Brethren,—We, the undersigned members and adherents of St. Stephen's congregation, being deeply impressed with the value of the instructive and edifying pulpit ministrations of the Rev. A. C. Gillies, are desirous that the benefit of his services should, if possible, be obtained for a further period, say three months, and therefore respectfully request the Session to take such steps as may be necessary to secure this end; more especially as there is much reason to believe such a course would, under the Divine blessing, be productive of much good.

We are, Brethren, yours with much respect.

The Carcoar Chronicle (New South Wales), in an account of a tea-meeting, says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies next addressed the meeting, and, in a very forcible speech, reviewed the progress of Christianity, and adduced some evidences of its Divine origin.—(Here follows a summary.)—The above is merely an outline of the rev. gentleman's very learned and eloquent address, and we regret that our space will not permit us giving it in full.

The Presbyterian. (Sydney, New South Wales) says:—

Last week, at the Presbyterian Church, Pyrmont, the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered, before a large and appreciative audience, a popular and eloquent lecture on "Infidelity and Christianity Contrasted." He spoke for two hours, and his sentiments were frequently, loudly, and cordially, applauded. On the motion of Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Martin, the chairman (Rev. R. S. Patterson) tendered to the lecturer the most hearty thanks of the meeting. Both the mover and seconder, as also the chairman, were desirous that the lecture should be widely known as an overwhelming answer to all the infidel lecturers of Sydney or elsewhere. [Mr. Gillies re-delivered his lecture on Wednesday, in St. Stephen's, to a large audience.]

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The Sydney correspondent of the Shoal Haven Telegraph says :—

Now, touching infidels, what are we to call them, and be correct? They would like to be called "New Lights," or "Freethinkers." We cannot consistently call them the former, for running down the lines of history and Sacred Writ to the advent of Cain, who was the founder of their belief, we find it has shone in its own peculiar way; and "Freethinkers" they cannot be, for they cannot drop on, or discover for us, any better thing than we have, and they are only slaves to one way of thinking—that is to the pulling down of all the hopes we have. We are the freethinkers, who examine all things and prove that which is good. I was going to remark that they have met a hot member in the person of the Rev. A. C. Gillies, a Presbyterian minister, lately from Canada, who meets them on their own ground, comparing one with the other. The infidels have a tough morsel to pick now; they have taken to abuse again. But many of then I know hang their head when we meet, for I have been fighting them in my own quiet way as a man of the world. A very good report of Mr. Gillies' lecture, at Dr. Steel's Church, is in the Evening News, of July the 3rd, 1880. I would strongly recommend all young persons, who may have any doubts, to secure that issue.

The Presbyterian says :—

On Tuesday evening the Redfern Town Hall was well filled to hear the Rev. A. C. Gillies deliver his lecture—"Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted." The Rev. T. J. Curtis presided, and opened the meeting. The reverend lecturer spoke for two hours and a quarter, and succeeded in completely enchaining the attention of his hearers, who frequently signified their approval by loud plaudits. Mr. Gillies said he would slightly paraphrase a passage of Scripture thus, "The creed is known by its fruits." He was not there that night to say whether Christianity or infidelity was true; he was content to let each creed be approved or disapproved according to the fruits it had borne, and was still bearing. He would place some of those fruits before them, allowing them to judge for themselves. As the lecturer, by request, purposes re delivering his lecture, it would be inexpedient to publish even a synopsis Suffice it to say, that with a very skilful and powerful hand he throws the two creeds into the crucible of history and experience, and then institutes a comparison between the results, which is altogether in favour of Christianity. On the motion of Mr. W. Prentice, a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Gillies was carried by acclamation.

Redfern (Sydney).—The Rev. A. C. Gillies' now celebrated lecture which seems to have so greatly aroused the ire of the leaders of infidel freethough is in great demand.

The Sydney (New South Wales) Morning Herald says :—

A large congregation assembled in Pitt street Congregational Church last night to hear the Rev. A. C. Gillies, a Presbyterian minister lately from Canada deliver a lecture on "Creed v. Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted."—(Here follows a report of the lecture.)—For two hours the lecturer was listened to with most profound attention; and, on the motion of Mr. G. A. Lloyd, seconded by Mr. Carpenter, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for hit interesting, valuable, and exhaustive lecture.

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The Herald again says :—

In the Protestant Hall last night, and in the presence of a very large and appreciative audience, the Rev. A. C. Gillies re delivered his popular lecture on "Creed v. Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted." The lecture, to which favourable references have already been made in these columns, was listened to with marked attention, and proved as interesting to those present last night as it has been to others on previous occasions. The Hon. John Frazer, M.LC., occupied the chair, and in a few fitting words introduced the lecturer, who frequently in the course of his remarks elicited the warmest tokens of approval.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies re-delivered his lecture, "Creed v. Creed," at the Protestant Hall last night. The audience was very large, filling both the body of the hall and the gallery. The Hon. John Frazer, M.L.C., occupied the chair. "There were also upon the platform the Revs. Dr. M'Gibbon, Colin Stewart, M. A., T. Forsaith, and T. J. Curtis, and Mr. W. T. Poole, J.P. The proceedings commenced with singing. The Rev. T. Forsaith engaged in prayer. The chairman, in introducing the reverend lecturer, said that in olden times the chief arguments resorted to were swords and guns; but controversy was most powerful and effective when conducted as it would be to-night. He was glad to see a gentleman coming forward as Mr. Gillies came, to combat the infidel tendencies of the age, and he had no doubt the lecturer, whom he now introduced to them, would have something of great interest to say to his large audience. As it has been delivered on several previous occasions, it will be sufficient to say of the lecture that it completely carried with it the sympathies of the vast majority of those present. The lecturer's arguments are weighty, and his illustrations happy and to the point, as showing the tendency of Christianity to produce noble fruits, and of infidelity to produce the opposite. At the close of the lecture, which took about two hours to deliver, a vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr. Gillies was carried by acclamation upon the motion of Mr. W. T. Poole, J.P., seconded by Rev. Dr. McGibbon.

