NEWTON SUNDAY SCHOOL BUILDING.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 550, 14 October 1871, Page 2

NEWTON SUNDAY SCHOOL BUILDING.

"THE PEW AND THE PULPIT." Mr. G. M. Reed delivered a lecture on the above subject last evening, in the Rooms of tho Youug Men's Christian Association. There was a very large attendance, due, no doubt, to the triple influence of I lie benevolent object of tho lecturo, the ability of the lecturer, and fine weather. The subject is susceptible of varied treatment, which is sustained by its universal application to social manners. Mr. Heed confined his attention to "The Pew and the Pulpit" as they nro Bt.rtti —to use his own expression—"by ordinary eyes." lie dismissed, as altogether beside his purpose, the influence of pulpit fesaching, the active propagandism of association, or the contagion of merely exuberant pietism, except iv so much as could bo gleaned from what people sometimes call the "aesthetics of dress." The young gentleman in Church, twirling tht? ends of his mou tache, and in perpetual irritation by his shirt cellar; the young lady with the newest hmnct, and so arrayed, "that even .Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of tbc-o," were pleasant pictures. The portraits were very complete. Then there were Ihe people who go to Church " because their neighbours go," " because it is respectable," " for the sake of the children," " to set a good example," or any other reason but the right. These are, of conr-e, the occupants of tho news, who would not like the pews to be seen oaipty on the Sabbath. Of course, the advantages of religious association and cooperation to individual elm racier received a justtribulo of acknowledgment. There was much diversity of illustration, which sustained the intereat and gave something of skilful development to tho treatment. Next came the minister. It will not need to be told that the majority of ministers are excellent men, or that there are amon<£ them "black sheep." Their education cause's them to be sensitive, and their dependence to be helpless. Their humiliations were described, we doubt not, with a thorough knowledge o! the subject hi their visitations they are the objects of jealousy ; in their remonstrances they arc told they know nothing of this world or its business ; their salary is unpaid, and if they press for it they are told the,! are mercenary, and " should have faith." A passage in this part of the lecturo illustrates very felicitously the general manner. " But," says the lecturer, "the butcher comes to the minister with his monthly bill for meat, and should the minister svy that he " should have faith," 'he butcher will reply that the minister, above all men, " should be honest." This very apt illustration elicited very loud applause. There was au impressive peroration directed to the services which the pulpit has rendered, not to religion only, but to morality and general knowledge. The 'ecfuivr . was loudly applauded at the e.mclu-i.in of his discourse, and received a cordial vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with the benediction by the Rbv. Mr. Brce, who occupied tho chair. — Herald. ,'"■