| Dear Brother, I have ofter been profited in reading the accounts given by some of our brethren while engaged in holding Missionary meetings, and I have thought such accounts are calculated to stimulate others to engage in the missionary work. For three weeks I have been engaged in holding missionary meetings in the Devonport District; and the increased liberality and heart-felt interest manifested by many of our friends to the missionary cause, has induces me to forward you a few extracts from my journal. If you think them calculated to do any good, they are at your disposal. Monday, October 23rd I left home to commence my missionary tour in the Devonport District. The first meeting was held at Landryne, in the Launceston circuit; here I met with brothers Kemeys, Brooks, and Treloar. We had a very interesting meeting in Mr. Crocker's barn, collection GBP 3 0s; being GBP 1 14s. 6d., more than last year. I could not help admiring the deep interest manifested by Mr. and Mrs. Crocker and family to the missionary cause, and their kindness in entertaining the preachers and other friends who came to the meeting. O! may God abundantly bless them. 24th. Meeting at Liskeard, in the St. Neot circuit. Here we met with the eccentric "Billy Bray," the Cornish miner, who gave us some of his eccentricities in a very powerful appeal in behalf of the missionary cause. This was a good meeting, the presence of God pervaded the assembly, Collection GBP 1 4s. 25th As we had a journey of about 11 or 12 miles, a kind friend sent on brother Kemeys with a horse. If more of our friends who have horses would follow the example, it would be very acceptable. Brotlzer Kemeys feels very much from long journeys after nine years labour in the woods of America. The meeting this evening was at Crumplehorne, near Polperro. A medical gentleman kindly took the chair. Just as the collection was about to be made, a friend stood up in the congregation, and requested to be heard. He said, "I have thought much on the missionary cause, and have resolved to double my contribution every year; aud in order that I might do so, lay aside something during the year. Last year I gave l0s., and now I'll give 20s,, at the same time cheerfully handing 2 half-sovereigns to the parties on the platform. If more of our friends did consider the cause, and lay aside something during the year, I have not a doubt but our missionary receipts would be much greater. This was an example worthy to be imitated; and the apostle Paul recommended the same conduct in 1 Cor. xvi. 2. The collection in this place was GBP 3, being 15s., above that of last year. 26th. Meeting at West-Looe: well attended, but principally composed of females, as most of the men were gone to sea, it being a fine night for fishing. The presence of the missionary's God was among us, collection equal to that of last year. 27th. This morning we parted with Br. Kemeys, as he had to return to Tavistock. Brother Treloar and myself walked 9 miles through heavy rain, and a strong wind, to a place called Herod's-foot. Very few people attended, so instead of holding a missionary meeting, I preached; and promised them a missionary meeting at a future time, which I hope they will have. 28th. Came back to Mr. Daniels, Trekieve; here I met brother G. Haycraft, who is laid aside from his Itinerant work. I fear the dear young man will do but little more in the vineyard of the Lord, as he appears to be sinking under a very serious complaint, brought on by sleeping in a damp bed. Sunday 29th. Assisted in opening a new chapel in the parish of St. Pinnock; I preached in the morning and afternoon; in the afternoon the crowd was so great, I was obliged to stand in the chapel door, and after the chapel got full, it was supposed there was an equal number outside. Brotber Cornish, from Devonport, preached in the evening: it was a very interesting day, an account of which I hope the Pastor will soon furnish you with. 30th. Meeting at Redgate, brother Haycraft presided. The meeting was addressed by brothers Cornish, Kemeys, Treloar, and myself. A most gracious influence pervaded the assembly, and though it was a very wet night, the chapel was well filled; and the collection, including the Sunday's services, was GBP 3 8s., being GBP 1 5s., above last year. In this place I found many kind friends whose hearts are warm in the Missionary cause, and some who have been tried friends for many years. I think I never felt more united to strangers in my life, than to this people. I found many here living in the enjoyment of true religion. 31st. As we had a journey of nearly 20 miles, our kind friends at Redgate sent us on several miles with three horses. A friend observed, "you were sent out of St. Neot circuit very honourably." I have been much pleased, and I hope profited, by the week I have spent in the St. Neot circuit. On our way to-day we crossed the romantic scenery of Brownwilly and Rougbtor; two very high hills. It is stated that Brownwilly stands 1,368 feet above the level of the sea. it is supposed it was once the scene of druidical worship. I could not help thanking God that I live to see a better day. Meeting this evening at Medrose, in the Michaelstow circuit, which was numberously attended. A good feeling prevailed, collection GBP l 12s. 2d., being 12s. 2d., above last year. November 1st. Meeting this evening at Michaelstow; increasing interest was manifested in this place to the missionary cause; and the presence of the Lord was realized among us. Brother Cornish spoke of his enjoying the blessing of sanctification, which had a good effect. Several stated it to be the best Missionary meeting they had ever attended. Collection 6s., 6d., above last year. 2nd. Thank the Lord for another day. What a mercy to enjoy good health, and above all the favour of God. A blessed meeting this evening at Trelights, in the parish of St. Endellion. In our society in this place we have several truly devoted to God. who feel deeply interested in the Missionary cause. The collection GBP 1 6s., which was a trifle above last year, besides a young female in this place, last year, collected GBP 2. 