Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση

REVIVAL OF THE WORK OF

GOD IN MACCLESFIELD. ABOUT five years ago this town was favoured with a gracious revival of the work of God, in connection with the labours of Mr. Richard Weaver, and the ministers and brethren then labouring in the circuit, when such a religious awakening and excitement was experienced as this neighbourhood had never known. In the following year the numbers returned to Conference were above 300 in advance

of the previous year. From that time, however, I regret to say that the number of members in the circuit has gradually declined, until at our January quarterly meeting this year the circuit stood about the same as before the revival.

Among the causes operating to produce this declension, it is only proper to state that the condition of trade in the town has been such as to drive many of our people away to seek employment elsewhere; and that we have lost some of our old and deeplyattached friends from this cause: while many others, through depressed circumstances, have neglected communion with God's people, and therefore "the love of many has waxed cold."

The chief cause, however, is found in that reaction, which, whether it be necessary or not, almost invariably succeeds a revival, and particularly such a one as that to which we have referred. In stating this, however, we are fully aware that God holds the ministers and officers of his Church responsible, to a great extent, for the conservation of his work; and, doubtless, had we been more faithful, had we preached more for the one great end of preaching-the salvation of precious souls-and less to please man, or less in a mere perfunctory manner; and had our leaders been more diligent and devoted to their work, instead of decline, we should have had continued increase.

On entering this circuit in June last, though we found much to encourage a wide field, a large and beautiful chapel, a large congregation, a fine Sunday-school of nearly 1,000 scholars, and a population preeminently accessible to an earnest ministry-yet there was much to discourage, or certainly to force the conviction on us that only by the most

earnest and sustained effort and prayer, could we hold our ground. Finding, however, a willing people, we resolved to consecrate ourselves to God's work afresh, and do our best.

At our first quarterly meeting we resolved again to plant our standard in Bollington, where twice before we had failed. God blessed the Word at the opening services in the salvation of souls, and has since continued to bless us, so that we have a rising Sabbath-school, and a class of nearly thirty members there.

We appointed special services in as many of the country places as we could work, and at these some good was done, and a few were brought to God. Then, at the fall of the year, we considered the propriety of special services in the town, when it was decided again to invite Mr. Richard Weaver, who resides in the suburbs of the town, to conduct services among

us.

Mr. W. was providentially detained at home for some time, and consented to come. He preached on Sunday, January 14th, and conducted prayer-meetings during the week. He preached again on the 21st, and continued the services till Wednesday, February 14th. On Thursday, the 15th, Mr. Weaver gave a tea in Lord Street School to over 600 people, most of whom had been brought to God by his instrumentality in the town and neighbourhood, since he has been known among the people. After tea a public meeting was held in Park Street Chapel, presided over by our devoted friend, Mr. James Jackson, when the young converts were horted to hold fast their steadfastness, and counselled to attend to the means of grace by Mr. Weaver, Messrs. P. Baker, J. C. Holland, J. Ardern, S. Heapy, Revs. J. White, and R. C. Turner.

ex

After a short rest, Mr. Weaver again preached on Sunday, Feb. 25th, and continued the services till Wednesday, March 7th.

On Thursday, March 8th, we had a farewell tea-meeting, when again upwards of 600 took tea. The public meeting in the chapel was presided over by Mr. Ferdinand Jackson; and addresses were delivered by Mr. Weaver, Messrs. T. Bullock, W. Gent, and T. Ardern (Wesleyans), A. Woodward, F. Berisford, J. Turner, and Revs. J. White and R. C. Turner. Both these public meetings were of

a most cheerful and enthusiastic character.

The results of the services have been glorious. Every night we have had many souls brought to Jesus. Our large vestry has been filled night by night with earnest penitents, who came there to ask the question, "What must I do to be saved ?" While at the same time great numbers of young people flocked around the communion rail, sometimes together with the hoary-headed of both sexes, and wept and prayed for peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Frequently during the services have I felt my coat pulled, and, turning round, have seen the serious face of a boy or girl, from whom came the words, "Sir, I want to be saved," or, "I want to find Jesus."

