letters sent by him from burra burra to briston circuit, 1856 to … · 2017-12-05 · srg 4/103...
TRANSCRIPT
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 1 of 90
SRG 4/103 Papers of Reverend John G Wright of the Methodist Church of Australasia
South Australia Conference, consisting of a diary kept from 1856 to 1902 and copies of
letters sent by him from Burra Burra to Briston circuit, 1856 to 1898
Transcribed by Rosemary Radden, Volunteer at the State Library of South Australia,
2017
Published with permission of the Uniting Church Presbytery and Synod of South
Australia, whose permission should be sought for further publication
SRG 4/103/1 J.G. Wright’s diary 1856-1902
[ Sample page from diary ]
Pasted inside the front cover of the diary are two newspaper articles –
When land was nearly forgotten - Voyage of two little girls from England – by MM.
Handwritten is MM – Marion Mumis? – granddaughter of Fater Wrigh. Her mother, Elizabeth
was the eldest child.the Wright daughters.
The other is a typed article What has the gospel done? An extract of a Missionary Speech
delivered in the Wesleyan Chapel, Briston, Norfolk, by Mr R. Key P.M. Minister
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 2 of 90
J.G Wright’s diary. First pages accidentally destroyed.
1856
‘ the thoughts of home our new home. What a beautiful and magnificent sight is before us!
Adelaide is in sight. Mountains are lifting their dark tops to the very clouds, they seemed to
look down upon us in the gulf with a frowning aspect. There we could see the fields of corn and
trees covered with foliage. It reminded us of what we had read of the Land of Palestine , and of
our home above.
Jany 5th. This morning 20 of us left the ship and came to land with our families. The day was
hot, one of the hottest days Australia knows. We landed safely. When I set my my foot upon
shore and saw nothing on land but scrub and looking to the sea saw our good old ship riding
about 6 miles off us, I felt thankful to God that he had brought us all safe. But when I thought of
my dear old England and the work I had to do my heart sank within me, but I knew that God
was alsufficient to help me. We had a Peninsuler to cross on foot, The sand was loos and very
hot. We did not know our way to the Port and there was no road. The wind blew as if it came
from a furnace. I had to carry my two eldest children and my poor wife the infant. We soon
became exhausted. We saw a wooden house, but on coming up to it found it had no tenant.
We went on came to a house in the scrub, but the poor woman who lives in it had nothing to
eat. She gave us a glass of water for which we felt thankful. We bowed down before the Lord
and praid that he might bless the poor woman. She became our pilot and soon we came to the
Port. Here we had the opportunity to getting all we needed. After some refreshment we made
our way to the City and soon found the house of our Minister the Revd J.D. Whittaker. How
sweet the society of Christians after such a long absence from the Church. I love the people of
God and enjoy their society. His people shall be my people and where they go will I go.
Jany 17th. Left Adelaide for the Burra 100 miles, it was a hot and dusty ride. Reached the Burra
on the 18th. Felt much cast down when I found not one member in society, the chapel in a bad
condition. On the 19th. Revd Mr Rowe Bible Christian Minister called on me and invited me to
preach in his Chapel on the Sabbath. I did so and was much pleased with the people. I felt
much affected when I saw the kindness of the people. The Lord opened my way into the hearts
of the people. I felt my heart overflowing with gratitude to my heavenly Father.
22. Left for Adelaide to fetch my family. Was very glad to see them again.
27 Preached the Chapel Anniversary Sermons at Bowden. Had a very good time.
Feb. 3rd. Reopened the Burra Chapel. We had the Lord with us. Collected £10, By Tea £10,
Subscriptions £20. This was cheering to all hearts.
10th. We held our first Class Meeting, we had only five members to begin with, but we had
great hopes in the Lord.
17. Preached at the Burra and Spring Bank. Felt the Lord to be with me. Some wept. Saw
signs of a better day.
25. Preached at the Light, and agreed to visit them frequently. Visited the next day Riverton,
got lost in the Bush. Had just made up my mind to stay in the wood when I saw a light
gleaming through the wood, made towards it and found it to be a friend’s house. Was glad and
praised the Lord.
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March 12. Two men and the wife of one of them came to our house at night to seek the Lord.
When we opened the door, one of them called out ‘Oh what shall I do! After some time he
found peace, got from his knees embraced his wife saying ‘Polly My dear we will praise the
Lord now.’
24th. Preached in the open air, God was with me.
March 24th. We had five new members added to our little church to day. One was a German.
He could not speak English. I could not understand him but I could feel his heart was right with
God. Praise the Lord. Amen!
March 31. Preached at the Burra twice in Chapel and once in the open air and once at Spring
Bank. Several added to the church to day. The little cloud is increasing. After in bed I was
called up to go and pray with a woman who had been smitten by the power of God while
preparing for bed. On reaching the house she was shouting ‘Oh Lord save me. Oh Lord save
me!’ I said ‘Say for Christ sake’ She said ‘For Christ sake.’ She soon found peace and rejoiced
with all her heart.
Tuesday 1 April. Held a prayer Meeting. One man fell to the ground praising the Lord with all
his heart. Many were brought under the influence of the Holy Spirit and almost every night
some were made happy in the Saviour’s soul. This is glorious. I hope they will all be faithful
unto death. Lord grant it.
Wed. April 8. This has been a day of days. In the morning I was called to visit a poor man who
had been for days under conviction of sin. When I entered the house he fell on his knees with
horrific groans. For one hour he was in the greatest agony. He cried, ‘I cannot live, I cannot
live. I will not let thee go. I will believe.’ Soon he found Christ and began to sing
‘I never shall forget the day
When Jesus washed my sins away.’
Ap, 10th. To day we had a shout of a king in our camp. At night five souls were made happy in
the Lord. One young man who had spent £100 in a boxing school and had fought untill he had
gained the epethet of ‘King of the Burra’. came to the penitent form . A Small Stone from the
book of the Bible had smoot him in the heart and he cried for mercy and was soon made
happy in the Lord.
14th. Preached at Kapunda. A man offered us ground for a chapel. We have a good opening
here.
Friday 18th. Held a prayer meeting at the Burra. One wicked man called ‘Jack Mills’ was
seeking the Lord for l a long time. His old companion came up to him saying,’Now Jock, only
believe, since I gave up my heart to God, I got it.’ He found peace that night.
April 22. Visited a poor man in despair. He has stood the live long night in the house and not
speak to any one. He had been a member of a church but had fallen. I was with him a whole
hour trying to get him to speak. On leaving he said, ‘God had taken from him the power of
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 4 of 90
believing.’ How heart rending to see him without one ray of hope! What need there is for us to
live holy to God and to be saved from the power of sin and Satan.
Our class of 5 has increased to 36. To God be all the praise and glory. Amen!
June 16 Held a class meeting two souls found peace.
23 On my way to Kapunda rode my horse to the edge of a water hole to give him drink. It was
very deep, the horse went in suddenly out of his depth and for some time I thought I and horse
must have perished, but the Lord delivered me. My soul magnified the Lord.
25. About 2 o’clock this morning we felt an alarming shock of an earthquake. My bed shook
like the aspen leaf. How good to feel you are ready for death.
July 29. The the Lord is still blessing us. Two sl souls saved to day.
August 24 Opened our Chapel at Kooringa after being enlarged. It will cost £504-5-8½ We
had collected about 376. To God be all the praise. Amen!
August 25. 56 Held our Tea Meeting at Kooringa about six hundred took of the tea, raised
about £32-19- 4
Sep 7th. Opened our Sabbath School, we had about 71 children to begin with.
Sep 14 Held our Quarterly Meeting. About 100 have been added to our ranks.
Oct 5 Preached the School Sermons at Salisbury Good time, raised £21-10.
26 Preached at Bready Creek. We have seen good done in this place.
Nov 2. Preached three times in the Chapel and once in the open air. I have had some talk with
the natives, they think of nothing but eating and sleeping. Speak to them of heaven,they say
Plenty tucker there? Plenty big one gentemen? You cannot get them to look higher than the
appetite.How low is poor man fallen by sin!
23 Preached at Bready Creek. One man came to the preaching who had not attended a
service for six years. He became afterwards a Bush Missionary. (Name Martin)
30 I was called to visit Capt W Mitchel who was thought to be dying. He was very happy. He
cried ’Oh the precious blood of Jesus’. Nothing is as precious as the blood of Jesus.” I am on
the rock” “All is well.” “The Lord is mine”, “Oh that I had done more.”
Dec 26 Held a tea Meeting in a Booth about 6 hundred attended. A number of Natives also
were there and much enjoyed the feast
Jany 1 1857. As I look back on the past year, the first I have spent in this Colony, I am lost in
gratitude to God for what he has done. Many have been brought to God. Praise Him.
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March 8th. I have preached twice to day Married two couples, Baptised four, burried one. What
a world of change!
April 5. Preached a funeral sermon for poor Mrs J.Browrn. (Her husband since has become a
minister with us). She died happy. When unable to speak her husband asked her to lift up her
hand if She was happy. She lifted it up saying – All by actions she was more than Conquerer.
April 14 Called at a house on Emu Flat, found the family dressed as if preparing for a feast.
The wife told me they had thought it was Sabbath, that her husband had ploughed all the
Sabbath. They had lost a day.
April 27. Laid the foundation stone of a new Chapel at the head of the Light. Many people were
there.
May 10th. Opened the North Adelaide Chapel. This was a high day the Lord was with us in
deed. One soul was saved, others wept.
19th. Received a letter from Mr Redgeway asking me to attend the funeral of his wife.
20 Interred the body of Mrs Redgeway in the bush. This was the most solemn funeral I
remember attending. It was quite in the Bush.
July 5th. Opened a New Chapel at Stanton near Salisbury. The weather was wet, but
notwithstanding we had the Lord with us. Praise Him!
24. Attended a prayer meeting at Koaringa. A man by the name of Flock was brought to God.
He had been notorious for crime, had took his wife by the hair of the head and swung her
round the room. When made … he ran round the house, praising God. A poor man by the
name of Jenkins had not long before got his jaw broken, he got so happy he praised the Lord
Shouting ‘I will praise the Lord, I will praise the Lord though I have a broken chack’ (cheek)
27 Was called to see a poor man whom Satan had bound by the cords of dispair. He had
been reading Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews – ‘ It is impossible to renew them to repentance
seeing they have crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh. ‘ I told him that referred to
apostates not backsliders. It referred to those who denied the son of God and not to those who
had fallen into sin. He fell upon his knees then found salvation and was filled with joy.
Sep 3 Preached at Saddleworth. Met with a man who told me he landed in this Colony in 1839
with seven children and only one half-penny in the world. This he threw as far as he could.
When asked the reason he had cast it away, replied ‘I intend to have new money or none.’ He
told me that when he was employed in England in 1814, the Prince of Wales after, ‘King
George 1V came shooting. He ran and picked up a partrage for the Prince. The Prince shook
hands with him saying, ‘When you grow up, you may (say) you shook hands with the King.’ He
felt proud that he had seen and shook hands with the King of England.
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Nov 12 Fetched my wife from Bready Creek about 20 miles from the Burra. She had been in
great danger of loosing her life. The horse in the cart ran away, the driver fell and on dashed
the horse with my wife in the cart and no hold of the rains. He ran to the edge of some lofty
rocks and there stood still until the driver came up. This was the Lord’s doing. Praise Him. I
can see his hand in all (my) life. How good he has been to me. I will praise him.
Dec 19. Met in the first District Meeting held in South Australia. N. Dale, J Symons and myself
delegates for Kooringa.
Jany 20 3 1858 Preached at Mintaro. Dined with a Roman Catholic. He told me I could not live
a Christian unless I loved that on which Christ suffered – the Cross. The donkey (he said)
carried the Cross (the mark on his shoulders) which he received when Christ was born in the
stable. Poor man, he appeared to know no better. A wicked man at the table said to him in
reply That mark was where Baden hit him.’
Jany Old Dick Knuckey did (died?) saying ‘Oh for 10 minutes of my young life. Too late now.’
March 21 Opened Spring Bank Chapel. The Lord was with us.
April 18 Opened Norwood Chapel. We raised £106. Hope many souls will be saved there.
25 Opened Salisbury New Chapel raised £230 and £90 promised.
May 29. Held a temperance meeting in Kooringa. Several signed the pledge. A poor woman
told me her husband had taken a ten pound order, went to the public house spent it all. This
was all their living for weeks.
June 6. Got ground and £40 for a Chapel at Riverton.
June 12 1858. The first Tea Meeting held short of the Burra, held at Charlton Mine. We had a
good work (brock?) out and several found piece and rejoiced in the Lord.
July 4 Preached Mrs Carpenter’s funeral sermon. She died in the Lord, the fruit of our labours.
