ME LYALL'S MISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 165, 14 July 1902, Page 2

ME LYALL'S MISSION.

(To the Editor."i Sir, —May I be alloweda few words through'the medium of the "Star," to those who are interested in Christian effort in reference to Mr Lyall's nlis« sion. I confess to having , had softie degree of prejudice against the gentleman himself, and a fear of the ek« cessive use of special efforts of a re* ligious kind. For if used in excess, the special or extraordinary loses It 3 special character, and fails of the , end for which it shoud be employed. This is a question thaV might be dis* cussed with advantage, btit'my object now is to draw" attention to the special services being- conducted Invhe Presbyterian churches, and the Bible reading, of an, xmderiominational character, in the V.M.C.A. every.afternoon, which are very helpful to those who cultivate the subjective Iα Christianity, which I submit is alto* gether'apart from our , '''isms" or the - externals or ceremonies of religion. It appears to me that these meetings tend to the acquisition and the deej> ening of that spiritual life which ia so eminently real to those who realise it. If so, it is more than the mere excitement of the emotional nature which is so evanescent, and is usually followed by reaction, which leaves its victim 3 more dead than they were before. The week evening meetings are characterised by. qualities which should be productive of good. I learn that a regular system is in operation by means of which those who receive good are referred to the minister of any congregation with, whica they may be connected, or which they may prefer—l am, etc., \ > ; a Sympathiser:^.