ページの画像
PDF
ePub

miles each night. During the whole time, there was not the slightest disturbance, though many Roman Catholics constantly attended, notwithstanding a prohibition from the bishop, who resides here. The Rev. J. Weir, a truly excellent and amiable Presbyterian minister, shortened his own meetings, in order to allow his people to attend. One of the Wesleyan ministers also arranged his evening services, so as to allow his people an opportunity of attending. Lest I should be exposed to the imputation of egotism and vain-glory, I am led to suppress many intimations received from various quarters, as to the importance and results of my humble labours, which perhaps might interest the friends and serve the cause of the Society. This is, I think, erring on the safe side: for exaggerated reports of Missionary work, tend greatly to shake the confidence of the public; which is too great a sacrifice for a momentary excitement at a public meeting, or for the passing liberality extorted from the credulous by an urgent appeal. Truth and integrity should ever guide the Missionary enterprise, and Protestants should keep clear of pious frauds, or even the sanguine colouring of honest, but enthusiastic minds.

Nov. 8.-At the request of some friends, I visited Kilkeel, a town in the county Down, on the coast behind the mountains of Mourne. It is a very Roman Catholic district, and until lately, the Protestants have been much neglected. Having a letter of introduction from a respected Presbyterian minister (Mr. Weir) to the Rev. Mr. Boyle, curate of the parish, that gentleman paid me great attention, announced my lectures from the communion table, and applied to Lord Newry for the use of the Market-house; he also attended the meeting. His lordship refused the Markethouse, but that was no matter, as it would not have held one-fifth of those who attended. Long before the time of meeting, the town began to fill with people from various parts of the country. The large Presbyterian church, which seats 1,600 people, had been refused, but some members of the congregation exerted themselves so warmly, that the minister consented just in time. It was speedily filled in every part. A large proportion of the people were Roman Catholics, and they conducted themselves with the greatest decorum. There were four clergymen present, Church, Presbyterian, and Moravian. The subject of the lecture was, Infallibility:-Church authority as opposed to the rights of conscience. My address lasted two hours. The arguments evidently told with great power, for the interest of the auditors was strongly manifested on many occasions, though it was on the Sabbath day. A second lecture was announced for the following evening.

Nov. 9.-The meeting on this evening promised to be still larger than the last. The town and neighbourhood were much excited, but there was no symptom of bad feeling as yet. During the day, however, the influential Roman Catholics, especially publicans, exerted all their interest with those Presbyterians, with whom, from similarity of pursuits and habits, they were most cordial, to get me shut out of their church. A member of the committee who is a magistrate, came riding in from the country; others were earnestly canvassed; the minister was called on by some of the most worldly and powerful, and lectured for daring to give the house for such a purpose, which had been built partly by Roman Catholic subscriptions. These means succeeded. The church was shut, and 1,500 or 1,600 people, a large proportion of whom were Presbyterians, were left to wander about the town. In this emergency, the Moravian minister opened his chapel, and 500 or 600 were packed within its walls, standing so close that the mass was heaving to and fro continually by the pressure from the door. The windows were thrown open, and hundreds of the most eager listeners I ever saw, crowded the chapel yard.

There was some rather violent opposition in the shape of questioning and interruption, by a publican and grocer named Peter D. His questions were so answered as to turn the laugh of his own people against himself. The Rev. Mr. Boyle, who stood beside me on the pulpit stairs, used his influence manfully to keep order; and

as the great body of the Roman Catholics were annoyed at the interruption, Peter, and a few ill-disposed persons, went away and left us to finish the discussion in peace. The beneficial effects of these lectures may be inferred from the efforts made to misrepresent them in the Belfast and Newry Roman Catholic newspapers. In the former a letter appeared, believed to be written by a priest, full of the grossest falsehood, as to my style and spirit; trying to make it appear that I was excessively violent and abusive. The design of this cunning proceeding was evident in the document itself. Hitherto the priests did not trouble themselves with the attacks made on their church, justly thinking that their bitterness, party spirit, and fanatical hatred, would serve rather than injure the Church of Rome. But the laity, ever anxious for discussion, observing that their doctrines were questioned, and apparently refuted by a man known always to be "a liberal," and breathing a free and friendly spirit in all his words, naturally expected that their clergy would now come forward to defend their creed. One of them did so, and this made the people more importunate that others should step forward.

