The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, October 1904

Christian Union

Christian Union.

Reverence is the chief joy and power of life. Reverence for what is pure and bright in your own youth; for what is true and tried in the age of others; for all that is gracious among the living, great among the dead, and marvellous in the Powers that cannot die.

—Ruskin.

The Christian Union has continued its meetings through the present session, and it has enjoyed a varied and intructive programme. The attendance has been fair throughout. Addresses, for which we are deeply indebted, have been given as follows:—

June 4th and 18th.

Rev. T. H. Sprott delivered two very interesting addresses on the "Inspirations of the Bible." He dealt first with the "Lower" and "Higher" criticism of the Bible and asked us that we should not confound method with result. Then he referred to the verbal Inspiration, and lastly to the testimony of some of the writers of the books of the Bible.

July 2nd.

Mr. T. A. Hunter M. A. gave a most lucid, thoughtful and interesting lecture on "Moral Freedom." The opposing philosophic theories of "Necessitarianism" and "Libertarianism" were shown, while both containing a certain amount of truth, to be one sided; the true view being found in the doctrine of self-determinism. Self-realisation ought to be our ideal and Christianity set before us an example of this ideal attained in the life of Christ the Perfect Man.

July 30th..

Rev. P. W. Fairclough spoke to us on "Christianity and Social Problems." He showed how Christ entered into the social life of His time with the object of uplifting it. "Communism," he said," was not taught in the Scripture. Our best way to obtain a true view of our position, with regard to his subject, was to know experiementally what faith in Christ meant.

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Aug. 13th.

This meeting was conducted by members. W. Gillanders and Misses Morgan and Griffiths read papers on "Our Duty as Active Members, "Our Duty Towards Associate Members," and "Corresponding Members" respectively. Miss Morgan's paper was very helpful and led to a good discussion.

Sept. 10th.

The missionary committee supplied the speakers for this meeting. J. A. Ryburn gave a short sketch of India's History, Peoples, and Religions and the method adopted by most Missionary Societies in carrying on their work. He pointed out that while progress was naturally slow, there had been during the past decade an increase of 50% in the number of native Protestant Christians. W. C. Blair also read extracts from" Gesta Christi" on Mohammedism.

Throughout the year a Mission Study Class has held regular meetings at which mission work in India has been discussed. We have been able to get some idea of the history of India, its religions and the characteristics of its people.