portunity for the Tabernacle church to give us a letter of commendation, or the reverse. Now shall it be seen whether this is the Lord's work, or no. The preachers at the Tabernacle during the past month have been as follow:January 4, morning, C. H. Spurgeon; evening, J. A. Spurgeon; 8, F. H. White; 11, W. Y. Fullerton; 15, Hugh Price Hughes, M.A.; 18, C. Spurgeon; 22, W. Williams; 25, J. Guinness Rogers, B.A. The arrangements for February, as far as they are settled, are-February 1, morning, J.T. Wigner; evening, J. A. Spurgeon; 5, C. B. Sawday; 8, J. Jackson Wray; 12, W. Williams; 15, morning, A. G. Brown; evening, C. Spurgeon. The Ninth Annual Report of MRS. SPURGEON'S BOOK FUND AND ITS WORK is now ready, and can be obtained, for sixpence, through any bookseller in town or country; or post free, for seven stamps, from Messrs. Passmore and Alabaster, Paternoster Buildings, E.C. Those who have been privileged to read the proof-sheets declare that this report is not, either in literary ability or in sustained interest, a whit behind those which have preceded it; and higher praise than this could scarcely be awarded. We hope the perusal of the little book will largely help the work to which Mrs. Spurgeon has devoted so much of her time and strength during the past nine years. On the last Sabbath in 1884, collections were made at the Tabernacle in aid of the WEEKLY OFFERING FOR THE COLLEGE. A large amount was needed to bring the contributions up to £1,884, so as to make the total number of pounds correspond with the date of the year; but on the Monday evening, when the collections were counted, it was found that the required sum was raised all but a comparatively small portion; and before long, by the generosity of the deacons, and other friends assembled at the prayermeeting, the balance was subscribed. We are deeply grateful to all who continue to help us in this important part of our work, and specially to our dear friend and deacon, Mr. Murrell, who has for so many years taken the weekly offering under his charge, and annually brought the account to such a satisfactory termination. We cannot conceive of a better investment of the Lord's money than that of giving it for the education of preachers of the gospel. It is a great delight to us when others of our Master's stewards agree with us in this belief, and put it into practice by sending subscriptions for the College funds. In these days of erroneous teaching, there is a growing need of earnest, faithful ministers of Christ, who will not shun to declare all the counsel of God; and it is the constant aim of both President and tutors that only such men should be sent forth from the Pastors' College "school of the prophets." The Watch-Night Service at the Tabernacle on New Year's Eve was conducted by Messrs. Fullerton and Smith, who had, earlier in the evening, held an evangelistic meeting at Kenyon Chapel, Solon Road, Clapham. Very few seats were vacant in our great house of prayer, and the large congregation was interested and impressed by Mr. Smith's singing, and Mr. Fullerton's address. It was a bright and happy way of crossing over the border line between the old year and the new, and we trust that to some it was the time of passing from the kingdom of darkness into the realm of light in the Lord. We heartily thank our brethren for taking the place which the Pastor would gladly have occupied if his strength had permitted. On the Evening of New Year's day, a special service was held at the Tabernacle, as it was expected to be the last week-night assembly to be addressed by the Pastor before he started for Mentone. The building was again all but full in every part, a circumstance which was all the more remarkable from the fact that large numbers of those present had been at the watch-meeting. Suitable hymns were printed for the occasion, and the children from the Orphanage were present, and assisted in the singing. The sermon was founded upon the words in Rev. xxi. 5, "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." It has been published under the title of "Sermon for New Year's day," and commences Vol. xxxi. of The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit. We shall be very glad if all readers of The Sword and the Trowel will do their best to extend the circulation both of the magazine and the sermons. At the close of the service, the large congregation remained to witness the baptism of fourteen believers upon profession of their faith in Christ. The closing weeks of the old year have been signalized by an unusual number of deaths among the members of the church at the Tabernacle. One after another our friends have been called away in rapid succession, as though it had been the angels' reaping-time. Amongst many others, the eldest son of our