DR. SOMERVILLE, THE EVANGELIST.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5278, 23 February 1878, Page 2

DR. SOMERVILLE, THE EVANGELIST.

Last evening Dr.'i Somerville,, the: noted .evangelist; addressed a 1 Ikrge audience at the Wesleyan Cliapel, Manners-street. The building was well filled in every part, the gallery being likewise represented by a;numerous- ; ahd influential audience; whichi appeared throughout the ev.euihg . to’take a deep interest in the proceedings. On the temporary platform erected were seated,the most prominent clergymen and members of the various congregagatidns.ift'the ,'oityj‘i together with'. :a'- lhrge number.of ladies and'gehtlemen, who, with the whole audience throughout the Rev. Dr. Somerville’s address,- appeared- to—be - deeply impressed. ; Even frbin ~ an outside point Of view, • the meeting seemed truly evangelical, and bore ample testimony that the mission-he had undertaken had ’ hot been in vain ; for -with that style of speaking which sa captivates hearers, the rev. gentleman kept the meeting almost: thoroughly ■ entranced during his • deliverance. The proceedings .opened with the singing,of the 64th hymn, after which the Rev., Mr., Luxford offered up prayer. „ .The Rev, Mr. Reid then read from the 20th chap, of , Revolutions,, and after! afew hymnsfrom the choir, Dr! Somerville addressed the audience.- Hisremarks ' were eloquent throughout, and were mainly significant of the trust to be reposed in Jesus Christ, as the saviour of sinners. He observed that His message to earth had shown His great mission, and on : His .saving, mediation depended that salvation to which'they all endeavored to -attain. The sins of ’the past could only be wiped out through Him, and if they appealed in a truly Christian spirit! they’would not be cast aside. The 1 rev. gentleman was: very graphic in many of his eloquent passages, and quite occupied-the> closest attehtion of his audience. He dealt with the spotless life of Jesus in language which fairly enthralled the attention of his hearers, and in describing His sojourn on earth, portrayed i the sufferings He endured for the benefit of the whole human race, concluding’, his really most impressive address by an earnest appeal to all Christians to take time by the forelock, and put. their faith in God, We might mention that the Rev. Dr. Somerville will deliver a special address to the young men of Wellington at the Odd Fellows’ Hall.,to-morrow (Sunday) morning, at eight o’clock. • .. ■ :