I hope to meet her in heaven. Amen!
Oct 24 Preached at the opening of Redruth Chapel. It was a great success. The Lord was with
us. Praise Him !
Nov.5th. 1858 Held the District Meeting at Mount Barker.
9th. Held a temperance meeting at Mount Barker .About 30 signed the pledge.
Dec. 21 Left Kooringa. This was a painful leaving. I felt much of leaving the people where I
had been so much blessed. They gave me about £10. as an expression of good will. God
bless them. Amen! During the three years at Kooringa I collected £1,100 for Chapel, £300 for
the ministers and added 200 to the Church.
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Jany 2. 1859
Commenced my work at Adelaide. We have a small Chapel and not half full of people. I hope
to see better days,
Jany 21 The ship Clare came into port, we took train expecting to meet my wife’s two sisters,
but oh the sad, sad news we soon learnt. One had died on board. How uncertain is death
when and how will it come. She was a good girl, happy in Christ.
March 7th, Held our Quarterly meeting. We had peace, but not plenty. All we received as salary
was 5/- That morning I had read the last chapter of Habakkuk ‘Though the fig tree & I could
rejoice in the Lord.
June 15 Started for Kooringa to hold special services. I felt almost overpowered when I looked
upon the dear old Township where I had so many hard battles. Many came to see me who had
been blessed through my humble labours. One dear old man who had been a drunkard for 50
years got me by the hand and told me , he was one of my children. This filled my soul with Joy.
Augst 7 1857 Opened Paynham New Chapel Numbers could not gain admission. It cost £227.
We raised £84. Souls were saved too.
August 13 News reached us that the Admilla was wrecked near the cape of Northnumberlain.
Seven days the poor sufferers were on the wreck. The people on land could see them drop off
into the sea but could not help them. 50 were lost 22 taken off. It was a sad case.
Sep 11 Preached for the first time at Callington
23 While at the Committee in Adelaide, Mr Braithwaite landed in this Colony. We went to the
Port to meet him.
March 11. 12.1860 Celebrated the Jubilee of the Connection by laying the Foundation of a
New Chapel in Adelaide. We realised £350. Mr Angas gave us £100 Peace be with him.
June 10 Opened our New Chapel at Unley Park. Cost £230 raised £110. The Lord be
praised.
July 13 Visited the Burra again. Souls were saved. One man told me he would give me a job
in the day of the Lord, to present him to Christ as the fruit of my labour.
14 Left the Burra in the Mail. I had to ride with a poor drunkard. He used the most horrible
language. Some times when I spoke to him he would lift his hand over my head and swear he
would do me an injury. Yet at times I could make him weep. He said he had a good Mother,
but he could not read her letters, they began ‘Do you love the Lord?’ He had to throw them
upon the fire.
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July 6 Preached at Glenelg. Many souls have been saved in this place, and some of the vilest
of men. This has been one of the best Revivals I have seen. Praise the Lord.
22 Had a good work at Beverly. Many brought to the Lord.Praie him. Amen!
Sep 3. Held our Quarterly Meeting at North Adelaide. We have had about 50 souls added to
the Church this Quarter. To God be all the praise’
18. Visited Mr Bates who was dying, but happy in Church. He shouted ‘He is mine and I am
his. He will not leave me. He will complete his work’.
ct.21 Opened a new Chapel near Strathalbyn raised £50.
23rd. Met four 4 missionaries at Port Adelaide from England, Bro. Dean for Newcastle,
Pritchard for Tasmania, Greenfield for Melbourne, and Walton for Benalla. These dear men
cheered our hearts, and were made a blessing to us.
Nov Held our fourth District Meeting in this Colony. Held at Salisbury. This meeting was one of
high spiritual tone. Many were saved and filled with God. My cup ran over.
Nov 17. Bro. Bates left earth for heaven. His end was peace. He shouted “I shall see the King
in his beauty “‘My Father’ were his last words.
Dec 5. 1860 My dear wife was delivered of a fine daughter. Praise Him for all his goodness.
Dec 9. Opened the Jubelee Chapel in South Adelaide. It cost £1600. Mr Green preached
the opening Sermon. He had just returned from New Zealand on his way home to England.
December 16. 1861.We held our farewell tea at Adelaide. Looking over the past three years I
feel deeply humble before God at what little progress I have made. How little I have loved for
him. How little I have served him. Yet I am thankful for the goodness of God to me. No man
has greater reason to rejoice than I have. During the three years we have built on the Adelaide
Station four good Chapels, at the cost of £2400, collected £1600, for school £200 for ministers
£400 and 80 increase of members. To my God be all the praise Amen!
I have had three happy years with the people in Adelaide. May God bless them.
Dec 22 1861 Commenced my labours on the Mount Barker Station. I hope the Lord will be with
me and make me a blessing.
Dec 1862 Twelve months have fled since I ented upon my work in that Station, about 100
souls have been added to the church to God be all the glory.
April 18 1863 I am now getting from the bed of affliction. I have been in the Ministry 19 years
and never was unable to take my work on the Sabbath before. I have much to be thankful for.
God has been very good to me and my family.
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The best of my life is gone, I hope to spend all my strength in praising Him who died on the
cross for me.
April 30 I am 41 years of age to day. How I wish I had spent more of my time to God. Lord
forgive me and help me Amen!
1863
My Mother’s death
December 15. Last night on reaching my home received a letter containing the mournful
inteligence of my dear Mother’s death. She died Octo. 7th. 6 A.M. 1863 aged 74 years – At
Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk, England. I have never felt any trial more keenly than I have felt
this. Never had a son, a better mother. She gave me no wealth. It was not in her power to give
me much learning, but she gave me the better in Christianity, and a knowledge of Jesus. When
dying, she said to those around her, ‘John will never see his mother again” ` Dear, dear mother
I shall see you again. We shall meet in the land of life and glory. Mother, my affections
enshrine thy memory and your whole life stands before me in forms of loving beauty. I shall
praise God through eternity for thine example and teachings. Thou art gone to thy rest, but
soon thy only son will follow, we shall meet in that blessed home – never did heaven appear so
much my home as now. Happy Spirit, tell glory farewell!
31. Dec. This has been one of the most successful years of my ministry. On this station we
have erected 5 chapels and have seen one hundred souls brought to the truth. I hope this only
to be the prelude of brighter and better days. My soul delights in the work of the Lord. When
souls are saved my joy is full.
In looking over the past year I see many imperfections in word and deed, but through grace I
have not wickedly departed from the Lord. Old year I bid thee adieu, thou has brought me
many blessings.Praise God.
1864
April 13. 64 I leave Mount Barker Circuit after two years labour. In looking back on the past
two years my soul is filled with joy and gratitude. Near three thousand pounds have been
raised for Chapel purposes and over two hundred souls have been added to the Church of
Christ. I hope they will all continue to adhere to the cross of Christ till death.
17th. I commence my labours on the Salisbury circuit. I trust I am sent to this place by God, but
I feel afraid Man has had too much to do in it. My trust shall be in the Lord. I believe He will
help me in the great work. I give all I have to his Glory. Lord help me! Amen!
Nov.1864 23. In taking the account of the members it is very gratifying to know, that our
labours have not been in vain. At Greenwith we have had about 15 souls brought to God. We
had a severe struggle but the Lord gave us the vict….ry.
At Port Gawler about 15 have saught the Lord and have found redemption through the blood of
the Lamb. My soul rejoices in the Lord, the God of our salvation.
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At a few other places we have seen the penitent weeping his way to the Cross. Praise God.
Amen.
1865
June 25. Preached at Gawler River. The Lord was with me and several souls have been
brought to God. My own daughter Elizabeth was under the influence of the Holy Spirit and
before we brook up the meeting the Lord came and blessed her with pardon. I hope she will
remain faithful to the end. O Holy Spirit do thou lead her into all truth lead her for thy name
sake. Amen!
September 10. 65 This week has been one of great delight to me about 20 souls have been
seeking the Lord at Salisbury. My own dear children have been praying for pardon. John,
George and May Jane I trust have found peace.
Octo 13th. Received by this male from England News of the death of My dear Sister Jane who
died in London August 1st 1865. I have long prayed for her, her last words were, “Jesus has
pardoned all my sins, I am going to heaven’. This fills me with joy, in the moment of sadness.
O my God I will praise thee for thy goodness and thy mercy. Praise the Lord of my soul! Amen!
Nov 21. Spent to day at Alma Plains. This is the hotest day I have ever experienced. Large
fires are raging on all hands North, East, West and South. The thermometer stands to 150 in
the sun and 115 in the sade The wind is like the blast of a furnace. I have thought of that
Land where the Sun will not smite by day.
1866
April 7th 1866. Left Salisbury Circuit. During the two years we have called into the Ministry one
young man, had 100 increase of Members built four new Chapels and began the fifth raised
about £700 for chapels. To God be all the praise!
May 11 We had been near nine months without rain. Not a vestage of vegetable life for miles
is to be seen. Farmers have ploughed in dust and cast their grain in the dust, no rain, dispare
began to be pictured in every countanance; on the evening of the 11 of May the rain began to
fall and continued for 30 hours without intermission. Since that time we have been blessed with
repeted showers All hearts have been cheered. Oh that man would praise the Lord for his
goodness.
May 20 Preached in Waymouth St. Adelaide. About 200 or three hundred Irish Catholicks
came around and and hallowed so loud, I was obliged to give up. One man attempted to strike
me, but the Lord sheltered me from their hands. I Pray that God may have mercy on them and
bring them to the truth. Amen!
Sunday May 27 Preached the funeral Sermon of poor Fanny Rowlands a young woman of
Kensington Park Adelaide who had been brought to God six years ago in her 14th. Year
through my humble instrumentality. Her end was peace. Before she died she Sang that
beautiful Hymn ‘There there is rest’. She had been very useful. She is gone to her rest above.
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The Sensus of South Australia taken in March 1866 show the population to be exclusive of the
Aborigines 164,165. Increase for 5 years 37,335. Males 85,822. Females 78,343. Houses
33,544. Increase 5,640. Unnumerated persons 1,366 Grand total 165,531.
1866 July 12 Buried Mrs Drake of Norwood. She died in peace. When dying asked Mrs Gale
to hold up her hands while she shouted hellelujeh. She held up her hands. She shouted
hellelujeh . Blessed Jesus! Sweet Jesus! Spotless Jesus’ and died.
November (Sunday) 25 1866 Was one of the most important days of my life. Having preached
in Adelaide the morning I came home, had not been home long when I was called to witness
the death of my dear Child Abigail 6 years of age within ten days. She died in the same Room
where she was born. My whole family knelt down while her spirit was taking her its flight. She
died after two days illness like one going to sleep. My dear wife laying her fingers on the eye
lidds of the child said – ‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away and blessed be the name
of the Lord’. We felt this bereavement much, but fully believe it to be for good. She is not lost
but gone before. She cannot come to me, but I can go to her. Lord help me. Amen.
May 1 1867. The famous Burra Burra Mine after working for 20 years and a little over and
yielding the richest ore in the world, was stopped in its workings, as it did not pay its way .
Over two Millions had been paid in wages within the twenty years. This sum had been paid
through the hands of Mr Chaloner alone. The smelting works had paid in wages almost an
equal sum. This is much felt in the Colony.
The Catholics true to their own character have refused to let their children go to the
Government schools because the bible is read – one child had lost its faith by so doing. This is
popery of the nineteenth century.No change.
October 31, 1867 On the evening of the 31 Prince Alfred in the Galatea sailed up of our
Gulph. Landed on the 1st. of the the November. Adelaide was one grand scene of flags ever
greens.Thousands of living beings crowded our streets.
November 16th. Was called to visit Mrs S. Lambert of Adelaide in dying circumstances. In the
depths of poverty, but very happy. She had been brought up in our Sabbath school, but
married a poor drunkard. She laid praising God ‘Glory! Glory! Glory! Samuel glory! Samuel will
you meet me in heaven? He wept. Lord save the poor drunkard.
22 Visited a lad of 12 dying – He had been brought up in our schools. “I can see Jesus.” “I
see the angels.” He asked his parents and brothers and sisters to meet him in heaven. He died
in the love of Jesus. ‘Happy death! glorious dying!!
1868
March 12 The Prince – Duke of Edinburgh was shot by a man named O’Ferrall a Finian the
ball struck him near the spine, on the rib and went round to the abdoman. His life was saved
by Sir William Manning and Mr Vial who pursued him when about to fire the second shot. This
was done in Sydney. New South Wales.
An address of Condolence was signed by 62,794 persons,weighed 130 lbs and measured 630
feet. This was sent to the Queen.
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1868
August 18. The Sun was in eclipse – Total in India. Saw it plain at about 3 o’clock at Port
Adelaide.
