Social Christianity.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3618, 31 July 1880, Page 4

Social Christianity.

The Eev. J. Nixen of Dunedin has been giving a series of lectures on " Social j Christianity," and in a late one on "Parity of Language and behavior," said in his opening remarks that the word parity covered a Tory wide field, and had more than one aspect, but were on all points closely related. It was, however owing to the existing state of public opinion a very difficult matter to handle. There seemed to be au impression abroad that the grosser forms of vice ought to be left alone, and that, with the exception of intemperance, they were not to be touched, and could not be dealt with. But intemperance was treated in a very impartial manner, and only from one standpoint of view. Purity of life had regard not only to action, but also to language, conversation and literature. Speaking of the practice of swearing, the lecturer said that it was far too. prevalent and the efforts of Christians should be directed to put down what was a crying evil. Were they not shocked when they heard the name of God taken in vain, or had the feelings and higher sensibilities of our moral,nature become So forgetful as to take no notice of the foul oaths that prevailed in our midst? Would they not, if they heard their fathers spoken of in a disrespectful manner, be up in arms at once and demand satisfaction for the imputations cast on them ? If they did not, they would be unworthy of the name of manhood and womanhood; but it would be that no man would allow his parents to be defamed; yet they would stand by and listen to the vilest and foule&t slanders on their Heavenly Father, and Christ, and the Spirit, an make no efforts to put a stop to it. Another form of impurity was that of immorality. If they; wished to rescue thousands of their follow creatures from this vice, it became them as Christians to discountenance all who were transgressors, and not harbor them, as is done at the present day, by allowing them to mingle in society without branding them. They should allow no thoughts of delicacy to interfere with their duty, but try to stamp out the evil with a strong hand. After enumerating other forms of want of purity in behaviour, among" which were the reading of novels and immoral newspapers, and dancing, the lecturer, in a very plain and outspoken manner, called on those present to endeavour to do away with the evils connected with language and behaviour, and then they would receive, what they had been seeking for so long, the blessing of God; and all their sins which were many forgiven them.