Page images
PDF
EPUB

to know what was to be done. I went out and told them that the Gospel was to be preached-that the Bible, God's book, was to be read and explained; and if they would like to hear that, they were at liberty to enter. But they said that they had got no ticket. I told them that no ticket was required, that it was free, and they might come in if they would promise to be quiet. About forty-four Protestants came, and no sooner did I begin to sing a hymn than the Roman Catholics poured in. There were three or four times more Roman Catholics than Protestants present. I was much surprised and pleased. I read Luke xv., and said a number of plain practical things about ruin and salvation. How interested and attentive the Catholics were! They drew closer and closer. Some of the men sat down on the forms, while a number of women sat on hay at the back of the forms, and listened very attentively all the time. But after I had read and explained the chapter, a great Icrowd that had collected round the door began to get very troublesome. A cripple man, a fish dealer, the worst character in B-, had been fetched and made drunk for the purpose of giving us trouble. I gave a short address, but had to close on account of this noise at the door. I came to the door to speak to these rough fellows, but their unearthly yellings were so dreadful that my voice could not be heard. Those inside were afraid to depart. After awhile I told them to go, for they would remain as long as we stayed, and that I did not think any of them would be injured. They all departed, and when I left the noise made was something awful. But I feel thankful to God that such an opportunity was afforded of addressing so many Roman Catholics, and I am not without hopes of good being done.

66

Thursday, 26th.-To-day I spent several hours visiting at R—————, and at B, about three miles out of C. I had a good deal of climbing over the mountains-rather exhausting work in hot days like what we have at present. There are a great many Protestants scattered about in this quarter, but they are very careless about divine things. Intermarriages with Roman Catholics are very common, and generally Protestantism suffers from it. I had several conversations with men and women, Catholics and Protestants, in the fields and in their houses.

"I had a service in a farm-house in B- to-night. About twenty, young and old, were present. It is scarcely possible to get a service in the country just now. They are so busy with their harvest, that some are even working by moonlight. But these small meetings, in a place like this, are of great importance. I think it is truly sad to find the Roman Catholics more alive to divine things than Protestants, and often more willing to be personally talked to about their soul's salvation than those who sit week after week in the church.

Sunday, 29th.-At seven o'clock I had a service in a farm-house about four miles out of C. Over twenty were present. At the close of the service I spoke to two young men who were anxious about their soul's salvation. One of them I have hopes of as being able to believe in Jesus as his Saviour. The other was also led into the light. There was a Roman Catholic woman present at the service, who appeared much interested.

[blocks in formation]

woman to clean it out, and also a boy to carry in forms, which I got the loan of from two shops in the town. I then borrowed candlesticks, and got candles to light up the place. I also visited a few, telling them of my service. About twenty Protestants were present. Three of these came from the house where I had the service last night. A number of Roman Catholics were at the door, and heard much of what I said. They also appeared much pleased with the simple Gospel hymns I sung. I got a Roman Catholic boy to assist me in preparing the place for the service, and to be my door-keeper. The people who were present to-night were very earnest and attentive, and I do think a good impression was made.

66

[ocr errors]

Monday, 6th.-I had a service to-night at S- in an empty house where the Wesleyans hold meetings. It is about a mile and a-half in the direction of S―. The room was quite full; about thirty, if not more, were present. The whole service was solemn and impressive. I spoke to several young women at the close, who were anxious about their souls, and seemed unwilling to leave till they got peace with God. I went out two hours before service-time, and visited some of the people.

66

Friday, 17th.-Through the influence of Mrs. R-, of the hotel, I got the Court-house of S- from

the senior magistrate, for a service to-night. When I went to see it in the early part of the day, it did not look a very comfortable place inside. It was damp and dirty, with broken windows; but I thought it might be improved a little, to add to the people's comfort who might attend my service. So I got it swept and dusted, and a little sawdust sprinkled on the floor. Then I got forms and candles put into it. While getting all this done, many persons, old and

young, came and looked in, and wondered what was to be done there to-night. As there never had been preaching there before, that thought did not enter their minds. Many of them went away, saying that there was to be a show there to-night. During the day I visited ten families, with the intention of making known the service, and of getting them to tell their different circles about it. Then I gave myself to prayer, that the people might be made willing to come, and get a blessing when they did so. Whenever the door was opened and the candles lighted, scores of children gathered around the building, and were rather inclined to give disturbance. I sat reading my Bible and praying, for at least twenty minutes before any one came. first that came were two women and a girl. When they saw nobody come they did not seem inclined to enter, but I induced them to walk in. They were alone for about ten minutes before any others came; but after that, many others began to gather inside and out. The Court-house filled; fifty at least were present.

