THE BIBLE AND SOCIALISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14245, 20 June 1908, Page 12

THE BIBLE AND SOCIALISM.

Sm,—Mr Maun discoursed on the above subject on Sunday zoning at the Alhambra Thentrc. Thoi'o is no doubt he is an ablo exponent of Socialism, but as a logical reasoncr ho is not so goo<l. He quoted Moses forbidding the Jews to take usury or interest from their needy brethren, but this did not prove Socialism, as there were the rich and tho poor, with the private ownership of land. The year of jubilco referred to by Mr Mann, when land sold or seized for debt was returned to tho original owners, proves that land was not nationalised, but was held by individuals orlamilies. A number of warnings and denunciations by the prophets against the rich were quotod, but- it was not tho fact of their beings rich, but tho way in which they 'obtained riches, by oppression und frauds, that was condemned. That was the case -also in tho quotations from tho New Testament. (It is a pity that most of tile Socialists orators are against tho churches.) Tho only, instance in the New Testament,that seemed to favour Socialism was the account of tho Pentecostal converts who sold their lands and laid tho price at the foot of the apostles. Now, there was 110 command from God or the apostles for this, but it was a voluntary outburst of loyc, which lasted but for a short time, till the persecutions arose and tho disciples wore scattered abroad. In a few years wo find tho Gentile brethren sending money to help the poor in Jerusalem. No Socialism there! 'Why do Socialists, who often quote James, eliaptor v, condemning the rich oppressor, not notice tho Bth verse of that chapter, which tolls of tho cure of the evils noted—the coming of .the Lord? Few of .them believo in this grand consummation, whioh will bring in a reign of righteousness and peace, and a far better stato of society than ever Socialists ■ portrayed. Henry George, 6tated his oonviction before 5000 workers that only wheal God's will was done on eartli wduld the kingdom come when all wrongs would he righted. It is a pity that men should stir up strife and animosity between the employers and the employed by stating that they have nothing in common. By all means let us contend for reforms, and choose men to make our laws who have the foundation of wisdom— tho fear of the Lord, for such alone will be a blessing to the Stato.-I am, etc., IjOVEIt OF TIIDTH.