Page images
PDF
EPUB

From

We

Yell, we took a small boat, the best we could procure, with three men, and set sail for Kirkabister. For about half the distance we had no enviable situation. The wind had blown strongly the previ ous day and all night, the sea was considerably agitated, and we were met by a strong tide-current; but through the providential care of God, we reached the place of our destination. Kirkabister we went, on foot, over some indescribable hills and dells, intersected with deep chasms, and abounding with tottering bogs, to Blummell Sound, which separates Yell from Unst. crossed this dangerous part, in which the tide-current runs at the rate of six knots per hour, in safety, and proceeded onward to Harroldswick. For several miles we found it comparatively easy travelling, until we reached Balta Sound, and then the broken rocks, and the elevated rugged hill between that and Harroldswick, rendered our progress difficult, and more especially as we were nearly exhausted, having had but little food during the day, saving some dry biscuits; the night also was dark, and the rain descended in true Shetland style. When we reached the Preacher's place of lodging, on his visit to Unst, we sat down wet, weary, and hungry, thankful for preservation in danger, and for rest after the toil of a severe day. Here we met with Mr. Ritchie, from North Roe, who had preached the preparatory sermons at Northwick on the previous Sabbath, according to appointment; and although we were glad to see him, yet his presence placed us in circumstances of inconvenience, inasmuch as we had but one small bed for our accommodation, in which it was impossible for all to sleep.

14th. I preached in the evening, at Northwick, to a congregation of deeply. attentive hearers, some of whom, unfavourable as the weather was, had come from a considerable distance.

15th. I again preached in the same place at eleven a. M. The congregation was good, although the morning was wet, and the walking uncomfortable. In the afternoon we held our Missionary Meeting the chapel was crowded, and great attention was evinced for about three hours, while we endeavoured to depict the state of the heathen world, and to press their claims upon our sympathy and aid. The entire proceeds of this Anniversary were £3. 10s.; and small as this sum may appear, yet, taking into the account the poverty of the people generally, and every other circumstance, it was respectable.

16th. We left this affectionate peo. ple in a six-oared boat, kindly lent us by Mr. Spence of Haroldswick, but could obtain. only four men. Having proceeded a short distance, we obtained another man, who, though not a member of our church, at great personal inconvenience, left his companions at their fishing employment, to render us more efficient help. After seven hours' hard rowing against the wind, and a somewhat heavy sea, we found it impossible to reach Burra Voe that night, and hence resolved to make for Mid-Yell, which we reached in the dusk of evening, in a strong gale of wind, and heavy rain. Having obtained refreshment, we collected a few of the surrounding neigh bours, to whom I preached in the house of Mr. Andrew Spence, where we were generously entertained that evening.

17th. After a fearful night of stormy wind and rain, we set out, on foot, for Burra Voe, which we reached after five hours' travelling, having wandered full three miles out of the right way. In consequence of our non-appearance at the appointed hour for service, according to announcement on the previous Sabbath, our services were interrupted. On account of so few being present, we held no public Meeting, but Mr. Ritchie preached at three P. M. The cause here is low. O, Lord, bring back the former glory of this place!

18th. In the morning, it being too rough to take boat, we set out, on foot, from Burra Voe, across the hills and dells, to West Sandwick, on our way to North Roe, and North Marim, for our Sabbath services. After the refusal of one crew to put us across the rough and rapid Sound, which separates the island of Yell from the mainland, because of the squally state of the weather, we suc ceeded in obtaining another, who ran us over in a short time, without any thing dangerous, or even unpleasant, occurring, save a little wetting now and then from the cleft waves, as the boat swept through them; and reached North Roe about six P. M., thankful that we had so far accomplished our arduous, but cheerful, task, and had arrived again upon the mainland.

Sunday, 19th.-Mr. Danks and I preached the Missionary sermons this day to large, attentive, and lively, congregations. I trust the Gospel came unto them, not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.

20th. We held our public Meeting at noon; and, although the day was wet, the attendance was good, and the

collection, which was upwards of £3, liberal, considering the circumstances of the people. I preached again in the evening. The congregation was also good, although the evening was dark and inclement. How the people found their way home in such dense darkness, and over such pathless ground, was to me a problem. Some of them, however, had brought tongs with them, by which they took lighted peat, which served as torches to illumine their way. These presented a singular appearance as they wended their course by the side of the Voe, and up the rugged hills to their distant homes. Surely such attendance and attention, under these circumstances, can scarcely be traced to a form of godliness which is destitute of the power.

