Staleybridge (1865)



About five or six months ago, it entered the hearts of a few members of different denominations of this town, to hold forth a helping hand to the many destitute inhabitants of this populous town, where hundreds seem to be forgotten and overlooked. A garret was rented, and announcements made throughout the town, that accommodation was thus provided for the poor, to have the gospel preached to them. No collections, no seat rents - all things free. The people came readily to the Borough Preaching room; and here the great Head of the Church condescended to own our labours in the conversion of many precious souls. This seemed to be a signal to the enemy, for we became subject to a great deal of persecution. Having however gained a firm footing, we pressed on and the people crowded the place, crying, "What must I do to be saved?" It was a scene my pen cannot describe. The songs of triumph within and shouts of persecution without, caused the meetings to be noted and resulted in our being turned out of the room. But another and larger place was provided for us, on which a considerable sum of money had to be laid out to make it fit for worship. About two hundred have found the Lord, some of them drunkards, gamblers, and the like, but now sitting at the feet of Jesus. Some are so poorly clothed they don't like to come to the place until night when it is crowded. The people here are very poor, owing to the cotton panic. The conflict is going on; brethren rally up to the standard of the Cross and victory shall crown our efforts. We have had many difficulties to contend with; but the language of  the people is, "We will never give up." We have distributed some thousands of tracts to the inhabitants of Stalegbridge, and gifts of tracts, books etc, towards carrying on the work of the gospel here, would be very acceptable.

"The Revival," March 23rd, 1865.


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