WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 126, 8 May 1884, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Ox Sunday evening last a crowded congregation assembled in the Wesleyan Church, it having been intimated that a funeral sermon would be preached, and some reference made to the loss the church had suslained through the death of the late Miss Mpgridge. The Rev. G. W. J. Spence took for his xt Rev. vii. chap., 13-17 v., In his introdi J*y remarks he.pointed out that while heathenism, philosophy and reason failed to solve the problem of a future life, revelation assured us in the most satisfactory manner that we yearn not in vain for life and happiness for evir. With reference to those spoken of in the pas.-age, the preacher pointed out the condition of their earthly lot: “ They came out of great tribulation,” and illustrated his point by a brief allusion to the history of Elijah, Job, David, and St. Paul, and then showed that the same truth was applicable to the heroes of common life who are numbered with the glorified. In every case the discipline was bitter, but it nurtured them for the skies. The next point on which the preacher dwelt was, the purity they had acquired. Having explained the symbolisms connected with white vestments in ancient times, he showed their significance in relation to the redeemed, reminding his hearers that none but those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb can hope to stand before the throne. Referrence was then made to the happiness, unbroken fellowship and freedom, which the ransomed share. The discourse closed with an exhortation to those who held the bonds of an everlasting covenant to assert their principles manfully, to guard their souls jealously and ever to keep in mind that “it is through much tribulation we uiust enter the kingdom.”

The following obituary was read: — “ Frances Mary, eldest daughter of Charles and Sarah Jane Mogridge, was born at Napier, Hawke’s Bay, in September, 1861. From a child she evinced a love for the things of God. We are not aware that she ever referred to any particular period in her life when she experienced the converting grace of God. It would seem in her case as if the heart had opened to the gentle influences of the Holy Spirit in such a manner and at such a tender age that it was impossible for her to state with definiteness the time when she passed from darkness to light. Of the fact her subsequent life bore ample evidence. Her connection with the Christian Church began as a scholar in our Trinity Church Sundayschool, Napier. For seven years as a teacher in that school and a member of the choir she manifested a deep interest in the prosperity of God’s cause. Some two years ago she came to reside in this town and at once identified herself with this congregation—a safe and wise course to adopt, and one we would commend to all godly young persons who may have occasion to go out from homo and friends. It is always best to join the people of God with the least possible delay, and then heartily to engage in some good work for the Master. This is what our departed friend did, and some of you know how valuable her services were in the several departments of Christian usefulness. Her interest in the affairs of Zion never appeared to flag. Whatever might be the discouragements, she faithfully stood by her post and endeavored by every means to enlist the sympathy of others in carrying on the work of the Church. Her attendance on the means of grace was regular. Not only was she found in her place morning and evening on the Lord’s day, but she rarely absented herself from the week-night service. Her sense of what God required forbade what is called pleasuring on the Sabbath, neither had she any desire for those amusements that are hurtful to the soul. Miss Mogridge’s piety was unostentatious. She shed the light silently. It was her life rather than her lips that witnessed for Christ. We are no advocates of the notion that a strict reticence on matters of personal religion is a sign of its reality, still we hold that actions are often the best index of what is in the heart; and while with the tongue confession is made of what God has done for the individual, the daily walk must corroborate the statement. Those who had opportunities of judging declare that in Sister Mogridge there was ever seen a consistent living-out of the Truth. She was a young person of strong convictions. When persuaded what her duty was, her mind was made up. She was not to be moved from right principles by specious arguments or thoughtless banter, and was prepared to forego the favor of others rather than forfeit the approval of a good conscience. Her illness, which terminated fatally, was the only serious illness she had ever been called to suffer. In its earlier stages her mind wad clear and perfectly calm in view of possible issues. No murmer escaped her lips, nor did she evince the least fear should she be summoned hence. As the disease advanced her mind became afflicted, so that the last week of her life was spent in a state of unconsciousness. There were no “ last words” in her case, but her tired spirit forsook its mean abode on a bright May morning, and went to dwell in “ the land that is fairer than day.” Thus closed the earthly career of one whose qualities of heart endeared her to many, and whose life of Christian consistency and zeal constrained others to gloi ify God in her. It was not my privilege to be acquainted with the sister whose loss, we, as a Church, are called upon to mourn, but I can testify to the esteem in which she was held by all who love goodness. Young friends, your acquaintance and companion is gone. No doubt many of you knew her intimately. Let me ask pre you intimate with her Saviour and yours ? Are you the disciples of the same Lord, and are you spending your time and strength in His service ? I feel sure if your late friend could speak to us to-night she would say “ Live for Christ i work for God.” If there are among you those who are undecided, will you resolve, by the help of grace, to answer the great end for which you were made. Then whether called away in early life or in old age it will be yours to hear “ Well done, good and faithful servant.” And to all of us is there not in our young sister’s departure a loud call to be ready ? May God sanctify her early death to all our hearts, and lead us to Jesus in whom if we believe we shall never die.