for two reasons in particular. First, we had decided yesterday upon
receiving the three little Loaders, though we were so low as to
funds. Thus the Lord sent means on their behalf. Secondly, we were
brought so low yesterday, and our faith was so much tried, in order
that now again the abundance of supplies out of our loving Fathers
hand, might be so much the sweeter. A sister in the neighbourhood of
London sent today in money 1l. 5s., and the following articles for
sale; 3 purses, 1 mourning brooch, 1 amber ditto, 1 amethyst stud, 1
cameo ditto, I pair of coral ear rings, 1 coral cross, 1 ring set
with a diamond and six rubies, 1 ditto pearl and garnet, 1 ditto
garnet, 1 ruby cross, 4 necklaces, and 148 pamphlets and tracts. Also
several articles of clothing for the children.
Feb. 13. Since the 8th, five donations, amounting to 9l. 9s., had
come in. This afternoon I paid out the last money which we had in
hand, and in giving it to brother T. said, we have now again to look
to the Lord for further supplies. This evening 5l. was given to me,
which had come in under the folio wing circumstances:--
A gentleman and lady visited the Orphan-Houses, and met at the
Boys-Orphan-House two ladies who were likewise visiting. One of the
ladies said to the matron of the Boys-Orphan-House: "Of course, you
cannot carry on these institutions without a good stock of funds."
The gentleman, turning to the matron, said, "Have you a good stock?"
She replied: "Our funds are deposited in a bank which cannot break."
The tears came into the eyes of the inquiring lady. The gentleman, on
leaving, gave to the master of the boys 5l., which came in when I had
not a penny in hand.
Feb. 16. Yesterday came in 17s. 6d. for the Orphans, which, with what
was taken out of the boxes today, helped us through; and thus we have
been brought to the close of one more week.
March 5. Up to this day, since Feb. 16, the supplies for the Orphans
have come in so seasonably, that we were able comfortably to meet all
the demands. Today, however, I knew that there would be again several
pounds required, as, besides the daily provisions, there were coals
needed, the treacle-casks in two houses were empty, and there was but
5s. in hand. I gave myself therefore to prayer this morning. WHILST I
WAS IN PRAYER, Q. Q. sent a cheque for 7l. 10s. Thus the Lord has
again most seasonably helped us out of our difficulty. There came in
still further this day, 1l. 19s. 2d., by the sale of some articles,
which had been given for the benefit of the Orphans.
March 6. For some time past the minds of several brethren among us,
as well as that of brother Craik and my own, had been much exercised
respecting certain questions connected with points of church order
and discipline, on account of which brother Craik and I were absent
from Bristol during the last two weeks, to give ourselves to prayer
and consideration respecting those points. Since our return we have
had, these last three evenings, meetings with the saints, before whom
we stated the result to which we had been led, after prayer and
examination of the Scriptures. The following is an abstract of what
was stated at those meetings, which I give here, as this matter forms
an important period in my experience about church matters; but the
abstract will be of little use, except the reader consider carefully
the passages to which reference is made.
I.--QUESTIONS RESPECTING THE ELDERSHIP.
(1) How does it appear to be the mind of God, that, in every Church,
there should be recognized Elders?
Ans. From the following passages compared together, Matth. xxiv. 45,
Luke xii. 42. From these passages we learn that some are set by the
Lord Himself in the office of Rulers and Teachers, and that this
office (in spite of the fallen state of the Church) should be in
being even down to the close of the present dispensation.
Accordingly, we find from Acts xiv. 23, xx. 17, Tit. i. 5, and 1 Pet.
v. 1, that soon after the saints had been converted, and had
associated together in a Church character, Elders were appointed to
take the rule over them and to fulfil the office of under-shepherds.
This must not be understood as implying, that, when believers are
associated in Church fellowship, they ought to elect Elders according
to their own will, whether the Lord may have qualified persons or
not; but rather that such should wait upon God, that He Himself would
be pleased to raise up such as may be qualified for teaching and
ruling in His church.
(2) How do such come into office?
Ans. By the appointment of the Holy Ghost, Acts xx. 28.