deacon, Mr. Murrell, has gone to his rest. Bereavement is again the portion of the family of the late Mr. Higgs, whose daughter was young Mr. Murrell's wife. May comfort come plenteously as the trial! as On Monday evening, Jan. 5, Pastor J. A. Spurgeon invited the local ministers connected with the South London branch of the Evangelical Alliance to meet him for tea and conference at the Tabernacle, previous to the public gathering for prayer. Church of England, Wesleyan, Congregational, Primitive Methodist, and Baptist ministers and brethren spoke or prayed. Pastor J. A. Spurgeon delivered an address upon the words, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain"; and additional interest was given to the meeting by the presence of seven young men, who were going out under the auspices of the China Inland Mission. One of these was Mr. C. T. Studd, B.A., captain of the Cambridge eleven, who related the story of his conversion through Mr. Moody's preaching, and of his reasons for giving himself to mission-work in China. Altogether, a most profitable evening was spent, and earnest supplications ascended for the recovery of the suffering Pastor who was unable to be present, or to begin his journey to the sunny south. On the same evening, at the annual business meeting of the METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE COUNTRY MISSION, held at 319, Kennington Road, Mr. G. Goldston was elected president, in the place of our late esteemed elder, W. Bowker; and Messrs. Buswell, F. Thompson, and Newton were invited to become vice-presidents. This mission is doing an exceedingly useful work in various districts around London, but its operations are sadly hampered by want of funds. There are many places where missionstations are needed, but the committee dare not undertake fresh responsibilities while their treasurer's balance is so often on the wrong side. We find all the funds that we are able, and the members give their time, and also help financially; but what is wanted is a permanent increase in the income of the mission. Contributions will be gratefully received by Mr. G. Goldston, 2, Stockwell Road, Clapham, or the treasurer, Mr. R. Hayward, 319, Kennington Road, S.E. Mr. Elvin, the energetic secretary of the METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE EVANGELISTS' ASSOCIATION, states that the past quarter has been a fairly good one with him and his fellow-workers; but he is anxious that the churches of London should utilize the Association more than they have done. He has a good staff of preachers and singers, who are ready to go to any part of the metropolis to publish the glad tidings of salvation. These brethren and sisters gladly devote their time and talents to this blessed service, without reward except that which they experience when their labours result in the conversion of sinners, and the arousing to a more earnest life those who have been slothful and lethargic. All communications concerning the work, and contributions towards its support, should be sent to Mr. G. E. Elvin, 30, Surrey Square, S.E. The turn of the year finds the Lord's work prospering in HADDON HALL. Friends who helped to raise this building will be glad to hear that their money is yielding good interest in the happy results of the mission-work. On Christmas Eve 230 joints of meat were distributed to the members of Mrs. Olney's Mothers' meeting. This meat was the gift of Mr. W. Archer, of the Metropolitan Meat Market, who has for several years past generously fed the poor at Christmas time in this way, and of Messrs. W. Masters, F. Potter, and J. Buswell. The joints were "garnished" with packages of plums, currants, flour, and potatoes. By these means over 1,000 persons were provided with good Christmas dinners. In addition to this distribution, over £10 was given away in money gifts, after most careful investigation into each case receiving relief. On Boxing-night a large audience gathered to listen to readings from "John Ploughman," and to see his "Pictures," as shown in dissolving-views. The last Sunday night in the old year was a time of blessing, especially to those who sought and found the Saviour. The Tuesday following, Dec. 30th, over 150 persons met for prayer; and many testified to God's gracious dealings with them during the year 1884. On the last evening in the old year, Mr. Walter Amsden, of Falcon Street, provided 700 of the Haddon Hall Sunday-school children with dissolving-views, toys, buns, and apples. At the Watch-night service congregation of 300 to 400 assembled, and a solemn feeling prevailed. In the evening of New Year's-day Mr. Charlesworth delivered an address, and afterwards baptized six candidates for church-fellowship. Haddon Hall and Green Walk Mission motto for 1885 is, "They go