PUBLIC MEETING AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHUUCH. «,

Manawatu Herald, 10 February 1880, Page 6

PUBLIC MEETING AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHUUCH. «,

Advantage was taken of the presence of several Presbyterian ministers, to hold a public meeting at the Church, Main-street, on Wednesday evening last, and although the publicity given to the meeting was of the barest possible character, the attendance was very fair. The Rev. James Duncan, pastor of the Church presided, and in opening the meeting, remarked briefly on the pleasure it gave him to have ministers from a distance attending the Presbytery at Foxton, and to hear their addresses. He regretted that so few had been nble to stay, but hoped a profitable evening would be spent. The 100 th Psilm hiving been sung by the congregation to Luther's "Old Hundred" tune, the Rev. Mr Honore engaged in prayer. Choir — "Now, just a word for Jesus." The Rev. Mr i)oull. of Bulls, then addressed the meeting. He took as the foundation of his remarks Psalm 89, v. 19 — " Then thou 9pak«?st in vision to Thy Holy One, and saidst, I have laid h lp upon One that is mighty." He ref ened to the help as the intercession of the Redeemer, showing that He was qualified for the office of Pleader by His knowledge of the Divine Law, and that whilst he secured the pardon of the sinner, He magnified the Divine law of j ustine. Choir — " Weary gleaner, whence comest thou ? " The Rev. Mr Ogg, of Sfc Andrew's, Wellington, next addressed the meeting. He chose as M 3 theme, " Public Worship," and dwelt upon its importance, its necessity, aud the means by which to derive most benefit from it. He divided his address into two parts, viz., public worship considered as tho blessing of G-od for mercies received, and public worship considered as a means of instruction. He profusely illustrated the former point, showing that in nature there was a constant reciprocity, and that as men were dependent upon tho Creator for their happiness (or blessings) it was their duty to bless Him in return. He referred to the importance of public worship as a means of instruction, but strongly deprecated the habit of paying more attention to the eloquence or intellectual powers of the preacher, than to the message he had to deliver. He asserted his opinion that the moral tone of of a person depended con siderably on his regular attendance at Church, uid referred to his experience in North America to prove tho statement. He said that therp, when on missionary journey's in the bactc country, he frequently found persons who had sunk very greatly from civilisation, even neglecting personal clearliness. This h'J attributed to the absence of religious influences. He attacked '.he errors of Positivism, which taught that happiuess was obtained by harmonising outselves with tho physical laws of the universe. He argued that conscience and duty belonged to the unseen world, and thut by acting rightly the highest happiuess would be secured. Choir — " I've found the peal of greatest price." The Rev. Mr Paterson, of St John's, Wellington, then delivered an address on " Tho Unbelief and Faith of the Present Age." He referred to the very great pleasure and profit wih which the various ministers attended the Presbytery, and spoke of the enjoyment he felt iv visiting Foxton on such occasions. The present Presbytery was the largest over held, only three ministers being detained from it. He spoke of the widespread infidelity of the present day, seen and found in much of the literature of the age, and especially coining from scientific circles. It attacked man's immortality, the Divine incarnation, and in fact all the cardinal doctrines of Christianity. Nevertheless, he believed there never was a time in the history of the world, in which true, living faith was so general. Tho study of the life of Ch>ist was tho most effectual safeguard against infidelity, as the Gospels contained intnrnal evidence of Divine origin. He also believed that infidelity was the result in many cases of a deterioration of moral character. He dwelt earnestly upon the importance of personal piety, at the most efieotuai woaas

of avoiding unbelief, and pointed out the freedom from fear, doubt, impurity, and prejudice which truo religion conferred. Choir—" By the gate^ they'll meat us." &. collection was then made on behalf of the hinds of the Oliurcli. The Rev. Mr Diincan moved a vote of thanks to the speakers and the clnir, which wero heartily responded to by the audience, and tho meeting closed itith tbe Benediction.