PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1568, 22 March 1887, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The anniversary services in connection with the Sunday School of this church were held on Sunday last. The Bev. W. J. Dean, who has recently been appointed to this circuit from Timaru, preached both morning and evening. The church was crowded on both occasions. The Kev. Mr Dean took for his text in the morning the words " Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying as soon as I was sent for ; I ask, therefore, for what intent ye have sent for me ?" Actsx., 29. He referred at considerable length to the first preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles' in the house of Cornelius. He divided his subject into three heads on reasons why a Ouurch sends for a Christian minister. Firstly, they send for a •Christian minister to assist them in working out'the salvation of their souls; secondly, for the purpose of being instructed in the great and important principles of Christian truth; and thirdly, that there might be a perpetuation of the ordinances of the Christian system. Mr Dean also impressed upon his hearers the necessity that existed for co-operation between the pulpit and the pew, between the pastor and his people. He pointed out that it was of little use for him to work unless the members of the church assisted him by every means in their power. If they had asked him to come among them expecting him to do all the work, it would have been far better both for the church and for them if he had stayed away. ]f, however, they were all united, if the members supported their pastor, he would be better qualified !o give them that instruction and counsel which was most fitted to them, and together they would become a great, power, and do a grand and glorious work for their Divine Master. Mr Dean addrered a special meeting held for the children of the Sunday School in the afternoon, when the prizes gained during the year were distributed. The rev. gentleman preaohed in the evening on the words " Bleosed ere the poor in Spirit for their's is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew v., 3. He pointed out that ic was not poor spiiited nor poor spiritually that was meant by the Saviour when he uttered these words. It was quite the opposite to spiritual poverty that was spoken of. The Laiodeceans were poor spiritually, and therefore the Lord said he would spue them out of his mouth. It was not poor spirited either that was meant. The Christian man instead of being poor spirited was the bravest man ;he was afraid of nothing. Some peopie who were exceedingly rioh in this world's goods were very poor spiritually 5 they never gave to a charitable object, and never seemed to realise that the riches they held were simply lent to them by the Master, who would some day require an account of their stewardship. . Mr Dean's addresses both morning and evening were of an eloquent and impressive character, and were listened to with keen attention by those present. To-night the usual anniversary tea end public meeting takes place. The tea will be on the table at six p.m.and the meeting will be addressed by I several well-known and popular speakeis.