Irvine Express. — 1884-04-04 (Irvine, Strathclyde, Scotland)

MARTON FREI CHURCH. Fullarton Free Church was re-opened on Sabbath last. Service was conducted by the Rev. Dr Adam, of Glasgow, in the forenoon and evening; and the pastor, Rev. Mr Kelly, in the afternoon. The Rev. Dr Adams in the forenoon preached from Luke, 24th chap., verses 50-51—" And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them he was parted from them and carried up into heaven." The Son of God had stooped to assume our nature, and in that nature He led a life of hardship and toil here below. Yea, He had also stooped to our death, the death of the cross. Haring reached the utmost of humiliation He had risen from the grave and had manifested Himself to His disciples. How the time for His departure had come, when He should leave the outer court of this world and to pass into the holiness above. In the first place, he directed attention to the witnesses of our Saviour's ascension. "He led them out as far as Bethany." There were no witnesses when He burst the bonds of the sepulchre. All were aware that He died and was buried. It was essential that there should be witnesses at His Ascension to attest the event, and record it for future generations. The rev, gentleman went on to prove and show the aim of the witnesses, both with respect to their future mission, and also to refute all scepticism. In the second place, he called their attention to the place of ascension. In the revised version it is said that He led them out over against Bethany, viz., to the neighbourhood of it. It was fitting in every respect that this should be the place of His ascension. That Bethany should be. connected with the closing scenes of our Saviour's career. How often had He withdrawn to it, and found rest? How often by the aide of it had He communed with His disciples, and told them of their glorious mission? There He had wrought many of His miracles. Over it He had marched in triumph to Jerusalem, and the multitude strewing the palm branches cry " Hosanah, Hosanah in the highest." Human nature is here wonderfully displayed. He loved to wander a ound the quiet mountains in His earthly career, and now He makes it the place where He is to take farewell with his disciples. Li the third place, he dwelt on "the time," viz., " While He was blessing them. He was lifted up." On this point he spoke at great length, also pointing out the mission that Christ bad to fulfil towards His people, with his Father in Heaven. The Rev. Mr Kelly preached in the forenoon from Thessalonians, 2nd chapter, verse 13. The rev, gentleman preached a very powerful and eloquent discourse, upon the well-doing, setting , forth the duty of parents towards their children, ! also the duty of children to their parents. Dr "Adam preached in the evening from John, 14 I chapter, last clase of the verse, "Because I live, I you shall live also." The rev. gentleman dealt with, in the first place the fact of Christ's living. and in the second place, with the effect of his living. The collection amounted to £3O 48 9d towards the painting of the church. The church has now been thin oughly renovated, having been in the hands of Mr Boyd, painter, for the past three weeks. On Monday evening a congregational tea meeting was held in the hall below the church—the Rev. Mr Kelly presided. The Rev. Mr Connell, Dreghoni ; Rev. Mr Fowler, Newrnilus ; and Mr Weir, gave very interesting addresses. The annual report was read, which showed that the church was in a very prosperous state. Notwithstanding the great expense that had been laid out on the church this last year, about £lOO for the extension of ball, and the painting of church and hall. they were almost clear of debt. The abstract state of the finance is as follows :-1, Building fund. £62 16s 8d; 2, Suatentation fund, £170; 3, Missions, £34 1382 d; 4, Congregational fend, £239 17a ;5, Poor 's fund, £l2 13s 4d; 6, Sabbath school fund. £lB 17s; total income, £498 58 4d. A very enjoyable evening was spmit amongst the members. Mr Carson with his choir rendered very valuable aervice duria' g the I evening.  IN the West End of Leeds seventy persons have with in a few days become affected with scarlet fever, and three have died. The epidemic haa been traced to the milk supply. MICHAEL DOWNIE, sheriff-officer, Ardrie, committed suicide on Tuesday morning by throwing himself down a pit shaft 54 fathoms deep. His body was terribly mangled.