Imatges de pàgina
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and honourable salvation of God's chosen family. Precious faith views of the precious Lord Jesus, are exceedingly pleasant, refreshing, edifying, comforting, and animating. Powerful revelations of Jesus to the soul by the Spirit's gracious operations, are among those great things which belong to the favoured children of the Kingdom.

The vessels of mercy are taught to know not only the reality but also the richness, freeness, fulness, and greatness, of God's pardoning, justifying, quickening, supporting, preserving, and saving mercy displayed alone in that glorious Jesus,

Who

is made higher than the heavens." O, my dear friend, what a mercy, indeed, it is to have the mercy, the sovereign and covenant mercy, of God in the glories of atoning blood, in our conciences, speaking peace there, in our hearts, producing consolation there, in our meditations, yielding fruitfulness there, in our lives, supplying the evidence of following Christ there, in our prospects, giving the most blessed assurance of endless glory. This knowledge of divine things very sweetly and greatly exalt Jesus in the souls of his people. He is very glorious in the sight of those who see their own deformity, very precious to those who feel their own vileness, very great to those who understand their own nothingness, and, beyond expression, delightful to those who are solemnly experienced in their own wretchedness and helplessness. Such deformed, vile, destitute, wretched, helpless offenders are the characters upon whom the loving and lovely Lord Jesus magnifies the exceedingly rich wonders of his saving power, grace, and mercy. Yes, he selects such poor worthless worms, that he may yet more illustrate his love, magnify his grace, and endear his name in their everlasting salvation. Sincerely do I hope that you, my friend, may daily, by the blessed Spirit's teaching, become more and more meltingly acquainted with the glorious person, complete work, exhaustless fulness, pleasant ways, amen promises, of your glorified Lord Jesus.

You can't look at him too much, you

can't trust him too much, you can't prize him too much, you can't walk with him too much, you can't praise him too much, and eternity will be none too long for the enjoyment of him. Amen. Yours, my dear friend, prayerfully, R. BARNES. Glemsford, January 27, 1851.

BOOKS.

Ralph Erskine's Poem for Gospel Ministers has been published by Messrs. Nichols and Sons, in Long Acre, with a preface by Mr. Thomas Creswick Nichols, in which he introduces the following remarks :

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"Preachers now-a-days get so wonderfully gentlemanly,' - knowing that gentlemanly manners obtain gentlemanly money-that to find bold and indefatigable men like Erskine and others of his age, is a matter of no small difficulty. 'Preach the Gospel and yet not be offensive' is a mysterious term, lately introduced; for whenever was the gospel in its native state anything but offensive to the world? Ah! but,' says one, we want nice places, and plenty of people; and if we preach the Gospel in the same discriminating way that the Apostles did, they won't come to hear us. This, no doubt, is cause for great grief: not only for the good of souls, but for the good of pockets; for where the place is not full, the gold is not generally so plentifully lavished; though whom God raises up to preach he always blesses with plenty of hearers, without resorting to works of supererogation, gentlemanly ideas, or extraneous efforts to entice the folks to hear. Seeking, earnest souls will be sure to come and hear from sheer necessity; while others will only come and go; and wherever good is done, it is not by the man's gentlemanly ideas, novel preaching, or wonderful zeal; but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The labours of Erskine, Bunyan, Huntington, and others, were wonderfully blessed of God; though they did nothing but simply preach the glorious gospel of the ever-blessed God-faithfully, earnestly, and powerfully; yet hundreds of men

are now resorting to every known folly to entice people into their religious play-houses, while there is no more work of the Holy Spirit in their midst than there is of poverty in the Queen's palace-not an atom! This

poem is adapted both for preachers and hearers.'

Faithful Gospel ministers must be content in these times, like their Master, to be despised and reproached.

Our Churches, Our Pastors, and Our People.

SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE NEW SURREY TABERNACLE.

