NEW BUILDINGS FOR THE PASTORS’ COLLEGE BY. C. H. SPURGEON.

THE frontispiece of this month’s number represents the proposed new buildings for the Pastors’ College. They are simple and unpretentious, but we trust they will not appear unworthy of the Institution. The ground upon which they will be erected adjoins the site of the Tabernacle, and as this was an indispensable matter, we have to be content with a position in a street at the rear, the land nearer the front being occupied by the parochial schools and valuable business premises which it would not have been possible to purchase at any price. For this reason also we were glad to obtain a plot of ground of a very inconvenient shape, and we can but admire the ingenuity of the architect (Mr. Currey, of Norfolk-street, Strand) who has managed to cover almost every inch of it, and to give us exactly the accommodation we require.

We thought it wise to present our readers with the plans of the interior, that they might judge of the amount of accommodation provided. Upon the ground story many of the Class-rooms will be used for the Sabbath School on Lord’s-days, and for various other uses in connection with the work at the Tabernacle. Where movable partitions are indicated, the object is to form one large room for tea-meetings: and especially for the meals of the Annual Conference, which will hold its sessions for the future in the Large Hall above.

On the first story the College proper will be carried on, and better arrangements for that end we can hardly imagine. The Library will be lit by a lantern in the roof, so as to give as much wall-space as possible for books. The Large Hall will be available for the Sabbath School on Sundays, and for College purposes at all times. The whole will be put in trust in connection with the Tabernacle.

We have now one very earnest appeal to make to our own flock, to our sermon readers, to all our friends, and to Christians in general who approve of our work. Do help us, and help us at once. The work will be done, for it is of the Lord, and already a large proportion of the money is in our hands; but much more is needed. We shall proceed to build, believing that the money will be forthcoming, and forthcoming it will be. We thank the many donors who have aided, but our hope is that many more will be added to the list. The building is needed, needed for the best of purposes. God has intrusted many of our friends with substance, and here is a method of confessing and exercising their stewardship. The noble gift of £1,000 by one unknown donor may be beyond the imitation of the great majority, but many littles will achieve the result quite as surely. This work is peculiarly dear to our heart, and no one can do us a greater pleasure or service than by aiding to erect this new house for the school of the prophets.

The ministers who have been educated at the College have resolved to raise £1,000 towards the work. This is a large sum, and they cannot realize their wish unless all their churches aid them heartily. May we press this matter with special earnestness in that direction? Such churches are those to which we naturally look for assistance.