CHESHAM. A farewell tea-meeting was held on Tuesday, September 15th, in the General Baptist Chapel, Chesham, on the removal of the Rev. W. Underwood, prior to his entering upon his duties as theological tutor at the General Baptist Academy, Nottingham. After tea, a numerously attended meeting was held in the Chapel. Mr. Andrews, one of the deacons presided, and read an address to Mr. Underwood, to which Mr. Underwood briefly replied. At a later period of the evening, Mr. Underwood delivered a lengthened address, referring to his unexpected appointment to the office of tutor, and expressing his deep regret at the separation now about to occur. The meeting was also suitably addressed by E. West, Esq., and the Rev. W. S. Chapman, B.A., of Amersham; Rev. W. Payne, of Chesham; and Rev. T. Skemp, of Missenden. REGENT'S-PARK CHAPEL. On Thursday evening, Oct. 15th, a soirée was held in the boys' school-room, to inaugurate the third session of the Bible classes, conducted by the Rev. W. Landels. At half-past seven o'clock the members and friends assembled, and the company soon numbered about 300. After an hour spent in general conversation, during which the friends partook of the refreshments provided, the tables were cleared, and the Rev. W. Landels called on one of the members to open the proceedings with prayer. This having been done, the president briefly reviewed the history of the classes. Several interesting and practical speeches were then delivered, by Mr. Holman, Mr. Bale, Mr. Dixon, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Lambert. KEYNSHAM, SOMERSET. Services of a deeply interesting character were held in connection with the Baptist church in this town on Wednesday, Sept. 15. At four o'clock in the afternoon the foundation- stone of a commodious school-room was laid by the pastor, the Rev. W. C. Pratt. The Rev. J. A. Pratt, of Bristol, also appropriately addressed the audience. In the evening, at half-past six, a public meeting took place to recognise the Rev. W.C. Pratt, who has just entered upon his pastoral duties here with encouraging prospects of success. The Revs. T. Winter and E. Probert, of Bristol, and the Rev. D. Wassell, of Bath, took part in the services. PENKNAP, WESTBURY: The Baptist church in this place have been labouring for some years in removing a debt incurred by the enlargement of school-rooms and repairing of their chapel: Matters were brought to a satisfactory conclusion on the 24th of September, when special services were held to finally remove the debt. At half-past ten and at a quarter to three o'clock, sermons were preached by the Rev. E. Probert, of Bristol. At five o'clock, about 250 sat down to tea in the school-room. After tea, the friends present united in a thanksgiving service. The chair was taken by T. Richards, Esq., and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. J. Webster, J. Preece, J. Farmer, G. W. Rodway, J. Sprigg, and the pastor. ELY. The anniversary of the Baptist Chapel, Ely, was held on Wednesday, 23rd September, when the Rev. C. Elven, of Bury St. Edmund's, preached two excellent discourses. A brief meeting held between tea and evening service, afforded an opportunity for manifesting the spirit of christian union, which was cordially embraced by several ministerial brethren, and their addresses met with warm response. The inconvenience of the present chapel was one subject of remark, and hopes were most kindly expressed that circumstances would soon permit the commencement of a new erection in a more eligible situation. ROTHERHAM. On Tuesday, the 29th Sept., the Rev. J. Ashmead was recognised as the pastor of the Baptist church, Rotherham. In the afternoon, the charge was given by Dr. Acworth, of Horton College. In the evening, a public tea meeting was held, when upwards of 250 persons partook of tea, and at seven o'clock a public meeting was held, which was well attended. chair was taken by James Yates, Esq. Speeches were delivered by the Revs. J. Ashbery, C. Larom, and J. E. Giles, of Sheffield, also by the Rev. Professor Falding, of Rotherham College, and the Rev. T. Pearson, Wesleyan. BOLTON, LANCASHIRE. The On Wednesday, the 7th instant, the church and congregation meeting in the Baptist chapel, Moor-lane, held a tea meeting to welcome the Rev. J. M. Ryland to the pastorate of the church. Upwards of 150 partook of tea, afterwards the meeting was crowded. The various speakers congratulated the pastor on the union thus effected, and expressed desires that it might be mutually beneficial. MINISTERIAL CHANGES. The Rev. J. Foster, for more than thirtythree years the honoured pastor of the church, at Farsley, near Leeds, has informed the church that he will resign the charge in March next.