DR SOMERVILLE’S EVANGELISTIC SERVICES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5282, 28 February 1878, Page 2

DR SOMERVILLE’S EVANGELISTIC SERVICES.

As previously announced, a special address for ladies was delivered by Dr. Somerville'yesterday afternoon, in the Wesleyan, Church, Manners-street, and as was only to be expected from the well-known ability of the rev. gentleman, there was a very large attendance, the church being well filled in 'every part. Although being announced as specially intended for ladies, who were accommodated in the body of the church, the meeting was however open to all , who took an interest in the movement, an opportunity which was taken advantage of by a number of gentlemen, who were seated in the gallery. The proceedings commenced with a very impressive prayer by the Rev. Mr. Beid, after which the 119th hymn was sung, “Saviour, Thy dying love Thou gavest me.” The Kav. Dr. Somerville then took his text from the 9th chapter of Ecclesiastes, 10th verse, .“ Whatsoever thy hand fiudeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge,' nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goeat.” lu opening his address he began by observing that there was quite a multiplicity of subjects which presented themselves to him in dealing with the grand werk of Christianity, and to which, it they did justice to it, they required to devote their whole attention. Drawing a beautiful simile from the historical legend of the action of Queen Cleopatra, who wished to show her great contempt for all the wealth with which she was surrounded, and who was said to have dropped a pearl of great price in some liquid by which it was at once dissolved and drank it off, he observed that many of them in another way did likewise, by casting

away the pearl of the immortal soul, which was infinitely more valuable than the pearl of Cleopatra. He further adverted to the conduct of the noble Roman lady, the mother of Soipio, who, casting aside all other considerations, with a mother’s true instincts, determined to see her children educated iu the true principles of religion so that they might grow up as ornaments ro the nation in which they lived. Christianity was woman’s great mission on earth, as in the education of youth they had the principal share ; they had the hanging up of their children, and it was to be expected that they should all take a deep interest in its progress. The reverend gentleman concluded hiseloquent address by making a most earnest appeal to the mothers to assist him in his mission, and so do their duty to their God and their country. They could do so, he observed, iu many ways—by the formation of class meetings, alike for young and old, and by endeavoring to abate the frightful evils arising from indulgence in strong drink, and assisting to establish reading-rooms fur all classes, where opportunities would be offered to escape from the paths of vice. Another largely attended general meeting was held in the church in the evening, the rev. gentleman taking his text from the 14ih chapter of Hosea, from the first to the seventh verses, more particularly dealing with the fourth verse, “ I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for miue anger is turned away from him.” He alluded to the parable of the prodigal son, and exhorted them all to be earnest in their desire to further and promote the great cause of religion, by which they might secure that salvation which was open to all who sought after it.