CENTURY OF WORK.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14237, 1 July 1910, Page 6

CENTURY OF WORK.

. —<«pBATTLE HYMNS, To look back upon 100 years of work, is what those belonging to the Primitive Methodist Church are doing at the present time, and the occasion is being celebrated throughout New Zealand, in that vigorous and enthusiastic spirit which is characteristic of Primitive Methodists. The Primitive Methodists of Timaru got with them for the occasion, the Rev. G. Knowles Smith, the popular preacher and lecturer, of Dunedin. He conducted a service in the church here yesterday afternoon, and last evening he' was the moving spirit at another gathering in the church, when "Battle Hymns of Our Fathers" was the theme under notice.

The Rev. J. Olphert, who presided, made some appropriate opening remarks, expressive of their pride and satisfaction in having, as a Church, completed 100 years of service in the Master's cause. The Rev. G. Knowles Smith expressed the pleasure it gave him to pay a return visit to Timaru, especially as for the past two months, he had been addressing on an average two meetings a night, and the call to Timaru, afforded him a brief respite. He went on to speak in interesting style, of the early Methodists, and tho great work they had done in the interests of humanity. His grandfather he said, was one of the first fifteen ministers of the church, while bis father had worked for 40 years in it and so he (the speaker) claimed to beiT J he aristocr!lc r of Primitive Methodists. (Laughter.) He referred

to the great growth of Primitive Methodism, wiueli was more firmly estaulishwi tetany tha;n. ever betoro, Ijii ;. regrett-ed Wat tnero was not more nro ana enthusiasm among tlio worsmppers- A cake of aynatmto would not oe s.nnss among some congregations, for if it did othuig else, it would move thorn, and. that was wliat tuty required—«>metn.ing to move thorn in '■ more vigorous action. in the olden times he had seen .and preached for joy when they were praying and smgingj and if we could c:iicii a little of I that spirit and impart it into the church to-day, it would be a very good \ thing. The speaker referred at some | length, to what he termed "the battle hymns," of our forefathers, and he got the choir and congregation to sing, while retaining their seats, a number of the very earliest of the old hynms, the liistory of each hymn being given after it had been sung, and humorous anecdotes we're related at approiiriaie places. These old-ttimo hymns, the speaker said, stirred the souls, and filled the hearts of those who sang them, and so it should be to-day, but he was afraid that choirs and congregations nowadays, too often sing for their own satisfaction or pleasure without sufficient thought of praising God. Speaking of the hymn: "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," Mr Knowks Smith said this' was the National Anthem, for Primitive Methodistr.. It was 120 years old, and was written by Edward Pcmonett, at one time a Church of England clergyman. "Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sine;," was composed by Charles Wesley to commemorate the first anniversary of his conversion. "Come Ye that Love the Lord'.' was written in 1709 by Dr Watts;, "There is a Fountain filled with Blood," by Cowper, and what was described as a distinctly "Ranter" hymn was "Come, O Como. Thou Vilest Sinner," first used iii 1818. One of the most beautiful hymns in the hymnal, was bv Charles Wesley's "Jesu, Lover of My' Soul,"—" — a hymn which for the past 170 years had been in us*. Another of the' battle hymns was "Just as I am without one Plea," by Elliott. These, and Dthers were sung and the comments upon them by Mr Knowles Smith were both iuterest'ng and instructive. At bhe close of the meeting, which at ;imes grew quite enthusiastic, Mr Knowles Smith was cordially thanked or the pleasant and profitable evening 10 had provided. °