The Protestant Standard says :—

Lecture of Rev. A. C. Gillies.—This excellent lecture against Free-thought and Infidelity was re-delivered on Wednesday evening last to a very large audience. The Hon. John Frazer took the chair.

The Sydney Herald says :—

A very large and respectable audience gathered last night at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church Phillip Street, on the occasion of a lecture, by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, to the members of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in connection with that church. Mr. John Macintosh, M L.A., occupied the chair, and, pro forma, introduced the lecturer. Mr. Gillies said that the subject of his address that evening was, "Moses : His Character, Life, and Death and proceeded eloquently and graphically to discourse of Moses as the prince in Egypt, the shepherd in Midian, and the legislator and commander of his people in the wilderness, and of the unexampled honour put upon him by Jehovah in the manner of his death. . . . . . Mr. Gillies resumed his seat, and was greeted with very hearty applause, repeated when, on the motion of Mr. Martin, J.P., a vote of thanks was recorded for the very able and interesting lecture on the life and character and death of Moses.

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The Herald says :—

On Tuesday evening the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered his widely known and deservedly popular lecture on "Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted," in the Wesleyan Church, Paddington. The chair was occupied by Mr. E. Vickery, who briefly introduced the lecturer. When the reverend gentleman commenced, the large and handsome church was filled to overflowing, and for two hours he kept his audience in a state of intense enthusiasm and delight. At the conclusion of the lecture the reverend gentleman was, on the motion of the Rev. Cranfield Warner, seconded by the Rev. W. E. Bourne, accorded a very hearty vote of thanks.

The Sydney Weekly Advocate says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies has been delivering his able and popular lecture on "Creed versus Creed; or, Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted," in the various churches and public buildings in the city and suburbs. It; is so plain and pointed that the Tyermanites and Brightites don't like it at all.

The Presbyterian says :—

On Wednesday evening Rev. A. C. Gillies lectured in St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney, on "Moses : His Character, Life, and Death," Mr. John Macintosh, M.L.A., in the chair. Mr. Gillies discoursed on Moses as prince in Egypt, shepherd in Midian, and legislator and commander in the wilderness He then referred to the unexampled honour put upon him by the manner of hit death. Moses emancipated his nation, and then led them, bearing with their infirmities for forty years, till he closed his eyes in Pisgah. In heaven Moses holds rank after the man Christ Jesus. The emancipation of slaves by Great Britain, the present Czar of Russia, and Abraham Lincoln, pales before that effected by Moses. Mr. Gillies lastly referred to scientists and others who have been disposed to ridicule the writings of Moses. The name and fame of Moses had survived for three thousand years, and was ever increasing. Where will be the names of the Ingersolls and the Darwins three thousand years hence? Mr. Martin, J.P., moved a vote of thanks, which was received with applause, to Mr. Gillies.

Mr. Gillies re-delivered his lecture on Infidelity in the Wesleyan Church Paddington, to an overflowing audience, Mr. E. Vickery in the chair. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer.

The Protestant Standard says :—

The city now is well acquainted with the lecture, as it has been repeated, by request, ten times, within a very short time, and always with the most perfect satisfaction to the highly intelligent audiences present.

The Methodist Advocate says :—

On Tuesday evening, 27th ultimo, we had a grand treat. The Rev. A C. Gillies had promised to give us his celebrated lecture on "Creed versus or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted." Attracted by inviting announcements people came from every quarter, and our beautiful church was filled to overflowing. Amongst others present we noticed the Revs. J, Milne, E page 19 Robinson, W. Bradley, W. E. Bourne, and J. Gerrard Martin. The chair was occupied by E. Vickery, Esq., who, after singing and prayer offered by Rev. J. Nolan, briefly introduced the lecturer. Those of us who were privileged to hear the rev. gentleman will not soon forget the impression he made even in his opening remarks. We soon felt that we were listening to one of the masters in Israel. For two hours he completely enchanted us. Eloquent description was blended with scathing sarcasm, and splendid comparison was united with the sternest criticism, and the whole was seasoned with a humour so rich, racy, and rare, that it again and again elicited the loudest applause. At the conclusion of the lecture the rev. gentleman was, on the motion of the Rev. J. Cranfield Warner, seconded by the Rev. W. E. Bourne, accorded a most hearty vote of thanks. We would earnestly advise all readers of the Advocate who have not yet heard Mr. Gillies to embrace the first opportunity of doing so; they will not regret it.

The Sydney Herald says :—

In the Presbyterian Church, Parramatta, on Wednesday evening, under the auspices of St. Andrew's Young Men's Christian Association, the Rev. A C. Gillies delivered a singularly able lecture on "The Cause and Cure of Drunkenness." The Rev. J. D. Murray presided, and, despite the counter attractions in town, the attendance was good. The lecture occupied nearly two hours in delivery, and was listened to with tokens of deep interest. At its close, on the motion of Mr. Hugh Taylor, M.L.A., seconded by Mr. Byrnes, a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.

