WHY WE HAVE NOT A PRAYER-MEETING ADDRESS: BY C. H.SPURGEON.

The Holy Ghost, by the mouth of his servant James, has said, “Ye have not because ye ask not.” I would not willingly be censorious, but crying evils demand open rebuke. Do you not think that this text applies to the case of many of our churches? They have no prosperity, their numbers do not increase, and the congregations are small; and, as the main cause of it all, they have scarcely a prayer-meeting. I hear perpetually of prayer-meetings abandoned, or, what is much the same thing, blended with the weekly lecture. From various sources I gather that in many instances the meeting for prayer is so small that it is difficult to spin out the hour, and as the same few persons come from time to time, variety is out of the question: indeed, in some places the prayer-meeting only exists to reveal the nakedness of the land. Now, if there be no conversions, and no additions to such churches, what is the reason? Is it not found here—” Ye have not because ye ask not” A lack of interest exists in many places, so that the assembly for prayer is despised, and put down as a second-rate affair: “only a prayer-meeting.” Is this a right vie v of the throne of grace? Will this bring blessing? In certain churches there is no union, and consequently no agreement in prayer: “their heart is divided; now shall they be found wanting;” and wanting they are in their assemblies for prayer. In such a case a feeble prayer-meeting is an effect as well as a cause of disunion, and till this is altered we may expect to see more and more of “the divisions of Reuben.” Prayer is a grand cement; and lack of prayer is like withdrawing the force of gravitation from a mass of matter, and scattering it into so many separate atoms. Some churches are feeble all round; the members are a race of invalids, a body of infirm pensioners who can hardly hobble about in the ways of godliness.

They have no life, or energy, or enterprise for Christ; and do you wonder at it when their meetings for prayer are so scantily attended? In some places where there are good, praying people the prayer-meetings are badly attended, because certain long-winded brethren spoil them. I know a church which is endowed with an excellent deacon, a real godly man, but he will pray without ceasing at every meeting, and I fear he will pray the prayer-meeting down to nothing unless he is soon taken home. The other night when he had talked for full twenty minutes he intimated both to heaven and earth that all he had said was merely a preface, a drawing near as he called it, and that he was then going to begin. None of his friends were pleased to receive that information, for they had begun to cherish the hope that he would soon have done. They were all too sadly aware that now he would pray for “our own beloved country,” “from the queen upon the throne to the peasant in the cottage,” then for Australia and all the colonies, and then for China and India, starting off afresh with kindly expressions for the young and for the old, for the sick, for sailors, and for the Jews. As a rule, nothing was really asked for by this most estimable brother, but he uttered several pious remarks on all these subjects, and many more. It is a great pity when highly esteemed brethren fall into the notion that they must deliver themselves of long harangues: the better the men the worse the evil, for then we are forced to tolerate them. I am sorry when a good man gets the idea that praying means telling out his experience, or giving his theological opinions. I am told that our Salvation Army friends strike up a tune whenever a friend becomes long and prosy, and I have great sympathy with the practice. It removes the responsibility of stopping the man from the minister to the people, and by dividing the action among many it operates like a round robin for the screening of any one. When prayer is an earnest asking it may occasionally be lengthened to advantage; but the less of mere holy gossip the better. If prayer-meetings degenerate into gospel gossip we cannot wonder if no blessing comes. In such cases the word is true, — “Ye have not because ye ask not.”

If any believer should chance to live where the prayer-meeting is neglected, let him now resolve to revive it. Let us make a solemn league and covenant that the churches shall pray, or that it shall not be our fault if they do not.

To strengthen a prayer-meeting is as good a work as to preach a sermon. I would have you vow that the prayer-meeting shall never be given up while you live. Be like the good woman who, when it was decided to close the prayer-meeting in a certain village, declared that it should not be, for she would be there if no one else was. She was true to her word, and when the next morning some one said to her rather jestingly, “Did you have a prayermeeting last night?” “Ah, that we did,” she replied. “How many were present?” “Four,” she said. “Why,” said he, “I heard that you were there all alone.” “No,” she said, “I was the only one visible, but the Father was there, and the Son was there, and the Holy Spirit was there, and we were agreed in prayer.” Before long others took shame to themselves at the earnest perseverance of a poor old woman, and soon there was a revived prayer-meeting and a prospering church. I have heard of a negro who was found sitting out the time of service all alone when his colored brethren had grown cold and prayerless; in his case also the rest were shamed into fresh energy. I beg you, then, to maintain this holy ordinance even if the attendance should have dwindled down to two or three. Surely a church, if it be a church of Christ at all, must feel the rebuke which would be given by your perseverance. Oh, never let us leave off praying unitedly for a blessing! Solemnly settle it in your hearts that the fire upon the altar shall never go out. As for me and my church, we will serve the Lord by maintaining this sacred exercise in full vigor; and I beseech all other believers to come to the same resolve, or, if not, there will be dreary days for the church of Christ.

But now let us apply this to ourselves as individuals. “Ye have not because ye ask not.” I wonder whether there is a brother here who has been tugging, and toiling, and struggling for years after a certain thing which seems further off than ever; and does the reason of his failure lie in the fact that he has never prayed about it? Do you wonder, dear brother, that you have not when you do not ask? With one hundredth part of your present trouble you may obtain the desired boon if you seek it at the Lord’s hands.

I mean even as to temporal things;:it is our duty to work for our daily bread, and to earn what is necessary for this life; but do recollect that everything about a Christian should be a matter of prayer, because everything about a child that ought to be \:.he child’s business is his Father’s business. If a child should have a perfect father, that father would be interested to hear about the child’s play as well as about the child’s suffering. He would take an interest in his boy’s lesson-books at school, and cheer him in reference to the little trials of his play-hours, for that which may be very little to a stranger, may be great to a father who measures things by his love to his child. Though a matter might be little to the father, considering him as a man alone, yet since it is great to the child, and the father puts himself into the child’s place, his sympathy makes insignificance important. I have heard of a great king who was one day waited upon by an ambassador, who found him upon all-fours upon the floor, making himself into a horse for his little son. He said to the ambassador,” Sir, are you a father?” “Yes, your majesty, I am.” “Then,” said he, ‘: I will finish my game with my boy, for you will understand me.”

So he went on round and round the room till the little one had enjoyed his full share of romp, and then his majesty turned to the ambassador, and said, “Now I am ready to attend to the affairs of state.” I honor the king for thus showing that he was a man who had a father’s heart. So our heavenly Father takes an interest in the trifles which concern his children, if they are such as ought to concern them; and therefore you need never fear to tell everything to your God. Little things are often more troublesome than great things. If a tiny splinter of wood gets into your finger, it may be more serious than a heavy blow, and even so a minor sorrow may work us grievous ill.

Take your daily troubles, wants, longings, aspirations, and endeavors to the Lord; for if they are such as are right and true, they should be laid at his feet. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Do you not think that many desires of your heart and many domestic troubles may continue—the desires to be unfulfilled and the troubles to be un-removed—because they have not been made the subject of prayer? “Ye have not because ye ask not.” May not that be the case with many a merchant, student, mother, or worker?

Success in life, comfort, employment, health, friends may in some cases be found by asking, and missed by neglect of prayer.

Certainly, with regard to spiritual things, this must often be so. A brother has heard of the high joys of God’s saints, and of the lofty places to which they have attained, so that they pass through life as if their feet trod lightly on the mountain tops. He sighs, “I wish I had their faith.” How many times has that brother said the same! Let me speak to him. Have you ever sought this faith of the Lord? If you had once prayed for it, it might have been better than wishing for it a thousand times: peradventure strength of faith and elasticity of step have been denied you because you have not yet asked for them. May there not be a hundred other boons, which you have missed because you have never asked for them? You have envied others who had them, you have picked holes in their characters in consequence, and you have complained of the Lord for withholding them, and all the while the secret; of your spiritual poverty has been this fact,—” Ye have not because ye ask not.”

Sometimes you will not ask because the thing is too little, sometimes because it is too great, and oftener still because it does not occur to you to ask for it. Is there anything about which a Christian ought not to pray?

Then be sure of this, it is a matter with which he should have nothing to do. Mr. Rowland Hill, in his Village Dialogues, proposes the composition of a form of prayer to be offered by a young lady before going to the theater, and another to be said when she returns from a dance. “There,” cries one, “I call that mere hypocrisy. Who ever heard of praying in connection with such matters? It is preposterous.” Just so, and thus it is dear that these things are not for Christians, for they must do nothing which they cannot pray about, and it was to exhibit the incongruity of such actions that Mr. Hill wrote as he did. A beloved brother said the other night, and I heartily agree with him, that we ought not to pray anything that we could not suppose our Lord Jesus Christ praying. He allows us to ask in his name, and thus to use his authority in prayer. Now, what right has anybody to use my name in favor of that which he knows I should not approve of? This may test your prayers. If there is anything that Jesus would not pray for, do not dream of praying for it; but humble yourself for being guilty of a desire which would be contrary to his pure and holy mind.

This rule will be an excellent guide to you, for as you may only ask for that which Jesus would endorse, so you may only seek in your daily life that which Jesus would support you in seeking. Pray over everything, and that which you dare not pray over do not touch. You are proposing a new course in business: well, go and pray over it. Are you going to issue bills announcing “an alarming sacrifice” of your goods? Can you pray over them? You say that you will sell off “under cost price” is it true that you hope to get a profit on all that you sell? Then how can you ask the God of truth to prosper your sales? This simple rule, if fully followed, would work a revolution in trade; and truly it should be followed by all who call themselves Christians. Even in commerce men have not because they ask not: they think cheating to be a surer way of profit than praying. Hence evil practices arise, and at length become so usual that they lose their efficacy, and everybody allows discount for them. Should not godly men in every case set their faces against dishonest customs? “Yes,” says one, “but they would be great losers.” That might be, and yet the Lord is able to make it up to them in a thousand ways if they tried the power of prayer. In questions of business complication, where there is-a will to do right there is sure to be a way, and if you have not found out such a way I must again quote the text, “Ye have not because ye ask not.”

It may be that many a spiritual thing for which you may pray without doubt has never become yours simply because you have never asked for it. Is not that a pity? What! Nothing to pay; the priceless treasure a free grant, and yet I have it not because I do not ask for it I This is such a folly as we do not see in common life. Few people miss an alms for want of asking. Our poor neighbors are generally fast enough in begging. Poor frozen-out gardeners are out in the streets pouring out their complaint long before the ponds will bear a mouse. Few need to be encouraged to apply for charity, and yet while spiritual gifts are to be had for the asking many have not because they ask not. Open your mouth wide, brother, and ask for a great deal. Begin asking in real earnest, and never let it be said that your spiritual poverty is your own fault.

If it is ever true of us, “ye have not because ye ask not/” what does it mean? It means that there are needful spiritual blessings which you do not desire with all your heart. In what a wrong condition your heart must be!

When a person has no appetite for wholesome food it is a sign of disease, and if you have no appetite for divine grace you must be sick in soul.

