WESLEYAN MEETING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 950, 23 May 1883, Page 2

WESLEYAN MEETING.

' A very successful and pleasant meeting was held at t>e Wesleyan Church last evening. The proceedings consisted of a tea and public meeting afterwards. About 150 partook of a tea, which was of a very agreeable nature, if the demolition of viands in a brief space of time is to be taken as an argument in favor of their quality. The speakers were the Revs. Beattie, Nixon, and Standage. Mr John Orr occupied the chair. The chairman having made the usual remarks which follow the undertaking of that position, called upon the Rev. 0. H. Standage for a report. The report which was submitted explained that this meeting was the first of a similar nature which the Wesleyan Methodists intended to hold at this season yearly, with a view to effect a yearly reduction on the mortgage debts on the church properties. At present the fixed debts were LI,OOO, and the speaker had the pleasure of announcing that the list was not quite complete, but sub oriptions had already been collected, and a few more might be reasonably expected to be available, so th it the required LIOO was virtually subscribed. There would be, therefore, no collection on the present occasion—no appeal for money. Mr Beattie, the next speaker, announced his intention of speaking on religion as it related to the Church, the family and the individual. The rev. gentleman spoke with his usual care and sound judgment. After remarks of a hortatory character, the speaker made reference to the claims of the Scriptures, quoting Sir Walter Scott's lines Within this awful volume lies The mystery of mysteries. Happiest thejr of human race, To whom their God has given grace To read, to fear, to hope, to pray, To lift the latch, to force the way; But better had they ne’er been born Who read to doubt, or read to scorn.

In would like for his part that toKUrch 'debts should Ibe treated, as he believed the only cure for toothache, which was, he said, to “ out with, them.";' 1 ! Mr Nixon, followed with a spirited address on “ yreshness..” The speaker expressed his 'pleasUreAt meeting his Wes- ! dfeyah friends, and * announced hia all-con-suming desire to see men converted.. Mr Badhaßan-followed-tntKlib'rief speech, in which he referred casually .to the history of the'past trouble or the Ashburton Church, and_ congratulated the,_meeting dpoh the aoiiijd-Condition of the ohurohs finance. The history of the success of the , Ashburton Church the speaker believed to be thoroughly reflected in the words qf Scripture, “ They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which can'- 1 not be removed, but abidelh for ever.” The speaker concluded by asserting his belief in the complete veracity of the Scriptures, and urged his rema» ks upon the consideration of the youth of the audience. '■ Mr H. M. Jones proposed the usual complimentary resolutions in favor of the speakers, the ladies, and the choir, which were carried by acclamation. The choir during the evening gave a few Anthems. The minister of the Church having pronounced the benediction, the meeting separated, after a very profitable and successful gathering.