. From the pulpit to the palm-branch; . was densely thronged with a subdued, black-robed congregation. The number of those unable to gainadmission was so great as to fill the open space inside therailings in front, and to reach across the road. Dr. Piersonagain preached with great power. The great Communion Service followed. He who hasmissed seeing one of these services at the Tabernacle, hasmissed a sight unique in Christendom. The body of thebuilding, and half the first gallery, filled with communi-cants, and the rest of the space occupied with interestedspectators, is almost an overwhelming
. From the pulpit to the palm-branch; . was densely thronged with a subdued, black-robed congregation. The number of those unable to gainadmission was so great as to fill the open space inside therailings in front, and to reach across the road. Dr. Piersonagain preached with great power. The great Communion Service followed. He who hasmissed seeing one of these services at the Tabernacle, hasmissed a sight unique in Christendom. The body of thebuilding, and half the first gallery, filled with communi-cants, and the rest of the space occupied with interestedspectators, is almost an overwhelming spectacle at anytime. But now, with the Pastors chair empty, it was quiteoverpowering. With few words, and quiet movement, thesimple emblems of our Lords death were taken in token ofhis body broken and his blood shed for his people. AsChrists death has become the gate of life, it was felt thenthat perhaps the removal of C. H. Spurgeon might become,by the overruling grace of God, a deep and widespreadbenediction. to the Palm-Branch. 59. DR. A. T. PIERSON. 6o From the Pulpit to the Palm-Branch. At the close of the Communion Service, Deacon ThomasH. Olney read a statement to the church, which gaveuniversal satisfaction. By unanimous voice of the officers,Rev. James A. Spurgeon had been desired and had consentedto continue as Pastor in charge^ and Dr. Pierson had also,in response to an earnest appeal to that effect, expressed hiswillingness to continue as Officiating Minister. Only onesentiment prevailed in reference to this temporary arrange-ment, and that was deep gratitude. We all thanked Godthat, though one brother had been taken, the other wasleft. As we had never known how much we loved ourdeparted Pastor until he was called away from us, we neverknew how much we esteemed and valued his brother untilhe was left alone. Nobly has he fulfilled his part, and as,between him and Dr. Pierson, for whom we devoutly thankGod, there exists a most fraternal union ; and between themboth
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