SYDENHAM. Sydenham, 14th Sept. 1853. Dear Brother,-The re-appearance of the "Christian Sentinel" is to us back here very cheering. Our people on this circuit are in principle New Connexionists, and are very anxious to advance the cause of religious liberty and equal rights; generally poor, but pious and willing to encourage the advancement of our principles. Since Conference we have had several meetings of a very refreshing kind. At two quarterly meetings held in July, and two full meetings on Sundays, many attended and received much good. At each of our appointments the work of the Lord seems to prosper, and with few exceptions, our members are advancing in practical piety; evidently striving to fulfil the law of Christ. We have extended our limits, and taken in several new preaching places; we have over 150 members now, and there are indications of prosperity, very encouraging indeed. Travelling is exceedingly laborious, as settlement is formed beyond settlement, year after year, and in such situations in the deep distant woods, our fellow creatures, if not looked after by the Christian missionary, soon forget themselves, and appear as if they must be poor, ragged, and ignorant. Frequently after a long day's ride we find a few friends assembled in a shanty so solicitous to hear the Word, that refusal to visit them is next to impossible. Let those who are at ease in Zion, in every way privileged, sympathize with the preachers and settlers in this new, but destined to be a great, country. Yours, &c., J.'BASKERVILLE. DUNHAM. Dunham, 25th Nov., 1853. Dear Brother,-Some time having elapsed since I wrote to you, I thought perhaps it might be well to pen a few lines relative to this section. During the present fall I have travelled, with the exception of Stukely circuit, through this entire district. I find nothing particularly worthy of note except what you have been advised before. I believe the preachers are all doing what they can to promote the interests of the Connexion, but in my opinion there are causes which militate against our exertions in this district that will never be overcome with our present mode of operation. We occupy for the most part the back places, while other denominations fill the towns and villages, and these having a general command of the whole, we are placed in a disadvantageous position. If we had a sufficient number of suitable ministers, and could take possession of some town and village stations, I see no reason why we might not advance as a denomination. We have our parsonage complete-have this season built a nice barn-enough to pay for the whole, and deeded to the Connexion-have taken up some new and important appointments-have some prosperity-much cause for humility. I had a good visit on Bolton circuit, excellent missionary meetings; they have paid off, or nearly, their long dreaded parsonage debt. I visited Stanstead circuit, and spent nearly a week there-found some of the friends and brethren still firm to the Connexion, though without a preacher-found the other circuits much as usual. Yours, with kind regards, Rev. J. H. Robinson. BOLTON CIRCUIT. East Bolton, Nov. 28th, 1853. Dear Brother,-You will doubtless feel anxious to hear something concerning us in Bolton. I therefore submit to your consideration, the following items of information:-As it regards the subscription for a chapel in Montreal, we have not done any thing. This may be regarded by some as culpable negligence. But a little attention to the following particulars will serve in some measure (if not to fully justify us) to mitigate the punishment due to our crimes. You are well aware that when I came to this circuit there was a debt of one hundred dollars due on the parsonage house and lot. We had not a scrawl of writing to show by what authority we occupied the place. Reports were in circulation that it was offered for sale; and no wonder after the proprietor had waited about eight years for his pay. We had now arrived at a period in the history of this debt, when something must be done and done quickly. It was proposed at first to hire the money and pay the debt; upon a second consideration it was thought best to set about paying off the debt at once; as the interest on hired money would increase it every year. Accordingly we commenced, both men and women. A Ladies' Sewing Society was organized in June, consisting of about twenty members, each person who joined paid a quarter of a dollar, the required sum of admission to membership; this formed a capital, for which they procured a few goods; they met once a week through the summer, and sewed diligently all the afternoon. When we settled up on the 8th ultimo, the net proceeds of this society amounted to thirty dollars. We also raised by subscription sixty dollars and three quarters: the greater part of which was