MISSION AT ST. JAMES'S.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1080, 20 March 1911, Page 9

MISSION AT ST. JAMES'S.

' OPENING SERVICES. ' A ten days' evangelistic .mission was opened yesterday at St. James's Presbyr terian Church,' Wellington South, by the Rev. J. Pattison, who has ■ recently taken up the work of-his appointment as evangelistic missioner under tho General Assembly, nand lraso already held a mission at Martinborough. The objcct of Mr. Pattison's work is to stimulate tho spiritual activity of Christians and, as fur as possible, to reach tho non-church-going people and lead them into touch with tho Church. . • At the morning service yesterday, Mr. Pattison's sermon was a plea for revival. Emphasis was thrown upon the fact that .revival begins with the Church itself. More and fuller spiritual life was needed by tho avefage Church' member. When tho Church revived, they could hope that outsiders would be drawn to it. ' "Almost a Christian" was the subject of the missioijer's sermon in the evening. After describing.'the scene' when Paul was brought before Festus, he pointed out what being. '.".a Christian meant. A Christian'was one who believed in-Christ as a 'personal'saviour, and ' sought to follow His example and fulfil His commands. Passing on to speak of" reasons why one should be a Christian, the missioner ,said that all men needed Christ as a saviour, guide, and helper. Christ also needed men and women, their friendship, loyalty, devotion, and service, in the extension of His Kingdom. Drawing near to ..Christ was- not sufficient. "Almost" must become "wholly" persuaded. The preacher concluded by appealing to those present to accept Christ as offered in the Gospel.