Chapter Seven

Chapter 7.
The Bereaved Church

Almost as soon as it became known in London that our beloved Pastor had entered heaven, the meetings of the bereaved church at the Tabernacle began. Monday, the first of February, had previously, at his suggestion, been set apart as a day of prayer that the epidemic of influenza, which then prevailed, might be removed. The prayer-meetings were held, and a very speedy answer was given, for the disease abated the same week; but little did anyone imagine that the gatherings thus arranged would be turned to such solemn purpose as they were that day. With but little interval, the people met together during the morning and afternoon; and in the evening, an immense prayer-meeting was held, one of the largest ever known, even at the Tabernacle, and, amidst the hush of stricken hearts, God visited his people, and spoke peace to many. Mr. Spurgeon's own version of the thirty-ninth Psalm, often used at these Memorial gatherings, was then sung with deep feeling, for the first time.

Every succeeding day, informal meetings were held, and on Thursday, February 4th, Dr. Pierson, who has stood like a giant, strong in faith, all through the trying ordeal, preached from Psalms 90:16-17, a sermon for which everyone who heard it afterwards expressed the utmost gratitude. It was just such a steadying message as was needed at this great crisis in the history of the church. The little-faith of many was rebuked; and new hope born that, though the chief worker was removed, the work of God would be established; and that the beauty of the Lord would yet be given instead of mourning, ay, even in the midst of the sorrow.

Lord's-day morning, February 7th—the first Lord's-day without a Pastor—dawned grey and misty. Many an aching heart turned wistfully towards the place of solemn assembly, with mingled feelings of faith and fear. Very early, meetings for prayer were convoked, and the spirits of those who attended them were thus braced for the more public gatherings. A great crowd, dressed in deep mourning, filled the building in every corner.

Rev. James A. Spurgeon opened with the following prayer: "Our Father, which art in heaven, whither thou hast taken the beloved pastor of this church, we cling to thine unseen arm; hold us up.

"Hallowed be thy name; it is everlasting.

"Thy kingdom come; it shall have no end.

"Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven—not our will, but thy will be done.

"Give us this day our daily bread, for our hearts are hungry. Break, through thy dear servant, our brother Pierson, the bread of life to us today.

"Forgive us our trespasses, and let the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us from all sin; as we here today forgive all that have trespassed against us.

"Lead us not into temptation. Though thou hast tried us as silver is tried, yet, with all our trials which have abounded; thy consolations have much more abounded, praise be to thy name.

"Deliver us from the evil one, and from every evil thought, word, or act, in connection with this thy hand and dispensation, or anywhere, lifelong.

"For thine is the kingdom; and we bless thee for it, and

Pastor James A. Spurgeon. thou shalt reign whose right it is, from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. And thine is the power; hold us up in our weakness, and the widow and the fatherless and the mourner everywhere, and specially those on our hearts here today. And thine is the glory, for we glorify thee in the fire now and for evermore. Amen."

Though the tension of heart and mind was intense, Dr. Pierson, evidently helped by our Covenant God, upon whom he had cast himself without reserve, was able in the reading, and in prayer, to speak comfortable words to the people, and in the sermon he led the people away from their own loss to their Pastor's exceeding gain. On the evening of the Lord's-day, such crowds flocked to the familiar rallying-point, that, before the time of service, the Tabernacle was densely thronged with a subdued, black-robed congregation. The number of those unable to gain admission was so great as to fill the open space inside the railings in front, and to reach across the road. Dr. Pierson again preached with great power. The great Communion Service followed. He who has missed seeing one of these services at the Tabernacle, has missed a sight unique in Christendom. The body of the building, and half the first gallery, filled with communicants, and the rest of the space occupied with interested spectators, is almost an overwhelming spectacle at any time. But now, with the Pastor's chair empty, it was quite overpowering. With few words, and quiet movement, the simple emblems of our Lord's death were taken in token of his body broken and his blood shed for his people. As Christ's death has become the gate of life, it was felt then that perhaps the removal of C. H. Spurgeon might become, by the overruling grace of God, a deep and widespread benediction.

Dr. A. T. Pierson. At the close of the Communion Service, Deacon Thomas H. Olney read a statement to the church, which gave universal satisfaction. By unanimous voice of the officers, Rev. James A. Spurgeon had been desired and had consented to continue as Pastor in charge, and Dr. Pierson had also, in response to an earnest appeal to that effect, expressed his willingness to continue as Officiating Minister. Only one sentiment prevailed in reference to this temporary arrangement, and that was deep gratitude. We all thanked God that, though one brother had been taken, the other was left. As we had never known how much we loved our departed Pastor until he was called away from us, we never knew how much we esteemed and valued his brother until he was left alone. Nobly has he fulfilled his part, and as, between him and Dr. Pierson, for whom we devoutly thank God, there exists a most fraternal union; and between them both and the church, the heartiest sympathy; long may the ministry continue, which has so auspiciously begun!

(This arrangement was unanimously ratified at the Annual Church Meeting held on March 1st.)