FIFTY YEARS OF CHURCH LIFE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2332, 10 November 1898, Page 62

FIFTY YEARS OF CHURCH LIFE.

A MODERATOR'S ADDRESS.

At the meeting of the Presbyterian ,Synod on Tuesday night the Moderator (the EcA r . George Lindsay) delivered the folloAving address: —

Fathers and Brethren, — With the sound of the Jubilee still in our ears, and the spell of its inspiration lingering in our hearts, it Avill not be deemed inappropriate to briefly refer to the church life of the past, and glance at some of the changes that have marked its course dining these 50 years past and gone. We do not in any sense stand to-day Avhere the fathers of the settlement stood. The marvellous change that ha? come over the landscape, the growth of our towns and villages, the onward march of progress, have been fitly set forth in the Jubilee literature. The conquered desert lies at our feet,

And we boast of a battle won : But the battle of Eight and Wrong's to fight, Before the work is done. But changes have been going on in the social and religious life of the colony quite as farreaching in their consequences as those ihat have given a new aspect to the face of the country. These 50 years cf church life nave been characterised by a quiet, steady, fonvird movement, so gradual that it is only when avc compare the present Avith the past that we ob-spi-vo the progress effected. The church has shown a wonderful power of adapting her forms of worship to the ciicumstances and requirements of the times. Still: — The old order changeth, yielding place to r.sw; And God fulfils Himself in many wajs. Tho sermon that was at one time the chief feature of tho seivice has been shortened, and thero seems to bo a desire on rhe part of some that it should become even shorter still. Instead of the long, closely-reasoned doctrinal discourse on some of the great essentials of the Christian faith, we have the short, practical sermon, bearing chiefly upon some phase of Christian life or duty. AYe may regret it < r not, but doctrinal preaching has largely lost its charm for the present generation, and the man avlio attempts it after the old style Avill find himself loft to spend his strength for nought. But doctrine must still be taught, end every gift we possess brought into requisition to set it before the people in as attractive a garb as possible.

TUB MODERN SERMON has less of the " terrors of the Lord " in it than that of the foimer age. Judgment and perdition are not so often held over the heads of the impenitent; not because preachers have ceased to believe in these, but because men have come to put stionger emphasis upon the love and mercy of God, because convinced that love is the mighty constraining power, and that if men are not drawn by love, they will not be driven by divine threatcnings. Then, again, the sovereignty of God, which stood out so prominently in the pleaching of a former generation, has been in large measure overshadowed by the other view of His character — viz., as a Father of infinite love and compassion. There is here the clanger that this view may be so exaggerated as to obscure the former, and so a Avrong conception of His attributes become dominant. If God is represented as cherishing such infinite tenderness towards those created in His image that He will not consign them to the outer darkness, will not that be accepted by some as liberty to live indifferent lives ? Wo must ever seek to maintain the balance of truth, giving a full and true representation of the character of God. '"As iaithful ministers of Christ, giving diligence to present ourselves appioved unto God. Workmen that nccdoth not to bs ashamed; handling aright the Word of Truth.

The past 50 years haA'e also brought with them much of change to our

SERVICE OF PRAISE. The Psalms and Paraphrases, Avith their solemn measure, through which our fathers gave vocal expression to their hearts' emotions of joy and gratitude, sorrow and penitence, have given place to hymns and spiritual songs, which moie fully set forth the Gospel, Avith its slad tidings, and aro wedded to brighter music. No doubt those avlio used the Psalms and Paraphrases only, rendered to God as hearty praise as the worshippers of to-day; but with the cultivation of musical taste, and the use of musical instruments in the home, there has grown tho desire for the fuller employment of these in the worship of God in the sanctuary. Whatever the past order meant to our fathers, the present generation at least feel that the newer methods are desirable for the hearty rendering of our songs of praise. Who, with any tasto for music, has not felt his soul thrilled, his devotion deepened, and the spirit of worship quickened in his heart by the 'swelling harmonies of a fervid and skilful service of praise. Notwithstanding the progress made, there is still room in most congregations for improvement in this important part of our Avorship. " Imagination," says Dr Blaikie, " can hardly set bounds to the spiritual gain that would come to congregations, if the singing could be brought up to its proper level—if every Psalm and hymn were a real cardiphonia — tho appropriate utterance of the heart , r,nd if the utterance Avere so rich and fxill that the feelings of tho worshippers would kindle into holy fervour, and sweep and circle up to heaven like a cloud of incense."

