MISSIONARIES FOR INDIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10496, 21 October 1895, Page 4

MISSIONARIES FOR INDIA.

A largely-attended valedictory service in c_nn_etion wifch the departure of the Rev. G. Hughes and h*i« wifo to take part in minion-try work in India was held in the Hunoveir street Baptist Church on Thursday eroding. Hr J. Si-tox, who was in the chair, explained tbe «b___>c« of tbo Rev. H. North, who, under medical advice, was ont of town for tho benefit ] of his throat. The Rev. Mr Hngbet, he said, had drawn thoir. hearts to him during his stay here, and thoy felt sure th*t be and his wife would do good work in India. Great interest, he need hardly say, was taken by Biptjsts in m!B«7u__-_rj cork in tbat country. Mr H. Dwver detailed tha arrangements tbat ivsulied iri tha dceiaron to sand Mr and Mrs Hughes to India. The meeting was a uoiqire one in fchs history, of fche Baptist Missionary Society, for this was tha first timo they had ever met to bid farewell to a male mis-ion-iy and bis wife. They were, of course, only too pleased fco mo*t on this occasion, for recent losses from their mission-ay staff necessitated fche sppoo-tu__n_ of somebody to replace tbem, and it was recogni-ted that this previous experience and tho zw_l of Mr Hushes specially fitted him for the position. Mr Hughes, early in June last, offered himself for the work, and this offer, after some consideration, was accepted. The Rev. G. Hdohes said he took tho large afcWindanoe as evidence of tire great interest taken in missionary work. In no other province wss missionary work so alive as in Otago. Ho had met people in tho colony who raised all sorts of o-jsoiious to missionary endesrouis, and said, " Look at fche number of lives lost" ; but be answered them by saying, "Look at the number of souls saved."—(Applause.) Missionaries would never rest till they had done their best to sweep tho hideous caricatures of God out of the vill»go« in India. Ho gave several instances of tbe good work done in India by delegates of fche Christian churches and Gxpr_ft_ed a hope that he might bs str-_T.g-i_x.i_ed to help on t&n cause. Mra Hughes briefly addressed the audience. The Rev. A. Duwdnet thea delivered an impressive charge to Mr Hughes, raying that he had been ozJW fco the noblest, most dignified, and Christ-ike work. His work would require wisdom, and .set, and enthusiasm, aed tbis they believed he bad ; and it waa with tha fnMest confidence bhafc he had been appointed. His movements would be watched with the greatest interest, and fervent prayera wonld ba offered on his behalf.