The Newcastle Herald says :—

The Cause and Cuke of Intemperance.—Last evening the Rev. A. C Gillies (from America) gave a very interesting lecture on the above subject at the Protestant Hall. The chair was occupied by Alderman Joseph Creer. There was a very good attendance. The rev. gentleman insisted upon total abstinence being the only cure. The real cause was man's innate depravity; the supplying of drink to the individual was but the secondary cause. The subject was most ably handled by the lecturer, and he was warmly applauded at its close. It is very probable that he will lecture again in this city before long, when no doubt he will be equally well received.

The same paper says again :—

Creed Versus Creed.—Last evening the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered his well known and interesting lecture, entitled "Creed v. Creed," at the Hunter street Presbyterian Church. The Rev. W. Bain occupied the chair, and there was a crowded attendance. The rev. lecturer proceeded to enter at considerable length into his subject favouring those present with a discourse, alike eloquent and logical, in defence of the principles of Christianity as compared with the grim arguments and objections forthcoming from a freethinking and atheistical standpoint. His utterances were frequently applauded, those present evidently appreciating fully the argumentative discourse afforded them.

After a verbatim report of the lecture, the Shoal Haven Telegraph says :—

The Rev. K. A. Comer said that the night had advanced so far he would not delay to express in full his appreciation of the able lecture they had just listened to. He was liberal in thought, and felt that the Christian creed did not impose any restriction to the most scrutinous inquiry, and while he felt thus page 20 unbiassed, as it were, he every now and then, as the lecturer pursued hit interrogations, felt as if he must exclaim, "you've got him there, you've get him." He moved a vote of thanks.

The Rev. F. R. Elder B.A., (Church of England), briefly seconded. The lecture was able and exhaustive. The old Latin proverb, "that nothing can be generated from nothing" was forcibly and clearly maintained in the side the lecture had taken. He seconded the motion, which was put and carried in due form.

The Wollongong Mercury says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, of America, will deliver his celebrated lectured "Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity analysed and contrasted," is the Presbyterian Church, Wollongong, on Tuesday evening, 10th instant, at 7.30

The Wollongong Argus says :—

"Christianity versus Infidelity."—On Tuesday evening the Rev. A.C Gillies—a gentleman who has attained considerable eminence both in the United States and Canada—delivered a lecture on the above subject in the Presbyterian Church. At the appointed hour the attendance was very large, the church being very comfortably filled. The Rev. Mr. Waugh, who presided, introduced the lecturer.—(Here follows a report of the lecture). The lecture, which was listed to with the deepest attention, occupied two hours in the delivery, and the rev. gentleman was frequently applauded. It is to be hoped that the Rev Mr Gillies may be induced to re-deliver the same lecture before leaving town.

The Wollongong Mercury (New South Wales) says :—

On Tuesday evening, the Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Canada, delivered, in the Presbyterian Church, his celebrated lecture on "Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted." There was a good attendance and the chair was occupied by the Rev. R. H. Waugh, who introduced the lecturer in suitable terms.

(Here follows a full report.)

The delivery of the lecture occupied two hours. Several of the remarks made were loudly applauded, and at the close of the lecture Mr. Gillies received quite an ovation. Indeed, so deservedly well pleased with the lecture was the audience, that we have little doubt fully as large a number of persons will again attend it, as it is to be re delivered in this town by Mr. Gillies.

In an Editorial Note the Mercury adds :—

"Creed Versus Creed."—Many of our readers will be pleased to notice that the Rev. Mr. Gillies has consented to re-deliver in this town his masterly lecture on "Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted." Mr. Gillies was on his way to Shoal Haven when he lectured have on Tuesday evening, and several of our townspeople and others, hearing that he was returning to Sydney this way, requested that he should again deliver the lecture in Wollongong. The rev. gentleman complied, and will repeat the lecture in the Presbyterian Church on Monday evening, as announced in our advertising columns. It may be stated that by special requests Mr. Gillies has already deli- page 21 vered this lecture nearly twenty times in Sydney and the suburbs. And as this will be the last opportunity of listening to it in this town (Mr. Gillies being about to leave the colony), all who have any desire to hear Christianity and Infidelity analysed and contrasted in a popular and most able manner should not lose the present opportunity. Lengthy as may appear our report of the lecture in this issue, it falls far short of the full text of the discourse.

Again the Mercury says :—

"Creed Versus Creed."—Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Canada, re-delivered his lecture on "Creed versus Creed, or Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted," in the Presbyterian Church, on Monday evening last. This second delivery of the lecture in Wollongong took place in compliance with the special request of several persons here that such should be done. In the absence of the Rev. R. H. Waugh at Sydney, Mr. John Richardson occupied the chair, and introduced the lecturer by a few appropriate remarks. Mr. Gillies then proceeded to deliver his lecture, and occupied two hours and twenty minutes in doing so, or twenty minutes longer than in the previous instance. The rev. gentleman was frequently applauded in the course of his remarks, and at the close of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him, on the motion of Mr. John Walker, seconded by Mr. George Hewlett. Mr. Gillies' acknowledgment of the vote of thanks concluded the proceedings.

The Wollongong Argus adds :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Canada, delivered an eloquent and impressive lecture on the above subject, on Tuesday evening week last (and re-delivered it on Monday night last), in the Wollongong Presbyterian Church, before a very large and attentive audience. The reverend and learned lecturer has a fine clear voice, at times supremely eloquent, and was frequently applauded during his masterly delivery. The Rev. Mr. Waugh occupied the chair, and in a few brief but appropriate remarks, introduced the lecturer to the meeting.