from strength to strength." Will our readers pray that the Lord will continue his blessing to this work? a Pastor J. Douglas, M.A., sends a cheering account of the work up to the present time in KENYON CHAPEL. The congregations are increasing, various departments of Christian work are being organized, and, best of all, the Lord has set his seal to the truth preached by the conversion of some who have listened to it. Pastor W. Cuff, of the SHOREDITCH TABERNACLE, wishes us to let our readers know what progress he is making towards the removal of the debt from the building in which he and his people worship and work for the Lord. Last October he started to get £1,000, and without issuing a circular, or asking any one but his own church and congregation, in three months that amount was raised. Our ever-generous friends, Messrs. W., C. E., and W. R. Fox, each gave £100, and the London Baptist Association Chapel Debt Relief Fund furnished £156. In his letter to us, Mr. Cuff says, "I am indeed very grateful. I start at once to get another £1,000 this year. With some outside help, I can soon clear off the debt." We wish the utmost success to this effort, and shall be thankful to hear that our earnest brother has freed the Shoreditch Tabernacle from the incubus of debt. NOTES. Mr. Cuff's mention of the LONDON BAPTIST ASSOCIATION CHAPEL DEBT RELIEF FUND reminds us that his church is by no means the only one that has been helped to rid itself of the burden of debt. We will not mention any one's name, for fear we should grieve those who do good by stealth; but we cannot do wrong by stating that during the past year 33 churches have raised £9,987 0s. 9d. towards the reduction of their chapel-debts, to which this Fund has added £2,012 19s. 3d., making a total reduction of debt during 1884 of £12,000. In the three years that the Fund has been in existence, the churches helped by it have raised £30,789 4s. 3d., grants of £5,754 11s. 3d. have been made to them, and the debts have been reduced by £36,513 15s. 6d.-truly, a wonderful result; for which we bless the Lord. COLLEGE.-A meeting of the London ministers connected with the College was held on Tuesday evening, December 30, to make preliminary arrangements for this year's Conference. The President presided, and a very pleasant and profitable evening was spent in prayer and praise, and conversation upon the Lord's work. The date for the Conference was arranged, but since that time Mr. Spurgeon's ill-health has rendered it necessary to make an alteration. The Conference will not commence until May 4, the week after the Baptist Union meetings. Will friends kindly make a note of this? Mr. E. S. Cole has accepted the pastorate of the church at Maldon, Essex. Mr. C. S. Medhurst, having completed his special studies with a view to missionary work in China, is about to sail for that country, in company with Mr. J. R. Watson, who has qualified himself for medical missionary work. Both our brethren go out under the auspices of the Baptist Missionary Society. Mr. G. J. Dann reports his safe arrival at Allahabad. Mr. H. R. Brown has been making another evangelistic tour in the Dooars, of which he gave us an account in the magazine a few months ago.. Mr. E. G. Ince, who has been for some years in Australia, has returned to England, in the hope of finding work for the Lord. : The following brethren have removed :Mr. E. T. Carter, from Barking, to Abertillery, Mon.; Mr. D. C. Chapman, from Grantham, to Billingboro'; Mr. F. J. Feltham, from Sandown, to Wellington-street, Luton; Mr. E. George, from Faringdon, to Newbury; Mr. J. Scilley, from Coleraine, to Orpington, Kent; and Mr. W. H. Smith, from Ledbury, to Minchinhampton. Mr. H. Kidner, late of Minchinhampton, has been appointed Secretary to the Managers of Our Own Gazette, the organ of the Young Women's Christian Association. and EVANGELISTS.-Messrs. Fullerton Smith spent two evenings at the close of 1884 at Kenyon Chapel; they also conducted the Watch-night service at the Tabernacle; and Mr. Fullerton occupied the absent Pastor's place on January 11th. On the same day Mr. Smith commenced a mission at Weston-super-Mare, where Mr. Fullerton joined him on the Monday. The meetings appear to have been exceedingly well attended, and productive of the best results. This month our brethren are to visit Exeter, and St. Helen's ; next month they go to Folkestone; and from March 28 to April 19 they are to be at Southampton. Mr. Burnham completed last year and began the present one at Humberstone Road Union Church, Leicester. writes:-"His services were of an interestThe Pastor ing character, and thoroughly appreciated. the old, old gospel, on the old, old lines. It was most refreshing in these days to hear The churches are greatly indebted to you for sending forth men to do the work your Evangelists are engaged in." Mr. Burnham has since been at Mansfield, and this month is to hold meetings at Ashton-underLyne, and Rendham, Suffolk, and the district around. Mr. Russell's services at Shooters' Hill Road Chapel were owned of God to the conversion of both adults and children. The Woolwich male choir rendered efficient help in the singing. Mr. Russell has during the past month visited Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, and Taunton; and during the greater part of February is to be at Holyhead. ORPHANAGE.