ASHBURTON WESLEYAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1543, 18 May 1885, Page 2

ASHBURTON WESLEYAN CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

To secure the good offices of a divine occupying the highest position which the Wesleyan Connexion can bestow on its clergy, to conduct the anniversary services of the Ashburton Church, was a happy inspiration on the part of the trustees From the reputation deservedly earned by “ President” Berry atDunedin apd other parts of New Zealand, it is not surprising to hear that he is exceedingly popular in his present circuit—St. Albans—and that, as was predicted, the services at the Ashburton Church yesterday were numerously attended. As it was understood that yesterday’s services were of a twofold nature— intending to celebrate the anniversary, and at the same time partake of a harvest thanksgiving character, the absence of any “outward and visible’’ manifestation of the latter was somewhat marked. Last year wo took occasion to compliment the ladies of the church on the effect produced by a profusion of flowers, sheaves of grain and other appropriate productions which were prettily arranged throughout the building. This year, from some unexplained reason, no attempt at decoration was made, and as Mr Berry's morning sermon bore distinctly on the mercies of God, the mottoes would have been most apropos. In fact, if we mistake not, Mr Berry himself was a trifle puzzled at the omission. Mr Berry’s sermon in the morning was from tha text, “ My cup runneth over.” From this passage the rev. gentleman preached a highly original sermon on the abundant provision made by the Almighty -Father for the requirements of His children. While speaking on the temporal and social blessings of life, Mr Berry referred in emphatic terms to the waste going on from year to year in this oniony through the excessive use of intoxicants, and also combated the theory often put forward that the world was becoming overpopulated, and, as a result, poverty with its attendant evils, was being increased. Speaking of England as an example, ho quoted statistics which showed that, while during the thirty years from 1840 to 1870 the population of Britian had increased several millions, wages had likewise risen, the hours of labor had been curtailed, and nearlj every commodity had been reduced in price-—some 50 and even 100 per cent. Referring to the waste above mentioned, and a passing hint on the unequal distribution of land, the preacher said that we must be careful not to charge God with the wretchedness and poverty existing in some quarters, when in fact these results were due to the follies and mistakes of mankind themselves. The spiritual mercies, such as forgiveness of sins, sanctification, and a hope of heaven, were spoken of at length, the sermon being listened to with rapt attention. It was replete with illustration and highly instructive. Mr Berry preached in the evening to a crowded congregation, taking for his text Romans viii, 15, 16 —The knowledge of pardon for sin in this life. Dividing his subject under the respective! headings of:—The blessing a necessary one ; God can supply the blessing ; Ho has promised to do it; and the promise has been kept, the rev. gentleman earnestly and impressively urged his hearers to become practically acquainted with *he doctrine of assurance. The collections for the day amounted to L 5 15» 6d, exclusive of weekly subscriptions by envelope. Mr Berry left for Timaru this morning, and will give his lecture on Amerioa at the Oddfellows Hall, Ashburton, on Wednesday night.