After a full report, the Argus says :—

The reverend gentleman concluded an able and eloquent discourse lasting over two hours, by urging upon his hearers not to confound Christianity with base imitations, but to take it as it is, established by Christ, and to hold fast that which was good. Mr. Gillies resumed his seat amidst loud applause.

The Burrangong Chronicle (New South Wales) says :—

It will be seen by our advertising columns that the services at the local Presbyterian Church on to-morrow will be conducted by Rev. Mr. Gillies, and that on the following evening he will deliver a lecture in the same building', the subject being "Creed versus Creed." We have been informed that the matter of all this gentleman's discourses is excellent, and in consequence that whenever he is announced to lecture or preach, large audiences are sure to be present.

The Burrangong Argus says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies will conduct service in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, the 7th inst. (morning and evening), and on Monday evening, the 8th, will deliver his celebrated lecture, "Creed versus Creed," in the same budding, at 8 o'clock.

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After an excellent report of the lecture, the Argus adds :—

Mr. Gillies, after an eloquent speech of over two hours' duration concluded by an exhortation to choose the Christian creed, which had shown itself by bringing forth good fruit, in preference to that of the infidel which had nothing to offer in this world, and neither joy nor punishment beyond the grave. The lecturer was listened to with close attention, and frequently applauded, and on resuming his seat was greeted with long and hearty cheers. A vote of thanks to Mr. Gillies for his able lecture, having been moved by the Rev. Mr. Swift seconded by Rev. Mr. Tweedie, carried by acclamation, and suitably acknowledged a similar reward was accorded the chairman, and the proceedings closed with the benediction.

The Sydney Presbyterian says :—

Rev. A. C. Gillies.—We should have noticed sooner the lecture on Temperance, given by this minister at Shoal Haven; Mr. J. McArthur in the chair. The Nowra Telegraph says :—"The lecturer began by affirming that alcohol, which was a poison, was not for indiscrimate use, and should be confined to the apothecary's shelf. Next he proceeded to inquire how the patient, Society which is ill of the disease of drunkenness, was to be cured. Society, he said must adopt either of three courses—(1) To drink immoderately; (*2) to drink moderately, or (3) to become total abstainers. He did not think any one could suggest a fourth remedy. The first he discarded as unworthy of consideration; the second he dealt with very fully and ably by close argumentive and conclusive reasoning, showing that "moderation" had been tried for four thousand years and that it had signally failed, for all drunkards owed their disease to the moderate drinker's prescription. There was much pungent sarcasm in the lecturer's interrogations in quest of a standard of moderation from the advocates of that ever-varying chimera of moderation in the use of intoxicating liquors and after an examination of the financial returns, and prison records, of Canada the United States, Great Britain, and parts of Australia, in support of his conclusions as to the necessity of a radical reform in the customs of society, which total abstinence alone could bring about, he urged on all total abstinence. The lecture occupied two hours, and was thoroughly original. After a vote of thanks, on the motion of the Rev. F. Elder, B.A., seconded by Mr. J. Aldcorn the company dispersed.

The Sydney Daily Telegraph says :—

A lecture was delivered by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, at the Temperance Hall, last night, on "The Scientific and the Scripture Testimonies as to the Origin, Development, and Government, of Nature." There was a very good attendance and the chair was occupied by the Hon. W. Foster, M.L.A. The rev. lecturer, who was attentively listened to, and frequently applauded, maintained that that was no conflict between the facts of science and the teachings of the Bible, and quoted nearly every known authority in the scientific world as agreeing with the Scriptural writings on the subjects of the age of the earth, the beginning of Nature, the indefinite period ascribed to geological formation, nebula hypothesis origin of Nature, darkness, matter, motion, light and heat, laws of Nature, & Mr. Gillies ridiculed the writings of Ingersoll and other infidels, and said he had waited for some time to expose the ignorance of Mr. C. Bright, but that gentleman would not give him an opportunity. The lecturer concluded with an allegorical representation of "Moses receiving and thanking the Scientists at the door of the Temple of Truth." Rev. David Galloway proposed, and Mr. W. F. Martin, M.L.A., seconded, a cordial vote of thanks to the rev. lecturer. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

page 23

The Goulburn Penny Post (New South Wales) says :—

We would again remind our readers of the famous lecture on Creed versus Creed, which the Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Sydney, purposes delivering in the Lecture-hall, Goldsmith street, to-morrow (Friday) evening. The chair will be taken at 8 o'clock; and, considering the great ability of the lecturer, together with the fact of no charge being made for admission, there will, doubtless, be a large attendance.

Again, the Post says :—

An intellectual treat was afforded to about one hundred and sixty in the Lecture-hall, Goldsmith street, when the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered his celebrated lecture, "Creed versus Creed." The Rev. Francis Tait presided; and after the Rev. A. M. Tait had offered prayer, he introduced the lecturer, who, after a few introductory remarks, went into the subject, which he divided into two parts as a means of argument. He showed that people must have a creed of some kind, be it what it may. He drew a comparison between infidelity and Christianity, and showed what the earth would become if infidelity reigned; and also what it is through Christianity. He cited the difference between the two. He drew a vivid picture of an infidel's death-bed and burial; also, as a contrast, the death bed of a Christian. He proved that infidels did not exercise charity, or establish philanthropic institutions. He ridiculed Darwin's theory of the origin of man; and, side by side, he showed the Christian belief of the origin of mankind. He gave some practical illustrations of the character of the eminent men of the past, and also of modern times; and proved by facts that they were Christians. He dwelt largely on the work of the infidels, and also of Christians. He drew a vivid description of after life, as accepted by both the infidels and Christians. He regretted that vice in Sydney was so rampant. We regret we cannot give a full report of the lecture, which was one of the best we have heard in Goulburn. The reverend lecturer, wherever he has delivered this famous lecture, has received the favourable criticisms of the Press; and from what we beard last evening, we must endorse such favourable remarks that have been made. The lecturer fully convinced us that he was not only an orator of a high order, but a wit and humourist; and although the lecture took two hours in its delivery, an audience could not tire even if it was twice as long, as the whole of the lecture is so full of interest, and the lecturer knows so well how to enchain the attention of an audience. After the usual vote of thanks had been carried, the meeting closed with the Benediction.

