This is not a hymn, but yet it has heaven’s poetry within it, even this agonizing cry, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt”; and it is a delicious result of trial if in this hearty utterance we learn to imitate our Lord, and to have fellowship with his sufferings. Here a great ocean opens up before us: pain may aid us in communion with our much suffering Lord.
Anything is a boon by which we are made more fully to be partakers with him. But we cannot pursue the theme. As when the mariner in northern seas forces his way through an ice-blocked strait, and sees opening up before him a boundless sea, even so do we perceive great truths to which our subject leads the way; but our vessel has so late been tempest-tossed that we can enter on no venturous voyage, but must cast anchor under the shelter of Gape Fellowship, and leave our readers to push onward into the blessed depths. May the good Spirit fill their sails, and bear them into the expanse of holy fellowship.
completed. Certain “brethren,” who are of all men the least united and the most sectarian, cry out against “system,” “sects,” “parties,” etc., as if they were not themselves the fiercest of partisans. They do not practice or promote Christian union one hundredth part so much as these whom they stigmatize as denominational. It is a hollow cry intended to subserve the purpose of the sheep-stealers, who can prey best on scattered flocks. Unity is the pretense, but the breaking up of useful organizations is the object aimed at.
Some of our own brethren, who are far from being one with the
Plymouths, are, nevertheless, fascinated by them, so far as to unite in their cry, — in their own instance a genuine though a mistaken one. But the idea, come whence it may, is preposterous. We are to become one by being broken into fragments! It seems to us that for believers to unite with each other for practical purposes cannot be an evil thing. If they find that by reason of divergent opinions they cannot work with one body of Christians it must be a wise thing for them to join with those who are of the same mind. Thus various regiments are formed in the one army, and we all pray that Christian love and the teaching of the Holy Spirit may so abound that these regiments will be more and more united and mingled, till even apparent division shall cease. To break up the ranks in order to unite the army would be a foolish procedure. It is true that there are too many denominations, and that it will be a glorious time when all divisions cease.
To promote this end let every denomination disband itself when it perceives that it is not faithful to Christ and his commands; but let those who are united in Christ, and in his doctrine and ordinances, never dream of giving up their union with each other, or their defense of every word of their great Leader.
Let each Christian cultivate abound-ing love to all the saints, even to those whom he judges to be in error upon certain points. Let him work with all believers as far as he can, but let him obey the ordinances of the Lord’s house, and maintain the faith once delivered to the saints. To do this he will find it needful to join to the fullest degree with those like-minded, for he may not for unity’s sake pollute his conscience and be a partaker in
superstition or error. Let him pray that the church to which he belongs may be taught the whole truth, and that all other churches may be instructed in the same manner, for this is the way in which all the churches will become openly one. We will do anything for love and peace except sacrifice truth, and disregard the will of the divine Lord.
The day on which the stones of the Reading and Liverpool Houses of the Stockwell Orphanage were laid turned out to be one of the wettest order.
No one could attend the ceremony without an umbrella, and even under that protection there was great danger of getting soaked by the drippings of your neighbor’s umbrella, which would persist in running down your back. Mr. Palmer, M.P., and Mr. Hugh Stowell Brown were not to be hindered in their good work by the steady downpour, and we owe them both a great debt of gratitude for the whole-hearted way in which they entered into the matter. Reading has done gloriously, and Liverpool is not behind, for Mr. Brown, for himself and friends, presented a cheque for two hundred and fifty guineas. Unable to be present in the pouring rain, we were delighted to hear of the brave way in which our fellow-helpers stuck to their posts, though some of them wet to the skin; and we were greatly gladdened by the warm manner in which the Orphanage was spoken of by our saturated and satisfied visitors. A brighter day would have seemed better, but no doubt it was best that it should be otherwise. If it pleased the great Patron of orphans it ought to please us: surely the Father of the fatherless would do no hurt to those under his own peculiar care. We think it highly probable that the ministers and delegates will remember the Orphanage all the better, and will take care that the institution is never left high and dry for want of funds.