-The Rev. James Dore, of Longtown, Herefordshire, has accepted the invitation of the church at Pontesbury.The Rev. J. Keed, of Chatteris, having accepted the invitation of the church in Eastroad, Cambridge, will enter upon his labours Nov. 15th.-The Rev. H. Lawrence has intimated to the church at Truro, Cornwall, his intention of resigning at the close of the present year.-The Rev. G. Veals, of Union-place, Longford, near Coventry, has accepted the invitation of the church in Braunston, Northamptonshire, and enters on his labours on the second Lord's-day in November. THE CHURCH. . "Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."-Eph. ii. 20. DECEMBER, 1857. COMMUNION PRESERVED. BY THE REV. C. H. SPURGEON. "But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent."-Luke xxiv. 29. These disciples knew not their Lord, but they loved the unknown stranger who spake so sweetly of him. Blessed are the men who discourse of Jesus; they shall ever find a welcome in the hearts and homes of the elect. His name to our ears is ever melodious, and we love that conversation best which is fullest of it. We would willingly afford the chamber on the wall, the table, the stool, and the candlestick, to all those who will talk continually of Him. But, alas! there are too many who would blush to answer our Saviour's question, "What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another?"* Too great a number of professors forget the words of the prophet, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."+ We will not be censorious, but we believe with an old author, that "the metal of the bell is known by the sound of the clapper; what is in the well will be found in the bucket; what is in the warehouse will be shown in the shop; and what is in the heart will be bubbling forth at the mouth." We often miss our Lord's company because our conversation does not please him. When our Beloved goes down into his garden it is to feed there and gather lilies; but if thorns and nettles are the only products of the soil, he will soon be away to the true beds of spices. When two walk together, and are agreed in solemn discourse concerning heavenly things, Jesus will soon make a third. So here, on this journey to Emmaus, the Saviour, though they "knew him not, because their eyes were holden," did so wondrously converse with them, that their "hearts burned within them." He who would stay a man in the street would naturally call out his name; and he who would bring Jesus into his soul must frequently pronounce his charming name. The Lord having graciously conversed with these favoured travellers, essays to leave them, and continue his journey, but they constrain him to remain, and at their earnest suit he does so. From this pleasing little incident let us glean one or two lessons. *Luke xxiv. 17. VOL. XI. + Mal. iii. 16, 17. ↑ Cant. vi. 2. N I. When we have the Saviour's company for a little while, we shall not be content until we have more of it. These holy men were not content to let him go, but would have him tarry with them all night. There are certain liquors which men drink that are said to increase thirst; it is most true of this rich "wine on the lees," that the more we drink of it the more we desire. Nor will the draught be forbidden us, or prove in any way injurious, for the spouse bids us "drink, yea, drink abundantly." The soul which has enjoyed communion with Jesus will never agree that it has dwelt long enough on the mount: it will far rather build a tabernacle for itself and its master. Never is a christian tired of his Redeemer's society, but, like Abraham, he cries, "My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant." Any plea will be urged to persuade our Lord to remain. Is it evening? we will plead that the day is far spent, and we shall need him to cheer our midnight hours. Is it morning? we will tell him that we fear to begin the day without a long visit from him. Is it noon? we will urge that the sun is hot, and we shall faint unless he allows us to sit beneath his shadow. We will always find some reason for his remaining, for love's logic is inexhaustible. If he would become our constant guest we should never weary of his company. A thousand years would seem as one day if all the time we might lay our head upon his bosom; yea, eternity itself shall need no other source of joy since this perennial stream is ever running. When our wondering eyes have admired the beauties of our Saviour for millions of years we shall be quite as willing to continue the meditation, supremely blest with that Heaven which our eyes shall drink in from his wounded hands and side. The marrow of heaven is Jesus; and as we shall never be surfeited with bliss, so we shall never have