(3) How may this appointment be made known to the individuals called
to the office, and to those amongst whom they may be called to labour?
Ans. By the secret call of the Spirit, 1 Tim. iii. 1, confirmed by
the possession of the requisite qualifications, 1 Tim. iii. 2-7, Tit.
i. 6-9, and by the Lords blessing resting upon their labours, 1 Cor.
ix. 2.
In 1 Cor. ix. 2, Paul condescends to the weakness of some, who were
in danger of being led away by those factious persons who questioned
his authority. As an Apostleappointed by the express word of the
Lord--he needed not such outward confirmation. But if he used his
success as an argument in confirmation of his call, how much more may
ordinary servants of the Lord Jesus employ such an argument, seeing
that the way, in which they are called for the work, is such as to
require some outward confirmation.
(4) Is it incumbent upon the saints to acknowledge such and to submit
to them in the Lord?
Ans. Yes. See 1 Cor. xvi. 15, 16, 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, Heb. xiii. 7,
17, and 1 Tim. v. 17. In these passages obedience to pastoral
authority is clearly enjoined.
II.--Ought matters of discipline to be finally settled by the Elders
in private, or in the presence of the Church, and as the act of the
whole body?
Ans. (1) Such matters are to be finally settled in the presence of
the Church. This appears from Matth. xviii. 17, 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 2
Cor. ii. 6-8, 1 Tim. v. 20. (2) Such matters are to be finally
settled as the act of the whole body, Matth. xviii. 17, 18. In this
passage the act of exclusion is spoken of as the act of the whole
body. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 7, 12, 13. In this passage Paul gives the
direction, respecting the exercise of discipline, in such a way as to
render the whole body responsible: verse 7, "Purge out the old
leaven, that ye maybe a new lump;" and verse 13, "Therefore put away
from among yourselves that wicked person." From 2 Cor. ii. 6-8, we
learn that the act of exclusion was not the act of the Elders only,
but of the Church. "Sufficient to such a man is this punishment
(rather, public censure) which was inflicted of many." From verse 8
we learn that the act of restoration was to be a public act of the
brethren: "Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm (rather
ratify by a public act) your love towards him."
As to the reception of brethren into fellowship, this is an act of
simple obedience to the Lord, both on the part of the Elders and the
whole Church. We are bound and privileged to receive all those who
make a credible profession of faith in Christ, according to that
Scripture, "Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to
the glory of God." Rom. xv. 7.
III.--When should Church acts (such as acts of reception, restoration,
exclusion, &c.) be attended to?
Ans. It cannot be expressly proved from Scripture, whether such acts
were attended to at the meeting for the breaking of bread, or at any
other meeting; therefore this is a point on which, if different
churches differ, mutual forbearance ought to be exercised. The way in
which such matters have hitherto been managed amongst us has been by
the Church coming together on a week-evening. Before we came to
Bristol we had been accustomed to this mode, and, finding nothing in
Scripture against it, we continued the practice. But, after prayer,
and more careful consideration of this point, it has appeared well to
us that such acts should be attended to on the Lords days, when the
saints meet together for the breaking of bread. We have been induced
to make this alteration by the following reasons:--
(1) This latter mode prevents matters from being delayed. There not
being a sufficiency of matter for a meeting on purpose every week, it
has sometimes happened, that, what would better have been stated to
the Church at once, has been kept back from the body for some weeks.
Now, it is important that what concerns the whole Church, should be
made known as soon as possible to those who are in fellowship, that
they may act accordingly. Delay, moreover, seems inconsistent with
the pilgrim-character of the people of God.
(2) More believers can be present on the Lords days than can attend
on week evenings. The importance of this reason will appear from
considering how everything which concerns the Church should be known
to as many as possible. For how can the saints pray for those who may
have to be excluded,--how can they sympathize in cases of peculiar
trial,--and how can they rejoice and give thanks on account of those
who may be received or restored, unless they are made acquainted with
the facts connected with such cases?
