MR A. W HOGG AND THE "CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4888, 28 November 1894, Page 3

MR A. W HOGG AND THE "CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK."

Tho Christian Outlook, published nt Dunedin, has the following in a recent issue:—At thovocont Wellington Diocesan Synod there was a discussion about special formß of prayor for His Excellency the Governor and for the Honorable Membora of Parliament, Tho Acting Bishop, in his speech, croated a little scnsfition by liiß emphatic affirmations that the present Parliament had much need of their prayers. Tho impression conveyed by his words was that tho mombors of tho Houso as a wholo wcro fit subjects for spiritual reformation, If bodio ministers of religion lightly osteora < our legislators, somo of our legislators hold ministors of religion in light esteem, For example, wo learn from llamard that Mr A, W, Hogg (ropro senting a North Island constituencyin the debate on Sir R, Stouts Bill on tho Wellington University, denounced such an institution because it iniifhtproduco ministorsof religion to jim/ on the earnings of honest men. Such ut curious outbreak of antireligious courtesy and charity is not often heard now-a-days, even on tho pin (form of the professional infidel. It is to bo hoped tlmt such nn utterance represents tho religious nttitndo of the honourable niomber. nnd not that of his constituency. If his constituency holds with him that ministers of religion " prey on the earnings of honest men," tho churches in that electorate must have an uphill task. There is reason to believe that there are few people in any part of tho Colony that would speak like this personabout teachers of religion and morals. If ministers of religion pmjon tlwcmiwjsofhonestmiti then they are certainly tho most morally debased class in the Colony. Pimps and panders prey on tho earnings of -immoral men; gamblers prey on tho earnings of dishonest men; but ministers of religion (says tho Honourable Mr Hogg!) proy on tho earnings of honest men! The statement of tko creed of courtesy and charity of this worthy Parliamentarian is its best refutation. The President of tho Diocesan Synod may have had in his mind tho Mr Hogg type of politician when ho made his feeling remarks."