THE QUIET HOUR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 July 1924, Page 15

THE QUIET HOUR.

“ADEQLATE CHRISTIANITY. ’ ’

Published by arrangement with the sttawera Ministers’ Association).

When we view the state of mankind to-day from a broad asuec-t, we ask ourselves and each other •’'Who is equal to these things:-'’-' Who can soive the problems which wreck our peace and pi ospei ity Who will bring forward a plan of co-operation, acceptable to all nations:-' Why do not the nahV.is do this or that:- And, Why:-, and Why:-' and Why.-' Are the ouestious we. hear on every side. Examine the questions and we see that the answer is tile same as to the question, '“\iliy does not God answer prayer;-” The answer is in qurselves. if we want an answer, we nuist first ot all ask ourselves: Is our knowledge of these great subjects sufficient to understand .the signs of The times:-' Is our hope- lor the future bright enough to light more than sufficient roadway for our feet? Is cur faith in God and our fellow-men strong enough to stand the test of an adequate answer to our. questions? is our love for God and our neighbour generous and selfless enough to pay the Vice demanded by our answers? See how our very questions set for our duty and our" opportunities! Let u's get to the tori of our Eguiout and view the country over—mountain and gully, lair country and sea, towns growing into cities, and villages growing into towns. Then let us likewise'go to the mountain of vision and see w'hat is being done now. It seems that if we did this our future would he transfigured before us, and -the vision, -will both answer our questions and show us oppoitunities.of further service. We will see that Christianity really is sufficient for the demands made upon us to-day. It is difficult to sum up the demands, but they are there, and we hear their insistent call. The commercial . world demands from us greater production, increased means of transport, more markets, equal rights to the raw materials of the world. The industrial world demands more housing and better housing, a greater share in the rewards of industry, shorter hours, so that no. man will go from his business to his home too exhausted to be a companion to his wife and a father to his children.

The international world demands from us brotherhood of man and nations, and the rights of all nations to live in peace and security. The demands could be inutliplied and expanded, but spate forbids. When we examine these demands the world says. “Yes, that is what we want, but .” But what? So many want improved conditions without giving equivalent or an adequate return. Many want a League of Nations, but without Germany. Many want church union, but this or that section of the church should not be included, because we do not agree with them or their methods or ritual. It seems that our local interpretations ox Christianity are not equal to the demands made upon it; they are not adequate to the needs which, arise, with the question. Christianity itself is equal, but not our limited interpretations. We must face the facts. No matter how repugnant it- may seem to us and our isms and pur private judgments, we must admit that Christianity is the, only adequate solution to, our needs and problems. For 2000 years it has exercised a persistent influence for good upon the individual and upon the domestic and national life of mankind. Any failure to peace, prosperity and security amongst men is due to ourselves and our narrow outlook in life. “It has been one of the few’ forces that have proved capable of moukriitg nobility of character. Most men and women of our race who have been venerated as good in the eminent sense, have faced destiny and duty in the power of Christian faith.” In addition to this, Christianity is higher than any ideal yet atained by man, apart from Christ Himself. Jesus Christ Himself would urge us.cn the greater effort; it is His Spirit that would urge us on through what is seemingly possible to a more adequate solution of our problems. Does any man want proof? The Spirit and example of Christ has inspired devoted service by men and. women in all parts of the world, so that the Scriptures are now published'ln 566 different languages and tongues. The Spirit and example of Christ finds expression today in the many and various activities cf His Church. She is alive and attentive to the. needs of man. Church doors aire open for prayer and devotions. She is awake to the institutional and social needs of the people, and she lias shown the world the way to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the orphan and destitute, visit and' relieve the oppressed, and those in prison. The Church has her missions, home and foreign, and there is not only an abundance of work clone amongst men, but there is room for ail who would put their hands to the task and help solve these problems. Every report from the fields of service tell us "in tones of unlimited optimism the story of Christ at work amongst men. We can say this, reverently, numbly, yet truly, that the British Empire is the instrument in God’s hands for the good of mankind. We all feel, more or less, that every treaty or mandate between nations and men", every award that defines the relationship between men and women in industry, must embody the Christian spirit. A Christion judgment must decide the problems and interpret the demands made by classes, masses and nations. Whafc each man is in himself will decide how far he will go on the road toi progress and peace. Our increased knowledge of naturesnd science will open for us new paths to the future, increase our opportunities and responsibilities, and at the same time we will learn to recognise and admit that Christ alone is sufficient for these things, and through ns He will reveal His wisdom, and give us a right judgment in all things.