The

"I got a man to be door-keeper, but he left me-was afraid of himself; and in vain I tried to get a successor, till a courageous woman offered her services as door-keeper. The senior magistrate also sent three policemen to walk about to keep order—one of them was a Protestant, but the other two were Romanists. Upon the whole the service went on quietly and successfully. Many were gathered round the windows, and at times made a noise, and at other times were attending to the singing and preaching. Several times I was struck in the face while preaching with very small wet stones, but went on as if I never felt them. When the people inside went to their knees to pray wild shouts and laughing drowned my voice for some

seconds, but I prayed for them, and believe God will bless them through what they heard to-night. At the close the senior magistrate, who heard my discourse, came up and thanked me for it, and told me if I came back the Court-house was at my disposal for another like service.

"While I was preaching a strange looking gentleman came in. He got a seat, sat for a short time, and then rose as if to go out. He asked some questions of a man beside him, and then stood looking me in the face as if he would interrupt me. He said nothing, but made for the door, and disappeared. But he could not leave the Court-house, for he was seen looking in at the windows during the remainder of the service. After all was over, and as I was leaving the Courthouse, this gentleman was before the door, with a crowd round him. I heard him describe my preaching as 'insulting,' and a gentleman, the Church schoolmaster, declaring it as 'excellent.' Then he called it insulting and foolish' in my presence. I told him very kindly that he was quite at liberty to call it what he pleased, and if he did not like it he was not forced to hear it or believe it. I also told him that I wished him well, and would pray for him. He said no more, but went away quietly. I learned afterwards that he was from S, and was an agent of the Southern Reporter' Newspaper, and of course a Roman Catholic.

[ocr errors]

"The Church schoolmaster thanked me very much for what he heard me preach. He visits a little, reading the Scriptures to the people, and praying with them, and he said that he learned much from my address that would be a help to him in the future. I felt very grateful to God for this, and take courage to go on in this good work.

"I have said much about this

service, because I think it is important. I do believe much good will result from it.

[ocr errors]

Sunday 19th.-I had a small children's meeting this afternoon in the Hotel at S. It was very cheering to see the children so fond of the Gospel hymns. They were at my service in the Court-house on Friday night, and almost night and day since they have been singing the hymns I sung there. Some of them were making many earnest enquiries about my return, and will be living in hope of seeing me again.

"At night I went out about two miles to a place called L- T—————, and had a service in a farm-house, kindly offered me for that purpose. The room was quite full-about thirty must have been present. They were all very earnest and attentive to the Word of Life. I had personal conversation with almost every one of them at the close of the service, and found many of them in an interesting state of mind.

[ocr errors][merged small]

66

September 21st.- Last night I returned from the West to Cork. When I went into the West I just expected to remain a fortnight, and so took no more articles of clothing than what I would absolutely require for that time, that I might the more easily move about from place to place. But so much work opened up for me, and the Lord gave me favour in the eyes of so many, that I could not make my stay shorter than five weeks. If I had had sufficient clothing with me, and had not been disabled with a sore foot, I would have stayed longer in the West; however, I have left it

with the hope of being able to return, if the Lord will, on another occasion.

"The work in the West consists chiefly of visitation and cottage meeting. After getting a house for a service, it is well personally to visit the people all around, and get them out to the service. This is rather difficult work in a wild country like that, but it is very important for the cause of true religion. One who engages in it must be ready to put up with few comforts, and to feel happy in almost any circumstances. If one

can do that then there is a large field of labour for him in the West. I simply send these lines to give you an idea of the work in that part of Ireland.

"The longer I remain in Ireland the more I see the need for such services; and places are opening up to me on every hand. I am just beginning to get into the work, and I trust a few souls have come under the saving power of the truth as it is in Jesus. However, that is in the Lord's hands."

Golden Words for Busy People.

