WESLEYAN HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 44, 25 November 1871, Page 7

WESLEYAN HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

A public tea meeting was provided in the Manners street schoolroom, and a Home Missionary Meeting was held in the church, on Wednesday evening, in connection with the New Zealand Middle District. Both meetings were well attended by friends in town and country. The Rev T. Buddle, Chairman of the Middle District, occupied the chair, and briefly stated the object of the fund, its sources of income, and its present state. He exhorted the members of the church to more enthusiasm in connection with the Home Missionary cause. The Rev. Wm. Oliver (of Wanganui) moved the following l’esolution :—“ That this meeting rejoices in the success that has attended the Ministry of the Word, and other Christian agencies of the churches of this land during the past year ; and especially records its devout gratitude to Him who alone giveth the increase for the special visitations of grace with which He has favoured several of the Wesleyan circuits.” The rev. gentleman spoke with earnestness and force on the nature, extent, and blessedness of revivals of religion from Pentecost till the present time. He reported revivals as having taken place in many parts of New Zealand during the past few months, which was evidently interesting to the numerous audience. The Rev J. B. Richardson (of Blenheim) seconded the resolution in a forcible speech. He l’ejoiced in the success which had attended the labors of his ministerial brethren during the year. He rejoiced also in the earnestness with which he had recently heard two Episcopalian ministers preaching the Gospel. In England, the Church of England in some places had been blest with revivals of religion. The Ritualists had been imitating the revival services of their own church. In conclusion, the rev. speaker appealed to young men to dedicate themselves to God and to the preaching of His Gospel. Choir—The “Jubilate,” from Ebdon’s service in C. The Rev W. J. Watkin (of Nelson) moved the next resolution—“ That in consideration of the spiritual necessities of several newly populated districts, and in prospect of an increase of population by immigration, this meeting commends the Home Mission work to the prayers and liberalities of the churches, that with the advancing tide of colonisation there may be a corresponding stream of Christian agencies and influence, so that the righteousness which alone exalteth a nation may spread through the land.” In his usual fluent and humorous style, he spoke of the settlement of new districts, and the necessity of aiding the settlers in procuring the services of a preacher of the Gospel. He believed in the “ Good Old Book” more than in mo lern philosophy, in Moses rather than in Huxley with his “ protoplasm.” In a graphic and humorous way he described the theory of ‘ protoplasm,” and appealed to his audience ai to whether they woull accept such speculation in place of Moses and the Scriptures. The Rev W. Cannell (of Richmond) seconded the resolution in a brief, but able, speech on the duty and privileges.of giving. He related several amusing and instructive

anecdotes in illustration and enforcement of his theme. Choir— Anthem “I Will Lift up Mine Eyes,” by Dr Clarke Whitfield. The Rev D. M'Nicoll (of Greyfown) moved the next resolution—“ That, viewing the Gospel as God’s only instrument, and the Holy Ghost as the grand efficient agent in the work of saying the world from sin, and establishing the Kingdom of Christ among the nations, and regarding prayer as Gods established means of securing power from on high, this meeting recommends etfectual fervent prayer for more copious outpourings of the Spirit of God.’ He said, as short sermons were fashionable just now he supposed his speeph must be short too. He offered several original remarks on the difficulties in connection with prayer, and urged his hearers to seek for more constant answers to their petitions. The Eev W. G. Thomas (of Motueka) briefly seconded the resolution. The Eev G. S. Harper (of the Hutt.) moved the following resolution :—“ That the following gentlemen be the Local Committee for the ensuing year : Messrs Clark, Moxham, Bennett, Bowater, Edmeades, Tustin, Waters, and J. Dixon.” G. Elliott Elliott, Esq., seconded the resolution. Choir— “Magnificat,” from Ebdon’s service in C. The meeting concluded with the benediction.