-Christmas Day, 1884, will be marked with a very bright red letter in the calendar of the Stockwell Orphanage, for not only was the President able to be present, a privilege which he had not enjoyed since 1881, but, to the great delight of everybody connected with the institution, Mrs. Spurgeon was well enough to accompany him. The proceedings commenced with a service at Christ Church, Westminster Bridge Road, at which a number of the orphans sang, a sermon was preached by the Rev. Newman Hall, LL.B., and a collection, amounting to £15 9s., was made in aid of the funds of the Orphanage. We heartily thank Mr. Hall, and all who helped in any way. Before the boys and girls commenced their dinner, they expressed their gratitude for all the good things provided for them by giving loud cheers for the President and Mrs. Spurgeon, the Trustees, Mr. Charlesworth, and all the donors who had contributed to the general account, or the special funds for the Christmas festivities. The volume of sound was so great, that the President remarked that, if all who had been remembered did not hear the cheers, it was not the fault of the children. When the young folk had done full justice to the roast beef and plum pudding, they appropriated the bonbons, new shillings, boxes of figs, Christmas cards, &c., presented by various friends, and departed from the dining-hall, as happy as they could wish to be. Next followed the dinner for the staff, "old boys," and other invited guests, at which the President most cordially thanked Mr. Charlesworth and all the Trustees, matrons, officers, and teachers for the excellent manner in which they had carried on the work through another year; and in return, two of the present inmates, and two who had left the institution, spoke of the gratitude of all who had found a home at Stockwell Orphanage when bereft of their earthly parents. Other kind speeches were delivered, the usual presentations were made, and the engagements of the day concluded with an amusing and interesting entertainment for the children. The boys and girls were more than once reminded that they were indebted to the favour of God for all the mercies they received, and to the Lord they were bidden to express their thanks, as also to the numerous friends through whom the blessings came to them. Our long lists of contributions and presents testify to the widespread interest taken in the orphans. One generous lady, whose own children are fatherless, provided a present for every boy and girl in the institution. God bless her! On New Year's Eve, the mothers and other relatives of the orphans were invited to tea, and to spend a pleasant evening with the inmates. A large and happy company assembled; and, as a practical proof of their appreciation of the kindness shown to their children, they brought in over £100, which they had collected as a New Year's offering in aid of the funds of the institution. The President was again present, and it was a great joy to him to meet the grateful friends of the boys and girls who are being cared for in the Orphanage. On the occasion of the coming of age of H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR OF WALES, a telegram of congratulation was sent to Sandringham from the boys and girls of the Orphanage, and the same day the young prince telegraphed to Mr. Charlesworth the following reply:-"Prince Albert Victor thanks the four hundred and thirty fatherless boys and girls in Mr. Spurgeon's Orphan Homes for their congratulations on the twenty-first anniversary of his birthday. He would fain hope that, by the blessing of God, their future may be as full of happiness as they are kind enough to wish his to be." One of our ever-generous friends writes:"I have the very greatest pleasure in enclosing my annual cheque for the Orphanage, this year £40, as now I have two little ones, and so I think I ought to provide for two orphans." This may be a hint to others whom the Lord has blessed, not only with children, but with the means to support their own and others who have lost their parents. £20 a year will maintain either a boy or girl in our Orphanage at Stockwell. When the orphan choir was at Portsmouth, a gentleman sent to Mr. Charles worth