(3) A testimony is thus given that all who break bread are Church
members. By attending to Church acts in the meeting for breaking of
bread, we show that we make no difference between receiving into
fellowship at the Lords supper, and into Church membership; but that
the individual who is admitted to the Lords table is therewith also
received to all the privileges, trials, and responsibilities of
Church membership.
(4) There is a peculiar propriety in acts of reception, restoration
and exclusion being attended to when the saints meet together for the
breaking of bread, as, in that ordinance especially, we show forth
our fellowship with each other.
Objections answered.
(1) This alteration has the appearance of changeableness.
Reply. Such an objection would apply to any case in which increased
light led to any improvement, and is, therefore, not to be regarded.
It would be an evil thing if there were any change respecting the
foundation truths of the Gospel; but the point in question is only a
matter of Church order.
(2) More time may thus be required than it would be well to give to
such a purpose on the Lords day.
Reply. As, according to this plan, Church business will be attended
to every Lords day, it is more than probable that the meetings will
be thereby prolonged for a few minutes only; but should circumstance
required it, a special meeting may still be appointed during the
week, for all who break bread with us. This, however, would only be
needful, provided the matters to be brought before the brethren were
to require more time than could be given to them at the breaking of
bread.
N.B. (1) Should any persons be present who do not break bread with
us, they may be requested to withdraw, whenever such points require
to be stated, as it would not be well to speak of in the presence of
unbelievers.
(2) As there are two places in which the saints meet for the breaking
of bread, the matters connected with Church acts must be brought out
at each place.
IV.--QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE LORDS SUPPER.
(1) How frequently ought the breaking of bread to be attended to?
Ans. Although we have no express command respecting the frequency of
its observance, yet the example of the apostles and of the first
disciples would lead us to observe this ordinance every Lords day.
Acts xx. 7.
(2) What ought to be the character of the meeting at which the saints
are assembled for the breaking of bread?
Ans. As in this ordinance we show forth our common participation in
all the benefits of our Lords death, and our union to Him and to
each other (1 Cor. x. 16, 17,) opportunity ought to be given for the
exercise of the gifts of teaching or exhortation, and communion in
prayer and praise. Rom. xii. 48, Eph. iv. 1116. The manifestation
of our common participation in each others gifts cannot be fully
given at such meetings, if the whole meeting is, necessarily,
conducted by one individual. This mode of meeting does not however
take off from those, who have the gifts of teaching or exhortation,
the responsibility of edifying the church, as opportunity may be
offered.
(3) Is it desirable that the bread should be broken at the Lords
Supper by one of the Elders, or should each individual of the body
break it for himself?
Ans. Neither way can be so decidedly proved from Scripture, that we
are warranted in objecting to the other as positively unscriptural,
yet--
(1) The letter of Scripture seems rather in favour of its being done
by each brother and sister, 1 Cor. x. 16, 17. "The bread which we
break."
(2) Its being done by each of the disciples, is more fitted to
express that we all, by our sins, have broken the body of our Lord.
(3) By attending to the ordinance in this way, we manifest our
freedom from the common error that the Lords supper must be
administered by some particular individual, possessed of what is
called a ministerial character, instead of being an act of social
worship and obedience.
[Before brother Craik and I left Bristol for the consideration of the
above points, things wore a gloomy appearance. A separation in the
church seemed to be unavoidable. But God had mercy, and pitied us. He
was pleased to give us not merely increased light, but showed us also
how to act, and gave us a measure of wisdom, grace and spiritual
courage for acting. The clouds were dispelled, and peace was restored
in the church.]
While I was away from Bristol, Samuel Loader, a little orphan boy,
died, after a fortnights residence in the house, and only three
weeks after his mothers death. The brethren in the Boys-Orphan-House
consider him to have died in the faith.
March 16. Saturday. By the good hand of the Lord we are brought to
the close of one more week. I have been able to meet all the current
expenses for the Orphans, and to pay, besides this, 10l. for
salaries. Thus a part of what has been due for several weeks to my
dear fellow-labourers is defrayed. I have especially prayed within
the last ten days that the Lord would be pleased to give me the means
for this. 2s. 8 1/2d. I have left.
