BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING AT Y.M.C.A. ROOMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12270, 14 May 1903, Page 3

BIBLE SOCIETY MEETING AT Y.M.C.A. ROOMS.

UNDER the auspices of the Auckland Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, a public meeting was held last even-

ing hi the Y.M.C.A. Rooms.

Canon Mac-

Murray presided over a capital attendance, the room being comfortably fillet'., notwithstanding the inclemency ot th« weather. Seated upon the platform were the members of the Centenary Deputation from the London Bible House-tho Rev. F. W. MncDonald (ex-president of the English Methodist Conference!, and the Rev. 11. A. Haynes, M.A., {Homo Superintendent, and late Vicar of St. Saviour's Church, Nottingham)— the Revs. 0. 11. Garland. J. Clark. Qillain. Cray. Potter, l'enney. Ready, Leaning. Lewis, Griffin, GrayDixon, Nmnionds Pinfold, Wilkiu3, Kelly, Gittos, and others.

The Chairman, in a humorous reference to the bad behaviour of Auckland weather during the last few days, said the Rev. F. TV". MaeDonald must have been specially disappointed since his distinguished relative. Mr. Rudyard Kipling, had spoken of this city a r " Last, loneliest, loveliest, exquisite, apart." and had rhapsodised over the charm of Bittint: under its ferns. However, if the visitors stayed a little longer they would probably find that New Zealand was not so far removed from the happy isles'" after all. After referring to the history of the Bible Society and the unique position which was held by the Bible in the literature of the world, the chairman came on to the question of the Bible in schools. lie was convinced, he said, that Mr. Seddon had at heart the well-being of the people of the colony, but he would plead with the Premier not to drag this question of the Bible in schools into a. party platform. This question should be allowed to stand on its own merits apart from party contentions. (Annie use.)

The Rev. P. \V. Mac Donald. in the course of an interesting: address, described the great work accomplished by the Bible Society during its century of existence a century bigger with achievements? having c far-reaching influence on the human race than any previous 100 years. Evils were not yet overcome. albeit many of them had been reduced; but there was enough of solid prepress to Rive them cause to sincerely thank God, and to go forward. Nothing had been more remarkable than the world-wide diffusion of tho Scriptures. The labours of this societey had brought it into contact with the aristocratic races of the Old World, and also with the rawest and humblest tribes pressing for recognition in the commonwealth of mankind. Pagan religions were not. all on a par with the poor things of Polynesia. Some of them were hoary with antiquity, and around them had sprung up poetry and arts. The Bible Society came into contact with them all. The Bible had been trauslated into 400 languages. It was sometimes said that whilst Christianity might be the purest and best, of the religions of the world it was not necessarily suited to all the people of the world. In the opinion of a modern cynical philosopher, the nations of the world were bcttei left to their own religious opinions. inferior religions for tho inferior races was what, practically, was contended for. Surely, however, if Christianity were the best religion man could have, it should be propogated amongst all the people of tho world. Some of the pagan religions made for licentiousness and cruelty, whereas Christianity made for purity and humanitarianism. In his opinion tho teachings of Christ were infinitely more important than all the politics and commerce of the globe. It was all very well lor 11;© arm-chair philosopher to speak about the religion of the Hindoo being tho best <or him, and Christianity being the best for vs. That was the old pagan idea. A Roman or a Greek considered a man's prods part of h-s birthright. But Christianity came to release mankind from the dominion of false gods. The Rev. H. A. Raynes, M.A., also addressed the meeting. He referred, to the vast work accomplished by the society during the past century, and the inauguration of a centenary fund for the further promotion of its undertakings. Tito meeting concluded with tho Doxology. An afternoon meeting was also held at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms, the Rev. W. Ready in the chair. Addresses were given by the Rev. F W. McDonald and the Rev. H. A. Rayner.