MANCHESTER .-It is a fact, for the existence of which it is not necessary that any account or explanation should be given, that Manchester has been less productive, as a Baptist field, than almost any other town in the kingdom. Until within the last two or three years, extinction seemed to be rapidly approaching for our name; and that in a population where seven or eight strong, healthy Baptist churches ought to have existed. Towards the close of last year, the church at George Street resolved to make extra efforts to revive the work of God; and accordingly invited Mr Pulsford to spend a few weeks with them. He arrived and commenced operations about the middle of January, and remained till near the end of March, when Mr Harvey, of Preston, who has also been doing the work of an evangelist, succeeded him, still carrying on the good work. A plan of visitation had been matured, in which the whole church was taxed.
Twenty thousand small hand-bills (a copy of which has appeared in the Reporter) were circulated, besides five or six thousand other tracts and circulars. By this neglected, but all-important agency, hundreds were drawn to the house of God.
Every evening, members entered the sanctuary, conducting their little bands of invited guests, many, very many of whom, had been entire strangers, even to the forms of religion. For the first fortnight, Mr Pulsford's labours bore upon the church. The meetings, in the early morning, as well as the evening, were attended by large numbers. The first inquirers' meeting was called at the close of the third week, when a goodly number answered the summons, and took their place as seekers after God. On Lord's-day, March 8, fifteen were baptized. This service was unusually interesting and solemn. Three sons of three deacons, and the eldest son of the pastor, were among the candidates. On March 10, seven were baptized, two of them Wesleyans, who returned to their own company. March 17, seven more. March 24, six, of whom one in the beginning ot the revival, had violently opposed his wife's baptism, in ungodly and malicious rage; but the persecutor was arrested, humbled, converted and husband and wife united in the same baptismal service. On March 31, eight thus gave themselves to the Lord, including a brother and sister, the latter, not twelve years of age, and of small stature, but her experience, at the church meetings, for intelligence, truthfulness, and scriptural propriety, would shame many older heads, and do credit to the wisest and the best. The pastor's second son was also in this band. On Friday, April, 5, five were baptized, including two brothers, sons of another deacon. There are other candidates and a long list of inquirers. From this it appears that nearly fifty have been added, as the fruits of this movement, up to the time of writing this notice.
In the very midst of these services, the events transpired which led to the immediate union of the two churches, George Street and York Street, and the consequent transfer of congregation, services, &c., by which a serious interruption to the revival movement was apprehended. There was, however, no interruption. The work went on. The larger house at York Street was well-filled, and increasingly absorbing interest was felt in this work of God. It is still in progress, and the hearts of God's people beat high with hope. This truly has been a day of visitation— a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
As to the general characteristic of this movement, there are those who speak of "excitement," "too frequent baptizings," "candidates too young," &c. We respect the right of private judgment, and might leave the matter to its own evidences and justification; but must say that less excitement could scarcely be exhibited. There was nothing electrical in any one address, no thrilling, no rush of impetuous feeling, no sobbings and cries of smitten ones; it was all plain, serious truth, acting on the conscience in ordinary form, but embracing many, and though the many is man's objection,—it was God's glorious work.
From, "The Baptist Reporter," May 1884, page 167
Now the Mercure hotel I believe.