MOUNT ALBERT WESLEY AN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9020, 5 April 1888, Page 5

MOUNT ALBERT WESLEY AN CHURCH.

In celebrating the twenty-first anniversary of the Mount Albert Wesleyan Church, it was resolved, instead of the usual soiree, to have a service of song, " The Monk that Shook the World." This was rendered on Tuesday evening last, before a very appreciative audience, by an efficient choir of over 20 voices, under the leadership of Mr. Asfcley. The front of the rostrum was tastefully decorated with nikau's and ferns, intermingled with dahlias and other iiowers of varied hues,, the whole having a very chaste appearance, and producing a pleasing effect. The descriptive readings, which were ably read by the Rev. C. H. Garland, gave a brief account of the state of religion and morals in Europe during the fifteenth century. Martin Luther was born at Eisleben, November 10th, 1483. The days of his childhood were marked by cruel treatment and severe punishment, but the rough usage helped to prepare him for the great work of the future. His student life and varied fortunes were graphically described, also his gratitude to those who showed him any Kindness during his days of poverty. The discovery of the Bible on the dust-covered shelves of the college at Erfurth was a turning point in his life, and when the Elector of Saxony appointed Martin Luther Professor at Wittenberg crowds flocked to hear the young monk, whose fame spread fa.r and wide. The sale of indulgences led Luther to. throw off his allegiance to the Pope, when he nailed 95 protests against indulgences on the church door at Wittomberg, October 31, 1516. He afterwards read these protests in the church, and had them printed and circulated throughout the whole of Germany ; the Reformation and Luther's life-work date from that time. His task was a stupendous one, but against all the powers of opposition he " nobly for his Master stood, and fought successfully the battle for religious freedom. Martin Luther was an orator by nature, and a preacher by force of conviction. He seems to have been specially raised up for the overthrow of superstitions, and the building up of a reformed church. He was a man of many and varied gifts, distinguished as a university professor, an ecclesiastical administrator, and also as a translator, commentator, and author, but greatest of all for his labours as a preacher of God's word. At the Reformer's death the grief of the people was unbounded, and the nation mourned as for its bestbeloved son. His remains were interred at the request of the Elector in the castle church of Wittemberg, but the influence and result of his life-work will be felt and appreciated till time shall be no more. The musical portion of the ' service included a number of solos, duets, &c., all of which were effectively rendered, and elicited frequent applause. Mr. Walton presided at the organ with his usual ability, arid the very interesting and instructive service was closed by the Rev. C. H. Garland pronouncing the benediction. 1 Before separating very hearty votes of thanks were accorded to all who had contributed to the success of the meeting. '