A METHODIST DEFICIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13485, 11 May 1907, Page 3

A METHODIST DEFICIT.

Sir,—Such was the gist of a sermon, very pungently expressed, last Sunday morning in the Methodist " Church at Onehunga, by the preacher,/ Mr. E. C. Somerville, In reviewing the/past history of the Manukau circuit, Mr. 'Somerville compared its condition of 16 years ago with that of to-day. There were 60 more members in this circuit 16 years ago than there are to-day, he said. Then there were well-attended class meetings . all over the circuit. ' To-day, this means of grace is practically non-existent. When the united classes of any one church met . for monthly fellowship, 16 years ago, it was sometimes as if the very > heavens were opened. , To-day such meetings would bo impossible.* Conversions then were the rule, because they were desired and sought for. To-day we have none. Now, sir, these are most serious facts, and they throw a lurid light on the last census returns, which show that there are 10,000 fewer "Wesleyan Methodists in New Zealand to-day than there were six years ago, not 16. What is the cause, and what is the remedy'/ The cause is twofold, first, there has been far too much " teaching for doctrine and commandments of men," to the neglect of what God requires, i.e., to do justly, to' love mercy, and to walk humbly with : God. If the Christian Church would only see thatthe secret of obeying this injunction lies in reversing it, viz., walking humbly in the light, as He ?s in the light, then the Christian partakes of His merciful and gentle spirit, .so that it is easy to do justly to all men. All who do this find that God's requirements: are man's acquirements. The second reason is because, " Where there are no visions the people east off restraint." According to the tenor of Mr. Somerville's sermon, prcachers are not seeing visions to-day, and, therefore, _ the people have come to a . stagnant condition, where they think that thero is no God to give them. Now, what is the remedy? A more progressive theology, taught by scientifically-trained men, and a radical change in our conception of Christianity. God.commands and the world demands chat all Christians shall talk with their lives before they dictate with their lips. The crying need of our times; is for more concrto examples of the Christianity of Christ. The Church is always asking for great preachers, the world needs good men, and when the Church realises that she is God workshop, not to turn out apprentices who have only half-learned their trade, but finished and skilled mechanics, she will have taken the first step towards realising God's ideal for her. J.L.