GOOD FRIDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10419, 17 April 1897, Page 5

GOOD FRIDAY.

On Thursday evening the barometer commenced falling, and later ou heavy rain fell, lasting well ou into Friday forenoon. Thenceforward a cold bliistoriug wind prevailed, thus to a great extent spoiling the day for pionics. To those who spent the day solemnly, the weather made no difference, and lane congregations .attended the dervices held at the Anglican, Roman Catholic Uiurcnes, and elsewhere. CHURCH SERVICES. ST. SEPULCHRE S. The commemoration of Good Friday at St. sepulchre a Church commenced with an early service at eight a.m. Morning Prayer was said it eleven o'olook, when there was a jery large congregation, the Bishop of Melanesia (the Right Rev. Cecil Wilsoii), the Bishop of Wellington (the Right Rev. Dr. Walha), Arohdeacon Dudley, and the Revs. A. G. Purchas and J. Kuyll taking part in the service. The Bishop of Wellington preached an earnest and impressive sermon, in the course of whioh he dealt with certain aspests of the Atonement. Basing his remarks on St. John iii., 16, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believoth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," Dr. Wallie <aid he proposed to say a few words about the mysteriousiiess of Christ's death. It was not by understanding the meaning of the Atonement that men were saved, but by the Atonement itself, In fact, it was quite impossible to adequately explain how the death of Christ aaved men from the power of im. Men at times asked was it just tlut One so free from sin should bo made to suffer for sin ? Would it not have been more divino to forgive without this sacrifice ? The text gave an indication of the answer to such questions. God " gave " His son. He was not eeekiug vengeance j but the motive for the Incarnation was the love of God. The Father was standing aside in proud isolation until the sacrifice was finished. The Father felt each throb and pang; He felt the suffering that pierced the heart of the Son. Che Father and Son oonld not be separated; but when dealing with these awful mysteries it was impossible not to feel how feeble and inadequate human thought and human language were. It was impossible to understand why it was necessary that Christ should die for the world'ssins; but then they knew solitile of the real meaning of sin, or the possibility of its remission. He looked to nature, and he saw no promise of the remission of sin there ; and in their hearts they did not see sin a3 God saw it. They regarded itall too lightly. But when they saw Christ on the Cross, they knew rheir sin had helped to place Him there Jhrist died not merely to lake away the lenalty of sin, but to take away sin itself. The sermon, which was delivered without notes of any kind, was listened to with marked attention throughout. The Bishop oi Melanesia took the ante-communion servieo, and pronounced the Benediction. The two Bishops were again present in the evening, when the Bishop of Melanesia preached from Luke xxiii., 45, "The Veil of the Temple was Rent." The Bishop dwelt on the thought that this was a sign that the presence chamber of God was now over open to all His children. The Church did not intend, he said, that they should cammemorato Good Friday by mourning over Christ's sufferings, so much as In weeping for their own sins, which caused those sufferings. After the sermon the " Story of the Cross" was sung. The Bishop of Wellington read the second lesson, and pronounced the Benediction. The music;, both at the morning and evening services, was most devotional, and in every way suitable to tho occasion.