There were two ways for the priests to get out of this dilemma. The first was to denounce me from their altars and through the press, as a reckless slanderer, dealing in bitter ridicule and foul scurrility. This plan they tried in vain. The people heard and judged for themselves, and felt that I was wronged. I wrote a statement to the Belfast paper in which I had been traduced; which was published, accompanied by a fierce "leader," denouncing me as " a public nuisance, that ought to be abated, &c." The Belfast News Letter, a Protestant and liberal journal, ably exposed the barbarous intolerance of my assailants, and the public were disgusted with the attacks upon me. Their second plan was to get me to accept a challenge from some illiterate person of low character. After being thus degraded, to use their own words, in the Newry Examiner, "no Catholic clergyman would condescend to meet me." Accordingly, the night before I left Kilkeel, I got a written challenge to a public discussion from a tailor! and though I positively declined meeting him, the priest announced in the newspaper that I was "in the hands of Mr. Doherty the tailor, whose challenge I had accepted." A similar false statement was made the next week from Drogheda, with a view to effect the same object. These characteristic expedients indicate, as strongly as any thing can, how much they dread the discussion of their doctrines, on just and liberal principles, and how important it is, that the society should, if possible, obtain a few men with the right spirit and suitable attainments for this peculiar mission. I have a good deal of experience of Ireland, and of its missionary operations, and I am firmly persuaded, that this is pre-eminently the work that will tell on the country.

I sent a good-humoured, argumentative reply to the tailor's letter, taking care to have a copy taken for the perusal of the Protestants at Kilkeel, in order to guard against misrepresentation. It was read by a great number, and, I am told, has done good service. Strange, to say, I had a visit from Doherty on the 26th ult. His object in calling was to give me to understand that he was more respectable and learned than I had imagined, and that the priests had not put him forward. He said, "I agreed with every thing in your lectute except two or three points, but whenever you brought forward a strong argument, half a dozen Protestants looked round into my face, as much as to say, 'Doherty, can you answer that? How then could I avoid giving you a challenge?" I found the tailor really a liberal, well-informed man, but very vain of his talents. I talked with him for some time, and gave him two of my own pamphlets. Having expressed a wish to see the "Guide," &c I lent it to him also. He went away in high spirits, shaking hands repeatedly. Since then I received a letter from him, written in a spirit of bravado, to please his neighbours, who look up to him as their champion, and I enclose it for the amusement of the Committee.

COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Extracts from a letter of the Rev. Henry Wilkes, of Montreal, giving an account of a visit paid by him to the Brethren and Churches of Upper Canada, on occasion of their holding the meetings of the Congregational Union for the Province.

[On many accounts the Missions of the Colonial Society in Upper Canada may be regarded as its most important operations. Upper Canada is a noble province for extent of territory, salubrity of climate, and fertility of soil. Its immediate contiguity to the United States gives it great relative interest and importance. Its social state is deeply interesting. It is the very scene where the all-important question has been tried and decided, Whether in colonies of British origin, State Hierarchies shall be established? Just at the juncture when that principle, as associated with, as involved in the clergy-reserve question, agitated all Canada, the Congregational Missions were commenced. A more appropriate field for their efforts, for their principles, the Independent Churches could not have desired. The results are delightfully sketched by Mr. Wilkes. An attentive perusal of his statements is earnestly desired. The result will be, not so much satisfaction in what has been accomplished, as ardour to attempt and effect more.]

TO THE REV. ALGERNON WELLS, SECRETARY COLONIAL MISSSIONARY SOCIETY.

Montreal, October 28, 1840. MY DEAR BROTHER,-An intimation was conveyed to you in my last, that I had paid a fraternal visit to my brethren in Upper Canada; and you will naturally ask, What did you see there? What are your impressions? Brother Roaf kindly requested me, on parting, to write you on these points.