ON Wednesday, September 18, 1867, two services were held in the above place of worship, to commemorate the second year of its opening. In the afternoon, Mr. James Wells, the pastor, delivered a discourse from the words, "They desired us to remember the poor, which I also was forward to do." Previous to which Mr. Thomas Stringer read a portion of Scripture and offered prayer. A large body of friends were then supplied with tea.

In the evening, at half-past six a public meeting was holden, when the spacious building was filled in every part. Mr. Thomas Pocock occupied the chair, and was supported on the right by Mr. Wells, and on the left by Mr. Butt; and among a large number of ministers and friends on the platform we noticed Messrs. Stringer, Timothy Baugh, C. W. Banks, Isaac Comfort, J. Webster, Thomas Jones, A. Kaye, J. Beach, Albert Boulden, Evan Edwards, W. Fielding, Lawrence, Mead, Hart, Mitson, Elijah Packer, R. Wilkins, R. H. Davey, H. Dodson, Treasurer, and Mr. Murphy, Secretary of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society. The meeting was commenced by singing Joseph Swain's Pilgrim song:

"Pilgrims we are to Canaan bound,
Our journey lies along this road;
This wilderness we travel round

To reach the city of our God.” Mr. Isaac Comfort offered prayer. The Chairman said he had much pleasure in again occupying that position: for the object they had in view on that occasion was a most delightful one-to aid one of the noblest institutions in the landthe " Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society." He said "noblest" institution, because he believed most of the recipients were of noble descent, being "kings and priests unto God." He was also thankful the friends had determined that the proceeds of the first anniversary, after their heavy debt had been discharged, should be de

voted to this object: it was to be a kind of thank-offering for the Lord's goodness to them as a Church; and he was certain no better object could be selected. The Church there, by their annual sermons and regular subscribers, had always been liberal to the Pilgrims, and his desire and hope was that they might not only continue that support but if possible increase it. Mr. Pocock also threw out some suggestions for the further consideration of the Church as to assisting some other benevolent institutions.

Mr. Wells was glad their chairman intended to keep them at work: he thought their next duty would be to help necessitous causes and churches where the truth was maintained; for no effort was spared to get the chapels out of the hands of the friends of truth, and introduce duty-faith preachers. This appeared to him to be the next work that would require their attention.

John Bunyan McCure was about to come to England, to ask the churches to assist him in paying off the debt on their chapel at Sydney; and he hoped the church at the Surrey Tabernacle would be the first to take up his

cause.

As to the Aged Pilgrims' Society, he must say he was proud to be connected with it, and he hoped the meeting would do all they could that evening to support it.

Mr. Edward Butt said the statement he had to make that evening would be very short, as they had accomplished in the past four years all that was needed for their building. He then read the following report :—

WE are this day spared to celebrate the second anniversary of the opening of the Surrey Tabernacle. It is with heartfelt gratitude we record the goodness of the Lord in what has been accomplished. The cost of erection and every necessary expense attending the same has been paid by the united liberality of the church and congregation amounting to the sum of £10,500. It is a source of much pleasure that the ministration of the word of life, by our esteemed minister in this place, as well as in former years is attended with the bless

ing of the Most High. May we one and all unite in solemn and earnest prayer to God.

To grant him bright celestial views,
While he proclaims the Gospel news
With fiery zeal his soul inflame,
While he exalts the bleeding Lamb.

We have a little gloom over this day arising from the absence of one of our deacons, Mr. J. Carr, who took a very lively and active part in our affairs. The low state in which he is now in almost forbids us to hope of his ever meeting with us here again, but the Gospel of the grace of God is to him indeed precious.

