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HARRHY, CO! • •' ( ■; ,/ ^ II.- i^'^ K', V. ■ '^%^?!?^ .^^■*^w-4* -wn**!^ « f VOICE FROM GASPE BAY CANADA, ■ TO THE RELIGIOUS Y ffi- AND TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIWt OF GREAT BRITAIN. BY A RESIDENT. NEWPORT: PRINTED BY E. HARRHY, COMMERCIAL STREET. »« 1843. '7: "^^ ;t^'. ■ ) I/, CONTENTS. CHAFTEB I. Reason for this publication— Voyage— Phosphoric Light— ^uroro Bo-i realis— Bird Islands— Storm at Skia— Reflections— Fiery Meteors. > f CHAPTER II. Arrival at Gaape— Population— Trade— Situation— SceAery—Religipiis D«aaiutioii^MAppefl to Religious Societiesr-Example of the People of God— Its absence here. ■- - CHAPTER III. 'Y' Ii«nch Methddist Chapels-rHow suppliedr-rLay Preachiftg— Its Disad-, vantages in Gaspe— Great Prevalence of Slander— Appeal to the Metho- dist Conference^English Church— How Conductedf-Sabbath Desecra- tiop and IrreUgion— No Instruction for Children— Increasing Ignorance. CHAPTER IV. V ' ^■ Drunkehness— Spirit Dealing— Its Melancholy Effect^- Effect on my. Mind— Appeal to Dealers in Spirits— The vast importance of Total Abstinence in Canada- Its Blessings— Great Progress— ^ortation to the British Tee-toial Societies! , - \ CHAPTER V. My own- Preaching— Persecution— Reasons for giving only— Secret Religion— Its great value. Private Lectures CHAPTER VI. t,«/ Jersey Traders and Agents— Thftir Spirit— Dislike to the English- Concluding Remarks— Ode to Gaspe. '« , J\ .. . » fc .£ ^^ :*££3 ,. .i4 , . .. ■m A VOICE FROM GA^E BAY. . V*i I little thought at one period of my life, ever to appear before the/ public as an author j and now I do not presume for a nioment to think thatmy eflTorta awat all superior. Tlieobject I have in view, is not to ahinein the literary circle j indeed, 1 find I have nd*bility for anything of the kind*-my motives are purely of a mora(and*religi- oui character, and 1 hope and trust my labour will not be in vain ; ^d.tBat the ^electionl am about to give, niay attract the attention of those great and benevolent societies, who meet at Exeler-Hall, and whose object is to convey the glad tidings of salvation, tsume the most fantastic forms— one moment I beheld the most beautiful drapery hanging across the sky, then in a moment it was gone, and formed into another sb^pe, and then for a short time it would cease ; but after such a pause, it seemed to commence with mucii greater vigour -2^in this way it continued playing the greater part of the night, du- ring the time it vas as light as if there had been a moon. While I was beholding this sublime object, I felt much more pewerfuUj the truth of David's words in the 19th Psalm, than ever I did before in my life, " The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firma- ment shewrth his handy works." May we all likewise be able to :m J^ ■^\ ia, to my we leave inued exi- attention the Phos. Hi there i$ lartlcdar, ■ Treat was I voyage, conwived I not from ind at (ibe 1 fire, and linous ob> ted mvielf ceptiun, if 1115, un (he fithio my- riiis grace ardly find iiirora Bo- t interval* ime, I ob- eoD, witich imes those e the most ul drapery ind formed ;«ase ; biit Iter vigour night, du- n. While powerfully did before the firma- be able to Ik 1 ^ say with David, •' Let the w^rd|pf ray moutli, and the meditatiofas* of my heartbe acceptable in iWfe**. O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." 1 feel 1 should Be r^iss, if I omitted noticing one in- teresting and attracfive objeciiin khe Gulf of St. Lawrence \ aiid I do 80 the more, because I am jjfiot aware of its being noticed very particularly, by any voyagers,^! linean the Bird Islands, so called, from thetiilimltipllcity of birds which always frequent it, and which I had during orfd voyage an opportunity of seeing to great advantage, our ship at the time, during moderate weather, kept so very near to it that we could distinguisU the bird* on the ground, with the greatest ease ; and had 1 not been an eye witness to tl»e scene, I should have- imagined, that such a description, as 1 now give, must have been a gre^t exaggeration, every part of the island I saw, was so covered with large birds of a white and brown colour, that it would hardly be possible to walk between them, they were as thick as locusts upon ., the ground, the whole jsland seemed to be one moving mass of birds, at the same time sworms were seen'soaring above the island. I met with some passengers at Quebec, who went on shore during a calm day, and killed a great many of them, and found the flesh of some of them excellent food. I have thought a trade may be carried en to this island for feathers and eggs, wid^^Bat advantage to any party who would undertake it. Before iPfle this partjof my narrative, .•and introduce the reader to Gaspe Bay, I will endeavour to give some description of a storm at sea, and the feelings it induces in the religious mind during the time; but I am fearful, after all my efforts, n»y description will paint it in very faint colours, for I am sure, that hardly any language is strong enough to give a correct idea of such a terrifying scene ; particularly to an inexperienced person, it must be witnessed to be well understood ; gales ofwfind come on very sud- denly in the Atlantic, the weather will change from nearly a calm, to what may be called a hurricane, in a few minutes ; it is required thai the ^a should be made, as the sailors call it, before its fearful effects are seen and felt ; but very soon this is the case, if the wind continues, and then a sight is present to the view, almost enough to shake the stoutest heart of a man unaccustomed to the sea— the roar, ing of the sea, the howling of the wind, the flaping and clashing of - M ■■( ' J- I ■ • thesaiU, tuc loud shouting of the nie^i to each other, while engaged HI taking reefs, to make the ship ride more secarel/, accompaniAJ with the noise below deck, such as the continual falling of varioiw ^ articles, which" are rplled to and fro, with the grutest violence, through the tremendous tossing of the vessel j and lastlj. to completa the confusion. «na make up those sounds wliichWl the ears, a rush of water is continually Wd upon deckfybich is thrown up by the sea. In one gale of wind we ejjoounter^, our bullwarks .were nearly all carried away-the great danger is wheathe se^ runs • 80 high, of shipping one of tho)» waves; there are instances known of t^e decks being completely cleared of every article upon it, and soniStimes even the masts aire carried ove^>d. " On one occasrony- when I had been more accustomed to gal«»s of wind. I was induced after the sea had a little subsided, to go upon deck, and place mjsalf in a situation where I could hold fast and witness the scene, which is grand beyond conception to look upon ; sometimes we were down ) in a valley as it were, completely ingulfed with water, wave afteV ^ wave rolling mountains high, foaming destruction, as it seemed, on pur frail bark as they drew nigh, then in a moment we were mounted -upon one of these waves, and then again we were in the depths be- : neath. the psalmisfln a very striking manner, describes tlie ex-' perience of seafaring" men. With their feelings and condition in a storm-" They fliat go down to the sea in ships, and do business in . great waters,; these see the works of the Urd, and bis wonders in the deep : for h« comlnandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lift up the waves Wifsreof : thay mount up to the heav«ns, they go down ain ; iheir soul is melttd becauae of trouble: they to the depths reel to and {td and stagger like ^drunken U9n.and are at their wit's and: then tb^ cry unto the Lord in tlieir trouble, and he bringeth them oqt of tifeir distress : He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof ar^ stilj: then they are glad because they are still ; ^ so he brin^th tliem unto tlieir desired haven." I have given the/ "quotation rather long, because it so simply and strikingly de^ribes a storm at sea. and tb« experience of any reflecting mind at the time. I Bave ever found, if scripture can be applied to explain any situatioa or cilpcumstsmce of lifis, it is dojte with a more suitable eflect than ■'--:;.