Rev. J Goodwin arrived on this day in the Ettie from London.
23rd. Mr. J. Goodwin preached in our Jubelee Chapel Adelaide. It was a fine day. God was
with his Servant. On the Monday a large reception Tea Meeting. It was the best meeting we
have attended for a long time. We beleeve him to the kind of man we needed. God bless him.
Amen!
1869 February 4th. Feel the Lord is with me, but feel cast down, on account of the cause of
God. Religion is low in our midst. I hope the Lord will pour his spirit on us and give his Holy
Spirit to us.
The Name of Jesus is sweet. Mr Porter visiting a woman in dying circumstances spook to her.
She could not answer. He said at last “Jesus”. She opened her eyes and said “God bless
you”.Had he said Paul-Peter Wesley,Sheffield It would have taken no effect on her. But it was
‘Jesus’ This was music, life and joy. If touching has garment heals the sick - will not the
mentioning of his name give joy? Faith in that name is life and Peace.
June 18. Preached at Narracoorte. The Lord has done a great work here. J. Barber has been
made a great blessing to the people and a number of souls have been saved.
August 14. Began a week’s meetings at Langhorne’s Creek. The work was hard, the people
not much in earnest about the work, but the Lord was with us. On the Thursday night after
visiting Several families, we had a good meeting. One old backslider reclaimed and one young
woman converted. This filled my Soul was blessed.
December 21 This is the longest day of the year in these Colonies. This day will long be
remembered for its heat. The thermometer stood 113 in the shade and 153 in the sun. Several
died through sun-stroeks. In the beautiful home of the Saint no sun shall smite us by day nor
the moon by night. This is not my home. I look for home in heaven. Lord keep my heart in
peace! Amen!
December 28 1871 Mr E. Solomon invited 500 old Colonists to a Supper in the Town Hall to
celebrate the 35th. Anniversary of the foundation of the Coloney. It was stated that Sir G.
Kingston and Sir Jo Morphett were the first two white men who set foot on the Site of
Adelaide. Nov 1836. It was also said by Mr. Morphett that our exports were equal to £18 per
head for the entire population, which could not be said of any part of the coloney.
1872
January 1st. Spent this day with my famely at Milang. To some this has been a sad day. A
steamer with a number of people went to the Murray’s Mouth, some young men would bathe in
the rough sea. Two were carried away, and lost, one not found again. One young man
belonged to our Band of Hope.
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15 This has been a very hot day. Dozens were sun stroke. Several died. The thermometer
stood 110 in the shade,and 160 in the sun. It was very hot. The sun’s rays appeared like fire.
In the land above the sun shall not smite by day, nor the moon by night. Praise the Lord.
March 7. It is very hot to day. This is the eleventh day we have had, hot and without any
change. The thermometer has stood in the shade 105⁰ and above. This is the longest period I
have remembered without a change. The wind is changed somewhat and we may expect to
see soon a cool breeze. This is our Annual Show Day in Strathalbyn. Poor as the times are
plenty can find money to strong drink. When will men grow wise and abstain from the
poisonous drinks? How blind are most men on this subject!
April 30 1872 I am fifty years of Age this day. While I feel truly thankful to God the giver of all
good for giving me such a happy, healthy life and for fifty years, I feel deeply humbled when I
think what little I have done for the Lord, and how little I have loved him. I have not been
faithful by a long way. I see many things left undone, which I ought to have done. How often I
have grieved him by lightness of conversation, and worldy mindedness - ? My God forgive me
for the sake of Jesus Christ my Lord!
As an expression of my gratitude to God I gave all the Members of the Church at Strathalbyn a
Tea.. We had a very good meeting. To my asstonishment the Society gave me a valuable
Gold Albert Guard and my wife a ladie’s writing case. I felt thankful to know my people had
some love left in their hearts to me. I do not feel to have merited it, but nevertheless I am
thankful for these little tokens of church sympathy and kind reciprocation. I trust these will lead
me do more for the church of Christ. I pray that the Lord will reward these dear people for their
goodness to his poor servant. Amen!
June 23 Preached at Strathalbyn. The Lord was with me. Souls were in distress and I hope
good was good. How I long to see the work of the Lord prosper! Souls I long to see made
happy in the Lord! Amen!!
June 27th. Preached at Strathalbyn from “Prepare to meet thy God”a. At the close of the
Meeting after a hard struggle with the living, the Lord moved on the hearts of five persons and
they at once came up to the form to be prayed for. Soon the Lord set them at liberty and made
them rejoice in his love. The cloud of darkness gave way, and light brook in on the minds of all
the Church. We had felt like Saul’s Soldiers faint but pursuing, but we in a moment felt “ The
battle was the Lord’s”. God filled our hearts , and gave us the victory.
30th. Preached at Strathalbyn, two souls professed to obtain peace through the blood of the
Lamb. I am happy to say One Woman had been brought up a Roman Catholic. She said she
had been to the Confession, but had never found any good from it, and now she came to the
Lord Jesus Christ.
July 18th. This day poor Mrs Bowden left earth for Paradise aged 57th. She was brought to
God in Norfolk England through the instrumentality of the Rev R. Steel, the minister who
called me out into the Ministry. She was only 14 years of age when brought to God and has
been a light in the church 43 years. What a blessing is early piety. As she lived so she died –
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trusting in Christ. She only laid about a week. Her sufferings were great though short. Her end
was peace. Mrs Wright asked her if she knew Christ, she replied with energy –“Oh yes, he is
so precious” Just before she finished her work with eyes uplifted and beaming with
earnestness , she was heard to exclaim – “Higher up! higher up!!’ She called her family
together and requested them to meet her in heaven. The oldest son was absent – when asked
if she was troubled about not seeing him She replied God will make it right at last”. She died in
peace.
When we took her body to the cemetary the grave was not completed and the man was too
drunk to finish his work. What an enemy is strong drink to man! Even in the presence of death
men will have it and drink to intoxication. When will the wickedness of the wicked come to an
end? ”
July 28th. 1872 This is the first Sabbath that the name of my dear Son John George appeared
in the plan as a preacher. Seventeen years ago I praid earnestly that the Lord would make him
a preacher of the gospel. I am happy to say I live to see my desire. The Lord has made him
useful. Two Souls were brought to God at Giles’ Flat the Second Sabbath he stood up to
preach. How shall I praise the Lord for all his goodness? I will praise him forever.
Thursday, August 22 1872 The message reached Adelaide from Port Darwin by the
whire.This has been a great work. In twenty months this whire has been stretched across this
Continent the distance of two thousand miles.
August 26. Went to Adelaide to meet the new ministers Revs Graham, Masterman and
Kearns. We had a fine meeting. The Lord bless the men and make them a blessing in this New
Land. Amen!
August 31. Mr Barrow says he with other gentlemen went to the Telegraph Office and the
Manager at their request put himself into communication with Port Darwin. In little less than 30
seconds a message was sent to Port Darwin 2000 miles.and the answer returned in little less
than half a minute the message passed over four thousand miles. Who can tell how near we
may be to heaven!
Sep 15. Held our school Anniversary at Strathalbyn My little boy Marcus spook for the first
time on the platform. He was much admired. O how I should like to see all my boys preachers
of the gospel. We had great success. Income £11. 0. 0. The singing of the children was very
good. How I long to see souls brought to God! ‘O Lord send us prosperity’.
22nd. Preached at Cook’s Plains about 42 miles from Strathalbyan. The Bible Christians have
this place. Not much liberty but hope good was done.
I feel a longing after holiness. I am sure the Lord Jesus can save me fully and save me always.
He is the only, but perfect Saviour. Jesus I trust in thee! Bless me now!
Oct 17 Buried old Mr Duffield at Wistow. The house of this man was my home in England. He
was very sinful, but he has found the Lord. Before his death, he shouted the praise of the Lord.
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He said to his wife ‘I shall live a little longer and have another shout before I die.’ So it was, for
about an hour after he was filled with God, and shouted so you might have heard him a mile,
and died. How grand to die in Christ. The end of that man is peace.
Occtober 21 72 The first through Telegram was received from London in Adelaide, it came in
about six hours. This is a wounderful achievement. We have just learnt that por Thomas
Braithwaite is dead . He went home to die, and is gone home to his Father’s house. One by
one we are going home. Bless the Lord for his goodness. Amen! Mr Braithwaite laboured
hard in this Coloney and successfully. He built 4 chapels here and left but little debt on them as
a rule. No man did more for the connetion. He will have his reward. God of love let thy Holy
Spirit lead me into all truth. I long to be like Him.
October 31. I called to see Mr Noye of Strathalbyn who was dying, he had been a member of
the Christian church in his early life, but left through drink and remained a great drinker for
some years and laid the foundation of his death. About two years before his death he came
and signed the pledge and united in Church fellowship. When I mentioned to the him on the
day before his death, the blood of Christ is our only hope, He shouted, ‘That is the only
foundation, the only foundation.’ ‘Jesus is mine and I am his.’ he exclaimed with warmth.
When I spook of heaven, he exclaimed with all his energy, ‘I am homeward bound.’’ Again he
cried ‘I am sure I am, I am sure of it.’ With all the ferver of his soul he exclaimed ‘Victory
through the blood of the Lord! Victory, through the blood of the Lord!” I felt it good to be there.
The Lord was with us. This was my last meeting on earth. He held me by the hand, unwilling to
let me go. We shall meet again .Praise the Lord. He died a few hours after I saw him.
Nov 2. I have just been to the grave of Thomas Noye of Strathalbyn and read the service over
the body. How soon my time will come. Men keep going home. Strange, this very day Mr
Thomas Tonkin has died, and to morrow all being well, I have to burry him. God has surely
visited us this place. He is knocking at the door’.
Mr Tonkin could not say much for some time before he died, but held up his hand in token of
triumph. His trust was in the Lord. May I be ready when Death comes. Amen!
When Mrs Tonkin asked him whether he had anything to send to his Mother, he replied ‘Give
my love to her and tell her I am going to heaven .’ What can be more sweet to a Mother than
such a statement – ‘ going to heaven.’ This is how we all may die. Let me die the death of the
righteous.
Nov 4. Held a Bible Meeting in our Chapel at Strathalbyn. Present, Messrs Sympson,
Henderson, Backhouse. We were told by Mr Backhouse that the total isue of copies from the
British and Foreign Bible Society had been 66 millions six copies every minute were sent from
the press. May this blessed Book win its way. He told us near the Vatican, in the heart of
Rome was a Bible Depot with large letters written ‘ Search the Scriptures for in them ye think
ye have eternal life’ What a change in this famous old City where Paul preached the gospel in
his own hired house.
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Nov 24 Rode about 30 miles preached three times, administered the sacrement of Our Lord’s
supper, baptized five children. Felt the Lord was in his word at night. It was good to be in his
house. I long to see more souls saved. When will men turn to the Lord and obtain his love?
How hard it appears to get men to believe in Christ.
Dec 10th. Feel the Lord very precious to me. I opened my eyes this morning with his word on
my heart. ‘The Lord is favourable unto them that fear him and that think upon his mercy.’
These word were like oil to machenery. The softning influence ran down into my heart felling
me with peace and joy. When I think of his mercy to me, I am lost in wonder and praise. I look
back on times when my feet had almost slept, I had well nigh gone into sin I wonder how I was
kept from it, Nothing but his mercy held me. I will praise Him for His goodness to me in the
Land of the living.
I called on one family and asked the father to give his soul to God. He said, ‘ he often thought
of it and felt about it, but it was hard work to be a Christian.’ I told him I had tried both ways
and found it much easier to be a Saint than a Sinner, and much easier to be a true earnest
Saint than to be a half-hearted one. On the road to hell, there was no help in trouble, no joy in
sorrow, no strength in weakness, but in the way to heaven we had omnipotence pledged to
help us and grace to help us in every time of need. It is not hard to love God with all the heart
and our Neighbour as ourselves when he had the Almighty to help us. ‘The way of
transgression is hard.’ Not the way of holiness.
Dec 22. 1872 Preached to day for the Wesleyans at Sandy grove from Rom 8.35. Had great
freedom of speech. The Lord was with me and blessed his word to my soul, also to others.
How hard it is to get men to love God. They weep, promise but will not give up their hearts to
him. Old Mr Rogerton ^(70 age) died to day at Strathalbyn. Just before he died said, ‘if I get
over this no more drink, I am determined.’ How many say the same when it is to late. They
think they will be and say they will, but stop there. They go no further. Death comes cut short
life amidst the promises of further reformation. All is lost - lost, lost and lost forever.
Dec 25th. Rode this morning to Finnis Flat. Married a young man and woman, all very gay and
merry. Yesterday I was at the grave of the old, to day at the wedding of the young. Then at the
separation of the old, now at the union of the young. This is the nature of life. Some are being
parted, others separated. So it will be to the end of time. So it was in the days of Noah and in
the days of Lot and so it will be in the day of the Son of Man. O may I be ready! Amen!