The Sydney Presbyterian says :—

Boys and Girls of to-Day, the Men and Women of to-Morrow.—Our young readers will be pleased with the following portion of a lecture on the subject, given in Sydney by one whom some of us have seen and heard—the Rev. A. C. Gillies. He has gone to Victoria, but by the Press he still speaks in New South Wales. (Here followed the "portion" referred to above).

The Geelong (Victoria) Advertiser says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Canada, now on a tour through the Colonies, preached to a large congregation in Ryrie Street Presbyterian Church last evening, and will this and to-morrow evenings in the same church deliver lectures on "Creed v. Creed; or, Christianity or Infidelity—Which?"—lectures which have achieved for him fame in the United States, and, more recently, in Sydney. The lecture will commence at 8 o'clock each evening.

page 24

The Geelong Times says:—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies continues his excellent lecture on "Creed versus Creed" at the Ryrie Street Presbyterian Church last evening. There was a excellent attendance, and the forcible and interesting remarks of the [unclear: revere] gentleman were listened to with marked attention.

The Geelong Advertiser says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered, at the Ryrie Street Presbyterian [unclear: Chur] last evening, the second of two lectures entitled, "Creed versus Creed; or Christianity or Infidelity—Which The church was filled with an attentive body of listeners, and the arguments advanced by the able lecturer in support of his views were delivered in a style which made them very plain to all present, [unclear: T] reverend gentleman has the gift of being able to maintain the interest of his hearers from the commencement to the conclusion of his addresses, and the originality of the metaphors he brings forward, and the fluency of the language with which he clothes the subjects he treats, render it a pleasure to listen to [unclear: hi] Mr. Gillies has lately lectured with success in Sydney, and his fame preceded him here.

The Ararat Advertiser (Victoria) says :—

In accordance with an announcement the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered a lecture at the Wesley an Schoolroom, on Tuesday evening, the subject being "Christianity or Infidelity—Which?" The attendance was somewhat limited but the remarks of the reverend gentleman were listened to most attentively Without making any pretence to originality of conception or argument, the Rev Mr. Gillies in a very impressive manner contrasted the two opposing belief-Christianity and infidelity. He urged upon his hearers that faith was inherent in all, and those who were not possessed of it in the great truths of [unclear: Christian] were more blindly credulous in the fallacious doctrines of some infinitely worthy creed. Taking the starting point from this fact that faith is [unclear: inherent] all mankind, and consequently all believed in some creed, the reverend lecture at great length proceeded to contrast the great works of the Christian Church and the benefits that had arisen therefrom with the evils that are directly attributable to infidelity, dwelling also upon the life of the believer and the atheist. Mr. Gillies maintained the interest of his hearers all through, and the times his language was marked by a vigour that is seldom noticeable in the clergy of Victoria, and which could not fail to leave a marked impression [unclear: upon] audience. At the close of the lecture the reverend gentleman announced the he had merely started his subject, and would continue his discourse on the following evening. On that occasion Mr. Gillies further contrasted the two creeds, and concluded an eloquent address by an impressive description of the [unclear: death] burial of an infidel and a Christian. A cordial vote of thanks to the lecture terminated the proceedings.

The Narracoorte Herald (South Australia) says :—

The Rev. Mr. Gillies, who is expected to preach in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, and to take charge of the congregation for one or [unclear: perhaps] months, comes to us with a good reputation as a talented and popular preaches He has lately been delighting the good folks at Hamilton, not only by his [unclear: ab] in the pulpit but as a public lecturer. No doubt our Presbyterian [unclear: friend] turn out well on Sunday and give him a courteous welcome.

page 25

The Mount Gambier Star says:—

On Sunday last the Rev. A. C. Gillies preached in the Presbyterian Church, Mount Gambier. The sermons were able ones, showing much originality of thought and a large capacity for analysing the Scriptures.—(Here follows a report of the sermons.)

The Mount Gambier (South Australia) Border Watch says :—

The Rev. Mr. Gillies conducted the services of the Presbyterian Church here on Sunday last. His style of preaching is the conversational, and his sermons were highly interesting and instructive.

The Hobart Mercury (Van Dieman's Land, or Tasmania) says :—

Creed v. Creed.—A lecture on the subject of "Creed v. Creed, or Christianity v. Infidelity," was delivered in the Memorial Hall, Brisbane street, yesterday evening, by the Rev. Mr. Gillies, from Canada. The Rev. W. C. Robinson occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the lecturer We regret to say that the attendance was not commensurate with the merit of the lecture, which was a complete exposure of the poor foundation on which the creed of Infidelity is built.

In the Report of the Twenty-sixth Anniversary of the Tasmanian Temperance Alliance is the following item :—

In the month of June last (1881) your Committee took advantage of the presence of a visitor to these Colonies—the Rev. A. C. Gillies, a Presbyterian minister from Canada—and engaged him to deliver two interesting and instructive lectures in your rooms on "The Cause and Cure of Drunkenness."