Healthy children have large appetites, and God’s children when they are healthy hunger and thirst after righteousness. Why is it we do not desire these precious things? Very often it is because we do not feel our need of them; and what a proud ignorance that is which does not know its need! If you were to look at yourself, brother, though you think yourself rich and increased with goods, and needing nothing, you would see that you are naked, and poor, and miserable. What a sad thing it is that you should miss priceless blessings because you fondly fancy that you already possess them!

Or, perhaps, you know your need, and are anxious to be supplied, and yet you do not ask because you have no faith in God upon the matter. How long have you known the Lord? Have you known him a year? Is not this long enough to have gained confidence? There are many persons whom you would rely upon at once, and hundreds whom you could trust with untold gold after having known them for a few hours. Cannot you thus trust God? How is it that you dare to doubt him? What a sin it must be to distrust one so faithful and true!

Or else it may be that you do not doubt either God’s ability or willingness to help you, but you have grown rusty in the knee; I mean out of order as to prayer. It is a very great evil when this is the case. When I have pains in my wrist, or in my foot, I have some hope of speedy recovery, but I am always despondent when the weakness is in the knee; then it is a very serious business. O brethren, well doth the Scripture say, “Confirm the feeble knees.” If we are not at home in prayer everything is out of order.

He who goes often to a room knows how to gain admittance, but a stranger loses himself in the passages. Familiarity with the mercy-seat is a great point in the education of a child of God; be sure that you gain it.

There are two or three matters for which I desire to ask your earnest prayers just now. Do pray for a very large blessing on the congregation here. In the early summer weeks I thought that this house was not so full as usual, and I was greatly troubled about it; but the fact was that the major part of our friends had taken their holidays early. Of late the crowds have exceeded those of past years, and we are all amazed at the attendance at the prayer-meeting and the lecture. The sickness of the minister, no doubt, tended to make the public fearful of not hearing him, and his continued health has reassured them, so that now our great building will not hold all who come. We have the people to our heart’s content; do you wonder that I tremble lest the opportunity should be lost in any measure? Do pray that I may preach with power. Plead with the Holy Ghost to convert these eager thousands. Persons of all nations, ranks, ages, and religious come hither. I beseech you, agonize in prayer that they may be saved. Let it not be true, in their case, that we have not because we ask not.

Again, all through the summer weather, when friends go out into the country, and to the seaside, they generally forget to send any subscriptions for the Orphanage, College, and other enterprises. This is often a trial of my faith. I see the waters ebbing out, and at times the tops of the rocks are left bare, and I can see the weeds and the mud, and I do not enjoy the sight at all; I had rather see a good depth of sailing water for the fleet of charity.

I bless God we have never come into actual debt, but I have wished that there was a little more regularity in the giving. Soon we shall have as many girls as boys in the Orphanage, and I say to myself, “I do not see any more people taking a share in the work,” and the question arises, “However will you keep them?” I do not know, but God does, and there I leave it, ‘believing that he will find the means. It is not like him to cast away any good work that is undertaken for his sake; but still I beg you to pray about it, lest it should be true that we have not because we ask not. I do not speak thus because I have any unbelieving anxiety, but because the Lord has said, “For this will i be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them.” The College and the Colportage are as much in need of help as the Orphanage, and they are equally useful agencies: I beg you to commend them all to the Most High, for whose glory they exist. By one or by another, by the living or by the dead, by the rich or by the poor, the Lord will provide; but I beg you to join with me in my prayer for these institutions—” Give us this day our daily bread.”

Greatly do I need your prayer for the work and ministry of this huge church. What a load rests upon me! Here are about 5,500 of you, and with all the help I have I find I have enough upon me to crush me unless heaven sustains me. My brother and the elders do for me what the elders in the wilderness church did for Moses, else should I utterly faint; but the more difficult cases, and the general leadership, make up a burden which none can carry unless the Lord gives strength. I loathe to speak thus about myself, and yet I must, for there is need. Beside all this, there cometh upon me the care of many another church, and of all sorts of works for our Lord.

There, you do not know all, but you may guess; if you love me, if you love my Master, I implore you pray for me. A good old man prayed before I carne to London that I might always be delivered from the bleating of the sheep. I did not understand what he meant; but I know now when hour by hour all sorts of petitions, complaints, bemoanings, and hard questions come to me. The bleating of the sheep is not the most helpful sound in the world, especially when I am trying to get the food ready for the thousands here, there, and everywhere, who look for it to come to them regularly, week by week. Sometimes I become so perplexed that I sink in heart, and dream that it were better for me never to have been born than to have been called to bear all this multitude upon my heart. Especially do I feel this when I cannot help the people who come to me, and yet they look that I should do impossibilities. Moreover, it is not easy to give wise advice in such complicated affairs as those which came before me, and I hope I shall never be content without using my best judgment at all times. Frequently I can do nothing but bring the eases before God in prayer, and bear them as a burden on my heart. These burdens are apt to press very hard on a sympathizing heart, and cause a wear and tear which tell upon a man. I only say this because I want more and more the sympathy of God’s people, and perhaps I may not have even this if I ask not for it.

If you put me in so difficult a position you must uphold me by your prayers. If I have been useful to you in any measure, pray for me; it is the greatest kindness you can do me. If the word as spoken by these lips has been a means of grace to your children, plead for me that others of the young may be brought to Jesus by my teaching. If you would find my ministry more profitable to your souls, pray for me still more, and let it not be said of your minister that you do not profit by his preaching, and that you have not because you ask not. Beloved, let us wrestle in prayer; for untold blessings are to be had for the asking. As a church we have been specially favored; but we have not exhausted the possibilities of prosperity, or the resources of heavenly power. There is a future for us if we pray.

Greater things than these lie behind that curtain: no hand can unveil them but the hand of prayer. The singular blessings which have rested upon us in the past call upon us to pray; the marked prosperity and unity of the present invite us to pray; and the hopes of the future encourage us to pray.

Behold, the Lord says to you, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Brothers, sisters, slack not your asking; but for the love of souls multiply your petitions, and increase your importunity.

LONDON ADVANCING THIS is a picture of the garden of our house in Nightingale-lane. It was truly quiet and rustic, but the enemy of all beautiful things was near at hand. Notice the heads of the advancing columns visible over the tops of the trees. London pushes the country further and further away. To cover scores of acres with streets is the work of a few weeks. Where do the people spring from? Assuredly they have come in armies hitherto, and still they come! They swarm like birds of the air.

As these thousands and thousands descend upon us, it would be a grand thing if we could have places of worship ready to welcome them. Whoever is first in the field secures most of them. Alas, it seems impossible for the lovers of the gospel to overtake so large a demand, and the birds as soon as they alight are captured by Ritualistic fowlers, or else they are left to wander into utter heathenism. What is to be done? What ought to be done?

What shall be done? Too many rich professors are engrossed with the silly ambition to be richer still, though they have already more than they can possibly need. The paramount claims of the Lord Jesus and the needs of dying souls are forgotten, and for lack of means the cause of God and truth is crippled. O Lord, how long!

The fervent prayers of believers everywhere are entreated for London, that the Lord may give the means for erecting houses of prayer, and may also raise up powerful ministries, and give the people a willingness to hear them. Hundreds of thousands of Londoners have practically turned their backs on the Sabbath, and on all hearing of the word, and many find a ready excuse for doing the same thing because the gospel is not preached in their neighborhood. By means of our College we have the men at hand, and now we lack the power to form churches because we cannot provide them with meeting-places. Halls for hire are seldom to be had, and the police will not let us worship in the street: what, then, is to be done? Must we see men perish for lack of means to reach them with the gospel?

To those who have riches, and do not come to the help of the Lord’s cause, we commend the word of the Lord in Haggai 1:4, “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?” It is not wrong for you to enjoy the comforts and even the luxuries of life if God has given you the means to do so; but these must. not be purchased at the expense of the cause of God: your giving to the Lord must bear a due proportion to your personal expenditure. To spend on self, and not upon the Lord’s work, is to subject our religion to question, and our conduct to condemnation.

SUCH BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE IT is not unusual to hear persons express their estimate of a preacher in words something like these: “But he uses such beautiful language!” His “beautiful language” or “elegant diction” forms the basis of their approval or condemnation. But what does he say? Nobody seems to remember or tell much about that; but his “language” is “beautiful.” It is a beautiful cup, but it contains no water; the plate is beautiful, but there is little food; instead of good seed, he sows beautiful beads and buttons; but what shall the harvest be? He applies a beautiful plaster, but there is no balm of Gilead about it, and it possesses no healing power; he is a beautiful physician, but his patients die. He gives medicines in beautiful vials, but they are deadly poisons. Think of a man crying “Fire!” in the most chaste and elegant forms of expression, and so softly, too, that the slumberers sleep on, and those who are awake are persuaded that there is no danger.

In a world like this there is something beside sweetness and beauty. There are awful facts of sin and wrath and judgment which concern mankind; and we have something to do beside listening to quaint conceits, polished expressions, and smoothly-drawn sentences which have no grip on the conscience, and which allow men to sleep quietly while judgment and damnation are hastening on their track. There is sin, there is sorrow, there is danger, there is death on every hand, and shall we be lulled to rest with” beautiful language,” and neglect the warnings which God has given and the judgments which he has pronounced against sin and iniquity? Oh, better far to listen to a voice of one crying in the wilderness, that warns and wakes and rouses slumbering souls, and bids us flee from the wrath to come, ere it shall burst in thunder on an unsuspecting world.—From The Boston Armory.

NOTES.

On Wednesday morning, September 7, at nine o’clock, the long-afflicted wife of J. A. Spurgeon, our beloved brother, entered into rest. It is very singular that exactly eleven years before, on the same day of the week and month and year her brother, Captain Burgoyne, was drowned in the ironclad ship Captain in the Bay of Biscay. She was the daughter of General Sir John Burgoyne. She united with the church at the Metropolitan Tabernacle at the same time with her esteemed mother, and bore her witness for Christ with a courage characteristic of the family. Her attainments were great alike in languages, in music, and in general information: she was a living Concordance of the Bible, and could find any text; in her own Bible at once. Her husband found in her a true helpmeet so long as strength sufficed, and to the last she did her utmost, selecting the hymns and tunes for the services up to the last Sabbath of her life. She has marked her copy of “Morning by Morning,” August 29, page 242, at the passage referring to Carey’s choice of an epitaph:- “A guilty, weak, and helpless worm, On Christ’s kind arms I fall; He is my strength and righteousness, My Jesus, and my all.” She doubtless felt that this was her own condition in reference to her salvation. She died aged 44, having been married for twenty-one years. Her husband greatly feels his heavy loss, but recognizes also the great goodness of God in sustaining the patience of the sufferer and in lifting her higher in his own good time. She died in her bed, and not in her hath, as has been strangely stated in the papers. She passed away quoting the lines— “Lift me higher! Higher!” Another death which has touched us closely is that of Dr. Manning, of the Religious Tract: Society. He has long been our most hearty friend and helper. His speech upon Colportage will not soon be forgot, ten; we published it in. these pages under the heading of “The well-aimed Inkpot.”

