DR. SOMERVILLE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 623, 2 May 1878, Page 2

DR. SOMERVILLE.

V 3 This rev. gentleman arrived yesterday - afternoon, and was cordially welcomed at 1 the railway platform by a number of tinlocal clergy and other gentlemen. In the evening, he preached at the Volunteer Hall, which was crowded by a most in- " terested and attentive audience. On the ' platform, besides the Revs. Todd, . Cameron, Stevens, and Dewsbury, we t were glad to observe a large muster of young ladies, with some gentlemen, and we are free to say that the rendering of Sankey's Hymns by this 'extemporised choir was most effective and delightful. Why cannot we always have such music - in our "solemn assemblies?" How much more attractive would our religious services become, specially to the young of this generation, if our methods of praising < the Almighty were less grim and sombre than they so frequently are ? The preliminary prayer having been offered tip by the Rev. Mr. Te.dd, and another hymn having been sung, the Rev. Dr. inv'ted all present to engage for a few minutes in ■ silent prayer for a blessing. He then announced that his text would be taken from Acts xxvi. 28, "Almost thou perI suadest," &c. The persuasives, he said, "f the tcripttires would be his theme on that occasion, and, at first, calmly, deli-he.rat.-iv, and,, we thought, even wearily I for has he not been preaching on more I than one occasion almost every day for j months?—a marvel of activity and eiiI dura .c,j on tlie -art of the good old nTau j lie elaborated his " persuasives to become

appropriate his pers.uasives Divine permission to' come— !the invitation, entreaty s compulsion, appeal; arid finally the sacrificial atonement. The preacher has a most affecting and happy method of illustrating his subject, and there were occasions on which some of his audience were visibly affected. But he is not merely an emotional much less a sensational preacher, for he builds, like a wise master-builder, upon a solid substratum of Scripture, fortifying each position by direct and apposite references. If there is anything more prominent than another in these services it is the rich experience of the venerable preacher who is indeed mighty in the Scriptures. Some might desire, perhaps laudibly enough, that on occasions he would somewhat moderate his transports ; and Hamlet's advice to the players, so equally applicable to the preacher, may obtrude itseli upon the recollection during some portions of the Rev. Doctor's discourse. But whc would care, or even dare to admonish the good old man thus honorably and usefully adding the final copestone to the edifice of a noble and earnest life. Mr. Somerville is familiar to all who have read the memoirs of that " bright particular star," Mr. Robert Murray MacCleyne, of Dundee, who, in his diary, thanks God for the ordination of such men. The gifted MacOleyne—he is long gone ; and if it is permitted such holj men to "revisit the glimpses of the moon, " with what sublime interest must he regard the " labours of love" inwhiel his rev. and early companion is still, ii his honorable old age,' engaged at tin uttermost ends of the earth. A mid-day meeting was held between 1.2 and 1 oclock to-day at St. Paul's Church, at which 200 persons were pre sent. The service was commenced hj singing the hymn " I've been redeemed' by "the choir. Prayer was then engagee iu, and requests from about 13 person! for special prayer on behalf of childrei and friends were read, during which al engaged in silent prayer. The evrngelist who chose for his theme "Be of goot cheer," quoted five passages of Scrip ture in. which these words occur, ant treated his subject in the graphic manner for which he is celebrated. A the conclusion of the address, severa short prayers and the benediction brongh the meeting to a close. During the service the choir sang several hymns undei the guidance of Mr. F. Somerville, win has learned, the art of conducting saorot song. The choir remained behind to pre pare the psalmody for this evening': service. The Rev. Dr. Somerville will preacl again this evening in t!~e Pn-shyterian Cnurch, to commence at 7.30 p.m., which will be the last occasion on which he wil address an Oanwru audience.