CHURCH AS A DIVINE INSTITUTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143782, 4 May 1912, Page 6

CHURCH AS A DIVINE INSTITUTION.

Those who consider that question must be prepared to weigh a lot of conflicting and vague evidence, and even then there is little hope of finality in decision. Christ did not, so far as we know, form any definite and formal organisation. He left his followers free, as they are still, to preserve and develop the Christian life in the best possible way; and they were guided, in those early ages as they are in these later ones, into forms and systems that corresponded with the surrounding needs. Any system or organisation is divine in so far as it guards and helps the life within it. So it is no sacerdotal or sacrnmoutarian view of the Church I would have you consider. A Quaker who rejects the sacraments altogether, and a High Churchman who counts them almost necessary to salvation, can bo equally good Christians. A Plymouth Brother and a Homan Catholic can both express the Christian life. Organisation there must needs be; but the host is that which best helps Christian, character. By their fruits ye shall know them, is still a divine test. The Christian Church still helps men TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE. The very act of following a decision for God by becoming a member of His Church helps a man to bo faithful to his vows. "We are all very human, and mutual help is one of the richest sacraments of humanity. To be banded together in Christian comradeship helps “the fellowship of onr faith to become effectual.” Hero, in the life of the Church, we may speak of our common difficulties in living the Christian life; and here we may find an atmosphere which will strengthen us in the hour of perilous temptation. Many a man has said to mo, “My connection with the Christian Church has been one of the most helpful experiences of my life, and one of the greatest stays in the midst of my special temptations.” The services of the Church provide inspiration and stimulus, ns well ns education and discipline. The sacraments of the Church—often misunderstood and made superstitious—are ever a means of uplift and grace. While I do not deny the possibility of living a Christian life apart from the organised Church, yet I am convinced that a man or woman can live a richer, stronger, and more consistent life when joined in the fellowship which the Church provides. The Christian Church furnishes a unique means of HELPING OTHERS. I am not blind to the splendid work that is being done in the world apparently outside the Church—in politics, literature, social effort, and in philanthropy ; though you will find, in the main,"that Christian men, of all sections of the Church, are at the heart of these movements. I do feel, however, that the real change that is to overtake our world is not primarily educative, political, social, or philanthropic, hut spiritual and religions. The avowed object of the Christian Church, to bring men into filial relationship with God through Christ, is the only means of permanently and adequately saving our world. We can most help men by leading them to live the Christian life; and the Church furnishes us opportunity of doing this that no other organisation can possibly provide. BUT WHICH CHURCH? “See how they differ!” says one. Nay, see how they agree! They all say that God is, and that Christ is the best way to God. A wonderful unanimity, that! It is a great creed—and sufficient. Roughly, I say, Join the Church that has nurtured you, or that best suits your temperament. There is no one Church perfect in itself, or that perfectly expresses the mind of Christ—whatever its claim; but there is no Church that cannot bring the sincere man to God through Christ. And that is enough. > I appeal to some of vou here to-night who have been cradled in this Church. It has given you your best ideals of life. Here you have seen the face of God shining through the Christ who has been presented to you. You owe it far more than you can tell. Vou can best pay tho debt by being a loyal follower of Christ and an active member of this section of His great Church. Boldly announce yourself as a disciple of his, ami seek, through the recognised channels, entrance into the membership of his Church, and you will find incentives to live the best life and outlet for the finest promptings to service. I urge you to this that “the fellowship of your faith may become effectual.”