ST. JOHN'S WESLEYAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 186, 19 August 1901, Page 2

ST. JOHN'S WESLEYAN.

At St. John's Weslcyan Church the Rev. J. Wilkins bused his address on a portion of Matthew 22, verse xxi., "Then saith He unto them, render therefore unto Caesar the. things which are Caesar's, and unto God the tliiugs that are God's." In the introduction to his discourse ho pointed out that the Pharisees and Herodians were both antagonistic to Christ, but on this occasion, desiring1 to entrap him, they entered into an unholy alliance against him, and in order to deerea.se suspicion sent to him some students from their colleges. These came with a flattering; address, extolling his virtues and praising his fidelity, fearlessness and impartiality, and then asked was it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar. If lie said it waa lawful to pay the tribute money then the Pharisees would proclaim Him a traitor to His country, and if He had said it was not lawful the Uerodians would have a ground for complaint against Kirn. Caesar stood as the embodiment of power, and typified the powers that control the State, and we also must render to the State, the country and the Empire in which we live those things which it is our duty to perform, that the. will of God may be done in that State or Empire. It is possible that we may be indifferent to the things of the State, but every Christian man should seek to have the will of God carried out in church, home, business and State. Christ's authority must roign supreme wherever man's energy ia exerted. In the relation of the Church to the State, the Church must not favour party politics, but men collectively and individually should endeavour to further the will of God. A man ought to do his duty on the Council as well as in leading a Bible class. In Europe connection with public office is esteemed a distinction, while in America it is considered a burden. Christian citizens have a duty to fulfil at the ballot, and in other public offices, and, always remembering that "right is might," must seek to do the will of God.