Morning journal and courier., 1885-07-13

Expressed
 His Argument AssatIed By Social
 ists
 Last eveningRev. Dr. Smyth addressed the Labor league in their hall in the Lyon build ing on Chapel street. His subject was "The Relation of Christianity to the Labor Problem.' There were about seventy-fve persons in the hall presided over by F. A. Hunie. Dr. Smyth spoke in substance as follows: Both of these problems, Christianity and labor are general in their character. The labor problem involves our bread and butter, while Christianity involves our general well being. Christianity as look upon it is both spirit and body, the spirit of Christ leading men to higher and purer life, while 1t has a body in the churches in its ecclesiastical forms. turn to Christianity spirit, and may turn to the churches as the representatives of the labor problem. Christianity has a two fold bearing on the labor problem. Christianity from it's idea must hold up true society. It is the estab- ishment of a kingdom, society, which IS the true nature of a Christian spirit. problems to our very church doora 1 have always regarded social societies as q part of my business. The commonest loyal ty in the church of Christ ought to interest it in all that pertains to the labor problem. It appears to me that the church should en- ter as peace maker into all the industrial problems of the present day. It is a work of reconciliation on the part of the church. We have 2 greater problem staring us in the face How are we to establish industrial inde- pendence and social integrity? From the very nature of the question it cannot be set tied by a war. You can settle political problems in this way, but not questions of this sort. From it's very nature it pose the most rabid ideas of the Socialists should be carried out at the point of the bayonet, yet in the very nature of the case the question would never be settled in that way. In the very nature of the case the problem must be settled in peaceful way and here is where the church comes in. It is not the mission or province of Christianity to destroy anything that is de- signed for the welfare of man. Almost as soon as children begin to play they bring their powers of com petition into activity and l believe that Christianity must bring all their active powers into operation. It does seem to me that any true Christian society must but recognize labor at it's true value.
 There is another principle. A certain right of private property, right that be- longs to our blood and flesh and bones. When do my flesh and bones begin to be my flesh and bonesa If I have and make it into flesh and bone l must recognize the right to private property. I say Christianity tries to take up in it's so- cal principles these great ideas. Now, with regard to competition, where does the un- christian element come in2 Not in the prin- ciple itself, but when it is made the God of society and becomes idolatry.
 If iS tba dutV of Christianity to to every man, rich or poor, and speak to that man the social duties he ought to bear. It seems to me that the pulpit ought to speak to the employers and show them their duty to the employed. Business is stewardship, and every man in business should conduct his affairs as a Steward of the Almighty. If this is done we shall find true men working not only for themselves but for others.
 In the spirit of Christianity every work man should honor the name by which he is called. man by his work and in his work, and man in spite of himself. great painter was one asked how he mixed hls paints and he answered 'I mix them with brains, sir" So to be 8 true workman we have got to mix conscience with our work.
 I want to further urge this upon you. Workmen in their social societies must work together if they would succeed. In all fair and honest ways they should help one an other and trust one another and thus be- come true workmen. I venture to say that any ten or twenty intelligent men who carry on cooperative work successfully would do more for their kind than anything else. hope you will continue to invite gentlemen into your meetings who are competent to speak on all phases of this question, with one exception perhaps; put a sign over your door, no ad- mission to dogs politicians. You will succeed in elevating yourself by following l those helps that are honest and firm. | It is specially necessary that work men should avoid every appearance that is honest and just in the community. But when labor descends to anything that is ! not fair and open it will surely fail If your ! cause is just you can take your stand before | the community and they will hear you. To ! Christian conscience must be your appeal, this than any other way. Do not, beg ! of you initiate those whose expressions you feel, for if you do you place yourselves to a disadvantage. Don't wrong your friends 1 in this way. Read the blessed sermon of Christ on the Mount and mould your politi cal economy by that and all will be well.
 On the conclusion of Dr. Smyth's address he submitted to cross-questioning opera tion by members of the league, and prompt ly answered the questions put to him. Among the questions were the following:
 Is Socialism antagonistic to Christianity
 Has the church done it's duty in teaching morals?
 Did the first church of Christ hold all things in common?
 Why did the wise men come into the church last and the foolish first!
 Is not little dynamite necessary at times to wake up the indifferent?
 Is the church doing anything to learn or study the relationship of capital to labora
 After the catechising was concluded there were five minute speeches by promi- nent members of the league. Most of the speeches were "dynamitish," strongly Socialistie and atheistic in their character. Every one was permitted to ex- press his views and opinions to him seemed best until his five minutes expired, when the chairman would strike a call bell and the speaker would promptly take his seat.
 Next Sunday night MT. King, of New York, will make an address to the league.
 Good Samarttanss Meeting