> ' . ■yj bile engagcKl •ccompaniM g of rarioiw est violence, ; to complete . I the ears, a I thrown - up ir bullwarks the sea runs mces known upon it, and ne occasuHif - Mras induced place mjsalf wene, which were down ^ wave after seemed, on ;renlounted » depths be- ■■■. bes tlie ex.' idition in a. business in . ndersintbe i, which lift ly go down uble: they their wit's lebringeth ~ to that the jr are still ; given the/ 1^ de^ribes t the time. |r situation iflfect than aoylhing di^ can say. During these dangers, my great comfort was to comOiit myself into the liaqds of Him who can pieserve us amidst the storm and tftopest, as well as upon dry 'land. 1 ijierefbre can join the psalmist, with all my Ijearr, where li^ expre8>e« his grn- titudeyo Ga&i for those great deliverance*-" Oli that iyen would praise the Lord for his goodness, imd for his woudarlul works to ilie children of men !" I must confess, it has never Beeu my esi»ei ience to fiod seafaring men call u£on1he Lord for assistance at those times, or to return thanks when the danger is past ; such a life seems to haVe a moat hardening and baneful effect on the conduct of men. There does no^seem^ be the' least fear j*/ God; before tlieir eye^, even at those ti^es, for in the midst of. danger, with death staring them in the face; the most iwful oaths ai^d imprecations ure heard tome from their mouths, so that I have learnt it to be a'trutli, that no danger however great, no deliverance however repeated, v>ll changejhe heirt, and humble the ^nner before God. ThisisUie work of the Holy Spirit aloqf, " toturnm(^n from darkness to light, and from th^ power of'Satan unto GjmI." One beautiful phe^nonie- -non I saw in a storm, wWh^as accompaniedjwith very rapid flashes of lightning,! I cannot-C^lp mentioning before I dismiss the subject : towards the elose of the storm, h fl uw.^ their lamentable destitution of the means of instruction, in the blessinjprs and privileges of that religion, the object of which is, to .^y^j^k^joh^M^'i iiJ /.. -rttemg , make men happier here, and to save them from eternal ruin here- aftei^and which the son of Grod cam4 from heaven. expressly to make known to "a world lying in the wicked one," with $ucb pains and labour, sufSsrings and privations, and at last tb secure it to us by his precious blood shedding upon the crosft, and which we know the angels announced to dieshepherds at his birth as being ** glad tidings of great juy ;" aiu^I am sure that those who are made acquainted with its saving truths, know mo^t assuredly thgl^ doeis communi* t cate those joys — it sweetens our temporal blessimi^ it comforts and snppoi^t in the hour of sorrow andi^ctton of any kind, and it un« folds the prbspect of a glorious etnnity with Jesu% in the hour of death; but in this place, there is a people ahnost- destitute of the means of hearing and receiving instructions in the knowledge of those inestimmle triUhs, "for how shall they hear without a preaulier, a faith ful preacher^ one who knows and loves the truth, and whose pneaching, life, and conversation shews that the great obji^ct he haL in view, is the salvation of our souls^" and that bb heart's desiry and prayer' daily is, that they may be saved } but then, aj tile great Apostle says, " how shall they preach except th?y be sent." Wlio then vhall have tlie honour of sendingsuch a preacher. " Will the Church off England send one i Will the Wesleyan Me- thodists response td my invitation ; or will the Baptist or Indepen- dents bear me t For let it be remembered, that the Apostle from whom I have quoterl, concludes this invitation to send out preachers to-such places, by saying, " how ;beautiful are the fisetof them that preach the Gospel iof peace, and bring glad tidings of good tfaiogt>** (xod of Ills mercy krant that the day maybe fastapproachuig, when more of trie bcauiy of the Gospel may be unfolded in Gaspe Bay* and the footsteps of a devoted minister of God, may bs traced from place to place, teaching and warning the people, in the name of that Saviour, ** whom t^ know is life eternal" Yon in British land, who are so surrounded ^ith the blessings of our most holy leligioo, can hardly, I fear, ent^r fully into the j^wer, beauty, and exprasriT* meaning of this passage of scHpturc^ unless you had been deprtved of the preached Gospel, from^week to week, and fit>m JMV to jrsur, as the inhabitants are in this pUcf. It may be seen by the isTila- *-«-rf.«fcrt,»*-,«*»*M-'^. 0s^',5^n'T^,'Y^*rtS&^Sf^'^^^1^^i 10 V f/ . tion I have given to send Missionaries to this coast, that I have d: vested myself of all religious prejudices ; although I am a member of the English Established Church, I care not by whom, or what so- ciety Missionaries are sent. ^ All my heart's desire and prayer is, that they may be zealous and. devoted men, in the oAise of their great master, and " wise to win souls," and lead them into the fold of the good shepherd, and there feed upon the pastures of eternal life. Another thing I must observe, which is this, the beneficial in- fluence wliicl; the presence and advantages of the preached Gospel, accompanied with the conduct and example of the people of God have upon the minds of men in general. Whenever "the light is tiiade to s^ine before men," — whenever the Lord's-day is beard by the opening of his bouse for prayer and praise, and dispensing his word — whenever 1 say the Lord is thus worshipped in spirit and in truth, its good effects are|made manifest on all classes of men^ it has a restraining power, it creates a respect for religion, >they learn toil-e- verence that lacred day of holy rest, they honour the house of Qfod» and by those good examples are brought to bear the sound of salva- tion ; and who will deny that great and saving benefits shall not fol> low, for we never mus.t seperate the means from the end: but in this place, to which I am calling the attention of the Christian churches^ there is almost a total absence of any kind of instruction or exam* pie from the people of God ; for 1 am persuaded, that any such per- sons would ralhfer shrink from public notice, particularly on the Lord's-day in the present state of things ; consequently the most bandPhl effects are produced, and are standing out in all their demo- ralising deformity, and which is most prominently seen on the Sab- bath—here the announcement of that sacred day is never ushered in by the sound of the church going bell— here the people are ne\'er hardly seen congregating in the courts 6f the Lord's house, to enjoy its blessings, 6( which DtLvid says, " only one such day is better than a thousand. Everything in this respect has the stillness of death, a spiritual death, and which must end in " the second death." The scen^/which is exhibited by men, women, and children, is one con* tinual souad of Sabbath desecration, and at present. yithout the least prospect of a change, there they are from day to day, wander- t mau B toa B w#'Basswi^i^» Mj i «M!» i ww ***»^^ M hat I have dK [am a member \ m, or what so- and prayer is» caiUse of their n into the fold ures of eternal e beneficial in- !ached Gospel, people of 60^ r "the light is lay is beard by dispensing his a spirit and in of menlithas ey learn to Re- house of Ood* ound of 8alva> s shall not fol> - dd : but in this 3tian churches^ ction or exam* any such per- icularly on the }DtIy the must all their demo- ;n on the Sab- !ver ushered in »ple are never ]ouse, to enjoy 7 is better than ess of death, a death." The >n, is one con* It. without the ) day, wander- ing in that " broad road, whicli leadeth to everlasting deslructiooj," and in a worse stute tlian the beasts that perish,. " for the one knVw- etli his owner, and the ass his master's wib;" but they do not know, neitlier do they consider tlie things that belong to their peace, they are "crying peace and safety." While living in this hopeless con- ^ dition, without God and without Christ, ignorant pf themselves, and no pi-ospect beyond the gmve, 8n4 as we know they bear the chris- tian name, they have forsaken the Lord and are gone away back- ward; the whole of Ihem are sick, the whole heart faint, there is no I soundness in them, from the highest to the lowest ; they are nearl/ all in the same state, at the prophet says, "wounds and bruises and putrefying sores j" but there is no physician there to,.close, neither bind up and mollify with ointment. But shall w« hope to realize bet* / ter things— can we hold out move cheering prospects ? Not in the least, for I can shew if some effectual efforts are no't put forth, (tK- stem this torrent of irreligion which so universally prevails through, out every part of this coast, men will, if possible^^e worse and worse, and will b6 increasingly given up to b^rd^ess of hearfcv , » f- - CHAPTER III. * 1 have been endeavouring to point out how much the people in this coast, are in want of christian instruction ; and that the greatest bles- iing would be conferred, if some of our benevolent christian socie- ties would send oQt Missionaries, who would zealously devote them* selves, from day to day, and from place to placed in this work of faitli and labour of love. I shall now proceed to shew that there is some* times a little instruction given, such as it is ; but I cannot for a mo- ment allow, that ifr-is of that nature, or conducted by those persons, in the manner as is at all likely to be productive of any saving effects upon the minds of the hearers, so as to rouse them to serious reflec tion, and to givesoiae attention to tiiose great benefits which the • Gospel confers. But after all that I have said, and the gloomy pic- - tu^ 1 have drawn, my views of the prevalence of ii religion in Gaspe, may be top much^ike Elijah's thoughts about tl;e cliiUlien of Israel, under the reign of wiftked JUi a b ^ jgdiiL n l ij^ " j am j«?alflu a for iIi r . Lord Govl of hosts, because the children ^j^rael have forsaken thy. ^•iwpwrw*"'"*^-* — ' - i ;j rii nu. i I »' ■ ^ cwenant. thrown down thi .e allfers, a ui skin thy prophets with Ihe sword, and I, even 1 only, am left." But what is the striking an- swer of that God, who i« the discernerof all hearts ^ "I have left me seven Uiousand in Israel, aU the knees which have not bowed ta Baal, and every mouth whidi have-nbt kisSed him." 1 do know individuals here and thtere, who feel quite sensible of their condition, and would be glad to see a change effected, so as to give th6m a re- gular and faithful ministry j but circumstanced as the place is, they want some stmiulous in the [jerson, and exertions of a regular ap- pointed ordained minister for the place. There is about a mile nearly from my abode, tf small French Methodist Chapel, at a place called George's Cove, Aod another about three miles farther off; biit it must be borim in mind, thaV the preaching at those p^ace^ if con- duct«Al ever so wett; is not the least serviie fe tliat pAh 6f the popu- lation wlio speak Enjglith; and when I c6bsider tWt those Chapels were sqppltcd by lwoTaj{iben oWy, and sitnated and circumstanced as those men were, they jlir?ttol-*taU likely to confer mhch honour or success upon the preaching of thelSo^, and the various ordinances of religion, for those men even administered the sacrament, one tf them a fisherman, and I believe Of an excellent simple-minded chris- tian temper; but I think itwill begrarited,.thatthere^are many truly converted men. who are not at All calculated to be teach^rs^olhcrs, but rather reqdire ttf be taught iliemselv'es, ittd aire a great"^ ment in a private capacity than a public otie ; and |l consider the i to ^hoin I refer, is decidedly one of those chaifkclers j^e otlier is a " man» as far as I could form a correct opinion, of better capacity, but quite absorbed in commercial transiciibn*, knd Inftuenced by strong prejudices, so that he v^ould not leiid the least assistance to promote sanday schoob, or any good religious *6rl for the improvement of • the community at la^ge, but would set up^the strongest opposition to pat it down, it it did not intlrely coincide With his views and opin- ions. The mode likewise of cooductihg commercial affairs, in this coast, is most baneful to lay pieaching, which was constantly made evident In the preaching <>( this m4n. The method of busir^css is )rna- to give credit to aU Merman, anHTo take payment in flat it at.-er: Uin season of the year, cooscquentl) he was for ever embroiled in 13 its wiUi the striking an- ' I have left ot bowed t& 1 do know - ir condition, < th^m a reu lace is, they [regular ap- ibout a mile )l, at a place tber off; biit laces, if con- df the popn- lose Chapels iinistanced as ch honour or 18 ordinances neiH, one c{ minded chris- re many truly of othcr$>, jreat^ iiider the i Mie otliier is a capacity, but iced by strong ice to promote ipiovt^meiot of I opposition to ews and upin- affairs, in this astantly matte of busii^ess is )rna- r embroiled ih and petty content! connexions of his fellow colleague in the ministry. When I make tin's statement, I do not mean to imply that hg possessed a more litigating quarrelsome disposition than other men ; but I mean to ,, say, that the spirit and feeling existing between the buyer and seller '- was^Mid in the extreme, such as I'never before witnessed, so that it was quite impossible for any one to come to this place, to carry onv business, let him be whom he may, and give credit, and not fin«| hinf-"* adf in a'short time led into a disagreeable situation, and- haVfe his character much aspersed on account of it— for the habit of slander is one evil which prevails^to an awful extent, so that the least credit could not be given to reports>esarding any person's charticter; con- sequently the most censorious t^ngs were for ever afioat, very inju- rious to this man, which no doubt were untrue, and may be accounted < for from the difficulties and altercations which took place about ac- counts when payment was demanded. How highly prejudicial then must tliis state of things be to such a man, or any other, to take upon them such an important office. Under such circumstances, it seems to cast a stumbling block in the way of preadiing the Gospel, and bar out all prospect of success. The people, with whom a preacher was often having altercations in some way or other, during the week, in- worldly transactions, are not likely to attend upon bis preaching on the Sabbath ; and ifthey did,inwhatway are their minds aflk>ted towards him— will they heaf^ the Gospel of pface from bis lips, with any profit to themselves ? I know a little of lay preaching. When I lived in England, I used to give lectures to the poor regularly for some years; and I believe, I can say with confidence that the Lord, at that time, greatly blessed my endeavours. But in this place, 1 found things very different. . I am fully convinced that such indis. criminate kind of lay preaching as is advocated in the present day, is not at all likely, in my opinion, to benefit or put honour upon tho Gospel; and 1 think it a weak and a most ridiculous argument, to endeavour to defend its cause, as is often done by saying the Apostles . , were ignorant fishermen. We know tliat it is not by the wisdom of Ignorant I .A the world that men are made wise unto salvation, lien may be . QMich pleased with fir.