Church Work and Life

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 721, 22 July 1929, Page 14

Church Work and Life

MESSAGES FROM THE PULPITS

SILVER JUBILEE

ZIONISM IN AUCKLAND SOCIETY’S CELEBRATIONS When, quarter of a century ago, 60 Jews pioneered the only Jewish city in the world, Tel Avio, by pitching their tents on the sand-dunes of Jaffa, in Palestine, the Jewish community of Auckland founded the first Zionist Society. The 25th anniversary of the organisation was fittingly celebrated by a large assemblage of members in the Jewish Social Club rooms, last evening. The function was presided over by Mr. N. Alfred Nathan, president of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation. An eloquent tribute to the society’s achievements was paid by the president, who declared the society was born when Zionism was but a vision, and even many Jewish people could not believe that Palestine would once more be their home. However, they bad lived to see the vision fulfilled. In the ranks of Zionism, he said, there were many men and women who bad accomplished wonderful things for the cause. Congratulatory messages were read from Dr. C. Weizmann, president of the Zionist organisation; Mr. Israel Cohen, general secretary; and Colonel F. H. Kisch, D. 5.0., president of the Palestine Executive. The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, wired expressing confidence that all members of the Jewish race in New Zealand had reason to be grateful for the manner in which their welfare and interests had been fostered and also for the encouragement given to the national aspirations of the people. Appropriate addresses on the wonderful progress made by the organisation figured largely in the celebrations. ‘ Palestine is once more recognised as the national home of the Jews,” declared Rabbi S. A. Goldstein, referring to the reward earned by the founders of Zionism. Twenty-five years ago, he said, differences and difficulties confronted the society, tut those who had supported the movement had been amply repaid. The Auckland society could review the past 25 years' work with satisfaction. Events over the past quarter of a century almost coincided with the history of Zionism, said Mr. L. Phillips, who said that Dr. Herzl had only enumerated the ideals and aims of the movement in 1897. Dreams of the Jewish people all over the world

j were fast coming true, though their realisation was somewhat delayed by | the Great War. Then came the Bal- | four Declaration, the Magna Charta ! of the Jewish people. | “For centuries our race has lived lin exodus. Now we are in the proj cess of rebirth.” declared Mr. Phillips, who considered the present time ! to be the greatest moment in Jewish history. The traditional hopes and dreams should be carried on by the present and future generations. Miss Vera Ziman, secretary of the New Zealand Women’s Zionist Society, who has recently returned from a visit to Palestine, and Mr. B. Green, editor of the “Jewish Times,” also addressed the gathering. The presentation of the Golden Book Certificate to the Auckland branch of the Women’s Zionist Society tvas made by Rabbi Goldstein during the evening. Songs and musical items were con- ! tributed by the Misses Walker, Moore, Mr. Ernest Snell and the Judean Girl Guides. “EVERLASTING LIFE” CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SERVICES “Life” was the subject of the lesj son-sermon in the Christian Science churches yesterday, the Golden Text being taken from Psalms 118; 14, 17, “The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Among the citations whicjl comprised the lesson-sermon was the following passage from the Bible: “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.’ ” (John 6:4547). The lesson-sermon also included among the citations from the Christian Science text-book (“Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” by Mary Baker Eddy), the following passage:—“For right reasoning there should be but one fact before the thought, namely, spiritual existence. In reality there is no other existence, 3ince life cannot be united to its unlikeness, mortality.” (Page 492).

