THE MODERATOR'S ADDRESS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1287, 16 November 1911, Page 9

THE MODERATOR'S ADDRESS

CHURCH AND LABOUR, At tho opening service in connection with the session of the General Assembly of tho Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, which iDok place in First Church, Duncdiu last week, The Rev. J. H. Mackenzie, in vacating his position as Moderator, said it was his duty to name tho new Moderator (the Hev. George Lindsay, of St. Clair), who had been a faithful pastor to the churches and congregations that had been comr tted to his care, and it was fitting that tho Assembly should place him in the position it had. Tho newly-appointed Moderator' in his inaugural address stated:—As the standard of education among the people has advanced down through tins centuries, it has become more necessary that a growing degree of training should bo given to those who become teaching presbyters. . . . The ago in which wo livo is ono of great unrest. Old beliefs are called in question. With some there is a tendency to dismiss the supernatural, with others.to entertain a kind of uncertainty about what are regarded as the foundation truths of Christianity, and as a consequence thero is on the part of not a few moral laxity, indifference, and carelessness; an unwillingness to cherish tht open mind, t<> look into and examine the basal facts of Christianity. Hence the widespread indifference and neglect of Divine things that are to bo met with on every hand. This indifference shows itself in the inordinato love of pleasure which is. becoming so manifest in these lands. Ihere can bo no objection to making the services of tho sanctuary as pleasurable and helpful as possible, but uurely it is not in keening with the sacredness of.the house of Clod and the reverence due unto His holy name to gratify the selfish pleasure-loving spirit that is abroad by turning dlvino service into a kind o"f sacred concert. The modern emphasis put upon pleasure is full of gravest peril to tho establishment and propagation of it strong, vital Christianity. There can be no question that the pursuit of monev has become an overmastering passion with very many, and is sadly interfering with their giving attention to those l , matters that relate to the soul and the great hero after. Wo havo seen in numerous instances how, as men accumulate wealth, they cease to take the interest in spiritual things which they did when comparatively poor. Another factor' which militates against the work of tho teaching presbvtor is tho want of sympathy that is complained of between the Church and our workers. - There are few who have given careful consideration to tho cause of our industrial upheavals but will admit that there is need for a readjustment between Capital and Labour—an adjustment that will ensure a fairer distribution of tho wealth produced by the collective efforts of employers and employees. The impression that tho Church is out of sympathy with the working man in his struggle for a readjustment of the economic conditions in which ho. finds himself has led many to seer, consolation in ' trades unions and other social organisations outside the Church. So far as our own Church is concerned, we believe that our ministers are anxious to see a better relation established between Capital and Labour, and that, if possible, a full share of the milt of their toil be given to those who labour. As a proof of this, last Assembly expressed "its deep anxiety for the removal of all misunderstanding and alienation between Labour ami" the Churches, however thev mav have arisen, and declared its sympathy with" all workers in their rightful efforts to improve the condition of their fellow-nun." .V« recognise that the proclamation of ~.e Gosncl " tho great mission of the Church, and must ever hold the premier place, "and (as lluir, in "Christianity and Labour," savs) in order that her perennial proclamation ot this mav be, effective, she must take her place at tho head of even- genuine movement for breaking the rod of tho onnressor and eltirig the oppressed go free?' Wo believe that if men were only truly animated by the ij.itit. «t .fisus, 'Ihrist. then those who handle Capital en,l thr\c who..-are..wage-earners or profit-sharers, would.sb;net. towards r<i'ch other tli:il no place would be found for this destructive industrial warfare which at present is so dark and ominous. . ;. . But what, after all, .fills ihe heart of Mrs teaching presbyter with the greatest encouragement is the assurance that the Gospel which he proclaims is the power of Gcd unto Salvation. Hating realised Us power in Ins own heart, and also seen it manifested in tho reformed, lives of men and women .who have received ii, he feels confidence in it as_ Ihe mighty regenerating power of <iod. There is no nlhev religion that has such a high moral s'.andard, and none that inspires men with the same noble ambition to live soberly, . righteously, and godly in this present evil world. Trace the onward movement of the GosjK>l down through the centuries, and wherever it has been received in faith and love it has acted as a mighty moral regenerator. .... _a