Dec 31. 1872 This is the last day of a nother year. How painful to look back on the past twelve
months. How little I have done for God! How little for the Church and the world! How small the
progress I have made! What omissions of duty look me in the face! How many times felt the
work of God a task! Lord forgive. I come to thee I look to thee. The Blood , yet the blood is my
only hope.
How cheering to look on the past. “ When all thy mercies O my God my rising soul surveys”.
How good the Lord has been to me this year. My path has been smooth. What little trials
have I had? What few crosses for my Lord to bare? The sun of prosperity has shone on me all
the year. This year I have been honoured with the first grand child. M(a)y His blessing be on
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my children’s children! This year my elders son has been inclined to preach the gospel and
has been blessed. This has done me more good than had he been made a Peer. Praise the
God of my father. How admonitory to look back at the past year! Many of my friends have left
me. Some of my best friends have fallen victim to death. Braithwaite, Nurse, Duffield, Tonkin,
Noye, Nat?worthy,Bowden all gone. This tells me to be ready. Mrs Horne a relative too has
gone home. These all died in the Faith. May I be ready!
1873
January 1st. The Lord has permited me to see the beginning of a New Year. Who can tell
what this year may bring to me, my family the Church and the world.? Only let me be in Christ
then ‘ I can both lay me down and sleep in peace for the Lord maketh me to dwell in safety’
2nd. The Lord has been precious to me to day. I am looking to him as my joy, my life, my all in
all. How I long to be filled with his love. I know he can fill me. The Ocean can fill a creek and
God can fill me. Lord I hunger and thirst for thee, O fill me! Amen!
Jany 5th. Reopened our Chapel in the City of Adelaide. Ten years ago I had the honour of
helping to open it when new. The roof had given way which necessitated our people putting on
a new roof. Ten years have fled yet the Lord has been my help and given me favour in the
sight of the people. It is very much improved. I hope it will be the birth place of many souls.
We raised about £200. This is good for the people who have given so liberally.
13. I feel the Lord very precious to my soul. I have to attend the funeral of Mr. Golding of
Raleigh. I called to see him on Sunday, but found his spirit had fled. How many have gone the
last year. May I be ready!
Jany 26. Preached at Woodchester and Strathalbyn. Not so much liberty as I have in general,
still I hope some good was done. In the morning it was very hot, before night we had a
thunderstorm and much rain. The change was delightful. The summer is passing away. This
has been the most prosperous we have ever known. We shall have about 200,000 tons of
wheat to export. This is not the result of more rain than other seasons, for the rain gage is not
to high, but it has come when needed. We have reason to be glad and praise the Lord. O that
men would praise Him for His goodness. Instead of this we see an increase of wealth only
increase our sins. We are not as a rule more benevolent when our wealth increases. I hope we
shall be thoughtful to God and praise Him for His goodness.
February 9th. 73. Returned home from the Adelaide District Meeting. On the whole it was a
good meeting but very long, eight days. I felt the Lord precious to me and cannot but praise
him for keeping my mind fixed on Him, and help me to rule my Spirit. For this I had saught his
aid and that aid was granted. Praise Him.
I am not fully satisfied with the way in which the District Meeting was Constituted - 19
Ministers and 23 Laymen. This was not according to the requirements of law and the
Constitution. I think the two new men, Graham and Masterman are men of God and hope that
they will be useful.
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Feb 17. Held Our Anniversary at Strathalbyn. The day was exceedingly wet. From the early
morn until late at night the rain came down. Yet the chapel was filled with people. All we had
provided was eaten up – nothing left. The people came up well to the help of the Lord.
Feb 25. The Lord is very precious to me. I feel his love filling my soul. I am sure God has
immediate communication with my heart. I feel him touching my soul by his Holy Spirit. He has
not left his people to the mere word and secondary influences, he can and does touch the
mind and heart of his people. At times I feel lifted above all terrestrial objects so that they
appear as Straws in Value. Nothing but Christ is my all. My heart appears at such times like
canvas with no other visage on it but Christ
“ He is my soul’s bright Morning Star
And my rising Sun.”
I receive him in the arms of faith and cry ‘My Beloved is mine and I am his.’ Why? Not because
I have wept, prayed, done good, and believed, no but because he is the Father’s gift to me.
He has given himself to me, I can now call him mine. I look not to my love, my goodness, my
Virtue, but his love, his goodness, and his grace. He is my Head, my Rock, my hiding place
and my all – “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.’ Praise the Lord! I can now serve Him
with gladness. His service is a ‘delight’. My heaven to obey Him. Love gives no dispositions,
no feelings, new eyes and new ears. Let me lie filled with all thy fulness!
March 14. Called on a poor woman at Strathalbyn under the influence of drink. A woman of
education, but from a child had been taught to drink by her parent. She sat by the fire trembling
from head to foot. She said she felt snakes and scorpions creeping about her. She slew two
evil spirits. She held up her arms and praid for three hours. The evil spirit said ‘No use of
praying here, no praying in hell’. Let us go said one of them. No stay a little longer we shall
have her.’ She bandages her eyes so that she might not see them. They came and rubbed her
face to make her take off the bandage’. Thus the poor wretch for two days and two nights
continued to tremble, cry and pray for help. She promised to sign the pledge and never drink
again. I hope she will keep to her Vow. This is the three and twentyth time she has been in this
state, only not so bad as at this time. I shall never forget the awful sight. It was heartrending
scene. I pray that the Lord may help her to keep from the evil drink.
March 22 Preached for the Wesleyans at Strathalbyn. Text ‘ Our Father which art in heaven’. I
had a good time. The Lord was with me.
April 6th. 73. I have just finished my three years at Strathalbyn. I look back and see many
things over which I could weep. I have not been so faithful as I might have been. I am not so
holy and so much like Christ as I desire; but I can rejoice in the Lord for his goodness to me.
My family have been perserved, and my eldest son began to preach for Jesus. This gladens
my heart. Not less than 50 have been converted to God through my humble labours on this
station. This is cheering. One father got up at our Farewell meeting and said, “ He had three
sons, all brought to God through the instrumentality of Bro Wright”. This was to me the best
news I could possibly hear. It was to me as water to a thirsty man! How shall I praise the Lord
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for all his goodness? How can I love Him sufficiently for what He has done for me? “Bless the
Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits!
April 13th. Began my labours on the Salisbury Station. Preached in the morning at Beeston .
Administed the Lord’s Supper to about 25 members. I was glad to see many of these had been
saved when I travelled here 7 years ago and they are still standing fast in the Lord. Praise the
Lord for putting honour on my labours. To him be all the praise. Amen!
April 30. I am fifty one to day. How time flies! Another year gone. What have I done during the
year? What progress have I made in Divine life? Am I more devoted to God? I hope I am. I
certainly feel my life more given up to the Lord and less wedded to the world. I rest on the
blood of Christ and there only to look for what I need to help me in life, death and eternity. I
am complete in him. O my God, help me to look at all times to thee and fully trust in the blood
of Christ. Amen!
May 4th. Preached at Salisbury. Felt much bound, but hope good was done. While at Tea a
young man knocked at my door. He asked me , if I knew him. I replied ‘No’ . He said “My
name is Ringwood’. He began to weep, his tears fell on the threshold of the door. His father
and mother were both local preachers with us. He ran from home, had gone to sea, had been
To France, Belgium, Africa, Russia and all the Colonies. When he came home both Mother
and Father were dead. He said, ‘ I know my Mother was a good woman, and my Father a good
man, but I have been bad.’ Little did his mother think when he in childish innocence played and
laughed before her, that he would become a poor, drinking wanderer on the face of the earth.
What a an intolerable burden would it on the mind of parents could the but see the further and
devine that the happy boy on the knee would become a castaway. The Lord has wisely hid
from us the future. O Lord bless my children, help me to train them in the way they should go.
May they be thine! I give them to thee. Lord incline them by thy grace to love thee. Amen!
Amen!
7th. May Met with a man who had been for years seeking the Lord and at the last he desperate
and disponding. He was on his way to Chapel, when he said ‘` Religion is all “Bosh”, he would
seek no longer, he had sought but could not find. He thought he would go this once. The
minister took for his text “He that believeth is not condemned, but he that believeth not is
condemned already, because he has not believed on the only begotten Son of God”. While the
minister was repeating these words, light came into his soul, he cried ‘ Jesus is the Son of
God, I do believe in him.’ It was as if heaven came down into his soul.
After this he got into a low, dark state he went out for meditation. He came to a tree, he saw a
Speder’s wib, he saw on the ground a locust. In a moment the Spider came down to the
ground, flung about the Locust a thread, and another, the locust began to struggle, but too late.
It was soon enshrouded. The spider mounted his web drew up the beast and was soon
sucking his blood. This he thouight is how Satan has the people of God where he can. This
led him to seek more earnestly the help of the Holy Spirit.
May 11 Preached at Kensington three times. felt some liberty and hope good was done. I
went home to Tea with Mrs Rowlands the first family that introduced our connexion into this
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Coloney. Mr Rowlands commenced to preach in Light Square. But what is he now? Wine and
strong have made him one of the most foolish men I have ever met with. My heart bled to see
him. Not much better than a lunatic. My heart trembled to see him. I felt truly glad that the Lord
had led me to see the evils of drink. He was a good man, and very useful in the Church, little
by little he fell. Now he is going fast to distruction body and soul. When will the Church see its
danger from the baneful habits of drinking? My God open thou the eyes of the people who are
called by thy Name that they may see the ravages the demand is making in the Church and
the world!
May 24th. This is the birth-day of our beloved Queen. We have reason to praise God that such
a woman of moral excellence sits on the throne of the nation. Old Queen Bess had many good
parts and a Spirit bold enough for a King but She Came far short of the moral parts of our
beloved Queen. She lacked the kindness, the sympathy, womanly tenderness and the moral
symmetry. Queen Victoria will live on the pages of English history, yes the history of the
Civilised World, as the brightest queen that has ever ware a crown in woman’s nature. She
was a f wife, and still is a Mother in the highest and best sence. There is in her so beautifully
combined the the Mother of the family and the Queen of the Nation . Long may She reign and
peaceful may be her end. Amen!
Last night we opened a lodge of “Good Templars” at Strathalbyn Salisbury. 11 members
initiated. Good meeting. One man who had been much given to drink came with his wife. It
was pleasing to see the interest he took in the movement. May heaven bless him.
What a good thing is the Temperance Movement to the human family. I was told by an eye
witness, a short time ago a man by the name of Price, gave himself to drink to such an extent
that he became maddened by drink, his wife and children fled from him as they would from a
tiger. One evening he shot at his wife but missed his mark by the breadth of an hair. She had
to leave him. He became so bad he could not eat any thing to keep on his Stomac. He said he
would do Anything if he could only eat a peace of bread. The Doctor said, “If you give up
Brandy you will surely die.” The men will be red with the blood of souls in urging the
intoxicating drinks on the poor, wich end off (……) He said ‘If I die I shall die sober if I do not
take. He gave it up despite of the doctor. He soon regained his appetite, gave his heart to God
and became a local preacher.
How I long to see the day, when the drinks of the intie inebriate shall be known only as the
things of the past.
May 28th. Attended a Temperance Meeting at Salisbury. Mr War.d delivered a very interesting
lecture. I think he is a good man and has his heart in his work. About 20 signed the pledge. I
hope they will always keep to it. This is safe ground. No man is safe who drinks wine or strong
drink.
Good Templees
I see by reading the History of France in the thirteenth Century there we a people called the
“Knight Templars” . These were a military religious order, instituted to defend the Temple at
Jerusalem from the infidels. Their wealth made them objects of jealousy to the Nobles. Two of
the Templars being Condemned to perpetual imprisonment offered to revele to the French
Government secrets which criminate the whole order, if released. It was done. The Templars
were every where distroyed by the French by the sanction of Pope Clement the Fifth. This has
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given the origin to the name ‘Good Templars’, I suppose. As Good Templars we must defend
the Temple of Truth, and holiness and sobriety. Not by sword, but by example and advocacy. I
have just heard that one of Our Ministers has been seen drunk on the public road. He offered
too bad intrutions to a young lady. O my God ‘Hold thou me up and I shall be safe.’ When I see
Ministers of the gospel yielding to this insidious foe what need for me to look to the Strong for
Strength! Poor Standers has fallen before and now, has yielded to the enimy again. How we
ought to watch and pray. The day of the Lord will unfold some sad things to the universe. How
many have fallen by this subtle enimy? Some of the brightest gems of humanity have been
made as dung by strong drink.