On the night of Sunday, October 17, thieves entered our study and plundered it. If, therefore, any letters received late on Saturday contained money they may have been stolen. We do not think that there were any such, but as our visitors threw all our papers and documents into indescribable confusion we cannot be certain. Any omission which may occur in our accounts for November or December may possibly be caused by this painful event. Our gratitude to God is great that no violence was permitted, and that no large sum of money was taken.
On Wednesday evening, Sept. 29, about 300 friends gathered in the College Lecture Hall, by invitation of the Tabernacle Sun-day-school Young Christians’ Association, to listen to “Illustrations of Old-fashioned Singing,” by a select choir. Mr. S. Wig-ney, who had arranged for the evening’s programme, made a few explanatory remarks to the young Christians present, referring to the characteristics of the old tunes, and calling attention to the beauty of their harmonies. He expressed his attachment to them, and the hope that a revival of their use both in the home and in the congregation might take place. The illustrations given by
the choir consisted of a Lonsdale, Tranquility, Hampshire, Calcutta, Queenborough, Westbury Leigh, Bradley Church, Twyford, Refuge, Ber- mondsey, Leach, Gabriel, and Poland. The audience seemed much
delighted in listening to the tunes of bygone days. For our own part, we like best a mixture of new and old, but certainly the old-fashioned times suited a fervor of devotion which is scarce in these days. Ridicule has been poured upon them, but it is principally by persons with more music than grace.
On Monday evening, Oct. 18, the annual meeting of the
METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE MATERNAL SOCIETY, was held in the Lecture-hall. The Pastor presided, and Messrs. W. Olney, Carl and Moung Edwin, a Karen brother, spoke on behalf of the society. During the year 235 poor women living around the Tabernacle have been supplied with a box of linen, visited, and relieved. What a sphere of service lies open to Christian ladies in connection with their poor sisters! Happy are they who take delight in compassion. Those who for Christ’s sake sow in charity shall reap in mercy.
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 19, the annual meeting of the METROPOLITAN
TABERNACLE LOAN TRACT SOCIETY WAS HELD IN THE LECTURE-HALL, UNDER THE ABLE CHAIRMANSHIP OF OUR GOOD deacon, Mr. W. Olney.
The number present at the tea was much larger than usual, and the meeting altogether was very successful. Mr. Woods, the energetic secretary,
reported that 100 districts are now worked by 98 distributors, who visit 3,640 families every week, and carry to them the pastor’s sermons. He also mentioned many encouraging cases of conversion which had resulted from the efforts of the visitors, and stated that a sick fund amounting to about (pounds)12 had. been commenced during the year for the relief of special cases of distress. Mr. Harrald, the treasurer for the past year, presented the balance-sheet, which showed that the total receipts had been (pounds)55 12s. 4d., and the expenditurc (pounds)50 16s., leaving a balance of (pounds)4, 16s. 4d. in hand. At the last annual meeting, the society was considerably in debt. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, Messrs.
Dunn, Tomkine, and Bowker, and some of the distributors. It is no small joy to know that thousands of our neighbors are by this society brought into contact with one or other of the friends of Jesus every week, and have left in their houses an appeal to their hearts. Best of all is the fact that the sermons are read and that men’s minds are, through divine grace,
impressed by them.
COLLEGE. — During the past month Mr. L. R. Foskett has settled at Shepton Mallet, and Mr. J. L. Bennett at Wood-green. Mr. A. A. Saville has left us to continue the work commenced by Mr. Osborne at Carlisle.
Mr. E. J. Parker has completed his college course, and now intends devoting himself to the work of an evangelist. He has a powerful and melodious voice, and sings the gospel most effectively.
Thanks to a generous friend, we have been able to send (pounds)50 each to our brethren in Jamaica, and smaller amounts are coming in. It must need a great deal to rebuild the chapels and houses destroyed, but every little helps. Still, another large sum, or several such, would help very much more.