His preaching during our late illness was greatly appreciated by Tabernacle friends. He was one of the most genial, lively, generous men we have met with. In him deep earnestness never soured into sternness, neither (lid liberality degenerate into laxity. Like his predecessor in office, Dr. Davis, he began life as a Baptist minister, but we rejoice to add that he remained to the close faithful to his convictions. Those who knew him will miss his beaming face, and radiant smile, and hearty grip. We feel that we have lost a true friend, and what is more, the church has lost a valuable worker. “Be ye also ready.”

The death of President Garfield creates among Christian people a feeling far deeper than that which arises from the decease of an ordinary ruler. He was a member of a section of the Baptist church, and the representative of that party in the United States which is the friend of the freedman. His fall is a serious blow to those in the States whose principles are on the side of righteousness. We believe that it will be overruled for the highest ends, but as it stands his murder is a great calamity. May his widow find a measure of consolation in the sympathy of all civilized nations, and comfort without measure in the tender mercy of her husband’s God. England and America have been drawn together as by a common grief; may a feeling of concord thus sown in tears be reaped in joy. Some hundreds of Americans are to be found at the Tabernacle all through the summer, and thus the Pastor is drawn into close, fellowship with believers on the other side of the ocean.

On Friday evening. Sep t. 9, Charles Spurgeon, Pastor of the church at South-street, Greenwich, gave his popular lecture on “Hoarding Information; or, Lessons from Advertisements,” in the Tabernacle in aid of the funds of the College. There was a large audience, who frequently applauded the good points of the lecture, which were very many. The subject was illustrated, by a large number of beautifully executed dissolving views, reproducing very faithfully many of the striking advertising notices which meet us whenever we take our walks abroad. It is well thus to find thoughts, on bill-stickers’ hoardings, wisdom on walls, and sense in everything. The lecturer’s address is 32, Devonshire-road, Green-with. On Sunday evening, Sept. 11, rite Tabernacle was again thrown open to all comers, when not only was the building crowded to its utmost capacity, but we are assured that thousands were unable to enter, though anxious to gain admission. We know already that the word preached on that occasion was blessed to several persons, and we expect to hear that it was God’s set time to favor many more. The sermon preached that evening is published under the title of, “Is it nothing to you?” Oh that the Holy Spirit would send a still more abundant blessing upon the preaching of the word!

On Friday evening Sept. 16, another meeting of the managers and workers for the ORPHANAGE BAZAAR. was held at the Tabernacle, under the presidency of the Pastor, C. H. Spurgeon. Reports were presented of the efforts that are being put forth in various parts of the country to secure the success of the enterprise, and hopes were confidently expressed that as large a sum would be realized as on the occasion of the Silver Wedding Testimonial Bazaar. Tues day, Jan. 3, 1882, was fixed for the opening day, and the sale will be continued during the three following days. It will require a vigorous effort to achieve success, but the object is so deserving that we hope helpers will come forward in every town. A lady friend taking it up in each congregation would help marvelously, and our Orphanage would soon be finished.

It will he seen from the acknowledgments on another page, that some friends have already begun to send contributions for the stalls, and an anonymous donor in Iquique, Peru, has forwarded £1 for the Bazaar Fund.

We have also received intimations that friends are at work for us in Beverley, Halse, Hampstead, Haverfordwest, and Reading, but these we are sure do not represent a tithe, nor perhaps a hundredth part of the places from which we shall receive help for this object. It would be a great comfort to us to have just a line assuring us that our confidence is wellfounded.

The fogs are coming over us, and the Pastor stands in daily fear of a return of rheumatism; in which case he will have to leave this land of damps at once. It would tend to health to see the good work going on with vigor.

The Sunday-school teachers at the Orphanage have written to inform us officially that they have agreed to furnish a stall. Mr. Dunn’s helpers at Richmond-street Mission Hall have promised a stall. They are meeting weekly to work, and will be glad to receive remnants or material that can be made up for sale. We have many willing workers at the Tabernacle whose needles would soon be in full action if they had materials. All contributions for this purpose should be addressed to the Metropolitan Tabernacle; and all parcels for the Bazaar should be sent to Mr. Charlesworth, Stockwell Orphanage, Clapham-road, London.

COLLEGE.

— Mr. J. E. Jasper leaves us to settle at Carshulton, and Mr.D. Macmillan becomes pastor of Hunton Bridge and King’s Langley. Mr.R. M. Harrison, who recently returned to the United States after completing his course with us, has settled at New Durham, New Jersey; and Mr. Jesse Gibson has accepted an invitation to Plattsville, Canada.

Mr. W. Coombs has removed from King Stanley, to Princes Risborough; and Mr. W. Hollinshead, from Rattlesden to Eye.

Mr. E. H. Edwards. B.M., who has been working during the past year in connection with the London Medical Mission, has recently been appointed Resident Physician to the Hospital for Women, Soho-square: where he hopes to become still more full3 qualified for the medical mission work abroad.

Mr. H. R. Brown writes more hopefully than he did a month ago about his work at Darjeeling, but it is evident that he will not be able to hold the fort for Christ there without even more heroism than was needed in leaving his church in England for the foreign mission field. Our confidence is in God that he will be upheld and prospered. Are there no others like-minded who will volunteer for work in India? We have another request for a pastor to go out, but know not where to find the man.

The missionary zeal of the students of the College has been fanned more than usual during the past month. At the Tabernacle missionary prayermeeting on Monday, Sept. 5, Mr. A. Haegert gave us a most interesting account of his medical missionary labors in Santhalistan. One of the students has already applied To him for permission to return with him, and to assist him in his work. Then, on Friday afternoon Sept. 9, by request of the College Missionary Association, Dr. Landels addressed the students on the claims of foreign missions, and the President, who occupied the chair, earnestly emphasized the doctor’s appeals for more men for the lands that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Again, on Sept. 16, Bishop McTyeire, from Tennessee, and Dr. Andrews, President of the College in Louisiana, delegates to the Methodist (Ecumenical Conference, delivered short addresses, and Mr. W. M. Webb, a colored pastor from Jamaica, spoke of the need of evangelistic work in connection with the Baptist churches in that island.

We have received from the deacons and other friends forty pounds, as promised at the meeting at Mr. Tritton’s, for the purchase of a new tent to be used for evangelistic services in connection with the College. The former tent was worn out in affording shelter for congregations, and in traveling to and fro. We shall be prepared with a new tabernacle in the wilderness next spring. College Stall at the Bazaar.—We hope our brethren who have gone out from the College will be able to render much help in furnishing the College Stall at the Orphanage Bazaar. There are many from whom we cannot expect much, as in consequence of the agricultural depression they can barely live, but there are others who may he able to assist us without in any way injuring other useful objects. Brethren, do not forget that the children o£ some who were once of your number, have found a happy home at Stockwell, some are there now, and in all probability when the new houses are filled, some will be found there whose fathers in days gone by were trained in the College. All parcels and communications for this stall should be addressed to the Secretary, Pastors’ College, Temple-street, Newington.

EVANGELISTS.

— Messrs. Smith and Fullerton have commenced their London campaign during the past month by holding services at Mr. Cuff’s Tabernacle at Shore-ditch. From the very first meeting great crowds have been attracted to hear our brethren preach and sing the gospel, and already many signs of spiritual blessings are apparent. On Sunday afternoons the build-rag, which holds nearly three thousand, has been filled with men only, to each of whom one of our sermons was presented as they left the Tabernacle. Mr. Cuff says, “It is a splendid sight to see so many skilled mechanics together.” Night after night during the week every seat has been occupied, and large numbers have remained after the services for prayer and conversation about their souls. On Wednesday afternoon, 14th ult., a service was held for women only, when there were between 1,500 and 1,600 present, beside babies. On Saturday night, 17th, a Song Service was held ill accordance with the evangelists’ usual practice; and on Sunday morning, 18th, a service for Christian workers was held at seven o’clock, in addition to the regular morning and evening services, and the meeting for men only in the afternoon. Mr. Cuff thus describes these gatherings: his letter was not intended for publication, and. we hope he will forgive our taking the liberty; it is so warm, so fresh, so kind that it ought not to be lost. “Shoreditch Tabernacle, Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. “My dear Mr. Spurgeon,—The ‘Song Service’ last night was an unbounded success. The place was suffocatingly full, and there were literally hundreds who strove about the doors, and then at the gates, pleading in vain to get in. Our two beloved brethren were both at their very best, and did exceedingly well, the Lord being with them. These Song Services of Mr. Charlesworth are unique in interest and power. They add vastly to the rest of the work. There is so much gospel in them, put in a novel, taking, yet proper manner. They must do good. Fancy four thousand people of all sorts moved by them on a Saturday night in a district so busy as this! Let the fact tell their power. Skeptics and Christians alike came last night. We know the people, and therefore write with certainty. Mr. Passmore and Mr. Charles-worth were here last night; and they can testify to what I tell you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. “We had a service this morning at seven o’clock. There was a very large gathering, and the two dear fellows were here in good time. They were again at their best, and it was the best service we have yet held. The Tabernacle seemed full of holy power. The Lord was here. I hope these things will cheer your heart in the midst; of all you have to try your faith and hope. It was something for you to take me into the College, and fit me for the ministry. It was no small matter for the Lord to move his people to give money to build this house but now he has given to you to set in motion such a work as Fullerton and Smith are doing, not only here, but everywhere they go. I am glad they come from the dear old College. May the good Lord send more men to the College who will step out of old ruts, and be men of originality and real power! “2.30 p.m.—A crowded house at 11, and a word of much power from Mr. Fullerton. The men are now crowding in. for their service. Oh, for power! I am now stopped by a man who enters to tell me an infidel was here at this morning, and so touched was he that he has just come into the Tabernacle, and vows to a friend that by God’s help he will seek Christ.

We are going specially to pray for him. What wonders does the old gospel achieve! I will continue by-and-by. These are scraps ....

Afternoon service for men just now over. If it be possible the place was more crammed than last Sunday afternoon, and there was £1 13s. more in the offering. Last Sunday they ‘gave £7. Mr. Smith preached, Mr. Fullerton read, and I prayed. What a sight! This huge place crowded with men of every class and condition! I am contented to leave all results with God, for I know he will save many through his word.”

The meetings are still continuing while we write. On Sunday, October 2, our brethren go to Mr. Sawday’s Chapel, at Pentonville.

During the whole of the past mouth Mr. Burnham has been working in conjunction with Messrs. Kendon, Kipling, and Mayo, among the hoppickers in Kent. Up to the time of writing, the services appear to have been very encouraging. Readers of the magazine are familiar with the plan of operations, and therefore it is not necessary to give details here, but only to say that each night in the week a service has been held either at Staplehurst, Horsmonden, Lamberhurst, Kilndown, Marden, or God-hurst, and that on Sundays special efforts have been made to get at the hoppickers by visiting them in their camps, inviting them to free teas, and in all other possible ways trying to bring them under the sound of the gospel. It will prove a lasting blessing to London if her poor children shall return from the hop-gardens made into children of the living God.

