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The New Zealand Evangelist

Local Intelligence

page 214

Local Intelligence.

Auckland.

The Rev. George Panton, Presbyterian Minister, arrived in Auckland by the Duke of Portland. We rejoice in the increase of Evangelical Ministers in these Islands. We are most happy to congratulate the Presbyterians in Auckland, on the cheering prospects that have opened upon them, and pray that their minister's labours may be abundantly blessed among them. We copy the following gratifying intelligence from the New Zealander:—

“On Sabbath morning, the Reverend G. Panton, the pastor so long and anxiously desired of the Presbyterians of Auckland delivered his introductory sermon, at the Court House, which was completely filled upon the sacred and interesting occasion.

“The Rev. gentleman selected for his text, the supplication of St. Paul to the Thessalonians—“Brethren pray for us.” From this slender theme, he pronounced a discourse of much and fervent practical piety, such as could not, we imagine, fail to convince his hearers that their Minister is not only a disciple fully versed in all the solemn obligations that pertain to a faithful servant of the Lord, but one, likely from the earnest anxiety of his manner, zealously to fulfil the high and holy duties upon which he has so satisfactorily entered.

“Most cordially do we congratulate our Presbyterian fellow citizens upon this auspicious accomplishment of their ecclesiastical desires; for, if Mr. Panton prove only as faithful (which we question not he will) in the performance of his duties, as he is clear and explicit in their exposition, they will have acquired a teacher of much price, and religion an interpreter worthy of being honoured.

“Evening service was resumed at 5 o'clock, when another crowded attendance ensued, Mr. Panton preaching from the text, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, &cc.' The collections of the morning and evening amounted, we are told, to nearly fifty pounds.

page 215

A meeting of the congregation and friends of the Scotch Church will be held this evening in the Mechanics’ Institute, to consider matters connected with the erection of their place of worship.

Waimate, Taranaki South.

January 24—The year 1849 has opened upon us here with some pleasing prospects. The truth as it is in Jesus has been received into the hearts of many, and that truth has made them free. While there is much to discourage, there is also much to encourage. The people are favoured with the bounties of Providence. Crops of wheat, potatoes, and other food, are abundant. They have two large Flour Mills at work, and they have been feasting on the staff of life. This we regard a great blessing. I regret that they do so little for the cause of God; but hundreds of pigs have been sent to New Plymouth to pay for their Mills, and they are still in arrears. They are advancing in civilization; this is seen by their eating more wholesome and substantial food, though some still cleave to the old custom of eating steeped maize, rotten fish, and other unwholesome food, which induces scrofula and other diseases, shortening the period of human existence. I saw a fine little boy cut down last week like a flower by the plough. His mother persisted in eating bad food while suckling, which affected the child. He breathed his last soon after I had commended him to God in prayer. His mother hung over him in great distress. He heaved a sigh, and sunk into the arms of death.

On Sabbath the 21st inst., I had a large congregation of Natives, and administered the sacrament to upwards of two hundred communicants. The dirty mat and blanket with a few, has been exchanged for respectable suits and dresses, and one or two were very gay, unbecoming the solemn occasion. At the close of the service, they sung most heartily the praises of the Redeemer; and I never saw a congregation page 216 more orderly or attentive in England.—Many who were far off have been brought nigh by the blood of the Lamb.

“All honour and glory to Jesus alone.”

I dispensed the sacrament to a part of the people at Ohangai on the 14th; to another part last Sabbath at Mawhitiwhiti; and to the remainder on the 28th, at Patea, instead of having a large hui every quarter, as some are wont to have at different places, calling the people hundreds of miles from their homes to make a great show, and to the injury of health, whereby the old ritenga whakapehapeha is kept up, by collecting large quantities of food for a feast, &c., and causing great evil.

Wellington.—British and Foreign Tract Society.

Among the useful institutions for which our Native land is distinguished, the above must be reckoned as one, next perhaps in usefulness to the Missionary and Bible Societies, to which it has proved an efficient ally.

There are few of our Colonies to which the Tract Society has not extended its operations and afforded its aid. It is with extreme pleasure that we have to announce the arrival of a large and valuable consignment of the publications of that Society, from which many a cottage library may be formed, and by which much time may be profitably employed, which is now wasted. Let those who are fond of reading hasten to furnish themselves with some of the good and cheap publications now sent, especially let the young do this. This community has for some time been laid under obligations to the Sunday School Union, and now we are favoured with another proof of British piety and liberality, by a grant of Tracts and other useful publications for gratuitous distribution from the British and Foreign Tract society, to which our thanks are due and are hereby tendered.

There is considerable variety and much that is excellent (all good) in the selection now sent, those therefore who desire it may give themselves to reading.”

Printed at the Office of the "Wellington Independent," corner of Willist Street and Lambton-quay.