Christian Stewardship: Reminiscences | denominations. He must have been a of the Life and Labours of the late Henry Craigie, W.S., Edinburgh. By the Rev. W. WATSON, Langholme. Edinburgh: John Menzies & Co. WE regret that we did not personally know this princely man, though we must have seen him if the portrait does not mislead us. He appears to have been the generous helper of every holy and philanthropic work. He gave not only liberally as to amount, but as to very happy man; for our observation tells us that the bliss of doing good is the nearest approach to heavenly felicity this side the stars. If the publication of these reminiscences should stir up others of Edinburgh's princely men it will be well; and London, too, would be the better for more such. We bless God for those around us who are of like spirit with Mr. Craigie, and we thank them very heartily. Memoranda. We had a splendid gathering of friends at the Orphanage on September 20th, which produced about £500 for our funds. To all we tender our deepest thanks. Everybody was earnest in helping. To the speakers, collectors, keepers of the bazaar and refreshment stalls, and indeed to everybody we are deeply indebted. The College meeting, September 7th, was one of the most successful ever held. The students spoke to the delight of all the numerous audience. God is with us of a truth. An earnest feeling is stirring the hearts of devout men at the Tabernacle. Prayer is being incessantly offered for a great revival of religion, and we trust this is the precursor of coming blessing. Will all friends of the gospel join with us? Several correspondents write to us in reference to the heterodoxy of the Christian World newspaper. To them all, we would distinctly say, that no one is more grieved at the fact than we are, but we have not even the remotest share in the conduct of the paper, or any sort of connection with it. We have always wished the paper well, and are sorry that it takes the course it does, but, having no locus standi in reference to its management, we must refer our correspondents to the editor of the paper. Our friends at Alfred Place Chapel, Old Kent Road, having elected as their pastor, Mr. Collins, late one of our elders, held a very interesting meeting to celebrate his recognition, August 28th. We hope this struggling but useful interest will greatly revive under our esteemed friend's ministry. The place has been repaired and decorated. Services in connection with the settlement of Mr. G. Stanley, at Whitstable, in Kent, were held on Thursday, August the 31st. At the afternoon service, Mr. J. Crofts, of St. Peter's, read the Scriptures and prayed. Mr. Stanley then gave a brief account of his conversion, his call to the ministry, and reasons for accepting the invitation to Whitstable. The charge to the pastor was given by Mr. Rogers, of the Tabernacle College. Tea was provided in the School-room of the Congregational Chapel, which was kindly lent for the occasion, at which about 160 persons attended. At the evening meeting, at which Mr. Rogers presided, Mr. Burton, of Kingsgate Street Chapel, Holborn, gave an address to the church. Addresses were then given by Mr. M'Kinley, of Chatham; Mr. Pring, a Primitive Methodist; Mr. Keys, and Mr. Crofts. The services excited considerable interest in the town, and it may be hoped will prove a lasting benefit. On Tuesday, September the 12th, services were held in commemoration of the settlement of Mr. W. Mummery, as pastor of the Baptist Church at Eynsford, in Kent. In the afternoon, Mr. Rogers, of Peckham, son of a former pastor of the church, presided. Mr. Denter, of Meopham, read and prayed. Mr. F. Hearn read a statement on behalf of the church. Mr. Mummery gave a most appropriate address upon the occasion. Special prayer for the pastor was offered by Mr. G. Wyard. The charge to the pastor was given by Mr. Rogers, of the Tabernacle College; and to the church, by Mr. Wigner. At the evening meeting Mr. Rogers presided. Prayer was offered by Mr. Constable, of Sevenoaks. Addresses were then delivered by Mr. Collins, of Penge; Mr. M'Kinley, of Chatham; Mr. Benskin, of Princes Risborough; Mr. Wilkins, of Leighton Buzzard; and Mr. Jackson, of Sevenoaks. The meetings were well attended; several had come from a considerable distance, and all were much interested in the proceedings. We are unable, from pressure of matter, to give more notes. Suffice it that we believe the work prospers in many directions. Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle. Statement of Receipts from August 20th, to September 20th, 1871. A Friend, per Mr. Whittet Mr. J. Short 5 5 0 ... ... Mr. Carr 0 10 6 A Widow's Mite, per Mr. J. F. Blyth 20 0 0 Mr. T. Gregory ... Mrs. S. Clifton 5 0 0 0 10 0 1 1 0 Weekly Offerings at Tabernacle, Aug. 20 38 1 6 27 50 3 10 Sept. 3 38 1 6 0 10 0 " " £383 8 2 Stockwell Orphanage. Statement of Receipts from August 20th, to September 20th, 1871. £ s. d. Mrs. Cooper 0 10 0 200 ... 1 1 0 026 F. E., Clapham Mr. R. J. Foster Mr. S. Willson Banbridge... A Thankoffering, E. D. and L. Hubbard 1 0 0 Mrs. Fitzgerald E. S. Miss Carter.... .. 200 Mrs. P. Wright A Reader of "Sword and Trowel," per Mr. Wells, Orpington... Per Mr. J. T. Dunn : Mr. Joseph Ward £ s. d. 046 1 0 0 216 6 Mrs. Ward 1 15 6 0 10 0 A Widow's Mite 05 0 0 1 0 S. A. S.... 5 0 0 Crick Mrs. Evans Baptist Church, Riddings, per Rev. W. 3 1 6 500 306 0 10 0 200 Mrs. S. Williams 050 60000 3 0 0 1 1 0 20 0 0 Presents for the Orphanage.