21st.-We set out early in the morning from North Roe, for SouthDelting. Leaving Mr. Danks to preach at Weatherstae, Mr. Ritchie and I proceeded onward to the Voe of Delting, where I preached in the evening. Here we have no chapel; and as the kirk was refused us, on account of some rescinded law, which, prior to the late division in the Church of Scotland, gave the Minister liberty to grant the use of the kirk to any other religious denomination, and which was granted to us last year, we were unable to hold our Missionary Meeting from want of room.

22d.-Leaving Mr. Ritchie at Voe, to proceed to the south of the mainland, to preach the preparatory sermons for our Missionary Anniversary at Sandwick and Dunrossness the Sabbath following, I proceeded in a small boat up the Voe, and rejoined Mr. Danks at Weatherstae, from whence we took boat on our route to the island of Papa. Our vessel being very frail, and poorly manned, together with the sea being rough, we durst not venture out to sea or cross the dangerous sound to Papa; and hence we continued threading our way among the almost landlocked Voes to Brinnister. Having reached that place, we thought it better to proceed a mile further to Honeyfirth, and then to walk over land to Sandness, and from thence take boat to Papa. Having reached the former place, we found, by inquiry, the distance from Sandness so great, the day so far advanced, and the track (for roads there are none) so bad, that we resolved to walk to West-Burra Firth, about two Shetland miles, perhaps three English miles, and try to proceed from thence. There we obtained a small four-oared boat, with three men and a boy; but

they, not daring to cross the Sound in such a boat, and in such a sea, proposed taking us along the shores to Sandness, from whence we might cross more easily and safely. This, however, they were unable to accomplish, on account of the broken state of the sea round some of the promontories and rocky shores. After rowing us through a sea and in circumstances I shall not soon forget, we were landed in a cove, from whence we walked onward two or three miles to Sandness. Here we met with Mr. Stokes from Walls, on his way to join us at Papa, to assist at the Missionary Meeting the following day. After waiting some time, until the inhabitants of the place returned from their fishing employment, we were gratuitously put over in the darkness of the evening by James Sinclair and his sons, and were kindly entertained by Mr. Henderson, who is a member of the Church of Scotland. This was a comfortable resting-place, and the refreshment we obtained was very grateful. We found this family, with whom we condoled, passing through deep waters, on count of a pious and intelligent son and brother, who, with the crew of the "Star of Otaheite,' "had fallen a victim to savage men, in the Pine Islands. May this severe stroke be sanctified, while they contemplate this intermixture of judgment and mercy, in their loss and his gain.

ac

23d. We held our public Meeting about ten A. M.; but from a combination of events, into which it is not needful to enter, the congregation and collection were small. Having taken some refreshment at Mr. Henderson's, we were gratuitously taken over the Sound by Magnus Isbister, our Class-Leader there, and three others. There are some curious caves about the little island of Papa, through one of which we passed in the boat, in leaving the bay to cross the water. When about the middle of the sound, passing through the current stream, we were met with a terrible storm of hail. Some of the hailstones, which I caught in my hand, and others which I gathered in the bottom of the boat, were not less than half an inch in circumference. The rapid approach of this storm, as the hail ploughed up the water before it, was grand, and the aspect of the sea, as the hailstones perforated the water, and gave existence to countless bubbles, was singular, having the appearance of large snow-drops, dancing on the rising and falling wave. Having in safety reached the mainland,

we took leave of our generous crew, and proceeded about a mile to the chapel at Sandness, where I preached at three P. M. to a good congregation. In the evening we held the public Meeting, and had a full chapel, with a gracious influence; and, as in other places, considering the circumstances of the people, a good collection. A circumstance came under my observation here worthy of record. Two of our members brought me four shillings each, as the proceeds of fishing-lines set apart for the Mission cause; and stated, that since they had done this they had been more successful than their neighbours; and that the lines devoted to the cause of God had been better replenished with fish than those employed for common purposes; and that, had their fish sold as well this year as in former times, the amount of their produce would have been greater. How many, in one way or other, not only without loss, but, as in this case, with certain gain, might go and do likewise! Contributions to the Missionary cause, obtained in a similar way, were presented by some friends at the Missionary Meeting at Walls.

