METHODIST CONVENTION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 274, 14 April 1898, Page 4

METHODIST CONVENTION.

A meeting of Methodists was held at Trinity Wesleyan Church, Hamilton, on Friday last. For various reasons we have not been able to give an extended such as the important occasion required. However, it is better late than never. The Rev. S. Griffith, of Te Aroha, opened the proceedings at 10 a.m., with devotional exercises ; after which Mr W. S. Allen, M.A., Annandale, read a very comprehensive and interesting paper on " The Chief Events In The History Of Methodism," dealine particularly with the life of John Wesley. The state of religion in England in the last century was succinctly and graphically depicted, and the rise of the " Holy Club " iu Oxford with John Wesley as organiser, Charlei as poet was justly sketched. The characteristics of Wesley as preacher, saint, scholar, Divine and Founder of Methodism were well understood by Mr All n, Some wise counsols were given on the class meeting, lay preaching, and the evangelising of the masses. Mr Allen displayed the apt gift of beiDg able to mako vivid the real life of the people in the last century. Rev. Dr. Hosking presided. Rev. H. Young, of Te Kopua, spoko to the paper, and drew attention to the amalgamation of tho three Methodist Churches in New Zealand a short time ago. Mr J. D. Melville referred to the splendid poetry of the Wcsleys, as one of the secrets of the progress of the Methodist Church.

Luncheon was provided at noon, and a real first-class spread was made by the ladies of the Hamilton Church. Such a magnificient banquet has never been seen in the history of Hamilton Methodism, Special credit is due to Mesdames Salmon, Cox, Home Hosking, Melville and the Miss Peterson, Houghton, Thomas (2), Hosking and also tho young men who worked admirably in doing their best to assist the ladies.

In the afternoon Mr J. D. Melville opened the session and presided. The Rev. Dr. Hosking gave an exhaustive address on "The Chief Doctrines of Methodism," of which we give a brief summary. (1). Methodists believe in one God, self-existent, eternal, and absolutely perfect, free, personal spirit, distinct from and sovereign over the world He has created. Theism is the foundation of morals. The greatest thought man is capable of is his responsibility to God. There arc three personal distinctions in the divine essence, paternity, filiation and procession; Father, Son and Holy Spirit; equal in honour, power and glory. (2) Methodists believe the Bible to be the Word of God, the revelation of the Divine Mind, the most perfect unfolding of the Divino Will, the standard of faith, the code of morals, the inspired book of Heaven The Bible is believed to be authentic, genuine, and in perfect harmony with itself, man's needs and nature. (3) Methodists believe in Christ; His humanity, divinity, offices and perfect character. (4) Methodists believe in the divinity, personality and work of the Holy Spirit. (5) Also in Angels, good and evil. (6) In the fall of man ; a fall which was total and universal ; the reality of sin ; in original sin ; the whole world lying in wickedness. (7) Also the atonement of Christ, the anchor of faith, refuge of hope, rule of love, and the rich treasure of the church. Christ is the propitiation for our sin, a ransom for mankind ; our substitute and saviour. That atonement is unique, universal and efficacious. (8) Also repentance towards God and Kith in our Lord Jesus Christ as the conditions of salvation ; a turning from sin ; a change of conduct as well as sorrow for sin ; an assent of the understanding to the voice of _ truth ; a consent of the will and affections to the principles of the Divine administration unfolded iu the Gospel; a dissent of the soul from all that is contrary to the Divine Will; a coming to Christ, trusting in Christ, and acceptance of Christ. (9) Methodists believe in the growth of character in grace, the Christian life, living to God, being justified by faith and having peace with God ; the forgiveness of sin and imputed righteousness ; being also adopted into God's family, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Of this we are conscious. Thus thsy believe in the witness of the Spirit, the testimony of a good conscience, and the certainty of our acceptance with God. A change of heart wrought by the agency of the Spirit through the world is absolutely needed, and can be proved by victory over self, the world and sin. Holiness of heart and life is attainable, and tho possiblo and possibility of falling from grace is also believed. (10) Methodists believe in the natural immortality of the soul as proved from the Bible and reason ; that there is no probation after death ; that the wicked as well as the righteous will be raised from the dead, some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting death. We believe in the second coming of Christ and the milleniam, or the universal reign of Christ on this earth, when all the world will be subdued unto Him. We believe in the general judgment, when all will stand at the bar of God to give an account of deeds done in the body, whether good or evil. This judgment will be universal and decisive. The righteous will pass into eternal blessedness, and the wicked into eternal misery, the latter being eternal as tho former, the same adjectives be : ng applied to each. (11) Methodißts believe in the church, with its institutions and laws. The Methodist Church is Catholic and Apostolic. It is the church that answers to the New Testament ideal better than any other in existence. It recognises all sects, such as Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and others ; tut undoubtedly John Wesley was raised up by God to teach the world the best and purest mode of church life. Methodists be'ievp in the sanctity and diviue origin of the Sabbath Day, The Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, and should be kept sacred for worship. This worship should be simple and hearty. The Methodists believe their form of worship to be Apostolic. The Apostles never used prayer-books and litanies or creeds Why should we ? We believe in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, baptism of infants by sprinkling, and a divinely ordaiued mitrstry by the laying on of hands. In conclusion, the speaker urged the people to make a systematic study of Methodist history, doctrines, and usages, and thev will be thoroughly convinced that the 30,000,000 Methoclists now existing are one of the mightiest forces for the upholding of righteousness and peace in the world. Some testimonies ai.d remarks were made on the subject, and all eulogised the painstaking and lucid paper read, which lasted nearly two hours. Tea was provided in the school-room and another princely feast was duly enjoyed by a large company. In the evening a session was held, when addresses were »iven on " The Institutions of Methodism."