Again, a marked change has taken place in the

I'UBLIC PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH. Instead of the long and somewhat discursive prayers, in which it might appear as if the petitioner considered he was to be heard for his much speaking, we have now the shorter, more concise, and more direct form of prayer. It is not often nowadays that one listens to Avhat have been called " preaching prayers." There seems to be rather the thought of personal intercourse Avith the Father of our Spirits ; a desire to ask '' for things agreeable to His will in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies."

It is doubtful if this j)arfc of our service receives the attention from us that it should. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians declares " I Avill pray Avith the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also." If we would follow the Apo&tle in this, there must be preparation for leading in prayer. If at any time we were called upon to petition some Board of Governors or Minister of State, Aye would be careful to arrange our words beforehand, so that the request Aye had to prefer should not suffer in presentation. Surely less solicitude is not permissible to those who enter the holy place to offer prayer and supplications before God. The day may come when our church Avill have her prayer book to help in this important part of our worship. In the meantime let us see to it that we " pray with the Spirit and with the understanding also." Further, a very decided change has come over the

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE OF TIIE CHURCH, Intellectually and socially, the peoole now live on a higher plane than their forefathers. It is no reflection upon past generations to say that many of them had only the scantiest education, and simply because they had not the opportunity of acquiring a fuller.

Our national system of education, the marvels of scientific research, the results of organised industry and trade enterprise have been the chief factors in producing marked changes in every phase of life. Our people aie familiar — more or less intelligibly — with all developments in politics, science, literature, and religion. The. dailx newspaper puts into Jho

hands of everyone an epitome of what i 9 transpiring throughout the world, besides a vasfc store of information on all manner of subjects. We have, moreover, the wide-diffusion of literature of a more abiding character, not a litfcla of it devoted to religious questions, and frequently treating them from an adverse point of view. This 1 , while it has Avidened the horizon of men's thoughts, has tended in some instances to create a bias prejudicial to the consideration, of the claims of Christianity. Such literature, Avhich either misrepresents or caricatures .religion, naturally begets doubt and incites opposition to the old Gospel, or at least breeds indifference and sanctions neglect of divine things. There seems also on the part of many a strong disinclination to turn the mind to the consideration of their relation to God and their obligation to do His will. There is a spirit of impatience abroad with that whether written or spoken that calls for thoughtful attention. Veiy feAv are sufficiently in earnest to prefer solid reading; the annual reports of our public libraiies or athenaeums bear out this contention. The demand is for something light and emotional, that can be read without effort, and may afford a momentary stimulant. This indicates that the public taste is against good solid reading — against that class of literature that deals Avith life's serious side, and that develops the devotional and reverent spirit — a, spirit not over-conspicuous in the present day, generations. Those changes in the intellectu.il life of the people have m several instances altered very considerably their attitude towards the church, if not toward the Gospel itself. Many of them are more or less acquainted Avith the objections urged against Christianity; they know also the doubts entertained by some, and the suspicion cast by others upon the inspiration and authenticity of Holy Scripture. That this has to do witu the indifference so prevalent is certain. Again,

OURS IS A CRITICAL AGE. Nothing is taken for granted; every question is discussed, and we have new solutions and fresh problems suggested on every subject under the sun, theology not excepted. Truths long regarded as fixed are now called in question, and the grounds on which they were held reconsidered and confirmed or abandoned. It Avould be idle to hide from ourselves the facfc that for some time considerable change has been going on in religious thought, 'mis has been called a transition age, and certainly it must be admitted that the Church now A'ieAvs "some tiuths from a different standpoint to those of 50 years syne. No living church can be held back by the chill hand of a dead past — she mu&t assimilate new ideas, accept now revelations, seize and consecrate them to the upholding of the truth committed to her trust. The law of development is seen in theology as in eveiything else, " first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." We can see in the Old Testament how the triyth was given to men as they were able to receive it — there Avas growth and development. The same is seen in the New Testament. Christ Himself indicated this Avhen He said: " I have many things to say unto jou, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of Tiuth, is come, He will guide you into all truth." It is easy to trace in the Avritings of the Apostles, those of Paul and John, for example, signs of growth in the knowledge of Christ, and a wider outlook as to the kingdom Avhich He had come to establish.

