A SERMON ON POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5993, 30 July 1887, Page 3

A SERMON ON POLITICS.

[contributed.}

At a time like the present, when politics seem to be abroad in the very air we breathe; when probable candidates are being interviewed and " drawn out" (and that in more senses than one) ; when ABBOcdations are formed for the furtherance of particular platforms, and the return to Parliament of men pledged to the support of the different party leaders; when meetings are being held for the purpose of hewing the political opinions of candidates for Parliamentary honours ; when the "leader" columns of thFnewspaper Press exhibit unwonted liveliness in the discussion of political questions, and the suitability, or otherwise, of the multiplicity of candidates who are prepared to sacrifice themselves for "the good of the Colony ;" at such a time as this it is not at all surprising to find that politics have climbed up into a Wesleyan pulpit. Ministers of religion are just as liable as other men to the infection of an epidemic, be the epidemic o£ a bodily or a political character. As leaders of opinion on matters connected with the spiritual, moral, and social welfare of the community, it is quite in keeping with the proper fitnera of things that preachers in the pulpit should endeavour to lead their hearers to a due observance of certain principles in the discharge of their electoral privileges. And as ministers and preachers are, by reason of their sacred calling, naturally concerned in that "righteousness which exalteth a nation," and anxious that the law -makers of this young and rising Colony should be possessed of honesty, integrity, and a proper regard for the moral wellbeing of the people who have elected them, it seems only right that the pulpit should, at a time like the present, have a word to say concerning the forthcoming elections.

On Sunday morning, the Rev J. J. Lewis preached a sermon in the Durham street Wesleyan Church on "The duties and responsibilities of Christian electors." Taking for hiß text a portion of the 11th verse of the 25th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles—" I appeal unto Casar "—Mr Lewis showed how that Paul, a Roman subject, valued his citizenship, and never failed to demand a proper recognition of the rights and privileges attachable thereto. Passing along down through the " corridors of time/ and coming to the rights of citizenship enjoyed by Christiana of the present day, Mr Lewis believed that full devotion to God is consistent with an active participation in political contests. As Christian electors, they had a perfect; right to demand restraint in the traffic in intoxicating liquors, the reading of the Bible in our day schools, the suppression of gambling and indecent pictures, and a proper observance of the Sabbath Day. That, in brief, were a few o€ the leading "planks" in their political platform. In his opinion, moral and religions reforms ought not to admit of the introduction of party politics. When the people demanded reforms of a moral and social nature, party distinctions in Parliament ought to become subservient for the time, to the discussion of those reforms. He deprecated the exhibition of heated and angry feelings at election times, and held that divine and human claims ought not to come into collision during the period of unrest and excitement that the Colony was passing through. Whilst he thought that ministers ought not to act the part of political partisans, he considered that they were quite justified in dealing with general political principles. In the first place, he would advise all his hearers who were qualified, to register their votes. He would not recommend them to support any particular candidate, or to join any particular political Party, but thought that Christian electors could not go far wrong in voting for a God-fearing candidate. What waa wanted in Parliament were men of unblemished moral character. Let it not be said that the Wellington brothels reaped a harvest during a session of Parliament ; and let the electors " render impossible such scenes as that representing an intoxicated member being led into the lobby to vote." During the elections they should avoid all petty side issues, and vote for the men whom they could trust to support measures for the general welfare. He advised Christian toleration of the opinions of those who might differ with them, and believed that no Christian would indulge in disorder at a public meeting, and howl down a public speaker. Mental nurture was wanted for the young and. rising generation, and it was for that reason that he warned them against putting back the hands of the clock, and going back to denominational education. The present system of education in New Zealand only required the addition of the Bible, to the booke already read in the schools, to make it a system that they might well feel proud of. To what, he asked, is the greatness of the United States due ? Was it due to their Republican form of government ; to their immense mineral resources ; or to their extensive agricultural development? These, no doubt were factors in the prosperity, but he believed that to the broad, deep foundation that was laid on Plymouth rock by the Pilgrim Fathers may be traced the greatness of the American people.- The Colony in which we live is rich in mineral wealth ; is fertile and well watered; is bleseed with a glorious climate, and abundant material resources, but he believed the chief consideration to be observed in attaining greatness was to raise our young to a noble and God-fearing manhood. The Bible is the road to colonial prosperity. A proper recognition of God in our public and private affairs, and retrenchment will be heard of no more. Let the electors, then, send the right men to Parliament and we shall have nothing to fear. A God-fearing people, represented by God-fearing men, who can face the judgment day, will have nothing to fear.

The foregoing is the substance of Mr Lewis' sermon. It bore evidences of having been carefully prepared ; was delivered in an able and intelligent manner, and will doubtless receive due consideration at the approaching elections.