3rd. A very boisterous day. Brothers, Kemeys, Cornish, and myself, walked seven miles through heavy rain, and dirty roads. Brother Cornish encouraged us on the way by saying, "This is more beneficial for the soul's health, than a carpeted room, a sofa, and be idle." Meeting at St. Mabyn, but few people; collection a trifle above last year. 4th. Praise the Lord for his goodness, I am once more returned home, fatigued, but delighted in the work. Brothers, Kemeys and Cornish returned to Michaelstow, where brother Cornish preacbed on the Sabbath, and brother Kemeys at Camelford. Monday 6th. We again met at our Missionary meeting at Boscastle, which was held in the Wesleyan Methodist Association chapel, kindly lent us on the occasion, by T. P. Rosevear Esq., who would have assisted us, but was preveuted thorough business, from attending the meeting until 8 o'clock: the meeting was well attended, and a very good feeling prevailed. Brother Moses Pearn took the chair, collection nearly GBP 1 above last year. I cannot help remarking the kindness of our friends in entertaining the preachers and other friends who came to the meeting, and not only by our own members, but by members of the Association. 7th. Meeting at Trewarmett, in the parish of Tintagel. The first Missionary meeting that has been held in the new chapel, it was pleasing to see the interest our fiends took in the Missionary cause in this place. The collection was 19s. 9d. above last year. A farmer, after giving all the money be brought to the meeting, felt so interested that he borrowed 2s. of a friend, and gave after the meeting was closed. 8th. Returned to Boscastle, and visited several friends. We then went to Tresparrett, where we were kindly received by our warm-hearted friend, Mrs. Cowling. The meeting this evening was but thinly attended, it being a very stormy night; but I think as interesting a meeting as any I have attended. From the appearance of the congregation, we thought the collection would be behind, but we found it to be GBP 1 4s. 8d., which was 7s. 6d. increase. I find we must not always go by appearances in Missionary meetings for some of our small congregations do most. Soon after I left the chapel, a person came running, and said, "here, here: - you must take this too, it is the last seven-pence I have, and I cannot carry it home." After giving the money he said, "Now, I shall go home in peace." 9th. Meeting at Week St. Mary. A large congregation, in the new chapel. A good feeling, and many seemed well satisfied with the meeting. From the appearance of the audience we expected a larger collection. Perhaps our friends here have been doing much for their new chapel. The collection was something above last year. We visited the parish church, which during a thunder-storm on the night of October 16th, was greatly injured. Two of the pinnacles, and a part of the tower, were thrown down; one falling on the church, broke in a considerable part of the roof. One of the stones, supposed to weigh from 7 to 8 cwt., was thrown to the oppoopposite extremity of the church. A number of large stones were thrown into a field adjoining the church-yard. I felt thankful that our chapel, and most of the other houses were preserved, and that no lives were lost. How needful to implore God's protection. 10th. To-day I parted with my brethren, Kemeys and Cornish, after having been together for nearly three weeks, during which time, we had proved it to be good to dwell together in unity. It is like "precious ointment." Brothers, Kent, Calloway and myself, held a meeting this evening at Canworthy-water: on the whole, a good meeting, though many of the people came late. Collection, a little above that of last year. In our return from the meeting, a farmer offered to pay half of a preacher's voyage to America, if the committee would send one as a Missionary to the United States with him next Spring. On enquiring at the house where I slept, what they were doing for the Missionary cause, the good woman of the house said,- "I am doing something for the Missionary cause every day; for I give a farthing for every pound of butter I make, which amounts to several shillings in the year; and I feel a pleasure that I can do something for such a good cause every day." May others do likewise. Saturday 11th. Returned to Camelford, I hope much profited by my Missionary tour. I have travelled on foot 170 miles, and rode about 30. My riding did not cost me anything, and my travelling expenses were 6 1/2 d, which is a proof I have been among friends. I think I never felt more delighted in the Missionary work than I have lately. I have also been much pleased to witness the increased liberality displayed during the three week: Missionary mee|ings.' Every collection has been increased except one, and that was equal to last year. I hope Brother Kemeys' visit in the different circuits will be made a blessing. The accounts he has given of our American missions, have highly delighted the people. I hope the time is not far distant when all the church of Christ will awake to the important subject of Missionary enterprise. The repeated calls for labourers; the demand which the perishing millions of immortal souls has on our sympathy and prayers, should prompt "one and all" to enquire, "Have I done my duty in time past, or what can I do to promote its interest for the future, that I may be clear when God judgeth." I have lately read a letter that was sent to England by a converted Hindoo, in which he states, "We wonder that British Christians do not send more Missionaries to India. Do they know that in India we have 30 millions of Gods, that can neither hear, see, nor speak; but though they cannot speak now, they will all have tongues in the day of Judgment to condemn British Christians for not sending more missionaries to India." I thought the sentiment of this individual spoke volumes. Not only will the dumb gods of India, but will not the neglected millions in other parts of the world, rise up in Judgment and condemn those who have neglected to send the gospel. May we work while it is called to-day; is the prayer of yours, in divine bonds. James Roberts. Bethel Chapel house, Camelford, Nov 22nd, 1843. |