PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2335, 26 March 1892, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

GERALDINE. MISSIONARY MEETING. At the Geraldine Presbyterian Church on Wednesday evening the Rev. Dr. Lamb lectured to a large number of persons on the subject of the New Hebrides mission. On the platform were the Revs. A. B. Todd, W. "Woollass, J. Preston, and Robjohns, and Dr. Fish. The Rev. A. B. Todd presided, and briefly introduced the rev. lecturer, who delighted the audience with a graphic and touching account of the noble work done in various parts of the heathen world by missionaries. At the conclusion of an interesting and able address he appealed to the young men, the young women, and children of the Church for help in his work. He asked the young men and women to form a guild, and raise £6 a year, which, would support a native teacher at the New Hebrides. A hospital would be required in the course of a year or two, and he trusted that the Sunday School children would have a cot ready by that time, with the quilt, mattress, and other articles made, with the work of their own hands. They would also want a first-class carpenter, blacksmith, teacher, printer, photographer, and others to assist the mission work, and he called upon some of the young men of the Church to consider whether they would give themselves to mission work at the New Hebrides. BIBLE SOCIETY. At the conclusion of Dr. Lamb's address a meeting under the auspices of the British, and Foreign Bible Society was held, Dr. Fish being in the chair. Dr. Fish, in introducing th© Rev. H. T. Robjohns, 8.A., agent of the society, said that the Bible Society was doing a good work, and on it a great many smaller societies depended. The colporteuers were distributing the Word of Cod in the most remote parts of the earth, and at the same time had an opportunity of doing missionary work here and there. Tha society came before the world with the Hall mark and stamp of approval from the greatest preachers of the different Churches. Before concluding Dr. Fish spoke in eulogistic terms of his professional brother, Dr. Lamb. The Rev. H. T. Robjohns, 8.A., then gave an amusing and interesting address on the work of the society. Since he was in Geraldine at a public meeting a branch of the society had been formed in that district, and during the past year they had raised £ls for the great work. The first department of the society's work was translation ; then came manufacture and distribution. The society had just completed a translation in the Pashtu language. There were 3424 languages known before Stanley unearthed others, audit would be a surprise to some to know how the society could undertake so many translations. The truth of the matter was that there were so many languages in some parts of the world very- similar to each other that a translation into one of them would suffice for the others. The society was not only doing a great work itself, but was stimulating others to work in the same direction. An example of this was found in Italy, where a man named Sonzogno was publishing and distributing Bibles at a halfpenny a number. This man was said to be sceptic, and in connection with his work the rev. gentleman used the Scriptural saying " He that is not against us is for us." A collection amounting to £3 4s 6d was taken up, and Mr John Shaw moved a vote of thanks to Dr. Lamb, and the Rev. J. Preston proposed a note of thanks to the Rev. Mr Robjohns. These were carried, and the meeting terminated with the Rev. Mr Woollass pronouncing the benediction.

TEMUKA. BIBIK SOCIETY The Bev. Mr Robjohns addressed a rather meagre meeting in the new schoolroom last evening. On the platform were the Revs. T. A. Hamilton, Watters, and Dellow. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, who occupied the chair, said that the proceedings would commence with the Binging of Hymn No. 3, Mission Hymn Book. He hoped they would remember the character of the meeting, which would be a religious one. It would include hymns, prayer, and biblical reading, and he hoped all would profit by it. After the hymn had been sung, and the Rev. Mr Watters had read some passages from the Bible, the Rev. Mr Hamilton offered up prayer. The rev. chairman, before introducing the Rev. Mr Robjohns, spoke at great length upon the beneficial effect of the Bible. After singing hymn 21, M. H. 8., the rev. chairman introduced the speaker of ifche evening, The Rev. Mr Robjohns commenced his most interesting address by asking the young people to help him to speak to ■them —by attention—and in after years it may be productive of good fruit. After a very pleasant talk with the children, the rev. gentleman went on to speak on matters connected with the Bible Society, -which in the main were the same as at ] <Geraldine, and reported above. | At the conclusion of the Rev. Mr Bobjohn's address, which he interspersed with many humorous sayings, some discussion took place as to the best modeof procedure. On tfa> motion of the Rev. Mr Dellow it was resolved to form a branch of the South Canterbury Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible and Tract After .some further conversation the Rev Mr RoM» lins » to brin & matters to a head, moved that the ministers present (With power to add to their nwnber) constitute a committee to arrange preliminaries. When they were prepared to hold a meeting he wa* sure the Rev. Mr Gillies and otl-er friends' trom limaru would be willing to come out ana them every assistance in putting tii£ matter on a proper footing. After the Rev. Mr Robjohns had moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, the Doxology was sung. The Rev. Mr Hamilton pronounced the benediction, and the proceedings terminated.