From Paul Robins in Bradford, Devon, to [his brother] Matthew.
Matthew's third letter since he [Matthew] received Paul's proposals, arrived last night with several others. He has only just now had the opportunity of reading it - he opened it and after he saw what it was about, put it to one side until after he had read the rest of the mail.
He is grateful for the careful way in which Matthew looked into the proposals and he intends to examine more fully the amendments which his brother suggests. Paul's lack of opportunity to do so, occasioned the failure to reply to Matthew's first letter. He is still unable to give detailed consideration to Matthew's recommendation regarding the children of the preachers. At first sight it would appear to represent an improvement on the present situation but he must give it more thought.
The proposals are aimed at having a stimulating effect on people and preachers, `therefore the preacher will have only the circuit to look to for his salary for the time being', unless the Conference chooses to make a grant to meet a shortfall. If the Conference cannot make a grant sufficient for the need, the members of the circuit must either exert themselves or cover the debt.
Paul intends to adopt Matthew's amendments to the 8th and 9th proposals.
In reference to proposal 1 on `Miss Regs'[Home Mission regulations], Paul is of the opinion that `if £100 is granted the 1st year, it shall be reduced to £90 the second; then there shall be a new grant made of more or less according to their necessities, as some stations will require more then others according to their peculiar circumstances. Say in one case the grant the 3rd year, may be £100 again in another case it may be only £80, £70, £60 etc according to their peculiar necessities. And the grant and reduction be made every alternate year for 10 years if required'.
He also intends to alter Proposal 2, to reflect his feeling that mission stations should be made into circuits as soon as is practicable.
Paul intends to present the proposals with amendments at the next Conference. He has consulted with a few of the brethren and was encouraged by them to proceed. The President has asked him to make the proposals as perfect as possible and to write on the matter to each district preacher, although Paul does not know if he will have time to do that. Matthew may consult William Reed and if he thinks it proper, he may also raise the matter at the District meeting. Paul is not desperate that his bill be carried if a better one can be introduced. He is however convinced that it is time that steps were taken to put the Connexion on a firmer [financial] footing.
Paul gave a copy of his proposals to [James] Thorne, who later told him that he had quickly looked at it but expressed no further opinion.
He has also suggested some amendments to the rules of the Preachers Fund and would advise his brother to do the same. He supposes that the minority must go along with the majority respecting any alterations `or lose what they have subscribed'.
It will give them great pleasure if Matthew could visit them before the Conference. If he travels by van or coach he might come on to Woodford Bridge, which is about four miles from Shebbear.
Anne and Sampson have been absent for three weeks. She consulted with Dr Budd of Plymouth, who told her that Sampson's affliction is constitutional. He also advised them that he should wear flannel drawers and shirt, go to bed and rise early, have as much fresh air as possible, take off all the bandages from the face and drink porter. They have been almost a fortnight at Polperro and Anne's sister Mary intends to return to Plymouth tomorrow and see Dr Budd again, but when they will return is not known. Matthew should not let the idea of finding his brother without a housekeeper deter him from visiting.
Samuel is in lodgings and is pretty well, except for a problem with his eyes - they are bloodshot etc. Paul feels that `my sight still gets nearer - am sometimes pained from wind in my bowels else am pretty well'.
With regard to the address, Paul likes it, but the following things occurred to him while he was reading it;.
1. Would it not be a good idea to hint that some Bible Christians had `come away' [from other denominations], as at the moment the speech would seem to suggest that `all members are from the world'.
2. `Is the colouring a little too deep respecting the intimation it gives of uniform advancement & prosperity, from 10s to 100s & that to 1000s…and yet it is a fact so let it be'.
3. It would appear from the address to local preachers that the Conference consists of itinerant preachers only. It would be well to remember that the next Conference will have many lay participants.
4. Paul thinks that it would be proper to have a paragraph on family religion, 'and one on a UNIFORM attention to religious duties, such as private devotion, attend the class meetings & other means of grace from PRINCIPLE rather than from EXCITEMENT. I fear Christianity is nurtured among us too much like plants in a hot house. It is force, work & excitement more than deliberate conviction & choice'. He also feels that a third paragraph should be inserted respecting the duty of the Church to provide for the religious education of the young. Matthew does refer to Sunday Schools but Paul would like to see more about religious services aimed specifically at children.
In a postscript, Paul states that his brother was right to send him the letter from Swansea. Sister Ann Hambly had expected to hear from Matthew, and is of the understanding that he had promised to write to her. How is Mr Moyle?.
Paul thinks that Matthew's address is different on the President's circular than the version in the minutes.
Notes .
- Paul Robins (1804-90) joined the Bible Christian Connexion in 1819. He entered the ministry in 1823 and served as Superintendent of the London District in 1832. He was twice President of the Bible Christian Conference (1836 and 1843) and three times Conference Secretary. In 1846 he emigrated to Canada and served as minister of two circuits in Ontario. He also took charge of the Canadian Book Room and in six years transformed it into a profit making concern. His brother Matthew (d.1880) was four times President of the Bible Christian Conference. Source; Bourne, pp-520-521 and Bible Christian Magazine 1890, p.419