^ language and eloquent preaching — I believe . Jt^^aiiitebr J^^'iiA,, 'Ai too mucli is thought of It in the present day. Ministers are very frequently followed for their eloquence alone j but eloquence will never convert the heart ; this is the wbrk of the spirit, and-we know tlie Apostle Paul said, "he did not preach the cross of Christ with wisdom of words, lest it should be of nonei eifect." StiQ we are not to dispise /«amt«^, and particularly theological learning, accompa* nied with that teaching which evegr faithful ambassador of Cliriit receives from abme. ;But how any attentive reader of the JNew Testament, can advance as an excuse, for such Ignorant men to take upon tliem to preach, that the first preachers were uneducated men, is quite surprising. We know when our Lord first called his Disci- ples they were extremely ignorant, but what then, they were taken under the tuitioft of him,** who spake as never man spake," and who by his wisdom, confounded the learned Scribes and Pharisees, and at "twelve years old was found in the te«fiple, sitting in the* midst of the doctors, both hearing them and answering them ques- tions, so that all who heard him, were astonished at his understanding and answers." Bat notwithstanding those advantages which were superior in their nature in every respect to that learning given to men, who study /or Holy orders in those days. But did the Dis- ciples soon learn to understand Divine truth in the school of CbrUt? quite otherwise: Our Lord, we read, had reason to rebuke thfem, and complain continually of their stupidity, and how slow they were to learn ^e nature of his kingdom, and the great object he had in view, in coming intothe world. We therefore, often find him say- ing, " how is it yedo not understand, perceive ye not yet, and havmg ears hear ye not, have ye your hearts yet hardened, having eyes ^ ye not, and do ye not remember." They were for everthinking that Christ was come to set up % temporal kingdom, although the instruc- tion given them was apposed to everything of the kind. We like- wise find when they returned from their first mission, they seemed to Jove sight of the great object for which they were lent forth to preach, 'and evetf (o exult in that kind of temper, for which our Lord con- en4te4«it^wjoice4aot4hat-theiiegilg a re sub je c t unto you, but riiber rejoice that your names are written in heaven ;" shewing it seemjthat they rejoiced more in the power given them srs are very quence will ad-we know Christ, with 1 we are not ^, accompa- ar of Chrlit )f the JNew men to take ucated men, id his Disci- were taken spake," and 1 Pharisees, itting in the^ ; them ques- iderstanding I which were Ing given to did the Dis- >1 of Christ? ebuke them, w they were Ktbehadia ind him say- ; and havmg ing eyes ^ linking that 1 the instruc- 1. We like, ley seemed to rth to preach, ar Lord con- i in heaven j" r given them ,.- • : . ■. .15 to work miracles, than they did at the prospect of eternal happiness in heaven, which was the great blessing Christ came to bestow upon men, and which he commisvioned. them to proclaim. Shall #e then say that those men were in an uneducated state. Were they not trained in the very best school for preaching the Gospel t And still our Lord^ften had reasoq to complain of the blindness of their minds, and their ^dullness in comprehending the great work be had for them to do; for just befoie his ascension, when they asked about the time that dominion and power would be restored t» Israel, he answered, " it is not for you to know the time and the seas^^ but ye shall re. ceive power after that the Holy. Ghost is come tipo^ you;" and whei^ the Holy Ghost was given from on high, at the day of Penti. cost Are they then ignorant uneducated men ? quite otherwise: they could preach and speak in all languages, besides their own, " so that all w&o heard them were amazed, and marvelled, saying one to another, behold are not all those who speak Gallileans, and how hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born." I there, fore canYiot help observing, in concluding those remarks, that tliose who advocate the cause of ignorant lay preaching, have a. zeal with, out knowledge, when they endeavour to do so, by stating that the Apostles and Primative preachers were in this cbndition. Such men instead of being teachers, " qee^o be taught again which be the '^ first principles of the order of God." I txn^t 1 shall be excused for commenting so much upon lay preachings when I shew that my ob. ject is to call the ferious attention of the Methodist conference to those chapels, becanse I am correctly informed, that they are regu. 'larly enroled as belonging to that socitty j and if so, I consider in a providential point of view, they have an especial claim upon them, and that it becomes their boundenduty to send ministers to take care of the people, and increase the flock; and if they could send such men as 1 have heard in their churches at Montreal and else- where, which 1 make no doubt they can, they would be confering a histing obligation : and if these remarks should lead to such an " " rejoiceand fe el rew a r d ed for my- c ■> at all speak with a biased "mind. I have formed my opinion from wh)|t I beard and seen; and, allhoogb, as I said before,. I am a la K i ■. I- ;• i .P^' member of the English tlitircli, l must say, I do not at all consider the preaching I have heard in it in Canada, or in the Scotch church, calculated to do the good in this country as the Wesleyan preaching does; which I made my duty to hear alwai«6ntllieSabbatjjt evenings, at Montreal ; and I always left with the impression, that the'^eacher waV« deeply concerried for the happiness and salvation of his hearers. And I am persuaded that those a^ the kind of men wanted in Gaspe Biiy ; and whether sent by the^ngUsh church or Methodist church, is of little cShsequence, so fhat^they are sent, and souls, many souls, " snatched as brands out of the burning." In addition to thpse French Methodist chapelfi the Brjtisli population have an opportu- nity of healing the Gospel, about twice and it may be occasionally' three times during the summer aid autumn months, from a clergy, mrih who comes from his place of^esidence, about fourteen miles off, where there is a small church at wtfteh he officiates ; but thfen it must be observed, he had the whole Bay under his carej and what good l.aidly could ne expect would be derived, from a ministry given* tliree or four times during the year. CJould ignorant minds imagine that the Gospjl was of sucti paramount importance to them, and that it was given to men to make them wiser and happier, both in time and in eternity, if it were administered so seldom by those to wIjH^ they h oked up to for instruction. It is far from my desire to find fault, but I v/iA I could see a more self-denying persevering spirit in the ministers of the Gospel, than prevails at present j be ♦'""g^thim laig^ liPHh-Ii itaW^ I here is, there must be a loud'^nTto^jr dipHbles, our ministi^r and such as have it in their power to render the required assistance * and I hope and trust it wilj not be withheld much longer, but that . '•-il •,r \: :Y,t \ A. -1'n> ^ ^i i- -.... 