| On Sunday, Oct. lst, the Anniversary Sermons were preached in behalf of the Trust of the Chapel at Carfury. That in the morning and evening by the writer, that in the afternoon by Capt. Truan of Ding Doug Mine, a Local preacher in the Wesleyan Association, whose friendly manner and christian spirit, have deservedly won a place in the memory and prayers of the whole Society. Collection £3 Is. 6d. Considering the circumstances of the people at present, under the depressed state of the mining interest, this is a generous sum, and a proof of their continued interest in a long cherished object, the deliverance of the sanctuary of God from the incubus of debt. This laudable object has been kept before the society and congregation ever since 1840, when the Chapel was rebuilt, the debt amounting to £86; since then, by a united effort on their part, assisted by .£5 from the Chapel Fund, the amount is brought down to £28. The business-like manner in which the affairs of the Trust have been conducted by the acting Trustee, Br. Bennetts, is worthy of imitation by all who in their own liabilities would not forget their responsibility to God. The Anniversary of the Chapel at St. Just was held on Sunday, Nov. 5th, Three excellent sermons were preached on the occasion by Br. J, H. Prior, from Truro, a gracious influence attended the word. The hearts of many of the children of God were warmed with the consciousness of his presence, the influence penetrating to the pocket yielded to the Collections the noble sum of £8 2s. 6d. The Annual Tea Meeting, in behalf of the Trust Fund, was held Dec. 30th. The Report presented to the Meeting stated that the Treasurer had received, by special effort in donations the sum of £33 5s.; by Auxiliary Fund raised by penny a week subscription .£6 9s. Total amount towards the debt £39 14s. The pressure of our Chapel debts which so materially cramps our energies, as a section of the Church of Christ, will I hope induce those localized efforts through the Connexion. Perilous times have overtaken us. In connexion with other Evangelical Churches, we want to present a bolder front to the inroads of Popery, Puseyism, and practical infidelity. Any thing that impedes us in this cause should be removed. I am convinced, with those who have longer thought on the subject, that our chapel debts is one great cause of our embarrassment, they cripple our exertions and circumscribe our operations. Wipe them away, and the money appropriated year by year as payment of Interest, (In many cases, considering the value of the property and the state of the money Market) at the extravagant rate of 5 per cent, charged and given, might be saved. Let congregational efforts in behalf of their own chapels be generally adopted among us, worked with the earnestness of the people over whom Nehemiah had the honour to be placed, and in seven years the trustees would be relieved, and comparatively there would be an end to our financial difficulties. The wheels of the system would be oiled, it would have greater expansion, and under the protection of the Most High, with greater vigour we might go forth and take our part in the momentous conflict to which He is calling his Church. A Special meeting to promote the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom among us was commenced in this chapel Nov. 30th, which has been continued ever since. God has visited us in mercy, more than 50 persons have professed to have found peace through the blood of the Lamb. Of him, and through him, and to him, be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. C. SPETTIGUE. |