THE BIBLE AS IT IS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5274, 18 February 1878, Page 2

THE BIBLE AS IT IS.

DR. SOMERVILLE AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. The llev. Dr. Somerville, the noted evangelist, addressed a large and influential meeting yesterday afternoon in the Theatre Eoyal. The theatre was crowded both up and -down stairs. After the opening prayer by-the Itev. Mr. Paterson, and the reading of a portion of Scripture by the Kev. Mr. Harrington, the choir (25 in number) sang, with great effect, “ The Lord is my Shepherd.” The Kev. Dr. Somerville then addressed the audience. Taking his text from St. John, chap, viii,, ver. 16, Dr. Somerville observed that St. John conveyed the idea that God was love. God’s only idea was one of humanity. His will was that all should be just and correct : his very conception of humanity had shown such to be the case ; and in that beautiful house of many mansions the law of God and the gospel of Christ were set forth. What in effect was the sum and substance of religion but the law of God and Divine love ? Many theories had been established from time to time regarding the proper interpellation of divine commands. Various consequences had been shown, but they could only take the subject as a special theme ; and let them look at it as shown in Scripture, and by that earnestly and faithfully judge it. To the poor, the appeal was made as much as to the rich. God had no respect for persons. Job in his appeal for the afflicted had shown his pity, and with Elisha that same appeal had not been unheard. The love of God towards all was developed in every way. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Sou, and in God they had that redemption which was the only and truly priceless gift of eternity. The rev. gentleman then showed at some length the merits of grace, and how great was the mercy of God. “He that believeth in me shall be saved.” Such was the watchword of Christianity, and might it long remain so. The love which God had shown was a great love, a love passing human ken, and in its development grasping every portion of the human race. Like a mighty river, with its many rills and islands, it included all in its boundless passage, developing by the way the many manifestations which they had all from time’ to time seen exemplified. That was really the case with God's work. It flowed with that bounty of divine provision which could only come from such au exalted source. They need not think that the subject was one beyond their comprehension, everyone could approach it; and as God had placed His whole trust in His Son, they should have every confidenoe'in making their appeal. The Scriptures had spoken it, and the truth could not be set aside, as God had said, “ He that believelh in me will be saved.” Dr. Somerville concluded a most eloquent address by exhorting his hearers to take earnestly to heart the truths he bail spoten, his only object being their eternal welfare. At th’e conclusion of the rev. gentleman’s address, the hymn “ All Glory to Jesus ” was sung, and the meeting separated.