11 ■ / 18 \ they will listen to the inviUtion from Gaspe Bay^ ai well as other places equally neglected. ' " Come oveir and help us, in the name of the Lord." I believe the Bishop pf Que])ec would do all he could to forward so goo^ a work ; for 1 niake no doubt he must be iu some measure acquainted with the state of- thoke lower parts of Canada. I am sure, frojn what I have been informedi he is quite a man of God, and devoted to the good of the church. I have often attended bis ministry at the'Cathedral church, and haveVl ways felt much edified and comforted under his faithful and afiectiobate admonitions. 1 have stated, and I now make the sarnie statement again— if some- thing be not promptly done, in the way I pyopote, that igrhoraneeand vice will be on the increase. In the present generation, many of tl)e grown people have receiv^ some advantage^either in Europe or IbBje of the towns in Canada. In their youngW days they have beeifinstructed in the Chriifian feith, both in week-\tey schools and •Sunday schools; but their children, one and all, ari^growing up wiUwutthe least instruction, for here there are nd #chools of any kind, even' if they wished ever so much for them to be taught to read. What then can be expetAed of those children when they grow up to fill the different stations of life, when they become parents^ masters, or servants ? Because from infancy to riper year?, they have no op- pbrtunityat present of any one kind to inform aqd insttuct their minds, and by every example around them, they are taught to dis- pise and neglect the {eligion of the Gospel, and to desecrate God's holv day; therefore the consequences that wfll necessarily follow such a state of thinga/%iust be more deplorable in a reUgious point of view, than t am able to describe, if religion be of any valuf. I therefoie-hope. in addition to a stated ministry, that well established Sabbath schools will follow in its steps, for 1 am sure they are of the first importance for children. I caU them nurseries for tije church. I have made it my particular observation, that in all churches, both in Englandand Canada, where there are good Sabbath schools, there are sdre to be latge well regulated and attentive congregations. '7 CHAPTER IV. X I feel I have one more duty to jJlrform, which is to point out the \ielancholy effects of drinking spiritous liquors in every part of thi» ■^ .\ •\V : |d instruct th^ir B taught to dis- lesecrate Grod's cessarily follow iligious point of f any valu^. I well established they are of the I for t))e church. I cburches, both th schools, there igregation^. to point out the rery part of thi» 19. ooaqit, and ^ which is fostered and encouraged by the dealears in titose articlm. ^r trust I shall fys excused for becomii^ a bit pf an egotist. ti I intenol to point out the eflfect pioduced upon my feelings ntiile I was engaged in this abominable traflBc,and the cliatgelt ultimatelv ^iprought in Miy mind towards the total abitinence MOitiety! 1 once thought that society quite oppo^d to the spirit of the Gospel, and I felt I was acting in the ChHstian character to give my decided dppu- ^ sition to it, whenever a fiur opportunity was offered me; but i will say in' my own defence^ that I did it in ignorance and unbelief, as the Apostle did whfBn ha opposed the Primative church. Mucbui my dislike arose from the injudicious conduct and remaiks of some of its members;, but I have learnt to see that we may in the same manner, condemn the (Sospel of Christ altogether, if we were tu fui m our opinions of it by the conduct of some of its followers. Another thing which influenced my miiiu was, 1 never addicted myi>ell' tu drunkenness^ even when 1 had no religion to guide me, but ablioied and avoided such characters; and until lliVed in Gaspe, I never -was placed in a situation to leani out by experience the evil of sucli a trade. We know likewise that sm is very blinding to the mind of man, where great profits are to be made. It is by slow degrees we learn to see the sin of dealing in intoxioating liquurn, because in numy instances^ speaking in a worldly point of view, the stability of many a man's trade, depends upon his continuing to sell spirits of -various kinds. I therefore, am led to think, that scarcely any one will be induced to suffer those losses, which will arise in his business by abandbnjjBg the sale of them, unless be is influenced by the high- est principles and motives, the love of God, and the happiness of his fellow creatures. When I commenced trade in the general way, in this place, like all other dealers, I sold wines and spirits, wholesale and retail; and 1 confess it was some time before i was led to see . the sin I entailed upon others, and that J was in a measure respon- sible for their oonduc|»As long as I was ini'trumental in administer* ing to them the in^efucatin^ draught For a time my various avo- toKs aaro^cupatioi^s tuMi«d ffisiway nrom tietsirP^<'^^n atelyi[|Uii^t situation to learn out what 1 wa^uiltyof, because tiiis part of our business was entrusted to a servant, who conducted it in sudi r<=l*. X *ai --% 'm 20 1 If- ^;,'. .■I a maoner, as FOon to open my eyes and introduce me to such scenes of debui^cliery, as were quite revolting to any sensafHre mind, much more thel Christian mind. It happened on one. occasion, I wailed to the stire, where the spirjlfjEere sold, I there tftet with tvyo mett purchasiijig rum, one of which was iA an intoxicated stale; I ordered « the clerk not to sell him any, but I shall ever have reason to remem- ^ ber his re ply/ which led me to go away rather thoughtful— |he said I had no right to refuse him, beoauAe he was not a greater drunkard than the Uher man to v^bom some was then sold, and that I might \ as well ead with one ^hat I had. just ^gui) with the other. It was' almost in plain language telling me that I encouraged men in their drunken prae(ice$,-whioh to nie is ihost true» if we will but fairly iQok at the truth, particularly iw^spe Bay j because if spirits were not carried therQ by the mercplH^such men would never get intoxicated ; therefore, sin is at' the door of,those who persist in the sale of it, and y have mireli to answer for. But, notwithstanding such an occurrence as I have just related, I did not even ihencontinnetafeelon the siib^ , ject as I ought j it required some much more glaring things to pro- duce a more abiding impressiqn upon my mind, to induce me to act more decided. I remember another time, whetl returning honie Urom a p/ace, where I had been on business, I' passed a-man no great ' distance frommy hou^e, lying in such an intoxicated state, near the edge of a rQck, that heccwld not stand, and ''*^||m|f%'difs'er, ' he must have been killed upelipbe spot and his 8<>i^i^MHtt||> sum. 