priest, let happiness be the ephod of blue, and scarlet, and fine-twined linen, hung with bells and pomegranates, which he wears for glory and for beauty. Spend your days, not in sighing over the present, but in singing about the future; not in finding fault with others, but in finding help for them; not in moaning and groaning over your hard work or your ill-health, but in praising and blessing God for the comforts of your station, and for the possibilities of glorifying his name. Be most happy when you are most engaged in holy service: then is the time for the high-sounding cymbals.
Have happy Sundays, happy Bible-classes, happy prayer-meetings, and happy school-addresses. May all these be preludes of that happiest of days when you shall see the face of the happy God, and be with him for ever and ever.
Yours very heartily, C. H. SPURGEON.
THE POPULAR AND BROMLEY TABERNACLE,
until the main building is out of debt. Mr. Lambourne has gathered his own congregation; and there is room for other brethren who have the ability to build upon their own foundation. the harvest is vast indeed in the :East End; where are the laborers? London grows at an amazing :rate, and there are few that lay its needs to heart. It threatens to become the citadel of heathenism, for attendance at places of worship grows less and less from year to year; and houses of prayer do not multiply as the people do. the struggle to build a new chapel is something terrible: men fail under it. Yet this need not be, and should not be. If men of wealth gave as they should there would remain no great difficulty; but, alas, few think of their
stewardship, and many care only to increase their hoardings. A curse is on the gold which is withheld at the price of blood, — reserved to the ruin of souls.
The Roman; or, On the Wings of the Morning. A tale of(he Renaissance.
By D. Alcock. t. Fisher Unwin. WELL intended, but heavy. When we had, as a matter of duty, read this volume we felt utterly wearied, and came to the conclusion that the game did not pay for the candle. Five minutes of history or three minutes of theology would have conveyed to us far more instruction than an hour of such elaborate story-telling.
NOTES
OUR personal record for the past month may be summed up in the words of the Psalmist, “I will sing of mercy and judgment.” Never did we enjoy better health and more sweet repose than at Men(one up to December 18th. All the time of our sojourn in the south the mind had been clear and vigorous, and much good work was done. Such happiness was enjoyed that we considered it to be the forecast of coming trial, and the preparation for it. the remark was made to our ,dear friend and secretary, Joseph W.
Harrald, that such enjoyment must surely be followed by tribulation. So has it proved. We reached home on December 19th, and on Sunday, Dee. 24th, Mr. Harrald’s wife suddenly sickened and (lied, leaving him with four little ones. On that day an attack of rheumatism was upon us, and though the preaching was carried on, we could not rise from the conch on Christmas- day, the 25th. It was no small sorrow to find our companion so sorely bereaved, and to be unable to unite with our dear orphan family in their joys. this was the dawn of the dark day. While we were still ill, and unable
to visit him, our dear and valued friend and deacon, William Higgs, was called to his rest, January 3rd. In him his family have lost the best, of fathers, we have lost a loving helper, the church a valued counsellor, and the Orphanage its treasurer and a wise trustee. He was burled at Norwood, amid a great representative assembly, who all lamented him. At that very hour the hand of the Lord was stretched out again, and a second greatly- esteemed deacon fell down in paralysis, never to recover consciousness again. William Mills, our faithful helper, fell asleep January 12th, leaving us all to mourn h;.s loss. In him the poor of the church have lost a kind and careful guardian, and all of us a hearty friend, Other friends, less known but much esteemed, also had passed away a little before. these blows at the first!staggered, not only the pastor, but all the circle of workers. Blessed be God, he has helped us, he has sustained the bereaved, and enabled us all to say — “ the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
May we not beg for a special share in the prayers of the Lord’s people in this hour of our need? Surely. these clouds mean rain. A great blessing ;s on its way, and these trials are the shadow of its wings. God grant it may be so. Ministers die, deacons (tie, but Christ lives; and his church must live also. the Lord will provide men for his work; for are they not his ascension gifts for the perfecting of his church?
We beg to record with unutterable thankfulness the great kindness of many friends, who have offered us their sympathy and their aid; and especially we would note the goodness of the Lord in leading so many to send in liberal help to the Institutions at a time when any care in that direction would have added to our burden. the addition of girls to the Orphanage has much increased the need, but we joyfully believe that the Lord is in proportion multiplying the number of our helping friends. thank you, dear helpers, one and all. You are true yoke-fellows. If the day of sorrow should come to you also, may cups of cold water be handed out to you when your souls are athirst for sympathy.
Here, too, we must make public record of our boundless debt of gratitude to our brother, J. A. Spurgeon, who has borne far more than his share of burdens, with that unwearied love and endurance which he has ever shown to his weaker brother. His spirit dwells in all our beloved church-officers, and is found in the whole circle of our helpers. the Lord reward him and them.
