Motcombe

From the Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838

Report of the Sabbath School, with an account of the re-missioning work at Motcombe.

Dear Fathers and Brethren in the Lord. —Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We feel desirous again to present you with the annual report of our Sabbath school, and its sixth anniversary.  Like-wise an account of the re-missioning work at Motcombe.  And if you deem them worthy of publicity, they are at your disposal.  And we hope the blessing of the Great Head of the church will attend them to the benefit of many.  If this be the case, the end for which they were written will be answered; which may God grant for Christ’s sake.  Amen.

The School.  —  Through the blessing of God, we are brought through another year; and are thankful to the Divine Being that we are able to say that the school is in a state of prosperity.  To his name be the praise.  We attribute this prosperity, First, to monthly lectures, given by Bro. Paddison and others, to the teachers and children; on which the blessing of heaven has distilled like the dew upon the tender herb.

Secondly, To the united efforts of the teachers and other friends, who have nobly come forward with their influence, labours, and prayers, in supporting this excellent Institution; and, we bless God, we are increasing in numbers and influence.

The Anniversary. — Our sixth anniversary was held on Sunday, June 3, 1838. Brother William Paddison preached two powerful sermons, which produced a good effect. And twenty-seven of the children, having committed to memory various dialogues and other pieces suited for the occa­sion, recited them to the general satisfaction of the crowded au­dience. The power of the Lord was graciously felt; his Spirit was poured out; grace descended in copious showers, and the people felt the passing by of the Son of God. The collection far exceed­ed that of last year; and this was pronounced to be the best anni­versary we ever held. To God be all the glory.

The Tea meeting. — This was held on Tuesday, July 10, 1838.  It has been our custom for several years, to give annually to the children plum-cake and tea, to encourage them in learning, and to a strict attendance at school.  Many of our friends who are not teachers attended, and contributed towards assisting the teachers in defraying the expense.

The weather being warm, and so many attending, we held this meeting in Mrs. Chubb’s orchard, which she kindly lent for the purpose; and a large commodious booth was erected; and several of the children recited pieces; and Brothers Paddison and Rawlings, with several others, delivered appropriate addresses with good effect  The Lord was with us, and we had a blessed meeting.  And after tea, Bro. Paddison presented the children with their reward books, giving a suitable address to each; which proved a blessing.

This has been the best conducted tea meeting we ever held.  Every part of the time was filled up by pious conversation, with suitable addresses, intermixed with singing and prayer.  The Lord was powerfully present, and we believe great good was done.

Notwithstanding the various trials we have had during the past year, we are decided to go forward; for we firmly believe that every generation will improve upon that which has gone before, until the glorious Millenium be ushered in and the glory of God fill the whole earth, and all know the Lord from the least of them, to the greatest of them.  May the Lord grant that this prayed for period may soon arrive, for Christ’s sake.  Amen.

The Re-missioning. — We place this here, because, with the exception of a few individuals, it has been carried on by the Sabbath school teachers.  They, with a few others, feeling interested in the great work of the Lord, early in the Spring, took the re-missioning system into consideration.  And seeing, by the repeated accounts that came out in the Magazines, that it proved a blessing to the societies that adopted it, we immediately commenced; got a plan printed, and engaged in the noble work, fearless of storms, of rain, and of opposition.  We went into the streets, and other parts, and lifted up the blood-stained banner of the cross; and exhibited the crucified  Saviour; and, we believe, not in vain, for a quickening has taken place in the society, our congregation has greatly increased, and it has been a means of bringing the talents of the praying labourers into exercise.  We carry it on in open-air worship, with singing, prayer, praise, preaching, and exhortation, with suitable processions.  In every instance the great Atonement is fully set forth; likewise we offer a free, full, and present salvation, through and by faith.  It was also agreed that in every sermon or exhortation, the children should be taken notice of.  Indeed the children have taken an active part in this work, so they are worthy.

June 11, we held a meeting at Northend.  It began at nine o’clock in the forenoon, and concluded at twelve.  Mr. Paddison attended on the occasion, and we proceeded on the Camp meeting system.  A good company of people attended, and the good Lord accompanied the word with his power to the hearts of the hearers.  His Spirit was poured out on the praying companies; a great moving was felt among the people, and we believe great good was done.  So in this noble work we mean to go forward, for the pleasing aspect encourages us.  We feel that the right hand of the Lord is helping us; that we are rising in his favour; and that he will crown our labours with abundant success, and save immortal souls.  The salvation of souls is our aim, consequently we hope to see satan’s kingdom totter and fall, and the kingdom of Christ set up in the hearts of the people, that they may be prepared for time and eternity.

Concluding Remarks. — Finally, we hope that we shall be enabled more and more to attend to the words, “Preach the gospel to every creature,” and that not only in endeavouring to teach the rising generation the fear of the Lord, but also in the re-missioning, and in using every means in our power to bring forward the blessed work.  And as it is by works faith is made perfect, we will solidly labour for the Lord; and continually look for the descending of the grace of God, the outpouring of the Spirit; for we believe the more it is looked for, the more it will descend, the more fully will it be felt and experienced.

Now to him that is of power to stablish us according to his gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever.  Amen.

Signed in behalf of the Teachers’ Meeting, held August 14, 1838,

 

Samuel Butt, Secretary.

 

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 463-465.

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