MR VIRGO’S VISIT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4825, 1 December 1902, Page 5

MR VIRGO’S VISIT.

Mr J. J. Virgo, tho British and colonial representative of Australasian Young Men's Christian Associations, who arrived in Well ing ton last week, preached an imprOvSsivo sermon at the Kent Terraco Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning from tho text, “Abraham, my friend” (Isaiah 41, Bth verso). In addressing a crowded congregation of men at tho Opera House during tho afternoon, tho preacher spoke from a text in the Book of Samflol, “Behold I have played tho fool.” Speaking of sill, ho said there were men in tho city who were playing the fool to such an extent that they wore ruining their homes, souls, reputation, character and themselves. It- was impossible to go on in the world in sin and not influence somebody. A man’s influence was either for good or for evil. Tho man who failed to take his stand for Christ was a coward and was playing the fool. Tho preacher sang several sacred solos during the service. Mr Virgo also occupied the pulpit at the evening service at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, and preached an eloquent sermon from tho. text, • “Is tho young man Absolnm safe” (Samuel 11., 18th chapter 29th verso.) The preacher said there A'a-s never a time in ino world when the safety of young men and women was mope tho subject of exhortation' than to-day. There were in existence organisations which liad for their objects the upbuilding of tho .character of the youth in the land, and it wjuld seem quite unnecessary that anything further should be done, and still ,wo bad to face tho fact with great sorrow that there remained thousands of young people who had not been reached thousands living without any recognition of tho claims of God upon them, and without evincing any great desire to bo of service to the world or to the community in which they lived. The result was that there were many breaking hearts over tho youth of the land. If'Vouug men wore causing hours of grief to tho hearts of tho loved ones at homo, they should put it right at once. Mr J. J. Virgo will speak to men tonight and tomorrow night at the Exchange Hall.