The Launceston (Tasmania) Examiner says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, who is on a visit to this Colony from Canada, delivered a very interesting lecture at Chalmers Schoolroom last night, the subject being Christianity and Infidelity, analysed and contrasted. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Jas. Lindsay. Mr. Gillies dealt very exhaustively with his subject, and analysed the two creeds in an argumentative manner, his points of contrast being worked out with telling effect.

The Adelaide (South Australia) Register says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, Presbyterian minister from Canada, who is making a tour of the Colonies, arrived in Adelaide by the R.M.S. Cathay on Thursday, to fill the pulpit at St. Andrew's Church for a few Sundays. Mr. Gillies has achieved considerable fame as a lecturer in America and the Colonies.

The Gawler Bunyip (South Australia) says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, who is announced to lecture two nights next week at the Institute, is highly spoken of, and a treat may be anticipated.

page 26

The Gawler Bunyip says :—

On Monday last a lecture was delivered in the Institute Hall, by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, of America, on "Christianity and Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of History and Reason." The lectures were frequently and heartily applauded.

The Gawler Standard says :—

Creed v. Creed.—A lecture was delivered on "Creed v. [unclear: Creed;] Christianity and Infidelity weighed in the Scales of History," in the Institute Hall, Gawler, by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, traveller and lecturer, from America The lecture occupied two evenings in the delivery. . . . . . The revered lecturer managed to secure the undivided attention of his listeners, who listened without flagging to his cogent arguments.

The Kapunda Herald (South Australia) says :—

"Creed Versus Creed."—We would direct the attention of our readers to the announcement appearing in another column, that the Rev. A. C. Gillies will on Sunday next deliver a lecture on "Creed versus Creed." We have seen some of the notices given of the lecture by the press of America and New South Wales, which all bear testimony to its excellence, and the ability of the lecturer, Two lectures will be given—in the morning at the Congregational Church, and in the evening at the Wesleyan Church.

The Laura (South Australia) correspondent of the Adelaide

Daily Advertiser telegraphs:—

Laura, August 17 (1881).

The Rev. Mr. Gillies gave a lecture last night at the Wesleyan Chapel on Infidelity. The subject was treated in a masterly manner. A large number of persons were present.

The Laura correspondent of the Adelaide Daily Register telegraphs :—

Laura, August 17.

The Rev. Mr. Gillies, of Canada, has been lecturing for the last [unclear: t] evenings on Religion versus Infidelity before large audiences. The lectures were highly interesting, and are considered the best ever delivered here.

The Gladstone (South Australia) correspondent of the Adelaide Advertiser telegraphs :—

Gladstone, August 15.

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, Presbyterian minister from Canada, who is travelling through the Colonies, lectured here last night on "Creed against Creed; or, Christianity and Infidelity Contrasted." There was a good attendant and the lecture was highly appreciated.

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The Port Augusta Dispatch (South Australia) says:—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, Presbyterian minister from Canada, gave a lecture in the Wesleyan Church on Thursday evening, on the "Progress of Evil Habits." The subject was well treated.

The Port Pirie Gazette (South Australia) says :—

We understand that the Rev. Mr. Gillies, a Presbyterian minister from Canada, will lecture and conduct divine service at Port Pirie in the course of next week. The subject of his lectures is "Christianity v. Infidelity," and they have been well spoken of elsewhere.

The Port Pirie correspondent of the Adelaide Daily Advertiser telegraphs :—

Port Pirie, August 28 (1881).

The Rev. Mr. Gillies preached in the Congregational Church to-day, and will give one of his famous lectures during the week.

The same again:—

Port Pirie, September 4.

The Rev. Mr. Gillies, Canadian Presbyterian minister, is sojourning amongst us here, and is making himself useful during his brief stay. The reverend gentleman preached yesterday morning and evening at the Wesleyan Church, and lectured in Howe's Room in the afternoon on "Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of History." Large and appreciative audiences listened to him on each occasion.

The same again:—

Port Pirie, September 8.

The Rev. Mr. Gillies gave a second lecture on "Christianity and Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of Reason," to a large and appreciative audience at the Congregational Church, and enlightened his hearers very much.

The Port Pirie Gazette says :—

Most people who went to hear Mr. Gillies were under the impression they would hear nothing but dry theological arguments, but in that they were agreeably disappointed, for all through his lecture the reverend gentleman interspersed much genuine humour mingled with sound religious sentiment. Mr. Gillies showed what the Christian religion had done for the world in philanthropy, art, science, culture, missionary work, and morals, giving names of eminent men and women in all those branches who had benefited mankind.

The Moonta Advertiser (South Australia) says :—

Mr. Gillies preached able and impressive sermons at the Wesleyan Churches at Moonta Mines, East Moonta, and Moonta, on Sunday.

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The Kapunda (South Australia) correspondent of the Daily Advertiser telegraphs :—

Kapunda, September 20, 1881.

A very interesting lecture was given in the Institute Hall this evening by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, on the "Inspiration of the Bible." There was a fair attendance, and all who were present thoroughly enjoyed the lecture. A very hearty vote of thanks was given to the reverend gentleman.

The Truro (South Australia) correspondent of the Daily Register says:—

Truro, September 29th, 1881.

