Mntual Improvement Society.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 22, 24 December 1884, Page 2

Mntual Improvement Society.

The Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society held their usual meeting m the Wesleyan Hall on Monday evening, and m response to a general invitation given, a number of visitors assembled to listen to the reading of four original essays bearing upon the subject of the Nativity. The Rev. R. S. Bum, President of the Society occupied the chair. Mr Grace read the first essay, the subject being the person of Christ. He dwelt mainly on the great mystery of the Incarnation, and the character of the Saviour as manifested m his childhood and during his ministry. The second paper, by Mr R. Leary, was on the Magi. The writer gave a brief resume of the traditions respecting them, and then spoke as to what thoughts concerning these first Gentile worshippers might reasonably follow on from the reading of the Gospel record. Mr Patten read a paper relating* to Christ's history, m which he spoke of the birth and boyhood of the Saviour, together with the collateral history relating to his advent, then of his brief wonder-working ministry, and the scene on Calvary. The subject of the last paper was " The Star." Mr Dillon, the writer, referred to the various opinions extant m relation to this phenomenon, and concluded an interesting essay by reciting a portion of Kirke White's hymn on the Star of Bethlehem. At the conclusion of the reading some discussion took place on the merits of the papers, after which the President carefully reviewed the subject treated, and the methods taken by the essayists m regard to it, Christmas hymns were sung at intervals during the evening, and a hearty vote of thanks to the essayists concluded the proceedings.