24th. We set out early this morning from Sandness to Walls, the residence of Mr. Stokes, which, after a wearisome walk, we reached at mid-day, thankful for the prospect of a day's rest.

Sunday, 26th.-I preached in the morning, in the Walls chapel, to an excellent congregation; although the day was unfavourable, the travelling bad, and some of the people present resided at a considerable distance. One poor man, who had lost a leg, deserves to be mentioned, who had come between three and four English miles. How he arrived there in time for the forenoon service on such a day, and over such a country of broken rock and miry bog, it is diffi cult to conceive; and still more so, how he returned in the darkness of the night; for he remained until the conclusion of all the services. In the evening Mr. Danks preached to a crowded congregation, after which I gave an address. Scarcely one moved out of the mass, packed close together, until the entire service was finished, which proved, I trust, to most, if not to all, who were there, a solemn and profitable time.

27th. We held our public Meeting in the evening. The chapel was crowded to excess, and several were unable to gain admittance. The state of the Heathen, and their claims, together with our duty, were pressed upon the attention of the audience for upwards of three

hours, without the least abatement of that interest and fixed attention which marked almost every countenance. The collection amounted, in all, to £4. Os. 2d., a handsome sum, when it is considered that many of the poor people do not claim, as their own, one shilling in twelvemonths. They could contribute something in kind, as meal and potatoes; but they have it not in cash.

28th. We were bestirring ourselves early this morning in order to reach Lerwick, for the public Meeting in the evening, according to the printed list of services drawn up for this tour. We hired a boat with six men to take us to Scalloway, that we might accomplish our task in time. After having passed over twenty miles of water, in a fine swelling sea, and travelled about six miles further on land, we reached Lerwick in time for the service. congregation was excellent, and the Meeting, upon the whole, appeared to produce considerable interest. There is no abatement of feeling in behalf of the Missionary cause among our friends here; and, considering the depressed state of trade in Lerwick, the collection was good.

The

29th. We started early this morning for Dunrossness, a distance of twentyfour miles; the whole of which I was enabled to walk with less fatigue than I anticipated. The other brethren walked and rode by turns. We reached the house of our hospitable and liberal friend, William Bruce, Esq., of Big town, and were most cordially received by him and his excellent lady. Having rested, we set out for Dunrossness, a distance of about three miles, and found our chapel, which will contain nearly five hundred people, quite full. The public Meeting was an interesting one, and the collection amounted to £4.

30th. This morning Messrs. Ritchie and Danks, with myself, left Bigtown, and journeyed over the hills to Maywick, for the purpose of taking boat to BurraIsle, to hold our Missionary Anniversary there, leaving Messrs. Stokes, Lucas, and Langridge to hold one at Sandwick; but so stormy did the morning become with wind and rain before we reached Maywick, that the fishermen refused to attempt a passage, after all that we could say to persuade them, on account of the peril to which they conceived we should all be exposed. Hence we had no alternative left, but to return to Bigtown, or to cross the rugged hills to Sandwick. We determined upon the latter; and found the brethren, Stokes and Lucas,

had passed through the parish, and had proceeded on their ponies to Lerwick, the day being too stormy for the congregation to assemble. Here I left Messrs. Ritchie and Danks, with a pony to assist them the following day, and proceeded on foot toward Lerwick, a distance of about fifteen miles. In this journey I had to ford the bourn into which one of our brethren had fallen the previous day, but which now presented the appearance of a rapid river, tumbling over its rocky bed, being swollen by the heavy rains. I succeeded, however, in getting over without being swept away by the stream, and reached home in safety late at night, thoroughly drenched

with the day's rain, &c., weary and hungry; and not a little disappointed, that, after having accomplished all my other appointments, I should be compelled to abandon my work the last day. Thus terminated a tour which embraced the entire circuit of the islands, never to be forgotten by me, nor by my young friend, Mr. Danks, who accompanied me. By forced marches, and by the assistance of a gracious Providence, we accomplished it; but He who gives strength according to our day, and holds the waters in the hollow of his hand, graciously aided and preserved us. To his name be all the praise.