obtained from persons who had subscribed liberally when the house was built. We paid the proprietor of the premises ninety dollars and three quarters on the 8th ult., and took a bond for a deed, when we pay the remainder, which we have bound ourselves to do by the first of March next. I might also add, that we have got the land surveyed and the buildings insured this summer at a cost of about eight dollars and a half. We have contracted with a man for about eight or ten dollars worth of fence timber, to be delivered on the premises this winter. So now you can see what we have done and what we have to do, and that the small sum of 25 or 30 dollars will bring the Connexion into the possession of a good house, stable and shed, and five acres of land, covering all expenses of insurance, surveying, deeding, and partly fencing, though not so much as is necessary. I have had some expectation that after the facts of the case were laid before you, you might consider us worthy of a little assistance; if there was any source at your disposal, from which you could help us to 15 or 20 dollars, it would be thankfully accepted. Only think of it -a house, stable and shed, with five acres of good land in a pleasant locality, commanding a beautiful prospect of the waters of Magog lake, on which a steamboat plies twice a-day in the summer season, from the head of the said lake to the outlet thereof, a distance of 28 miles, and crosses the lake twice a day within a short mile of the parsonage house, situated on a stage road, and supplied with water from a never-failing spring. All circumstances considered, we feel no hesitation in stating that in a short time the Bolton circuit will be able to vie with our western circuits as far as it regards a comfortable residence for a preacher. We have held our missionary services last month. Subscriptions are in advance of last year, notwithstanding the failure of the crops, which, in some respects, have not averaged half what they were last yearnamely wheat and potatoes. As it regards spiritual things, they remain about as usual, perhaps in some respects there is a little advancement made. We have aided in establishing two more Sabbath Schools this summer, which seem to be doing well. We intend to make use of some extra means in the course of the winter which we hope will be attended with success. We should have been glad to respond to your appeal for the chapel in Montreal, but at the time the documents arrived we were holding our missionary meetings a little time previous: we had strained every point to pay the parsonage house debt, the friends that I consulted did not seem to think that it was best to make any effort at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, Í remain, Dear Brother, LONDON. [FROM MR. ROBINSON TO THE London, Canada West, My dear Sir, I have abstained from writing anything for the Notices for some time, because I was afraid I was obtruding myself and my doings too much upon the attention of the good friends at home, and crowding out other matter which ought to be in the Notices. Perhaps the time has now come when I ought to resume my pen, and I assure you I do so with pleasure, for it brings me over the sea again, and I feel as if speaking face to face with those I love and shall never cease to love while I have my being. It is winter with us-a cold, sharp, biting time it is: but wonderfully exhi larating is a good Canadian winter.There is little rain, scarcely any fog, plenty of snow, a steady frost, which however bites terribly sometimes. how the merry sleigh-bells jingle in the streets. The horses dance about as if they were all young again, and snort as if they were about to enter a battle field. This is the time to shew their mettle, and every horseman, and especially every horsewoman, feels proud of the noble animal which paces so rapidly on the smooth snow, and beats all competitors. Doubtless there is many a smash, for everybody's horse is as wild as your own, everybody's spirits as buoyant, all equally anxious to dash away at full speed-and collisions, upsettings, and break-downs are common. This year, however, we have had a John Bull's winter-a sulky, drizly, variable time. Snow one day, rain the next-then severe frost for three daysthen thaw, and so on all through the season. "Bad sleighing" is in everyone's mouth. This seems to trouble us more than the "Eastern question," or even the rise in "breadstuffs," which to the poor sons of Levi is becoming rather serious. But I may not continue in this strain, but come to details. Nov. 6th.-I visited the Welland Canal Circuit, to hold missionary services. The journey was pleasant. The winter had scarcely set in, the roads were not as yet broken up by the rains which usually precede the setting in of frost. I preached three times on the Sabbath, and attended four meetings during the week. We had some good times, and moderate collections and subscriptions. Nov. 13th.