This month Mr. Burnham is to visit Leighton Buzzard and Malton.

METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE EVANGELISTIC CHORAL SOCIETY.— The honorary secretary, Mr. R. Bailey, asks us to inform our readers that this society recommences practice on Thursday evening, Oct. 6, at 8:30, in the College buildings. They will be pleased to welcome any who can sing, and are capable of reading music at sight fairly. Further particulars can be obtained of the secretary, 145, Tottenham-court-road, W. We shall need a good choir to support the efforts of Messrs. Fullerton and Smith, when they commence work in the Tabernacle.

ORPHANAGE.

— A special word of thanks is clue to Mr. Geo. Hammer for his generous gift of thirty-two desks to accommodate sixty-four children in school, and to Mr. Walker, of Dunfermline, for sufficient tablecloths for the entire Girls’ Orphanage. Mr. James Teller, of Waterbeach, has also sent one hundred and twenty bushels of potatoes and three sacks of flour, the produce of “The Orphanage acre.”

PERSONAL NOTES.

— A friend in Scotland sends us the following extract from a letter · received by him from a nephew in London: —”I went to hear Spurgeon last night. Our free service, Sept. 11.] He was preaching on, ‘Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow.’ His last head was—What have you to do with him? He urged us to consider and to decide either that we had or had not an interest in Christ’s work; if we had an interest in it to accept it; and if not to say so at once. This led me seriously to consider what I was going to do with the salvation bought at the cost of such terrible sorrow and agony. When I had got safe to my room at night, I began to think it over. There was a Daily Text-book on the table, so I just took it up, thinking I might get some help there. The very first page I opened, began with, ‘ I have seen his way, and will heal him.’ ‘I am the Lord that healeth thee.’ I saw at once that the One who knows all my transgressions is the Lord that healeth me, and so I was able simply to trust in him without waiting for a better state of feelings, or anything else. · . . I know you have prayed for me. God has answered your prayers; may you have the joy of continuing to see them answered in a life spent in serving him.”

One of our church-members writes:—”Dear Pastor,—I have often noticed in The Sword and the Trowel the personal notes of good done by your printed sermons in this and other countries, and since my wife (a member with you from the time of New Park-street) and I have rejoiced over these notes very much, I feel it has been wrong of me not to send you this line before. You were preaching about nine years ago upon the subject of the man who was brought to Jesus on his bed, and let down through the roof, and I remember very distinctly how you pleaded with us that bands of four should bring unconverted relations to Jesus. The idea seized other two as well as ourselves, our then school superintendent, and a lady friend, and we pledged our word outside the Tabernacle that we would not cease to pray for our superintendent’s daughter, and my wife’s father; that the four of us would bring them to Jesus whenever we came to him in prayer. We did so. Our superintendent’s daughter;;-as brought to the Lord six months afterwards, and joined the church meeting at York-road Chapel, Lambeth, lived another twelve months, and (tied of rapid consumption, nay, sweetly fell asleep, rejoicing in the Lord. Our father was taken ill with consumption of the bowels, and laid on a sick bed for thirteen weeks, and then passed away to be with Jesus. His testimony was in these words, the last of any import that he said: ‘I know you have been deeply anxious on my account, but you need not be, for I have laid my sins on Jesus, and he has forgiven them all. I know he has done it, and they are all gone.’ After this he could never bear his daughter and myself to be absent from his side for a moment, and never was he so glad as when one of us breathed a word of prayer for him. To show his sincerity he spoke to every one who came to see him, exhorting them to live differently in their lives, to attend the means of grace, and so on. You ‘will see how much room we have to feel grateful that ever your sermon stirred us up in this way when I add that our father was at one time an infidel.”

One of our workers writes:—”My Dear Pastor,—On a Sunday evening, about two years since, one of the constables told me that a great invalid was very desirous of hearing you preach. She was in a ,’hair at the door, and was brought; in by her husband and Ben. She looked the picture of health. I offered her several seats, but she chose to occupy the very back one. I could not understand her helplessness until she told me she had no particle of leg, and that for two years she had been praying to God and begging of her husband to bring her to London, that she might hear you preach. I asked how far she had come, and she replied, ‘ From near Colchester.’ I said, ‘You pray and beg for two years, and come that distance to hear a man, how far would you go to hear Jesus? Mr. Spurgeon would not thank you to come to hear him unless through him you hoped to hear his dear Master Jesus.’ I implored her to pray God that she might see Jesus. She burst into tears and replied, ‘ I will try, sir.’ I told her husband I would see them again after the service. I did so, and oh! what a face. I saw in a moment Jesus was with her. I asked, ‘Have you seen Jesus?’ She said, ‘ Yes.’ I asked what he was like. She replied, ‘So glorious.’ I said, ‘Yes, he is glorious, and so good. He specially calls the halt, the lame, and the blind to trust him, and rejoice in his salvation.’ Turning to her husband, I remarked, ‘ You cannot be indifferent, can you? ‘ He said, ‘ I believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, but I don’t know about salvation.’ We were among the hast to leave the Tabernacle, and I trust we shall meet in heaven.”

Baptisms at Metropolitan Tabernacle:—August 25, sixteen; September 1, seventeen.

NOTES C. H. Spurgeon purposes to leave England for the South of France after the first week in November. The supplies for the Tabernacle Pulpit on Lord’s-days will probably be as follows:- Nov. 13, Mr. R. H. Lovell; Nov. 20, Mr. I). L. Moody; Nov. 27 (morning), Mr. A. G. Brown; evening, Mr. W. Y. Fullerton; Dec. 4 (morning), .Mr.C. Spurgeon; evening, Mr. J. A. Spurgeon; Dec. 11, Mr. R. H. Lovell; Dec. 18 (morning), Mr. J. Jackson Wray; evening, Mr. W. Y. Fullerton.

Friends from a distance had better not attempt to get in when Mr. Moody preaches, as there is sure to be a dense crowd, and the ordinary congregation will be first admitted, so that the place will be full. We hope that on some future occasion both Mr. Moody and Mr. Sankey will conduct a series of services at the Tabernacle; at any rate, the building will be at their disposal.

Friends who take an interest in our work will greatly ease our mind if they will send in specially abundant help for all the institutions while we are away. We once had watchful friends who promptly sent in generous aid whenever they saw that the pastor was ill, for they thought it would be ministering to his health if they kept every work in going order. Some of these friends still survive, and the Lord is preparing more, for his work must not falter.

Let the BAZAAR preparations go on actively during our absence. Will not every member of the church, every sermon-reader, and every magazinesubscriber send in something? it is for orphan girls that the buildings are needed. The poor little ones plead for themselves. Once let their faces be seen, and their wants will be the best argument for generosity. We have hitherto seen the bountiful hand of the Lord stretched out in the hour of our need, and we feel confident that he will not fail us now.

We commend to the kindly notice of all wealthy believers the case of our country ministers. The depression in the farming interest is depriving our village churches of the power to support their pastors. Our Baptist causes must many of them die out unless timely help is given. We are daily receiving appeals for the means of buying bread to eat and raiment to put on. A fund of £5,000 to meet this emergency would save many a village church. Men who were getting only £80 a-year cannot now expect half that amount, and they cry out in utter dismay, “What shall we do?” They are anxious to stay with their people, but how can they keep body and soul together, and find bare bread for their children? Where the deacons are farmers the best subscribers are crippled, and so the sources of supply are cut off. Should not the Lord’s stewards in the towns think of this condition of affairs, and come to the rescue? The system which makes each church independent and self-governing has many excellences, but we are not so enamored of it as to be blind to its defects. Something must be done speedily to aid the smaller churches, or they will die of their independency.

All funds at present in existence are strained to their utmost; now is the time for a special effort to meet a difficulty, which we hope will not occur again should next year be favorable to agriculture.

On Friday evening, Sept. 23, the annual meeting of THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE EVANGELISTS’ASSOCIATION Was held in the Lecture-had, under the presidency of Pastor C. H. Spurgeon. There was a large and enthusiastic muster of the workers and friends of the Association, and the proceedings throughout were of the most encouraging description. We beg our readers to observe the vast amount of work done by this Society. Mr. Elvin presented the report, from which we learn that, during the year, the following services have been held:—On Sundays, at the stations belonging to the Association, 603; at other mission stations, 728; in the open-air, 131; in connection with special services, 63; children’s services and supplies, 376; on week-nights, in various chapels and halls, 1,508; in the open-air,76; or a total of 3,485 meetings at which the gospel has been preached in some part of London. As the evangelists usually adopt the Scriptural plan of going two by two, the number of addresses given is still larger, amounting to no less than 4,948. To accomplish this work 124 brethren and sisters have been more or less occupied as opportunities presented themselves. The cost of carrying on this effort has been exactly £200, a very small sum when we think how much has been accomplished by this agency towards the actual evangelization of this vast city. The addresses actually cost under 10d. each. We have been glad to meet rather more than half the expenses by sums left to our discretion, the churches visited have contributed £53 1s. 6d., donations from various friends, collections, teameetings, etc., have realized about £43, leaving a balance of £2 10s. *d. in hand with which to commence the work of another year. As fresh openings are constantly occurring, it is necessary that the funds should increase in like proportion, and the Society will also be glad of more voluntary preachers of the right sort. The honorary secretary is Mr. G. E. Elvin, 30, Surrey-square, Walworth, S.E.

On Monday evening, Oct. 17, the annual meeting of the LADIES’

MATERNAL SOCIETY was held in the Tabernacle Lecture-hall. Pastor C.H. Spurgeon presided. Pastor J. A. Spurgeon referred to the satisfactory state of the Society’s funds, the total receipts for the year having exceeded £110, and the balance to be handed over to the new Treasurer being about £25. Boxes of linen had been lent to 232 poor women, and relief administered in each instance. The Chairman stated that Mrs. Pike desired to resign her office as Treasurer on account of her advancing age, and her inability to attend. Thanks are due to her for long and hearty service. Mrs. J. T. Olney has consented to take her place. Mr. J. M. Smith sang and spoke, Mr. W. Olney pleaded for the employment of an additional visitor to the poor women assisted by the Society, and the Pastor promised £20 towards her support. Mrs. Graney, the Bible-woman already employed, described some of the scenes she had witnessed while visiting, and the meeting was closed with prayer. It was stated by one who knew that the poor mothers of London are often obliged to wash and attend to housework within a few hours of their confinement, having frequently no nurse, and no help of any kind. All hearts were saddened by the stories told. and all felt that nurses are as much needed as evangelists. Wanted, holy, patient, self-denying women who would give themselves to such work! We do not mean this as an advertisement for a paid nurse, but as an application for voluntary workers.