too much of Jesus. Fresh glories are discovered in him every hour; his person, work, offices, character, affection, and relation. ships, are each of them clusters of stars which the eye of contemplation will view with unutterable astonishment as they are in their order revealed to the mind. The saint who has long tenanted the mansions of glory will confess that the presence of the Saviour has not ceased to be his bliss, nor has the freshness of the pleasure been in the least diminished. Christ is a flower, but he fadeth not; he is a river, but he is never dry; he is a sun, but he knoweth no eclipse; he is all in all, but he is something more than all. He that longs not for Christ hath not seen him, and by just so much as a man has tasted of the sweetness of Jesus will he be hungry and thirsty after more of him. Men who are content with a manifestation once in a month will soon become so dull that once a year will suit them; but he who has a visit from the Saviour very frequently will be panting for fresh views of him every day-yea, and every hour of the day. He will never lack appetite for spiritual things who lives much on them. The poor professor may be content with a few of Christ's pence now and then, but he who is rich in grace thinks so small an income beneath his station, and cannot live unless he has golden gifts from the hand of his Lord; he will covet earnestly this best of gifts, and be a very miser after the precious things of the cross. John Owen, the most sober of theologians, falls into a perfect ecstasy when touching on this subject. In expounding Cant. viii. 6, 7, he gives us the following glowing passage: "The intendment of what is so loftily set out by so many metaphors in these verses is, 'I am not able to bear the workings of my love to thee, unless I may always have society and fellowship with thee. There is no satisfying of my love without it. It is as the grave, that still says, Give! give! Death is not satisfied without its prey. If it have not all it hath nothing.' Let what will happen, if death hath not ite whole desire it hath nothing at all. Nor can it be withstood in its appointed season; no ransom will be taken. So is my love; if I have thee not wholly I have nothing. Nor can all the world bribe it to a diversion; it will be no more turned aside than death in its time. Alas, I am not able to bear my jealous thoughts; I fear thou dost not love me that thou hast forsaken me, because I know I deserve not to be beloved! These thoughts are hard as hell; they give no rest to my soul. If I find not myself on thy heart and arm, I am as one that lies down in a bed of coals.' The absence of the Saviour deprives the believer of more than joy or light; it seems to destroy his very life, and sap the foundations of his being. Let us seek, then, to hold the king in his galleries. II. We remark in the next place, that if we would keep the Saviour with us, we must constrain him. Jesus will not tarry if he is not pressed to do so. Not that he is ever weary of his people, but because he would have them show their sense of his value. In the case before us, it is said, "he made as if he would go further." This he did to try their affection. "Not," says Ness, "that he had any purpose to depart from them, but to prove them how they prized him, and accounted of his company. Therefore this ought not to be misimproved to countenance any kind of sinful dissimulation. If Solomon might make as though he would do an act that in its own nature was unlawful (to slay an innocent child),* sure I am our Saviour might do that which is but indifferent in itself (whether to go or stay) without being charged with the sin of dissembling. But when Christ makes to be gone, the two disciples would not let him go, but one (as it were) gets hold on one arm, and the other on the other; there they hang till they constrain him to continue with them." These were wise men, and were therefore loth to part with a fellow-traveller from whom they could learn so much. If ever we are privileged to receive Jesus under our roof, let us make haste to secure the door that he may not soon be gone. If he sees us careless concerning him, and cold towards him, he will soon arise and go hence. He will not intrude himself where he is not wanted; he needs no lodging, for the heaven of heavens is his perpetual palace, and there be many hearts of the contrite where he will find a hearty welcome. When we have the honour of a visit from Prince Immanuel let everything be done to protract it. Angels' visits are few and far between: when we have the happiness of meeting therewith, let us, like Jacob, manfully grasp the angel, and detain him, at least until he leaves a blessing. Up, christian, with a holy