Melanesian Mission.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 22, 25 January 1877, Page 2

Melanesian Mission.

We have among, us as the Representatives of the Melanesiau Mission iv the Synod, Clergymen who are engaged, or Avho have been engaged in its duties, and we may hope to learn from them the. present state, and prospects of the Mission. And among our own duties will be the appointment of the Missionary Bishop, and hig consecration to his arduous office, to be solemnized, I trust, during our present session. It is a matter for thankfulness that by the union of this Mission with our Provincial Church, Aye are so distinctly reminded of our Christian obligation to. look beyond NeAV Zealand and are able to test the reality of our spiritual life by the. interest which we take in the extensiori ofthe kingdom of our Divine Master,, to regions Avhich as yet are ignorant of Him — and it is no slight advantage to us, to have so near at hand the example of men who in their zeal for the salvation of souls, are enduring hardships as good soldiers of Christ. It is an example which appeals to us all, Avhether Aye are Clergymen or Laymen, for we no less thau they, have in our several vocations and ministries, our own appointed Avork, for the right fulfilment of which there is needed not only the williug mind but the persevering labours of self-denying love.