ST. MATTHEWS CHURCH CONVERSAZIONE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4664, 25 October 1876, Page 3

ST. MATTHEWS CHURCH CONVERSAZIONE.

Ykstjcrday evening, >&«' monthly <x>nvereaaone of the pariah of St. Matthe Vβ wie held in the school-room the' churcH; There was a larger attendance thaa usual, and the reunion was quite a. success. Tea,' provided by the ladies of the congregation, was served out in the ante-room to such as felt disposed to partake of the oup that cheers but not inebriates. After tea, Miss Hamilton favoured the assemblage with a lively tune on the piano, followed by a sons ("Maud") by Mr* Morrin. Mr. Burnham eang MFearnot, but trust in Providence," WitE great effect. The Rev. R. H; CoS. ton, who was accompanied by two Melanesian young men, intended for the native ministry O f some of the islands of that scatm °f eS^hen^ ddresßed the audience at some length. He gave a'brief but interesting. account of the Mission, from its commencement to the present time. The -difficulties the missionaries had had to encounter were adverted to, as was also the sucS«.r a * tte ? ded the Christianisation of the inhabitants of many of the benighted Mlands into which the Gospel had befn inNumerous schools had been established, and considerable progress was being made in this direction. Alt Sough not a few of the islands were vet in their primaeval heathenish state, there were many that embraced Christianity, and were endeavouring to live as became Christians J-ne native teachers were very zealous in the discharge of their duties, and earnestly wished the extension of the Gospel amongst those of their race who had not yet heard or received it. A large number of natives had been recently baptised, and more were anxious to receive that rite as soon as their religious knowledge justified the missionaries in receiving them into the Church. The rev. gentleman alluded most feelingly to the melancholy death of good Bishop Patteson, which was a severe calamity to tne Mission. The natives were under an impression that when the Bishop died they would be no longer under an obligation to follow their religion; but when they found that the missionaries prosecuted their tabours as vigorously after Bishop Patteson's denuse as they did previously, if not more so, they (the natives) at once declared their thorough belief in the genuineness of Christianity, and resolved to cleave to it. The cause or Bishop Patteson's death was explained by Mr. Codrington, who also briefly stated what the missionaries intended to do in reference to the inhabitants of the island at which the .Bishop was murdered, namely—to take the earliest opportunity of extending the Gospel to them. Mr. Codrington then introduced one of the natives, named John Takisi, who, he said, was a true convert, and wished to say a few words on the present occasion. John then spoke, Mr. Codrington interpreting. He (John) said he was glad to see the Christian people of Auckland, who were very kind to him, and shook hands with him heartily. The benefits he had received from the embracement of the Gospel were great, and he wished the Christian people present to pray for him that he might be able to walk in the paths of truth. He had no more to say.—Mr. Codrington stated that the Melanesians were generally very bashful, and wero not given to much speaking, like the Maoris. Rev, Mr. Hassard expressed himself as much pleased at what Mr. Codrington had stated, as well as with John Takisi's remarks. The meeting then dispersed.