| (Concluded from Page 43.) April 16th. In the morning I attended the Sabbath school, assisted in teaching, and gave an address to the children and teachers. The children were attentive, and much pleased with their exercises, and are making visible improvement. In the afternoon, I preached at W. Cruse's, the house was literally crowded, and some without. Thurs. 20th, I met Br. Doble at R. Welsh's, Usborne, and felt grateful to God that he had not forgotten us, but sent us help at last. Br. Doble preached, and a blessed feeling was in the meeting. I trust he will be made a blessing in the Mission. 21st. Being Good-Friday, we had a prayer meeting in the morning; in the afternoon I preached at J. Taylor's, 3rd concession, to a crowded congregation. Many wept under the word. 0 may it be lasting! In the evening, Br. Doble preached again at R. Welsh's, the house was crammed full, and there was a blessed feeling. Br. Doble has been holding meetings all the week here, and some good I hope is doing. 0 Lord save souls. Sun. 23rd. I preached at the Marsh, lst Concession of Stephen, J. Hicks's. The congregation was good, and I felt an unusual liberty in speaking. Br. Doble preached at J. Taylor's; a good company. In the afternoon, I preached at Br. A's; the house crowded to excess; and the blessed Lord was present to bless. Many appeared to feel under the word. In the evening, Br. Doble preached again at R. Welsh's. The people attended well; and in the prayer meeting there was a blessed feeling for a while. Good is doing:- Praise the Lord. Sun. 30th. Preached at Mitchell in the evening; a good and attentive congregation, and the blessed Spirit assisted me in speaking. At Fullarton in the afternoon there was a good company of people; and the Lord was with us of a truth in the class-meeting. May lst. I felt unwell, but went to Downie to my plan, and had a good season in speaking to the few that were present. I gave out for Br. Doble to preach on Sunday week. The people seemed delighted with the prospect of Sunday meetings. Tues. 2nd. I felt poorly, but left Downie early in the morning, in order to be at my appointment at the Thames road by 112, P.M.; but soon after I came away was violently seized with a severe pain in my left wrist, and a heavy load on my breast, that I could scarcely endure. It continued until I reached any appointed place, and instead of preaching I had to go instantly to bed. Two or three friends held a prayer meeting, but I returned with sisters, Moore and Pridham, having every symptom of fever. By their kind attention the pain was checked, though the fever still continued. Sat. 6th. I have been very weak and feverish for several days, with scarcely any appetite, having some conflicts with the enemy; but I thank the blessed Lord that I am something better, and enabled to go to Tuckersmith in order to take my plan on Sunday. Sun. 7th. In the morning I felt poorly and weak, but the good Lord enabled me to go through the duties of the day. I rode about 15 miles, preached three times, and felt a solemn sense of the presence of the Lord. 0 Lord, I beseech thee help me "to kiss the rod," and may it be sanctified to my good. I feel I need chastisement, for I have too often gone astray. Sun. 14th. I felt unwell, and was fearful that I should not be able to go through the duties of the day, but the Lord assisted me. In the morning I preached at the S. H., eighth concession of Colborne. In the afternoon I preached a funeral sermon, on the 4th concession, at the house of the widow of James Stevens, who was buried last Monday. A large assembly attended on the occasion, and many wept while I endeavoured to enlarge upon the solemn words in Job, "For I know that thou wilt bring me to death," &c. 0 may the word sown in so much weakness, produce some saving effect. Sat., June 17th, was our Quarterly meeting day. We held a local preachers' meeting, the first ever held in this Mission. We have four local preachers, and three prayer companies that occasionally hold meetings on Sundays in the Townships of Stephen and Usborne, but we are sorry that we have none in any other part of the Mission. Our business was settled comfortably, and though we have not realized any increase to our number in the last quarter, yet we rejoice that some improvement is being made, and trust the friends generally are growing in grace, in the unity of the spirit, and in the bonds of peace. Sun., l8th. Our quarterly festival was held at Br. Adams's. Br. Doble preached with good liberty, and we had a blessed season. In the love feast many spoke sensibly and feelingly of the dealings of God to them. The Lord was in the midst of us. Hallelujah. Friday 23rd. I preached at Cambden's, in the Township of Logan, at half past ten in the morning; few only were present. In the evening at five, first concession Fullarton, a goodly number present, and a blessed season was realized. Several appeared to feel the force of truth. I afterwards explained the nature and utility of class meetings, and four at once gave in their names to meet in class ;-a small