Notwithstanding all the opposition that is made to some of our schools in this district, still there is every reason to believe that this opposition is useless, and, instead of the enemy accomplishing what he desires, it will by the blessing of God have a direct tendency to further the object it wishes to suppress, and strengthen the cause it aims to destroy. It appears to me that ignorance is already so far removed from the bulk of the peasantry, that every attempt to keep them from seeking instruction will prove a failure. It is evident to every one that makes a little observation, education is removing ignorance; and every attempt to stop its advancing progress will prove abortive, and from whatever persons it may proceed, will expose them to infamy and shame. However numerous may be our opposers, so long as we are pursuing the welfare of man in accordance with the principles of divine truth, whatever difficulties we may have to contend with, we need not be held in suspense with regard to the issue. May it be our concern to pursue our course in the spirit of Christians, then our feeble exertions will have the approbation and blessing of God! "And who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good?"
With this you will also receive the journals of the inspectors and sabbath readers. I hope that the Lord is blessing their labours in leading sinners to the knowledge of the truth, in promoting the doctrines of the gospel, and the advancement of his own glory. Many of the people are beginning to feel anxious to read the Scriptures for themselves, and to feel the importance of taking them as their only guide; and, whilst there are some that implicitly lean to the authority of the priest, there are others who reject the traditions of men, and claim the indisputable right of judging for themselves in matters that relate to the salvation of the soul, and the glory of God.
During the present month, besides supplying at Ballina on the Sabbath during Mr. Allen's absence, I have visited several places in the country, and hope to visit them as often as I possibly can. The preaching of the gospel, accompanied by the blessing of God, like the waters of a mighty river, bears down all before it; and Jehovah has promised that it shall rise and expand, like the waters of the deluge, until it cover the whole earth, and universally prevail. A few Roman Catholics have attended preaching since I came to reside in this village. May the Lord give me wisdom and understanding that I may be wise to win souls to Christ, and more grace that I may be more devoted to his service!
Your's &c.
J. Bates.
To the Rev. J. Bates.
Easky, Mar. 30, 1835.
Since my last letter I travelled through parts of the counties of Latrun and Sligo, earnestly endeavouring as usual, by reading, conversation, and expounding the Scriptures, to promote the design of our Institution among my friends and acquaintances.
Within one mile of Dromahare, I entered the house of an old woman of ninety-eight years, with whom I had often-times before conversed, on the doctrine of justification by faith; when she understood I had arrived, she sent for me, stretched out her hand, and said she was happy to see me before death would call her away. I told her I was sorry to see her so low, but as it was the will of the Lord, we ought to be resigned to his will. I asked her what her dependance was? Her reply was, In Jesus Christ alone, and that she had derived great comfort from reading some tracts I had left her, the last time I was with her; I said to her, "Have you never done any thing to please God?" "O no, Sir, I was too long of that opinion, and through hearing you, and reading the parts of the Scriptures you pointed out to me, I am persuaded that all the power and the glory is the Lord's." I was rejoiced to find so great a change in this poor woman, and endeavoured to point out to her the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. I read several chapters of the word of God, and prayed with her. I conversed and read with many Protestants and Roman Catholics during my journey, as well as in the neighbourhood in which I live; many of them will pay great attention, while others think they are not safe to hear me read the Scriptures.
F. Irwin.