Lecture.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3149, 22 March 1879, Page 3

Lecture.

A lecture on the subject of " Knowledge : its importance, and how to attain it," was delivered in the Congregational Church last evening to a moderate audience, by the Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S., in aid of the Thames Young Men's Christian Association. Proceedings were commenced by the ,Bey. Mr Hinton engaging in prayer, after which the Jubilate was sung by the choir. The Mayor (who had consented to take the chair) then made a few remarks by way of introduction, in which ho said he was sure they would, not desire him to make his remarks of very great length, as they would be anxious to hear the lecturer. Such institutions as the Thames Young Men's Christian Associationorganised . for the purpose of cultivating a desire for knowledge and giving opportunity for mental study and investigation —were such as should receive the support of all who had the welfare of young people at heart. He had pleasure in introducing their friend the Hey. Mr Dutton.

> The rev. lecturer started by commenting on the word "knowledge." Man was fornjed, he said, so as to make it impossibleTpr us to conceive adequately what he was capable of attaining. Comparing man to the lower order of animals, he showed that the latter, while they could be educated to a certain extent, they were unconscious of their advantages, and, unlike man, were not proud of attainments of nuperiority. Then an excellent passage wa» given, snowing the wondrous organisation, of man, and how necessary it was he should understand his constitution in order to promote health; and particular reference was made to the action of the blood in its course through.the body. Next the importance of good air and cleanliness as conducive to health was spoken of, and how that good air was turned io bad air by the extraction of oxigen. Next, the lecturer dwelt on the various effects of education, and averred that even in colleges, many left little improved through being kept at some branch of learning for which they were unfit, and it was not uncommon for many to leave college as stupid as when they entered it. He urged on the young men to find the particular groove in which they were inclined to work, and they would succeed. Very eloquently the purpose of God in man was spoken of. After a knowledge of self should come the knowledge of others. He said there was nothing so contemptible as a man who looked on every one else as rogues, yet, it would be dangerous to look upon all men as angels or even saints. He advocated a liberality of thought. The man who said he would believe nothing save what he could see or understand, took a round-about-way to say he was a fool. (Laughter.) He impressed upon young men the wisdom of endeavoring to become acquaintedwith the history of their country and its glorious institutions and language. They should above all seek to be acquainted with God : to know Jesus Christ was life eternal. If Byron, Burns, and a host of others of vast intellect, had but known God, their works would have resulted in much more good to mankind. A great eulogium was paid to Sir Isaac Newton, who, according to opinions quoted, was the greatest genius Britain had produced; yet great as he was, he was a Christian man. The lecturer here took a rest, during which the choir rendered, in very good style a selection of music. The second part of the lecture was then proceeded with, the lecturer dwelling on the danger and mischief of ignorance. In forcible language the lecturer condemned as an offence a want of knowledge, through neglecting to acquire it—it had been said it was the curse of God. "Knowledge is power," and in an eloquent manner, which in abbreviation we cannot do justice to, the lecture showed how this was so, by enumerating the mighty achievements of men in science and art. Few, he said, had risen to permanent eminence without knowledge. Angehr had one day sold fish in the streets of Naplesr-she next day he was leading vast armies. Demosthenes by knowledge could sway multitudes. In rapid succession he alluded to many of the absurdities committed by persons addicted to speaking affectedly and in terms beyond their knowledge. He urged the young to persevere in acquiring knowledge, and said there was no royal road for learning—all had to climb up the same steep steps to attain it, and if the words " strive and trust" were acted on success would follow. To say " I will" was much better than " I can't." In the matter of reading, it was not wise to read much and retain little, but read to enrich the mind. Mr Dutton concluded his lecture with the scriptural words " If any man lack knowledge, let him ask of God." Throughout the rev. gentleman sustained the interesting nature of the lecture. A Tote of thanks was moved by Mr Benshaw to the,lecturer, ,who in turn proposed a similar honor to the chairman, and both votes were cordially passed. Singing of the doxology terminated the meeting. The Thames public are not noted for their appreciation of lectures, but the one above noticed was worthy of greater patronage than it received.