By the help God, never, no never will I take it again. I have been an abstainer for about 35
years and hope to go into my grave clean from its effects or even without the smell of it on my
garments. My God help me and my sons and daughters to shun this monster as we would
fire! Amen!
June 10th. I am just home from Gawler River. Visited yesterday a number of families. Met with
one man and his wife he 86 and she 84 and had been married 63 years. They both look
healthy and may live years yet. This is a long union and a long life. They are both ignorant of
the grace of God. They hope in God’s Mercy. Spent all their days in the world without trusting
in Christ, and now hope in the mercy of God ! Poor souls, how dark they appear. Their minds
appear like glass thickly coated with paint, not much light can get through the mind to the
heart. How sad to spend so long lives without a living trust in the Redeemer. My heart felt sad
while I looked upon them, so near death and not alive to the Lord who died for them. O may
the Holy Spirit pierce the darkness and help them to see Christ their Saviour. Amen!
12th. Preached the opening sermon in connexion of the Preacher Association at Gawler. Text
1 Peter 2nd. ‘That you shouild follow his Steps’. I felt the Master to be with me. I hope good
was done . I am glad to see our young men advancing in light and truth. I hope they will
continue the humble truth seekers, that they may more efficiently glorify God!
I long to see the Spirit of the Lord sheding his influence on our souls. I long to see a reveal of
religion. The subject of holiness is much lost sight of I am afraid. There is not that devotion
and seeking for this great blessing as with many of Our Fathers.
The main reason why true religion does not prosper is the mal–representation of religion of
Christ . What little of the mind of Jesus do we see in the lives of professors. May God help us
to love him with all the heart
July 11th. Attended a Missionary Meeting at Mitcham. The Lord has mad bare his arm in this
place about 50 have been brought to God. The chapel was quite full and only 2 or three
persons but were converted to God. The Lord was with us. Two ships have just entered Old
Port from England, the Bundileer and the Gateside. Both lost a man overboard. The Captain of
the Bundileer saw the man swimming ten minutes after he fell overboard but would not about
ship. He perished. The Captain of the gateside through out the Life boury and the man caught
it. He cried “Save”! Save “Save!” The Captain shouted , “Cheer up sonny w’ll save you, w’ll
save you” The wife of the Captain took the wheel and in about an hour they saved him. What a
contrast! The Captain and crew of the Gateside were Teetolalees and most of them Christians!
Praise the Lord!
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In the Revival One man got up and said ‘ I came to this Chapel to see what was going on, but
could not feel anything. At night I dreamed I was at work in quarey, the earth fell in and as I
thought I was dying I awook. The next day I was at work in the Quarry, my brother cryed Out
‘Get out of the way the earth is falling”. I just got out of the place when earth sufficient fell to
bury a thousand men. I cried out ‘O God it is time for me to be saved. I came to the meeting
and gave my heart to God. My brother went home told his wife it was time for them to begin,
he fell on his knees and praid in his family for the first time. When he had done, his wife began
and both started for the Kingdom’. Was this not the Lord’s doing? Who could forsee the falling
in of the earth to cause him to dream of it but the Lord? It is very obvious that the hand of the
Lord was with his people and in night dreams he prepared the mind of this man to receive his
Word. “This was the Lord’s doing and is marvelous in Our eyes!” My Soul has been much
blessed this week my cup has been filled to the overflowing. What shall I do to praise the Lord
for his goodness? I pray that this good work may spread althrough the Coloney. Amen!
July 21 Preached at Burton, felt very hard and dark. I felt sensible of some power working on
my mind, I believe Satan was at work. I could only trust in the Lord and hang on his promise.
As soon as the Prayer Meeting began I had the happiness of seeing the Lord save souls. Four
young women came to the platform and cried for mercy. They soon found pardon and rejoiced
in Christ their Saviour.
There is no work so great and joyous as bring souls to Christ. This is the work I wish to live for.
I find the Old who have set beneath the Word for years are as hard as stone. They appear to
have lost the power of receptivity like a barkless tree, or lifeless flower, dew and sunshine fall
in vain on them. Strange that Man Should be so unwilling to receive life, joy and happiness!
Such is the case. Why? The only reason is given by the Great Teacher “Man loves darkness
rather than light, (Why?) because his deeds are evil’. Lord have mercy on the world for Christ’s
sake Amen!
August 10th. Preached at South Adelaide Missionary Sermons. Did not enjoy much liberty. But
hope good was done. The Lord is helping his people in the City. Praise him.
Heard Mr Symes preach at the Bible Christian Chapel from “To live is Christ.’ He said
1 Christ was the great prescence of the Apostle’s life. The Ancient Saints saw God in every
thing. The thunder was to them the sound of his chariot wheels, the lightning the brightnes of
his Countanence. Paul felt Christ always with him. Here was his joy and support.
2 Christ was the great purpose of his life. All men have some purpose. A man who came to
the house of the Lord once in the week could not say this. A man sought more to stand well
with the world then Christ did not feel this. A man who delighted in the presence of Sinners
more than the good man’s did not make x the great purpose of his life.
3 Christ the great power of his life. There must be a power to hate and resist Sin. There is
power in the example, Direct power from Christ. Light came down with power on all Vegetation
so from x . I was much blessed.
Sep 1st. I have been spending the week at Roseworthy holding Missionary Meetings. The Lord
was with me. We were blessed by the influence from above.
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Sep 21 This has been a Strange day in the little Township of Salisbury. One poor man who for
some years has been insane, always believing he was the Stone on which the Church was to
be built, as his name was Stone. On Sabbath day he got to a small waterhool and drowned
himself. On the same day Another poor man who had been in part out of his mind died just
before he died, his daughter gave birth to a child in the same house. What a mixture of life and
death in this world of sin! What has sin done! What has it not done? It is filled this world with
lamentation and woe.
October 12th.
Preached the School Anniversary sermon at Gawler River. The Chapel was crowded and
some could not gain admission.
I felt great liberty in my work and I hope good was done.
On the Monday we had a good Tea and a very interesting Meeting in the evening. I long to see
souls saved in this place. The cause is low but their all signs of times being better. It is hard
work to get people to bckd believe in Christ as their Saviour. Man loves darkness rather than
Light because their deeds are evil.
Octo 19th. Preached at Salisbury, ?Huston and Burton. I felt the Lord with me. While preaching
from Where two or three are met together there am I in the midst of them, I felt the Lord in the
midst. I felt him actually with us. Yes he was there, bless him. He was very close to us, in the
midst. How precious to feel him in the midst. May I ever realize his preacence when ever we
meet.
Octo 21 This day I took Tea with a poor woman whose husband was killed indirectly through
drink. Her Son-in-Law is a fine man, kind husband, a skilful doctor, only fond of drink, this poor
woman felt this yet she will not give it up. How deceitful is this monster!
A young man whose wife was ill and in Labour. He went to One Dr found him so drunk that he
could not go, he saught the second Dr went to his house could not find him. Went to all the
Public houses, but could only find out that he had been to them. On returning he had to cross a
bridge, his horse shied, he saw a hat, got off and found the second Doctor drunk by the side of
the road. These men were men of education, but had become so debased by strong drink.
Here was a poor woman in danger and these two Doctors drunk. Yet we are told by the public
papers that Teetolars are mad, and a permisive bill is unjust. Let us to a man be up and doing,
manfully meet this foe in his most secret hiding places. Expose him untill the respectable are a
shamed to touch it.
Nov 2nd. Spent the day at Kadina and preached three times to large Congregations. Many at
night could not gain admission. I felt pleased to see so many old friends who had been brought
to God when I laboured at the Burra. One man told me, some years ago, he and others were
going out on the Sabbath into the Bush after game, but I met them spook to them of the evil of
their ways, this deeply impressed his mind and also the mind of some other man these two
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were afterwards brought to God and became members of the Church. I see here the need of
sowing by the side of all waters.
Nothing rejoiced my soul equal to seeing these children in the Lord still holding on their way. I
hope to be useful in the care of God while. This is the only thing worth living for.
Saw the effects of the gosple of Christ on the hearts of the people. It is the power of God unto
salvation. O may all believe it and rejoice in him. Amen
Nov 19 Preached at Greewith In my pastoral duties I met with two old people who were
severally 75 78. They had been married 47 years, in the church 50. The poor woman had a
decayed face for sixteen years. These two old people sat down and told me of the goodness of
God. They wept tears of joy praised the Lord. “The Lord has brought me all the way through.
(In the margin is written Nicholls) Bless him! Bless him! The Lord has been in all the treats of
life. My dear, the Lord has never left us. I have no trouble like some! The Lord has always
been good us. Praise him! Praise Him!” Thus they they kept on telling of the goodness of God.
I felt the place was holy ground. If Jacob after seeing the Vision of Angels and the Lader set
up felt where he slept was the House of God, I had reason to believe the little cottage in the
bush where those two old pilgrims had so long lived as sanctified by holy pleading was the
home of God. We have no faith in sanctified Mortar, but we have in devout lives.
How different to the two dear old pilgrims I have mention to another case I met with. Old Mr
Row who is a drunkard, swearer and a distiller of Brandy, who has made many others vile by
his fire-water , when I told him I ought to love God said most vehemently, “I do love him, no
man love him better than I do. See what he has given me. I am worth £9,000 any day He has
helped me. I do love him.”
This poor man is so much deceived that while he lives in sin the most black, he thinks he love
God. May God help him to see his state! Amen!
20 Nov Preached at Salisbury We had a good Congregation and felt the Lord very near. A sad
case happened to day in this Township. A poor man by the name of Sheen left his home to
seek for work, in the morning, in the evening news came, that he had been killed in Adelaide.
His poor wife was in a sad way. How uncertain is life. May I be ready! This poor man was in
the Inn drunk a few days before. When asked where was the land he owned said “All the land
he owned was 6 feet in the cemetery. Well for him had he thought of his soul.
December 3 It is very hot to day, but we have had no rain for about a month, and the ground
is got remarkably hot. This makes every duty of life a burden. When one bow in prayer the
heat is so great that one feels but little pleasure in duty.
A poor man has just burried his child and wife in One grave at Salisbury. As he looked into the
grave and wept said “Farewell my darlings”. Poor fellow, yet a drunkard, how gloomy is death
in without hope.
I just asked an old man to come to the house of God, and he told me he should but he knew
some there who got drunk. This keeps many from religion.
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Dec 9 This is a day of days. The wind is like the blast from a furnace. We have had ten days
successively of extreme heat The thermometer has stood over 100 in the shade. To day the
Lord sent out his thunders and lightnings in grandure. This soon changed the whole
Atmosphere and a cool night followed. Praise him for his goodness.
1874
January 1st. Another year is gone To some a year of joy to others a year of sorrow. I do not
where to begin to praise Him for his goodness to me and my family. It has been a year of
peace and confidence in the Lord.To day at eight o’clock a young man 19 years of age was
hung for the murder of Burt Two days before Mrs Wooleveh was hung on the same scaffold for
poisoning her husband at Moonta. They both made confession of their crime Both blamed
Satain for tempting them.This was the case with Eve . I think he often blamed when he is not
guilty. Is it not our own lust that leads us to sin? Was it not Ridgeway’s love of money that led
him to do the deed. It is human nature to cast the blame from self to another. Poor man has
fallen to the very dust. God’s grace alone can change him and left him to dignity and honour.
What a change of things in this life we have. Spent the beginning of the year at a watch
meeting; execution of Ridgeway at 8. Married a coupple at 10, started to a Tea Meeting at 11.
Saw the hills on fire at night. On returning from Mount Lofty at night fell asleep, the reins fell
from my hands part got beneath the horse’s feet, but no accident. “ I felt the force of these
word ”He shall give his angels charge over thee.” Having been up the night before at the
Watch Meeting I could not keep awake. The Lord delivered me in the time of danger. I thank
him for his goodness –
As I am permitted to see the beginning of a New Year, I am desirous of being fully devoted to
the Lord. I long for the mind of Jesus. That loving, holy, earnest and self sacrificing mind. God
help me. Amen!
January 6th. Attended the Valedictory service of Revd. J. Warner who is leaving for England. An
address, a gold chain, a large Album and a silver ink stand was presented to him. I am truly
sorry Mr Warner is leaving us, but hope that it will be for good. We have toiled together for
fifteen years not without some little contention on some points of difference, but from my heart
I love him and wish him well. He is a good man, loves the connexion and I think has been
always true to the cause of God.
My mind has been much paind to day, by the Revds Graham and the Rev J S Wayland making
application to go to England. Mr Graham because the Coloney dose not suit his health. He
been here a little over a year and now must return home. I do not understand it. He must be
wrong when he went came from home or wrong now. I cannot think he can be guided by the
Cloud in both cases. The hand that led him hear, to win souls, as we thought, is not taking
him.