I have noticed the deep earnestness of many of these dear young people, while they have been wrestling with God in simple and earnest prayer, and my heart has been greatly touched.

At first the work was more especially among the young; but as the services went on, the successive appeals of our dear brother, by the blessing of God, told upon the dense masses who thronged to hear, and young strong men, and men of years, yielded themselves up to God. Careless sinners have thus been brought to Christsome who had dreadfully wandered from decent morality were brought to him-backsliders have been reclaimed; and God's people quickened into new life and vigour.

There has, of course, been some excitement; who could expect such a work to go on without? But I have seen no extravagance. I know of nothing which has transpired which our friends generally throughout the Connexion would not have rejoiced in, if it had come under the regular working of our system. The services were crowded every night, and the congregation, on the last night, was greater, I think, than at any of the previous week-night services.

The names of 679 persons were taken, including families, as professing to find peace with God. Of these 396 expressed their desire to join our societies, 46 the Wesleyans, 22 the Methodist Free Churches, 14 the Primitive Methodists, 72 the various established churches of the town, 12 the Congregationalists, 5 the Baptists, and 13 the large Macclesfield Sunday-school. The

remainder did not decide when registered what church they would join.

These are not given as the sole results of the effort, for no figures could give a full statement of the effect of God's truth being brought into contact with hundreds night after night, many of whom have but seldom been seen in a place of Divine worship. We have learnt of several instances where persons have carried their convictions away to pray in secret, and have found the "pearl of great price" in their own dwellings. Nor is it said that these are all truly converted to God; but it is said that they are awakened from the sleep of sin, and that they are in a state which the church should look upon with gratitude and hope; while of many it may be said that the evidence of their conversion is as clear as that of any of our church members was at their beginning. The experience of the past forbids that we should be too sanguine of the permanent results; we expect that some will "fall away,” that the piety of some will be "as the morning cloud, and the early dew," and that the good seed will be choked; but God forbid that we should so look for this as to damp the ardour, or extinguish the kindling fire in any breast! Caution, tenderness, wisdom, and hopefulness are peculiarly necessary in dealing with these; but coldness and suspicion would inevitably drive them back to their former state. May the blessed Head of the Church give us the aid we need that we may rightly feed his lambs!

The good brother whom God has honoured as the instrument of this good work, and whose name is known throughout Britain as an evangelist, possesses simple and earnest piety, an ardent zeal for God, a self-consuming love for precious souls, and simple faith in God, and his unselfishness is proverbial in the neighbourhood. preaches the simple truth with an eloquence and power which often arouse and appal the sinner, but also with a touching tenderness which melts and wins the appalled and trembling heart. May all who

He

minister in holy things among us, and in all the churches, obtain the precious qualifications necessary for a soul-saving ministry, and be blest with similar glorious results! To God be all the glory! R. C. TURNER. Macclesfield, March 14, 1866.

[graphic][ocr errors][ocr errors][subsumed][merged small]

FOUNDATION-STONE OF NEW

CHAPEL AND SCHOOLS. ASHTON NEW ROAD, MANCHESTER SOUTH CIRCUIT.

PIERCY STREET is a name that will be familiar to many of your readers, for here, and at Salter Street, close by, we have had a society for more than twenty years. It originated in a few pious but poor members taking a room in the latter street, and fitting it up for a Sabbath-school and preachingroom. They were encouraged by the friends who worshipped at the principal chapel in the circuit, who promised that a chapel should be built in the neighbourhood. The promise, however, was never redeemed; and the little society was left to struggle with its difficulties as best it could.

In

The idea, however, of a chapel was never abandoned, but kept in mind like a pleasant dream, or fondly cherished as one does the hope of some future joy. At length the friends determined to start the project themselves. 1853 they met and inaugurated the scheme by the promise of subscriptions, which in the aggregate amounted to the sum of £8-a respectable sum, all things considered. Most of the money was immediately paid, and placed in the bank, where it has remained to the present time.

