in connection with the

OPENING OF THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE,

newington

The Committee are very happy to inform their Friends and the Public, that the vast Edifice erected for the Church and Congregation of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon is now nearly completed. The sum required has, by God’s gracious Providence, been obtained-with the exception of about £3,000. It is firmly believed that this remaining amount will be raised by means of the Bazaar and the Contributions given at the Opening Meetings.

In order that the large numbers who desire to be present upon this occasion may be accommodated, the proceedings have been extended throughout a whole month, and there are one or two days yet unoccupied, for which Services will be afterwards advertised, if the present arrangement should prove insufficient. Owing to the early date at which this circular is issued, the particulars cannot be given; nor is it possible to publish all the names of the ministers and gentlemen who will assist at the Services. The present programme will be adhered to as nearly as possible, but some variations may very naturally occur. The meetings are many of them definite in their subjects and objects, both for the sake of variety and edification. We desire not only to welcome our friends and accept their assistance, but to set forth a public testimony of our faith and practice. It is hoped that the more prominent features of our religious views, as a Church and Denomination, will thus be publicly expounded, while our union with the faithful will be unmistakeably affirmed.

Friends desiring Tickets for any of the Services, are requested to make their application by letter to Mr. C. Blackshaw, Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, S. They are requested to enclose a stamped envelope, bearing their address, and to state clearly what Meeting they wish to attend. As the number of Tickets is limited, when compared with the expected demand, no large supply can be issued to any one person. It is hoped that many will see fit to enclose a Contribution with their application. The Committee will endeavour, as far as possible, to oblige every applicant; but they cannot absolutely engage, in every case, to supply the particular Tickets required. Delay will necessarily occur in attending to so extensive an arrangement, but our Friends will exercise patience, and we hope all will be gratified.

In conclusion, the Committee beg the renewed assistance of all their friends in this their crowning effort, and they beg it to be distinctly understood, that no persuasion will prevail upon their Pastor to use the Building for Public Worship on the Sabbath until the whole of the liabilities are discharged. Shall the House be closed a single Sunday? We believe in our gracious God, and trust that he will so influence his people that by the end of the second week, or before the Good Friday has passed away, all will be accomplished: in which case, we shall meet for regular worship on Lord’s-day, March 31st.

The proceeds of collections, after payment of contracted liabilities, will be needed for the completion of the front boundaries, the fitting up of the Schools, furnishing the Students’ Class Rooms, and other works which the Committee have not as yet commenced. Feeling it to be highly objectionable to run into debt, they have left many matters to be finished when the funds shall be forthcoming, and they are sanguine that before these preliminary meetings are over, this great Temple of the Lord will have been finished in every department.