MRS. BAEYERTZ'S MISSION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume V, Issue 41, 11 October 1890, Page 12

MRS. BAEYERTZ'S MISSION.

."iHIS gifted lady has been holding large audiences throughout New Zealand entranced by her simple addresses on the ‘ old, wiSsßwz story.’ As she says herself, ‘lt is not I that speak ; I wish I could make people • believe that J, personally, have no gifts of ■JIiKSrsM--' elocution, or of persuasion, I simply yield ' ’ ig nl J’ se h U P to the direct influence of the Holy Spirit, and what He puts into my mouth, . that I speak. ’ She says she spends hours in prayer before addressing the crowds who throng to hear her. The distinguishing feature of Mrs Baeyertz’s work is the calmly logical way in which she applies Bible truths. She is most thoroughly acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, and her clear, earnest addresses anil explanations shed fresh light on well-known passages. Mrs Baeyertz is ot a good Jewish family. She first saw the light in a small town in North Wales. There is not much to tell of her girlhood. Very delicate, she left school at thirteen, and her mother took charge of her education, which chiefly consisted of reading and recitation, all of which was destined to prove useful to her in later life. She was regarded by the rest of the family as a good girl, but not very clever, and they are now astonished at the position sire has attained, and the power and influence she possesses. Her late sister, .Mrs Berens, wrote a book on mythology, which was used at the Rugby Grammar School. Another sister is a popular Melbourne lady, who is an excellent musician. Mrs Baeyertz came to the colonies about twenty years ago, plunging, after her arrival in Melbourne, into every kind of gaiety. She and a gentleman, a bank manager, became mutually attached, the only drawback to their happiness being the difference in their religion, he being a Christian. However, she at length married him on condition that he in no way attempted to convert her. Her father was terribly grieved when he heard the news of his daughter’s marriage to one not of her faith, and, as is the custom, mourned her as dead, wearing sackcloth and ashes. It would take too long to follow the interesting process of her conversion, but she has published a little tract entitled ‘ From Darkness to Light,’ in which she explains her reasons for embracing Christianity. She lost her husband, to whom she was much attached, and she was anxious tobring up her two little ones in his faith. Of these two, one, a most charming young lady, dark, tall, and slender, is with her, and is a great help to her mother. The son ismarried in Melbourne, and has two children, of whom their grandmother speaks in glowing terms. Mrs Baeyertz was first asked to address six girls at the Y. \V. C. A. in Melbourne by Miss Thompson, now MrsDownie Stewart, of Otago. Shrinking from publicity, she ventured on her career, cheered and encouraged by a little book of Lady Hope’s, 1 Our Coffee Room.’ So much success at once attended her efforts that she felt here indeed washer life-work, and when Mrs Downie Stewart entreated her to come to New Zealand and give addresses she gladly accepted. She was that lady’s guest for some time, then in Oamaru she stayed with the resident magistrate, Mr Stratford, whose hospitality is proverbial. In Ashburton Mr Jenkins gave her a cordial reception, and in Christchurch Mr and Mrs Kay threw open their doors to the welcome visitor. At Wellington she was the guest of the Rev. Mr Patterson. She had many invitations to Nelson, Mr and Mrs Hunter Brown being most pressing. Finally it was decided she should stay at Mr Field’s. In Auckland Mr and MrsC. Stone, who are always ungrudging in their kindness to strangers, took Mrs and Miss Baeyertz into their pretty house in Symonds-street. Nrs Baeyertz sailed for America by the Zealandia on the 6th. One remarkable point about Mrs Baeyertz’s lectures is that those who have been once go again. Many who ‘ came to scoff, remained to pray.’ Not a few of the merchants and leading men amongst her audience have written to her privately, telling her that through her instrumentality they have found happiness in a belief in- the saving power of Christ.

One gentleman, who said he never went to hear ‘ religious tramps,’ was persuaded to listen to the eloquent words of tliis wonderfully gifted woman, and was converted. Numbers have been unable to obtain admission to Mrs Baeyertz’s addresses. In Ballarat the policemen had to order vehicles off the road for fear of injuring the numbers of eager auditors. \Ve wish Mrs Baeyertz all success in her future work, and trust that the good seed sown in New Zealand may bear permanent fruit. An excellent portrait appears on page 11,