REV. FLANAGAN'S MISSION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13661, 27 March 1908, Page 7

REV. FLANAGAN'S MISSION.

Jn tJlie Salvation Army Barracks last evening, a large attendance at the united prayer meeting led by Captain Avenell. In the Queen Street Church the united choir practice was held, a large number of singers attending. To-mght, Rev.J. Guy will lead the united prayer meeting in the Queen Street Church. -To-morrow evening, a large open-air meeting will be held at the corner of Brougham and Devon Streets. The programme for Sunday is as follows: — 7 a.m.— United prayer meeting at Army Barracks: 11 a.m. — Rev J. Flanagan will preach in the Queen Street Church; 3 p.m. — Children's service in the Theatre Royal led by Mr J. HI Stephens; 8.15 p.ni. — Mass meeting in the Theatre Royal to be addressed by Rev James Flanagan,. A question which/Tias been on the lips of many i» New Plymouth during the last day or two is answered by Rev Fred A. Rees in an English paper under the heading 'Who is Flanagan? Jtlis description, was obtained during services held by Flanagan in a building, seating, about 1300, people, which was packed, floor and galleries, with an eager crowa. "In the? pulpit stands a, iiall, erect, iroh-grev haired man, with hard bnt pleasant tenures, and piercing eyes, who 'in^uifctMnit? easily heard tones" gives out ia ft clear slow manner the first hymn.' 4 Then with open Bible the preacher reads a wellknown passage but makes it newer and fuller of meaning by his powerful exposition. Only now and then do we get a real glimpse of the Celtic energy of the man. He seems to be holding himself in, as if reserving his strength for some greater effort. Every word is given its proper emphasis, and the tones of- the voice give the words B realistic .meaning. It is better than many sermons to near him read. When all is quiet he stands; Bible in hand, and reads his text. He seems nervous, he moves About as if uncertain of his ground, his sentences are broken, he seems to be pausing for words. . . He places the Bible down on the desk in front of' hint, then staridipg over it wHh his right hand on his brow Ji© speaks as if thinking at the same time. He is thinking. No trash escapes his lips. Deep thoughts are forcing their way through his speech which gradually loses its hesitancy. The power of consecrated intellect is now feeling its widening scope. The text has been explained, and now opens out for practical teaching. The teacher is showing himself; animation is coming to the ereot form; he begins to move about the pulpit with graceful ease, and now untrammelled, he turns aside from the desk. The warrior, spirit is asserting itself . The " man has^, seen his.*, foe. Every sentence i£j .a powerful dagger thrown at the,, powers sin, and every phrase has beHind* and in it an earnest desire tq see those in-marked faces filled with the glory, of the Lord. The preacher is now in full form. Wiih the ilpquence of George Whitfield, the culture Of Fletcher, the dramatic power of Christmas Evans, and a' touch of fhef humour of Peter Mackenzie the grand old truths of the Gospel are declared. Familiar Bible storied and scenes are made to possess a new meaning;, through his graphic and realistic descriptions. .* . . : . Tears start to the eyes and conviction is carried to the heart. No one thinks lie lias actually preached for, an hour, but he has."