ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9860, 1 July 1895, Page 6

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The fourteenth anniversary of the consecration of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Kyber Pass, was celebrated by special services, large congregations assembling at each service, although the weather was

extremely inclement. The choir was in full strength. In the morning the Most Reri Dr. Cowie, Primate of New Zealand, preached from a text; taken from Matthew xvi., 18, "On this rock I will build my Church." The sermon was appropriate, and was listened to with earnest attention. In the afternoon there was a children's service, at which the Rer. P. S. Smalltield, principal of St. John's College, gave an interesting address. In the evening the Rev. George Mac Murray, of St. Mary's, Parnell, preached from Genesis xxviii., 17, "This is none other than the House of God." The sermon was thoughtfully and earnestly considered.

The third of the " Talks for the Times" was given by the Rev. Geo. Burgess, F.R. A.S., in Beresford-streeb Church last night. The sustained interest in the series of talks was evidenced by a large and deeply attentive congregation. The preacher said that Christianity recognises that natural inequality in men that its roob in their nature. Differences in capacity, acquirements, and character will make differences in position and possession. If all were reduced to a dead level to-day, to-morrow some would begin to rise and others to sink. Clashes would begin to bo formed out of the masses. Yet Democracy has its tr«esb foundation in Christ's teaching of the rights of man. There is a gain in classification, and in all scienco it is a condition of exact knowledge. Artificial and natural methods have been adopted, as in botany. Society adopts the artificial method, and classes men according to rank and wealth. Christ used the natural system, and judges men not by whab they have, bub by what j they are. Christ had no class bias, and He uttered no class legislation. Class interest distorts the perception of justice. In the presence of truth and' justice the cry has ever been, " This our craft is in danger." The Christian rule is, " Look nob at your own things only, but also at the things of others." Christ did not safeguard one class, but established the rights of all. A wrong is not made right because ib is ancient and general, bub is made the worse. Christ taught that service is the only true ground of distinction. All whoso names the world will not suffer to die are those who have served the world. There is no place in Christianity for a luxurious class who , simply enjoy and consume. In a hive the drones are killed by the workers. Christ converts the drones into workers. Christ enforced the responsibility of privilege. His denunciation of the Pharisees was not because they were leaders, bub blind leaders. His woes are againsb unworthy leaders of public opinion, against churches and ministers, if such there be, who are caret id of ritual and creed, and neglect "justice, mercy, and faith," against all who are content "to eab, drink, and be merry," while poverty, sorrow, and vice are around them. Education and the franchise are in possession of all. The right to vote means the responsibility of voting, and of knowing tor what to vote. If justice is to be maintained among classes it must be by people loving justice. A lawless class ot youths is amongsb us who tread on the verge of crime and vice. If they are to be reclaimed, it will nob be by more policemen, but by better fathers and mothers, and true homes. If parents are to Imve authority and reverence, let them deserve it. In concluding, the preacher said that Christ regulates the relations of "classes and masses" by a recognition of necessary distinctions, and by laying on conscience and hearts of all alike, the responsibility which attends all privilege. Miss Edmonds sang, during service, " The Lord will be mindful of His people." The Rev. C. E. Ward delivered a temperance sermon yesterday morning at the Pitt and Edwin-streets Primitive Methodise Church, taking for his text Romans xiv., 15, '• But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Christ died." He pointed out that Christianity gave liberty, but that no Christian was permitted to use his liberty to cause his brother to offend or fall. The preacher then pointed out the evil occasioned by strong drink to the body, mind, and soul of the ~man himself, and the evils it brought in its train upon society at large.