beginning, but I trust there is a good work begun here. Sun. 25th. In the morning I preached at Mitchell at the usual hour. The congregation was large and attentive, and I felt a blessed liberty in speaking. Soon after I had closed my meeting, a considerable number of our Sunday school children from Fullarton came in procession with their teachers. Their anniversary had taken place two Sabbaths ago, but it was thought, that by taking as many of the children as could travel so far, to recite their pieces at Mitchell, it might be the means of stimulating some in other settlements, where there is no Sabbath school, to establish one. The house, large as it is, could not contain the children and congregation; a suitable place was found not far from the house, by the side of the famous river Thames, that runs through Mitchell, sheltered from the heat by the lofty boughs of the trees that stood on the spot; a platform too was easily obtained, as lumber from the saw mill was in piles on the place. I opened the exercises by singing and prayer; the children far exceeded my expectation. The congregation were not only delighted, but astonished that so many excellent pieces should be so correctly recited by children so small as many of them were; a blessed interest seemed to be felt and it was manifested by a liberal collection at the time. July 16th. Preached in the morning at J. Hick's, first concession, Stephens; a good congregation present, and a blessed season experienced. In the afternoon at H. Adams's, 2nd concession of Usborne, we held our Sabbath school anniversary. About half past one, P.M. when I came, a crowd of people was collected; seats &c. were placed outside, as the house could not contain half of the people that assembled. It was calculated that two hundred were present; a cheering sight in the bush at such a time. I commenced the meeting by singing and prayer, and gave a short address; the children were then called forth in rotation to recite what they had committed to memory. The first that was called, was so intimidated by seeing such a crowd of people, that he could not get on with the opening piece, but those that followed him acquitted themselves well, reciting their pieces clearly and distinctly; the only fault was that some few of the children spoke too low for the congregation to hear distinctly. It was an interesting season; many tears were shed; and a blessed influence felt. The congregation manifested their approbation of the institution by liberally contributing towards its support. I am happy to state that great improvement has been made since last year's anniversary, both in the learning and in the moral conduct of some children in the school; the number too is increasing, now averaging about forty. This school is kept in Br. Adams's house every Sunday morning, and public preaching every fortnight in the afternoon, where a crowded congregation attends; here we very much want a chapel. Fri. 2lst. Preached at Cambden's, at 11 o'clock in the morning; few people, but a solemn season. In the evening, at five, I preached at Alexander Robb's, and a precious season it was; met the little class afterwards ; two more joined when Br. Doble was here last. Several stopped at the class meeting who have not yet joined the society, and appeared to be much affected. May it be lasting. Aug. 5th. When I came to Colborne I found that poor Mrs. Morrish was on the verge of eternity, and hastened to see her; found her resigned to the will of God, and waiting for her Lord. Sun. 6th. I preached at the S.H., eighth concession. The congregation was not so large as usual, but we had a solemn season. In the afternoon, I preached on the 6th concession, at the S. H. very near the house of Mrs. Morrish, who, I heard, had taken her flight to glory while I was preaching in the morning. Several of the family were at the meeting in the afternoon; a solemn and happy season was experienced, especially in the class-meeting, though the place of one of the little flock was empty, which had rarely been so since she joined with four others to meet in the first class formed in Colborne. We all believe she is gone home to meet her reward. Mon. 7th. At the S. H. above-mentioned, to a great number of people, I preached a sermon on the occasion of the death of our dear sister Morrish. Many tears were shed, but there was hope mingled with sorrow. Fri. 11th. Preached and held a Sunday school meeting at John Robb's, three miles from Mitchell. We appoint ed a Committee and a Superintendent, &c. May it prove a blessing in the neighbourhood. Sat. 12th. On my way to my Sabbath appointments at Downie, I visited two or three families from Devonshire, and one from Perranzebulo, Cornwall. Sun. 13th. I preached at William Week's, in Downie. A good congregation attended, and a blessed season was realized. In the afternoon, I preached at the old place, in Downie; many of the morning congregation followed me there; several I believe felt the force of the word. I still hope some good will be done here. Tues. 15th. Preached after dinner at the