The Lord has been so blessing the mission services at the Mariners' Church, Belfast, now being conducted by the Rev W. Haslam, that the incumbent, the Rev. J. Spence, and other friends, have felt constrained to press upon him the necessity of remaining a little longer. This he has consented to do, the Rev. Robert Aitken having kindly undertaken to supply his place for a few days, and begin the mission at Normanton, where Mr Haslam is due on Saturday next.
Never has it been our privilege to hear the Gospel message of salvation proclaimed with more striking simplicity or more convincing arguments. The result of this has been very marked in the anxiety manifested by numbers, many of whom have been brought under deep conviction, but who are now rejoicing in the forgiveness of their sins, praising God. Every night the capacious church is overcrowded, and on Sunday numbers failed to obtain admission, so that an overflow meeting was held by Mrs Haslam in the schoolroom. Those who were in the church that night, and heard the graphic discourse of the mission preacher, will not be likely to forget the profound impression that his words produced. The text was taken from 2 Peter ii. 9, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgement to be punished." Seldom have we listened to such a vivid description of the blessedness, joy, and eternal safety of the believer, or seen such an awful portraiture of the present lost condition and the terrible future awaiting those who neglect this great salvation and dare to live and die in unbelief. It was enough to alarm and awaken every unconverted person present.
We believe that eternity alone will reveal the vast number to whom this mission and those recently held in the Magdalen and Drew Memorial churches have been made a blessing.
And we are looking for greater things yet, as the various meetings are continued from day to day. In addition to two or three services taken each day by Mr Haslam, there is another specially for women conducted by Mrs Haslam. This has been a source of imminent good and is greatly appreciated. May the believing prayers and praises of God's people bring down a mightier blessing yet.
Belfast, November 25.
The church was close to where indicated - between 42 and 48 Commercial Street