March 18. Monday. Last evening 5l. came in with Eccles. ix. 10. Thus
we were again enabled to supply all the necessities of this day.
Pause a few moments, dear reader! Consider how seasonably the Lord
sends the supplies! Not once does He forget us! Not once is our need
only half supplied! Not once do His supplies come too late! Dear
reader, if you have not the like experience of the Lords watchful
care, Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!
March 20. The need of the 18th and 19th was supplied by the 5l. which
had come in on the 18th. Today we were again poor and needy,
therefore the Lord thought on us, and sent us 3l. l6s. 1 1/2d.
March 22. Some trinkets which had been given, and 12s. which was in
hand, supplied the need of today. Yesterday were sent six sacks of
potatoes. We were not able to lay in a stock last autumn (as we had
done the two previous autumns) on account of want of means, but in no
previous year have we had so many sent.
March 23. Today I received a letter from brother T., who is on
account of his health in Devonshire, to inform me that a heavy gold
chain, a ring set with ten brilliants, a pair of gold bracelets, and
2l. have been given to him. He gave a Report to a brother, who,
having read it, was thereby stirred up to prayer, and knowing that
his believing sister possessed these trinkets, he asked the Lord to
incline her heart to give them up for the benefit of our Orphans,
which she soon after did. By means of these donations I am able both
to meet the remaining expenses of this week, and also to pay 15l.,
which still remains due on account of the salaries. My fellow-labourers
not only never ask me for any thing, but are willing to part with money,
or any thing else in the hour of need; nevertheless, I had asked the Lord
about this point frequently, and He has now given me my request, whereof
I am glad. I received also this afternoon 5l. 10s., besides a number of
things to be disposed of for the Orphans.
March 24. The Lord has again kindly opened His liberal hand today,
and given us 6l. 10s. Thus we have wherewith to meet the necessities
of tomorrow in the Orphan-Houses.
From March 24 to April 7, came in about sixty small donations. This,
with the produce of the sale of the trinkets, supplied all our need
for the Orphans.
April 7. Our funds were now again spent, except 15s., though three
days ago above 30l. had come in; therefore the Lord has sent in again
this day several contributions, altogether 6l. 5s.
April 8. The money which came in yesterday was sent off today for
housekeeping in the three different houses, and when I was now again
left penniless, there came in 2l. 6s. 10d.
April 9. The 2l. 6s. 10d. was given out today for housekeeping, and I
am once more penniless.--A few hours after I had written this, there
was given to me by a brother 2l. 10s. When I received this money, I
was at the same time informed of the death of one of our sisters, a
widow, whose child we can receive.
April 10. Today was sent anonymously from the country 5l. In the
evening I received still further 1l. l6s. 6d.
April 11. It is three years today since the first Orphans were
received. Good indeed has the Lord been to us during these three
years! We have lacked nothing! Again He has sent this day, in a
remarkable manner, 5l., with the following letter, addressed to a
brother:
"My dear Friend, enclosed are 5l. for the Orphan-Asylum, the history
of which is rather interesting. We have a servant who lived some
years ago as kitchen-maid in a noble family (i. e. the master a
wealthy member of Parliament, the mistress an Earls daughter.) No
perquisites were allowed; but the individual in question acted on the
same principle as her fellow-servants, and sold kitchen-stuff for her
own benefit, which she thinks might amount to 4l.; and therefore she
believes that 5l. would fully repay principal and interest. This
money is of course due to her former master and mistress, with whom I
have had several interviews on the subject. They were disposed that
the money should be given to some charity; and in consequence of
reading one of the Reports you kindly sent me, the young woman had a
great desire that her own repentance might yield fruit to that work
of faith and love. Her wishes have been sanctioned by her former
mistress. It is rather remarkable that our truly Christian servant
had been converted a year and a half, before this individual sin,
calling for pecuniary restitution, had come into her remembrance."
April 13. I conversed with another of the Orphans, who seems to have
been truly converted, and who has walked consistently for many
months. Tomorrow she will be united with the saints in communion. She
will be the third in fellowship with us, and several have died in the
faith. How has the Lord owned the work, even in this respect!
