ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10128, 11 May 1896, Page 3

ECCLESIASTICAL.

—» , At the Grafton Road We&leyan Chureh last night the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury gave, in accordance with announcement, a sermon to young men on "The Heritage of Illus-trious-Example." He took as his text God's commandment to Joshua, after the deathof Mopes, to betheleaderof the children

of Israel, and delivered a stirring address to his large congregation, and exhorted them to seek to improve their opportunities and privileges. The rev, speaker was listened to with great attention. The Rev. F. Warner, in the Newton

Congregational Church, continued last evening the " Themesfor Thinking People," the subject being "The Socialism of Christ." Taking 'for his text John 10, x., the preacher went on to say that these words were at the timeepoken considered strange, revolutionary, audacious. Jesus Christ sprang from the people, and that is why the common, people heard him gladly. Christ graduated in the university of humanity. Ho knew all about human life, and he touched human life at every point. He knew how many people were " crushed out of shape." He came to preach a life full, free, and beautiful. He taught the right of every man to live, to live fairly and honestly, and if men did not thus lire it was the fault of the existing social con ditions, and not the fault of God.

There was a " golden offering" yesterday at the services of the Ponsonby Baptist Church, in reduction of the church debt. It amounted to £26 5s 2d. A few years ago the debt was £800, but baa been

steadily reduced by tho liberality of the people year after year. On Friday last £300 was paid off, bringing the debt to less than £200. With the "golden offering" and the proceeds of the ladies' sawing circle it is expected this year to be reduced to £150, and in two or three years at the outset it is anticipated that the whole debt will be wiped off, and the church, school, and grounds entirely free. The anniversary services of the Devonport Presbyterian Sunday-school were well attended yestorday. Special hymns were sung by the scholars under the official conducrorebip ?f Mr. Brown. Mr. Hunter and Mr. C. E. Button were the preachers. The church was tastefully decorated, and presented a pleasing appearance.