-Proceeded from Welland Canal to Hamilton, to preach missionary sermons, this day. We had a good congregation, and moderate collection. No arrangements had been made for the services during the week, owing to the sickness of the preacher; so on Monday the 14th I returned home, having appointed the missionary meeting for a future day. On arriving at home I found my horse nearly destroyed by wounds on the hind legs, occasioned by running away with Mrs. R. who had taken him out with the buggie to visit the female prisoners in the gaol. The harness broke, and the horse galloped about the city with the iron whippletree dangling at his heels, until he had completely exhausted and lamed himself, so that he could scarcely move at all. Mrs. R. was not hurt, for the horse broke away from the carriage, and left her and it in the street. I remained at home preaching in Toronto and Yorkville, for four weeks; at the end of which time I had arranged to commence the winter campaign of missionary work, which would take me from home for ten Sabbaths in succession. But in the middle of Decr. I received a communication from the Hamilton Circuit steward, stating that that station was vacant, the preacher, Mr. Howard, having resigned his charge through ill health. Next day I started off to Trafalgar to see a supernumerary preacher, to supply some station from which Í could get a preacher to supply Hamilton. I found he could only preach occasionally, and I was obliged to undo all my plans for the winter, and take Hamilton myself for a month or six weeks, until some permanent arrangement could be made. Every Sabbath's supply has cost me 100 miles travelling in the coldest season of the year, and I have travelled not less than 1000 miles, in supplying Hamilton, and seeking supplies for my own appointments, in the period of six weeks. The work, as it now stands, is a positive cruelty to myself, or to any other man who might be in my place. The want of agents imposes labours and anxieties which would break down any man in the world. I am not at home half my time, and when at home, I find an accumulation of business which occupies me from morning to evening, without affording any opportunity for study, or preparation for the pulpit. Jan. 2nd, 1854.-Proceeded to London to-day to consult with Mr. M'Clure and the London friends about his taking the Hamilton Station; happily both parties consented, and Mr. M'Clure goes to Hamilton, and thus this breach is supplied. Jan. 4th.-Returned from London, and came to see Mr. Kershaw, to get him to supply my place in the Owen Sound district, as the Missionary deputation, Mr. M'Clure's removal to Hamilton, having thrown the Missionary work of the London district on myself. Mr. K. consented to go, and here again the way is made plain before us. Jan. 7th.-Preached in Hamilton this day to a good congregation, and had a good time among the people. Jan. 8th.-Returned home and found all well. Occupied a few days in preparing to go to London, which place I reached on the 24th. My horse has been unable to travel since his accident, and I have had to go by steamer and stage. The new railway from Hamilton to London is at length completed, and the comfort of it, the saving of time and expense, which it secures to persons who, like myself, travel frequently in this district, will make it a great acquisition to the country. Jan. 26th. Preached to good congregations in our chapel in London this day; and remained in London all the following week, visiting the friends, and taking part in the religious meetings occurring during the time. On the 5th of Feb. preached the missionary sermous here, and on the 6th we held our annual missionary meeting in the chapel. The attendance was good, the feeling enthusiastic, the collections good, and there is a promise of more being done this year than last, although last year the very handsome sum of £80 was raised towards our mission fund. Feb. 7th.-Attended a missionary meeting at Hall's Mills. It was held in a school house. The place was full. Mr. Hall took the chair-the London choir attended, and we had an excellent meeting. Collections and subscriptions in advance of last year. Brother Savage and myself borrowed Mr. Plummer's old horse "Billy" and the cutter. We went pleasantly enough to the meeting, but on our return we were upset and both of us tumbled in the snow. Mr. Savage drove the horse rather out of the track, which was difficult to see in the night, and we soon found ourselves on a bank with one side of our cutter up and the other down, and both of us were soon pitched on our heads in the snow. Poor "Billy" set off full gallop with the empty cutter at his heels, but his fright seemed to paralize his limbs, and