FRE3H LIGHT. Tlic-so past years, chiefly through the discoveries of science, have witnessed marvellous progress in knowledge. Nature has yielded up many of her secrets, every fresh discovery proving a stepping-stone to higher things, enabling us tho better to understand the world avo live in, and to use the powers of Nature in a way never before dreamed of. The same thing is true of the Word of God. Nc one will affirm,' that our fathers fathomed the depth or comprehended tho fulness of that Word. No one claims that now. But that fresh light has been shed upon the Bible is unquestionable. The progress of science, the study of philology, archreology, and kindred subjects, together Avith recent explorations, all have given fresh materials of knowledge to Christian theology, and as some of these branches are said to be only in their infancy, Aye may expect that they will furnish fresh contributions to God's revelation — His word of life to the children of men. It may not be Aviso to place these contributions on the same level as the inspired canon, yet, that they form part of God's revelation to man seems indisputable. Those Avho refuse to admit any new revelation since the canon of Scrip tuie was closed Avill not deny that through, these later studies progress in the Avay of a clearer apprehension of the meaning and fuller interpretation of Holy Scripture) has been made. Christian history may be regarded as a factor enabling us the better to understand God.i purpose concerning His kingdom here on earth. We see in it how He has been subduing all things unto Himself, and making good the promise that tho kingdoms of this Avorld shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of Hi 3 Christ, thus affording new materials of knowledge for the development of divine truth. There is a phase of the new theology which seems fraught Avith danger. It may bo summed up in the familiar cry, " Back to Christ," which means in some quarters not simply back to the historical Christ and His envhonment, but back from the Christ which Paul and John delighted to set forth — the ever-living Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father. The Chiist which Rilschlianism presents to us is somewhat different from the Christ the Apostles and the early church knew and served. Not the divine, atoning, risen, ascended Redeemer, but the world's teacher — a mere historical pedagogic Christ. We must guard against all attempts to rob Christ of His divinity or detract from the value of His great atoning work.

A READY MIND DESIRABLE

Our attitude toward these movements, I take it, should be that of the read 3' mind, so aptly described by Rev. J. H. Jowett, " The ready mind," he says, " has gates and AvindoAvs Avhose prospect is toward the east, toward the place of dawn of neAV light, of neAV revelation, of new glory. It is the attitude of an expectant optimism. Pessimism has all its gates and windows facing the west; its prospect is towards the dying day, Avhose ministry is fading and spent. The ready mind is the posture of a calm optimism, watching the east, ior the fuller glory of tho Lord ; ' expecting more light and truth to break forth from His most holy Word.' The opposite of a ready mind is a closed mind. We speak in familiar language of having ' made up our minds.' That is well and wise if the decision indicates an illumined conviction with one Avindow still open towards tho east. But I am afraid that a ' mind made up ' too frequently means a closed mind, Avith all its windows double-shuttered, excluding eveiy possibility of the entrance of the sweet and entriating light. The mercy Avhich is 'new every morning ' is ignored ; angel presences knock unheeded, and the apocalypse of new dawns is neA'er seen. Such a 'made up mmd 1 ' is not entitled to use the spacious Avord ' conviction.' Convictions aro children of the light. Tiie only appropriate name 19 ' bigotry,' which is a child of the tAvilight and the night only, putting up extra shutters when tho morning stars sing together as the heralds of a larger and more glorious day.

There is evidently an impression in some minds that the great truths of our religion have a difficulty in holding their own— that they are crumbling to decay. But it is far otherwise. There is rather a getting down to the foundations— a crystallising of the truth— thus affording a firmer footing for all who care to make the truth their, own, Although there

may be considerable change in the theological outlook, there need be no fear as to the future of Christianity. The truth ia eternal ; its age is from everlasting to everlasting. Our ideas of the iiniverse may differ from those of our fathers, but we believe it is God's universe still. Our views of Holy Scripture may in a few points be somewhat different from those held by former generations; but the Bible is •just as precious to us as it was to them— our supremo rule of faith and morals— God's revelation to man. Thus, while cherishing tlxe ready mind, we remain firm and true to truth aiul to God — Not clinging to some ancient saw; Not mastered by some modem term; .Not swift, nor slow, to change, but firm. THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH.