THE SECOND MILE

CHRISTIANITY GOES FURTHER THAN MOSAIC LAW RELIGION IS NOT MECHANICAL "Whoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” This text from Matthew v„ 41, was used by the Rev. W. Walker as the basis of his sermon in the Pitt Street Methodist Church last evening. The preacher stated that the scripture could be understood only In its spiritual meaning. Jesus had been addressing’’ His hearers concerning the demands of the Mosaic law. Through the influence of the Pharisees this law had been developed into a burdensome routine of ceremony. Religion had degenerated into the mere observance of ritual, and this was believed to count for righteousness. A man could fulfil this without any change in his spiritual life. Jesus in His sermon on the Mount announced a new expression of religion. Instead of it being outward and mechanical it should be inward and spiritual. The text meant that virtue did not consist in the performance of compulsory duties, but began at the point where compulsion ceased. To comply with legal demands constituted morality, but to go beyond these was the measure of spirituality. The first mile was the fulfilment of law, the second the realisation of grace. To carry into daily life the implications of this scripture would revolutionise the world, said the preacher. It would solve all national and international difficulties. Many things in life were compulsory. They impressed people into their service as imperiously as Roman soldiers compelled able-bodied Jews to assist In carrying baggage up to the measured mile. To fail to comply with these demands would result in breaking the moral law. Followers of Jesus must be willing not only to fulfil these duties, but to go beyond them. The pertinent question which Jesus put to His disciples was: “What do ye more than others?” It was possible to pay 20s in the pound and obey the laws of society, and yet be wicked at heart, to be a tyrant in the home, and niggardly in one’s dealings. “Christianity is meant to permeate the whole of life,” said Mr. Walker. "It has to do with conditions under which people live and work. Disciples of Jesus are expected to be tolerant, merciful and compassionate. It is the overflowing life which enriches other lives, and enables them to yield a harvest of righteousness.”

CHURCHES CRITICISED

GAMBLING FACILITIES

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

MURAL TABLET UNVEILED

SALVATION ARMY HALL

MR. SCRIMGEOUR ON PROBLEMS “ARK OF SALVATION” “The real trouble laj's in the fact that too often the Church is an ark of salvation for its members, and not an active agency for the salvation of mankind/* said the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour in the course of his sermon in the Strand Theatre last evening. The preacher spoke on the falling off in church attendance and the problem of social relief work. It seemed that while they worshipped Christ among the lilies on the altar, He was finding His way outside the Church to the hearts of the people. Men preached to the inner circle on the great virtue of charity, but their real eloquence was often heard in condemnation of those who disagreed with their creed. A popular preacher and a credit balance gave the hall mark of success. A new building was a sign of marked progress, but no concern was expressed that children were brought up in slumdom right under their eyes. Social work was sometimes attempted, he said, but poverty, whatever its cause, was meekly apologised for by the quotation: “The poor ye have always with you.” A preacher might preach on the evils of the liquor trade and horse-racing, but nothing must be said of the glaring inequality and snobbery he found within his own organisation. While such a state of affairs existed, and services were conducted for the edification and instruction of people brought up within the precincts of the Church, they could hardly hope to capture the world for Christ; yet any attempt at variation or broader interpretation brought a storm of protest, and was regarded with suspicion by the orthodox. The Church was very sincere in its efforts to save society by act of Parliament, and however necessary good legislation might be, the outside world must have the assurance that they were willing to alter and amend their own laws in honest endeavour to save the masses by Christ’s own method—that of winning the individual, not by harsh words, but by the demonstration of a better and more useful life.

PRESBYTERIANS PROTEST AGAINST EXTENSION RESOLUTION AT MT. EDEN A strong protest against any further extension of gambling facilities was made at a meeting of tbe congregation of the Mount Eden Presby terian Church, held after last evening’s service, under the presidency of the Rev. Leonard H. Hunt. The following resolution was passed unanimously:— That in view of the prevalence of gambling in New Zealand and the consequent misery created thereby, and in the interests of the moral wellbeing of the community, we, the members and adherents of the Mount Eden Presbyterian Church, emphatically protest against the suggested amend ments to the Gaming Act, and would urge the Government to refuse the granting of any further facilities for the exercise of this vice, especially in the direction of the publication of dividends and the use of the telegraphic service for the transmission of bets. It was further resolved that a copy of the resolution be forwarded immediately to the Prime Minister and to the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy.

RICHMOND ROAD BAPTISTS Special services were held in the Richmond Baptist Church yesterday to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Large congregations attended both sei’vices. The preacher in the morning was the Rev. J. Laird, of Mount Albert, who took as his text “The Joyous Service.” In the evening Dr. J. J. North preached, his subject being “The Sheltering Rock.” Several anthems were given by the choir and Miss G. Wilkinson sang “Come Unto Me.” The reunion social, which will be held on Wednesday evening, will be of a specially interesting character. Mr. F. W. Gaze will preside, and Mr. S. Barry, president of the New Zealand Baptist Union, will be the speaker. ST. STEPHEN’S, PONSONBY Large congregations attended St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby, yesterday in celebration of the anniversary of the church. The services were conducted by the Rev. Frazer Barton. Special music was given by the choir at both services. Collections for the day amounted to £234, which will be devoted to church maintenance.