RECENT DEATHS.

JOSEPH WATSON.

AUGUST 20th, 1843.-At Keighley, Elizabeth Walker, in the fifty-sixth year of her age. She was truly brought to God in 1822, and shortly after sought and found a still deeper work of grace, the possession of which she exemplified through many years of severe affliction, in a life of holy zeal, and uncomplaining submission to the will of God. A short time before her death, she said, "I am on the Rock, and have a solid peace." W. W.

Oct. 5th.-At Thwing, in the Bridlington Circuit, aged fifty-two, Mrs. Mary Braithwaite. In early life she experienced a deep conviction of sin, and, for three months, sought the Lord sorrowing. Under the ministry of the word, she was enabled to find joy and peace through believing. For twenty-five years she was a consistent and exemplary member of the Wesleyan society. Her piety was deep, and her whole character evinced that she lived under the abiding influence of sacred principle. When informed that her sickness would be unto death, she discovered no alarm, but said, "All is right." As the hour of her departure drew nigh, her peace seemed to flow even in a fuller stream. She rested on the divine promises, often repeated verses from her favourite hymns, and expired almost immediately after saying, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"

H. B. B.

Dec. 31st.-At Keighley, Mrs. Wignall, in the thirty-seventh year of her age. She was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, when very young, and steadily adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour to the end of life. For several years she sustained, with great usefulness to a number of young persons, the office of Class-Leader. Her last affliction, which was severe, was borne with Christian fortitude, and her end was peace. W. W.

Feb. 12th, 1844.-At Dudley, Miss Ann Knight, aged sixty-eight. For many years she had regularly attended the Wesleyan ministry, and, for

some of the last of them, been a member of the society. In her religious experience, she humbly trusted in Christ, though a natural timidity and fear sometimes hindered her religious enjoyments. Her conduct was unblamable. She did justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly with God. She was liberal in supporting the cause of religion, and attentive to the wants of the poor. She has bequeathed half her small property to charitable objects, in acknowledgment that her all of temporal and spiritual comfort came from God. In addition to several bequests to the chapel, Sunday-school, and poor, of Dudley, and to other chapels in the Circuit, she has left £50 each to the Wesleyan Preachers' Annuitant Society, and to the Auxiliary Fund. She died in the peace of faith in Christ. J. E.

March 28th.-At Lumley, in the Durham Circuit, Mr. Thomas Cowey, in the sixtieth year of his age. His death was occasioned by the falling of coal in a mine, where he was at work, on March 18th. He joined the Methodists in 1801, and very soon obtained mercy through faith in the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and gave evidence of the change wrought in his soul, by a holy life. A few years afterwards he was intrusted with the care of a class, and was very useful in the office; for he was a man of prayer, who studied holy Scripture, and watched with great care over the several members of his charge. He had been for some time prior to his death increasingly alive to good things, as if he had a presentiment that he might be taken suddenly. After the calamity befell him, (at all lucid intervals,) he was praising, blessing, and thanking his heavenly Father; and also looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of his faith. In this state he passed through death triumphant home. J. D.

March 29th.-At Ewhurst, in the Sandhurst Circuit, Mr. Benjamin Boots, aged seventyseven. He had been a consistent member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society for upwards of fifty

years, a useful Class-Leader for more than forty, and a faithful Superintendent of the Staplecross Sunday-school twenty. He was a man of sterling piety, a lover of all good men, but was especially attached to Wesleyanism and its Ministers. His death was sudden. Having engaged in family worship, he retired to his room somewhat indisposed. His daughter soon after went to see him, perceived a change in his countenance, and instantly called her husband; but before his approach, the spirit of the man of God had fled to the realms of bliss.

D. N.

April 14th.-At Leadenham, in the Sleaford Circuit, Mr. William Weavor; who had been a consistent member of the Wesleyan society for twenty-seven years, during several of which he usefully sustained the office of Class-Leader. He was a peaceable, prudent man, well acquainted with the holy Scriptures, diligent in his attendance on the means of grace, and faithful in the discharge of his duties. His last affliction was protracted, and served to develope his Christian character. His mind was preserved in great peace and comfort; and he continued to repose a cheerful confidence in Christ, until his happy spirit took its flight. W. G. D.