The first hour of the prayer-meeting the same evening was specially on behalf of Sunday-school work. Reports of some of the twenty-eight schools directly or indirectly connected with the Tabernacle church were presented by the superintendents or managers, and prayer was offered by several of the teachers and other friends. ‘ Great blessing has been experienced, but there is a general outcry for more teachers. In the more populous parts of London children abound, but teachers are few. The richer classes live out of town, and the poor are left to workers from among themselves. Schools are suffering sadly from this cause. However, the Lord will appear in this thing also.

The after part of the meeting was devoted to taking farewell of Mr. J.G. Potter, of the Pastors’ College, who has been accepted by the Baptist Missionary Society for work in India. He is going in the first instance to Calcutta, and hopes ultimately to be stationed with our friend Mr.R. Spurgeon, in Bengal. Earnest prayer was offered for him by the whole church. His missionary ardor and his steady perseverance lead us to expect great things of him.

Every Thursday evening the friends at the Tabernacle meet for an hour’s prayer before the Pastor preaches. The benefit of this season of supplication is felt all round. It is a fine preparation both for hearing and preaching.

COLLEGE.

— Mr. G. J. Dann has accepted an invitation from the church at James’ Grove, Peckham, and several of the students will in all probability leave us for pastorates.

Mr. C. J. Padley has started for Australia, where he hopes to find a suitable sphere. We commend him to the kindness of friends at the Antipodes.

Mr. H. Winsor, late of Beeston Hill, Leeds, has become pastor of the newly-formed church at South Stockton.

We greatly fear that another member of our Conference has been called suddenly home. A telegram in the papers announces a railway accident near Melbourne, and states that “the Rev. Mr. Garrett; ‘red others were killed.”

As our brother H. H. Garrett lived at Brighton, near Melbourne, it seem:; probable that his career has terminated thus painfully, though we hope it is not so. In Memoriam.—On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the beloved wife of our venerable friend and father in Christ, Professor Rogers, passed away, after a happy married life of fifty-eight years, and, as the husband says, at the close of” a long illness endured with much patience and even cheerfulness.” Our dear friend is comforted and sustained.

Did our friends observe that we have published Mr. Rogers’ Conference Addresses at half-a-crown the volume? These are addresses indeed, full of holy wisdom and rare wit. If there is any difficulty about getting the hook, a note to Mr. Thomas, Secretary, Metropolitan Tabernacle, enclosing twoand- sixpence, will secure the volume, postage free. It will hardly be necessary to mention this matter twice to the members of the College Conference, but other ministers will find their money well laid out if they make the purchase. College Stall at the Bazaar.—-We have received from Pastor C. Bloy, Aslacton, a parcel of goods for sale; from Mr. Padley, a valuable patchwork quilt; from Mr. Armstrong, Warrambeen, Australia, a box of goods; and from brethren at Melton Mowbray, Shoreham (Sussex), Waterbeach, and Wingrave, promises of help for the College Stall. This branch of the Orphanage Bazaar is sure to be fruitful. Surely no minister trained in the College will be one penny the poorer for mentioning this matter to his friends, and procuring a little help for the orphan girls. Some who did not help on a former occasion will, we trust, come forward this time. Children of ministers who were once students are now in the Orphanage; had their fathers foreseen this fact with what an interest would they have looked towards Stockwell! One who prayed at the founding of the Institution remarked that perhaps his children might one day be there.

He was well and hearty then, and yet among our boys we have numbered two of his sons. It is a mercy to have such an institution for the boys: now for the girls.

EVANGELISTS.

— Messrs. Smith and Fullerton have been at Vernon Chapel, Pentonville, during the greater Dart of the past month. Our brother Sawday, himself an evangelist of the very first rank, thus writes of their visit, up to the time of making up the “Notes “:— “Vernon Chapel, “King’s Cross Road, W.C., “October 18, 1881. “Dear Mr. Spurgeon,—How can I thank you, as I want; to, for sending brethren Smith and Fullerton to labor in this neighborhood? They have been here now just over a fortnight, and the work of God is progressing gloriously. “Though our chapel is in a most un-favorable place for reaching the masses, we have had splendid audiences from the very first. A great many who seldom, or never, attend a religious service are now with us night after night. Such gatherings, both for numbers and interest, I have never been privileged to see in this house before, all these eighteen years. The cornet is a great attraction, so is Mr. Smith’s singing, so is the preaching of both our dear brethren. The people go away, and make others long to come, by telling them of the attractive services. Brother Fullerton’s preaching is weighty, rousing, and clear. Surely the gospel cannot be put more lovingly and simply than by these two evangelists. “The children come in crowds to hear Mr. Smith on Saturday afternoons.

The men’s meeting on Sunday afternoons, too, is a marvel both for numbers and interest. On Sunday nights Mr. Chamberlain kindly comes over from the Tabernacle, and sings at Vernon. We have a capital audience, although so many’ of our people are away with brethren Smith and Fullerton at St. Mary’s Hall, Agricultural Hall, which, although it is much larger than the chapel, is crowded to excess long before the time for commencing the service. As for the results, they are most varied and cheering. The old, old story, as told by our brethren, has done our own people a world of good, and they have been greatly blessed in preparing for the visit. They have distributed about thirty thousand invitations from house to house, and as many more in the streets, and in factories, etc. They have prayed much, and prayer is being answered, for souls have been saved, I believe, in every meeting. We are busy until a late hour every night leading the anxious to Christ. Some who have heard me for sixteen years are saved at last. I cannot give special cases now, but there is great joy here at Vernon over prodigals returning home. We hope for larger ingatherings this week and next, and after our brethren are gone. “I am afraid I shall be presumptuous if I add my testimony as to the fitness of Messrs. Smith and Fullerton for the work of evangelization. They are grand fellows, they work splendidly together, and the hand of the Lord is mightily with them. These are red-letter days at Vernon. How one wishes our churches could all be visited by such men! For just twenty years’ unceasing kindness, I remain, dear sir, “Yours gratefully, “C. B.SAWDAY.” Early this month the evangelists are to go to Mr. Stott’s chapel, St. John’s Wood, and on Monday, Nov. 21, the day after Mr. Moody preaches for us, they are to commence at the Tabernacle a series of services which will probably last three weeks or a month. Let all our friends in the south of London come forward, and use their utmost endeavors to make these services a powerful means of grace; and let friends far and near implore a blessing upon the meetings. Members of the church, while your Pastor is away, be doubly active. Bring strangers to the meetings, and watch for their souls. Oh, that the Spirit of God may send us a great addition to the church of such as are saved! Our dear brother and co-pastor will feel much encouraged if all our workers will put their shoulders to the wheel in this good work.

Mr. Burnham reports that he spent a very enjoyable time among the hoppickers, tie asks us to unite with him in praising God for answering prayer, and sending fine weather for the open-air meetings. During the month that the services were held in the hop-gardens, there was much rain day after day, and yet he and his co-workers were only prevented from holding their meetings on two evenings.

On returning from Kent, our brother went to Leighton Buzzard. The pastor of the church there thus writes of the blessing resulting from his visit:— “My dear sir,—You will be glad to hear of the very successful series of services conducted here by Mr. Burnham during the past week. The services had been preceded by special prayer, and the spirit and tone of those preparatory meetings led us to expect a great blessing: nor have we been disappointed. A feeling of interest was generally awakened from the first, and manifest signs of the divine presence were given. As the services proceeded the number of inquirers increased, and the divine blessing was so manifest and abundant that our brother was induced to prolong his stay with us. Last evening, a meeting was held for praise and testimony; that these who had been brought to the Savior might have the opportunity to tell of the blessing they had received, and that those who were still seeking might be encouraged. This was a most cheering and heart-stirring gathering. A goodly number of friends assembled; most of whom had been either led to Christ, or deeply impressed by the services; and, as testimony after testimony was given, it was found that a longing for fuller consecration to Christ had been awakened in the hearts of some of our church-members; while in one case, at least, a backslider had been restored. One special feature of the work here has been the holding of meetings in the afternoon for the study of the Scriptures. I must not forget to mention that Mr. Burnham has been greatly aided in his work here by our Brethren Walker, of Houghton Regis, Feltham, of Winslow, and Tomkins, of Ridgmount.

Our hearts have been greatly cheered. There are many, especially among the young folk, who will have reason to bless God throughout eternity that the steps of our Brother Burnham were directed to Leighton. Souls have been saved, many have been led to seek the Savior, backsliders have been restored, and the spiritual life of believers has been revived, and, while we rejoice over the results which are already apparent, we are confident that some good has been done of which the fruits are yet to be made manifest. “Yours very truly, GEORGE DURRELL.” Mr. Burnham’s engagements for this month are, November 1 to 7, Walton,:Norfolk; 8 to 13, Southwell, Notts; 21 to 27, Mirfield, Yorks; and 28 to December 4, Birkley, Yorks. He asks us to say that he is fully engaged until the Conference, so that those who desire his services must fix some date after May, 1882. ORPHANAGE. On -Friday evening, September 30, the quarterly collectors’ meeting was held at the Orphanage. After tea, the boys’ dining-hall was quite crowded by an interested audience, who listened with apparent delight to “John Plough. man’s” description of the “Pictures” in his last new book. Mr. Carlin, of the Cow-cross Mission, who has obtained permission to reproduce the pictures for dissolving-view slides, exhibited them by the oxy-hydrogen lime-light. Two of the little girls recited in firstrate style, the boys and girls sang a few of their favorite pieces, and a pleasant evening was happily closed by the presentation of the prizes awarded to the children by the Committee of Council on Education, Science and Art Department. The collectors brought in about £120, in addition to which friends, who could not be present, sent about £30 before or after the meeting. To all our helpers we again say, “God bless you for what yea have done, but please do not forget that our family will soon be nearly double its present size, and therefore will want twice as much support.” We suffer greatly from the remark, “Oh, M,. Spurgeon can get plenty of money!” Alas! we should get none if all were as miserly as those who make this an excuse for refusing to help the orphans. How are we to get money except as the Lord moves his. people to give? We are not surrounded by an army of rich folks who have nothing to do with their wealth. Far otherwise. Our funds come from helpers who are many of them generous to the full extent of their means. The Lord will always supply the needs of the poor orphans, and the students; but when people see a man bearing such a lead of responsibility it is bad enough to refuse to help, and worse still coolly to say, “Oh, he’ll manage it’ He has plenty of friends.” Orphanage Bazaar.—-The advertisement at the end of the magazine will show all our friends that we have had several additional promises of stalls since last month. The task is first to lead them up, and then to unload them when the sale comes on. The time is drawing near. Dear Mrs. Dilatory, do look alive!

Mr. Bartlett reports that friends in Africa, America, Japan, and Jamaica are working for his stall. Messrs. Ward, Lock, and Co. have promised to send some books for sale; and in addition to the places mentioned under the head of “College,” we have received promises of parcels from Blaenavon, Coalbrookdale, Gnosall, Lakenheath, Kennington Park, and Reigate. We should be specially delighted if some American friends would take u2 this work at once. There is very little time: but among the hundreds of thousands of our sermon-readers in the States surely something might be done .....

