METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12737, 10 August 1903, Page 7

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

The, series ot leclnres on social questions being given in connection with the Central Mission was continued in the Garrison Hail yesterday afternoon. The Rev. ' T. K. Broiko was the speaker, and- he addressed himeelf to .the question of "Christian Socialism." Thoie was 'a lairly gcod audience.' The speaker said that Christian socialism sprang from tho life work and teaching of Christ and His apostles. The question was'frequently asked, "Was Christ ii socialist?" and. many answered "No," but :it must bo remembered that we- wero living in a now ago fliid under new condi-

I tions, New diseases required new remedies. Christ was more than a socialist: ho was a Saviour; Socialism denlt with tlio evironmoiit of'tiie tiiii'.i: /sa'vat.'on was for time and eternity..' Climt went among flip poor, unci Ho allied' Himself to them, mid Hie life was thoroughly socialistic. His teaering and tho miraolee'He performed wero sotialistio .in, their tendency Ho taught human brotherhood by parables, and that men could neither live nor die 'to , ihomse'lves. If men were to be brothers--thoy must live and act manifestly as suoh. Now,., was this possible under the competitive system? If not, then tlio competitive system , was wrong. Was it possible under co-opera : tion? If so, then co-oporation must be supported? Competition was said to be jhe life- of trade, but it wok not'so. Population was the life of trade. Co-operation, jvas Christian, 'competition wae anti-Christian.. "Our Father" was the sublime.comprehension of tho universal fatherhood; and equally the:,universal truth of-brotherhood. Both centred in tho, diviiio. . Christ taught, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy .God with all thy heart,, and thy neighbour as thyself." Love was therefore the groat force of tho Christian system, and it was the only forco that would lead to social regeneration.. The speaker w.as attentively listened to turough-. out tho whole of hie address. .-■.,. , D.uring the afternoon Mr B. A. cle-Lau-, tour's orchestra played, and Mr T; Holgote song .the'sacred song..."'The toilers."' Miss , MaeGregor accompanied. ■-.•'.■