On Thursday last the Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Canada, lectured on "Creed v. Creed; or, Christianity v. Infidelity." The lecturer handled his subject with great ability, and held his audience enchained in rapt attention. He weighed the two creeds in the scales of history, and showed what noble minds, lives, and deeds Christianity had produced; how prolific of good fruits it had been in all the past centuries; and on the other hand he showed how infidelity had debased, demoralised, and brutalised mankind, and how wonderfully barren of good fruits it had been. History decided immensely for Christianity. The lecturer preached two excellent sermons on Sunday—the first on Moses; the second on "The Prodigal Son." Mr. Gillies also lectured on Monday night, a continuation of his first subject, and on Tuesday night on "Science and the Bible." He defined the term Science, and clearly indicated its domain, and showed how it trespassed into regions of which it knew absolutely nothing, and never could. He showed that true science was not antagonistic to the Bible, and that modern science was establishing the truth of the old Book. He handled Professor Darwin's theories on the descent of man in a keen and trenchant style. I hear that the reverend gentleman, who is travelling to recruit his health, wishes to settle in one of our colonies. He would certainly be a great acquisition to the colonial pulpit.

The correspondent of the Christian Colonist (Adelaide) says :—

Thursday last the Rev. A. C. Gillies lectured at Truro on "Creed v. Creed; or, Christianity v. Infidelity." The lecturer handled his subject with ability and courage. He weighed the two creeds in the scales of history, and showed what noble minds, noble lives, and noble deeds were produced by Christianity, and how prolific of good fruits it had been in all the past centuries; and on the other hand, he showed how infidelity had debased, demoralised, and; brutalised mankind, and how wonderfully sterile in good fruits it had proved itself. History decided immensely for Christianity. The lecturer preached two sermons on Sunday—the first on Moses, and the second on "The Prodigal Son." Mr. Gillies also lectured on Monday night on "Christianity and Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of Reason," and again the scales turned in favour of Christianity. On Tuesday night he lectured on "Science and the Bible." He defined the term Science, and indicated its strict domain, and showed how it trespassed into regions of which it knew and could prove absolutely nothing. He showed that true science was not antagonistic to the Bible, and that modern science was establishing the truth of the old Book. He handled Professor Darwin's theories on the descent of man in a keen, trenchant style, and ridiculed his nonsensical jargon. The lecturer convulsed his audience with laughter in commenting on Darwin's jellyfish developing into an ape, the ape into a monkey, the monkey into a gorilla, and this last hideous monster into a man. I heard that the reverend gentleman was travelling to recruit his health, and that be wishes to settle in one of our colonies. If Adelaide could only find him a charge, he would be a great acquisition to the city and Australian pulpit.

page 29

The Christian Colonist says:—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, Presbyterian minister from America, who is making a tour through the colonies for his health, and who for the past month has been lecturing in the northern districts, intends to lecture in the city and suburbs during the present month. The subjects with which he deals are principally Infidelity and Temperance, and the style and matter of the lectures have been favourably criticised by the colonial and local press.

Colonist again :—

A public meeting to aid the Wesleyan Foreign Missionary Society was held in Archer Street Church, under the presidency of Mr. H. Sharland, J.P. The annual report having been read and adopted, able addresses were given by the Revs. A. C. Gillies and W. Burgess from India.

The Adelaide Advertiser says:—

A public meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Foreign Missionary Society was held in the Archer Street Wesleyan Church on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance, and in the absence, through indisposition, of Mr. W. H. Sharland, J.P., the Rev. S. Knight occupied the chair. After the annual report had been read, the Rev. A. C. Gillies, a Presbyterian minister from Canada, addressed the meeting. Having facetiously described his great concern for the typical infidel, he drew a striking contrast between the careers of some of the great monarchs of history who were dominated by a desire for universal empire, and Christ. The former, with the kingdoms they bad sought to establish, bad been swept away, leaving scarcely a ripple behind; while, in spite of vehement reiterations that Christianity was effete and out of place, there were more Christians at the present time than in any former epoch of the world's history, and more of the Bible had been read during the past three months than in any previous three years. In addition to this the British and Foreign Bible Society had issued ninety-one millions of copies of the Scriptures in 240 languages a significant commentary on the statement that Christianity and the Bible were losing their hold on the people. Judging from the facts of the past, the indications of the present, and the prospects of the future, they were justified in believing that the time was not very far distant when the kingdom of Christ would "stretch from shore to shore."

The Adelaide Evening Journal says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, who has been lecturing on religious, temperance, scientific, and social topics, throughout the country districts of this colony, has returned to Adelaide, and will commence a series of lectures next week in the balls connected with suburban churches, and also public halls, and in the following week will lecture in the city. Mr. Gillies was a member of the Canadian Presbyterian Church, but at present is officially connected with the Victorian Presbyterian Church. He has travelled through America, and later through New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, the state of his health rendering it necessary that he should travel. Mr. Gillies' lectures are described by the press in each of the towns in which he has spoken as being very instructive and interesting.

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The Southern Argus (S.A.) says :—

Christianity and Infidelity.—On Monday evening last there was a large audience at the Institute Hall, Strathalbyn, to hear the first of two lectures announced to be delivered on Monday and Tuesday evenings by the Rev. A.C Gillies, a Presbyterian minister, who is on a tour through the colonies on his way round the world from Canada. Mr. David Bell occupied the chair, and Mr. Gillies commenced shortly after 8 o'clock, his subject being "Christianity and Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of History," and for nearly two hours he so enrapt the attention of his listeners as to cause the time to slip away almost unnoticed. With our limited space it would be absurd to attempt to report the lecture, but we may say that as a masterpiece of reason, logic, and interest, it was one of the best and most learned we have had the pleasure of listening to and the lecturer proved beyond dispute the supreme superiority of Christianity in all matters relating to the world's progress, and the utter absence of anything: like benefit that has ever attended the efforts of infidelity. All that is good is this world was shown to have arisen from Christian influence, not a single redeeming feature being traceable to infidelity. On Tuesday evening the rev. gentleman's subject was "Christianity and Infidelity Weighed in the Scales of Reason," and this was treated with equal success, proving, perhaps, even more interesting than the previous evening's discourse. History, on this occasion, was not appealed to, but the reason and common sense of those present; and analysing the two creeds carefully and completely, the rev. lecturer, we are sure, appealed not in vain to the large audience assembled at the hall. The chair was occupied on Tuesday by the Mayor of Strathalbyn, Mr. E. J. Tucker, J.P. to whom a vote of thanks (as was to Mr. Bell on Monday) was also tendered at the close of the lecture.