Feb 11 Came home from the District Meeting. Mr Cole at this meeting left with Hamdon for
Victoria District. Mr Graham gave us to understand he should return for England. J.S.Wayland
also asked for permission to return to England. I cannot understand how men can Come out at
the expense of a poor community to win souls to Christ and because they do not like the
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Country as well as England must leave the work. This is not the spirit of the Apostles nor of the
first primitive Methodism. We we. want more of the mind of the Master.
At this District Meeting we had 50 increase of members.
15th. Married Wm Neale to Miss Nancy Leaver of Adelaide. This young man was brought to
God through my labours and is now engaged as a public Teacher and local preacher. I hope
the Lord will make him useful. How happy I should have been had my own dear boy held fast
to his work. May the God of Abraham help him and fully restore him to his work. It has ever
been a desire in my heart to see him in the Vinyard of the Lord. I would sooner see him a poor
minister of Jesus, than a Peer.
Feb 22 Preached the Anniversary Sermon at Two Wells. Good congregation but not much
liberty.
23 Attend See Meeting two wells. Large numbers of people.Good Meeting.obtained £40.
24 Attended a Tea Meeting at Shanings One man got up and said he was glad to see me for
I was the instrument of leading him to Christ This gave me great joy
25th. Lectured at Roseworthy from Manliness. Hope some good was done.
26th. Attended a tea and laying the foundation stone at Ward’s belt near Gawler I hope many
souls will be saved in this place.
March 3rd. We have just held another Quarterday. It was very peaceable.. We cannot boast
of much prosperity in a spiritual sense. But we are looking for an Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
I long, I thirst, I pray that God may bless us with the saving influence of his Spirit. I preach the
word but have not the power that can go to the heart. O my Lord give me that power to speak
to the hearts of men!
I have seen the hand of the Lord ?smeting the strong men like the harvestmen cutting down
corn, and heard hearts beating under the word like stones under the hammer of the roadman.
Lord send us these times over again! I long to see them once more.
March 9th. Attended at Committee. Not very pleasant. Mr Goodwin proposed to transfer
Crafers Chapel. This goes to my soul. As soon as some deficiency comes with a Chapel –
“Sell it, or transfer it”. is the order of the day. We have three in the South given up when they
might have been upheld and good society. But some men are always seeking to sell. My heart
bleeds when I think of this disposition to sell .
11th. While sitting at the window of this quiet littleTownship, I have seen a wedding and funeral
processions. The one in white and decorated with all the beauties of art; the dark, and solemn.
Such is the nature of this life, we are graduating in the University of death, and every vibration
of the pendulum of life is taking us to the grave. May I be ready for such a change.
This day the train ran off the line above Roseworthy. About ten were injured a woman and man
killed. The poor woman had a child in arms, when she saw the train or carriage was coming
on to her. She threw the child from her so saved the child but died herself. The young man
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had been home to see his parents, parted from them about 3 p.m. met the catastrophe about
6. How uncertain is death!
April 4th. Within the last few days several awful deaths have taken place. In Bowden a poor
woman was found hung. She had two black eyes. Her husband confessed to his having done
this under the influence of drink. At Truro a man got drunk, struck his wife and threw her down
into a well 125 feet deep. – then she died . Almost the same time, a man was found dead
grasping in his hand a brandy bottle. The wheel of the dray had gone over him. What a world
this ir! Men see all these victims of drink and yet they drink on. When will men act
with true common sense in this case? Most of men appear blind on this subject. The gain of
many, and the true of the Article prevent them seeing the evil it has done and is doing. My God
help me to battle with all my soul against this monster evil. I am glad I have been led to
abandon this evil from my lips and home.
I have just been told, that John Rowlands who introduced Primitive Methodism into this
Coloney is frequently found in the gutter drunk. His property is going fast. All through drink! Oh!
Monster, Monster !
April 7th. We held yesterday the Anniversary of Sturton Chapel. Mr Winwood preached the
sermons and gave us a very interesting lecture on Wesley. He was truly a great man, a good
man, and a most useful man. Oh! that I was more like him in holiness! I long to see souls
brought to God. It appears hard work to preach the gospel because we see no good done,
week after week.
15 This day the great Strike at Wallaroo ended in peace. For a fortnight about five thousand
men had been out on strike. Not less than 18 thousand men and women on strike are
depending on these two (Moonta and Wallaroo) mines. I am happy this strike was so
honouring to the men. Most of our papers ascribe this to the intelligence of the people. But this
is not the truth. Intelligence and education do not keep men from Vice. We have plenty
educated rogues, swindlers, drunkards, murderers, and suicides. All ages give evidence that
more education will not hold men back from Vice and crime. What has held them in bounds is
their piety and temperance. No drink was allowed. One publican rolled a barrell of beer into
their ring meeting and told them to drink. But the men rolled it back and would not touch it. This
shows they understand where their danger is. May they ever stand true to their principles.
April 22. This day I thought my work was a done. four times during the day I became
insensible. My family wept arround me expecting I was going. I looked over my whole life and I
saw nothing to trust in only the blood of Christ. Here was my joy. My soul was filled with peace
and joy when I thought of Christ and his precious blood. What preciousness there is in that
blood. This is my only hope.
April 30th. 1874. I am this day fifty two years of age. As I look on that period how many things I
have to repent of, how imperfect have I lived in the sight of a holy God! Lord I do this day ask
thee for the sake of Christ to pardon all my wrongs. I feel the peace of God in my soul. His
blessing maketh rich and addeth no sorrow to it. If I am spared through this year may it be the
most devoted to his glory! Amen!
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May 9th. This day the Revd Henry Byron Thomas departed this life. Dear man of God he is
gone safely home. I admitted him into Society at Kooringa, put his name on the plan, and
called him into the Ministry. He was not strong in constitution, but he was devoted to the cause
of God, and has been very useful. One by one God’s Saints are being called home to the
Mansion above. He is got home first. Twelve years younger than I but has finished his work
before me. My Father help me so to line to thee that I may feel ripe when the hand of death
knock at my door! The Lord has blessed me with a healthy body, but I have often abused it,
forgetting that it is the Temple of the Holy Ghost. We often by our excesses and useless
extravagances shake the walls of the building, sap its foundation and bring it to a premature
decay. I am sure I have done very foolishly. May God forgive me for Jesus sake! He will, he
does. Praise him for ever!
May 23rd. We met yesterday in Adelaide to consider a case of drunkeness against Mr
J.Standrin! This poor man has been a minister for more than 20 years. He has several times
been reported drunk, but this time the g case was too plain to be denied. On leaving the
District Meeting, he drank porter and became frantic with its influences board ship on his way
home. Two other ministers were in the same steamer and were witnesses of this act. Poor
man, he had been warned again and again, and again and again he promised to abstain from
the cup that brutalises the intellect, and blasts the elements of piety.
The Committee after some long time considering the case came to the decesion to suspend
him for six months or untill the District Meeting. I felt it hard to vote for this, as he pleeded so
hard to be forgiven. But how could we? His sin was public. Most of the people in Mount
Gambier knew it, they would think we thought lightly of the crime, the cause of God would
suffer, once the Holy Name of the Most High blasphemed. I hope we did right. I feel deeply for
him and his family, but feeling must not be our guide. Lord Save him! How many times have I
done what I ought not to have done! What should I have been not for the grace of God! To him
be the praise and glory that I have not been cast overboard! My God hold me up and I shall be
safe! Let thy spirit teach me, let thy word be my rule, let they ? …. be my aim, let thy love be
my inspiration, and thy will be my will, and let it be my meat and drink to do thy will. Amen!
I am truly thankful to my heavenly Father for keeping me in the way of peace, and that by his
grace my feet have been kept from steering quite out of the path of grace; often I have made
false steps and grieved the Holy Spirit, many have been my sins and infirmities since in the
Ministry, but by the grace of God I have been upheld that I have not wholy forsaken the Lord.
Praise his name for his goodness. When I get to heaven I will praise him for his goodness to
me. Lord be thou my help in every temptation. Amen!
May 24th. The treasurer of South Australia has just read his Budget speech which must be
very gratifying to all the lovers of this Colony The exports for the year ending March 31 1874
amount to £4522,000. This is noble for a population of 180.000. The work done in less than 40
years in this land is prodigious and speaks well for the Anglo Saxon race. Oh! if we all were
but les anxious for the growth of Christianity in our midst!
June 18th. I am thankful after seven weeks illness, I feel much better. I have to thank God for
my affliction. It has led me to see my need of closer communion with Saviour. How sweet is his
name. The name that is filling the world with music. He is the centre of evey circumference,
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and the circumference of any centre. His law is the life of the soul, his service is the life of the
new born soul. The Lord is more sweet to me than ever. This world has lost its attraction. The
things that are eternal now fill my soul. I am looking up, looking home ward for my rest. “I rest
in God, and wait patiently for him.” How precious these words have been to my soul! We
cannot understand why our trials. If we could see the good intended we could hear them. We
cannot see this, but God does, let us rest in him and wait. We cast a seed to the ground, we
cannot tell what it will become, what it will bear little or much, but we wait its growth and when
developed we see we are rewarded. So we must wait the result of our afflictions. God will bring
us out and reward us too. Let us wait on him.
1874 June 20 Mr Boothly has just published his statistics for 1873 This small colony made
this year (1873) 7,250,000 gallons of wine. We have land sold in the Colony – 4,626,444
acres. We have a debt of £2,284,400. this is about £11 per head. Although this is much
smaller than any other Colony, and not half as much per head as England, yet we think it is far
too high. There will come a time when we shall have but little land to sell and our debt large,
which will make the tax on our children large and heavy. It is very easy to borrow money, not
so easy to pay. The borrower is the servant of the lender.
Wine making is our moral curse. Thousands are being distroyed by this man-made article.
Father, Mother, Brothers, Sisters, old and young are being swept away by this stream! When
will the church see its duty on this subject? May we awake to duty!
July 5th. Preached at night at Salisbury. The Lord was with us. My second son cried for mercy
and made his first prayer publicly to God. Did this not fill my soul with joy. Bless my the Lord O
my soul. Several others cried out for pardon.
July 6. Being from home my dear son the day after his conversion engaged in family prayer.
Lord keep him untill death from sin and let him be useful in thy cause!
31 Mr Daddow came to take my work for a few weeks while my health may be restored. He is
a good promising young man.
August 2 This has been a good day. Twelve souls united with us in Christian fellowship.
Praise the Lord.
August 14 A young woman who I had often preached to and urged her to love God but did
not decide. She became deaf, sick at three this morning asked for food, she eat fell asleep at
five found dead. What need for us to be ready for death. Lord help us by thy spirit to live for
thy glory!
Sep 14th. Held School Anniversary at Salisbury. Preached in the afternoon with great freedom.
The Lord was with me. I am hoping soon to be able to take my work again and get on the
noble work of leading souls to Christ.
Sep 23. Called upon Mr Rowlands at Kensington. This poor man is almost an idiot through
drink. His face was bloated, his eyes bloodshot, his lips swollen and his whole frame parelised.
He i s the terror of his house. His poor wife is sinking fast into the grave with a broken heart.
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She told me, she was afraid to sleep. She had found a knife under his pillow. This man was
once a useful member of the church, a preacher, and introduced our connection into the
Coloney. May the Lord help me to shun the first glass!
Drink is the greatest foe that we have to fight against. It fills ten thousand homes with woe and
lamentation; poverty and ignorance.
Octr 2. Attended a Committee in Adelaide. Mr Standrin made application to have his
suspension removed as Conference had appointed him to New Zealand. The Committee
willing to give him another opportunity freed him. I do from my heart hope he will in future
abandon the drink that has been his ruin. Lord help him! Amen!
Nov 2 Attended a reception parter on the arrival of Mr James Foren and five others, who had
explored the desert from Western Australia to the interior of this Coloney. They had travelled
2000 miles in seven months. All the men looked well. Nine horses had been lost on the way.
This expedition only cost the Government £330. This has been one of the most successful
expeditionsl list. on record. What will men do for the good of the case in a temporal sense?
What little is done for the soul! One black man a Native of this country got up and said,’ It was
God that had brought them across the wilderness.’ They had a good gaffer but he could not
have brought them – God brought them across Noble Testimony of a black man.
Nov 3 1874 This has been a great day in Adelaide. Mr Jonas Forest, Alex. Forest, two white
men and two blacks natives of Western Australia made their entrance into the City of Adelaide.
It was a grand sight. Thousands of people crouded the streets, tops of houses and balconies.
All the benifit Societies walked in procession, bells were ringing, flags flying, and hearts
swelled with exultant joy. It was one of the best days of Australia. Not hot but dry and truly
beautiful. The sight of the12 poor horses and the men as they came from the Bush of 2000
miles made the people shout most most lusterly. It was a sight most grand. What will our going
home to Our Father’s house be! May I be ready! It is supposed there were not less than 20000
people to witness the entrance of John Forest.
