ower. Boswell, when introduced for
the first time to old Sam Johnson, admitted that he was a Scotchman, but
added, humbly and by way of apology, that indeed he could not help it.
"Sir," replied the Doctor, "that's what many of your countrymen cannot
help;" and, the writer would add, a good thing too, when we see what Dr.
Edmond is, and how he and his church labour to spread Christian truth
around.
Inside you are struck with the comfort and cheerful appearance of the
building. In form it is almost a square, and is remarkably light and
airy. The pews are all open and well cushioned. The pulpit is a
handsome platform. Underneath is the choir. The chapel is computed to
seat comfortably 1200, but that estimate is rather under than over the
mark. Underneath the chapel are rooms fitted up with every convenience
for week-evening lectures, for meetings of young men's mutual improvement
societies, for ladies' working parties, and the other organizations of an
active and flourishing church. I find here about 2000_l._ is annually
raised for religious purposes. The pastor has a salary of 700_l._ a
year. Attached to the place is a Young Men's Literary Institute, a Young
Men's Christian Fellowship Association, a Missionary Association, a
Psalmody Association, a Ladies' Working Association. In Highbury New
Park there are no poor people, and, consequently, there is no missionary
agency or Sunday-school in connexion with that district; but the church,
consisting of between four and five hundred members, is not idle nor
neglectful of its special privilege and duty. In the neighbouring Hoxton
there are many poor untaught, and for their souls the church in Highbury
cares. There a City missionary is employed, whose labours are not in
vain. They have organized a Mothers' Meeting, a Bible Class, Penny
Weekly Readings and Musical Entertainments, a Singing Class, and a Band
of Hope. Last year their missionary conducted 156 in-door and 21
out-of-door meetings, 2100 district visitations for Scripture reading,
&c., 500 district visitations to the sick and dying, besides the
distribution of a large number of religious tracts. In Harvey Street,
Hoxton, the church maintains a Sunday-school with an average attendance
of 160, a day-school not so numerous, a Sick Relief Society, and in
Albert Square another Sunday-school and a domestic servant class. Dr.
Edmond himself preaches twice on the Sunday, and once on a week-night.
He has a spe
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