Revivalist Meeting.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2793, 26 January 1878, Page 2

Revivalist Meeting.

; The Eev. Dr. Soinervillo conducted a revivalist meeting at the Theatre Royal last evening, and seldom, even at our greatest political meetings, have we seen the building so densely crowded. There must have been 1200 or 1300 persons present, including several ministers, who, with Dr. Somervillb, occupied the stage. Mr Somcrville, jum\, acted as organist and conductor to a choir of ladies and gentlemen, who had kindly volunteered to assist: Several of the clergymen present engaged in prayer, after which some beautiful pieces of sacred music were sweetly rendered by the choir and audience. I)r Somefville then camo. forward and delivered a; most eloquent address, taking fdr his text, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." The impassioned earnestness of bis oratory was only exceeded in interest to his listenors by his wonderful similies, many of which were' most vividly realistic and true to [ life. His discourse was listened to most attentively, and was the more taking, as it was entirely free from what is called " rant," and though his gesticulation might be considered rather extravagant, by some, yet the ornateness of the ad-' dress and the indescribable earnestness which characterised every word uttered left the attention of but few of the audience open to the cognisance of ulterior things. After the address. Dr. Somerville offered up a prayer,,that the address miuht be blessed to his listeners. The beautiful hymn "Knocking at the gate" was then sung, and the Bcv. J. .Nixon pronounced the benediction. Dr. Sonierrille announced that those who wished might stay to the after service, and upwards of one-half of the audience remained and listened to another discourse.

At noon to-day the Bey; Dr. Somerville delivered a special address to children at the Theatre Royal. There were about 300 persons present, of whom fully three-fourths were children. Dr. Somcrvilie's address was ; suited to the; comprehension of his juvenile hearers, and he kept their attention from beginning to close. The choir jang^, several pretty hymns. At the conclusion the Bey. J. T. Hinton announced that in consequence of an alteration in the arrangements he was glad to state that Dr. Somerville would be able to preach on Monday evening next. There will be another service in the; Theatre .Royal at 7 30 to-night.