Nov 16. Mr Jos Graham embarked for old England on board of the City of Adelaide. He has
been in the Coloney about two years. His health evedently could not stand this climate. Poor
man! He left his native Land in high Spirits for this field of labour hoping to be useful and
hoping the Providence of God was leading him here. This may be the case, but it appears
strange that he should be so little good to us if the Lord sent him. I am afraid sometimes we
are not sent by God, but take the ranes into our own hands. I hope he will be made a blessing
in the Land of his fathers, where he was highly esteemed before he came to us. He has left
behind him the dust of a fine promising Son. The Lord had need of him and in wisdom took him
home. God is so wise and God that He does all things well.
His leaving was not like parting for life, but only for a few hours. No emotion, no tears shed.
But we shall never meet again on this side death. I do hope we shall meet in heaven. Amen!
Dec 25th. 1874
For the first time for some years all my family met together to spend the Christmas. This may
be the last time in this world we may ever meet together. I think it will, as one part is removing
to Melbourne. Such is the nature of this life. We are scattered like the leaves of autumn, grow
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upon the same tree, but some wind comes and detach the leaves they fly away no more to
unite. Holy families, we grow beneath the same roof, then go to different points of the
compass, no more to meet till we meet in the day of the Lord. Well will it be for us if we are in
Christ and meet in his glory.
I have sought the salvation of my children, above all other objects, I have asked the Lord to
give them true piety, not wealth, and hope in God for the realization of this blessing. O My God
grant me this one desire through the death of Jesus my only Saviour! Amen! I believe I shall
see them saved. Praise the Lord!
Poor Mrs Rowlands died this day. She has been killed by the bad conduct of her drunken
husband. She has died of a broken spirit. His Conduct has been the most brutal and immature.
She has left I hope for a better world where all her suffwerings end. Praise the Lord there is a
home for the pious suffering. Her long lost son came home to see her before she died. He and
his father both came to the gate of the yard at the same time in the same Buss – both drunk
and did not know each other. When Soker the son fell on his knees and begged for pardon, the
father struck at him while on his knees. What a Monster! What a mercy God Our Father is not
like him. Whosoever Call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Dec 30 1874 My dear boy John George left in the Cooring for Melbourne We stood and
watched the steamer disappear. This is a sad sight. Gone for ever from us – maybe. For near
20 years he has been brought up by our side, loved him, watched him, praid for him, now he
has been launched on the troubled waters of this great world. I can see his face go where I
may there it is before me. My own blood and flesh. Shall I never look on that face again? No
more behold him for whom I have praid and wept for years? Can it be! No I shall see him again
in the day of my Lord when I hope to reap with him the fruit of our labours. Now my Father I
leave him in thy hands until that day. I believe my prayers cannot fail through the name of thy
dear son. I am a warm and no man, but I trust in the Lord and believe he will help me and
redeem my poor boy from all evil. O God for Christ’ sake save my family! Amen!
31 This is the last year day of 1874. It has been such a year as I have not experienced. A year
of affliction, a year of family trouble, a year of blessings too! I have felt much of the Lord’s
prescence. He has at times filled my heart and made it overflow with joy. Well I must bid it
good buy. it has told its tale at the bar of God. All its moments have fled and will repete their
cries in eternity. Our works follow us. They have their influence on others, on ourselves, and in
the Judgements of God. The deeds of man are like the eggs of ants, they have the vitality in
them, and they will live and will swarm around us biting and tormenting us. Good deeds like
the seed of odirifferous plants, they grow up around and please us with the sweetest order.
My God let my life be pleasing to thee and then I care not what may come, I am safe and shall
be as Mount Geon which cannot be moved .
1875
We watched the advent of this year in our little Salisbury Chapel. The Lord was present to
bless us, though not many people! I felt as dust when I looked on the past year and thought
how little I had done for Christ and felt thankful when I called to mind God’s goodness to me
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and my family. The fall of my poor boy had been a source of the bitterest grief me but his his
restoration has filled me with gladness, gratitude and thankfulness to God.
I feel resolved to spend this year more to his honour. Lord help me! Amen!
Jany 20 For the last few days the heat has been very great. But to day is at the highest – not
less than 110º in the shade. What a blessing this does not last long – It is soon over and we
breathe freely and sweetly. A man told me, a lark was pursuing a a little bird, the creature to
be safe flew into the bosom of a workman, he put his hand on it to defend it and the lark struck
his hand. When the Lark of hell is after us we will flee to the bosom of Jesus, there we are
safe. Hide me O my Saviour hide, till all the storms of life are past!!
In Melbourne the thermometer stood 109º in the shade the highest known for fourteen years.
Also 160 in the Sun. This is high.Not fit for man to live in. But this does not last long.
24 Preached at North Adelaide The Chapel Anniversary Sermons. Felt the Lord to be with me
and I hope was in his word.
Heard Rev O. Lake preeh in the afternoon from Rom.16.1 I commend unto Jan Phebe Our
Sister. He noticed 1 the removing Member – Sister – servant of the Church – a succourer of
many. II the reception Receive her in the Lord – As becoming saints - and assist her. This
discourse was very good – and highly instructive. I trust it found it way to the heart of many.
Feb 6th. Attended the District Meeting at Moonta, and had the honour of being the President.
The business meetings and the religious services were attended with peace, unity and unction.
Our increase for the year 210 paid off our Chapel debts £1000. To God be all the praise.
Amen!
I trust this year will be the best we have ever experienced. Why not have a thousand souls this
year? God will hear the cry of the Church. Only let us seek the Baptizm of the Holy Spirit and
He will not deny us. “ Ask and receive “ is the law of the Kingdom. In all ages when his people
have humbled themselves and sought his blessing that blessing has come like rain on the the
new mown grass. The parched land has become a pool, the sear grass have revived, and the
desert like the garden of the Lord. Come Holy Ghost fill thy people with a longing after the
great Salvation. Give them the hungering and thirsting that cannot rest. Amen!
March 3. This day the wreck of the Gothenburgh reached us. On her way from the Northern
Territory. She was caught in a cyclone ran on the rocks with 123 souls on board. All but four
Seamen went down. One of Judges (Wearing) Hon. S Reynolds and others. This was a fearful
catastrophy. Many a home has been made sad by this event. How men ought to live for
eternity. Never safe – only in Christ. Some years ago I heard Mr Reynolds preach and no
doubt he was a good man. Sad to know he fell from his position. It was in the public papers.
“That he with others started in a trap on the Sabbath to visit the goldfields. When he was a
common man he was pious and useful, but when he got to be the Hon. S.R. he lost sight of the
Cross. My God help me to remain humble. Let ever be poor and pious, than rich and proud.
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Will this have any effect on the minds of the wealthy of this land? I hope, and pray that it may.
God grant it.
I was glad to read to day “That the Prince of Wales had become “Head Grand Master of Free
Masonry”. The Pope has anathametyed this harmless institution. Lord Lettleton had to give up
this head Mastership on becoming Catholic. The Prince accepting this office has set himself in
direct opposition to the Pope’s Cause. This is very significant. God has often blessed whom
the Pope curses. My mind has been painfully impressed with the fruits of Popery in France. In
Paris alone in one year 4000 suicides. This is an immense increase. The population
1.900,000. Here we see the effects and legitimate fruits of this evil system. Popery is the
Nation’s Curse.
March 14 and 15 Salisbury Chapel Anniversary
I was appointed to preach twice but was taken ill and could not. We did well on the Sabbeth.
Good congregations and hope good was done. Tea middling. The amount raised Sabbath £5-
1-0 Tea £4.4 Coll £2.5.9. Total £11.10.9.
Praise the Lord for his goodness to us in helping us at the services. How much we need His
Holy Spirit! This is the great need of the present day. Why need we back this! Only to ask in
faith and I have? Lord help us for thy name sake. Amen
March 21 and 22 Burton Chapel Anniversary No one at the public meeting to speak but
myself. I had to be chairman, Secretary and Minister. I had to give three speeches. Not well
but the Lord was with me and gave me words and thoughts. Good Meeting.
Sunday coll £2-16.3. Tea 2-5.1. Colltn £ 1.19.8 Total £7.
March 25 This has been a day of joy and sorrow to me. My dear daughter Mary Jane I gave
away in marriage. I could not help feeling sad when I thought one by one my family is leaving
us. Four out of eight all gone. One gone to the Land of the living – heaven. My eldest son into
the Ministry, my only two daughters married . Yet how I ought to praise the Lord. One in
heaven, one in the Ministry, my two daughters wives of local preachers – good men. Thank
God for all his goodness. I have prayed long that the Lord would not make my children rich, but
wise, holy and useful. He has fulfilled his word in my prayers. Praise His Name! I will now take
courage and pray for the remainder four boys. O that they may live before the Lord! Amen!
April 7th. Held our Band of Hope at Strathalbyn Salisbury. The day was warm, but fine. On the
whole we had a good day. The children were delighted. The public meeting was well attended
and the addresses and singing passed off well. This is the last time I shall ever meet all these
young people again. What will they become? Which road will they take as they grow up? What
will be their end? Shall I meet them on the right hand or the left of the Judge? These are
thoughts that fill the heart till it overflows. May they live before God and be useful members of
the Church! I now close my work with Salisbury Station. I cannot help feeling I have done but
little good on this station a few have been added to the church, but O how dead and cold all
appear to be. May the Lord bless my Successor with much fruit! I have had but little strength to
labour the last year. This I have felt, but I know all is for good. The Lord knows what is best for
us. I have not lost any thing in the furnace but the dross, Oh that it was all gone, and my heart
pure as the gold from the furnace! Amen! I feel the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.
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April 9th My family left Salisbury to day for Adelaide. This migration will soon be ended, for
thirty years I have been shifting, but shoon Shall have done my work and move to the Land
where we shall shift no more, but dwell in the light of God. My God, what a blessing for poor
man!
Rain is slowly falling, for weeks we have had not the sight of rain, but now it is coming grandly.
God is faithful to his promises. Why do we doubt? How can we doubt his word when we know
he never fails! Lord I will trust thee, help me?
April 18 Began my labours on the Wallaroo Station. Preached at Kadina, had good times the
Lord stood by me. Two souls were in distress, one found peace. Praise the Lord!
19. Held a Tea Meeting at Kadina. Raised £26. The Meeting was well attended and the
Speeches highly spiritual. I trust good impressions were made on the minds of the people!
April 25 Preached at Moonta Mines.The Lord was with me and gave me souls. About 30 were
seeking the Lord. There is a grand work going on in all the Chapels. To God be all the praise. I
hope they will hold then fast and become rooted and grounded in love. How well the soul grow
when thus rooted. No soil will produce the soul – growth as love. No stone in that soil. No
building will stand so well and long as the building grounded in love.
Buried Miss Martin a most lovely girl of 16. Her end was peace. Her last words on earth were “
Jesus my Saviour.” These are the words to close our lips in death. How sweet we can sleep
with Jesus on the lip. Dying is going home to the Christian. May I be ready! Amen!
May 16th. Preached at Cross Roads School Anniversary. Good day. At night five souls saved,
to God be all praise.
18 Preached at Wallaroo Mines five souls made happy in the Lord. This is a grand work.
20 Had six souls made happy in the love of Jesus. It does one’s soul good to see the penitent
made happy in the love of God.
23 Had a glorious fellowship meeting at the mines, one soul made its peace with God. I trust
this work will go on and thousands saved. Why not? God is willing, and able. How I long to
have that simple child like trust in God which cannot, will not doubt. I so often find the lingering
of a doubt when asking God for a blessing. How I heat these doubts. Lord save me from these
cruel sins! Doubting destroys God, robs the soul of peace and joy and unfits it for the work of
God. Heaven help me to trust without doubt in a Holy God!
May 24 1875 Queen’s Birthday. Thank God for granting our much beloved Queen such a
long, prosperous, and peaceful reign. Long may she live! We held a camp meeting to day at
Moonta. More than 1000 people present of the different denominations. I hope good was done.
29 Held our Quarterly Meeting. We had ``a good day. The Lord was with us. All hearts were
filled by his presence. It was good, yes heaven to be there. Our income amounted to £173.
Paid all dues and had £19 in hand. Thine O Lord is the glory. Had four souls saved at night.
This was the best!
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I have every reason to believe the Lord has sent me here. I was not willing to come, but see
every reason to believe the Lord has sent me, to by all praise given. Amen!
