CHURCH NOTICES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 28 May 1901, Page 4

CHURCH NOTICES.

* By Amicus. Literature is a great gift to man, and '■ »11 the inventions that make it common ■ property are among the triumphs of the race. • Information by means of the press was never more universally extended than it is to-day, but let us not imagine that information is education. The increase of readers is enormous, but the proportion of thought and wisdom to that of folly lias not increased in its due ratio. Literature is a groat blessing, and yet we need to protest against an indiscriminate valuation olr it. The prin- ' ciplo of selectioir] reading needs to be carefully developed, and this will necessitate also,a rejection. Euskin's wellknown rule, "Never to road a book until it ia a year old," is worthy of our attention. Too much time is lost in reading. unromunerative books and periodicals and in many instances this losson is not learned till late in life. This topic is a fruitful one upon which to comment, but we must return to it at another time. Among our Australasian papers there is no journal from th» Christian press that, lias such a renowned reputation as that of the. "Christian Outlook." Some years ago it was the official organ of the Presbyterian Church, later on it incorporated the Congregational, and now the paper is issued as the representative of - the Presbyterian Congregational and "Wesleyan Churches. The lirst copy was issued on the 18th May and is a splendid sample of up-to-date journalism. It contains forty pages »f closely printed reading matter. Thowditor, Dr Wardell, writes an excellent article on the united effort of the churches in publishing one paper. Dr Wardell is one of the finest literary men in the colony. For over 25 years he has been associated with his church in Dunedin. As editor of the " Outlook " he has made a name for himself that few editors possess. His paper is always readable, and his wise selection of matter does him great credit. He is absolutely free from caooetties scribendi and gives every writer a fair chance. In the united issue the Ejvs. Fairclough and Oliver, ex-editori of the " Advocate," give short, articles on "The Eeligious Press." The articles are well written. Educative space is given for notes on the " International Lesson " and a page is devoted weekly to the Endeavour work. Eeviews of books form an instructive and helpful source of information for those unable to secure the respective volumes. The Methodist News is under the superintendency of the Eev. T. B. Brooke who gives some admirable advice to reporters. Our _ space is too linited to give an exhaustive review of this excellent journal. News of the churches, sermons, choice selections from the best of writers, and social questions, all contribute to make the cheapest and best .one pennyworth of literature published in the Southern Hemisphere. Last evening the Catholic church was crowded to hear the Rev Dr Grimes of Christchurch. Selecting the portion of Scripture, suitable to Whit Sunday, in Acts 11, he preached an impressive and earnest discourse. The scene of Pentecost was pictured in beautiful language and many lessons relative to Christian conduct were enforced. The great change effected in the life # of the early Christians, martyredom, their trial, were touched upon :in a brilliant manner, revealing the clear insight of the preacher for exposition of scripture, Though in our day we had not to face death tor our religion yet we had a martyrdom to endure. Persecution comes to us from the world with its scandals and accusations ; the flesh and concupiscence are great enemies, Satan and his temptations make our martyrdom. To withstand these trials Christians needed (1) recollection j of Christ's work (2) persevering prayer (3) love for each other (4) Communion with Mary the mother of Christ. His Lordship said that Catholics were . often accused as having no warrant in scripture for their last act of devotion. Christ had freat respect for his mother and loved er and oboyed her for thirty years and did what she wished him. If they followed Christ they had a good example and need never fear any opposition. Their love for Mary is insignificant compared, with that of Christ. Angels revered her and called her "Blessed among women. For this act they had sufficient evidence and he adminished the young communicants to be faithful to their church. At the morning service Dr Grimes confirmed some fifty candidates to the rite of Confirmation. In the evening the newly-made members of the church renewed their allegiance by making a public vow. To the young His Lordship gave some practical advice, and one pleasing, feature in his nature was the noted consideration and thought for subordinates. The priests, Brothers and Sisters, choir, acolytes and congregation were highly praised and thanked. Like St. Paul in his praise of Epaphras, His Lordship proved true to his subordinates, was tender of their reputation, was eager for their increased influence, and rejoiced in the progress they made in the church. The Eev. Dr Kennedy, who has distinguished himself as a scholar, officiated in various offices at the services on Sunday. It is gratifying to his parents and friends to know of the brilliant career that lies before him. With life before him and all the advantages of an excellent education, he should be a power for good in the district to which he has been appointed. In his endeavours to elevate mankind and lift them to a higher platform of life, we wish him hearty success.