is n<» question about Hint, if cannot be denied.” Mr Massey then entered into a little discussion with members on the various phases of Biblical history, and it seemed as if the honours rested with him. Hq said that (lie Bible contained a number of prophecies which had been fulfilled and there were others which bad not yet been fulfilled but which, be believed, would be. The Bible ought to be of particular interest to legislators, because it was partly legislative. Air Fraser: Splendid land laws. The basis of the freehold is set forth there, replied Mr Massey amidst much laughter. A Labour member: You have read it upside down. The Prime Minister explained bis readiness to supply the authority for his statement. Afr Sullivan: What about the dividing u-p? Mr Fraser: “Neliemiah was the greatest land reformer.” Mr Massey: No. What about Moses Mr Hauan: He was a leaseholder. The lion, gentleman is thinking of Joseph bis namesake, retorted the Prime Minister. (Laughter). It is provided clearly in the laws of Moses that the laud is not to be parted with bv the families into whose possession it came for the first time, for fifty years. Labour members: Is this in the Bill?

Mr Massey: No, but I am trying to teach the bon. gentlemen, and it is bard to make them understand. Laughter. A member raised the question of usurers.

Mr Massey: The Bible denounces (lie usurer in no unmeasured terms. Mr Fraser: Joseph had the first wheat pool. Air Massey: And lie parted with his wheat but he took the lands of the people of Egypt in exchange. Therefore lie was the first land nalionaliser and the first leaseholder end Egypt has not recovered from i! tn ; his day. (Loud laughter). The Prime Minister added that the Bible ought to be of tremendous in fi is! o legislators because the win.-n- code iif British laws was founded on die laws of Moses. Mr Fraser: He was the first, great strike leadei. Air Massey: He led the people of Israel and led them very successfully. t believe, ream iked" the Prime Min sti r in conclusion, that the Bible uas given to humanity to be a light unto our feet and a lamp to on r pa ill, a guide for us in this life and a direction for the world to come. The more the people learned about the Bible tin- better it would bo for them and the better it would be for I he nation.