At

This day will be made an occasion for promoting the interests of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society, the claims of which have for many years been brought before the friends by our esteemed minister. The first collection was made in the year 1836, amounting to £11 15s. 6d. Since that period the sum of £2,300 has been paid to the Society, besides the collection made at Communion Service held at the opening of this place of worship amounting to £37 in aid of the funds of the New Asylum. We rejoice in what has been raised, and that many dear old pilgrims worshipping with us have been partakers in the bounty of this valuable institution for many years. The Society was formed in 1807, and has continued its useful career for sixty years. About 2,500 cases have been relieved, many of these have been long on its funds and received a large amount. the present time there are two pensioners who have each received considerably more than £200. We have now on the funds 620 aged pilgrims in town and country, receiving monthly annuities. The cases when recommended by the subscribers are visited by the Committee, and if their experience is satisfactory are in two months placed on the approved candidate list and receive 4s. per month, and as the funds will admit, are raised in rotation to the five guinea pension. There is an Asylum at Camberwell where forty-two of the pilgrims reside in comfortable rooms, coals are provided from a separate fund, and various little presents are continually flowing in. A new Asylum is now in progress, to be erected at Hornsey Rise, the ground has been obtained. It is proposed to afford accommodation for 80 to 100 inmates; the late Mr. J. Box left by deed a considerable sum of money for this object, before this is available the building must be commenced. The committee are desirous of proceeding with this undertaking, and we shall be pleased to receive contributions or promises for this object, that the Surrey Tabernacle may have a share in this as it has done in the Asylum at Camberwell.

Before closing this brief statement, every year appears to lessen our subscribers by death. We therefore want a few annual guinea subscribers still to keep up manent list; but for this home and society, how many of the saints of God must have

the per

ended their pilgrimage in the workhouse; many feel this would be no disgrace, but the society they must come into association with, would tend to depress, and cast them down. We are encouraged to believe that there is still with the minister, deacons, and people here every desire to help forward the cause of the poor and the afflicted in Zion.

In conclusion, Mr. Butt remarked, it was with very great pleasure they met that day their debt being all paid, the whole of the day's proceeds would be given, part to the Aged Pilgrim's Friend Society, and part towards the erection of the New Asylumn at Hornsey Rise. As a church they were at peace, and increasing; their attendance was never larger; their pastor's health, and strength, and vigour of mind, were mercifully continued to him; and the truth was valued and prized as dearly as ever. For all these mercies they had much cause for thankfulness.

Mr. Timothy Baugh, in moving the first resolution, said he hailed with joy that day, from the fact that they were about to lay on God's altar an offering, in recognition of the many blessings that had been showered upon them as a church and people. After some excellent observations, Mr. Baugh moved-" That this meeting rejoices at the success which has attended the erection of this place of worship; and for the liberality displayed by the church and congregation in paying the entire cost; and earnestly prays that the blessing of the Lord may abundantly rest upon his servant, who has so long and successfully laboured among this people."

C. W. Banks seconded the resolution: there were three features in it that called for rejoicing:-first, they all rejoiced that the debt was paid; second, there was gratitude for blessings received; and third, an earnest prayer for the pastor's welfare. He was also rejoiced to hear Mr. Wells's decision respecting assisting poor churches: he would find a number of deserving cases. A few weeks since he (Mr. Banks) was preaching on the Forest of Dean, near the borders of Wales. Not many years since the Lord made known his truth to one Richard Snaith, residing there, that truth having been greatly blessed to his own soul, he felt a great desire to make it known to the thousands who live in that wide and desolate place. The desire grew, and Richard Snaith spoke to the people in the open air. Since then they had erected a small chapel, and two years ago, it was opened, a church had been formed, and a people were e there being gathered who held firm by the truth. Having become rather "popular" there at the opening

they had sent for him again; and they had a right down happy gathering at the second anniversary; three sermons on the Sunday, and on Monday they met again and praised, and prayed, and rejoiced, and blessed the name of God together. There were saints of God there he could assure them. But they were all hard-working men and women; they had erected a house for the worship of God, and now they had to pay a considerable sum by regular instalments into a building society; and if the Church there could send them a little aid now and then it would rejoice his heart, their hearts, and be helping a people who were struggling to maintain the truth. Mr. Banks further referred to Mr. J. B. M'Cure's coming to England; and having expressed his Christian regard for Mr. Carr, who was in the deepest affliction, he concluded by seconding the resolution.

