HARVEST THANKSGIVINGS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2027, 1 April 1890, Page 3

HARVEST THANKSGIVINGS.

WESLEYAN CHURCH, TEMUKA. At the above church the annual harvest thanksgiving services were conducted on Sunday /last by the pastor, the Rev. R. S. Bunn. The ; church was decorated appropriately to the occasion, and the splendid display of fruits, farm and garden produce were evidence of the bountiful harvest for which large congregations both morning and evening assembled to return thanks. Suitable passages of scripture were read, and hymns appropriate to the occasion sung. The choir was under the leadership of Mr Harrison, who presided at the harmonium, which was strengthened by the addition of several instrumentalists. Earnest and eloquent sermons were preached on both occasions, fuller reports of which will appear in our next issue. WASHDYKE. A harvest thanksgiving service was in the schoolroom on Sunday last. There was a very large congregation, over 100 persons being present. The building was most tastefully decorated for the occasion, a notable feature in the display being the great variety of fruity vegetables, etc., and also the addition of plates of honey, loaves of bread, etc., typical of New Zealand being literally “a land flowing with milk and honey.” A large inscription covered the end wall facing the entrance—the lettering skilfully worked in white on a scarlet background—- “ The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” Mrs Hamilton presided at the harmonium, and a number of harvest hymns were sung at intervals during the service- The Rev. T. A. Hamilton officiated, and preached an appropriate sermon from St. Mark iv., 28 —29, “ The earth yieldeth fruit of herself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, straightway he putteth forth the sickle because the harvest is come.” The preacher compared the growth of religion in the heart to the gradual growth of corn in the fields. A forcible analogy was drawn between the gradual growth of the seed in the field, and the corresponding growth of religion in the heart, theologically spoken of as “ Sanctification.” The preacher refunded his hearers that the harvest in both cases was the result of two agencies co-operating, viz. -. “ God and man,” Those following agricultural

pursuits were aware that their busiest seasons were the seed time and the harvest, and having expended great labor in the production of food were apt to forget that the result was not entirely owing to their own efforts. Another agency was working during the period intervening between those busy seasons, viz., the Providence of God in sending warmth and moisture to mature the grain. In conclusion he urged the congregation to seek God’s grace in the sacraments and ordinances of the Church, and to “ work out their salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Growth in spiritual life meant hard work if a harvest were to be reaped at the end. As the farmer’s troubles were all forgotten in the “joys of harvest,” so also their work for and with God would yield the fruits of the spirit and ripened sheaves to lay at the Master’s feet.