WESLEYAN HOME MISSIONARY MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 6439, 2 December 1881, Page 6

WESLEYAN HOME MISSIONARY MEETING.

The annual meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Home Mission and Church Extension Fund was held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in Wesley Church, Taranaki-street. Mr Moxhtim, who occupied the-chair, briefly spoke about some of the objects of the fund, which he deemed were of pressing importance, namely, Maori Mis-ionsand Ministerial Training. Anabstract of the general report was read by Mr S. Griffith, a student from Wesley College. It was stated that throughout Now Zealand £239711» 3d had been raised last year, of which £lO7 Ob 93 had been contributed by the Wellington Circuit. In addition to the two branches of the mission named by the Chairman, there were also in part sustained by the funds of the comprehensive mission the Scandinavian Mission, English Home Mission, Aided English Circuits, and City and Town Missions. The Rev. J. Dukes, of Maaterton, next addressed the audience. He dealt with the adaptation of Christianity to the whole human family. It contained the elements of imperishableno'P, and was destined to outlive every form of error and superstition. Other systems of religion closely resembled an antiquated clock he had seen, completely worm eaten and decayed by age. False systems had not sufficient vitality in them to spread and grow ; they were doomed to decay and dissolution. A Native minister, the Rev. H. Warahi, of Taiti, (interpreted by Rev. W. Kirk) gave some personal reminiscences of early mission days, and early mission heroes. While a mere boy, he had been led to Christianity, and afterwards he was trained for the Ministry, under the Rev. Thomas Buddie.™ Recently he hail seen hopeful signs of the dyiug condition of haubanism ; and he was deeply convinced that his fellow-countrymen were returning to their allegiance to the Lord. The Rev. R. S. Burne, of Napier, kept his hearers in delighted attention by a humorous, thrilling, and really eloquent speech. It has been said that the most eminent preachers sometimes fail ' in speaking, because they are troubled by a peg in their boots. MiBurns’ boots must have been most a easy and comfortable, judging from his flowing utterances. He was quite himself, and with that happy combination of wit, thought, and earnest appeal he enlisted the interest of his hearers, and strengthened the sympathy already existing for missions. Pastor Neilson, of Norsewood, was thankful for what God had done in the mission. New Zealand was a corner of God’s vineyard. A power, greater than was seen in Nature, was working in the sphere of the spiritual. That power had wrought good am 'ng the Scandiuavians, and they were stil! improving. Ha desired to be faithful to God and the truth. In conclusion, Mr Neilson gave expression to his thankfulness for aid afforded by the Church Extension Fund. Mr O. Christoffersen, Home Missionary at Mauriceville, gave an earnest address. He had been in the mission work three years, and his heart had been gladdened by cheering

signs of God’s presence and help. Under the efficient leadership of Mr Waters, the choir rendered several hymus and anthems in a pleasing way during the evening, which were appreciated by the meeting. The collection exceeded the one of last year.