The next resolution, expressing a hope that the present meeting would be the means of increasing and making more widely known the Aged Pilgrim's Friend Society, was moved by Mr. Thomas Jones, who, in a spontaneous address, congratulated the pastor and the people on their position; the chairman, on his capital begging qualifications; and concluded with some choice remarks touching "Filgrims and their Pilgrimage." Mr. Steed, the Rehoboth pastor, next gave a thorough warm-hearted address, which appeared well received by the meeting.

A third resolution, expressive of pleasure in the prospect of the erection of a new asylum, and earnestly asking for aid for the same, was moved by Mr. Thomas Stringer, who, in his usual energeting manner, laid the claims of poor pilgrims to Christian sympathy most zealously before the meeting. Mr. Butt, in seconding the same, remarked that this was the largest meeting that had ever been held on behalf of the Aged Pilgrims, although it had been established sixty years, and he hoped it was the commencement of better days.

The pastor, Mr. Wells, moved a vote of thanks to the chairman; Mr. John Beach seconded the same, which Mr. Pocock, in a few words, acknowledged; a verse was sung; the benediction pronounced; and the meeting, which for interest never once flagged, was brought to a close at halfpast 9.

The collection, after the afternoon sermon by Mr. Wells, amounted to £45; the collection at the evening meeting was £35, making a total of £80, the whole of which will be given to the Aged Pilgrim's Friend Society and new Asylum.

R.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN CARR.

The evening following the one on which the above services were holden saw the close of the mortal life of Mr. John Carr, who is mentioned in the report. Most of our readers will recognize the name at once; and many country friends who were in the habit of visiting the Surrey Tabernacle, when in town, will know that Mr. Carr was for many years "the clerk" as well as a deacon at Mr. Wells'. He took the deepest interest in the erection of the new tabernacle, to the fund of which he and his. family liberally contributed, and to which he acted as treasurer. We remember well meeting him in the new building on the day of its opening, hours before time to commence the service; and in reply to a remark we made as to his being there so early, he said he could not rest long away, being anxious to see all was done, and in order; he then in his usual kind manner conducted us over the entire building, explained every particular, thus enabling us to furnish the readers of this magazine with the full particulars of the building which we gave after the opening. His heart was thoroughly devoted to the work; and he has often publicly spoken of the blessing he has realized in connection with the same. The Lord was pleased to spare him to see not only the work accomplished, but the entire cost honourably paid; and then, after a short illness, has removed him from this world-where his sweetest employment was the singing of Jehovah's praises -to that region of eternal bliss, where, with the blood-washed throng,

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They chant their never-ceasing songs: Worthy the Lamb, to whom all power belongs, And Holy, Holy, Holy, is their cry, Lord God of Hosts! supreme in Majesty!

We cannot this month more than mention the solemn circumstance. We have reason to know the Lord was with him to calm his mind, and having arranged his matters, and seen his family, he remarked he was "now only waiting for the summons to come. On Thursday evening, September 19th, 1867, that summons came. Seldom have we felt the loss of a Christian brother more than we have Mr. Carr's translation to his Father's house above; and we hope next month to furnish some further notice of his last days. R.

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Lord will not altogether despise my efforts to publish his truth. He knoweth how sinful I am, how imperfect are all my works, and he knoweth what motive moves me to all this long and laborious toil. Now one word as a reason why I write not private letters to you, my revered and beloved brother, it is simply because the work of a triple editor, and the labours of a town and country preacher, leave me no time for it. Take one sample. On Saturday, August 24th, 1867, I travelled from six in the morning, until near six at night, to reach the Forest of Dean, not far from the borders of Wales. I found brother Richard Snaith, the pastor and preacher there, with his chapel, his parsonage, his industrious wife, his family, and his friends, all well. On the Lord's-day I preached three times, and I did enjoy liberty in my blessed Saviour's service. On Monday morning, we climbed up some of the hills, looked into some of the ovens, sat down in some cots, and talked to some of the blessed saints who in the forest dwell, I stole away for a moment or two, and ascended "Mount Pleasant." Here I enjoyed such a view as in Kent or Sussex you could hardly find. I took my pencil and paper, and looked around me, and concentrated the scene in a quaint bit of rhyme like this. I said,

"Here's hill, dale, and valley,

In splendid sweet array,
O'er rocks and mounts I'd sally,
And spend a quiet day.
Then wander up Mount Pleasant,

Tow'rd the Severn cast your eye.
The scene is truly glorious,

'Twill raise your soul on high."