'monnedjto st^td Jiefore God, while in that'Stat4iU|i||re1lffitecount of those deeds done in the body." Ifelt an. it were horror struck, at 'the mart's situation, and uras deeply impressed with the crniviction, '^■>bat he'had becom Had tlwt man lust his life, was I not in a instrQt|yig|iyn bringtt)g about suuli a bmentabM catastro. j.1 I, hastenaniome full of thought, deeply convicted in my niind*^ that no real blessing could be expected, or happiness realized by those , wlm, for t h jLs al ie of ^hijLM^ d a ra top B rai s l in this t rafic, which produce such fearful consequence in a pl'ape. I from 1, to such tccnes re mind, much on, I wailed with tTf moB lie; I ordered , ion to remem- Ail— he said I Eiter driinkard I that I might ther. It was' men in their but fairly Ipok irits were not !t intoxicated; sale of it, and an occurrence el on the suIk things to pro- luce me to act uriiing honie -man no great tate, near the rer, he sum> :ount rror struck, at lie cenviction, at^ my store, ike in extep* was I not in a labM cata8t|-o. d in mv mind*^ s realized by :e..tQ,per s iat-w- place. I from , for bis.Holy 21 '§ ^ k ^'"^T^'^''^'^''''''-"''''^l^^^»»remy voice was heard, ancf mjy«*#t«DB up to his holy dwelling place.ev-gn untoheaven/' But « 1 «.a V '^''* ""'""ed. the reader could never imagine; but- JtJjM sure It was permitted in answer to my entreaty for instruc tfoinfBnion high. A fewnigirt* after this occurrence, a riotous raeetipg had taken place at a distanccvand Some of th6se men on %ir^tum in an intoxicated state, called at mv house about twelve o'clock at night, and conlinueclknocking until one of the men-SfST obhged to get up and open the door to lhf^;:::ttti ^ deman de^iquor ■ which wa.« refused for a long time, atiast tliev said, if they could not obtain it by fair means, they would use forces the consequence was, tl^ey were suppled, and from that time nothing would iiiduce theta to leave the house, so that, when I rose in the morning, 1 was "bliged*to witness one of the most debasing scenes of drunkenness which can be imagined with mine 6wn eyes. 1 will say no more I wuuld draw a v^ll over that >rt, if possible. I would blot it out ° of my recollection. Such wtefg my feelings at the time, that had no • one but myself been interested in,the remaining stock, I would have I'ouied it all upon the grqund, for 1 am stite it is one great invention toruin both body and soul-it is the devilV cup, hell w in it, the wrath of GTodis in h,, misery and wretchedness of every kind is in it, (he ruin of families is in it, it makes tendernTothers weep, it clothes poor chHdren in rags,, it makes tliemcrv for food, it stupifies 1m"****'**^°""* *''^ senses, it hardens the heart against every - thrtr|ood;thedrunkaid is a disgrace to society, and to our streeti •' man! in that state, is debased lower tt^an the brute beast; the husl imnj is callous, he treaty wirft contempt the entreaties of Iris wife and the ci ies of his cliildhen, he drownsand forgets all in the poison' ous^^raught. This I^ know, and am sure is all true. « Oh that men ' wise, tiiat they understood those things who h^th woe, who hath ' «orr nfb|^ souls of their fellow men, and all for the sake of this world's wishes, whidi the Aixistie declares to be "root of all evil," which, *' while some have coveted after they have erred from the feitb and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." Is it not then to be deplored that there are men professing to be followers of Christ, who persist in selling those soul-destroying inventions ? How can they pray — how can they read the Bible with any seriousness, and still continue* blind and infatuatiad, and go on from day to day disposing around them, that which has the very lineaments of hell in it, for it is the devil's umster-piece to entrap men, **and drown them in de- struction and perdition." I remember once going with a friend into one of ^hose grocery and spirit stores in Qud)ee, which I. am sorry to say abound in that place, and while there, a man, came in quite tipsy to purchase rum. I asked die young man how he could ven- ture tosell spirits to a man in that state? The answer 1 received was, that if be did not let the man have it some others would. 1 was in- formed afterwards by the gentleman with me, that the owner of the shop was a Wesleyan Methodist, and a dam-leader. Shidl I apply the worda of the Apostie to Timothy, to flee the love of money to \ -^ ■.^•w^ 23 erse it seems s out, " they en me, aad I tin." I have unilgroui^fls, riage feavt ia e^rd setup; • utiny. WJutt yoftbevnlie e tirash,made f IS said " to tieart of man, sit not; and odupe intoxi- iet the liquor len should be less, and im« f this world's evil," which, I the ftiitb and it not then to ers of Christ, How can they ess, and still ly dispmsing ell in it, for it I them in de- ll a friend into ch I. am sorry came in quite be could ven- received was. Id. 1 wasin- owner of the Shall I apply } of money to all professors of religion who deal in any ^indof liqiu)rs~"Oli man of God flee ihete things, and follow after righteousness,. godii newt;' faith, love, patience, meakai^; fight the good fight of fiuth^ lay hold of eternal life, whereunto thoii art so called." There is another powerful motive urged by Solomon, in the Proverbs, not taindulge in wine or strong drink ; and 1 think it may be applied to the diteon- tinuance of theaale of tbem, and particularly to christian professors— ** It is not for kiogi to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink, lest they drink and forget tbe law, and pervert the judgment of any of the affieted." And are not believers caU kiilgi and priests unto God ; . and is not Christ our eldec-brother, the prince of peace ? Surely'tbeii, it becomes us aa his duldren, ** to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts," and to abstain from intoxicating druska^ or for the sake of gain to be seen supplyuig the drunkard's cup. And do we not find that he who is the God|ff the New Testament as well as the Old Testament in a most especial manner pbt'/bonour upon, and blessed the bouse of the Rechabites for obeying the command of Junadab their &ther ? For they said when wine was set before them—" we will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, com- manded us saying, ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever; therefore thus saith the Iiprd of hosts, the God of Israel. Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever." Is there not then in the Bible, a blessing pronounced by the Lord himself, on that so^ie^y, whose cause I am striving in my own way to advocate, if it be iMmducted upon Gospel principles, and its members influenced by higher and greater motives, than merely saving their fellowmen from the practice of drunkennvss ; but to persuade them to become partakers of those higher enjoyments, which *' Christ is gone before to prepare for them that love him.*' Those men who first commenced the temperance and toUl abstinence societies, were better acquainted with theevils of dram di inkiog^jilian those who have, and now do oppose and ridicule them ; buf^Uow me to say, keep close to the Gospel.andbe'assured the Gospel will put ho- nour upon your exertions— makeit evident that the work is of God, and not of man— strive not only to lead men from the practice of drunk- enness to a life of temperance, but strive to lead them to become par- I' ■\ ■ --jiis'? 24 iakers of Christ's benefits, to drink into his spirit, to feed upon him- by faith, for he hath said,||' whoso eateth my flesh and drinJcetli my blood hath eternal hfe, and I will raise him up^ at the last day." May a blessing accompany what I have said, and may it lead many fo render their assistance to this society, whoseobjeetisto ameliorate the conditi(^n of mankind, and to reclaim to the bosom of their fft- I mili^s and/friends, those almost outcasts from society, the habitual drunkards. It may be seen, tliat as 1 have objected to the temper. ance society before now, when labouring under the conviction that Y ; it jvas injurious totheGospel; but being convinced from experience, that it is^eSeciing a great and saving reformation in every part of the world, where it is established, I now advocate its cause upte'^hris- ..'