UNITED EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5275, 20 February 1878, Page 2

UNITED EVANGELISTIC MEETINGS.

The Rev. Dr. Somerville continued his evangelistic services in the Wesleyan Church, Mauners-street, last evening, when this church was again crowded in every part. The choir occupied that portion of the platform to the right of the speaker, and to the left wore seated ministers of the Gospel and others. Sankey and Moody’s hymns were used on this occasion, the choir rendering them with a very pleasing effect, which was enhanced by the excellent playing of Mr. W. Somerville on the harmonium. After “Shall we gather by the river ” had been sung, prayer was offered up by one of the clergy, and a portion of the 3rd chapier of Revelations was read, Mr. ,T. G. Holdsworth announced that noonday prayermeetings would be daily held during the week, and that requests for special prayer mi. lit be made before the meetings commenced. Another hymn- -“ In the silent midnight- watches ” —- was then sung, and Mr. W. Somerville intimated that he had received a telegram from New Plymouth as follows ; “ A special meeting was held this morning at 7 o’clock, to seek a blessing on your ! ibora. We had a good time.” The Rev. Dr. Somerville then rose and announced as his text the concluding portion of the 3rd chapter of the Book of Revelations. He commenced in a low and almost inaudible tone, but warmed u;> as he proceeded, and carried his hearers with him throughout his discourse. Speaking of the Lord's homily to the Laodicean Church, he likened the Church to a dreary wilderness, without a blade of grass or green leaf. Then treating it in the light of a Pharisee, he compared it to a manufacturer of infidels. No enemy, he said, was so dangerous as one who appeared in the guise of a' friend. He interspersed his address with interesting anecdotes, and succeeded in enlightening his audience us to the meaning of apparently inexplieab'e passages of Scripture by means of figurative language. Christ’s method of speaking, he observed, was in parables. The rev. gentleman has a very vigorous and impressive style in his delivery, speaking as much by action as by words, and creating a solemnity by at times speaking in a monotone hardly above a whisper, during which the silence was almost painful. The congregation appeared to ba much affected, and when prayer was being offered up there were murmured responses. Another hymn having been sung, and prayer having again been offered up by the Rev. A. Reid, the meeting was closed, and the young men present were requested to remain, to be specially addressed by Dr. Somerville.