SONG SERVICES.

— These may be n Lade a special means of grace. Let a choir of believers take either of Mr. Charlesworth’s. Song Services, and sing them through with pious feeling, and good must ‘be the result. The seven “Services” are to be had of our publishers at 3d each, or in one volume, paper covers, ls.; cloth, extra gilt, 2s. 6d.; words of entire series, one penny. Mr. Burnham has also brought out, at 4d., a capital “Service,” entitled “The Waldensian Exiles.” Of course, if these are, used as a mere concert for amusement, no good will come of them, but sung as unto the Lord, experience proves their value.

COLPORTAGE — The General Secretary writes—” The only note of importance this month is that some friends, anxious for the extension of the work, lucre made us some liberal offers, which, however, are conditional upon friends in the districts raising £40 a year. Thus, a gentleman, who will not allow his name to transpire, promises £50 if ten new districts are started in six months, while another offers to assist very generously to support a traveling agent, if a suitable man can be obtained, to visit districts and give information concerning the work, and secure subscriptions towards supporting additional colporteurs. “We are thankful for that whereunto we have attained:, but for some time past have remained nearly stationary as top aggressive movements. We have 70 districts occupied, but what are these compared with the largo number which need the work? Being un-sectarian in its nature and operations, all Christians may unite in supporting a colporteur, and as the Association always helps the districts beyond the £40 subscribed by paying all expenses incurred beyond that sum, it is an economical form of Home Mission work which should be more widely adopted. It utilizes the press, the pulpit, and personal appeal, to make known the gospel. We shall be glad to receive new applications for the appointment of Colporteurs to districts where £40 a year can be raised. Subscriptions to our general fund are also always needed.”

Mr. D. M. Logan, who for a while attended some of the College classes, sends us the following interesting note concerning- Colportage in the Australian Colonies.— ”Dear Mr. Spurgeon,—A year ago to-day, I was in London, the center of civilization, of usefulness, and of religious effort. To-day I am in an out-of-the-way place in New South Wales, Australia, far from church or chapel, store, telegraph-office, or railway line. I live, with my family, amongst rocky hills, and can only be reached by rugged and difficult tracks. We see but few travelers, for we are some distance from a main road, and yet in this remote situation we have been visited by a colporteur! Indefatigable man! he wasn’t to be stopped by rocky creeks, nasty sidings, or up-hill roads. He had a mission to fulfill, lie carried God’s word and good books to dispose of, he had to speak of the love of God, and to tell of Jesus the Savior, and the power of the Holy Spirit, and he was undeterred by any difficulty, and found his way here as he does to many other such wild retreats. We were astonished to see the colporteur’s wagon approaching. We were delighted to see it well filled with a goodly stock neatly arranged in covered trays, so packed as to stand all the jolting and rough treatment of long and tedious journeys. We gave him a hearty reception, and bought some of his books. We purchased some copies of our old friend, ‘ The British Workman,’ in one of which I found a sketch of the Bible-carriage in the Mile End-road. It was very correctly drawn, and reminded me of old times, for I had had the privilege of selling Testaments, and preaching from it to the crowds that passed by m, that great thoroughfare. When I tell you that the colporteur sold me a volume of ‘The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit,’ and ‘Laws from Heaven for Life on Earth,’ by Arnot, you may guess I was truly delighted, for I had lost every book that I possessed by being shipwrecked on my voyage to this colony. We spent a profitable evening with him, and he left next day cheered and refreshed, I believe, as we also were by his visit. he is one of several missionary colporteurs connected with the New South Wales Bush Mission, which is doing a good work in the interior of this large and lovely Island-Continent. “D. M. LOGAN.

“Moura, Bumbury, “via Melongo, N.S.W. “22nd July, 1881.”

Mr. Logan himself holds a service every Sunday for the men on his farm, and gives them a “Reading” on Monday evenings from “John Ploughman’s Pictures,” and other “sound, improving, healthy, and amusing” literature.

As he took his place almost in its natural condition, and now has about 4,503 sheep, beside cattle, to care for, he employs many laborers, and is glad to. do all he can for their spiritual as well as temporal welfare.

PERSONAL NOTES.

— A friend writes:—-”I was last week attending the meetings of the Hants Congregational Union at Bournemouth, when a deacon of a neighboring church related the following cheering story:—’ About seven years since a poor woman had saved up a few pounds of money, and was going into the town of Christchurch to purchase some things. By some means she lost her purse, which contained a £5 note, £i in gold, and some 14s. in silver. She was much distressed at her loss, and had some hand-bills circulated offering a reward for the restoration of her property. A person found the purse, and appropriated the whole of its contents, and nothing has been heard of the affair until a fortnight since, when a gentleman went to the printer of the handbill, and asked if he could remember the incident. On looking over his the he saw the bill, and the whole of the circumstances came to his mind. The gentleman then said, ‘ You must ask me no questions, but the purse will be restored.’ A few days afterwards the identical purse, with the amount of money lost, and £3 for interest, was sent to the rightful owner. The cause which brought this about was reading Spurgeon’s Sermons.” A brother in the Lord, who is also a colonel in the army, told us the other day that although he had Christian parents, and many religious privileges, he never knew the way of salvation until he read our sermon entitled, “The Way of Salvation,” (No. 209.) in the little book form. He has since distributed hundreds of them to others. This is a hint to sowers as to what kind of seed they should sow.

During the past month we received an interesting letter from a German Baptist Colporteur, in which he says that he has sold many of our books, which have been a blessing to him, and to many who have bought them. He also mentions that the Empress of Germany has bought from him;’ Dew Pearls,” and” Gold Beams,” i.e., “Morning by Morning” and “Evening by Evening,” and “John Ploughman’s Talk,” in the German translation.

Just after making up the “Notes” for last month’s magazine we received the following touching letters:— “Dear Mr. Spurgeon, — the enclosed letter, which I write verbatim, and the cheque for £40, are from my dear boy, who appears to be on the eve of departure to a better world. He has been greatly interested in making up all his little money matters to send you the proceeds. As you will suppose, he has been for some time taking an interest in your work for Christ, and one of the greatest enjoyments of his life was the hearing you preach one Sunday last spring. He has read your sermons, etc., for a long time, and distributed them among our poor neighbors. His life has been one of much suffering, chiefly from asthma; but now consumption is carrying him off, and he is lying in the most peaceful, tranquil slate, waiting the Master’s call. “If you will kindly acknowledge his letter yourself I should be so much obliged, as I know he is hoping for that pleasure. “I am, dear sir, “Yours very truly, “Sept. 19th, 1881. “My dear Mr. Spurgeon,—I am very ill indeed, and my days are few, so I thought I should like to send you my little savings before I go, for you to use in what way you think best for Christ’s work. I should very much like a few lines from you, with a few words of comfort to cheer me at the last. I am rejoiced to tell you that I know Christ has forgiven my sins, and. I am longing to depart and be with him. “I cannot say that i have ever felt overwhelmed with sin. I have always been an invalid, and my feeling is that Christ sought me out, and has been gently leading me along a quiet path out of the way of many of the sins and temptations of youth; therefore, all thanks be to him, I can claim no merit.

He has so hedged in my way, that I have been kept from the desire after worldly things, and my heart is full of gratitude to him for all the way he has led me, and I bless him for the life of sickness which I feel now has been my safeguard. “With my best love to you and Sirs. Spurgeon, “I am, yours affectionately, We divided the amount as requested, and wrote by return of post to thank the suffering donor, but before he could receive our reply he had entered into the presence of his Lord, and heard from his loving lips the gracious words, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

Baptisms at Metropolitan Tabernacle.—Sept. 22, ten; Sept. 29, twentythree.

IN SUNSHINE SHADOW IF domestic happiness be the only mortal bliss which has survived the Fall, those, surely, enjoy it to the full whose home is a Bethel where all the members dwell in God, and love is lord of all. Home is the center and the sphere of the affections, and not a mere contrivance of the architect and the upholsterer; it is a sanctuary rather than a shelter, a temple and not a mere tenement. A residence is not of necessity a home; love must be the basis and the bond of family union, and out of this union the home must grow. In the rudest huts of the Western settler, the affections of the inmates may consecrate every log, and raise the hovel to the glory of a home, while in the luxurious mansion of a West-End square mutual hatred or mistrust may degrade the palace to the level of a prison. “Are you not: surprised,” demands the sainted James Hamilton, “how much happiness can be condensed into the humblest home? A cottage will not hold the bulky furniture and sumptuous accommodations of a mansion; but if God be there, a cottage will hold as much happiness as might stock a palace.” Ah I there’s the secret of a home which prolongs the memory of Eden and heralds the day of Paradise regained. The Lord is there!

We have gained much, doubtless, by our ecclesiastical buildings, which we are wont to call “the house of God,” but where is the warrant or the wisdom of localizing God by consecrated walls, when he claims the renewed heart for his temple? Important as it is to assemble for worship with the children of God, we must never overlook or underrate the fact that the abode of his people is the sanctuary of God. That the early Christians realized this is evident from the frequent reference to “the church in the house.” A Christian home, rightly constituted and administered, should compel the grateful exclamation, “This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Home, viewed thus, is not a selfish retreat from the battle or business of life, it is a hospice from which the inmates sally forth to the rescue or the succor of the homeless wanderer. The ministry of home should operate over a wider range than its own circle of relationship. Afar it should east its beams like the cheering rays of a lighthouse which are seen many a mile by the mariner when he is tossed on the billows.

When home is regarded as bearing the Royal Arms, how loyally shall we try to make it a fit lodging for King Jesus I When we view it as a temple, with what care will its members guard against the entrance of everything which will defile it! There will be a religious atmosphere, if we may so express it, pervading kitchen and parlor and bedchamber. Peace will there wait on piety, happiness will encircle it, and in after days those who emigrate from it will look back upon it, even as pilgrims looked back upon Jerusalem, with loving awe.

Not to own the home-spell is to violate the truest instincts of our humanity and to resist the loving purpose of a Father’s heart, and yet how many there are who play truant from home and yield an easy compliance to the more than doubtful attractions of the club or the public-house. It is to be feared that the expedients promoted of ]:ate, with the best of intentions, to keep the working classes from the public-house may prove in the end to be even more potent rivals to home. A man’s best club is his own family. The multiplication of meetings, even of religious kind, may have the same effect, and we are afraid of anything which keeps a man habitually from home. “Set thy house in order,’“ is a precept to be obeyed literally and at once.

Young has wisely said- “The first sure symptom of a mind in health Is rest of heart, and pleasure felt at home.” Can the reader look upon the happy group in our first; picture, and not be., touched with a feeling of admiring gratitude that husband, wife, and children can find such solace and delight at home? The husband is a true houseband, and the wife evidently secures the strength and beauty of the social fabric by proving herself to be the weft of the home. How happy the children seem. How happy the father, too, as he looks into the face of the youngest-born, and hears the mingled Babel of the rest,. A husband as willing to be pleased at home, and as anxious to please as in a neighbor’s house; and a wife as intent in making things comfortable every day to her family as on set days to her guests, cannot fail to make home happy. Look on the well-drawn picture, and wish that it were everywhere and always so; but, alas, we must look on another picture.

