PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF THE REV. WILLIAM JONES.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 241, 17 July 1872, Page 3

PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF THE REV. WILLIAM JONES.

A tea-lieeting was held for the above purpose at the Baptist Church, Wil-loughby-strect, Shorthand, yesterday evening. The church was aw full as it could he" with not only the members of their own Church, but of nearly every denomination on the Thames. The tables were well laid out and beautifully decorated with (lowers, and presided over by tiie following ladies, viz. :—Mesdaines Murray, Glover, Driver, Bloomfield, Beushaw, Whitehead, White, Bradley, Grigg, Dewar, Cowall, and Lamb, also the Misses Braisford and Brown. Alter the company had enjoyed tea, the Rev. P. 11. Corn ford (of Auckland) was unanimously voted to the chair, aud was surrounded by the following clergymen, viz., the Revs. J. Bailor, B. C. Butland, aud Williams. The proceedings commenced by singing the 073rd hymn, after which the Rev. J. Boiler prayed. The Chairman said their meeting there was one of more than common interest. It was for the purpose of welcoming a new pastor, and described in a very effective manner the principles of Christianity. I'iie presviit Church began here with the motto “ Holiness unto the. Lord.” He knew that their pastor had one weakness by trusting to our Lord, it was a weakness that would lie found in him to he only the vial of great p iwer, and trusted they (the members) would still hold and cherish that great motto they had commenced with, and help their paster towards that grand and gloiious object, and remember that it is the great Lord who presid-s over him, over all, and who is everywhere. He now had great pleasure in introducing his old friend, the R v. J. Bailer. (The ivv. gentleman sat down amidst great applause.) The Rev. Bullcr commenced by saying we are surrounded by the beauties of nature (pointing to the flowers on the table), and that is a great pleasure. _ I can assure you, Mr Chairman and ladies and gentlemen, I do most cordially welcome the Rev. Mr Jones after his long voyage, and hope that he will he long with us, and that his presence here will he crowned with success. Mr Chairman and my Christian friends, I am now going to talk'to you in a serious manner. Although some of us differ in opinions, yet wc are the same children of our Lord. Although of different sects, still we enjoy that liberty of conscience to worship the Almighty as we like. But we differ very much’with one sect, and that is in human infallibility. I can, and do love all classes of Christian denominations, let I them be of any sect you like—even my ] Roman Catholic brethren, when I meet devoted men ; andean extend my hand of fellowship, and even my love, providing thev follow the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I trust, as good Christians, we all hold these principles. I think the blessed Saviour says again, “forbid I them not.” We should all pull together. I love aill ladies, of every denomination, but can any reasonable man say that I love any other better than I do my own wife ? why, that would * be sheer hypocrisy. All differences should cease. Do as St. Paul, I ccause Christ is preached, and by being united and loving to one another we shall _ greatly a •cumulate our moral power; if we do not, we weaken ouselves, and suffer the

cause of our Saviour to .loose ground, especially as we are face to face with an organisation of another Jkind, I honor many in that Church that havo passed away from amongst us, and many that are living; but when I turn away from those, I and you cannot conceal from ourselves that they have agents at work to carry out views that arts very muscular indeed—recent affairs have proved that—and that has brought all sects together, all! more closer than ever, for what is dearer to their hearts t(jpn the cause of Christ; never offend hut bo calm and firm to any that may oppose, you. Mr Manners amidst applause gave a very amusing and entertaining address on the duties of Christians one towards another ; lie said he spoke from experience, 35 years, and cot Jed by wishing every success to their i • /Pastor, an 1 mind that it was Mrs Manners that had been the cause of his being here on the present occasion. The Rev. Mr Jones said, in a very interesting speech, lie thanked those who had so kindly welcomed him, and also tho audience present,and stated that did ho not wish to steal one single member from another Church that would ho like taking a coin from one pocket, and putting it into the other, or like taking men from one regimeot to fill up tho ranks of another. He would try and give God the result of a harvest of his powers ; and bo a Iconocrast, knocking down the idols, and try to hind up and heal all. Every minister should try and do his very best for the honour of his Lord and Saviour. Christians can help their ministers by showing all kindness and courtesy towards them, and to pray for them. Tho rev. speaker concluded his address by thanking all present in a most impressive manner. Mr Turner then addressed the meeting, after which the 598th hymn was sung. Messrs Renshaw, Butland, and Mason then welcomed the Rev. Mr Jones. A collodion took place, and £6 18s was the result of the appeal.