We gird up our loins for work to come. the Lord of hosts is with us. the God. of Jacob is our Refuge. “the Lord is good, a strong-hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
On Monday evening, January 8, special interest was given to the tabernacle prayer-meeting by the attendance of several clergymen and ministers and their friends, who had assembled for united prayer, in response to the invitation of the South London B ranch of the Evangelical Alliance. three incumbents, and three times as many ministers, took tea together, and spent a happy season in prayer and communion before the public gathering. It was good to be there. Pastor C. H. Spurgeon, and the Revs. Burman Cassin, of St. George’s, and J. McKenny, of Lambeth, addressed the meeting. Many prayers were presented at the throne of grace, and it would have been hard to tell who was the Wesleyan and who
‘the Calvinist, who the Churchman and who the Dissenter.
The saints in prayer appear as one In word, and deed, and mind;
While with the Father and the Son Sweet fellowship they find.”
On Monday evening, January 15, the Pastors, and Deacons, and Elders of the tabernacle church met for tea, prayer, and communion before the regular prayer-meeting, in order to unitedly recognize the hand of God in the removal of the two dent.ohs who had been called to their reward, and also to seek divine guidance in the season of sorrow. Old men were there past fourscore years, and the younger brethren who have more lately been ordained to office: none were absent of the whole number save four whose sorrow it was to be unable to come, and these were there in spirit. It was a solemn, holy, hopeful gathering of men chastened in spirit, and the Holy Spirit made it full of spiritual benefit to all present. the Lord was known among us in the breaking of bread. the Pastor’s heart was comforted. At the public assembly in the tabernacle a very large congregation met
together, and the spirit which had pervaded the officers’ meeting manifestly rested upon the greater company. there was much solemn heartsearching, deep submission to our heavenly Father’s will, and an earnest desire that his glory might be increased by the dark experience through which we were passing; and we believe it will be so. Joyous hope is visible, like clear shining after rain.
The Bazaar in aid of the fund for the erection of the New Mission Hall for Ber-mondsey was a great success. the first four days’ sales realized £1,800, and so many articles remained unsold that it was decided to re-open the bazaar, after the necessary interval, during which we attended to the
mournful duty of burying our beloved deacons, W. Higgs and W. Mills. the stall-keepers were again at; their posts on the 17th ult., and a considerable amount was added to the fund. the Pastor heartily thanks those
indefatigable friends who have worked so cheerfully under Mr. Murrell’s lead, and accomplished this grand result; and also those devoted followers who came from far to help in this effort. A good deal remains to be done to complete the Bermondsey Hall; but the worst; of the work is over. this great enterprise will he inaugurated most hopefully; by the help of a few more givers the matter will be put out of hand. Another well opened in the wilderness! the Lord be praised!
Mrs. SPURGEON’S BOOK: FUND. — the seventh annual diary of the Book Fund and Rs Work is now ready, and can be obtained of Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster, post.-free for seven stamps, or through any bookseller for sixpence. Next month we hope, to give extracts from this fragrant annual.
Meanwhile, in our impartial, critical judgment, we declare this Report to be equal to any of its predecessors; what more could be said?
AUCKLAND TABERNACLE. — From son tom comes the following letter:—
Auckland, New Zealand,
Monday, Dec. 4, 1882. My very dear Father,-I know not how to thank you for the great interest you have taken in our cause and work. We shall have a vast deal to thank you for before you have done, I can see. Up to the present! have received only the October Sword and Trowel, and were this letter penned a week hence I should, doubtless, have to acknowledge a far larger amount than that records. Sight demands much gratitude, and Faith says, “Make it more.” I beg, therefore, to thank you, and through you the kind donors, for the material assistance rendered to us. Many of the names in the Magazine list I recognize as belonging to dear friends to whom I would gladly write, but that too much time would so be occupied. Please thank them on my behalf. this is my opportunity, also, for acknowledging the loving gifts of those who have been working for our bazaar. the goods will be here in time, though they are not yet to hand.
Such friends, as well as yourself, will rejoice to learn that we have lately had many encouragements. A gentleman who is not a member with us has given us £100, and from several of my colonial friends we have had some substantial aid. By March next we hope to have paid for the site
(pounds3200), and to possess the value of old property as a nucleus for actual building operations. this, I think, is good work in a short time, and the best of it is that nothing has been stinted — rather have we had extraordinary expenses connected with church work. We want (“if
possible,” some add) to pay our way, and avoid debt. it is pos-sible — we must make it possible — so I say, and cry, “It shall be done.”
We have no doubt that when we receive a picture of the proposed chapel, and the work has commenced, friends will give ample help to our son.
COLLEGE. — During the past month Mr. t. Perry has settled at Lordship Lane, Dul-wich, and Mr. F. Potter at Taxted, Essex. Mr. A. Greet has removed from Quorndon to Little King’s Hill, Great Missenden, Bucks;
and Mr. C. Wilson Smith from Car-bondale to Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. A. Fairbrother has arrived safely in Auckland, and has commenced his mission work among the Maoris. Our son, thomas Spurgeon, has firm confidence that we have sent the right man. Oh for the seal of the Holy Spirit upon his labors!
