WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Southland Times, Issue 667, 8 May 1867, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH.

A social tea-meeting took place in the Wesleyan Chapel, North Road, on Thursday last, the Key. Mr Bunn (the liewly appointed minister) being the guest of the evening. The attendance was very good ; we should say that nearly 150 persons sat down at the nicely arranged tables. • . . The various delicacies having been duly enjoyed, the chairman (~W\ Russell, Esq.) introduced Mr Bunn, who was received with great cordiality. In thanking those present the reverend gentleman after some eloquent remarks on the wide field : existing for the exercise of ministration, went on to tell of his first impressions of his new sphere of labSr. He said it became evident by observation that Invercargill was much . misrepresented in the other provinces of the colony — although he must confess to possessing as yet only a limited knowledge of the place, its politics, its population, (numerically) or topography. Of the latter he knew a little having with the kind assistance of Mr Trew, been enabled to explore a small portion of the surrounding belt of timber. But there was one thing of which, how-, ever, short the time he had been among them he could not but be aware — the spiritual death by which they were surrounded. The moral waste could only be reclaimed by obedience to the word of G-od, sufficient to regeneration if man but yielded to its teachings. The first thing, however, was to get people to consider their position and responsibilities. Among these, one of special importance, was 7 the Sabbath School. The day was not, he hoped, far distant when through its influence the world would be evangelised. If the effect of the school teaching did not show on the adults then there had been mismanagement. The best results were to be expected from the earnestness : and vigor of the youth fresh from the study of divine truths. And from observation last Sabbath he (Mr Bunn) was favorably impressed with their achool-^it; was a good one, (Applause.) la Dunedin, with #M largv population the number atteadmg

(although spme hundreds)2was comparatively few, in Wellington it was 300, in •Nelson 200, while in Invercargill with its much smaller population there was 135, a number that compared favorably -with any of the other provinces. (Applause.) Through the ---avenue thus opened the whole community might be enlightened. These children were here —after to take their share in government, by the honest exercise of their votes — by not being to be : bribed or perverted — by being thoroughly Christians. They would thus conduce to the welfare of the land. Through the schools every door was opened, and possibly hardened parents were caused to hear good news. Yet — and in this he might be " treading on corns"— it was whispered that some of these children (for want of sufficient accommodation) were to be sent home on Sabbath mornings. But, however much the grown-up members of the congregation might value their religious privileges, they must not exclude the children — there must be accommodation found for them in some way and at any inconvenience. Mr Bunn spoke at length on the desirability of increasing the size of the chapel by a special effort, in which all friends should be invited to join. He looked upon it as a most urgent want, and one that should be supplied if it could be done without incurring debt. He closed his remarks by an earnest exposition of the duty of prayer. Mix- 3?erldiis ncit addressed, like xncoi ing. He was evidently suffering from a severe cold, but said he had resolved upon attending that evening for fear his absence might be misconstrued. As one of the oldest members, one who had seen and taken part in the early struggles of the church, he rejoiced to see around him that evening so many friends of other denominations who had assisted to place them in a comfortable position. After alluding to the vicissitudes of the church consequent upon the altered conditions of tihe province, the speaker said it must be. confessed there had been times when they felt a little dispirited; and perhaps torpid. It was best to confess this much, to ask forgiveness, and pray for divine assistance in renewed effort. He quite agreed with Mr Bunn's remarks as to individual responsibility, and thought that all should consider it a blessing and privilege to assist in good works. Mr Perkins concluded by exhorting all to self-examination and prayer. . Mr Burns spoke at some length on the duty of earnestness and the happiness to be found in the practice of true religion." — Mr Trew spoke of the efficacy of prayer as a means of grace, and expressed a confident hope that the new pastor would be instrumental in effecting much good. — fti r Crouch spoke of the need for more workers in the Sabbath, School, the teachers having almost too much to do. He agreed as to the desirability of enlarging the church, but recognised the necessity of first providing for existing liabilities. He was sure Mr Bunn would appreciate the welcome he had received, and expressed the hope that his labors would be useful in stirring them up from the state of torpor and lukewarmness described by a previous speaker. He then proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for their kind assistance in the requisite preparations for the meeting. — Mr Knipe seconded: in; a lew earnest remarks—the motion was carried.-: Mr Bunn then gracefully expressed his sense of the obligation under which he lay to Mr Perkins for his voluntary ministration during the time that he (Mr Sunn) had been delayed from various causes, which he explained, and concluded by proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried unanimously.