ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9011, 17 October 1892, Page 6

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Thkre was a general exchange of pulpits in the Presbyterian churches arranged for yesterday, the special object being to stimulate the various ministers to increased earnestness and usefulness. In a few cases the exchange was not effected owing to special circumstances intervening, but they will take place a,t a future date. The anniversary of the Mount Eden Baptist Sunday-school was celebrated by services of a specially-attractive character yesterday. Owing to the large congregations expected a large tent had been erected at the back of the church for the accommodation of the visitors, the church building being too small for these occasions. In the morning the tent was crowded. The Rev. James Blaikie preached an earnest discourse from St. John i.,35, and following verses. He commenced by laying great stress upon the Divine institution of preaching. It was the chief means chosen by God for the conversion of mankind. Singing the Gospel also had its proper place, though a secondary place ; still they did not want less singing, but more preaching. The great want of the day was family religion. Many children were growing up in their midst whose religious education was being utterly neglected, and in most cases it was not the Sunday-school, nor the Church, nor the nation that was to blame but the parents. This neglect was one of the dark spots upon the civilisation of today. John the Baptist was the great type of the Christian teacher and preacher, whose duty was to prepare the way of the Lord; but Christ himself was the perfect example of consecration, love, and wisdom. In the afternoon the Rev. C. Laws gave an interesting address to the young people. The evening service, which was very largely attended, was taken by the pastor of the church, the Rev. G. D. Cox, who preached a thoughtfnl and appropriate sermon from the words "Feed My Lambs." The preacher made an eloquent and earnest appeal to, and on behalf of, the young people, and created a very favourable impression, being listened to with marked attention throughout. One of the features of the service was the singing of the anniversary hymns by a large choir of children, assisted by the church choir and an efficient orchestra. Miss Philson presided at the harmonium, and Mr. Freeman acted as conductor. To-morrow (Tuesday) evening a public meeting and fruit soiree will be held. The Rev. G. D. Cox will preside, end the Rev. J. Blaikie will address the meeting. Sacred musical pieces will be rendered by the children, assisted by numerous friends. Owing to the increased accommodation afforded by the spacious tent, the soiree for children and adults will be held on the same evening. Tbo seventh anniversary of the Helping Hand Mission was held yesterday in the Opera House. The first service commenced at eleven a.m. After singing a hymn, Mr. Hemery and Mr. Wood opened the meeting with prayer, and addresses wore given by Messrs. Douglas, Wood, and Hemery. Several hymns were sung by the children in a most effective manner, led by Mr. Bouskill, and the choir accompanied by orchestra. The afternoon service commenced at three p.m. In addition to the hymns, there was an excellent address by the Rev. James Blaikie, who took for his subject the latter portion of the 7th chapter of St. Luke's gospel. Captain Daldy, who was on the platform, made a few remarks, and referred in feeling terms to his interest in and sympathy with the work of the Mission. Mr. Brown appealed for funds to carry on the benevolent work of the Mission, and gave some startling items of interest regarding the branch of the work carried on by Sister Blakeley. The Opera House was again crowded in the evening, numbers being unable to obtain admission. After the reading of a portion of Scripture by Mr. Brown, the Rev. J. Berry preached an admirable discourse from John iv. 4, " The Meeting of the Saviour with the Woman of Samaria." The singing of the children was excellent, and reflected the highest credit on the conductor, and was greatly appreciated by the crowded audience. The collections of the day amounted to about £32. The chairman (Mr. W. H. Smith) announced that there would be a social evening at the Choral Hall to-night, and provision had been made for over 800 people. There would be musical selections by the Sunday-school scholars' choir, orchestral band, brass band, and the Bellringers. A narrative of the year's work of the Mission will be submitted. Mr. Spooner gave a summary of Sister Blakeley's special work, and the figures are very instructive. She has made 2700 visits, disbursed over £60 in food, firing, rent, clothing, medicine, and board and lodging for friendless and fallen ; distributed gifts of groceries, food, meat, etc., 100 bundles of new and cast-off clothing, and 200 bunches of flowers; obtained employment for 67 persons, and wrote 183 letters to converts, inquirers, and fallen ones. In addition to the above, thoasands of visits have been made during the year, many situations obtained, gifts bestowed of various kinds, and a much larger sura of money expended privately in benevolent work by the Mission workers. On Tuesday evening the children of the Sunday-school will be entertained at the Mission Hall, Freeman's Bay. The Auckland Sunday-school Union has arranged a series of united meetings in connection with the Sunday-schools. The first of the series took place on Saturday evening in the Pitt-street lecture-hall, the Rev. W. S. Potter presiding. There was a good attendance, there being a number of ministers and teachers among those present. This evening a similar gathering will take place in the Beresford-street Congregational Schoolroom, when the Rev. H. Bull will preside.