. tian principles; and I am sure, it is the best and safest way, if it has < the voice of God in its favoiir—^if the- truths of the scriptive can be j . advanced ft* its support. Who then shall be able to do it any mate- , ' .lial injury?! It ts true that those who are likely to suffer in their tVaft (such qs the distillers and dealers) may raise a hue and cry, like ' Uemetrious the silversmith (who made silver shrines to the goddess Diatva) did|(gainst the Apostle Paul, when he preached Chi ist to the r Ephesians/so that a great uproar was prudiic-ed, "some cried one thing, ana some another," but it availed notliinj^— it did not hinder the \)ro/penty of the Gross, for many were converted in that place, and Immt the *' knowledge of the true Gorl and Jesus Christ whom he bad sent.?' And I sincerely believe the temperance cause villi go oji and prosper, and many like myself, will be converted to those opi- ions, and will become its worm supporters and advocates. CHAPTER V. After tile representation of the irreligion, depravity, and ignorance %vliicb prevails in Gaspe Bay, and which 1 have hut faintly described, it may perhaps with some propriety be asked, how it was 1 did not take a more prominent and public pwt, and use ew.vy exertion to Fl/render all the assistauce in my power l|o inslruct the people, as I pro- fess^d when living in England to give lectures to the poor? 1 feel this a very delicate point to touch ubop— it requires to be liandled with great judgment to set up such a defence as will exonerate me, and satisfy the minds of others. For the step I felt most prudent ■■*^if Tp j ; i^r* ■'t'"'^;;^, *'i^*^5^«'5P?^»?w^^ >ed upon hinr drinJcetli my le last day." it lead many to ameliorate 9 of their fa- the habitual > the temper. Qviction that experience, Ty part of the e up|5a' ^hris- way.if ithas ptivecan be it any niate- iuffer in their and cry, like ) the goddess Chi ist to tiie me cried one id not hinder n tliat place, Christ whom cause villi go to thuse opi- tes. id ignt>rance tly described, as 1 (lid not y exertion to )ple, as I pro- poor? 1 feel 10 be iiandled xoiierate me, nost prudent 25 to Wk.; b„. I d. ,,„. think .rcer all I may ^y, tot the BritW, p.b. »rcond„« ,„ th„ ,e,p«t anl«s they we,^ belter ac,„lL .^th ^~««ry placenta Great Britaia. I trust 1 .ball not be conri. ''Hlf^ir ' "'''°"'" P«™'"'8 ^'"» of my fellow J^„ » ir t iTTr,'" """^ """ " -P-O"'-'-" i- a defaming «p.n., «r from ,1. for I co„,i,l.,, if ,|,eevil be not macle known the r.B«.y«,„oth.appli«,. I. mu^ftberefore be allowedZ" i,t •v.,yd,»,ren,thi.gto .peak „, obaracter .4t meanamay^l P%ed to effect a renovation, than when done merely „hh ^t tent,on to woand and injure the parti«, s. ,p„k.n of; ^^ ■ ' ^I? "r '■".""■"'■"•"""r of .be poached Ooapel anj .J^" l.g.o«, ,ns.r«.t,ons aecompanied with tbe moral renVvation the toUl " abM.«™ce aocety is eff^Ung (for 1 m„,t not omi, that aocieW) . great change may .oon be prpduoed. for w, know bum«, nature i. .be «me all overtte^orld. il «..„fo,edono. inbmd toconl'b^ "K m what I shall say. that tbe p«,pfe ip tho« place, .^e St wor^ than ,n England, but .ha, they only wan. tto^et^po^ o .mprovement which I f«,l Jesirouamaybe gi,en tbemf^or wl^ .Ne u„de».and,og „ enlightened by instruction, and parti^hrrH " cur,..„„,„stru«i„n.a great alteration wiil soon be made m«.iLt .««,» by .be cultivation of tbe mind, tb. alteraUon i, direcT^: ■ l..g . r and better thing,, and then the apirit «, mncb «,mpl.i„^ .f Ml II- begin to cease. / r «« wi , When 1 first took up my,residenc« in this place, and di8covei«I ...e wants of the inhabitants, I immediately offeL my ass^l^^ gn e the.„ the b^st instruction I was able, and to forward «,y oLi work which would in any way contribute to the reviral of momZ and religion ; and at tliat time, I felt aU the^ase and confidence in. magumble. that I should be aupported. And credit giren me for the' very best inlenlions ; but I bad yet to learn the difference of situation, and experience had not yet taught me this. It ,o l.pp.... ,^„,,^; ' v.. t - ' '•- * —- ^"' ^"~'' * w -•^W6'"h* ^ \: > ■■ , 26 ■ first few weeks of my residence, the French Methodist preacher, who is a Jersey-man, was absent from the place, consequently the eldfer one consented t. my having one of those chip^ls to give lectures al- S\" . temately with himsek and I was much plei^d to see that I always d^ew a full congregation; but at this very time that evil to which I ''have refered, was brewing, and only wanted to gain a Uttle more strength before it brokW out against me, in the same manner as 1 havr represented it did agaiSfst other men. But myprefession brought it upon me with double violence, because the man to whom 1 teve refered, on his return, was not backward in throwing obstacles m my way, which some of the people who were friendly to me imputed to ■ jealousy, because it seemed I drew alargercpngregation-.andat this time, I likewise found that those who became indebted to me in my commercial transactionsbeganto aspersemy character, from the same motives as they do other merchants, when they are unabte or not willing to pay their accounts, which is a subterfuge too fiiauy in this trade have recourse to. As an excuse for their conduct, seeing and feeling all tbis very keenly, and finding the opposition so strong at 1 last, not only from some of the people, but from this French preacher, ana even frbm the merchants and agents, I thought it much more be- coming of me. and more to the honour of religion I professed, to as- ; sume a moro retired character, and to confine my lectures to a room \n the house where I lived. I there allowed any one to come who felt disp6sed, and those lectures I continued up to the very day I left the place} and. although but few ever attended, which in a great pleasure arose from the situation, and the distressing indifference to religions things after the novelty of first hearing a stranger is over. But I can truly aflScm. Iliat in the absence of all the public services of the sanctuary. I often found^my soul refreshed when engaged in tbose private admonitions, as they may be so called - 1 felt God was thereto bless us, and to fulfil his promise, that " where two or three are gathered together in his name, he would be in the midstof them ;" and I likewise know for a cerUinty, that in those trying situations. - when we have no spiritual friend to consult and condole with us. we are led lo wrestle more in prayer, and t(»taak^ known our wants to that *' Inerkd who slickelh closet- than u bi other, and who is paaa^ "VWHi:* ^^'■^ ilier, who tlieeld&r ictures al- 1 1 always :o which I little more r as 1 havr n brought loittlluive icles in my imputed to and at this I me in my m the same Bibte or not lauy in this seeing and io'strong at ch preacher, chmore be- ;ssed, to as- ts to a room come who :ry day I left ;h in a great iiflTerence to nger is over, iblic services engaged in relt God was two or three Istofthemj" ig situations, with us, we our wants to who i» mo t&: ■:■■'■• 27 - -.