THE CENTENARY SERVICES OF BRISTOL TABERNACLE, HELD NOVEMBER 25TH, 1853. CONTAINING A SERMON BY THE REV. J. A. JAMES, And Addresses BY THE REVS. G. SMITH, HENRY QUICK, J. GLANVILLE, LONDON: PARTRIDGE, OAKEY, & CO., PATERNOSTER ROW; AND 70, EDGWARE ROAD. 1854. PREFATORY NOTICE. IN reviewing the history of the Church, we see how God, for a season, mysteriously permits the aboundings of evil, and then, mercifully interposes for its removal. We trace the polluting and debasing influence of sin, in its various forms, and then, when the darkness seems the densest, and the misery the most extreme, an order of instrumentality is employed, which by the Divine blessing, pervades the mass and changes the aspect of society. This was the case in the last century. Vice prevailed, religion was despised, all classes were corrupted; real, spiritual piety was a thing but little known. With very few exceptions, and these exerting but a feeble and limited influence, priests and people were alike. It was the mourning time of truth. But God raised up Wesley and Whitefield, and commissioned them to engage in a great work. By their preaching, a nation slumbering in sin was startled and alarmed. The new religion produced wonders. Thousands were converted to the faith of Christ. Methodism became a great fact,—a thing full of life and power. Among other effects of Whitefield's preaching was, the erection of Kingswood and Bristol Tabernacles, the first in 1739, the latter in 1753. They were officially connected (except during a short interval of about four years), till the year 1836; so that the history of the one, is to a great extent the history of the other. On the 25th of November, 1853, a hundred years having elapsed since the dedication of the Tabernacle at Bristol, special services were held in commemoration of the event. The design was not so much to eulogise the excellent men who had officiated here, as to praise that God who so well fitted them for their work, and so abundantly blessed their labours; and also to record a most earnest desire that the great saving doctrines of God's Word may still be proclaimed in all their purity. On the day before-mentioned, the Rev. J. A. James preached in the morning; and in the evening four addresses were delivered on subjects previously selected. Considerable interest was awakened, and although the speakers had no intention of publishing, yet many having expressed a strong desire to possess the Services in a permanent form, they are now sent forth, with the fervent prayer that the days of Wesley and Whitefield may be renewed, and that their spirit of self-sacrifice and devotedness may be perpetuated. BRISTOL, January, 1854. |