MARQUEE MEETING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 48, 27 January 1932, Page 9

MARQUEE MEETING

The meetings held on Sunday in the marquee in Princess Street were of a very encouraging nature. In the morning a large number attended, while in the evening the marquee was filled to capacity. Mr Wesley E. Richards, the pastor of the United Evangelical Church, delivered a very interesting message in the evening on the subject : “The Gathering of Nations at Jerusalem and the Jewish Signs of Christ’s Near Approach.” Reading from Luke 21 24-38, Mr Richards drew attention to historical fulfilment of much that is contained in that section of the Scriptures. Pastor Richards suggested that at the present rapid rate of fulfilment, iji all probability much more would become history at an early date. In support of these statements Mr Richards spoke of the downfall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the breaking down of Jerusalem by the Gentiles. He also spoke of the shooting forth of the “Fig Tree” and “all the trees,” as being symbolic of the Jewish nation and all the nations. This shooting forth.

stated the speaker, had now become unprecedented" in history. Reading a cable published in New Zealand on April 27, 1920, which contained headings, “Jewish Dream Realised,” “Israel Again a Nation,” the speaker went on to state, according to the cable, that during Jewish celebrations in London, Mr Max Nordan, president of the gathering, made the statement: “The dream of our lives has come true. Israel is again a nation amongst nations.” This, said Mr Richards, was tho first recognition of nationhood on the part of God’s ancient people since Jerusalem was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar in 606 B.C. Surely this was an intensely significant hanpening. In regard to the shooting forth of the nations, Pastor Richards intimated that a great number of new nations came into existence at the close of the late war, particularly adjacent to the land of Palestine. Recently a great conference of rations was announced to be held in Jerusalem “on a scale far greater than those of Biblical times.” This involves a throne for Syria which was to figure prominently, according to prophecy, in the last days. In conclusion, Mr Richards stated that

prophecy seemed to be rushing to fulfilment which spoke eloquently of Christ’s near return.

Additional seating will be provided for the meeting in the marquee for Sunday next.