ADDRESS BY BLIND PREACHER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 206, 16 September 1937, Page 7

ADDRESS BY BLIND PREACHER

The Goodness of God Another entbusiastic gathering was held last night in the Baptist Church, Hastings, when Mr Andrew Johnston, continuerl his mission and spoke to a very large audience from the Text, Rom, 2. 4: "Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and long suffering, not knowihg that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Tt is not God's desire that men should be driven, but that they should be led, said the preacher. In considering how God's goodness was abused Mr • Johnston spoke of those who accepted the gifts but neglected the Giver. Who was it he asked, who gave life and sunshine and health and food and rain and friendship? All these things had their souvce in God. V'hich is the greater marvel, asked Mr Johnston, God's continual giving to men who are selfish and nngrateful, or man's continued receivihg, without acknowledgement, of the umnerited favour that came • so consistently from above 1 •Science bad in recent years made more abundant productivity evcrywhere. but we might liear the crv from tlie Eternal Father which was uttered so long. ago: "Despisest thou the riches of niy Goodness.'' The address was illustraled by utimcrous incideuts gathcrcd from the preaclier's. experioneo in mission work. Mrs Johnston sang a solo during tlie service, and bright hymns and clioniscs led by tbe evangelist. Tlie last twl wcek-night meetings are being held to-night and Friday