We ask, What shall our future as a church bet Wo church can live on its past; it lives m the present and for the future; and our future will largely depend upon how we now acquit ourselves. We can never forget the zeal and enthusiasm that characterised the nien who planted our Zion in these lands, and how thoroughly all were then in touch with her •worship and service. There were few or none of those who are now spoken of as lapsed, anywhere to be found. A kind of morning glory rested upon the church. It was only as the peed for gold, the love of pleasure, and the Just of other things began to get hold upon the people, that there came indifference to divine things, which has led on in some instances to estrangement from the church. So that instead of — . . . The living faith of the settlers old, A dead "profession their children hold. _ One cannot help noticing that there is a considerable section in every community 011 whom tho church has little or no hold, and who are really out of touch with her services and ordinances, if not with her creed. I shall not enter upon the question as to how far these men, though separated from the church, may be living a Christian life. It is just possible that some of them may still be under the spell of Christian truth, living on the moral capital acquired perhaps in youth, although ignoring tho church with those hallowing influences which have moulded and made them what they are. If that be so, it is gross ingratitude on their part not to stand by and strengthen the church in her contention for truth, integrity, and uprightness, and help her to leaven this young nation with those principles which make for righteousness. It cannot be said of the class leferred to, that they are not in a position to attend the services of the sanctuary. Very many of them are in cdrafortable circumstances, and, had they the inclination, could appear in the House of God on an equal footing with their friends and neighbours. But it seems that a cold, materialistic, utilitarian spirit has taken hold of them, leading them to maintain a selfish aloofness from the church. That they are losers by so acting, is veiy certain. The church service must be very poor which is not a stimulant to well-doing. No man striving after the ideal life, as seen in Christ, but is helped toward it by the ministry of the Word.

Tho other section out of touch with the church is composed of those who, through stress of circumstances or their own failings or shortcomings, have drifted from her pale. They are more accessible, and more open than the former, to the kindly influences which as a church we can bring to bear upon them. While we do not forget that there are other churches working vigorously to reach the masses, we must also remember that this does not free us from the responsibility of seeking to win back those who have lapsed from our own communion. " The alienation of many of the working people from the church," says Dr Gladden, " is in part the result of a systematic and energetic effort to separate them from the rest of tho community, and compact them into a clas3 by themselves in the warfare with capital, or rather with the employing class. Industrial society is at present on something like a war basis, and the leaders of the labour army do not like to have their forces fraternise in auy way with the enemy." This description may not exactly apply to the conditions existing here; but that many of the working people regard tho church as in some measure out of sympathy with them in their struggle for what they consider their just rights is certain. This, no doubt, lessens the desire on their part to either attend or interest themselves in the church's welfare. That the charge has little foundation must be apparent to the great majority of working men themselves. There may be some who show partiality to the rich, but the church as a whole is the church of the working people, and is ever ready to hold out a hand of welcome to all, even the humblest of the poor. Aa a proof of the interest that the church is taking in tho welfare of the people, you have only to glance at a list of her organisations, to be found both at Home and in these colonies : such as boys' and men's clubs, guilds, brotherhoods, associations, endeavour societies, and many others. One great aim of the church by such means is to help the toilers, and show them that she cares for them and desire 3 their highest welfare.

MARCHING WITH THE AGE,

While the church should be in no hurry in accepting the newer methods, yet she ought to be ready when need calls to adapt her plans and operations to the changing circtimstances of the age. As the late Principal Brown has said: "The church that insists on upholding every usage and every way of procedure which it has inherited from former days, even though they have nothing to recommend them but their antiquity, has in it the seeds of decay."

