_To_ Rev. J. ALLEN.
_Ardnaree, Nov. 11, 1834._
Rev. Sir,
I am happy to inform you that many instances present themselves in this
part of the country, of persons forsaking their former wicked course of
living, and giving themselves to the study of the Scriptures, and that
through the instrumentality of the Baptist Institution; persons who, if
left to themselves, in all probability, would have lived and died
ignorant of a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
On the 23rd, ult., I went to the neighbourhood of Castlebar, among our
schools. In that part I read and talked to many of the inhabitants
regarding the "one thing needful;" left the persons with whom I thus
read and conversed, religious tracts as usual. M. M'Kelvey, with whom I
had several conversations regarding the ordinance of baptism, intends
to offer himself as a candidate to the Ballina Baptist church soon.
We have great cause for thankfulness that the Lord is pleased to grant
us so many favourable opportunities of reading and explaining his holy
word to our countrymen and fellow-sinners, being aware that if they knew
the truth the truth would make them free.
In the neighbourhood of Foxford, I have strove to be useful,
particularly in Shrakum, had a seasonable opportunity of reading
applicable portions of the Scriptures in the hearing of many persons,
young and old, who answered their various questions respecting religion;
we also joined in prayer. The people then present seemed to be satisfied
with my answers to the questions which they asked on several occasions.
There are three new places in which I frequently read the Scriptures
in this neighbourhood, namely, Rakep, Caltrough, and Bunzee; in all
those places I read portions both of the English and Irish Testament,
diligently endeavouring to draw the serious attention of my various
hearers, as usual, to the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
There is a man of the name O'Donell in Hill-street, Ballina, to whom I
have given a Testament some time ago; he comes to your preaching, and
does not care for either priest or pope, for so doing. On the 7th
instant, went among our schools in the Tyrarough district; remained in
Easkey two days; met and had conversation with many of our Christian
friends there. May they daily receive all needful grace and strength
out of the fulness that is in Christ Jesus!
There is a man and his wife that lately came to live in this town; she
is a nominal protestant, but he is a papist, they frequently come to my
house for the purpose of getting religious instruction. They were with
me on Saturday last, at which time I read several applicable portions of
the Scriptures to them, and also answered their questions respecting
religion, from the criterion of truth. They both can read. I have given
them several useful tracts, and a book entitled, "The Errors of Popery."
I intend to visit them often, and they promised to attend your
preaching. I hope these visits to my home, with the blessing of God,
will be the means of directing them to the Saviour, who alone is able
and willing to save to the uttermost all that put their trust in him.