1 ALL SAINTS , (rONSONBV), Good Friday was observed at All Saints' Church with due solemnity. Matins was said at 7-30, and a special service was held ac 11, when a Rood congregation was present. The "Story of the Cross," to Dr. Redhead's setting, was sung in sections, and live special lessons and addresses leading up to each section, were read and given by Mr. Watson, the lay reader, and the vicar. The children's services were at 10 SO and 3.15. At the latter service the " Story of the Cross" was sung by the children, led by the Catechism choir, and again at seven in the evening, Mr. 0. Carder taking the solo cueh time, ST. MATTHEW'S. At St. Matthew's Church the altar was without drapery, except that the Cross was draped in black, and there were black hangings in the choir. At half-past seven a.m. the Litany was said, anil at half-past ten Morning Prayer, nt which the Vicar (Rev. L. FitzGerald) preached on St. John xii., 32, " I, if 1 be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me." He spoke of the attractive power of the Cross of Christ. The " three hours' service" followed, lasting from noon until three p.m. The Rev. W. E. Lush gave earnest and thoughtful addresses upon each of the " Seven Words from the Cross," and in the intervals hymns were sung by thi) congregation, and prayers read by the Rev. K. Haytor Cox. Time was also allowed for silent prayer. The evening service was conducted by the Rev. E. Haytsr Cox, who preached on Lamentations i., 12, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" treating the prophet's question as coming first from the desolate city of Jerusalem, and secondly from the crucified Christ. At the close of tho service the " Story of the Cross" was sung. ST. Paul's, SYMOKDS STREET. At St. Paul's, Symonds-strect, services were held at 11 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., the church being open for private prayer after tho morning service until 3 p.m. The morning service, which was fairly attended considering the weather, was of a very simple character, the organ only being heard in voluntaries and hymns. The sermon by the vicar was founded on the words, "It is finished." There was a crowded attendance in the evening when the service consisted of shortened evening prayer, plainly rendered, and a selection of Passion-tide music including the following anthems: "Turn Thy Face" (Atwood), "My God look upon me" (Reynolds), "O Saviour of the World (Goes), and "Come \i»to Him (Gounod). The solos were " Lo at Thy Feet" (Lindsay), "Ho was Despised" (Handel), "But Thou didst not Leave" (Handel), ■' Calvary" (Rodney), " I will give you Rest" (Adams), " Tho Redemption" (Belirend). Other items wore a duet, " So Thou Liftesl" (Stainer), and quartette unaccompanied, "God so Loved the World" (Sulner). The principal vocalists were Misses Bowring, Buttimore, Hill, Laing, Ring, Mrs. Coatee, and Messrs. Boulton, Christie, Ferriday, and Warrall. During the offertory Mr. B. Rent played a violin solo "Meditation" (Gounod), which was feelingly rendered. Throughout the Good Friday services Mr. J. H. Phillpot presided at the organ, and at the evening service his ability as an accompanist was abundantly manifest. BT. maky's cathedral. The usual Good Friday services were hold yesterday in St. Mary's Cathedral, Parnell. which, in keeping with the season, presented a sombre appsaranoe. The vicar was assisted at the services by the Veil. Archdeacon Clarke. Holy Communion was celebrated at 7.30 a.m., and children's service at 10 a.m. The vicur preached at the morning soryioo on "The Wounds of Christ," taking as his text Zachariah xiii.,6, " What are these wounds in thy hand? Thorns, with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. . In the evening the vicar preached from Galatiam vi., 14, " God forbid that I should glory, save ill the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL. The Holy Week services began on Wednesday by devotions of Stations of the Cross, With a sermon by Father Buckley and music by the choir. On Holy Thursday at 10 a.m. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by His Lordship the Bishop, during which the Holy oils used in administrations of the eacraments of Baptism and Extreme Unction were consecrated. Afterward! the Procession of : the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose or Sepulchre, where it remained until Friday morning, took place. The different religious societies watched in turn before the Altar of Repose during the day and entire night. The altar was beautifully decorated by the ladies of the i parish. On Thursday evening tho impressive offices of Tenebrae were sung, and the choir , rendered appropriate pieces tor Passion--1 time, Dr. Egan preached a powerful sermon ! on the Blessed Sacrament. All the Roman ' Catholic clergy of the city were present. On : Good Friday the Mass of the Presanotified ! was celebrated at nine a.m. by His Lordship. During the ceremony the Passion of our Lord according to the Gospel of St. Jonu was sung by Dr. Bjtan, Fathers Keogh and Crake, Mom Casier and the ohoir, The crucifix waa unveiled, adored, and kissed by the Bishop, clerey, and eutire congregation, Then the Blessed Sacrament was brought back in procession from the Altar of Repose. During the day a relic of the True Cross was exposed in the church. In the evening the Tenebrae was suns, the choir assisting, and ii sermon on the Passion was delivered by Father Keogh. ST. Benedict's. At St. Benedict's, Newton, the special ceremonies for holy week began on Maunday Thursday morning by holy communion at half-past six, which was numerously attended, At half-past seven the solemn mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Dr. Egan, 0.5.8., and followed by the usual procession to the Altar of Repose, which was tastefully and richly decorated with silk tunginga and a profusion of candles and flowers. The evening devotions were conducted by the Rev. Father CGallagher, who preached an eloquent discourse en the blessed sacrament.