Mr C. C. Mayes spoke on "Lay PreachiDg," showing it to be of divine origin and therefore useful. Hisaddrees showed an intelligent grasp of the subject, and the speaker gave a death blo.v to sacerdotalism by showing that in the Church of Christ there is no iavoured and favourite ministry, but what all the members who have grace and gifts might

tnjoy. Mr Kobert Allen spoke on " The Class Meeting," dealing with its origin and purpose. We predict a very brilliant future for this young man in Methodism. His speech had a bold and manly ring that was stimulating and encouraging. He showed that the penny per week and the shilling per quarter ought not to Le overlooked, but the Class Meeting as a channel of divine grace, as a means Of grace, as a society of mutual profit to

old and young, hud fully justified its existence and war cot to be superseded by any other society. Mr John Allen spoke on " Foreign dealing chiefly with India. His speech, which wc understand was his first attempt in public, gave great promise. It was apt, telling, compact, brief, and to tho, point. Wc sincerely hope to hear his voice again in Hamilton.

Rev. H. Young and Mr E. HobUs gave addresses on " Home Missions," especially among the Maoris. The latter gave many remarkable reminiscences of the Maoris of the past, and being the son of an old and one of the first missionaries among them, he was quite entertaining and "instructive. The former being a native teacher, showed competency to deal with the Maoris of to-day. Rev. S. Griffith gave au eloquent and timely speech on " The SabbUh School," which was Well received and profitably enjoyed. He gave some valuable hints on the end and means of Sabbath Schools.

Mr J. D. Melville spoke on " Christian Beneficence," and although last was not least, either in the importance of the subject or the excellent way he dealt with it. By spec'al request Mr Melville has c onsented to deliver a sermon next Sabbath evening in the same church on the same subject, with a view to forming a Tenth-giving League, which ought to be taken up very heartily and be p:o----ductive of much good.

During the eveuing Mr Meachem sang "Calvary" in his usual efficient way. Mr W. S. Alien presided. At the conclusion the Rev. Dr. Hosking moved a hearty vote of thanks to the committees who had managed the Convention, the friends who contributed, the speakers and essayists, Mr Meachem for sinking, the Chairmen for presiding, and all others who had helped to make the Convention a red-letter day in the history of the Waikato Methodist Churches.

Hopes were freely expressed that similar meetings would be held (d.v ) every Good Friday. By this means it is hoped that much of the old standing and nonsensical prejudice and bigotry in ecclesiastical matters in our midst may be swept to the limbo of oblivion. Last, but not lca3t, the Convention paid its way and had a surplus of nearly £5 for the Hamilton Circuit Fund.—(Com* municated).