Wind-falls, or Thames-road, in Fullarton, to a small but attentive congregation; and met the little society afterwards. Sun. 20th. Preached at Mitchell. The congregation was not so large as usual, In the afternoon at Fullarton; we had good season in the public meeting; and while I renewed the tickets we felt the Lord was among us. Wed. 23rd. Preached again at Robb's, at five in the evening. Not so many as generally attend, but a good meeting. Met the little class, and gave notes of admittance to those who had begun to meet. I added four names to the list, making the number 10 in all. 0 may these be found faithful unto death! Sun. 27th. Preached three times; - at Junction, Fowlers, and Tuckersmith. Congregations pretty good. Mon. 28th. Preached at Stephen's to a few, but we had a good meeting. Tues. 29th. At the Marsh. The number was small, but the Lord was in the midst. Wed.30th. At friend Adams's. A goodly number, and a precious season. We afterwards consulted about putting up a little chapel near friend Adams's; formed a Committee, and obtained subscriptions to a considerable amount considering the circumstances of the people. Five men promised to give a week's work each, two of these were mechanics, and neither of them members of society. Sun. Sept. 3rd. Preached at the S. H., on the eighth concession of Colborne; and in the afternoon on the fifth, where I also met the class. Fri. 8th. At R, Welsh's, 2nd concession of Usborne. The congregation pretty good, and a blessed feeling. Sun., 10th. Preached at Marsh, on the lst concession of Stephen, in the morning; the congregation larger than usual, and a precious meeting. In the afternoon at brother Adams's, 2 concession of Usborne, the house was crowded; God was in the midst to bless his people; met the class afterward, and trust that the friends generally are pressing towards the mark for the prize of their high calling in Christ Jesus. Mon 11th. Preached at John Taylor's, 3 concession of Usborne; a very wet evening, but a few were present, and the blessed Lord was in the midst. Tues., 12th. Preached at Chapton's; a goodly number for the bush, and a precious meeting. Wed., l3th. Preached at the School House, near the Company Mills a good season, but the congregation not so large as generally. Fri., 15th. Preached at Cambden's, 1st concession of Logan, 11 o'clock, P. M.; few people, but a good season. I intended to have gone to Fullarton, but when I came to Mitchell I heard that one of the class at Kenedey's was dangerously ill, and they had been enquiring for me. I hastened away to see her, but found her much better than I expected, and in a blessed state of mind, - happy and quite resigned to the will of the Lord: hopes are entertained of her recovery. Sat. lOth. We held our little quarterly meeting at friend Moore's, 8th con cession of Fullarton; or rather, made up our quarterly accounts, as none of the friends were present but Br. Moore; all are engaged about the things of time. It is hard work sometimes to get the people to see that it is their duty to sacrifice an hour, to attend to the business of the church. I am sorry to say that our financial matters do not improve much; but money can scarcely be obtained in this new country. We rejoice that the great head of the church is still with us. Four souls have been added to our number in the last quarter. Sun. 17th. We held our quarterly festival at Mitchell. A good congregation was at the public meeting. I experienced a blessed enlargement of soul while showing forth the blessed truths of the gospel. Many were at our love-feast, and spoke their christian experience with great liberty and simplicity. The Lord was in the midst of his little Zion; hearts were full, and eyes overflowing, while we were engaged in the delightful employment of praising God for the benefits that we have so bountifully received, and commemorating the dying love of Christ at the sacrament. It was a most solemn season. This was the first meeting of the sort that ever was held in Mitchel. Oct. lst. We held our Sabbath school anniversary on the 6th concession of Colborne. This school was commenced April 6th, 1848. The prospect at first was by no means encouraging; but being convinced of the necessity of the undertaking, the few that began the school laboured on in the midst of difficulties, and they have been encouraged by witnessing a considerable accession-to their number, both of children and teachers, and visible improvement in the children. We commenced the anniversary services about 12 ½ P. M., by singing and prayer. Time being short for the exercises, I only spoke; a few words as an introduction. I believe that all present were pleased. Fourteen shillings was the amount of the collection; a pretty little sum, considering the number and circumstances of the people. On Monday, about 54 children and 35 adults took tea, which was provided by the friends, who gave flour, butter, sugar, currants, and tea, &c., to the amount of £2.1s.7d. Receipts of collections and tea, to be expended in books &c., 17 shillings. PHILIP JAMES. |