April 14. Today 5l. 0s. 8d. came in for the Orphans, 1l. of which is
one of the most remarkable gifts that we have ever had. A poor
brother, with a large family, and small wages (there are eight in the
family, and he had 15s. wages till lately, when they were raised to
18s.) put by this money by little and little of what was given him by
his master for beer. This brother, who was converted about five years
ago, was before that time a notorious drunkard.
April 30. Today our dear young brother, John Short, only a little
more than 14 years old, fell asleep, after having been for several
years ill. He had been for several years converted. He was one of our
Sunday-School children before his illness. When, many months since,
he lost one of his limbs by amputation, he glorified the Lord not
merely by the way in which he sustained the severe suffering
attending the operation, but also by confessing the Lord, as his
strength, in the hour of trial. He was a sweet youth!
July 2. Today was given me, when there was not one shilling in hand,
50l. for the SchoolBibleand Missionary-Fund.
July 15. Monday. Today 2l. 7s. 3d. was needed for the Orphans, but we
had nothing. How to obtain the means for a dinner, and for what else
was needed, I knew not. My heart was perfectly at peace, and
unusually sure of help, though I knew not in the least whence it was
to come. Before brother T. came, I received a letter from India,
written in May, with an order for 50l. for the Orphans. I had said
last Saturday to brother T., that it would be desirable to have 50l.,
as the salaries of all my fellow-labourers are due, the three
treacle-casks empty, all the provision stores exhausted, several
articles of clothing needed, and worsted for the boys to go on with
their knitting. Now the Lord has sent exactly 50l. Moreover this
money comes very seasonably, as in three days I shall have to leave
Bristol for some days, and can now go comfortably, as it regards
leaving means behind.
[In the afternoon of this same day I met at a brothers house with
several believers, when a sister said that she had often thought
about the care and burden I must have on my mind, as it regards
obtaining the necessary supplies for so many persons. As this may not
be a solitary instance, I would state, that, by the grace of God,
this is no cause of anxiety to me. The children I have years ago cast
upon the Lord. The whole work is His, and it becomes me to be without
carefulness. In whatever points I am lacking, in this point I am
able, by the grace of God, to roll the burden upon my heavenly
Father. Though now (July 1845) for about seven years our funds have
been so exhausted, that it has been comparatively a rare case that
there have been means in hand to meet the necessities of the Orphans
for three days together; yet have I been only once tried in spirit,
and that was on Sept. 18, 1838, when for the first time the Lord
seemed not to regard our prayer. But when He did send help at that
time, and I saw that it was only for the trial of our faith, and not
because He had forsaken the work that we were brought so low, my soul
was so strengthened and encouraged, that I have not only not been
allowed to distrust the Lord since that time, but I have not even
been cast down when in the deepest poverty. Nevertheless, in this
respect also am I now, as much as ever, dependant on the Lord; and I
earnestly beseech for myself and my fellow-labourers the prayers of
all those, to whom the glory of God is dear. How great would be the
dishonour to the name of God, if we, who have so publicly made our
boast in Him, should so fall as to act in these very points as the
world does! Help us then, brethren, with your prayers, that we may
trust in God to the end. We can expect nothing but that our faith
will yet be tried, and it may be more than ever; and we shall fall,
if the Lord does not uphold us.]
July 16 and 17. These two days we have had two especial prayer
meetings, to commend to the Lord five German brethren who for some
weeks have been sojourning among us, and who purpose to leave
tomorrow for Liverpool, to sail from thence to the East Indies.
July 18. I left this morning with the German brethren, to accompany
them to Liverpool.
July 21. Liverpool. This afternoon I preached in the open air on the
docks. Truly, it must be a sweet privilege to be permitted frequently
to proclaim the glad tidings of the Gospel in the open air, which the
Lord does not bestow upon me, as, under ordinary circumstances, I
have no strength for this work.--The people were attentive. There was
but one who mocked.
July 22. Preached again out of doors.
July 23. I accompanied the five brethren on board this afternoon.