evening we held our public meeting at Bodmin, in the Guildhall; on Wednesday evening, at Wadebridge, in the Wesleyan Chapel; and on Thursday evening, at Padstow, in the public room. I found in these places warinhearted friends of seamen; I also experienced much of that common-sense kindness so peculiar to the good Cornish people, especially from Mr. Balk will and Dr. Mudge, of Bodmin; Mr. Morcom, of Lostwithiel; Mr. Thos. Martyn, of Wadebridge; and Mr. D. Martyn, of Padstow. We have had our Bethel opening also at Falmouth, which took place on Sunday, October 28th,-a day I shall not soon forget. Our beautiful Bethel flag was seen waving in the breeze betimes; and, according to arrangement, the Rev. M. Andrew (Wesleyan minister) preached in the morning; the Sailors' Missionary, in the afternoon; and the Rev. J. Jackson, Baptist minister, in the evening. The place was filled to overflowing, and great numbers had to go away, not being able to get in. You may judge of the crowded state of the place, when I tell you that the preacher had some trouble in getting to the pulpit in the afternoon, even before the proper time to commence. Having to supply for Mr. Andrew in the morning, and Mr. Jackson in the evening, I could only be at the Bethel in the afternoon, but I understand a sacred influence pervaded every service; in short, it was a glorious day. One old sailor told me he had not been at a place of worship for years until that day, and I am told his is not a solitary case. We have had some refreshing seasons also, since the opening. On the following Thursday it was crowded again—a large portion of the congregation being sons of the deep. On the next Sunday also we had service, afternoon and evening; and some were there half an hour before the time, to secure a seat. On the Monday evening we held a sailors' prayer-meeting, at which I read our dear Capt. Prynn's report for last month, which is very interesting; after which several engaged in prayer; and even at the prayer-meeting every seat was occupied. Upon the whole, I would first thank God, who has so far blessed our feeble efforts; and acknowledge the kindness of the Rev. Messrs. Andrew, Jackson, and many other Christian friends, who have, so kindly aided us in our endeavours to bless our beloved seamen. I hope what has already been done is only a prelude to greater good yet to be effected. Our reading-room is answering well, and is seldom without visitors. Many thanks for your kind notice of it in your last number. I hope the good friends who read it, will respond to your solicitations for a "few odd volumes." The smallest contributions in that way will be thankfully received; and, I would like to add, what is done must be done quickly, as we are in immediate want. During the past month I have preached at Deveron, Penryn, Budoc, Flushing, &c. I have many other places to visit, as soon as I can find time. There have been 185 vessels visited; 1,184 English, 192 foreign, and ninety Welch tracts distributed; and twenty-five services held. Yours most respectfully, To Mr. Fieldwick. JOHN TROTTER. SERVICES, ATTENDANCE, AND VISITS. TRACTS. CIRCULATION OF BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, PARTS OF SCRIPTURE, 12 42 : : : 34 437 216 : : : : : : : 4 8 Day Schools-average attendance of boys, 82. Girls, 62. Sunderland.. 2 60 15 Total 44 767 105 1356 2165 349 287 86 154 151 : : 1600 : 3 53 OPENING OF A BETHEL AT STOCKTON. We are much pleased to record the opening of a Bethel-room at Stocktonupon-Tees. Many of our friends in the neighbourhood of London have heard and admired the simple and warm-hearted addresses of Captain Hasted, who has at various times, with others of his brethren, advocated the claims of this Society, and we feel sure they will be gratified to hear that, mainly through his efforts, a want long felt has been supplied, at the port from which he sails, and a room opened on the quay for the use of seamen, where the Gospel will be preached every Lord's-day afternoon. It was opened on the 16th of September last, by an appropriate discourse, to a crowded congregation, from the Rev. E. Green; since which time, we are happy to hear that the services have continued to increase in interest. It is an additional satisfaction to know, that in this movement the co-operation of all the evangelical ministers in the town has been obtained; all of them, with but one exception, engaging to preach there in regular rotation. The exception referred to is that of the rector of the parish, to whom our friend the captain made application, and who, though he did not feel at liberty to unite in the undertaking, yet cordially expressed his approbation of it. Besides giving their consent to preach at the Bethel, it has been arranged by the ministers that a prayer-meeting, expressly for seamen, should be held in turn, every Sabbath evening, at their respective chapels; thus giving that due prominence to the cause and claims of seamen which they so much demand. We trust that they will not end here, but go on in the good course thus commenced, until the wants of their seafaring population are adequately met. Stockton ought to have a missionary of its own; or, at least, Stockton and Middlesborough united should maintain one. Why have they not done so already? We know not. But they are now putting their hand to the work, and we wish them much joy and success in it. We will help them all we can. But they must help themselves first; and we believe that when Christians begin to pray earnestly for the objects of their solicitude they are not far from engaging, heart and hand, in doing their utmost for their welfare. Cannot many of the ports now having only a Bethel room for preaching on the Lord's day, render it also a reading-room for seamen during the evenings of the week? A very little expense would furnish them with fire, candles, and books. A great deal of wickedness might thus be prevented, and a great amount of profitable instruction imparted. We leave the suggestion for the consideration of the respective local committees. "WORK WHILE IT IS CALLED TO-DAY!" Onward! onward! ever onward All man's bigh and varied powers. Circles still this mighty sphere, Move the planets, fly the comets, Steppeth time from year to year; All for some great end and purpose, Infinitely wise, and hidden From the ken of finite man. God has formed and placed us here. |