To our intense regret our brother, Mr. Stubbe, is obliged to leave
Allahabad. He is suffering from extreme debility, and must come home. We were rejoicing that so many of our students were prospering in India. and this is a dash of bitter in the cup. When Mr. Stubbs has returned and recovered, any home church will find in him a valuable pastor.
Our brethren in Spain report progress in Vigo, Corunna, Morgadanes, Arteigo, Pon-tevedra, and Villagarcia, and ask for our prayers.
Mr. Cook, Kingston, Ontaria, sends us good news of his work, and mentions that over 100 of our sermons are being circulated by the young people of his church every week.
Mr. Harry Wood writes that the Lord has greatly blessed his labors at Saddle-worth, S. Australia. The membership has been trebled, and the chapel debt paid off during his first year’s stay, and he is now collecting money for necessary alterations.
By last intelligence our son Thomas was making a tour in Victoria and Queensland, preaching the gospel to large assemblies.
Evangelists. — The Scotch papers which have been sent to us, give good reports of Messrs. Smith and Fullerton’s services in the north. Even the silver cornet seems to have been welcomed. One writer says: “On hearing it the prejudices of a lifetime melted away, and men, and women too, who before the evangelists came would with deep and cherished convictions have resented the introduction of instrumental music, were soon swelling with hearty chorus the grand volume of praise.” The services at Galashiels are described as the most successful evangelistic meetings yet held in that
town. At Dunoon large congregations gathered in the Burgh Hall and United Presbyterian churches, and much good was done. While
making up the notes, our brethren write from Paisley that they are having splendid meetings in St. George’s parish church every night. They are this month paying a long-promised visit to Leamington.
Mr. Burnham has been resting during the month, and trying to regain his spirits after his recent sorrowful bereavement. He hopes soon to be in full work again, but he is not strong.
POOR MINISTERS’ CLOTHING SOCIETY — Mrs. Evans asks us to mention that she is very grateful for two parcels of old clothing received from
“Readers of The Sword and the Trowel.” They could not be acknowledged by letter, as there was no address sent with them. Suitable material for dresses, and under-clothing, and garments of all kinds, are very gratefully received by poor ministers’ families.
PERSONAL NOTES. — A lady who is engaged in Zenana Mission work in India writes to us: — “One of my outdoor pupils is a Mahometan lady. On my first visit to her house I had a long talk about religion with her husband, who confessed that he was favourably impressed towards Christianity, but not converted. I lent him a volume of your sermons, and on my next visit he said to me, ‘I have read half the book you lent me, and I like it very much. I think it will be the means of my conversion,’ and then he exclaimed, ‘If this preacher would only come to India, everyone would believe and be converted, and I do wish the whole world was converted to Christ.’“ Alas! India needs far mere than any human preaching. May God bless those who are laboring there, and give them abundant fruit.
At the close of a recent service in the Tabernacle two Russian ladies came into our vestry and presented us with one of our sermons in their own language. On the back of it was a list of nine other sermons issued by the same publishers. Thank God for opportunities to preach by the press in Russia.
The Editor of the French monthly, L’Echo de la Verite, writes that the translations of our sermons recently published in France have been much valued. As an instance he mentions that a poor woman having read the sermon on “Lot’s Wife,” (No. 1,491), which had been lent to her, and thinking it was impossible to get another copy, actually copied it with her own hand from beginning to end, in order to be able to read it again and to
lend it to friends. M. Andru says that he will print the translation of our sermon on “Salvation by Works, a Criminal Doctrine,” as soon as he has the money. The excellent friends who manage this work have everything requisite except cash to buy paper and pay for press work.
One of our students writes as follows:-”You will be glad to know that one sister here, who is to be baptized shortly, found peace while reading your sermon on ‘Peace: a Fact anda Feeling’ (No. 1,456).”
One of the members of our congregation writes that she was converted under our ministry, and at once commenced to send the sermons to her friends. She sends us the following letter from her cousin: — “My dearest cousin, — I will now answer your very kind letter. You will have some gems in your crown for all the comforting words you have spoken to me.