The Port Adelaide Post says:—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, who has won large repute as a lecturer (and is now on a visit to this colony from Canada), announces a lecture in the Wesleyan Church, on Monday evening next, on "Christianity and Infidelity Analysed and Contrasted."

The Adelaide Christian Weekly says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies is lecturing against infidelity, in various churches in Adelaide, with great power and point.

The Port Adelaide News says :—

On Monday evening the Rev. A. C. Gillies delivered an eloquent lecture in the Wesleyan Church, Port Adelaide; Mr. Derrington, J.P., presiding, The subject was, "Christianity and Infidelity." The attendance was not large, but the lecturer riveted the attention of his audience for an hour and forty minutes and it was regretted that that was the only lecture of his series that the rev, gentleman designed to deliver.

The same paper adds:—

On Sunday morning the Rev. A. C. Gillies preached with great ability to an appreciative congregation at the Semaphore Wesleyan Church.

page 31

The Sydney (New South Wales) Witness (edited by the Rev. George Sutherland, formerly pastor of the First Church, Dunedin) refers to the Rev. A. C. Gillies and the North Dunedin congregation as follows:—

We are pleased to see that this congregation, with which we have had tome connection in its early days, has again called a pastor. Rev. A. C. Gillies is no novice in the ministerial work. He had a very superior congregation in Nova Scotia, which he left to try the hard fields of the American Republic. There he proved the foe of error and hypocrisy, and the valiant advocate of truth and righteousness. He has visited these colonies to see and hear and judge for himself, and if he now settles down at North Dunedin we have no doubt that he will prove a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and that infidelity, and sin in every form, will find in him an uncompromising antagonist.

The Virginia City Chronicle (Nevada) says :—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, formerly of this city, has recently been settled as the pastor of an important congregation in Dunedin, the largest and finest city in New Zealand.

The Presbyterian Record, October, 1882, page 258 (official organ of the Canada Church) says:—

The Rev. A. C. Gillies, a student of Knox College, for a while missionary at Cote des Neiges (Montreal), then minister of Sherbrooke (Nova Scotia), afterwards of Virginia City (Nevada), more recently residing in Sydney (New South Wales), has by latest accounts accepted a call from an important charge in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The Melbourne Southern Cross says:—

The members of the North Dunedin Church have given a unanimous call to the Rev. A. C. Gillies, who has just been received by the Synod of Otago. Mr. Gillies is a very popular lecturer, an effective preacher, and a cultured : gentleman.

Tapanui, New Zealand :—

Last week a lecture was delivered by the Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Dunedin, for the benefit of the Young Men's Christian Association. The subject was,; "The Inspiration of the Bible." The attendance was not large. The local Courier says : "Lectures as a rule are dry and prosy, and consequently are not so numerously supported as entertainments of a different character; but Mr. : Gillies' lecture was of such a pithy, simple, and yet forcible and conclusive nature that a child might have listened to it with pleasure and profit."

page 32

The Christian Record (Dunedin) says:—

Rev. A. C. Gillies, of Dunedin, has been lecturing in Oamaru and Christchurch. The reports given by the Lyttelton Times and the Christchurch Telegraph are in striking contrast with the caricatures of the Dunedin Press and the Oamaru Times. Of Mr. Gillies' last lecture in Christchurch (which was repeated by special request) the Daily Globe says :—"The Rev. A. C. Gillies repeated his lecture last evening, on 'Christianity and Freethought Analysed and Contrasted.' The Rev. E. Best presided. The hall was crowded, and hundreds were unable to gain admission. The happy style in which the subject was handled told with the audience, who repeatedly applauded the lecturer, who spoke for upwards of two hours."

Henry J. Morgan, Esq., author of "Celebrated Canadians"; Fellow of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries Copenhagen; Corresponding Member of the New York Historical Society; &c., &c., in his work on Canadian writers—" Bibliotheca Canadensis "—page 151, says:—

Rev. A. C. Gillies, a minister of the Canada Presbyterian Church, has contributed to a large number of newspapers. His principal writings, however, on subjects of Ethical Philosophy and Religion have appeared in the Good News and Evangelist.

Mr. Gillies, while attending the Divinity Hall (Knox College, Toronto), besides taking the Bayne Scholarship, took the John Knox Bursary twice.

The following is an extract from the North Dunedin Presbyterian Church Session Records, dated February 21, 1887:—

"The Session met for general conference, and in view of the Moderator's early resignation, noted with great pleasure the gratifying fact that all their meetings had been so delightfully harmonious, that even a difference of [unclear: opinic] had never arisen in the Session, as at present constituted; and all the elders unanimously desired to place on record their high estimate of the Moderator's uniform courtesy and prudence. And the Moderator asked leave to record the fact that he had never worked with more agreeable, faithful, and conscientious elders than those comprising the present Session."

Concluding Note.

The original documents are all preserved.