fortunately for ourselves he fell down on the road before he had proceeded far. We found that he had broken the shaft of the cutter by his fall. The difficulty was how to repair it. I got a piece of stick from a branch of a tree, and we found that we had three pocket-handkerchiefs between us. These we twisted as ropewise as we could, and tied them round the stick and the shaft so as to splice it in the best way we could. Thus we came to London, where we arrived at 1 o'clock in the morning. Feb. 8-Went to Nissouri to hold a meeting there. This place is eight miles from London. There is a good logchapel, which was well filled with people, and we had an excellent meeting. This little society will contribute about £7 this year to our missions. Feb. 9th.-We proceeded from Nissouri to Blanchard. The distance is about twenty miles. and we arrived in the village of St. Mary's about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Brother Oates had obtained the loan of the Presbyterian chapel, a large, though unfinished building, and in this place we held the first missionary meeting we have had in the place. A Presbyterian gentleman occupied the chair, and here also we had a good meeting. I was very favourably impressed with the location and prospects of this village; and I determined at once to secure a lot for a chapel and parsonage in it. Providentially Mr. Ingersoll, who owns the chief part of the building lots in the village, was here at the time. The day after our meeting I had an interview with him, and he kindly gave us one lot, and sold us another at a reduced price. I paid him down the cash and can have the deed anytime. Here, then, in another important centre of population, we have secured land for a good chapel and parsonage, and we shall soon have both. If I am spared till summer, I will get a lot in Stratford and Goderich. I can only express my regret that, as to Goderich, this has not been done years ago, for now we shall have to pay ten times as much for one as it would have cost then. Feb. 10th.-Went six miles to another meeting-very good attendance and collection. Feb. 11th.-Came twenty miles with Brother Preston to the London North Circuit, where I was to preach twice on the Sabbath. Excitement, loss of sleep, and cold, brought on a complaint with which I have been frequently attacked in this country; and spent a sleepless and painful night on Saturday. However, I rose on Sunday morning, and a friend took me to my appointments, which I managed to get through, though with great difficulty. I had 300 people to hear me on Sunday evening, which in the country places is a large congregation. Feb. 13th. Returned to London to Mr. Plummer's comfortable and hospitable abode. I have had two nights refreshing sleep, and I am quite recovered from my recent attack. This day, the 15th, I start for the Howard Circuit, where I expect to remain till the 21st, and attend five meeetings, then to St. Thomas to attend four more. On the 26th I am to preach again in London; and on the 27th to return home to get out the 3d number of the "Evangelical Witness." I shall not have seen my family for six weeks at the time I finish in London. I return to London again in time for the 12th March-stay three Sabbaths, then home again, and so on till Conference. What we shall do then for supplies our Heavenly Father only knows. Every where the work is progressing, but we are critically situated as to our CENTRES, and to adapt our scanty supplies to the urgent wants of these is a source of constant and painful solicitude as well as of oppressive toil. I remain, dear Sir, Affectionately yours, J. H. ROBINSON. Rev. T. Allin. [SECOND LETTER FROM MR. ROBINSON TO THE SECRETARY.] Toronto, March 4th, 1854. My dear Sir,-After I wrote my last communication for the Notices I proceeded to the Howard Circuit to hold Missionary Meetings. I went by our new railway to Chatham, at which place I was met by brother H. Wilkinson, who, the day after my arrival at Chatham, drove me to his Circuit. The Country all around Chatham is I think the richest part of Canada-certainly the richest I have seen; it is in fact the Lincolnshire of Canada. The country is one unbroken level, the soil strong, as is indicated by the magnificent timber it produces; but, like all flat countries, it is difficult to drain it, and hence ague is prevalent at present in the district. This disadvantage is however mitigated as the clearing goes on; and in a few years I have no doubt the country will be as healthy as most parts of Canada. The soil being clay, and not a stone to be found for miles, or a pine tree to mend or make the roads, I hardly need remark that they are horrible. frost was very keen when we left Chatham, and the clay fixed into rough hard lumps all the way, so that we could only drive about three miles per hour, for fear of a break down. At five in the afternoon we arrived at our destination, a part of the road was so slippy with ice, and our horse not properly sharpened, The that we had to lead him for fear of his coming down. I walked for a considerable distance on my hands and knees, for I could not stand on my feet, and having my buffalo coat on and my fur cap, I suppose if a bear had met me he would have taken me for his half-brother, and quietly let me pass as one of the fraternity. I spent four days on the Howard Circuit, and preached five times. The friends were very kind, and gave me the best they had, but I shall not regret to find the next time I go that some of the houses are transformed into a warmer character. From Howard I proceeded to Ekfrid, which, like Howard, is a comparatively new country, and, were it not for Missionary labours, I know not how the gospel would ever have reached the people. Here I spent four days, and attended five meetings. The meetings were good; an excellent feeling prevailed in them, and we had an advance on our last year's funds. When brother Savage and myself were driving to a meeting on this Circuit we were assailed by one of the most fearful storms I have seen in Canada. The wind blew a perfect hurricane, the snow, drifted by the violence of the wind, blinded us for many minutes together, so that we could not see to drive. The howl of the storm was heard in all directions in the woods through which we were driving; large trees were snapped like rotten sticks, and fell around us in various directions. During a journey of eight miles two large trees fell right across our path, and we had to dismount and move as much of them as we could, to make a way for our conveyance. The frost fixed the snow wherever it fell about the face and ears. We soon got a muffler of solid ice round our chins, and from our ears, and from every straggling hair about our faces lumps of ice were suspended. My blood was frozen chill, and when I arrived at my destination, and began to warm myself at the fire, I felt like one intoxicated, from the disturbance of the temperature of the blood in the head and the heart. However, a gracious Providence delivered us from our perils, and we had a good meeting in the evening. Having finished my work in the township of Ekfrid, Caradve, and Adelaide, I came to the junction in the St. Thomas Circuit to hold a Missionary Meeting; but here my strength failed me, and I had to return to London without attending the meeting. I arrived in London on the 24th February, preached there on the Sabbath, returned home on the 27th, and arrived there on the 28th, after an absence of five weeks. Here I remain ten days, then off again LANSDOWN CIRCUIT. Lansdown, Feb. 23, 1854. Dear Brother Robinson,-It is high time I had forwarded to you some distinct account of the success that has attended our protracted efforts upon this Circuit. We were favoured with many indications of God's good will concerning us during the summer of the past year, such as increased and increasing congregations,-" Refreshing seasons coming down from the presence of the Lord," upon preaching, class, and prayer meetings-confidence in their minister, and a desire to see still better days, with a willingness to pray and labor for a revival of religion on the part of the people. We therefore determined as soon as possible to lay in the sickle, believing for, and expecting to reap a bountiful harvest. Nor have we been disappointed. We prayed God to direct us in our movements, and then closely watched the workings of Divine Providence. We were led we believe providentially, to what is called the Moore's settlement. Two deaths had occurred quite lately in this neighbourhood, both producing their effect upon the people, though that of the one was quite opposite to that of the other. The one was the child whose memoir I have forwarded, the other a person with whom I was not acquainted. The death of the one, and the sermon preached upon the occasion, apparently prepared "the way of the Lord." The other, on account of the faithfulness with which the truth was preached, appeared to close the hearts of the people against your unworthy servant, and of course, against the doctrine he might preach. Satan entered the field before us and determined to prevent any thing being accomplished. Men's minds were agitated, foolish tales, hard threats, &c., went round the neighbourhood, some feared, others prophesied our effort would be a failure. But some knew and felt otherwise. Under such circumstances, nothing daunted, we commenced operations, preaching, &c., every night in the school house, and prayer meeting every afternoon, whenever we could find an open door, which at first was not an easy matter. On the second night penitents came forward to the anxious seat, and thus the work fairly |