-1 load of Firewood, Mr. Kean; 12 Scoops, Mr. Vickery; an Invalid Chair, Mr. Trotman; 75 Bibles and 75 Testaments, British and Foreign Bible Society; 3 crates of Cauliflowers, Mr. Fox; a Patched Quilt, 15 Shirts, and 36 pair of Worsted Socks, M. Fair; Toys for Sick Boys, Mr. Green; a splendid collection of Toy-soldiers from Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, by the wish of their dear departed child, James; Hamper of Eggs, Mrs. Grange; 21 cwt. Potatoes, Mr. Vinson. For Sale Room-Parcels from "M. H.," Miss Best, Mrs. Van Offere, and Mrs. Hamilton. Mr. W. J. Orsman, 75, Oakley Road, N., London, thankfully acknowledges the Mr. C. Gordon following donations: Subscriptions will be thankfully received by C. H. Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Should any sum be unacknowledged in this list, friends are requested to write at once to Mr. Spurgeon. Post-Office Orders should be made payable at the Chief Office, London, to C. H. Spurgeon. THE SWORD AND THE TROWEL. NOVEMBER 1, 1871. The Pastor's Wife. A TRUE NARRATIVE. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY MARY WEITBRECHT. CHAPTER VIII.-THE NEW HOME AND OUR FIRST VACATION THERE. UR faithful Lord has taken the rudder of your little craft into his own hands, and he will pilot it on safely to the haven." It was with this conviction firmly fastened in her heart that our mother entered the narrow path of widowhood. She knew little of the trials and lessons which awaited her in it. The last days of our life in the old homestead at Thalheim were hastening to a close, and there was barely time to put matters into the order necessitated by altered circumstances. Our mother's future dwelling was to be in the house of widowed aunt at Neünchingen, where a humble lodging had been offered her; and, although it seemed hardly possible to find space for herself and four children in the two or three little rooms placed at her disposal, still, in the absence of pecuniary means, she gratefully took advantage of our relative's kindness. The expenses of removal exceeded her calculations, and left her in possession of only a few gulden. It was thus necessary to save every farthing, and she therefore decided to walk nine miles of the journey. The last night was watched through at the parsonage, now bare of all furniture, and a few sympathising friends shared our vigil; at three in the morning we were to start, but, before that time, such heavy rain began, that we wondered whether it would be possible to get out, and yet a post chaise was awaiting us nine miles off, at six a.m. At this juncture, a ponderous double-teamed waggon rumbled up the road and halted at our door. It belonged to a peasant, who had intended driving a load of corn to some distance, but, seeing the rain, had postponed his business to be able to offer us his services," so that no one might ever say, that the villagers of Thalheim had let their pastor's widow walk out of their village, in such a drenching storm of rain." Our party safely reached their new abode, having half-way overtaken the carrier in charge of our furniture who had, oddly enough, forgotten where he was to take it, and was asking all the people along the road whether they could tell him! Our arrangements in the new quarters were the ne plus ultra of simplicity, yet the whole party soon came to feel happy in spite of inconveniences. Not only our aunt, and the landlord, who lived in respective flats of the same house, but the whole village beside seemed intent on showing kindness to the grand-daughter of their former beloved pastor Flattich. Indeed, they had always done the same, for when as children we visited at Minchingen, the rich peasants used to insist on giving us presents, and often accompanied us miles on our homeward way, carrying our knapsacks. Indeed, some years before, when I had entered the seminary at Maulbronn, the wife of a farmer at Neünchingen sent an order to an acquaintance living near me, to furnish me with a large bowl of bread and milk every morning for lunch, at her expense. I did not know how this daily meal fell to my share, but it caused great satisfaction both to myself and the various friends who help me dispatch it. This is only one instance of the affection of these peasants for the memory of their old pastor, after a lapse of forty years from his death. Indeed, to this day, the mention of his name quickens the beat of those warm faithful hearts. Soon after the arrival at Neünchingen, three of the boys came home for their vacation. The small parlour scarcely sufficed to hold us all, but the great joy of being together again was not disturbed by the narrow limits of our dwelling. A fresh trouble, however, and one which could not be so easily past over, now made itself felt. Our funds had come to an end, and the store of household provisions melted away perceptibly, so that one evening there was nothing for it, but for us all to go to bed fasting. This was too much for our mother, and she said, "Am I to have my children here, and not even be able to give them food! God cannot mean this to be so!" And, without more ado, she threw herself on the ground beside the stove, and wrestled in earnest prayer the whole night through, and when we entered the next morning, there she still lay. We tried to raise her, and said, "Dear mother, let us breakfast. Even, if there is no earthly food provided, we still have the bread which is come down from heaven, the Word of God. We will gather round that and enjoy it." But our words availed nothing, she still lay, while we seated ourselves, opened our Bibles, read, sang, and prayed. Hardly had we said "Amen," when a well dressed, veiled lady entered, after knocking, and begged to speak to our sister in private. Beaté led her to an attic, apologising for having no other place of reception. And then the lady, the widow of a professor from the neighbouring village of Koruthal, explained herself thus: "I cannot think what has come over me this morning. I woke at six |