FOURTH COMMANDMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 142, 18 June 1929, Page 10

FOURTH COMMANDMENT.

DISCUSSED BY CHURCHES.

A CONTINENTAL SUNDAY.

Aspects of the virtue and value of Sunday observance were discussed last evening by the Council of Christian Congregations assembled in St. David's Hall, Ivhyber Pass. The Rev. W. E. Lush presided. "The work of the ministry is of such a nature," said the Rev. A. Lawson Marsh, "that it is inclined to make us feel humbugs on some questions, and, in spite of being protagonists, we all know there is much to be said in favour of Sunday observance." The strict enforcement of the fourth commandment, lie said, was nowadays a hopeless task, but Sunday had its spiritual worth and deep significance. The prevention of exploitation of Sunday for pleasure and profit was essential as a matter of social justice. Without dictating as to how Sunday should be spent the churches called on all good citizens to protect the essential character of the day as one for rest. In the long run Sunday would be an index of national character. On this ground the churches protested against Sunday railway excursions and picnics. The Rev. G. Gordon Bell said the best way was to make a popular appeal i amongst those who were Christians and who were prepared to back their principles. It was bound up inevitably in the acceptance of Christ by people within the community. It was not a matter of inviting the people to go to church to hear preachers. As far as how church-goers spent Sunday after being at church he cared comparatively little. In his opinion Sunday should be a day of rest from the ordinary avocations of life, but due regard should be paid to worship. Another speaker said there was a lack of church organisation. Culture or mentality were not necessarily vital factors in the true Christian life. It was all a matter of public conscience and individual recognition. Tho Rev. Nicholas Bound proposed that tho views of the Rev. A. Lawson Marsh be considered by the executive with a view to the drawing up of the council's attitude. rm •/ J. Ins was seconded by Mr. C. 11. Furness a and carried.