bravery, and lay hold on the mercy while it is within reach! The Son of Man loves those who hold him tightly. He will not resent the familiarity, but will approve of thine earnestness. Let the loving bride of the Canticles teach thee by her example, for she glories in her deed when she sings, "I found him whom my soul loveth, I held him, and I would not let him go." True, 'tis amazing grace which can allow such a liberty with the person of so exalted a being; but seeing that he invites us to lay hold on his strength, and has sanctioned the act in others, shall we, like Ahaz, when he declined to ask a sign, refuse the favour which our Lord allows? No"We will maintain our hold; 'Tis his goodness makes us hold." How can we then prolong our communion with the Saviour? Let us reply to the question by sundry directions, which, by the aid of the Spirit, we will labour to follow. 1. Allow no rivals to intrude. Jesus will never tarry in a divided * 1 Kings iii. 24. heart. He must be all or nothing. Search, then, thy heart; dethrone its idols; eject all interlopers; chastise all trespassers; yea, slay the Diabolians who lurk in thy soul. If we would enjoy uninterrupted fellowship with the Son of God, we must institute a rigid inquisition against all kinds of sin. A little evil will at times mar our peace, just as a small stone in the shoe will spoil our walking. Tender are the shoots of this vine of communion, and little foxes will do no little injury. "The Lord thy God is a jealous God," and Jesus thy husband is jealous also. Sorely did he smite Jerusalem, because she sought affinity with other gods, and chose to herself many lovers. Keep then thy house and heart open to him, and shut to all others. With sin he cannot dwell. Canst thou expect the "angel of the covenant" to dwell with the prince of darkness? Can there be concord with Christ and Belial? Awake then, and cry, "Away, ye profane," my heart is the temple of Jesus, and ye must not defile its hallowed places. If they retire not, get to thyself the scourge of repentance and self-mortification, and if it be laid on lustily they will not long abide the blows. It behoves us to remember, also, that there are other things besides sins which may become offensive to the Saviour. The nearest friend, the partner of our bosom, or the offspring of our loins, may excite the Lord's jealousy. If these become the objects of an affection which ought to be wholly his, he will be moved to anger with us. The calf was no less an idol because it was made of gold. The brazen serpent, despite its original service, must be broken when men worship it. All things are alike cause of jealousy to Jesus if they are exalted to his throne, since no creature can in the least possess anything deserving of worship. The very mention of a rival's name will suffice to drive our blessed Lord away. He will have the name of Baali taken utterly out of our mouth; and he alone must be our Ishi. Oh, true believer, is there no strange god with thee? Make a thorough search. Bid even thy beloved Rachel rise, for the teraph is often con. cealed beneath the place where she sitteth. Say not in haste, I am no idolater. The approaches of this sin are insidious in the extreme, and ere thou knowest it thou art entangled in its iron net. The love of the creature has a bewitching power over men, and they seldom know the treachery of the Delilah until their locks are shorn. Oh, daughters of Zion, let King Solomon alone have your love; rehearse his name in your songs, and write his achievements on your memories; so will he dwell in the city of David, and ride through your midst in his chariot paved with love for you: but if ye pay homage to any save himself, he will return unto his place, and make your beauteous city a byword with the enemy. Have no fellowship with strangers, if ye desire manifestations of love from the adorable Jesus. "Let none be your love and choice, and the flower of your delights, but your Lord Jesus. Set not your heart upon the world, since God hath not made it your portion; for it will not fall to you to get two portions, and to rejoice twice, and to be happy twice, and to have an upper heaven and an under heaven too. Most of us have a lover and idol besides our husband, Christ; but it is our folly to divide our narrow and little love; it will not serve for two. It is best, then, to hold it whole and together, and to give it to Christ; for then we get double interest for our love, when we lend it to, and lay it upon, Christ; and we are sure, besides, that the stock cannot perish.' Let us muse on the words of the writer of The Synagogue "Peace, rebel thought, dost thou not know the king, Cannot his presence, if no other thing, Make thee forbear? |