THIRTY SERMONS AT ST. PAUL'S.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1443, 18 May 1912, Page 9

THIRTY SERMONS AT ST. PAUL'S.

MIDDAY r.K-NTEX PREACHERS. During Lent, writes a correspondent of the "Christian World," I have heard, .1 think, just thirty midday sermoas at St. Paul s Cathedrai, and a brief review of the whole may lint ho uninteresting to those who are unable to attend these interesting services. The seven preachers this year have no reason to complain of I lie sizo of their congregations, and tho .selection of names, which riust bo tho subject of much careful consideration, appeal's to have been very popular. Oueo more every regular attendant, must have bt;on struck by tiio happy way in which the preachers avoid clashing hi the choice of themes. So varied arc the aspects of truth dealt with that one might imagine this to be the result of mutual Arrangement. The recentiy-appointed Bishop of Os-ory, quiet and scholarly; Vailier I'roro of .Mirlicid, with his wonderful voice: the vicar of Bradford. 'one nf tho best types of the thoughtful young Anglican clergyman; Canon Peter (!neii, the only preacher of tho seven daring to rni-o a smile by his stories from real life; Bishop Taylor-Smith, portly, dignified, deliberate; closely sticking too one text,

"Looking to Jesus"; Kev. I'. X, Wagged, perhaps the must (in iy eloquent of them all—one alter anolhcr -these have de'ivcrcil their Own messages in (heir ova; way; and this week tho dishop of Edinburgh,

scorning the use of a papa of manuscript, has wound up tho series with threo beautiful addresses ou tho Cross and its message.

Looking back on tho thirty sermons, ono notes with interest how few, consider ing tho times through which wo have been passing, have lwon the pulpit refercncca to current events. Tho preachers have preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified, (or the most part extempore. Perhaps tiiero lias been nothing this year quite as effective as tho evangelical m-eaching in former years of men liko \V. R. Jloivil or J. E, Watts-Ditchfidd, lint if these- sermons are to bo taken as samples, there is littlo wrong with tho quality of the preaching in tho Church of England nowadays. At these services tho organ is silent, but fine old hymns Mice "Jesus. Lover of My Sou!," have been sung at the closc of tho sernrou each day. looking at the great congregation under tho dome, ono ha® wondered whether more midday services might not bo held at the cathedral during tho winter. It is quite evident that hundreds of people, including a great many clergymen and Salvation Army officers, welcome the opportunity of hearing a message from this pulpit in tho luncheon hour.