a box containing eighty-eight threepenny pieces for the Orphanage, and expressed the hope that others would copy his example. When it was mentioned in the meeting at Deal, it was hinted that Sunday collections would not suffer if sixpences were substituted, and the threepenny pieces set aside for the funds of the Orphanage. Mr. Charlesworth stated that friends chose their own methods of helping the Orphanage; one gentleman, now deceased, always contributing on Mr. Spurgeon's birthday as many sovereigns as the number of the President's years. The chairman, Dr. Payne, the vicar of Deal, having saved a number of fourpenny pieces, was prompt in taking the hint, and at once forwarded fifty-one of those small silver coins in anticipation of Mr. Spurgeon's next birthday. Several young friends have also sent us threepenny pieces, which they have saved for the Orphanage; and a generous helper brought us £5 for the College, the result of the accumulation of similar useful coins. If all our contributors follow these good examples, a very welcome addition will be made to the funds, for which we shall feel exceedingly grateful. Special Notice.-On Thursday morning, Feb. 26, Dr. Parker has kindly promised to make a collection at his noon-day service in the City Temple, in aid of the funds of the Stockwell Orphanage. A number of our boys and girls will be present to assist in the singing. We are very grateful to Dr. Parker and his friends for this renewed token of their sympathy with us in the work of helping the fatherless and the widow. COLPORTAGE.-The Secretary reports that all is going well. The number of colporteurs (75) is larger than for several years; and sales have been surprising, taking into account the badness of trade. The Committee are quite ready to start other districts where £40 a year can be guaranteed. In many cases this is already done by an individual, a church, or a local committee composed of members of various churches. Subscriptions to the general fund are much needed to supplement the sum guaranteed by the friends in the districts. All information will be gladly sent by W. Corden Jones, Colportage Association, Temple Street, Southwark, S.E. PERSONAL NOTES.-It usually happens, when the Editor is laid aside, that letters come from all parts of the world with cheering tidings of the usefulness of his printed sermons. In this respect, his recent seasons of suffering have been no exception to the rule; and the following instances may be taken as specimens of many more which cannot be published for want of room : "A sermon-reader," in Bedfordshire, writes that when he has read the sermons he gives them away; and he knows of one PASTORS' COLLEGE. that was the means of the conversion of a Our friends in the North will be delighted with this epistle, "in their own tongue": Dear Mr. Spurgeon,-Perhaps the following incident might interest you. Shortly ago, I met an old woman, a typical Scotchwoman. Her speech and dress both indicated this. I said to her, 'Are you on the Lord's side?" She replied, "Yes, man, that; twenty years sin'. It wis through MaisI am ter Spurgeon.' Through what sermon was it?' 'Oh, weel! I read a lot o' his sermons, but there wis ane that I read, that said he wid raither a' his sermons and publications wur burned than that folk should be hinnered frae reading God's Word; and so I jist began at the first chapter o' Matho', and read richt on tull I cam' tae the second chapter o' the Acts, whaur Peter cam' doon frae the upper room, and preached the sermon when three thoosand believed, and were baptized; and whenever I saw it, I could jist a jumped intal the water at ance. And I'm a Baptist, ye ken,' and somewhat triumphantly she added, for I got it dune in the toon.' Though not a Baptist, I thought that the old woman's story might interest you; and I have recorded it as nearly word for word as I can remember it." Preaching in the East London Tabernacle, Baptisms at Metropolitan Tabernacle Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle. Statement of Receipts from December 15th, 1881, to January 14th, 1885. Mrs. Jeanneret W. H. Willis Mr. J. W. Pewtress Mrs. Pole Mr. J. Thornton ... £ s. d. 15 00 Mrs. Arnold... Collection at Sion Jubilee Chapel, Bradford, per Pastor C. A. Davis Mr. Robert Heley Mrs. Jas. Smith Part collection at Deal, per Pastor N. Dobson Mrs. Searle A reader of the Almanack A friend in Bristol... Mr. and Mrs. Robert Morgan 12 13 2 026 Mrs. S. Hatcher ... Miss Woods... Mr. J. J. Burnett Mr. John Currie Mr. and Mrs. Krell Mrs. F. Hudson Mr. Porter Willis Mr. Spriggs... "Adelphi" (quarterly) Per J. T. D., Mr. Robert Hunt Per J. T. D., Mr. Pain Readers of The Christian Herald" Mr. W. C. Greenop Mr. W. H. Roberts Mr. R. Trickett Mr. J. Martin Mr. G. A. Green, three penny-pieces |