DUTIES OF THE CLERGY

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 13

DUTIES OF THE CLERGY

PHYSICIANS OF THE SOUL ADDRESS BY DEAN INGE IFBOSI CUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) LONDON, October 5. One of the last addresses delivered by Dean Inge before his retirement from the position of Dean of St. Paul's was at a meeting of the Clergy Fellowship. He spoke on "The Work of the Clergy in the New Age." <■ Too much of a clergyman's time, he said, was now occupied by filling in forms. Facts and figures, no doubt, were indispensable things; in the exact sciences and the management of business they were everything. But in proportion as the object of the work of the clergy became more spiritual the quantitative estimate of j its results became less important and the qualitative became more important. In art, literature, and social life the significance of the imponderable as against the ponderable became overwhelming. As clergy their business was with the imponderables, and them only. If that were admitted it would oblige them to confess that much of what passed for professional success was irrelevant. ■ A church would be filled by providing what were called bright services, by tonical sermons, by politics in the pulp.'/, and by discreet advertising. (Laughter.) But what mattered was whether the congregation was brought nearer to God. Religion was caught, not taught. In that sphere the clergy could give nothing which they had not got themselves. He would have no one withdraw himself from human interests, but the most important thing was the care of their inner life. No Crowd at Narrow Gate He supposed that he would not be wrong in thinking that there was a great deal of discouragement among the clergy, a sort of depressing feeling that church-going was not what it used to be. There was a kind of impression going about that Christianity nad failed. Their churches were suffering very much from what he had called democratism; from the superstition that the clergy had failed unless they could get the majority of people, or a very large number of people, to go to hear them. He doubted whether many of the clergy had quite realised how very strong were the warnings all through the New Testament against expecting anything like popularity or outward success. There was not a word in the New Testament to lead them to think that there was ever likelv to be an inconvenient crowd gathered at the narrow gate. (Laughter.) It was a great pity that they still went on thinking that unless they could attract the masses they hfd failed. Christ never talked about the masses, and never won them. They would never have crowds on their side. No Standardised Orthodoxy If they realised that, a great deal of their discouragement would disappear. The Gospel was a message of spiritual redemption, not primarily of social reform. Because of the unfortunate conviction of the early Christians that the world had only a short time to go on and that the Church was only a br>'ef stop-gap before the Kingdom of God came, the Church had always been backward, he would not say in matters of political reform, for there were iustifiable differences of opinion, but i-i encouraging movements which aimed at improving the environment and nature of the human race. He was thinking on the one side of wellconsidered social reforms, and on the other of those movements connected with eugenics. Those who were inclined to base their teaching and faith entirely on tradition had to realise that new duties had been revealed in modern times by the progress of natural science and other branches of learning. By all means, let those who thought that they had anything valuable to say, say it, but they should not rush into rhetorical language, perhaps bringing accusations against whole classes, and exciting animosity. The clergy should not propound schemes of sloppy socialism and call them Christian politics and economics. What they all needed was some kind of bridge to take them from the seen to the unseen, through the world of facts to the world of values, from the natural to the spiritual. They really could not have a standardised orthodoxy to suit the learned professor and his kitchenmaid. A great deal of the trouble of the Church was caused by trying to have, a standardised orthodoxy to suit everybody. They ought to realise that they could not give quite the same lessons to everybody. Physician of the Soul As to what ought to be the most important part of the clergyman's work in the new age, he would say his work as a physician of the soul. Had not the best work they had ever done been with individuals and not in church? The Church had neglected that important part of a clergyman's duty. They ought to encourage more and more of their people to come to them when they were in difficulty about their soul. There was no subject more interesting than human nature. The clergy ought to know a good deal about certain branches of mental science, and in many parishes they might learn a good deal by talking frankly to the parish doctor, who saw the same troubles from a different angle. Most of the people who came to him (Dr. Inge) were in trouble about sex. It was a subject which clergy ought to study carefully. He had often found that clergy were curiously ignorant on the matter, and had heard of bad advice being given. The clergy must not suppose that they would be able to command influence or respect unless they deserved it. They must have some real knowledge and power to help which other people had not got. Unity of Spirit The Church of England ought to aim at being the Church of the English people, representing them on their best side, developing those good qualities which belonged to the nation. He was in favour of national Churches. They need not think too much about the more external unity, but let there be unity of spirit. They should not rare very much about being all united under one government; it was far more important that they should all be of one spirit and one mind. He hoped that in the future they would be able to work more cordially with their separated brethren in this country, who surely were nearer to them than some Christians on the Continent. Without compromising in regard to what they believed to be their prerogative,' they might cultivate sympathy, helpfulness, and cooperation with those bodies, which, after all, were working with them against the evil agencies which were directed against every kind of religious belief.

