JUSTIFICATION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 499, 10 November 1871, Page 2

JUSTIFICATION.

(TO THE EDITOR OF TIIE DtTSSTAN TIMES.) Sir, —1 read with surprise the paagraph in the Dunsian Times of the 27th ult., concerning itinerant preaching. lam the " worthy individual " therein referred to as being a " candidate" in the district of Black's. In justice to myself, I write to correct ai:y false in pression] which that paragr;iph is calculated to engender in the minds of your readers. I shall do so by making a plain, tiuthful'.rstatemcnt of my object in coming to this district, and of my qualifications for fulfilling that object. I am a member of Mr. Spurgeon's church, Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, and 1 have been known to him for some years. 1 have passed through the ordinary curriculum in his college, anil you will find my name in the. " Ceport of the Pastors' College" for 1807, as being the preacher to a church in a small suburban town south of Loudon. 1 have been recognized as a student and minister under the auspices of Mr Spurgeon in various parts of England where I have occupied pulpits in Baptist chapels. I have had ten years* of preaching experience, interrupted occasionally by times of j ill health. I came from London to Otago, i in a weak state of health about a year ago, with the object, if my health were restored, of preachingthe go?pel as Baptist missionary in some neglected outlying district. In the old country, I acquired much practical knowledge in divers handicrafts, for instance, that one which is stated by you as my particular trade, but which, allow me to inform you, is but one of several, all of which I am equally well acquainted with. I I had understood that this would add to my qualifications for mission work, and I have | always made this subservient to the one great object of spreading " the truth as it is in Jesus ;" my inolto being. " Omnia pro : C'hristo, et semper pro Cliristo." 1 have I visited several up-country townships incognito, with the object above stated, and like the apostle Paul, " these hands have ministered unto my "necessities " And am I to be stigmatized as an adventurer out of his trade, simply 1 ecause I choose to depend upon my own resources, and reserve my ultimate object from publicity while selecting my district ? I visit Black's, Drybrcad, Tinker's, St. Bathan's andßendigo, and the success which has already attended my preaching in these places will speak for itself, and tell if 1 am unacquainted with the preaching of the gospel. lam prepared to prove my stalements by testimonials, documents, and references to ministers of various denominations', and other persons of known respectability, in the old country, iind in this, who are acquainted with me and my missiyn. I value my reputation, both as a pre:tcher of the gospel, and as a private in livi >na', and shall not allow anyone to traduce me with impunity. By giving publicity to this in your next issue, you will afford a letter oppoitunity to all parties interested to become acquaint-' ed with my iin'ecedents than by mere hearsay, and j.nd at the same time strengthen your reputation as an impartial journalist, lam, Sir, Yours, &c, W. GREEN. Black's No. 1, Nov. 7, 1871. [Any future publication of Mr. Creen's qualifications, must aj a matter of business be chargej foras an advertisement. Ed D. T. ] The days set apart for public worship by the various nations are these:—Monday by the Greeks, Tuesday by the Persians, Wednesday by the Assyrians, Tuesday by the Egyptians, Friday by the Turks, Saturday by the Jews, and Sunday by Christians. The word Sabbath in the Hebrew means rest; Sunday is so called because our heathen ancestors worshipped the sun o;i that day. The forthcoming eclipse expedition to North Eaatorn Australia is one of the chief topics of conversation. According to present arrangements the expedition will start from Melbourne on Novem er 18, call at intermediate ports, and be at Cape Sidmouth by December 7, re-embark her passengers on December 13, and then return to Melbourne with all convenient speed. The Chief Secretary has promised that if 75fK. can be raised by private subset iptions ho will take measures to obtain if possible a Corresponding amount from the Governments of Victoria and New South Wales.