THE REV. JAMES FLAXAGAN'S MISSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 53

THE REV. JAMES FLAXAGAN'S MISSION.

I The Rev. James Flanagan, the founder of the South End London Mission, and whose pro-senoe in this oity has been heralded for days past, commenced his mission in Dunedm on Sunday, 16th. Although the Rev. Mr Flanagan preached at the Dundas Wireel. Primitive Methodist Church in the morning and at the V.M.C.A. Rooms in the afternoon, he really made his first appearance in connection with the mission which he is about to conduct here in His Majesty's Theatre, when he delivered what was practically his initial address. In the fir»t place, be ib said, Mr Flanaj?.m is by far the • -most dramatic of the preachers who have visited" this city. He is quite distinct from the usual type of evangelist, and has a fine and magnetic presence. With a cultured, TosonaTJt voice, he speaks for the most part in flights of impassioned oratory, which- ea.rjnot. but fail to make a .deep impression on liis listener?. He is in every sense of the word a strong speaker — in fact, one of the best heard here, — and possesses rather a big of intellectual g'f's., which he draws upon to the utmost advantage and with great effect in any argument which he pu-ts forward in support of his comictions. Hi-* address on the 16th was not listened to by what could be called a large audience, for the heavy rain doubtless interfered with the attendance. His te\t was from Hebrews iii. 13 (Revved Version), " Hardened by the deceitfulne°s of 6in." In the course of an eloquent address he pointed out that sin dcopived a man by hardening his heart. The disastrous effects of sin were felt not only by the man who was responsible for the sin but by everyone in touch with him. for sin was retributory. Ho maintained that the day of intellectual Atheism was s;one, and that it would have no resurrection. Mot. if not all. of his remarks were illustrated in a powerful and most convincing manner. From the histories of empires nations, and individuals he illustrated that sin hardened and that sin decei\ed. His pictures from life were masterpieces of feeling and illustration. He compels tbe very closest attention of his hearers throughout. The dehverj of the address was preceded by opening exercises by the Rev. S. Bailey and singing led by a large arid efficient choir.

A CIVIC RECEPTION.

Civio receptions to vi^itinjr evangelists aie not ficqtient occuriences in the Dominion, but in the Old Land, in cases where marked social results have followed the labours of prominent church workers among tho ma-»es of the people, tho ei\ic authorities occasionally extend a formal welcome to the visiting evangelists or preachers. The Rev. James Flanagan, in this respect, has been specially favoured in the Old Country and elsewhere, and he was on the 17th accorded a civic reception in the Dunedm Town Hall on the occasion of the fortnight's nnsvon which he inaugurated in this city on Sunday evening last. The hall was comfortably filled with ministers, laymen, and workers of tho various churches, and his Worship the Mayor (Sir J. Loudou) presided over the gathering.