BIG TENT MISSION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 305, 23 November 1932, Page 12

BIG TENT MISSION.

The Tent Mission, which commenced in Broadway Wednesday night last, is already proving to be n great success. Another large company gathered last night. Mr Harry Dawson, the Australian inter-de-nominational evangelist, took for his subject last night, “Running away from God.” The speaker said that although this is an inland city he ventured to tell his audience a seafaring story and took for liis text Jonah 1,3 —“But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the .Lord, and went down to Joppa; and ho found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the faro thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” When the little vessel in which Jonah sailed got out on the open sea, a stiff breeze sprang up — then the breeze became a gale—then a hurricane. The captain went down to the bottom of the ship to see if the wrestling with the waves she bad sprung a leak and found Jonah fast usleop. 'The captain shook him and said: “What meanest thou. Oh sleeper? What is thine occupation and whence comest thou?” Jonah confessed that he was running away from God and that lie believed the storm was because of him, so to appease the sea they threw him overboard. “You can’t run away from God,” continued the speaker. “God is everywhere. Jonah found Him in the storm —David in the dessert—Lot in the fire—Judas hung himself. Those trying to run away from God will make shipwreck. God in love sought you—you remember the conscience —you remember the pleading of His Spirit. You drowned your conscience —you stifled conviction —you quenched the Spirit—you despised His warning —you ran away from God. Running away from God always brings stormy seas. Sin is a tempestuous sea —split hulks and wreckage strew the beach. This world is a sea of trouble just now. God throws you a lifeline: ‘To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God.’ Do not drown your conscience. Do not stifle that conviction. Do nbt quench His Spirit, Do not despise His warning to flee from the wrath to come. Seize the lifeline of His salvation. Confess your sins and turn to God.” ... Ensign Thorne entertained the audience for the first part of the meeting with community singing. Mrs Dawson sang “Does Jesus Care?” and “You must do something to-night.” Mrs Prince presided at the piano. The meetings will lie continued tonight when the subject will be “Victory.” On Friday night Mr Dawson will give his popular illustrated address. A collection will bo taken to aid the expenses of the campaign. Last Friday night some most thrilling experiences were enjoyed in the hallowed half might of prayer. A large company is expected to remain from 9.30 to 12.0 this Friday night.