Primitive Methodist Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4386, 24 January 1883, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Soiree.

A soiree and public: meeting ia connection with the above was held in the Church, Mackay street, last evening. A capital tea_ was provided, and full justice was done tb it/thou^h the attend* ance was not so large as might have been expected, probably owing to the unpropitious weather. The public meeting was well attended, the Rev. C. E, Barley presiding. The proceedings were opened with singing and prayer, after which the Chairman apologised for the absence of Mr Smith, aud the Rev. T. Button, who were unable to find time to cbnie from Aucklaud. After singing another hymn, he introduced the Rev. Mr Sharp, who, after referring to the changes which had taken place since he was on the Thames some years ago, spoke on "Earnestness," which he characterised as being the great want of the Church .of the present day. It was also greatly needed at home, when parents especially should be in earnest in putting good examples before their'children. We should be earnest in religion, cr.rry it into business, and not let it be in the back ground all the week; earnest in coming to means of grace and there would soon be a change in the condition of the church. There should be more earnestness in the church and more unity between pastor and people. The minister could not do all the work, he wanted his office bearers and congregation to help him along. Instead of complaining that the preachers were not good enough, let the people do.their besj to build them up, and pray for God's blessing on the works, and for His Spirit to give them more earnestness in His cause.

Mr Thos. Veale, of Taranaki, gave r short history of the way the cause had begun there, and then followed up Mr j Sharp's ramarks on " Christian unity,", i saying that God would be sure to bles% oar efforts if wo worked together uodeif His guidance.

Mr C. Ward, of Dunedin, was glad to be present, and to meet old friends like Mr Veale. He iiad been at the Thames about 15 years a^o, and cow he was glad to see now good an attendance of miners they had in their churches; better, he thought, than was the case in Australian centres: He then spoke on the evils of strong drink, exhorting his hearers to unite and fight against this terrible enemy to hutaanity. If they wanted to see their children grow up to a manhood and womanhood which would be an honor to their parents and themselves, let them follow Christ more closely, setting a good example. Let them UE3 the talents God had given them faithfully, for Co Him they would have to answer for their actions. God did not do for ncan what he could do for himself; He meant man to be a worker. It was the duty of erery Christian to tell others of the life of which he or sbe had received, and which was so:fully offered to all. God would'eve/ be with them, for He tad promised that He would never leave them nor forsake those who trusted in Him.

Votes of thanks were then passed to the donors of the provisions for the tea, the.ladies who had presided at the tables, and all who had helped to make the gathering a success, and the meeting was closed in the usual manner.