■ ' ' f ' ' . ■ ready to hear than we are to pray; and whose eye is everywhere be- holding the evil and the good." He looks upon us in our privations; he observes our motives and intention^ ; he sees we are debased from the blessings of his house,, and the eommunion of saints ; he therefore wiU recompence those losses, by the more powerful com- munications of spiritual light and enjoyment in the soul, if we do but qeek him with all our hearts at those times. Let it then be ob- served, that this is the lesson the child of God will learn out, and which I hope wiU make a lasting impression upon my hearty that if by the leadings of Divine Providrace we are placed in thafsituation, where there is an absence of allflie public means of grace, the God of aU grace is not absent, but ever nigh to hear the prayer of faith. In the same way. if his minsters are absent, the Holy Spirit is iwt absent, but ever present to give the needful assistance, which shall lead us into all truth, ari^ bestowj those inward enjoyments, which shaUmore than compensate for the bss of all outward means, ot which the mere professor and church-going formalist have no con- ception—in a word, be sees our sincerity, because we have to jely tfpon the secret duties of religion alo^e, consequently there is nq deception going on, no exciting cause as may be produced irhere means abound, but God and God alone, is the supreme object of love, the exciting cause in our Virorship ; he sees the door closed, the knees bent, the uplifted eyes, the pouring out of the soul to him in the . spirit of adoption, and he will put honour upon it, he wUl openlv re- ward it ; he is the same God in tlie wild bush of Canada as in the populous cities of England,—" long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth-keeping mercy for thousands, and pardoning iniquitv, transgression, and sin," through the preciotis blood shedding "of. Christ upon the cross.' ♦ CHAPTER VI. There is another great injury to this place I must notice, a\d that is the indifference or opposition of the merchants and agenti who come here during the summer months for the sake of business ;\nd as they do not consider it their plaee of residence, ttiiey ve perfectly regaidless about any kind of improvement going on in any way, t\ better ihe mural coadillOn of the people; and I am sorry' to sav, it\ Til tt < 28 was too ofwa the case, that those who felt disposed to exert them- selves to dd good, became the object of their ridicule and scorn. We know everywhere " the natural mind is at enmity with godliness," * - but I never saw it so generally prevail as it does amongst those inen, i t was u n \ vprMa^fHtnout a single exception. I found my situation in busineraybrought great opposition from them, they carried it to such an extent, that in more instances than one, they laid themselves open to the law, had I /elt disposed to take advantage of it ; but I believe ] suflered more on account of my being an Englishman, for I liave discovered what I believe is but liXtleknown, that the native Jersey and Guernsey people have a rooted dislike to the English character, uhiclvis only made evident where numbers* prepbodei'ate, as they do (>very where about this coast. But I would comment with as much de-> . licacy as possible upon such proceeding^--! would striveto draw this -so{:iuie(i x^iih them ; and I say for the information of those who may in future be thrown amongst them, that the bearing of their geiimal cUg^iao er is such, a friendly distance is much the best, if they \vi>ii to esca^ie ttio- lestation, both in person and property. It was likewi>e JanHjn'utL^ie to a degree, to i^eeiiien calling themselves cluistians and ^eui!«-iiieii indulging constantly in tiie most frivolous 'censorious anacii.si:ustiDg conversaiiou in their leisure hours, so.that the working c' assess had the worst example set before them -by their superiors 'con>eq(ienlly tils circumstance incteafied, aud a{;giavated the prevailing evil, and par- ticularly requires iu my opinion, that regular urdaiued iiiinisteis tor the work should he sent, wlio^'would be perfectly inde()endeiit, and tiien lam not the least fearful of a good result j and until that desi- rable time arrives (which I am most anxious to hasten) not much good will result from lay preaciiing. Could I at all have been sup-. ported atid cotintenanc.'d by a minister, I should njt have retired v / exert tbem- scorn. We godliness," * it those inen, ' situation ia ed it to such nselves open but I believe 1, for I iiave lative Jersey lb character, B, as they do I as much de-> . I to draw this d conduct, I nen, which I id it difficult • 1 e ca'k'd a - me fioiji the oiild 1)1' dis- iociuleii HiiU in fill 11 re l)e cha^ia,.' er is ) eSCH^iC l!l(t- l;uiH:niiilar- ininisteiH tor tendeut, and til that desi- • a) not much •e been sup-, have retired ■ :.: . • -29.- ■ "■ ■■ ': ' ,- ■ ''-' * D.7«lf from giviog teci„res as I did, b«au« I codceive i. r,.!,. - "«.. which i. .together i„ tJlTI^^'Z T' °^""\ in the house „here I li.-H I „, , f ' ' «^" P"""'^ • commercial ma„" W 1 td ^ ""?' '"°™ '" P"""^ ""' " usi Hiey win be,|con{« at "r .ogether, .-'thi, i,L Go:i!" !;» SfT '"' 'f r"" '° »»'« " i» is the Lord, w. have ^ZT^^v ""' '" "'" and rejoice in hi. ^,^;J ""* ™'«l«"'I"n., w. will be glad. £:'€m^^''^^^^^,r^^ ?S"-J?S*ptj»' The profitsarisbg from tbe sale of the whole will be giTen towaidt the promotion of preaching, total abstinence meetings, and Sabbath schools, in a most destitute part, where drunkenness prevails to agreat extent; and where the protestant population, at present, have not am opportunity of he«^ tK Ge^l mere tbtn mee in three mondis. •r*- J*' ". ? Lj.-^^ ■^ a-.'^.SKM!% iven towards and Sabbath lilstoagreat it, have not lee^in tbre« 31 ODE TO GASPE. \ Oh ! God, to whom, I daUy pray,- Asaist me, m this humble lay ; lMph« «ny pen, inspire my verse, Whae thy goodn«» I rehearse. In Gaspe Bay, I write this theme, To honor God, in Jesu's name ; A God of grace, a God oflove, ^''^o ^«*« triumphant from above. ThiaGaspe, is a lovely place, ^ i^ddeck'd with nature's every g^cel • Vith sea, with mountains, lofty trees. While gentle zephyr's fims the breeze. The God of miture. here points to man. Says, learn a lesson, if you can ; ' Here miture's v^ice, proclaims his power But man, ibi^gets him every hour. Here too, theGod of grace 1^ doHT,. But,Oh!Ifearitistofix)wn; ^ ''"here. Oh! mehmcholy thought. The god of grace, is set at nought. tothisgweetptaoe,Oh! whatablot, \ Ihe sabbath day, i« quite forgot; Here men are idle, boys they phiy, \ And dnecnteb this holy day. \ KsaS'^Ssr'iiHwRs^sKassfei I?; ^, Here too, the tongue, t Mush to tell. It truly, set on fire'of ^11 ; Backbiters, scorners, all around, ^vrnj^ej to placfi^thej^do abound. The4^oice of prajrer, is seldom heard, Here men neglect, the sacred word ; They curse, they 8wcar» Hie Satan's reign, They daily take God's name in vain. Oh ! God, look down, on Gaspe Bay, And send us help, in this our day ; ^ " Oh ! send thy Spirit dowD and breathe, pu those dry bones, that they may live. ■ - ^ '^ ■' ■ ■.; "■■■ , A ^Pentecostal day, I pray, °. ' • I May yet iavor Gaspe Bay 4 '%!'*■ V And sinners thcii, will cry and rdai^'''^' . The God of mercy, to implore. The heart ia changed, the lifp is new. The god of grace, by faith-they view ; \ They humbly trust in Jesu's name, \ Aud mourn, and pray, and feel their sliame And then, how blessed will it be, For men, to dwell in unity ; To speak of God, and his dear Son, To fight, in faith, the prize is won. - * ' ' ' ■ ' In death, they look to Jesu's blood, And mount to glory, tod to God ; And there with saints, and seraphs sing, The wonders of our heave:ily King. Oh* Lordaccept, this tributary strain. Let not this pleading, be in vain ; Hear, these my breathings, from on high, And send salvation, from the sky. KEWPORT, JiOMllOCTHmiKi : PRINTIOBYE. 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