Who would keep an ancient form, Through which the spirit breathes no more? We see how readily men in other spheres adapt themselves to their environment. The business man seeks to ascertain the likely requirements of his customers, and straightway provides himself with the necessary stock to supply them. The physician makes hig diagnosis, find.3 out as far as possible the nature of his patient's ailment, and then adapts his treatment, not according to tho formulae of 50 years ago, but in accord with the latest authenticated discoveries of medical science. So the preacher of to-day must try and keep in touch with tho peopPe: know, as far as possible, the problems that occupy their thoughts; know how they look at things, and then use such methods as Scripture and common sense warrant in seeking to help them to reach the highest ideal — likeness to Christ.

The task is exceedingly difficult. We have in our congregations those who look at things from different standpoints. There are those strongly conservative who are just where they were 30 or 40 years ago. Then we have those enibued with modern ideas and in sympathy with the newer movements. It will bo readily granted that the man who can adapt his messago to these two classes, in such a way as to help them in their Christian life, must be possessed of veiy considerable culture, tact, and insight into human nature. Yet such equipment is imperntive if the church is to retain her hold upon these different types of mind. How shall we present the truths of the everlasting Gospel and use methods of worship to meet the wants of to-day without compromise and unfaithfulness? "Jn some quarters," snys Dr Blaikie, " a feeling ha 3 shown itaelf that, the old evangelical lines having become ruts, freshness nnd power are tc be looked for in other directions ; but any experiment or that kind has afforded little ground for encouragement and little lio.jo of ess."_ The one grand means of elo-ilms luai.lind is still the old Gospel, which )■> tlie jrm < r of God unto salvation to evny ,10 Unit ! < lieveth. In the proclamation of it w<> wn-\t bo true to Christ and the b^fc h<idi\imw of <ut church. In whatevAT mrikHmr ihf! 11 LW huCS OI thoflgfet

may help ua to set forth more clearly and with greater power and more practical results the Gospel of God's grace, then so far we shall be justified in using thorn. But we must ever remember that there is no power but of God." " This is the Word of the Lord. . . . Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts."

THE DEATH ROLL.

The tribute which death has exacted from our church during tho year has been exceptionally heavy. Shortly after the rising of the October Synod, the Rev. James Blackie, a member of that synod, died somewhat suddenly in Dunedin. Mr Blackie was a son of the Otago Church, and laboured with commendable diligence and fidelity, first in the Cromwell parish and for the past 11 years in tho widely-scattered parish of Tauringatura. Then came tho demise of Rev. George Hall. Previous to his connection with our church, Mr Hall had done good work as a missionary in India. For 15 years he laboured zealously and successfully in the Waihola parish, and only retired through failing health. Another of our ministers to hear the summons was the Rev. Robert Thornton, of Waikiwi, who, after a long, painful illness, died at the manse, Myross, Ist April. Mr Thornton was a man of kindly disposition, and held in high esteem, who, during the years of his pastorate in Waikiwi, sought faithfully to sow the good seed of the Word, and further Christ's cause among tho people to whom he had been called to minister in holy things. _ One of the members of last synod who has since passed into the unseen was Mr William Somerville, who, for over 30 years, had been connected with the Anderson's Bay congregation, taking a deep interest in the work among the young, and most faithful and exemplary in all the duties of his office as elder. He was ©no of the nofele band of office-bearers with which our church has been blessed, whose good work for her welfare will long be held in affectionate remembrance.

Another of the members of last synod whose name has to be added to the list of the departed dead is that of Mr Charles Moore, who represented Knox Church. Mr Moore was for many years superintendent of First Church Sabbath School, took an active part in whatever ho considered tended to the welfare of the young, and was ever ready to assist in the extension of Christ's kingdom. A student of the "Word and a faithful 'office-bearer of the church.

On the roll of the departed must also be inscribed the name of Mr David M'lCay, one of first elders of the Wyndham congregation, and tha father of tho Sunday School there. Although never a member of synod, yet he took a deep interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the Church of Otago and Southland. Wo would very heartily recommend the sorrowing friends and loved ones of the blessed dead to the God of all comfort.

This somewhat long, list of companions &wl fellow labourers who have passed to thoir reward speaks to us of the need for diligence in the Master's work while our clay of opportunity lasts. " Time driveth onward fast," and the little while that remains to ug should be filled with service such as becomsth kings and priests unto God.

God blesses still the generous thought, And still the fitting word He speeds, And Truth, at Hia requiring taught, Hq quickens into deeds.