Allow me to assure you, and the fathers and brethren of the committee, that my emotions were peculiarly sacred and joyful, as I contrasted the present state of things with their condition only four, and even three years since, when, having charge of that field, I wandered through the country, and gazed on its necessities. The contrast induces the exclamation, with more than common emphasis, "What hath God wrought!" At that period our brethren were very few in number, widely scattered, having charge of feeble interests-the capital of the province having a church, it is true, but no pastor, no general organization, scarcely any impression made on the public mind-in fine, a light so feeble and flickering, that it appeared ready to expire of itself, or, at most, that a breath would extinguish it. Now the brethren are multiplied in number, sustained in comfort, sufficiently near each other to be within reach at the expense of a slight effort, cheerful while conscious that they are not alone, but form part of a band, having a common object, and united by strong ties. The churches are not large, but they are compact, feel their union a blessing, understand in better measure their principles, and enjoy their privileges, gladdened by the hope that their children, and children's children will enjoy them too. The capital of the province having a beautiful place of worship, the property of a well-organized and active church, filled by an attentive congregation, and the whole presided over by a pastor of no ordinary qualifications-a man of superior intellect, of sound culture, of vigorous judgment, of great energy, and of warm and affectionate piety, whose character, influence, labours, must tell upon any community wherever they are exerted. And then there is excellent organization; a Congregational Union and subordinate associations, arrangements in which the brethren, and the churches under their care, are reminded of the importance of principles, are urged to consider that they are forming institutions in a young country, which are to grow with its growth and strengthen with its strength; and, in short, are trained up to vigour and efficiency. Nor is the impression

produced on the public mind slight and unimportant. The body is rising in estimation, notwithstanding the tricks and cajolery on the one hand, and the malignity and vituperation on the other, of its enemies. It is assuming the position to which it is entitled, not less by its relationship to its noble parent in the father land, than by the sound, godly, scriptural principles on which it is founded, and which it practically developes. It is no flickering light now; nor is it a mere meteor that glares for a moment, and expires;-No! for though it may not be a star of the first magnitude, yet, blessed be God! its radiance is steady, or, what is better, steadily increasing !

Unexpectedly detained on the way up by the irregularity of the steam-boats, I spent the Sabbath (Sept. 6) with brother Hayden, at Cobourg. It was within about twenty days of four years since I opened the chapel there. I found him pursuing a course of unremitting, faithful labour. Preaching for him in the forenoon at Cobourg, I accompanied him to Cold Springs in the afternoon, The school-house was full, and my auditors very attentive. He had formed a church of twenty members here. How cheering to learn that among them was one who received her impressions of the importance of personal religion from a sermon I preached there, three years since; the first and only visit I had made until the present occasion. I preached at Cobourg in the evening. On Monday morning I assisted Mr. Hayden, and two Scotch clergymen, residing, one in Cobourg, and one some ten miles off, in forming a Religious Tract and Book Society, which it is hoped will effect much good. Leaving at four o'clock next morning, I reached Toronto at two o'clock on Tuesday, the 8th. The meeting of the Upper Canada Congregational Union commenced that evening by prayer. The meetings for business on Wednesday, Thursday, and part of Friday, were well conducted. The brethren, generally, took part in the discussions. Doubtless brother Roaf will give you details.

My impressions were, that these meetings are invaluable to the brethren and students, among other reasons, from their tendency to keep principles before the minds of them all. Proposals were made, plans suggested, aspirations put forth, terms were used, and the whole were brought to the test of some principle which was brought out and insisted upon. They have a very great advantage over us. The principles of church order and organization that we love, and that are yours in Great Britain, are those of our brethren in Upper Canada, without exception. They are agreed in them, and confine their discussions to some application of them, or bring them out for the purpose of impressing them upon their own minds and those of others. But we are more than half American Congregationalists, and they are not with us in sentiment on many points, and besides attach little importance to what we think exceedingly important. They are not familiar with our controversies; they are ignorant of our struggles; and with them the whole system of church order is more a matter of expediency than it is with us. Their temperament differs from ours moreover; and as a consequence, while our meetings are pleasant and profitable, and, I trust, will ultimately exert a moulding and assimilating influence, they cannot yet be equal, in interest and delight, to those of our brethren in Upper Canada.