Yesterday the Mass of the Presanctifiel was celebrated by the Rev. Father Brodie, during which the usual adoration of the cross took place. At three o'clock in the afternoon the Stations of the Cross were performed, and a relic of the true cross exposed for the veneration of the faithful. In the evening the Lamentations were suug by the clergy, followed by devotions to the Blessed Virgin iu her sorrows on Calvary. The Rev. Father Brodie delivered a touching discourse on the Passion, and the services cloned with the veneration of the relic of the true cross. During the various services of yesterday the choir sang the "Miserere" and the "Quis est Homo," anil "Pro Peccatts" from the " Stahat Mater," and several minor selections appropriate to the occasion. PITT-STREET WESI.BYAN* OHOROH. A united service, representing all the Wesleyau churches iu Auckland, was held yesterday morning in the Pitt-street Church. There was a very largo attendance of worshippers. The opening exercises were oouduoted by the Rove. VV. J. Williams, A. Peters, A. Mitchell, and 8. Lawry. The Rev. H. R. Dewsbury preached the sermon from I. Corinthians, i., verse 22. It was an interesting and able setting forth ot the bearing of the death of Christ on the salvation of the world. The preacher dwelt on the fact that the death of Christ—the theory of the atonement—was vital to the Christian religion, Experience had proved that where this was deuied or in any sense weakened, the spiritual life of the Church seriously declined. At the close of the sermon there was a united communion service, conducted by the Revs. Bull and Best. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR RALLY. The half-yearly rally of tho Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavour was held yesterday, in accordance with oustom. Though the bad weather, in the morning, prevented many from attending the sunrise prayer meeting, held iu the Wesley Hall, at seven a.m., there were still some DO present, and a hearty service was held. Mr. 0. B. Stone acted as the leader, and also gave an address. In the evening, at the Tabernacle, a successful praise and testimony service was conducted, a hearty spirit being manifested in tho proceedings by the large assemblage— The President, the Rev. W. Sinclair, conducted the meeting. He delivered an address on the work of the .'Society. Mr, R. 8. Abel, the secretary, gave a short account of the Chinese mission in the city of Aiioklaud. He stated that though it was not in a very good financial position at the present time, it was spiritually nourishing, The average attendance lit the meetings was 18 or 20. The Rev. J. F. Jones spoke on " The Centre Line of U.K.," which he said was loyalty—firstly to Christ, and secondly to the Church. Mr. Uootou presided at tho organ. Y.M.O.A. At the united evangelistic services held in theY.M.O.A. yesterday morning there was mi excellent attendance. Mr. Brukenrig, the general secretary, presided. Earnest addresses were given by Messrs. J. Smytlie, J. Falls, and Jamos Wilson. The hymns were: —''Man of Sorrows," "There ie a Green Hill," -'The Uplifted Cross," and "Oh, Christ, what Burdons Bowed Thy Head I" The choir was conducted by Mr. Hell. SACRED CONCERT. There was a large attendance at the Opera House last night, when a sacred concert was liulil. The programme was a varied one, and judging by the applause of the audience, more than satisfied those present. The limelight views of sacred pictures, statuary tab«aux, the Holy Laud, etc., deeply interested the audience, and the myrioraina of " The Story that Transformed the World," in which the betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Saviour, were depicted, was also worthy of special mention. Of the soloists, Miss E. L. Feoton was undoubtedly the host. She was encored for her expressive renderin); of " The Nighlless Laud," and was also loudly applauded fur liar second item, " The Children'* Home," Miss K. FilzPatrick contributed " Ora Pro Nobis" in her usual ustefnl manner, and " Calvary ;" and Miss Mary Day was heard to advantage in " The Holy City" and "The Last Milestone." Mr. Rubin Hay's songs were "Les Rameaux and "Jerusalem" and were very much enjoyed by those present-, while .Mr. R. Buttery's selection " The Last Muster" and " Hosanna in Exoelsis" also met with due recognition at the hands of the audience. Must ot the solos were pictnrialiy illustrated, and this of course had the elfectof making their rendering much more realistic. The closing item was an evening