PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE AT THE TEVIOT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 175, 15 June 1871, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SOIREE AT THE TEVIOT.

The first tea meeting that has been held in connection with the Presbyterian Church in the Teviot took place in the Schoolroom, Roxburgh, on Thursday, June 1. It was intended to have been held in the Presbyterian Church, on the west bank of the river, but the numerous demands for tickets rendered it necessary to hold it in a larger building. The weather was most propitious, and large numbers came from a considerable distance. Though the tables occupied the whole building, there was not room for the company at one sitting. The tables were provided sumptuously by the following ladies, viz. MesdamesMackay and Smith, and Misses M'Arthur, Crossan, and Shields. The Eev. Mr. Telford, the pastor, occupied the chair, and after a brief address, called on Mr. Wilkie, the Secretary, to read the financial report regarding the new church. The total cost of it was £68, and there was a balance of £42 remaining to be met. This, it was expected, would be cleared off by the proceeds of the soiree.

The Rev. Dr. Copland stated he had been requested to speak on the mission work of the Presbyterian Church, but before doing so, desired to point out some principles that should be always kept in view by those who desired to do good. He said that if a man had not a desire to benefit others, he was like a beast — which sought only its own present gratification — and would probably soon become worse than a beast ; inasmuch as beasts generally do not seek to hurt others, whereas such men hurt both themselves and others. One principal mode of doing good, which every one should carry out, w<»s what Nelson required, in his famous signal, that every man should do his duty. He (Dr. C.) brought foward numerous illustrations of the evil results flowing from the neglect of duty in apparently trifling matters, and urged all in whatever sphere they laboured to labour conscientiously. He next spolce of fchfe right u«e of time, complaining of the thoughtlessness shewn by many, not only in respect to their own time, but that of otheis. He expressed a favourable opinion of men who rode hobbies during their leisure hours, even if they seemed to others of a. trifling nature. This was far better than that horrible occupation which some deliberately engage in of killing time. When a man had nothing else to do but kill time, it seemed as if it were time that he were killed. He then referred to the means of usefulness presented to us by the proper spending of our money. This was to be used, not for ourselves alone, but as stewards for God. He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord. We are to honour the Lord with our substance, and with the first fruits of our increase. The amount should be according as the Lord hath prospered us, and this plainly taught us that a certain proportion of our means (which our Christian conscience should settle) should be set apart for the Lord's service, and dispensed as faithful stewards for Him. The Missionary Association, which had been instituted among them, aided the support of a missionary in the New Hebrides, a missionary among the Maories iv Otago, and a Chinese Missionary among the Chinese in Otago, who was presently stationed at Lawrence. The Eev. Mr. Beck, Wesleyan Minister, delivered an admirable address on the necessity of the Holy Spirit's influence in the church, to render effectual its many agencies. The Eev. Mr. Wood, Presbyterian Minister, spoke of the carelessness displayed by many professing christiaus in attending the public services of the church, many seeming to regard their attendance as the conferring of an honour on the minister, or even on God himself. He pointed out that this carelessness conld only be overcome by greater zeal on the members of the church in rousing those around them. In their private spheres each one might work most effectually for the good of the church. It was a mischievous notion that possessed some, that they could do no good unless they could come forward to preach. Attempts in this direction by those who should rather be learners than teachers were evil.

Mr. J. Beighton proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies. In doing so, he took occasion, although himself not belonging to the Presbyterian body, to point out the necessity of their providing a suitable residence for their minister — such as he had observed at Alexandra, Tapanui, and Lawrence. He also would suggest that the secretary should now go round with bis hat, and. take up a collection to clear off any remaining debt on their chapel, Mr. Wilkie, the secretary, said the committee had not invited the public here for a tea meeting with the intention to seek money from them, and therefore declined doing so. ■ Mr. Beighton said as he did not wish to propose that another should do a thing he would not do himself, he would take the liberty of going round with his hat himself. He accordingly did so, and announced that the collection amounted to £5 10s. and a quantity of lollies. Dr. Copland proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Beighton for his distinguished enterprise in forcing his benevolence upon the committee, which was accorded with much good humour.

Mr. S. W. Smith proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers, and Mr. Marsh, thanks to Messrs. Reid and Burton and the rest of the choir for their able performances during the evening. The meeting broke up about 11 o'clock. The proceeds of the meeting amounted to about £35 or £40. The accounts, however, had not been completed.