MORE CHILDISH THAN MY CHILD. "Lord, what faults I correct in my son I commit myself; I beat him for dabbling in the dirt, whilst my own soul doth wallow in sin: I beat him for crying to cut his own meat, yet am not myself contented with that state Thy Providence hath carved unto me; I beat him for crying when he is to go to sleep, and yet I fear I myself shall cry when Thou callest me to sleep with my fathers. Alas! I am more childish than my child, and what I inflict on him I justly deserve to receive from Thee: only here is the difference. I pray and desire that my correction on my child do may him good. It is in Thy power, Lord, to effect that Thy correction on me shall do me good."-Thomas Fuller.

[ocr errors][merged small]

more of Pharoah till another plague rubs up his memory."-Gurnall.

BEING SOMEBODY.

"What is the use of being in the world unless you are somebody?" said a boy to his friend.

"Sure enough, and I mean to be," answered the other. "I began this very day. I mean to be somebody."

Ashton looked George in the face. "Began to-day! how? What do you mean to be ?"

"A Christian boy, and so grow up to be a Christian man," said George. "I believe that is the greatest somebody for us to be."

George is right. There is no higher manhood than Christian manhood; and it is in the power of every boy to reach that. Every boy cannot be rich; every boy cannot be President; every boy cannot be judge; but God asks you all to a Christian manhood-to be his sons, and so, with His Son Jesus Christ, to be heirs of heaven.-The Christian at Work.

TWO PICTURES OF DEATH.

In a scantily-furnished chamber lies an old Scotch minister, with grey hair and wrinkled skin. But his brow is high and broad; his deep-set eyes are

bright and piercing; a smile plays round his lips; and though feeble and dying, he looks calm and happy. Let us speak to him, and say:

"Do you think yourself dying, dear sir ?"

He fixes his eyes calmly upon you, and slowly replies:

“Really, friend, I am not anxious whether I am or not; for if I die, I shall be with God; if I live, He will be with me."

Now let us step into yonder mansion. Entering a richly-furnished chamber, we find a dignified personage enfolded

in warm robes, and seated in a large easy chair. He, too, is feeble and dying; but the light is unsteady, and he looks like a man ill at ease with himself. Let us also ask him a question:

"Mr. Gibbon, how does the world seem to you now ?"

The eloquent historian of the "Roman Empire," for he it is, closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them again, and with a deep sigh, replies:

"All things are fleeting. When I look back, I see they have been fleeting; when I look forward, all is dark and doubtful."-Protestant Churchman.

Pages for our Young Friends.

THE BOOT ON THE WRONG FOOT.

JEM HASTY had many good traits of character. He was generous when he happened to have the means, obliging and kind upon impulse; but like his name, he was hasty. He could not stop to see a thing fully, to do a thing thoroughly, or even to speak of a thing accurately. But he was always considering these little things as too small and "of no consequence." The consequence of course was, that he was always getting into trouble himself and putting others to trouble. It was a small affair to be particular about buttoning his shirt-collar; and so in the midst of company, or in church, his collar must start up and come off, and then he would jerk it on again with so much strength as to tear off the button. He had his garden so planted and subdued one year that he began to take a pride in it; but one evening he hurried through the gate, aware that he had not latched it; but it was a small affair, and " of no consequence." The result was, that the next morning he found some hogs in the garden, and they had rooted up everything, even the choicest flowers. If he was going a journey, ten to one he would get packed and leave out of his carpet

bag the most important thing which he would need. Many a time the poor horse went supperless, and the pig stood calling for food, just because Jem considered such things" of no consequence."

But at last poor Jem received a lesson which really did make an impression on him. He was to go to the great city to enter a large mercantile house. But as he would be the youngest clerk, he knew he must be on his feet all day, and run and do a multitude of errands. His trunk was sent down to the depôt the night before, and he was to get up early and walk down and take the cars. As he took off his boots he set them were he knew he could find them even in the dark. But in setting them up he noticed that he put the right boot were the left ought to be. "No matter," thought he, "I shall remember it in the morning, and can change them when I put them on. It's of no consequence." So he lay and thought how he would enjoy himself in the great city, where there are omnibuses and carts and jams and crowds of men and a world of business, and he would one day come back a greatrich merchant, and bring father and mother and the sisters such presents as would astonish them.

« PreviousContinue »