BLUE SPUR.

Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 362, 5 April 1871, Page 7

BLUE SPUR.

(From our own correspondent ) A missionary society has been established here nearly two years in support of the synodical mission of the Presbyterian Church. Since the arrival of a Chinese missionary, however, in the district, it was thought desireable to organize a society, specially for the Chinese, undenominational in its eharaut-jr — and to which the different branches of the Christian church might with [jroprieity contribute. A meeting was held in Lawrence a fortnight ago, when the Rev. Messrs W. Keali, and Menzie3, responded to invitation of Lhe Rev. Dr. Copland, and aided in the j formation of the Society. A meeting was held hare on Tuesday evening last, for -the sauie object. The Hey. Dr. Copland presided, and after singing the missionary hymn (Bishop Hybas) " From Greenland's icy mountains &c," and prayer by the j Rev. W. Keall, the Rev. chairman, staled j the object of the meeting, and nr^ed earnestness and unity of action. He said that although the presbyterian Church had taken ; the initiative and had introduced one missionary laborer yet, he considered that this was a work which all the chu-ches had an equal right to aid in with the Presbyterians, j It* was puite an unsectarian mission; they did not wish to make the Chinese of their j creed or any other creed, but had the great i object in view of making them Christians. The lie v. M. Keall, moved the' fir^t resolution " That a .society be formed for tho sup- i port of missions to the Chinese in the Pro- { vinceof Otago." This resolution was seconded by Mr AL .Lei- ; land, and carried. The next resolution was moved by the Rev. Mr Menzies— - " Urging on those present j to use their best efforts in this mission, with a view to an increase of labor iv this particular mission field " This was seconded by Mr R. R. Clarke, and carried. The fhird and last resolution was moved by Mr John Carew— " That Dr Copland be appointed President of the Society, Mr Keall and Mr Menzies, 'Vice-Presidents, and Mr M'Lelland Secretary and Treasurer." Seconded by Mr W. H. Luke, and parried. Mr Paull Ah Chin was also present, and addressed the 'meeting. After the singing of another missionary hymn this interesting service was brought to a close by the Chairman announcing that collectors' names would be thankfully received. - ; A highly instructive lecture was delivered in the Wesleyan Church here on Tuesday evening week, by the Rev. Smoult Stnalley, late of ' Edinburgh, on behalf of the Church funds. His subject was the Bible, how we got it, the trials 'and near escapes it had passed through, and how it had been preserved and handed down to us. The liev. gentleman handled his subject in a masterly style, and elicited the frequent applause of the meeting. The Eev. Mr Keall was in the chair. - A hearty vote of thanks wa»pmpos«d by Mr R. Clarke, seconded by Mr M'Lelland, for his able and instructive lecture.