hymn by the company. Miss Abbott played two pianoforte selections which were very much enjoyed. Iu the unavoidable absence of Mr. Gco. Bentley, who was to act as delineator, Mr. V. Dix officiated, and seeing that he was unexpectedly called on at a late hour, tilled the vacancy most efficiently. Owing to the great success of the concert tile management announce a repetition (with slight alterations) at the Opera House tomorrow (Sunday) evening. There will be a collection at the door to defray expenses. PICNICS AND EXCURSIONS. As in all other quarters, the Railway Department suffered through the boisterous weather that prevailed early in the day, the most notable falling away being pleasure seekers who were looking forward to t\ (lay's outing by rail. Altogether Home 370 passengers bonked from the Auckland station and about 309 from the several sub-stations, most of whom wi-re uoing on to either Cambridge, To Aroha, or Rotorua, on an extended trip. The livery stables suffered severely in consequence of the rain, holiday-makers not owing to venture forth iu the fact) of the unsettled weather of the morning. The majority of the vehicles of all descriptions from livery and bait stable proprietors had been hired some days prior to the holidays, but in most instances the orders wore cancelled and everything practically at a standstill. The Auckland Tramway Company had arranged their annual picnic to employees for Henderson, and though the weather prevented the programme being carried out in this respect, a very pleasant day was spent at Potter's Paddock, Epsom. Considerably over one hundred employees, together with their families, relatives, and friends were present, and the day was spent in a variety of pastimes, besides which a sports programme, including races for all departments, and for the ladies and children, was none through. Refreshments Were provided by the Company, and in the evening a very enjoyable dinner was given in the spacious room under tho Grand Stand, Mr. J. Kidd, the Company's manager, presided, and during the course of the night several toasts were duly honoured, including that of the Company, coupled with the name of the manager, u special vote of thanks being also tendered the employers for a pleasurable outiug. Mr, Kidd referred to the kindly relations that existed between the firm and their employees, and expressed the hope that it would long continue so. A goodly number of excursionists made their way toOrakoi yesterday, where the Maori race meeting was tho principal attraction. The races were conducted in a manner which, though not in strict accordance with the recognised rules of racing, afforded considerable amusement to those present. The course was in a very muddy condition, and the condition of horses and riders at the termination of each race was it sight to be remembered. The Maiden was annexed by Larrikin, Caloola second; the Hurdle* by Watea, Matepo second : the Cup by Larrikin, Kia Ora second, and Neptune third: Little May won the Trot; Neptune and Larrikin filled places in the Stewards, and Sweetheart accounted for the Consolation. In consequence of several of the horses engaged in wards Purse running off the course, a little dieturbance occurred when the judge gave his decision, but that official, whose opinion at all events carried " weight," effectively dieposed of the matter by abruptly leaving the somewhat primitive judge's box, and proceeding with the weighing in of the winner. The Devonport Ferry steamers conveyed the excursionists to and from Orakei. The weather was not at all favourable for the excursions by water, but quite a number left by the Rose Casey for Waiwera and Mahurangi Heads. The excursion by the Wakatere to Waiheke, and the Kiaora to Putiki Bay, were abandoned. The Ferry steamers to Devonport, Birkenhead, St. Heliera Bay, and the Lake, ran during the day. Messrs. Paterson and Co., 'bus proprietors and grain merchants, gave a picnic to their employees, who were accompanied by their families and friends. The party left the Devouport ferry tec for Motuilii about 10.30 a.m., where in spite of the weather a very pleasant day was spent. Games of all descriptions were indulged in, and an impromptu sports programme was gone through. A liberal luncheon and refreshment! were provided by the firm, the steamer returning to town shortly after seven p.m. The employees showed their appreciation oi the firm's action by tendering a hearty vote of thanks and three cheers. It is intended to make the fixture An annual one.