PRIMITIVE METHODIST TEA MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4966, 21 February 1877, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST TEA MEETING.

The tea-meeting in connection with the Webb-street Primitive Methodist Sundayschool anniversary was held last evening. The church was crowded both at the tea and at the public meeting. The Eev. J. Nixon, in the absence of the superintendent of the school, Mr. Luke, occupied the chair, and called on Mr. C. Luke, the secretary, t p read the report, which was as follows : “ In presenting this report to you the teachers of the above school cannot but express their gratitude to Almighty God, and feel, as they exclaim, the goodness and mercy of the Lord has followed us in our labor of love continually. We are also thankful to the many friends who have ever been ready to assist us with their substance; for although the wants of this institution have been varied and many we have always been able to meet them, and while. we are conscious of the fact that except the. Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it, we are still mindful of the support received at your hands, and we are happy to inform you that financially wo are in a position to report prosperity; and, apart from the proceeds of this anniversary, we have in the treasurer’s hands a small balance to the good of the school. But, after all, finances are not the most important subjects of success in this respect. If this was all we could report, then the great end for which Sabbath-schools were instituted would not in this case have been accomplished. But there is prosperity of a very different nature, success in a much higher sense, which we delight in. In taking a retrospective view of the past year, while there is cause for sadness, and there are times when we as teachers feel discouraged at the little fruit that apparently follows our labors, and at times are ready to say with the poet, ‘ I have labored in vain, for none give heed to words I speak, and in vain I look for the promise of fruit where the seed of the Word is sown,’ yet we rejoice when we think there are many on whom impressions have been made that will never be erased. We believe many will rise out of this Sabbath-school to call the Saviour blessed. Many of the senior scholars meet regularly at a class meeting held

on Monday evenings at Mrs. George Billman’s, who has recently become the leader, and, as an example of their knowledge in Scriptural matters, we give you just a few of the advanced questions given by the senior teachers to their classes, which have been answered in the most precise and satisfactory manner:— What is saving faith? Why is Jesus called the Prince of Peace? What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? What is the difference between repentance and conversion. How were people saved before the death of Christ ? , With this we give the answer given ? Before the death of Christ people were saved by looking forward to a promised Saviour, while now we are saved by faith in looking back to a Saviour who has been given. Time will not permit more of these, hut suffice it to say that looking hack there is cause for abundant thankfulness ; the Lord of hosts has been with us, the God of Jacob has been our refuge ; and looking forward to the future we feel that we can trust Him, for He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. During the year changes have taken place, and while we mourn them they were beyond our control. From our midst has been taken one whom we loved, in the person of our pastor and brother the Rev. R. Ward. One who has labored hard among us as superintendent has resigned, and is for a time removed, but we trust we shall see him again among us, and that Mr. J. Edge will soon resume his duties, and become, as before, our guide and counsellor. Then there has been a change with regard to our secretary, Mr. W. Coe, who has removed to the country. Mr. W. Luke has been appointed superintendent, and Mr. C. Luke secretary. With regard to members and attendance, we think we cannot but say they are satisfactory.” The balance-sheet was then read, showing a credit balance of £6 6s. 3 Jd. After the report, some of the children recited in a creditable manner, and sang hymns appropriate to the occasion. The Rev. P. W. Jones addressed the congregation, and the meeting closed with votes of thanks to the ladies, the singers, and the chairman.