Lecture.

Manawatu Herald, 25 May 1899, Page 3

Lecture.

_ » : On Tuesday evening there was s very fair attendance at (be Methodisl Schoolroom to hear the lecture givec by the Rev. Mr Dawson entitlec •• Little Abe, or the Comical York shireman." Mr T. Westwood was voted to the chair, and in a few suitable remarkintroduced the lecturer. Rev. Mr Dawson, who was re ceived with applause, said be was pleased to be amongst them. Although this was his first appearance in the place, be had anticipated making Fox ton bis home some ten years agn but circumstances had proved contrary. In introducing his subject the lecturer said Methodism had done much for the world in laying hold of porae of the roughest characters and thereby turning lions into lamb 3. " Likle Abe " was as renowned a personage in Yorkshire as (< Billy Bray "in Cornwall. His hero wa^ born of humble parentage, and at tne early age of six was sent to work in the coal pits, which was then thfi chitf occupation at tbafc tim?. Notwithstanding the wishes of his parents that he should be bound to a trade he believed in the liberty of the subject and would not be bound. Tie became, ut an early age, a very rough character and a drunkard, and it wa3 dining a revival conducted by the Rev. David Storer that he was converter! after a. great struggle. From this time onward h« became a changed man, and a wonder to his companions. He was Rome time afterwards elected to become a local preach r and many were the anecdotes given by the lecturer which ocourrcd during this part of his life. Under no circum stances wouid he mi ■>? an appointment. Ha scorned the idea of becoming a "butterfly" preacher (one who kept appointments only when it suited). On one occasion after riding many miles in heavy rain he reached his destination soaked through, and to keep his appoin f . ment he was obliged to dress himpelf in a suit of clothes twice too large for him, and which had to be tucked up on all sides, but this he did rather than disappoint his audience. For his regularity and constancy a9 a preacher he was called the •' Bishop of Perry Brow." His was a very pucoessful ministry, and many were the souls brought to a knowledge of Christ During the lecture special mention was made in regard to the facilities given in tha colonies to education, which were unlimited, and which compare go favourably with that of the Old Country. Mr E. O^borne moved, and Mr Juhnstone seconded, a very hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer for his interesting address. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting.