" Reclaimed."

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 24 September 1891, Page 2

" Reclaimed."

Next Tuescl^the Choir of tke Primitive Metnoaist Church give a Service of Song at the Public Hall. The service is entitled " Eeclaimed" or " The Harwood's two Christmas Days," and is arranged as a Gospel Temperance service, by John Burnham. The story represents Mary Harwood, with the tea table all ready, waiting- for the arrival of her husband John, who is delayed two hours, either by finishing a job, or from having 'dropped in to have "half-a-pint." This conduct being continued, turns the wife from a loving gentle woman, into a sulking, nagging one, with unfortunate results to both. After a time the master John worked for, offered to send him to Turkey upon a large job. He left his master with a light heart and as it wanted only two days to Christmas he delayed in order to purchase some toys for the child and a present for his wife. When he got home his wife imagined that the usual reason was what had kept him, and met him with harsh words, so that he flung himself out of the door in a passion and sailed without bidding wits or child adieu. This Christmas was a miserable time to both, the mother feeling she had driven her John away, and John feeling that he had deserted his wife whilst his child was sick. At Falmouth he received a letter of repentance from his wife, and also a statement that his dear little Nelly was dying ! His feelings can be imagined when for six months he received no letters from Home, as they missed in carrying. Nome time after this, Mary received a letter stating that her husband was ill in the hospital, and that his case was very serious. He sent his love to her and Nelly and that if he lived to return he would try to be a better husband and father. After a time of suspense, another letter arrived which told of John's improvement, and that he might be expected home in a few days. He arrived, but so changed, and his recovery was slow. Then Mary read to him the Word of God, and directly he could get out of doors, he with Mary and little Nelly went to a place of worship and there returned thanks for great and undeserved mercies. The Christmas day following was a marked contrast to the last. The Choir have been in constant practise, and a Ajt, pleasant evening may ba lookecoorward to. The musical selections are : — Blessed are the people ; Come away ; Turn away; 0, Anger is an evil thing ; Sighing for Thee ; Looking into Jesus; Bring your cares to Jesus ; Sweet -'abbath bells ; Every word of God is pure ; Welcome, Wanderer, Welcome ; Abundantly able to save ; Though your sins be as scarlet ; Trust ye in the Lord ; Home returning; Rejoice in the Lord ; Offer unto God thanksgiving.