REV. J. LYALL’S MISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 531, 26 September 1902, Page 2

REV. J. LYALL’S MISSION.

3n st There was a very large attendance a} he Rev. J. Lyall’s meeting last evening, the le hall being crowded in every part. The ly first half hour was occupied by singing a id number of new hymns from Dr. Torroy’s n. book, the chorus, “ Tell Mother I’ll be er there,” was sung by the crowded audience le with great effect just before the rev. jf gentleman commenced his sermon. The In lesson was from the 14th chapter of St. ie Luke’s Gospel, giving the story of the e marriage supper. The text being taken r e from the 18th, 19th, and UOth verses, the )t subject being “ Excuses.’’ The rev. gentlek man expounded with great force the vari2. ous excuses made twenty conturies ago, it and showed that the same excuses were e being made to-day. Some objected to bei. lieve on the ground that there were so - many hypocrites amongst Christians, but '. hypocrites could be found in every busii ness and profession. If the grocer sanded i his sugar, the doctor made bread pills, or the milkman watered his milk, then the objector was debarred from entering any of those occupations because there were hypocrites in them. The same applied to every trade or business, therefore a man making such an excuse had no vocation

I here, but had better get away to Heaven at once. Othersexcused themselves on the ground of the many things they did not understand in the Bible, but it was clearlv demonstrated that the honest sceptic would receive light direct from God. In support of his contention the speaker quoted such texts as : “ If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of Gol, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth uot,” and “ If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine.” The fear of backsliding was mentioned as another excuse, but the fallacy of all such fear was shown by the fact that believers were kept by God himself. The argument was well supported by various texts and ably illustrated by anecdotes told in an impressive

fcL CVLtiU. U J UUCLUUIiCO v-wiv* * *•» and striking manner, The speaker then went on to deal with the invitation to the supper, and earnestly invited all to accept without delay, the invitation which the Lord was now offering. Two answers to the invitation were possible, and one must be given. Which one would it be with these present'/ In response to the speaker's final appeal a number went into the enquiry room, including several young men, The whole service was most impressive, the address being listened to with close and marked attention, with the exception of some talking! and noise created by some boys at the back of the hall, The Mission will bo continued to-day. j