SOCIALISM AND THE CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81917, 30 January 1907, Page 2

SOCIALISM AND THE CHURCH.

To the Editor. Nil'.—A careful perusal of my lust letter would have shown "1!. A. J." tnat the flench Government iitw <leclured war not against any particular brand of Christianity, as lie emphatically [nils it, but against tlu> great Author of Christianity .Himself: "Wo have driven Christ from the schools, the university, the refuges, the hospitals, nay even from the gaols ami asylums. We must now hunt Him from the Government of France." TiiUa spoke 31r liriaud,. of I'nbiie Worship, when addressing the teachers assembled in Congress at Amiens a few months ago. These words are silllieiently plain and almost of only one interpretation. Professor Diapin, whom your correspondent ipiotds, is not the only writer who has closely studied the History of the Catholic Church. I could (juole numberless writers, amongst them pronounced socialists, and as able exponents as I'rofe.ssur Diapin, who describe in the brightest colours the beneficial influence of the Church in ameliorating the condition of society, (lut of many let me select one. Lucky in iiis famous works, ''Rationalism in Europe," Vol 11. page 2:i-l and following, after having pointed out how me old civilization had passed into complete desolation writes:—"At last the Spirit of Christianity moved over Hut Chaotic Society, amfnot merely alleviated the evils that convulsed it, but aho reorganised it 011 a new basis, it did this in three ways: if abolished slavery, it created charity, it inculcated self-sacrilieo." lie shows at Mime length how the spirit of the Church took care of the sink and founded hospitals: "and for :tlnJ first time tin' Aureole of sanctity encircled the brow of sorrow and invested it with a mysterious charm." Leokv cannot be Ktiuf to be biassed in 'favour of the Church, but Ins sense of justice and fairness made him give credit where credit is due. .Might I a*k. "I!. A. ,1." in replying, to restrain "i's rambling propensities and keep to one or two vital points at a time and not indulge in Auto-biographical flourishes as to his reading and favourite authors. These, 'though dear to himself personallv, have no general or public interest'.—l am, etc,, COSMOI'OLXTAN.