THE HOLINESS CONTROVERSY.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 464, 19 April 1890, Page 4

THE HOLINESS CONTROVERSY.

CAN A MAN LIVE WITHOUT SIN? Auckland, April 14. Thk holiness controversy inaugurated by Pastor Birch and Mr Henry Varley appears to he attracting considerable interest throughout the Christian Church, but, as a rule, the dispute would seem to be regarded as containing issues which are comparatively trifling compared to the one great and general aim. Casual reference was made to the subject at the anniversary social gathering at St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Ponsonby, last evening. The Rev. Mr Robertson, pastor of the congregation, in the course of his introductory remarks, said, evidently in reference to the holiness controversy: “I am extremely sorry, bub I must admit that lam not a sinless minister. St. Paul did not regard himself sinless, surely, for as he grew older he grew humbler. He be gan by saying, ‘ I am the least of the apostles.’ As he Knew himself better he said, * I am less than the least,’ and just before' glory came to him he said, ' I am the chief of sinners,’ and I do believe, Christian friends, that as we get into the full light of God’s holiness, and live more in the presence of Christ, instead of proclaiming ourselves fine saints and holy men, we shall be glad to enter into heaven as the humblest, even as the chief of sinners.” The Rev. Mr Chew, who spoke at a later stage in the same meeting, touched upon the same subject. He led up to the subject of the controversy by a reference to denominationalism. He said: “Why all these denominations at all ? I believe wo hear a good deal too much of cant altogther in connection with our denominations. It is merely a name. It may be harmless, it may bo helpful, but it simply indicates tbo policy, and doe 3 nob indicate morethanChristianism. Denominationalism ia but the different modes of administration in connection with Christian work. VVeare all Christians first. We worship the same God, follow the same Master, and believe in the same Bible. Just now there is a little animated controversy in the crowd on debatable questions in theology, and the controversy has led to a manifestation of dissimilarity amongst Christians which is thought to be alike remarkable and regrettable. Young people, superficial observers, and captious critics say, * How is it that these people have so many things in common, yet are different in their opinions, in their life, in their temple even ?’ That question displays a great deal of ignorance of humanity and ecclesiastical history. Why, the Bible is full of such differences. Among the authors of that Book there arc differences, but these need not affect their divine teaching, and, amid all the differences, we can surely cherish a Christian charity, and kind thoughts and feelings, and encourage each other as far as wo can. I am sure that when two such men as our brothers, the Rev. Mr Birch and Mr Henry Varley, differ from each other, we can yet have much confidence in their sincerity, purity of motive, and honesty of character, and co-operate, as far as we can, for the glory and honour of God. I believe if we worked more and talked less it would be better.”