April 15th.-At Baldersby, in the Thirsk Circuit, aged eighty-six years, Mr. George Dixon. When about thirty-seven years of age, he was brought to repentance towards God; and, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, received the remission of his sins. He immediately gave himself to the church by the will of God, and continued a steady member of the Wesleyan society for half a century. His confidence in God was strong, and his piety active and cheer

ful. He sympathized with the poor in their sorrow; and, on one occasion, when afflicted, he requested that a gift offered him by a kind friend, might be sent to a neighbour, who was, he stated, more needy than himself. In his last illness, his faith continued firm, till he died to live a life of glory. J. W.

April 26th.-At Hull, (in the house of her grandaughter, Mrs. Meggitt,) Mrs. Sarah Hendrie, mother of the late Mrs. Edward Hare, aged ninety-three. She was convinced of sin, and drawn by the Spirit, during a revival of religion at Ripon, Yorkshire; and in a meeting, while a faithful servant of the family was praying, the love of God was manifested in her soul, and she found peace. She joined the Wesleyan society in 1792; and, to the day of her death, continued a faithful and devout follower of Christ. Her affliction was long and severe she was, however, enabled to bear her sufferings with Christian resignation. Her faculties continued unimpaired to the last; and her memory was richly stored with divine truth, so that her quotations from it were abundant and appropriate. As her strength declined, her faith waxed stronger, until her happy spirit left the tenement of clay.

R. T.

April 27th.-At Ashford, Mr. John Ifield, of Ham-street, in the Tenterden Circuit, aged sixty-seven. He had been a steady and consistent member of the Wesleyan society upwards of

twenty-three years; and, during the last twelve years of his life, an acceptable and useful ClassLeader. His life was closed most unexpectedly, He and his daughter were intending to go by railway to London, for the purpose of being at the Missionary Meeting at Exeter-Hall. While waiting at the Ashford station, he pointed to the time-table, and while mentioning the train by which he designed to return, he fell down, groaned for a moment, and died. He was greatly respected by all who knew him; and his previous character evidences that his death, though sudden, was safe.

T. H.

May 3d.-At Newport, in the Howden Circuit, aged eighty-seven, Mr. John Bowler. His first religious impressions were occasioned by the ministry of the late Rev. Joseph Milner, A. M., in Hull. He joined the Wesleyan society in 1784, and received his first society-ticket from the late Rev. George Holder. He had been upwards of fifty years a Class-Leader, to which office he was appointed by the late Rev. Joseph Benson. He pursued the even tenor of his way, amidst diversified trials and difficulties, supported by the power of divine grace; and maintained an unblemished moral character for sixty years. His end was peace. C. R.

May 3d.-At Bradford, (Wilts.,) aged seventy, Mrs. Betty Peters; who had been a member of the Wesleyan society more than fifty-six years. She was truly converted in her youth; and was, by divine grace, kept faithful to the end." During her last affliction she was divinely supported. Not long before her death, indeed, she had a severe inward conflict; but it was short, and ended in happy triumph. A friend asked her, a few hours before she died, what was the state of her mind. She said, "I have no fear: all is calm and serene." Thus she continued to the last. J. C.

May 16th.-At Sandgate, in the Dover Circuit, where she was on a visit, Miss A. Webb, daughter of Mr. Henry Webb, of Sevenoaks, aged twenty. She had been a member of the Wesleyan society about six years. She was truly converted to God, and lived in the enjoyment of the bless ings of salvation. She was an active and useful Collector for our Missions, a Distributor of religious tracts, and Sabbath-school Teacher. In her short affliction, her soul was happy in God, and her prospects were bright and unclouded.

J. C.

May 21st.-At Brigg, in his twenty-second year, Mr. John Roberts. His first religious impressions were occasioned by his attendance at a Sabbath-school, and these issued in his early conversion to God; of which change his whole deportment gave consistent evidence. The illness which terminated his mortal course, was but of short duration. His mind was kept all the time stayed upon God; and in the hour of nature's dissolution, he was enabled to rest on the atoning sacrifice of Christ, and thus died in the sacred peace in which he had lived.

J. D.

May 23d.-At Bradford, Yorkshire, Mr.

« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »