REV. J. W. INGLIS’ LECTURE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1573, 5 March 1879, Page 3

REV. J. W. INGLIS’ LECTURE.

DR. GUTHRIE. The subject chosen by the Rev. Mr Inglis last evening for his lecture at 8t Paul’s Church was “Dr. Guthrie.” It was to be expected that, in the hands of so accomplished a lecturer as Mr Inglis, the character of Dr. Guthrie would be vividly depicted to bis audience, and in this no one of those present was disappointed, as the lecture, though a sketch only of his life, was full of interest.

The chair was occupied by Mr J. Anderson, who briefly introduced the lecturer. The Rev. Mr Inglis, after stating that for the materials of the sketch he was about to give them he was greatly indebted to the autobiography edited by Dr. Guthrie's two sons, proceeded to give a resume of the earlier years of Dr. Guthrie in the college at Edinburgh. Mr Inglis then proceeded to give a sketch of Dr. Guthrie’s life as a med cal student in Paris, and his after career in the bank. The five years of Dr Guthrie’s probation were spoken of, and then came the description of his ministerial career. Mr Inglis then touched upon the drinking customs which were prevalent iu that time, and congratulated the Church and the people that these customs had now been done away with. When Dr. Guthrie was presented to his parish be was in his thirtieth year. His marriage to Miss Bums was next touched on, and a graceful tribute paid to the virtues of Mrs Guthrie. The lecturer then proceeded to sketch briefly the character of Dr. Guthrie as a parish minister and his devotion and religious fervour, his translation to Edinburgh as colleague of Mr Symes in Greyfriars Church, was next spoken of, and Mr Inglis, in a few well chosen sentences, brought vividly before his audience the enthusiasm with which Dr. Guthrie threw himself into the work of reclaiming the wicked and dissolute in Edinburgh. The next phase of Dr. Guthrie’s life—his advocacy of total abstinence—was then touched upon, and his efforts in this cause depicted. His establishment of the Ragged School movement in Edinburgh was tbe next point remarked by Mr Inglis. With a very excellent description of the enthusiasm and zeal of Dr. Guthrie in the cause of the rugged schools in Scotland, this part of ihe lecture closed. Mr Inglis then referred to the stand taken by Dr. Guthrie on behalf of the retention of the Bible in the Ragged Schools, though in doing so he had to oppose the philanthropic men who worked with him. Mr Inglis then proceeded to speak of Dr. Guthrie in the character of a minister, and the way in which he won the hearts of those who beard him. This was followed by a passing reference to his pulpit work in h dinburgh, and a tribute was paid to his devotion, his feeling manner in the pulpit, and his vivid imagination. Dr Guthrie’s power to move the hearts of his auditors was spoken of, an 1 the attraction bis oratory possessed to men of all ranks and degrees touched upon, Mr Inglis then gave a moat eloquent word picture of a Sabbath after-

ncran service in St. John’s (Dr. Outline's 1 ’burcli) Edinburgh, including a portrait of Hugh Miller, one of the greatest Scotchmen or bis day ; also one of Dr. Guthrie, who forms the central figure of the word picture drawn by Mr Tnglis. At this stige of the proceeding* Mr H. F. Towle, the organist of the church, played an organ solo with much taste. Mr Inglis then proceeded to sketch the character of Dr. Guthrie fee fe platform orator in Edinburgh, giving many anecdotes, told with quaint humour and wit, of Dr. Guthrie’s genial manner as a speech maker at various meetn gs. Hi» power of enchaining his auditory was illustrated by several references to occurrences proving the wonderful power Dr Guthrie p''sse sed in this respect. Mr Tnglis then briefly touched upon the social qualities of Dr. Guthrie, and his fondness for innocent amusements, and sympathy with the working classes, Dr. Guthrie’s broad views on public and religious questions, and his willingness to fill the pulpits of any other denomination. In his concluding remarks Mr Inglis drew an affecting picture of Dr. Guthrie debarred by illness from pulpit or platform utterances. ‘I lien came a brief sketch of, Dr. Guthrie’s editorship of the “ Sun ay Magazine,” followed by a touching picture of his last hours, and the funeral ceremonies of the revered preacher. Mr Inglis concluded a most eloquent lecture by paying a tribute to the memory of Dr. Guthrie, and impressing on his auditors the necessity of nil in their separate vocations endeavouring to do something for God, following it might he in a humble way the lessons taught by the life of Dr. Guthrie, In Christchurch there were plenty of Opportunities for the work to be done, and plenty of work for all in the vineyard to carry into many a darkened household, many a darkened heart. 1 f this were done they would be doing the work of the Master, being workers not drones in the human hives.

Rev. Mr Root, of Greyrnouth, moved a vote of thanks to Mr Inglis for his exceedingly interesting lecture. In the course of his remarks, Mr Root said that there were three Scotchmen who were known throughout England, and indeed in the world, viz., Dr. Chalmers, Dr. Guthrie, and Hugh Miller. He thought Dr. Guthrie would he remembered by his efforts on the part of the ragged schools. The motion was carried by acclamation. Rev. Mr Inglis expressed bis high appreciation of the compliment paid him. He hoped that the lessons to be learnt by Dr. Guthrie’s life would be taken to heart by the young people. He desired to move a vote of thanks to the office bearers of St. Paul’s for their kindness in placing the church at his disposal to give his lecture, and also to Mr H. F. Towle, the organist of the church, for the beautiful music he had given them. The votes were carried unanimously by acclamation, as was also a vote of thanks to Mr Anderson for presiding on the occasion. Rev. Mr Elmslie spoke in acknowledgment, and trusted that a large number would att nd Mr Inglis’ farewell lecture this evening, which would be on Scott,