THE REV. J.J. LEWIS’ LECTURE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4991, 22 March 1877, Page 2

THE REV. J.J. LEWIS’ LECTURE.

The Rev. J. J. Lewis delivered a very interesting lecture, entitled “ My Trip to the Old Country,” at the Wesleyan Church, Mannersstreet, last evening. There was a large attendance. The Bev. A. Reid occupied the chair. The proceedings havingbeen opened by the signing of a hymn, followed by prayer, the reverend chairman introduced the lecturer fn appropriate : terms, and urged the claims of the •' poor fund,” for which a collection would be m an effort being called for to raise a Bum of £23.

i ~n% i_,jsvVlß expressed the thankfulness and gratification he felt at being once more amidst his congregation after a somewhat long absence, and then proceeded to describe his voyages and travels. Having spoken of the pleasures and troubles of a three months’ voyage to Europe, and of the impression produced by the first appearance of the English coast in sailing up the Channel, and of the River Thames, he referred to the number of people he met at Horae who had friends here whom they inquired for, or who had been here themselves, so' that' the connecting Huk between the land of his birth and his adoption was never broken. He found Loudon greatly increased, beautified, and improved within the past few years. The Thames Embankment, new Mansion-street, Northumberland-avenue, the new Post Office, the Foreign Office, and other buildings were referred to in graphic terms. The Albert Memorial and its surroundings were then described, and the hint was thrown out that Australasia was worthy of a place with other nations represented amid those surroundings. Leaving London, Mr. Lewis spoke of a visit to Scarborough, Whitby, and Bridlington, with a passing glance at Mulgrave Castle and its beautiful grounds, the residence of the Marquis of Normanby. York and Harrogate were referred to, and then Bristol and South Wales. Returning to Yorkshire, Fountains Abbey, near Bipon, and Studley Park, were described so as to bring, as it were, vividly before his audience Knaresborough and the story of Eugene Aram. Castle Howard (Lord Carlisle’s seat), and other show-places were also glanced at. He then spoke of the need of rational recreation to the human mind as being quite consistent with the purity of the - Christian character, and mentioned the places of amusements he visited The Crystal Palace, Alexandra Palace, the Westminster Aquarium, St. James’ Hall, &c. He spoke of the great public singers at the leading concerts, of the festivals of the sons of the clergy, and of some of the paintings of the modern masters as having afforded him much delectation) “ Christ leaving.the Judgment Hall,” “ Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem,” “The Man of Sorrows/’ as depicted on canvas, he deemed particularly striking. ' He then alluded to some of the pageants he saw—The opening of Parliament, the Lord Mayor’s Show, the opening of the East London ‘ Hospital, and warmly alluded to the Queen’s kindness and sympathy with the. suffering poor. Mr. Lewis observed that the Queen was very like the photographs of her as seen in the shops here and elsewhere. He referred to the Prince of Wales’ visit to India, and to the fact that although he was snce unpopular he was now one of the most popular men in Europe. (Cheers.) He then spoke of the political agitation at Home in reference to Mr. Plimsolls denunciation in the House of Commons of certain shipowners, and the subsequent proceedings that were taken. The “ Slave Circular” and its effect on the public mind were glanced at, and the lecturer said he rejoiced that now a slave when, he had once set foot on a British ship was as free as he would be when he touched the British soil, (Cheers.) Mr. Lewissaid he was a Liberal in England and a Conservative in New Zealand, and regarded the Eastern question from a moderate politician’s point of view, who looked upon the advances of Russia with suspicion. Mr. Lewis then described crossing the Channel and visiting Paris and other places in the gay regions of France. At present Republicanism was in the ascendant, but it was thought by many that ere long Imperialism would succeed it, and thoughtful politicians looked to another and more terrible war than any that had gone before, when the insult offered to France by the might of Germany would be wiped out. The lecturer then adverted to the advance of the reformed religion in France, and then gave a _ passing sketch of several Christian ministers England who were engaged in the work of winning souls to Christ by evangelical means. He spolce of Mr. Spurgeon as still holding his great

power over his congregation, and referred to Peter McKenzie and his rough and ready, and at the same time forcible expressions, which often rose to real eloquence, ta Mr. Punshon and his flights of poetical fancy in his effective preaching, and to other ministers. He bore evidence to the Catholic spirit of some of the clergy of the Established Church, and spoke feelingly of the hospitality and Christian feeling shown to Wesleyans at the Conference at Nottingham, of the leading members of which body he gave a passing sketch. In conclusion, Mr. Lewis said he looked forward hopefully to the future of the old country, as regarded-her spiritual and temporal welfare. At the conclusion of the lecture Mr, Lewit was warmly cheered. A collection was then made in aid of the poor fund, and upwards of £7 was added‘to the fund. A vote of thanks to the lecturer was then put, and carried unanimously. The singing of the ,doxology and the pronouncing of the benediction by the rev, chairman terminated the proceedings..