Claiming a poet’s license, Longfellow has sung with all the pathos of a plaintive minor— “There is no flock, however watched and tended, But one dead lamb is there; There is no fireside, howsoe’er defended, But has one vacant chair.” The hyperbole comes so near to the expression of literal fact, that we do not care to challenge its strict accuracy. From the moment sin entered and blighted this fair world, the pathway of life has conducted pilgrims through “the Valley of the Shadow of Death.” Few, indeed, are the hearts which have not been rent by the pangs of a bitter bereavement, and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find the person who, at some period or another, has not suffered an irretrievable loss. “The air is full of farewells of the dying And mournings for the dead.” The echoes of Rachel’s lamentations will never be silenced so long as women are mothers and little mounds in the cemetery cover the offspring of their love. To everyone there are moments when the emotion of the heart demands an expression which it cannot provide. “O for the touch of a vanished hand, And the sound of a voice that is still!” It is some mitigation of the grief we experience when the character and deeds of the departed leave no room for regret, and there is the inspiration of a sacred joy in the conviction that the loved one is “at home with the Lord.”

Heaven becomes more real to those who can localize the dwelling-place of the departed; and so their hearts are drawn to the home beyond. Such a bond with the spirit-world has its value, and is a part of our Father’s grand design. “The Lord is good, and doeth good.” A true faith does not doubt the fact, though its utterance may be choked with grief.

The changes which are wrought in happy families by the removal of the father are terrible to think upon. When the bread-winner is taken away none can fully sympathize with the struggling widow except those who have passed through the like experience. Compassion may do much, but it always indulges a larger hope than it can fulfill. It may brush away a falling tear, but it cannot quench the sorrow of the heart; it rosy silence for awhile the language of grief, but it cannot quell the inward moaning; it may provide for a physical necessity, but it leaves unsatisfied the deep craving of the soul. Thank God, there is One who has undertaken to be THE COMFORTER, and well does he fulfill his office.

If sympathy cannot do all it would, it should not stop short of attempting everything which comes within its range. The sight of sorrow should call forth all that is best and noblest in Christian character, and this is one of its ordained ministries. True religion has no grander environment than the benevolence which “visits the widow and fatherless in their affliction.”

Piety has no richer adorning than the beneficence which translates the impulse of the heart into the language of a generous deed. Good advice only aggravates the misery it would mitigate unless it tenders help as the token of its own sincerity. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” is a precept by which the duties of believers are defined and enforced, and of all the burdens which press upon the human heart, perhaps none weigh with such crushing effect as those which fall upon the widow and the fatherless.

When the head and hand which provided for daily needs is gone, and she is left with a family of little ones demanding all her care, and taxing all her energies, what can a poor lone widow do to keep her home together? In giving her husband a decent funeral, and in providing a little mourning for herself and children, the scanty savings of years; will be exhausted, and the possible earnings of the future will often be anticipated by a loan. It is unwise, but is it unnatural? Who can blame in the presence of so deep a grief? The outlook from father’s empty chair is dismal indeed to the poor, sickly woman, around whom many little ones are crying for bread. She has scarce leisure to weep, for her babes are sickening from lack of proper nourishment. Few are able, either physically or mentally, to cope with the difficulties of the situation, and many a woman will succumb to the demoralizing effects of poverty, unless something be done to lighten her burden and to set her hands free for honest industry. To assist such without defiling them with the taint of pauperism is a painfully difficult and yet graciously pleasant task. No better help can be afforded than to find a Christian home and training for some of the children, and thus render it easier for her to provide for the rest by such labor as women can undertake. How glad a thing it would be if such labor were more abundant and better paid.

In the; Stockwell Orphanage no less than 617 fatherless children have found shelter and support, and their widowed mothers have been helped over an otherwise insuperable barrier. They can work for the remainder now that some are taken. The extension of the Institution to accommodate 250 fatherless girls, in addition to the 250 boys already on its foundation, lends a weighty emphasis to the appeal for their support, and furnishes the coveted opportunity of making many more widows’ hearts glad. It is Christmas, and the season for charitable action; let not this Orphanage be forgotten when the portion for the poor is divided by the generous hand.

PUT MORE, CHRIST INTO THE SERMONS.

MINISTERS should study, most of all, to preach Christ. The most successful preachers have always been pre-eminently preachers of Christ. This is reasonable, because Christ is, above everything else in the universe, what all men most need. There comes a period in the history of every man when he realizes this fact. A clergyman was one day visiting a dying man. He read a chapter to him about heaven, and then sang two verses of the hymn commencing, “There is a land of pure delight,” when he was interrupted by the sick man, with the request that he would sing the hymn beginning with, “There is a fountain filled with blood.” He who knows Christ, knows everything else. It is Christ, and not heaven, the dying need. He who receives Christ gets heaven. He who has no Christ would be miserable in paradise. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. It is the preacher’s great and chief duty to preach that truth in every sermon, lie is to make known, in every possible manner, the great and the only remedy found for man’s sin. If we fail, as preachers, in this one particular, no matter in how many others we succeed, our ministry will be a miserable failure.—The Preacher and Homiletic Monthly.

NOTES The Editor writes—I have reached the Grand Hotel, Mentone, and find great comfort in the warmth of the air, the brilliance of the light, and the dryness of everything. If rheumatism does not depart in such balmy weather it must indeed be hard to dislodge. Coming here with bad lumbago pains, I found them gone in a night. Friends who are not tied to the land of fog and frost could not: do better than try the hospitality of mine host,M. Georgi, who has for years laid himself out; to make me comfortable. At Hotel de la Paix he was an admirable landlord, and he has not changed his manners taking a new hotel. I hope friends will not write me many letters, but if they do write, let them address Grand Hotel.

At Portsmouth, Oct. 26, the vast audience had a remarkable escape from an imminent peril. One of the papers seams to wonder that Mr. Spurgeon was nervous! Who could avoid it amid that dense throng, in a frail building, with constant interruptions? The horror of great darkness which passed over the preacher’s soul, few can understand but those who have once seen a multitude flying in panic, and people trodden to death in the crush. We should be able to preach abroad far oftener if we could secure moderate audiences, in places full to safety, but not crowded to murder-point.

However, the occasion ended well; and to God be praise! The efforts of all friends at forts-mouth to entertain the Baptist Union were most praiseworthy.

For an opportunity of preaching, Southampton, on Oct. 27, bears the palm; for there we had order and quiet throughout, and we trust the divine presence was there. It was a singular sight to see at these services men of all grades and creeds, and even more remarkable to observe with what kindliness they received the preacher of the Word. Surely there is some softening process at work, some coming together of divergent creeds, some candor towards long-despised truth. In the house of Canon Wilberforce, in concert with Lord Radstock and other friends, we had much friendly discussion, but far more spiritual communion both in. conversation and prayer. The life of God in the souls of believers triumphs over even important differences of ceremonial and doctrine. In honestly dealing with each other in the spirit of love to Christ we ‘shall, by the Holy Ghost’s guidance, find the way to mutual edification and enlighten-merit, and so to real unity. If congresses, and conferences, and meetings, by bringing Christians together, shall continue to increase their knowledge of each other, and their common regard for one another, they will do more towards the unity of Christendom than all the plans and societies which have this for their design, but know not how to compass it.

Altogether, Southampton friends deserve the highest commendation,—we were delighted to find three of our College men at Southampton and two at Portsmouth, all favored with the divine blessing, and heartily working together to give entertainment to the denomination which met in such force in the two towns. Others of our own men were to the front, holding their own among the best of their brethren. We are greatly rejoiced when we see a man raised up in the ranks of the church to serve the Lord valiantly, and there is just a drop of special zest to our joy when it happens to be one of the sons of the Pastors’ College.

On Friday evening, Oct. 21, the eleventh annual meeting of the GREEN WALK MISSION, conducted by Mr. Wm. Olney, inn., was held in the tabernacle Lecture-hall, when there was a large attendance of the workers and friends of the Mission. Pastor C. H. Spurgeon presided. Mr. Bennett read the report, which commenced with a grateful reference to the spirit of prayer which had prevailed among the workers, and a recognition of the Lord’s loving care of them at the time when the tempest blew down the tent in August last. It then proceeded to specify the various special and ordinary means which had been used for the purpose of bringing the people of Bermondsey to the feet of Jesus. These include Sunday and Thursday evening services; five prayer-meetings during the week; magic-lantern lectures illustrating the Scriptures; five open-air services weekly; a Tract Society, for the distribution of the Pastor’s sermons by twenty-one friends, who go from house to house on Sunday afternoons; a Sunday-school, with an average attendance in the afternoon of 386 scholars and 25 teachers, more of whom, especially for the girls’ classes, are greatly needed; an infant class of about 150 children; a Mothers’ Meeting, on Wednesday afternoons; a Dorcas Society; Song-services; missionary meetings, and other agencies which could not be mentioned in the “short report.” The spiritual results seen since the last annual meeting have been most cheering, over fifty persons having testified to Mr. Olney that they have been led to the Savior, and many of them having united with the churches at the Tabernacle, Greenwich, Pentonville, and Rye-lane.

It was a good meeting, and greatly cheered the Pastor’s heart as he saw with what vigor the various branches of Tabernacle work are being carried on. Here was a work large enough for a separate church, and yet only one of many boughs of the old tree.

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 25, the annum meeting of the METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE LOAN TRACT SOCIETY was held in the Lecture-hall, under the presidency of pastor J. A. Spurgeon. Mr. Woods, the secretary, read the report, which stated that the Pastor’s sermons had been lent from house to house in 103 districts, and that thus the gospel had been taken weekly to about 4,000 families. Several instances of blessing re-suiting from the reading of the sermons were mentioned, and Mr. Woods said that 22 cases of conversion had been recorded, although only 45 of the distributors had furnished him with reports. The Sick Fund, started last year for the purpose of giving relief to the suffering poor in the districts visited, has been the means of bringing a double blessing to many a home; while the Maternal Society and Mothers’ Meeting, which have also Become necessary adjuncts of the Tract work, have each comforted and helped many poor women both temporally and spiritually. The report closed with a reference to the Mission, which some of the members of the society have started in Bermondsey for the preaching of the gospel, and which has been already instrumental in the conversion of many souls. Mr. Harrald, the treasurer, in presenting the balance-sheets of the various branches of the work, said that when he was appointed to his present office, eighteen months ago, there was only 3s. 8d. in hand, but now there was a balance of £21 19s 5d. in hand on the Tract account, after paying £30 12s. for sermons and covers during the past year. The proceedings throughout were of a most enthusiastic character, and all who were present must have felt that they had come into contact with Christian workers who were all alive, and seeking by every means within their reach to bring others to the Savior. This is another hive of Tabernacle bees, and we bless the Lord that they work together without using their stings, and the result brings glory to God and benefit to all concerned. When will all churches be alive. and work, not by some stereotyped rule, but just as the free Spirit prompts one and another to engage in this service or that? Our army forms itself into regiments by a natural process, and these attack the enemy with weapons of all kinds, advancing to the war from all points of the compass.