WOMEN'S INSTITUTES HAWARDEN - At the November meeting of the Hawarden Women's Institute Mrs J. Doak presided over a fair attendance. An interesting lecture on the care of the skin and hair and physical culture by Mrs Vaughan was much appreciated. Final arrangements were made for the institute picnic, to be held at Leithfield on Tuesday, November 27, The competition for "melting moments" resulted, Miss Mildred Wright 1, Mrs Dixon 2, Mrs J. W. Wright 3; and that for the best vase of flowers resulted, Mrs Burt 1, Mrs J. W. Wright 2, Miss E. Croft 3. Afternoon tea was served by the hostesses, Mrs Berney, Mrs Dixon, and Miss K. Doak. LYNDHURST There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Lyndhurst Women's Institute. Mrs A. C. Gadd presided. Mrs Limbrick gave a full report on the half-yearly meeting of the South Canterbury Federation recently held at Temuka. It was reported that since the last meeting a competition had been held to help the school prize fund, and it realised £5, which was handed over to the school committee. The December meeting will take the form of a garden party. Mrs Erroll Stewart has offered her garden for the occasion. The competitions for the meeting are to be thrift mats and a gift suitable for a Christmas tree. Mrs Vincent, Ashburton, gave an interesting demonstration on the making of pine-needle baskets, for which she was accorded a vote of thanks. Mrs Constable, Ashburton, was leader ,of the community singing. Miss Smith, Ashburton, sang a solo. Mesdames Constable, Reid, and Vincent judged the competitions, with the folJowing results—Bouquets, Mrs P. Prebble 1, Mrs C. Prebble and Miss Evans (equal) 2, and Mrs Limbrick 4. Girdle scones: Mrs Prebble, sen., 1, Mrs A. C. Gadd 2, and Mrs Scott and Mrs Symes (equal) 3. The hostesses were Mesdames Law, Limbrick, Henderson, McQuilkin, and Miss Law. HAMPSTEAD The monthly meeting of the Hampstead Women's Institute was held on Thursday afternoon, when the vicepresident (Mrs H. J. Constable) presided. Two new members were enrolled. It was decided to enter a team for the folk-dancing festival to be held at Temuka on December 4. Mrs J. W. Tinker gave a report of the recent half-yearly meeting at Temuka. A demonstration on box-making was given by Mrs A. Walker, who displayed a very fine assortment of boxes which she had made. Mrs Walker judged a competition for embroidery, which resulted: Miss Simpson 1, Mrs W. Edmondstone 2, Mrs W. Thompson and Mrs A. Home (equal) 3. For best lunch for school child (cost not to exceed 6d): Mrs W. Thompson was first, and Mrs F. Rose second. A sub-committee was appointed to arrange a programme for 1935. The next meeting will be held on December 6. RAKAIA The monthly meeting of the Rakaia Women's Institute was held in St. Mark's schoolroom, Mrs Newman presiding over a good attendance of members. Representatives from the Chertsey, Dorie, and Barrhill institutes were also present. An invitation to attend the first birthday party of the Rokeby branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union was received: A competition for an article knitted from three skeins of wool resulted as follows:—Mrs S. Hardy 1, Mrs P. Smith 2, Mrs Coatsworth 3; and a competition for a hand-made handkerchief resulted: Mrs Coatsworth 1, Mrs S. Hardy 2, Mrs Nicol 3. Presentations were made to Mrs R. A. Oakley, who had conducted the choir, and Miss Bessie Stewart, who had played the acc6mpaniments in the recent choir contest at Temuka. The speaker for the afternoon was Miss Jerome Spencer, who gave a short talk on institute work, and afterwards a very interesting account of the conference of Associated Countrywomen held at Stockholm. Miss Spencer was presented with a bouquet by Miss Margery Lee on behalf of those present. Mrs Watson, convener of the Chertsey-Dorie-Rakaia group, thanked Miss Spencer for her address. Mrs Newman, for Rakaia, and Mrs Richards, for Dorie, also spoke. It was decided that the next meeting take the form of a garden party, to be held at Mrs A. E. Head's residence. WILLOWBRIDGE The president, Mrs Curtis, presided over a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Willowbridge Women's Institute. The meeting passed a motion of sympathy with Mrs W. Hayman and' family in their recent bereavement, and also with Mrs H. Voss in her illness. A very instructive demonstration of wool work was given by Miss E. Curtis. The competitions resulted as follows: —Dozen fresh eggs, Mrs W. Smith 1, Miss A. Faulkner 2, Miss M. Richmond 3; papier mache, Miss M. Richmond 1, Mrs J. Forsyth 2 and 3; specimen bloom, Miss A. Faulkner 1, Miss M. Richmond 2, Mrs W. Smith 3; embroidered cushion, Mrs E. Curtis 1 and 2, Mrs J. Forsyth 3. Much amusement was caused by a game of jumbled boys' names, Mrs A. Moore winning the prize. The hostesses were Mesdames Smith. Curtis, and Richmond.

ADULT EDUCATION SUMMER SCHOOL The fourteenth annual summer school of the Workers' Educational Association will be held at Methven, and will be officially opened on Wednesday, December 26. The school, which will be held for nine days, is intendea as a holiday, combining educational and intellectual benefits, and is available for anyone anxious to go. xne mornings will be devoted to lectures commencing at 11 o'clock, and in the at-: ternoons sports, rambles, and informal discussions will take place, and in the evenings folk dancing, concerts, and dances. A swimming bath is also available. The subject for this years summer school will be "New Zealand —Contributions and Trends," and the director will be Mr L. F. de Berry, principal of the West Christchurch District High School. Colour in architecture has not in the past been exploited to any marked extent in the city buildings of Wellington, states the "Dominion." A change Is in prospect. Recently the General Post Office has been painted an even grey mud colour, which is clean and depressing. The Town Hall is being brightened by the application of cream-coloured paint; but, perhaps best of all, is the colour scheme of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society's newbuilding in Customhouse quay, the parapet of which has already emerged from a wilderness of scaffolding. The facade has been picked out in pastel shades of cream, apple green, puce, and pink, while projecting at intervals from the front are ornamental gargoyles which relieve the flatness of the facade without adding any great amount of weight in masonry. How long this building will retain the delicate shades mentioned remains to be seen.