Without dwelling on the details of the business of the Union, which would be, on my part, a travelling out of the record, some few points occurred to me as of deep interest and moment. I liked the solemn regard to spiritual good in the appointment of the first Monday in January as a day of special devotion. Again, the view given to the churches of the elective franchise, ought to be written on every Christian's mind and heart it is a solemn trust, for which they are responsible to God. But the chief point of congratulation relates to that little academy. Some of the committee are aware that I have upwards of three hundred volumes in my possession belonging to Congregationalism in Canada. I have sent half up to Toronto, leaving those with me copies of which were not in my own library; so that if I obtain some young men

around me, they will have the use of some twelve hundred volumes. And, en passant, I have one young brother who is turning his attention in that direction. But to return : the movement in Toronto is exceedingly auspicious. I gave my feeble assistance in sketching an outline of the several courses through which the young brethren are to pass, and in receiving one of them into the institution. Who can tell of what that little establishment will form the commencement and harbinger. May it not be a "Blackburn Academy" to some future "Lancashire Independent College?"

It was delightful to meet so many brethren, most of whom I had seen under different circumstances. It was delightful to preach to them and others, and on Thursday evening to address them: it was delightful to commune and plan with them. But delight must have an end; and on Saturday morning I bade them farewell, and proceeded to Brantford. There I ministered on the Sabbath and Wednesday evening, and at Burford with brother Nall on Thursday evening. I hope Brantford will revive; I think it will.

The following Sabbath I spent in Toronto. The chapel is quite elegant, and exceedingly well attended. We should call it a flourishing interest in any town equal in size to Toronto; but in that city of political and religious divisions, and acrimonious contentions, it is surprising. As matters become more peaceful, and prejudice subsides, their tent will be too small for them. The removal of the seat of government from that city (which, after the union, and the expiring of the term of the first parliament, i. e. about four years hence, will, it is generally understood, be established in this city, Montreal,) will, I think, do them good morally and spiritually. Their heat will be less intense, and there will be fewer and less violent storms.

My dear noble people at Montreal have done what I commend as an example to much richer congregations. We have £800 debt on our place. One brother came forward, not rich but in good business, and said, Raise the whole, and I will give £400; I said I would give £50; another said, £100; another, whose liberality was literally astonishing, said, £50; another, £50; another, £40; another £32 10s.; another, £25; a number, £10 each; young women making their living by their needles, from £1 to £5. So that though the effort is only a fortnight old, we have £712. 10s. The money is payable in instalments between now and December 25, 1841. I have no doubt but before this reaches you we shall have the £800 secured.

SYDNEY.

Substance of a letter from the Rev. Dr. Ross, giving a most encouraging account of the commencement of his pastoral and more public labours in that very important city

a

[The mission of Dr. Ross to Sydney was felt by the committee to be on their part very responsible, and on his a very arduous undertaking. But it was entered upon with prayer, deliberation, and trust in God. It was not thought that successful results would be necessary to vindicate the enterprise. The importance of the undertaking was its own justification. The interests involved in the mission were of such magnitude, that if undertaken at all, the dictate of wisdom was, to conduct it with adequate vigour and suitable agency. This was accordingly done. The blessing of God on the use of appropriate means has thus far greatly prospered the mission of Dr. Ross. His own pen in the following letter will relate the auspicious commencement of his work and the narrative will encourage the hearts of all the friends of the Colonial Society, and call forth their fervent prayers and thanksgivings.]

LETTER FROM THE REV. DR. ROSS TO THE SECRETARY.

Sydney, May 28, 1840.

MY DEAR SIR, It is now three months since I arrived in this colony, and you will therefore expect that I communicate to you, at some length, my past proceedings

« 前へ次へ »