We do not know how deep a word sinks into a heart, therefore we ought always to speak for Jesus, wherever we are. I have written to you to-day on purpose to thank you for your earnest pleadings to God on my behalf, and to tell you he has answered them. Last Sunday evening it was very wet. I wanted to go to chapel; but my parents thought it unwise for me to go, so I stayed at home. Looking into a drawer I saw a lot of Spurgeon’s sermons. I commenced reading one, entitled, ‘Peace: a Fact and a Feeling’
(No. 1,456). As soon as I had finished, the light began to dawn on my soul.
I see it all now. Instead of taking God at his word, I was trying in my own strength to become better. After I had read the sermon I went to my room, and poured out my complaint: Jesus listened, and renewed my heart.”
Baptisms at Metropolitan Tabernacle, Sept. 30th, seventeen.
PASTORS’ COLLEGE, METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM SEPTEMBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 14TH, 1880.
Giver £ s. d
Mr. John Nuttall 1 0 0
G.M.R 1 0 0
Miss Goff 0 10 0
Miss Traill 5 0 0
Pastor B. Smith 0 10 0
J.B 0 10 0
Mr. G. E. Ardill, New South Wales ... 5 0 0
Mr. and Miss Bloom, New South Wales 3 0 0
Rev. G. H. Rouse 1 1 0
MAN. 1 10 0
Mr. J. Hassall 1 0 0
Mr. W. Seth Smith 5 0 0
Banknotes from Lurgan 5 0 0
Collection at Kingsgate-street Chapel, Holborn, per Pastor R. F. Jeffrey ...
4 14 6
A member of the Church of England... 0 8 0
Mr. J. Tritton 10 0 0
Mrs. Robins 2 0 0
Mrs. Raybould 1 0 0
“Emma” 0 10 0
Mr. Alfred Chamberlain 1 1 0
Mr. Spriggs 0 5 0
Collection at Shooter’s-hill Chapel, per Rev.
H. Rylands Brown
0 12 6
Mrs. Alfred Walker, per Rev. G. Duncan 1 0 0
Mr.A.H. Scard 0 2 6
Mrs. M. J. Horwood 1 4 0
Mr. J. Seivwright 1 0 0
A sermon reader, Cookstown 1 0 0
A Christian lady, “for good works” 50 0 0
Mr. J. N. Crossland 1 0 0
Mrs.Meary 5 0 0
Mr. W. H. Balne 0 14 0
Mr. W. Rooksby 1 0 0
Mrs. F. M. Freeman 0 5 0
Annual Subscriptions :—
Mrs. Gardiner
2 0 0
Mr. J. Pentelow 1 0 0
Weekly Offerings at Met. Tab.:—
September 19
34 9 5
September 26 11 12 6
October 3 29 4 8
October 10 27 7 0
— 102 13 7
STOCKWELL ORPHANAGE.
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM SEPTEMBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 14TH, 1880.
Giver £ s. d
Mr. John Nuttall 1 0 0
Mrs. Traill 5 0 0
A lover of Mr. Spurgeon’s sermons 0 10 0
W.S.M. 0 2 6
G.M.R 1 0 0
Mr. J. Leeson 3 0 0
Mr. John Sarjeant 1 1 0
Mr.G. Milligan 1 0 0
Mr. John Rennison 1 0 0
Miss Ann Aldred 1 0 0
A 1over of Jesus 0 5 0
R. Joyce and A. W. Bridges 0 2 0
Friends at Bradninch, per Pastor T. G. Strong 0 5 0
R.E.M 0 7 6
Mr. R. Thomson 2 2 0
Mr. J. Alexander 0 5 0
Mr. A. Pearson 0 1 0
Collected by Master W. F. Hinsche 0 16 0
Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings 50 0 0
THE SWORD AND THE TROWEL.
DECEMBER, 1880.