On Friday evening, Nov. 4, the Annual Meeting of the PASTORS’COLLEGE was held. Several hundreds of friends had previously taken tea together in the Lecture-hall and School-room. The meeting commenced with singing by the, Orphanage boys, who, together with a detachment of little girls from the “Hawthorns,” sang at intervals. Mr. Spurgeon,:first, as President of the College, made a statement with regard to the progress of that Institution, especially calling attention to the fact that since the Conference in May last twenty-one students had become pastors, fourteen of whom had gone to churches raised by brethren from the College, ant four or five to places where other men had not succeeded. Next, as Pastor of the Tabernacle church, he bade his friends “good-bye” for a few weeks; and then, in the character of “John Ploughman,” proceeded to give a reading, with running comments, upon his “Pictures,” the views of which were again exhibited by Mr. Catlin. Pastor J. A. Spurgeon expressed the wish of all present, and many who were absent, that his brother might be greatly benefited by his holiday; and Messrs. R. Wood and Longhurst, two of the students, thanked the President and supporters of the College for enabling them to enjoy its advantages. It was a fin,’., hearty meeting, and went to supply fresh proof that the College lives in the hearts of the brotherhood at the Tabernacle: nay, it went further than that, for kind friends were /)resent from a distance who newer neglect an opportunity of showing their deep love to one who never fails to be touched with such tokens of undeserved affection. God bless all our host in town or country, in England, Scotland, Ireland, the Continent, America, and all the world over!

COLLEGE.

— During the past month the following students have accepted pastorates in the places mentioned:—Mr. E. Ashton, Gorsley, near Ross:

Mr. M. Baskerville, Caxton, Cambs.; and Mr. W J. Juniper, Histon, Cambs. Mr. H. J. Weeks has been accepted by the Baptist Missionary Society for work on the Congo. Mr. A G. Everett is seeking to raise the churches at Appleby, Leicestershire, and has met with marked success: another of our brethren is trying to do a similar work at Midhurst. Sussex:

Mr. H. J. Martin is commencing a new cause at Bracknell, Berks; and two of the students are supplying at the iron chapel erected as a mission-station by our brother, J. A. Spurgeon’s church at West Croydon.

Mr. W. Goacher, late of Hatherleigh. has .gone to Milton, Oxon.; Mr. C.A. Ingram is removing from Roade to Upton-on-Severn; and Mr. W. Mummery from Eynsford to Chatham Road, Wandsworth Common. Mr. G. H. Trapp, who recently went to America, has settled at West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Mr. R. Maplesden has resigned the pastorate of the Madras Baptist Church, and accepted an appointment from the American Baptist Missionary Union for mission work among the Teloogoos.

Our fears concerning our late student, Mr. H. H. Garrett, of Brighton, Australia, proved only too well-founded. He was killed in a railway accident, and leaves a widow and two children to mourn his loss. The colonial papers to hand speak very highly of our brother and his work.

EVANGELISTS.

— During the first half of November Messrs. Smith and Fullerton have been working at Mr. Stott’s chapel, Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood. The Pastor thus writes of “the work of grace,” as he rightly terms it:— “Dear Sir,—Our honored brethren, Smith and Fullerton, commenced their labors at St. John’s Wood with great expectations of blessing. The week of preaching had been preceded by a week of prayer, in which the neighboring ministers of all denominations heartily joined; and the attendance was remarkably good. “So Sunday, October the 30th, dawned upon us with sunshine upon the earth, and still brighter sunshine in the soul; yea, many saints prophesied a day of power from on high. Ten thousand small bills announcing the services on one side, and a letter from Mr. Spurgeon on the other, were circulated in the district. These won for our brethren a cordial welcome on all sides. The morning congregation was about as usual, the evening witnessed a crowded house, and on both occasions the word was with power, and much assurance; and in at least three cases it proved the power of God unto salvation. On no evening in the week did God leave us without a seal upon the ministry of both song and sermon, yet were the assemblies of people below our expectations; but prayer was offered daily, and the first service of song, given on Saturday night, was a decided success, and a time of refreshing to all. “On Sunday, November 6th, the people at Abbey Road Chapel, not unaccustomed to see gladdening sights in God’s work, yet had never seen anything so surprising before. In the morning the chapel was well filled, yea crowded; and Brother Fullerton evinced both freedom and freshness. In the afternoon fifteen hundred Sunday-scholars, from six schools, were just held in silken cords of delight by an address from Brother Smith, who is not only a master of music and song, but also in the art of addressing children.

The chapel was almost full long before 6.30, and still the people pressed in at every door until aisles, pulpit-stairs, and choir-gallery were packed, and for very safety we had to lock the gates. Once more the singer and the preacher were up to their work; the latter with power and skill wielding the two-edged sword of the truth right and left, unfalteringly and without pause, until women wept and strong men seemed spell-bound, and beyond a doubt the slain of the Lord were many; but as the Lord’s supper, followed the sermon, the full result could not be known. “We have reason to believe that, while the audiences are by no means so large as were drawn together at Shoreditch, the locality being totally different, nevertheless, a great, deep, and genuine work is being done. The people are in real earnest, and little knots of Christians are meeting daily for social prayer in private dwellings. Bible-readings, conducted by the Pastor at three o’clock, are well attended; and each day from 7.30 till p.m. the time is passed in almost agonizing prayer under the chapel, specially by those who have relations unsaved. One principal feature of this visitation of grace is that several houses of business in the West lend are feeling its effects, and among our young men conversions are taking place daily. The congregations are increasing every night, and both the evangelists and the Christian workers with them are ready to sing— ‘ Lo, the promise of a shower Drops already from above; And the Lord will shortly pour All the fullness of his, love.’ “Hoping to communicate a few more notes about these services after the brethren have left us, I remain, “Yours in the best of bonds, “WM.STOTT.”

The Evangelists commence their campaign at the Tabernacle just as these “Notes” are being printed, so that we must reserve all particulars of their services for our next month’s number.

Friends who read carefully what one of ore’ deacons calls the leading articles in the magazine, i.e., the lists of contributions, will notice that Mr. Cuff’s good people have sent us £100 for the Evangelists’ Fund, as a thankoffering for Messrs. Smith and Fullerton’s services at the Shoreditch Tabernacle.

Mr. Burnham continues to peg away with his usual success. Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, he is to be at Birkby, and Dec. 6 to 12 at Staincliffe.

ORPHANAGE. — Christmas Festivities — Will all our readers kindly remember the Orphans’ Christmas treat? The President hopes to be back in time to join the merry party at Stockwell; but whether he is present or not, the boys and girls will try to keep Christmas in the good old-fashioned way, and to do this they will need the help of friends both far and near.

Nothing will make a Christmas dinner go down more pleasantly than the reflection that a portion has been sent to the orphans All sorts of toys for girls and boys, with all good cheer to the young so dear, apples and cakes, and pears, such as seldom fall to their shares, so that once in a way they may hold holiday, and enjoy themselves to the highest degree. Presents in kind should be sent to the Orphanage, and contributions to C. H. Spurgeon, “Westwood,” Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, S.E. Though far away across the sea, his hands will reach to Norwood, and receive all that comes.

We trust the Bazaar preparations are going on grandly in our absence, and that the first week in the new year will see the united efforts of a multitude of lovers of orphans crowned with surprising success. We have signed the first: contract for the additional buildings.

Will all friends please note that parcels for the Bazaar should be sent either to the stall-keepers or to the Orphanage, and NOT TO “WESTWOOD” We are constantly having to pay extra carriage through the neglect of this notice.

Contributions for the College Stall have been received or promised from Aylesbury, Balham, Belfast, Brighton, Bury St. Edmund’s, Chepstow, Forres, Halstead, Highgate, Jersey, Laudport, Langham, and Sheerness.

Mr. Bartlett asks us to mention that he has received for his stall, from Mr. Cowey, Durban, South Africa, a case of goods valued at ten guineas, comprising Zulu shields, assegais, walking-sticks, spoons, etc.

The Rev. Chas. Bullock, B.D., has promised us a parcel from the “Hand and Heart” office, and the workers at Green Walk Mission intend to have a good many fingers in the good work. A friend in Crediton promises a parcel of boots for the Bazaar, and another parcel for poor ministers.

COLPORTAGE.

— The Colportage Association is still making strenuous efforts to extend its useful work, and during the past month has added two new districts to the number already worked. One of these is in connection with the Rev. George Brooks, of the Congregational Church, Robertstreet, Grosvenor-square, and the other is at Manorbier, in South Wales, supported by the Rev. J. Thomas and his friends. In each case there is great need for the colporteur, and ample scope for his work, and it is hoped that much success will attend these new efforts. Through the kindness of an old and generous friend of the Association, the committee have been enabled to secure the services of Mr. R.E. Mackenzie as traveling secretary, which appointment they trust will lead to a large and permanent extension of the work already carried on with success and blessing in the present districts.

As Mr. Mackenzie calls upon friends throughout the country, we hope that he will find many ready to help him, by affording’ opportunities to give information about Colportage, and by subscribing to the funds of the Association.

TESTIMONIAL TO MR. W. P.LOCKHART.

— The Liverpool Mercury, in announcing the presentation of £1,200 to Mr. Lockhart, thus joins our name with that of the honored pastor of the church at Toxteth Tabernacle:— “The story of Mr. Lockhart’s work reads like a romance, and has the additional advantage of being true. On the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Tabernacle by Mr. Spurgeon, Mr. Lockhart told how one evening he was standing in a crowded chapel in London, listening to Mr. Spurgeon about the outset of his ministry. ‘ Can none of you young men do something for religion in the places where you live? ‘ was the arrow shot from his bow at a venture. It lodged deep in the heart of at least one young man. He returned to Liverpool, began the work in Hope Hall and Hengler’s Circus, with which his name was so long associated, and which has now developed into the church in Park-road, with its mission-stations, Sunday-schools, and astonishingly complete apparatus for overtaking the religious wants of an important, and, till recently, most necessitous district in Liverpool.” “We remember,” says the writer, “as if it were yesterday, the tears pouring down Mr. Spurgeon’s cheeks as the young and earnest Liverpool merchant—chiefly known up to that date as one of the best athletes and cricketers in the town—told the story of the sermon he had heard in London, and the results to which it had led.”

Baptisms at Metropolitan Tabernacle.—Oct. 20, eighteen; Oct. 27, twentythree; Nov. 3, twenty-one; Nov; 4, three.

PASTORS’ COLLEGE, METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE.

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS FROM OCTOBER 15TH TO NOVEMBER 14TH, 1881.