In the meantime, some of the most active and useful were taken homethere was a Cafferey, a Simpson, a Makin, a Fearns, a Martin, and others, who all

died as they had lived-in the faith and hope of the Gospel. Methodists they were of the old stamp, who regarded as precious privileges our peculiar institutions. The class-meeting and the lovefeast they held especially dear. It has often been the pleasure of the writer to meet with them at these means of grace, where "they spoke one to another;" and the seasons often proved to be "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." The remembrance of these meetings is still very pleasant. May the friendships thus formed be renewed and perpetuated in heaven!

The prospect of a new chapel became more dim; and we felt the force of the words, "Hope deferred maketh the heart faint." The appointment of the Rev. Samuel Meldrum to this circuit proved a great blessing to the Piercy Street interest. The first time he preached for us there was a number of penitents seeking mercy; believers were quickened; while, by his visits to their homes, he endeared himself to the hearts of the people. The society started into fresh life, and the idea of a new chapel was revived; but insuperable difficulties seemed to block up our way, and nothing practical was done.

The Conference of 1862 appointed the Rev. John Taylor and the Rev. W. J. Townsend to labour in Manchester South. Mr. Taylor's time was largely taken up in raising an interest and building schools at Boston

Street. Mr. Townsend entered heartily into the chapel project; and, in company with myself, spent much time in going about the neighbourhood in search of a suitable plot of land whereon to build. By his popular lectures and pastoral visits he contributed largely to the society's prosperity; but our long-cherished project, however, was still delayed.

In the latter portion of last year land was actually secured. The site is a very eligible one, fronting the high road leading from this city to Ashton-under-Lyne. On Saturday

afternoon, March the 3rd, 1866, the foundation-stone was laid. The ceremony was a very interesting one, and was attended by a very large concourse of people. To our own people it was a jubilant day; and many were the congratulations that the long-desired event was about to take place. The day was fine-just such a day as our brother Dyott had so fervently prayed for. At three o'clock the friends and scholars came up in strong force to the schoolroom, Piercy Street, from whence they walked in procession to the site of the new building. Round the stone were gathered the President, the Revs, John Addyman, R. Henshaw, S. Smith, J. W. Williams, W. J. Townsend (Leicester), J. R. Swift, J. F. Goodall, with Messrs. Councillor Jenkinson, Theophilus Jackson, Thomas Bullock, A. C. Derbyshire, John Abel, S. Simpson, J. Elkington, T. Saxon (Staleybridge), T. Dyott, J. Jarvey, G. Exelby, and many others from the district, kindly accompanied by Rev. T. W. Ridley, the indefatigable superintendent of the circuit. The lady appointed to lay the stone duly arrived, and was warmly received. The ceremony opened by the Rev. R. Henshaw announcing the 920th Hymn. The Rev. S. Smith then read the 84th Psalm; the Rev. J. Addyman offered the opening prayer; and the Rev. W. J. Townsend lined out Hymn 927. Mr. A. C. Derbyshire, a young gentleman who is rendering us much service, and kindly acting as secretary to the Building Committee, then read out the names of the trustees, and a list of the contents of the bottle to be deposited within the foundation-stone. The bottle contained a copy of the Minutes of last Conference, a copy of each of the Connexional Magazines for March, copies of the Manchester papers, and several current coins.

[blocks in formation]

Mrs. James Moss,
On the occasion of her laying
The Foundation-Stone
of the

Methodist New Connexion Chapel,
Ashton New Road,
Beswick, Manchester,
March 3rd, 1866.

Addressing Mrs. Moss, Mr. Abel spoke as follows, which we quote from the Wesleyan Times:

