CHURCH NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 30 April 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTES.

By Amicds.

Tho Eov. Mr. Gillies Las come to the Coast with a reputation that few of his fellow ministers have had tho pleasure to enjoy. No one acquainted with Presbyterianism in the colony has remained in ignorance of the veteran and devoted preacher, whose life has been so largely associated with Timaru. Perhaps no minister in the colony has more admirers than Mr. Gillies, and never yet has ho given any sign of betrayal to the trust reposed in him. A cultured, sympathetic, genial, loving servant of the church, he has done much to remove any reproach that might be attached to the vocation he represents. On Sunday morning I essteemed it a/pleasure to be present at the Presbyterian Church, and listen to the man selected to visit the various churches on behalf of the Extension Fund. The reading of the Scriptures was a most enjoyable feature in the service; and the earnest and practical sermon on " Giving " was an intellectual and spiritual treat. Mr. Gillies explained the origin and purpose of the New Century Fund, which was suggested by the Elders' Association Of Wellington. The new century was a fitting time for making the effort as a thanksgiving for the mercies of the past century and tho prospect of placing the church in a better position in the new century. The money would be devoted to purchasing sites for churches in new districts, and. giving assistance to those churches that arc unable to support a minister. Money would also be loaned free of interest for the purpose of paying off debt when ,\ church is erected in a now district. What was needed was practical sympathy with the fund: not a mere expression of good wishes, but sympathy transformed into good deeds. The Bible reveals much on the topic of giving, although ministers are prejudiced against making it a subject of pulpit instruction because so often accused of worldlinoss, as the old lady accused Dr. Chalmers of worldly motives when appealing for help for philanthropic purposes. Giving to the cause of God is the one thing that makes us like God. It is an outstanding feature in God's character that He is the universal giver. As God is a great lover so ho is a great giver. Love is greater than faith or hope because it gives that which it has already received, so that others may share its blessedness. Many pray to be God-like, but rebel against giving and complain of the "many collections." They fprget the

Master's saying : " It is more blessed to give than to receive." David gave because his affections were centred in God; the Samaritan and the poor woman in the Temple gave because they had lova for man and God. Many beautiful illustrations were given by the preacher, but our space will not allow of enumeration. Ih fact, it it not at all pleasant to report a sermon by Mri Gillies—not because he speaks quickly, as lie is :i great friend to reporters and delivers his address with deliberation and great care—but his kindly face and earnest words are so overmastering that you cannot look anywhere else but into his eyes. One forgets notes, pencil and paper because he becomes enraptured with the preacher who can handle the subject of giving in such a manner as to make it Ihe most heartstirring and instructive address you could listen to.

At the evening service Mr. Gillies preaehed a fins discourse from St; John IH, 16. The old thenio of God's love beautifully dealt with; The church was crowded. At the close of the service the " Dead March in Saul " was played inipressiiy by Mr. Q. Moss. Special hymns were sun? during the day in memory of the children drowned during the past week.

Last evening the Holy Trinity Chuteh was crowded to witness the confirmation of twenty-two candidates who had been through the preparatory training for the Sacrament. His Lordship Bishop Mules of Nelson, conducted the service. Ho gavo an impressive address to the congregation specially referring to the great gift the young people were called upon to go through. Ha warned them against indifference and luke-warmness in the Christian religion. He referred to the great work done by Christian men and administer to others to stand firm for God. The service was choral and the hymns heartily sung. On Wednesday a welcome so?ialisto be given to his Lordship.