THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY IN TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1175, 17 November 1883, Page 3

THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY IN TEMUKA.

The usual monthly.meeting of sthe above „army was'held last Thursday evening in ■the,Vplunter Hall. The RevD Gordon presided and there was a large attendance. The meeting was opened in the usual manner, and the choir sdng several hymns 'during the evening. 1 he chief speaker of the evening was the Rev J. Chaffers-Welsh, who said •—I I want to speak to you this evening on' : a 'chief characteristic of the Christian life—- • self control; and more especially in coni nection with the object of our meeting tonight, the temperance movement. There : are two motives which influence us in be- ■ coming abstainers, from intoxicating liquors, first, regard for ourselves, and sUondiregard.fbr,others. How many of us here have had no reason to give up the use of wine and beer because of any excess, and yetl maintain that regard for ourselves demand that generally we should abstain, ajnd this particularly in the case of the young/ We may use this thing so moderately as not to cloud our brain, but it will affect our blood, and many a man whose blood has been heated in this way I will * do that which in a icoole'r' and calmer state be would shrink from. Abstinence from intoxicating liquors is a great aid in the task of self control. But regard for others is, perhaps- even a more motive with-most of us. We deny ourselves so that we; may.extend a helping hand to those of our fellows who ' have, : fallen under, temptation of intoxica*- : tion. We have heard the voice of God ask I ing 'Where is thy brother?' We have ' gone to seek and save him by the help of God. In this matter we are exercising self control and self deDial for ourselves and: for'others, who are irideed a part of ourselves, love of our love, and flesh of our flesh. In this great task we shall: be encouraged and strengthenedby having a right understanding of what God has meant us =to be and what He has ■ meant us to do. As our Blessed Lord we are told, combined in Himself the threefold office of, Prophet,, Priest, and King, so we, whd aW mad J e t 'i ! n' the'' image oinGod and have been redeemed by the precious

blood of Christ, are called to fulfil thesame high duties We are all Priests, and being Priests have a sacrifice to offer—ourselves. When a man has laid himself a sacrifice upon God's altar, then the fire of God comes down from Heaven and purifies him and gives him power to govern himself as a King, the true King must first of all be the true Priest, and he only can be the true Prophet who faithfully fulfils his Priesthood, and Kingship. In his life—the life of God in man—he will declare God's truth to all, and his words will be a message from the High and Holy One. Remember, then, this your calling. Do not be afraid to take that position which has been, purchased for j'ou by the Saviour's blood and which is yours by right through Him. Let your whole life be spent in the "light of this truth and carry on this special work of saving men from the sin of drunkenness, as sons and daughters of God. Seek power,from God Himself to keep you youuelves and to aid you in saving others. Seek His face and he will reveal .Himself to you, and you shall have power, with God, with yourself and with men. . .

: Mr, Anderson, of Pleasant Pointj also spoke at considerable length, and his remarks were illustrated witli cartoons of various stages of drunkenness and its evil effects. He made a very telling speech, and urged upon his hearers the advisability of adhering to temperance principles.

The Rev T A Hamilton also made a few remarks. He had been reading that somewhere the plan was adopted of petitions being sent in during the week by the friends of drunkards asking the prayersof the meeting for their reformation. He would like to see that plan adopted here. There was a great power in praver, and they ought to exercise it. No name need be mentioned in the petition.

At-the conclusion of the meeting 18 new; members were enrolled, and the meeting concluded with the Rev J Chaffers-Welsh offering up prayer and pronouncing the benediction. .