"My dear friend,-On me this day devolves a duty as pleasing to myself as it is honourable to you. For years you have been identified with the Church of God. During that time you have been known to abound in benevolent deeds. You have laboured in the Sabbath-school, directing the littlelambs to the Saviour's fold. You have gone from house to house with the words of sympathy and kindness for the sorrowful and afflicted, and according to your ability you have fed the hungry, ministered to the comforts of the needy, and supported the cause of education and religion. But no act of your past life can surpass in importance the duty you are called on this day to perform. It is one which reflects honour on yourself, and on which you will reflect with pleasure while you live. Possibly it may give you comfort in your dying moments, and add to your joy in the realms of the blessed. Eminent persons have laid the foundation-stones of asylums for the blind, the deaf, and the dumb; of infirmaries for the sick and the maimed; of homes for the unfortunate whose reason has been lost or is unsound; and of halls for the promotion of science but to lay the foundationstone of a house for God is a still greater honour; and such honour have you this day. You have kindly consented to assist on this occasion; and the trustees of the intended sanctuary are anxious to present you with this trowel; not as a recompense for your services, but as an expression of the esteem in which you are held and

the kindly feelings they cherish towards you and your beloved husband, for whom they have more than an ordinary attachment. In their name, then, I present it to you. Accept of it with the assurance of our Christian affection and of our prayers; that a kind Providence may long spare your life, and render you increasingly useful and happy. And after a life spent in God's service, may you die in the Lord, see the approving smile of the Judge, and hear him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Mr. Simpson, with a few appropriate remarks, then presented Mrs. Moss with a mahogany mallet and a square, when she approached the stone, and, trowel in hand, went through the usual ceremony. Mrs. Moss did her work well, and even cleverly, with a hand firm and steady as a mason. She then addressed the crowd in a few words, which elicited hearty cheers. She said:

I

"Long before I came to Manchester, I had often heard of Piercy Street Society; but little thought I should ever occupy so prominent a position as the one this day assigned me. thank you very sincerely for the honour conferred, and will carefully treasure this beautiful memento of the ceremony as long as God and his mercy permits me to live. I hope the building will be completed without accident; and, above all, I trust this spot will be the birthplace of many souls, and be made a blessing to the neighbourhood."

The President of Conference (Rev. William Baggaly) then delivered a most admirable address. He said :

"It must be a fact, because we find it based on Divine and immutable truth, that hope deferred maketh the heart sick.' With such a truism before us, it is only natural to ask, What has been the actual experience of our Piercy Street friends in reference to a new chapel ? On taking possession of the room in which they still worship, they could not have had the slightest intention to remain there. It must have been accepted as a mere substitute for something better; and from the very first they not only desired, but intended to obtain a new chapel. That project has been always before them, and almost innumerable attempts have been made to secure it. Yet, many, many long years passed

away without appearing to bring them any nearer to a new chapel than when that very desirable object was first placed before them. Such being the case, it would have excited no surprise in my mind had hope' thus 'deferred' found its issue in absolute despair. The old room in Piercy Street may be remembered by many; and no doubt it will be so, too, for the rich and abundant spiritual blessings enjoyed there: but no one can admire it as a place of worship. that long flight of stairs for so many In climbing years, without finding themselves landed anywhere but in an awkward and unsightly garret, our Piercy Street friends have shown an amount of Connexional attachment but rarely surpassed anywhere, specially so when their prospects in reference to a new chapel were far from encouraging. But, though hope was deferred, long deferred, they waited for it-perhaps not always patiently; but they did wait, and that with a degree of patience which but few would have exercised; and now, after all, they are hope of the righteous shall be gladabout to find by experience that the ness.' It can excite no surprise in any one familiar with the good old room to find our Piercy Street friends so singularly happy to-day. Our excellent and devoted brother (Mr. Simpson) has just told us that this is the happiest day of his life. And why is it so? Because they are now realizing the object of long-cherished hope in the erection of a new chapel. them rejoice together, and we are here to rejoice with them; and, as the work has now commenced so very auspiciously, I trust it will go on and be completed in due time, that the topstone may be brought on with shouting, crying, Grace, grace unto it.'" He then referred to the Apostolic Church, pointing out that the converts at Corinth "first gave their own selves unto the Lord." Referring to the Church of England, he said, "No human laws or the legislative enactments of any Parliament can constitute an essentially Christian church." The President then glanced at the rise and progress of Methodism, and explained the establishment of the Methodist New Connexion in 1797.

Let

A collection in aid of the Building Fund was then made, and the hymn was sung by the crowd, and lined out by the Rev. J. F. Goodall, beginning,

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »