| In the sequestered parish of Cadeleigh nearly surrounded with hills, lies a small village called Little-silver, the inhabitants of which, as well as those around them a few years since, were noted for ignorance and wickedness; habituated to nearly all kinds of rural games and mtemperate habits. Their spiritual destitution was great, being left without any one to cultivate their minds, or to instruct them in those things which make for man's spiritual and everlasting, welfare. Some twenty years ago, I understand, the minister who then officiated in the Established Church, would cordially unite with them in their drunken frolics, instead of doing "the work of the evangelist," and showing thereby that he was one of the true "successors of the Apostles." This individual is gone from his post, and a far more christian-like one succeeded him. Well would it be if those who manifest such strong attachment to the established church, would secure for themselves ministers who would honourably discharge their duties and save them from so much merited disgrace. About six years ago, one of our much respected friends, who was then a local preacher with us, went out from Tiverton, from which Cadeleigh is about three miles distant, and preached to them "the unsearchable riches of Christ." Many flocked together to hear what this new doctrine was, some of whom formed a favourable opinion of the preacher and his doctrine, while others thought it was better to treat him, and the gospel which he preached, with contempt; but God accompanied his word with power, and caused some to feel it to be "sharper than any two-edged sword," piercing to the innermost thoughts of their hearts, awakening their minds to such things as previously they had had no knowledge of, and forcing from them the Publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner." This place was soon taken into the Exeter Circuit, and regularly supplied with preachers, who had the pleasure of seeing their labours crowned with success. One of the largest land proprietors in the parish became favourable to these Dissenters, and soon erected a chapel in the above mentioned village, in order that our preachers might therein administer the word of life. The blessing of God accompanied the word preached, sinners wawere converted, and a little church was speedily formed, the members of which I found united among them something more than two years ago. This union and prosperity continued to increase, and the members became more lively, so that they frequently "Praised God with joyful lips;" but towards the latter end of June, 1842, the owner of the chapel manifested his disapprobation of the lively meetings we then had, closed the chapel door against the Bible Christian Preachers, and invited our respected Brethren the Independents, who it would appear, stood ready to accept the invitation. God, in his mercy, has, however, made provision for us to continue our labours. Homes were found for the messengers of mercy, and a house also in the same village, into which the little church could immediately repair. For these openings, the writer would here tender his unfeigned thankfulness to God and to those kind hearted friends, who have so nobly stood by us, and the cause of our Redeemer in this time of distress. It is not difficult to account for this attachment; these friends had derived unspeakable benefit through the blessing of God on our ministry, and rather than we should leave them, they would bear inconveniences, and endure persecution. Being expelled from the chapel, we commenced our meetings in the dwelling-house, which was but small, and consequently not well adapted for such a purpose; but God frequently revealed his mercy to us while assembled there, to the quickening of believers, and the conversion of sinners. It was obvious however, that in order to proceed with the good work another house or chapel was necessary, and it was not long before several pounds were promised towards the expenses of building another chapel. We resolved to build if land could be procured; which after much exertion was done. The foundation stone of this building, which is 26 feet by 17 1/2 within, was laid on Thursday, Feb. 23rd and was opened for Divme service, on Friday August 18th, and the opening services were continued on Sunday 20th, on which occasion five appropriate sermons were preached; three by Br. James Thorne, and two by Br. Thomas Brook. Large congregations attended the opening services, much of the divine influence was realized, and a soul or two were converted. The collections accounted to GBP 13, which was beyond our expectation, when taking into consideration the obscurity of the place, and the opposing influence with which we have to cope. Many whose hearts are with us, are bound by their superiors to keep from assembling with us; to the dishonour of those who can act thus in such an enlightened age, be it spoken. May their error speedily be discovered by them. Through this medium, the writer, and the church here, beg to offer our gratitude to those christian friends, of different denominations as well as those of our own, who came from many miles around, to attend and help by their contributions at the opening services of our little Bethel. We hope to have their further assistance by sharing an interest in their most fervent breathings to the throne of the heavenly grace. May peace and prosperity be enjoyed through tje length and breadth of the Redeemer's Kingdom, is the prayer of the writer. J. Gammon. Cadeleigh, September 4th, 1843. |