THE DECLINE IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12269, 13 May 1903, Page 6

THE DECLINE IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

TO THE EDITOR. —Your correspondent A.A.," in his letter and extracts, has endeavoured to enlighten us as to the reason of the lamentable— from one point- of viewdecline in the attendance of churches, which is causing such intense anxiety to our ministers, both in England and the colonies. Personally, sir, I take it as a " sign of the times" and a very good one, too. It tells us in unmistakable terms that the people are wakirig up to the religion that Christ taught His disciples, and that there is little hope of gaining a true knowledge of God's wondrous love by attending a magnificent building, and listening to what eventually becomes a monotonous musical repetition, and concluding with what is, more often than not, a recitation sermon from the minister. Our fathers considered it a duty to their children to force them to attend church regularly, because it was, for some obscure reason, the " correct thing," and until we children began to think for ourselves we obediently obeyed. Need we ask why tho " annual leakage" occurs? Study the growth of the Salvation Army, the Church Army, and other bodies of a similar nature! Men, who have followed Christ's injunction to preach to all the world regardless of taunts and sneers, even from the Church, living the faith they profess. Ask these men and women why your churches are empty ! They will answer, "Speak from the heart, in a manner convincing to others that you yourself believe, dispense with your pomp and ceremonials, and teach what Christ taught, and you will fill your churches with earnest seekers for salvation." The Divine power which the domestic possessed, and which the minister whom A.A." quotes, was merely the undeniable conviction she felt that she truly believed, and was saved, and, speaking from her' heart with all the earnestness in hei power, one could not help feeling that here indeed was a living testimony which brought more encouragement to many _ a hesitating soul than all the carefully revised speeches from the pulpit. We do not want Christianity clothed in black depressing garb, and no one who possesses that Divine power—free to all —and which " A.A.'s" minister thought quite extraordinary, can tolerato for one moment the half-hearted religion as taught in our churches. Example is everything, and I say to every sincere Christian minister, ask yourself "What would Jesus do?" and you who have studied His teachings so zealously, can you hesitate?—l am, etc., Jonah. Remuera.