Revs. Thos. Spurgeon and Chas. Bright. [From the "Christian World."]

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 43, 29 March 1884, Page 6

Revs. Thos. Spurgeon and Chas. Bright. [From the "Christian World. "]

During the past month the New Zealand Baptists held the annual meeting of their Union in Nelson. A considerable number of ministers and delegates attended. It was hoped that one of the members of the Government, the Hon. T. Dick, would have been present, but pressure of public duties prevented it. Considerable eclat was, however, given to the gathering by the presence of the son of the world -renowned pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. Mr. C. H. Spurgeon is in little danger of being spoilt by popularity, and therefore it may be quite lawful to say that his son's presence in Nelson has been quite an event in the history of this fascinating city. I will venture on something perhaps rather more trying to the self-repression of Mr Spurgeon, by assuring him and his myriad admirers that his son, although indebted of course to his father's popularity for much of the enthusiasm evoked by his presence, hassucceededin producing an exceedingly favourable impression on his own account. The Drill-shed, one of the largest rooms in the city, was packed on one of the Sunday night meetings at which he was announced to preach, and a daily paper, not much given to eulogise pulpit utterances, stated the next day that it was one of the most efficient evangelistic services ever held in the city. The best eulogium perhaps was that of an old settler — "He's a chip of the old block." For myself, I could not help grieving over a too evident extensive strain which was being put upon the ardent young divine. Ifcare.is not taken — and I commend the words to his revered father and mother — the huge tabernacle which he has set his heart on rearing at Auckland will prove his mausoleum. Even a son may not venture on an imitation of the Herculean task of Mr C. H. Spurgeon at South wark. Mr Thomas Spurgeon looked wan and wearied. Ho was intending, I believe, to have a month's holiday, but unhappily there are men who cannot have holidays. The religious world hats as little control over its weaknesses as the other world, and whereever a Spurgeon goes he must lay his account a\ ith a large amount of senseless man- worship. I heard from the lady at whose house Mr Spurgeon stopped that on his return from the service at the Drill-shed he retired at once to bed, thoroughly exhausted, and did not have a wink of sleep all night. This, as everyone knows, who has got brains and uses them, means a good deal. If I had despotic authority in the case I should go to ths steamboat office, take a passage for him to Europe, and " deliver him to his mother." The Church and the world might then perhaps rejoice in his ministry for a half century, instead of having to mourn over a premature decay, such as has so frequently of late laid churches desolate. Friends of the Key. Charles Bright, a Norfolk minister, I believe, who came out a year or two ago for his health, and who was one of the ministers attending this conference, will be glad to learn that his health is improved. His line talents seem to be thoroughly appreciated. I have heard nothing in New Zealand comparable with the address and sermon which I had the pleasure of listening to from his lips. Thoughtful, smypathetic, abreastof the age, nothing could have been more opportune. The best compliment that could have been paid him has been paid by our newly-formed Freethought Association. Last Sunday night these two addresses formed the subject of the chief speaker's animadversions. Godsend New Zealandandthesistercolonies some men of the same mental calibre ! I wish I could convey to the young men of the Nonconformist colleges in England my sesse of the importance of the sphere which Australasia presents for consecrated service. The fields are indeed "white unto the harvest," but the labourers are few. The religious sects in possession here have undoubtedly done good work in the past, but if the Wesleyans and Presbyterians are to holdtheirownin the coming struggle with Freethought, they must not only relax their rigid formularies, but raise the v hole tone of their ministry. John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards were doubtless good for their age, but they both believed and taught what no man in his senses believes to-day, and what no man who has any regard for the moral sense will dare preach to-morrow. If the only alternatives before our young colonists — all educated as they are by the splendid public schools — are a bad orthodoxy, with its terrific issues, or blank unbelief, it is not difficult to predict which will be chosen. The evangelical belief will go by the board. At present Australasia has no "Christian World" with its via media to direct the growing thought, and " Souls are wandering far and wide." May the Mother-country be stirred up to her responsibilities towards her distant offspring ! Nelson, N.Z., NnvAmhftr 3, ISS3. A.C.