LATE REV. W. S. POTTER To perpetuate the memory of the late Rev. W. S. Potter, who had been minister of the Richmond Avenue Methodist Church and who died on Janiiary 30 last, a brass mural tablet was unveiled at a special service in the church yesterday afternoon. The Rev. A. Mitchell, of St. John’s Methodist Church, Ponsonby, who conducted the service, said that every good life had elements in it that his hearers might well imitate, and good example was ever an incentive in the quest after piety and righteousness. The erection of statues and busts in places of assembly dated from the time of Imperial Rome, and they were set there to inspire the young. The tablet, set immediately above the pulpit, was then unveiled by Mr. F. S. Potter, a brother of the late minister, after which the large congregation was led in prayer by the Rev. Rev. S. Griffith.

NEW BUILDING AT HAMILTON A new citadel for the Salvation Army at Hamilton is to be built, and tenders have been invited for the work. The funds for the new building have been raised and include two bequests valued at £I,OOO, a grant of £250 made by the New Zealand headquarters of the Army, and £4OO raised locally. The citadel will be erected on the site of the present hall, which will be moved back.

THE INESCAPABLE GOD

COMMUNITY MISSION TALK WIDER OUTLOOK NEEDED “The most formative thought thai the human mind can entertain is the thought of God. As you and I think of God, so will we think of everything that touches life at any point.” In these words the Rev. George Jackson commenced an address on “The God Who Dwells Within” at the Community Mission, Zealandia Hall, Dominion Road Terminus, last evening. The preacher quoted from Revelations: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.” On the lonely island of Patmos John’s sustaining thought was that God was not far away, but was close at hand. tie was a God who dwelt with men, active and available to meet human needs. That thought of God. which was the genius of the message of Jesus, asserted the preacher, had been almost completely lost sight of for centuries. The wo rid was conceived, as ruled by secondary causes, which were, however, subject to the control of the Creator. Thus God’s relation to the physical universe was like that of an engineer to his engine. His relation to humanity was like that of a king to his subjects. The unfathomable abyss separated man from God. That abyss could be bridged only by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. According to the Roman Catholic Church, oniy those could pass over that bridge who had been baptised. According to the followers of John Calvin, oniy those who were numbered among the “elect” could cross that bridge. According to Methodist belief, only those who truly repented could cross. The rest of mankind was outside the mercy of God, and was subject only to the inflexible justice of the Creator and King. The method by which man could escape the justice of God and secure His mercy was revealed by an infallible Church, according to the Roman Catholic, or according to the Protestant, by an infallible Book. To refuse to accept the dogma of an infallible Church or an infallible Book, was to be an unbeliever, whose unbelief cut him off from any hope of the Divine mercy. “If that system of belief is a true expression of the Christian faith,” said Mr. Jackson, “then I am not a Christian, because I simply do not believe it.” He then pointed out that during the last fifty years, and particularly since the opening of the present century, an increasing number of earnest men and women had recognised the inadequacy of the system of belief he had just referred it. It was a caricature of the character of God, but that was due, not to any wilful desire to misrepresent, but to a failure to think of God as Jesus thought of Him, a Spirit, to be worshipped in Spirit and in truth. A later follower of Jesus had spoken of God as One in whom “we live, and move and have our being.” Evolution was but a description of the agelong process of development in which the purpose of God was being wrought out. To recognise that God dwelt in us and that in every human being there was a spark of the Divine, had some far-reaching consequences, concluded the speaker. To believe in a God who worked In us and with us for the fulfilment of an eternal purpose of God demanded a new emphasis upon the need for a thorough review of our outlook on the social problems. War, economic slavery, famine, unemployment and every similar question had an urgent significance, and could no longer be left outside the church door.