SABBATH DESECRATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3687, 11 November 1924, Page 66

SABBATH DESECRATION.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery the Rev. Tulloch Yuille convenor of the Public Questions Committee, reporting on the matter of Sabbath desecration said the Public Questions Committee had received a letter from the Kirk Session of Anderson’s Bay and it was resolved: “That attention be called to the increasing Sabbath desecration, which was due largely to facilities offered by the motor car. The committee would remind members and adherents of the Church of the sacredness of the day and urge them to do all in their power fittingly to observe the day, that by their example and by their precept, others may be induced to avoid a practice that is detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the Church and of the community.” He noticed that when some, members of the Church became possessed of motor cars their loyalty to their Church was not so great. “This,” he added, “does not apply to Ministers.”—(Laughter.) The motion was seconded by Dr Merrington. The Rev. G. Jupp said the matter was brought up by the Anderson’s Bay session. He thought the matter might be carried further by the Presbytery and sent on to the General Assembly, otherwise it would simply go into the records. In Scotland this matter had been discussed by a Presbytery and they took steps to have it brought before people who did not attend church. He thought they should endeavour to get copies of the committee’s report sent into the homes. In Scotland the Presbytery had gone to public bodies and voiced objection to Sabbath desecration. He thought the matter should be referred back to the committee. The Rev. J. Kilpatrick said the committee had only to deal with the matter as it came before it. The Rev. W. Trotter: “Oh, no. You could have taken a wider view.” The Rev. J. Kilpatrick said the reference submitted by the Anderson’s Bay session was as colourless as it was possible for it to be. He moved that the matter be reconsidered by the Public Questions Committee the committee to be asked to bring down some suggestions. This was seconded by Mr Campbell. The Rev. Tulloch Yuille said the proposal would give the committee a lot of work. It meant bringing down a manifesto. The Rev. Dr Dickie said the Presbytery would be landing itself in a lot of trouble. It should be remembered that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Dr Merrington said it rested with ministers to expound from the pulpit the subject of Sabbath observance. He thought that ministers should be asked to preach on this important subject. The Moderator (the Rev. H. Maclean) said he understood from Mr Jupp’s remarks that what he wanted was a positive statement from the committee. The motion was carried.