I was obliged to come down from my hilltop reverie; and after dining with brother Snaith and two of his friends in a cot with gardens green and lovely all around, we returned to Cinderford parsonage, where we found the clergy were assembling to prepare for the public meeting at night. The sight of them did my soul good. There was the Malvern missionary, Archdeacon Moor, from Hereford. He looked as rosy and as happy as a bright Maymorning. There was the Whitestone vicar, John Hudson, and his comely dame, and their son. Like a flint for firmness in the truth, is John Hudson; his eyes like bright stars throwing out light in the darkest and most mysterious things around.

There

was the Cheltenham visitor, Isaac Pegg, of Bethel; and with him I had much private converse; for his pathway, as yet, is neither over prosperous, nor pleasant. There was John Thomas, of Breame, (oh, what a brother in Christ was he to my soul!) There was that heart of oak man, Samuel Bowery, there was William Harris the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the Forest of Dean Gospel Estate. There was that cedar-like Richard Snaith, and I cannot tell who beside. We had communion with each other and the Lord. Then a splendid tea party assembled in the chapel; and after that the public meeting commenced.

I ought to have said, brother Cordwell, an author, and publisher, and preacher, in the city of Gloucester, was with us all Sunday and Monday; and when in the midst of the public meeting, he fell on his knees and cried to God in prayer, we all felt it a solemn time. And that night was a time most memorable indeed. The short sermons given that night by Messrs. Moor, Hudson, Pegg, Snaith, and myself, were listened to kindly. The next morning, after prayer and singing by John Thomas, (such singing as would make your heart weep tears of love) we set off for Cooper's Hill, a long journey. When I reached the chapel, brother Jacob Short, and his people were singing. I had two sermons to preach that day, and the Lord helped me through the work. Then, we set off for Cheltenham that night; and on Wednesday afternoon I preached in Bethel; a large company had tea; and at the public meeting, three excellent brethren, who are Village Preachers" indeed, gave addresses. Mr. Pegg presided; Mr. Broom was precentor, and I was favoured to deliver the closing address. Bethel chapel, Cheltenham, is a good substantial place; and, as it is the mother of all the churches in that city of gardens, I would be glad to see it flourishing and prosperous. My good brother Robert, I must only say the next day I returned to London, and here I am toiling and crying for help by the way, The Lord ever bless you, and your flock at Egerton, so prays C. W. B.

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BATH-EBENEZER CHAPEL, BAPTISM.On Sunday morning, Sept. 1, twelve persons were baptized in the river Avon by our beloved pastor, Mr. J. Huntley, whose heart was cheered to see his labours have not been in vain. He has most bitterly felt the loss of his dear and loving partner, who was always so kind and sympathizing with him in all his sorrows; but I trust this will help to comfort him, particularly as one of the candidates dates her conversion to the dying words of Mrs. Huntley, who said she hoped to meet her in heaven.

It was a delightful morning, and there was gathered around the banks of the river about five thousand men, women, and children, to witness the solemn ordinance of Believer's Baptism. As soon as our dear pastor commenced the service by prayer, a solemn silence pervaded the vast assembly whilst he offered up a most earnest prayer that God's blessing might rest upon all present, and that many may be pricked in their hearts, and brought to love the Saviour.

We then sang the 13th Hymn in the Selection:

Awake, my soul, in joyful lays, And sing thy great Redeemer's praise; He justly claims a song from me, His loving kindness, oh, how tree. Mr. D. Wassel, of Somerset-street chapel, delivered a masterly address from the deck of a barge that was in the middle of the river, on the importance of believers fol

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