EVANGELISTS. — Messrs. Fullerton and Smith commenced, under very hopeful auspices, a series of services at Hitchin, on the 14th. ult., at the close of which they are to visit Luton the reports sent to us concerning their meetings at -Ross and Hereford, at the, end of last year, are
exceedingly encouraging. We cannot find space for all that we should like to publish, but we must insert the following letter, with grateful thanks to the venerable writer for his valuable testimony : —
“Dear Mr. Spurgeon, — Although the correspondence that, every day claims a share of your attention must be enormous, yet, as the oldest nonconformist minister, in age and service, holding a charge in this city, I cannot refrain from very warmly thanking you for the services of the two honored brethren, Messrs. Fullerton and Smith. their visit to this city has been truly a blessing. Not only have many come forward to declare
themselves on the Lord’s side, but I have good reason to hope, from what I have already seen, that the members of our churches have received a
quickening which will issue in permanent results. Our dear brother, Mr.
Fullerton, preaches the gospel with a clearness and power I have never heard surpassed; and Mr. Smith has the happy gift of throwing over the audience such a mellowing influence that minds nn-consciously open, like the flower to the sun, to receive without prejudice the solemn things they listen to. Night after night we have had overflowing congregations and enquiring souls. I wish to say that during thirty-six years of ministerial life I have never attended a series of Evangelistic services which have
commended themselves so entirely to my intelligence and heart as those we have just been privileged with. With many thanks to you and the dear brethren, and with all my heart wishing them ‘ God speed’ every- where, “I am, “Faithfully yours, “J.O. trILL.” “Minister of Eignbrook Chapel
Hereford.” Similar testimony is borne to the useful- ness of Mr. Burnham’s services at Peter- · church, Hereford, where quite a revival of religion has been experienced. Mr. Frank Russell has begun his work in connection with the Surrey and Middlesex Association by holding services at
Richmond, which appear to have been productive of much spiritual benefit.
Just as we are making up the “Notes,’ he is conducting meetings at St.
Margaret’s near Twicken- ham. We beg for much prayer for this our fourth evangelist.
ORPHANAGE.—the Christmas festivities passed off as happily as usual, although the President was, almost at the last moment, prevented from being present through an attack of rheumatism. the long lists of
contributions of money and mate rinds for the children’s merry-making testify to the unfailing kindness of many generous holpers, to all of whom we desire to express our heartfelt thanks, and the boys and girls unite With us with “three times three.”
Some friends continue their liberality all through the year, and even year after year, and to these our gratitude is proportionately great. For instance, Messrs. Freeman and Hillyard have for years supplied all the baking- powder required for the institution, ;red they still send us sufficient for all our wants. May all such liberal souls be abundantly rewarded by the Father of the fatherless!
Notice to Collectors.. — the next collectors’ meeting will be held at the Orphanage on Friday evening, February 9th. Will all collectors try then to bring in their boxes or books, or send in the amounts they have collected?
Friends willing to help the Institution by collecting funds can obtain books
or boxes on application to the Secretary, Stockwell Orphanage, Clapham- road, London.
COLPORTAGE. — the present number of colporteurs employed (67) is rather under the average, and the Association is ready and anxious to occupy more districts if the friends in desirable localities will only try to raise the very moderate sum of £40 a-year to enable the committee to send them one of these valuable workers.
The colporteur is the bearer of light amid the darkness of ignorance, of truth where the errors of sacerdotalism and scepticism prevail, of medicine to counteract the ‘unhealthy productions of the press, and of the tidings of salvation to a lost and guilty world. His work is thorough, aiming at the visitation of every home; undenominational, seeking only to make known Jesus, and the way of salvation; varied, speaking by books, conversations, and public addresses; economical, the profits on the sales helping to pay his wages; and approved by long experience.
Surely, there are many districts where friends can be found, who will either sup-portaman, or aid others to do so! A few ladies would easily collect the amount in most districts, and collecting-books or boxes will be gladly sent.
We gratefully note that a friend sends a donation of £100 for the General Fund, and another sends £5 towards the £15 required to continue the poor district for which an appeal has been made in these columns. Another £10 will keep the district open during this year.
One of the colporteurs thus writes in his last quarterly report : — “If the people in the villages, at least many of them, do not have the gospel brought to them, either by personal contact with them, or else by their perusal of books brought to them, I do not know how they are going to get much of it. In so many villages, at the one place where the Bread should be dealt out to the hungry, there it is not dealt out to them; and many of them either dare not go elsewhere to seek for the Bread of life unless they are prepared to give up the bread that perisheth, or else they are prejudiced through erroneous teaching, and they will not go anywhere else. the ‘ woe
‘ that Christ renounced upon the lawyers of his day for entering not into the kingdom of God ‘themselves, and preventing them that were entering, is surely hanging over the heads of scores and hundreds in our own ]and and day in many villages. tint:, thank God, we are taking them back the key of knowledge, and some are using it and entering the kingdom, and many,