BLUEJACKETS' MISSION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1205, 14 August 1911, Page 8

BLUEJACKETS' MISSION.

Many of tho sailors of H.M.S. Challenger art taking advantage of their stay m Wellington to hold a series of special services under the auspices of the Central Mission. .

A commencement was made yesterday, when Chief Petty-Officer J. F. Welsh, who caniß on by rail in advance of the rest of tho party, preached morning and nvoning, and addressed three other mcefc. lugs hi the courw of tho afternoon. Speaking ut the Herbert Street Hall iu the mottling from tho Epistle to Hie, ttoinoiis, ho contrasted the closiug .words of tho-eighth, chapter with < the opening words of tho ninth. ' From the height of joy the Apostle passed into tho depths of 'Buffering.' Yet the joy explained tho grief: tho joy was that of possession: tho pifta of God's'■ free'grace to' the .sinful were those of freedom from condemnation, the justifying of tho ungodly one, and tho spirit of Eonship which was imparted. So did the Apostle revel in tho experiences of salvation that his heart ached to make them tho possession of others, until tho very strength of desire burdened his suul with grief. "Such explained tho mission of tho men of the Challenger," said Mr. Welsh. "My messmates nre burning with desire to tell others what they have experienced of religious joy and power on. the dnnk oh n man-uf-wiii' in this twentieth century. . At night the New Theatre was thronged whilo a service of deep intensity, but iu which wns absent any light excitement, was conducted by tho officer. With telling illustration and logical appeal, the man-o'-wnrsmtui held hie audience while ho .(jpoko of Christ, on the Mount of Transfiguration, in the place of vision and , player, ami Christ immediately after in tho valley below, healing tho suffering iiTid the sad. A quiet and deliiwrato inyi-: tation (u consecration to unseliish service and victorious life closed the service. Tho Central Mission Silver Hand itnd Quartet Party nssisted in the (service with, musical items. To-night tho men from the Challenger will be. present in force at tho Herbert Street Hall, to npcuK \uicl Mng. Chief-Gunner Williams and C.P.O. Welsh will conduct tho service. Tho singing of choruses by the bliu"jacki>ts will bo a foaturo of the evening. The meetings will be continued throughout the week.