June 3. Have been at Moonta Cross Roads. Souls saved by night. At Cross Roads 30 souls
in three nights. One woman 60 years of age while our people were singing come to Jesus”
cried out “Yes I am coming”, she came and fell on her knees found peace and went on her way
rejoicing. How grand to see souls cast themselves on the altar. Go where you may any night or
day, you hear people singing God’s praise and you see a number of boys, they all singing such
hymns as “There be no more sorrow there” or “ My all is the altar”,or “I am coming”. The work
is glorious.
June 16 Held Tea Meeting in Green’s Plains Chapel. The Lord was with us indeed. The
income Total £9.5.3 Outgo £12.8.8. The weather being so wet the people could not get this
made a great deficiency. We need the Holy Spirit in this place. Lord Revive us!
In visiting to day I met with a woman who said her children had left the Sabbath School
because the teacher had told the children, that Christ died in the garden of Eden. How
important that teachers should be careful what they teach the little ones. The same mother
told me that her little boy said to her “Mother do you pray!” “ What do you think my boy?” “Well
Mother I never saw you or father on your knees in my life”. “Do you pray my boy?” “Yes and
pray for you and father too.” How must that parent have felt? to be thus questioned by the
child!
Last night three souls were made to rejoice in the Lord at Kadina, four the night before. Hope
this is the beginning of better things for us here. Lord speed thy work!
June 20 Preached at Moonta Mines. Had a very good time. The Lord was with me. One soul
found peace at night. God has been very good to me. How I long for closer union, closer
fellowship. Come O Lord and fill my soul. As the rising sun with care can fill a room with light,
when doors and windows stand open, so can thou fill my whole soul with the light of thy smile.
Blessed God, come in and fill me now!
June 21. Held a union Meeting in the Wesleyan Chapel. While there was sent for in our own
Chapel that the Lord had broken the hearts of the miners in the place. It was a grand sight.
Seven souls were made happy in the Lord. One poor woman whose son had been saved
came in went down of the Chapel embraced her son most affectionately. The sight was most
affecting. Praise the Lord. Amen! What a God we have! He will hear prayer. He does hear the
cries of his people. May I live holy in heart and life!
July 4 Preached at Moonta Mines. Administered the Lord’s Supper. A proud sight. Over 300
remained the Lord was present in deed.
July 5 Visited about 20 families felt the Lord very good to me.
July 6 Visited several families. Preached at Pettinirean three souls were brought to God.
Praise him. Amen!
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July 11 Preached at the Wallaroo Mines, had a good time. God blessed his word. The text
was “In my Father’s house were many mansions. It was delightful to be there. Many were
shouting and weeping. The Lord was with us of a truth. How I long to be like Christ. When I
read of him, my soul longs to be in the fulness of his image, in all things to breathe his Spirit.
Holy Spirit come and sanctify the whole. “My all is on the Altar waiting for the fire.”
July 22 Visited about 10 families at New Town and Kadina and prayed with most of them. The
Lord blessed me at night with great liberty. It is painful to see how blind and ignorant many are
about their souls. All think of becoming religious, but delay the matter. One woman told me she
could not be religious until she felt something. I told her when she wanted food for the body
she spent time in getting it ready, so if she would only spend one half an hour per day in
seeking God, I was sure she would not be long without the Lord. She had to admit this. How
few care for their souls sufficient to spend time in seeking their Lord! My soul feels resting in
the arms of my beloved. How fr sweet to trust him for all things. I feel I can now.
July 23 Received a letter to day from Mr Joseph Graham of England. I am glad he reached
home well. He says he should not have left this Country but his health would not stand it and
he could not endure the thought of being a drag to the District. I hope the Lord will bless him
with his Spirit and make him a blessing.
August 14 This week I have given myself to the work of visiting. Felt the Lord to be with me. I
have visited about 70 families. I hope good was done.
August 15 Preached the funeral sermon for Mr Johns in the Wallaroo Mines in the morning
and for Elijah Whitford at Kadina in the evening. The Chapel was packed full in every part.
There must be about 800 people. Oh the responsibility of preaching to man the word of the
Lord!
Mr Whitford was a good man and died in peace. He called his five children one by one and
commended them to God. Told his wife not to weep. When unable to speak, he was heard to
whisper “Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Glory! Glory! He looked up with eyes beaming and
died in Jesus.
August 28 75. We have held our Quarter Day at Moonta Mines. It was a good day in many
respects. We had over 300 members increase, in all about 876 on the station. We had …….
£175 £45 in hand when all paid. To God be all the praise. Amen!
A little girl about 10 years of age was lost at Kadina in a dust storm. For two days and two
nights she was in the bush . All the people that could turned out to seek her. On the third day
a man was coming from the Country to Kadina, he found her 15 miles from home. When
brought home all the bells in the place, chapel bells, tradesmen’s bells rang out the outflow of
the gratitude of the people..”The lost was found”. What joy there will be in heaven when a Soul
is made happy in Jesus!
September 26. 1875 Opened the New Zelta [?] chapel. It was a great success. The place was
filled and had to preach outside. The place will cost £460 we hope to raise £160.
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28 Preached and held the Sabbath School Anniversary at Cocoanut. This was the first Tea
held in this place. There were many people there. We realised £8. A poor boy three years of
age was lost here in the bush for three days. His little dog was with him and kept with him. All
the people sought for him. On the last night two men were lost in a dense scrub. They lit a fire
intending to spend the night there. They heard a feignt cry like a kitten. One man went towards
the place and found the little boy laying on his face, calling his dog. The dog, when it saw the
man gave a few barks and ran of home. The boy was just saved in time. The poor father was
distracted and exhausted himself in seeking the child. – said he should die, if the child died,
but when he heard the child was found he became wild with joy. Love is the master element of
the soul. How the great father loves us and seeks to save us.
29. Held the tea in connection with the laying of the corner stones of the new edition of
Wallaroo Mines Chapel. One was laid by Mrs Knight the other by Mrs Prideaux. We realised
£41.6.0. This was a good meeting. The people came up to the help of the Lord. I hope this
enlargement will be for the glory of the Lord.. Mr Pegg gave a good but short address. He
believed the characteristic of the age to be love . Sankey and Moody in their ?Denial exhibited
the gospel as that of love. Not …. . This will not open the hearts. God is love, and by love the
heart is subdued.
Octo 3 1875 Preached Moonta Mines Sabbath School Anniversary sermon. Collections on the
Sabbath £41. Total £104. Near 600 children and Teachers. After the service at night one of the
teachers Solomon Knuckey fell into the tank and was drowned. This cast a sad gloomy feeling
over all. At the funeral there were about 3000 people. He was much beloved. “To die is gain”.
17 Preached the funeral service for Mrs Swift at Moonta Mines. Large Congregation. Her end
was peace. “To morrow at this time I shall be in glory” . “I am sweeping through the gates of
the New Jerusalem”. She called her son, and made him promise to meet her in heaven. She
was singing untill within five minutes of her death.
Oct 31 Preache the Funeral Sermon of Solomon Knuckey and James Cornelius, both of
Moonta Mines. The former was drowned in a tank after the service on the Sabbath, the latter
died after ten days illness. His death was ?glorious. He told his poor mother he had seen the
Angels, that they said they schr should come for him soon. The next day he saw his father –
“There he is there he is” said he. Knuckey and he were the two Librarians in the School, and
both died within a few days of each other.
Nov 21st. Heard Dr S. Antlett preach in the Town Hall three times. He is a powerful man. Full of
information, anecdote and illustration. I felt much of the Divine presence while listing to him.
Nov 25 Married two couples to day at Moonta, burried poor Mrs Jones. She died in the Lord.
She was a good woman. Visited Mrs Martin at Cross Roads. She was dying and her husband
dying too. I asked her how she felt.”Happy happy. Ready to go at any time”. She said she
wanted to see her husband converted, then she should die happy. How religion helps us.
Blessed Christianity!
Dec 3 Burried Mrs Martin of Cross Roads. Her end was peace. “I am so happy”. she said.
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What happy when dying? Happy when leaving her children? Happy when not able to lift a
hand? Yes happy. Oh the blessedness of our holy religion! It can take away the love of life
and the fear of death.
Dec 5 Moonta Mines Chapel Anniversary Sermons by J.S. Mayland. Sunday Coll £22 Tea
£23. In coll £8. Collected for tea £40. We hope good was done. The Lord was with us.
1875 Dec 24 Heard Dr S. Antliff lecture at Kadina. The lecture was powerful and useful – “On
happiness in Wedlock. “
25. Attended a Tea at the Port and heard the Dr give his lecture on “Domestic Happiness”. It
was good.
26 Heard the Dr Preach at Moonta Mines twice in the morning from – “We know we have
passed from Death unto life” In the afternoon from “I am come that ye may have life .. . The
sermon was plain and powerful. I hope good was done.
27 Mr Frank Raymond died to day in Adelaide Hospital in his 44th. Year. He left a widow and
five children. His end was peace. He was a good man, a humble Christian. He has gained the
prize. How needful to be ready. Health and strong, got cut down in his prime. May I be ready!
1876
January 1 Another year is come. O how time flies! What little I have done for the Lord. I feel
my defects. I mourn my littleness of love to my God. He has been very good to me. My lot has
been pleasant. May I love the Lord with all my heart! Amen!
2 Heard Dr Antliff preach three times twice, the morning Sermon was most powerful. It was
heart scalding. It must do good. It was Divine truth and must go to the heart; may God bless it.
We have raised during the short stay of the Dr about £160.
9th. Burried Mr Berriman of Kadina. This poor young man have once been a member of the
church, fell back, when he came to death found himself in need of the one thing. Bitterly he
cried unto the Lord. I hope he got safe to heaven, but it is dangerous to delay. There was
agreet congregetn of people.
January 18 Preached at Port Adelaide Walllaroo. There was a boat race. One of the boats
capsized and two men were drowned. This is the fruit of sin. These men tempted by publicans
risk their lives and often lose them. When will men be wise?
20th. Mr C Taplin delivered an address at Kadina at which he said – All ministers not ordained
by the Bishops of the Church of England were blaspheming in administering the Lord’s
Supper. Descenters(?Dissenters) had no prospect of Salvation out of his Church – in salvation
not of his Church. Moody and Sankey were fanatics – God was not moved by prayer. There
was more hope of Catholics than of descenters Poor man, what a pity he has no more sense,
more knowledge of the Bible. May the Lord have mercy on him!
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March 5. 1876 This day my dear daughter was delivered of a son, the first child. My soul
magnifies the Lord this day for his goodness vouchsafed to me and my family. Oh may the
child be the Lord’s. I pray that the good will of the God of Jacob may be with him and make
him a light in the World. Lord let him live before thee? Amen! This is the desire of my heart
and my earnest prayer, that my family be holy and useful. God grant it.
April 11 Buried Mr Samson of Wallaroo Mines. He had not long been converted to God. Just
before his death, his wife asked him, whether his soul was right- He lifted up his hands and
said “yes”. Called his son to him and said Willie, will you be a King’s son? And soon after left
for the better world. He had been a man of great suffering.
13. Visited many families and felt the Lord to be with me I hope good was done.. It was good
to be in his house at night. Large congregation and God with us. Oh how good it is to feel the
Lord possessing the whole heart.
April 26 Visited many families at Wallaroo Mines. One poor woman dying in Jesus was very
happy. Her name was Penberthy. “All is bright! All is bright! She sang the best she could. It
was pleasant to be there. I went from the room to see a man dying without Christ. His whole
frame was in a state of excitement. He trembled with terror. Sometimes he would pray which
evidently was only produced with fear. Again he would fall back into indifference. I have no
hope in these death bed repentences. I called to see a man who had been ill and when he
thought he was dying prayed most vehemently but now he is recovering, he has little desire to
pray. These poor Souls only pray when they think they are going to hell. Like a man trying to
insure his his house when fire is burning from the windows.
April 30th. 1876 This is my birthday. I have been blessed with life and health for 54 Years. How
have I spent these years? In so much to the Lord but I wish had: Lord forgive me. The past
year has been one of the best I have known. I long for closer union with my God and Saviour. I
felt much of his love but oh the fulness I want. I have to day held a Camp Meeting at East
Moonta, I hope good was done. At Moonta Mines at night four souls came to the penitents
form and sought the Lord. Praise Him. Oh may they be faithful to death. Amen!
May 2nd. Mr Samuel Trethewy of Cross Roads died – I had known him 14 years and always
found him a good kind and zealous man. When dying said “I see my Crown and shall join it”
After a short struggle he left from his home in glory. How grand to die in the Lord!
June 1 Preached at Zelta two souls professed to obtain peace through peace in Jesus.
2nd. Called upon Mr Jacka of Kadina who had been ill. He had found piece. He was truly.happy
in Christ. He should – He has brought up also most of the trouble pit. It was grand to see him.
His cup was full. Attended the Bible Class. One of the members said he knew a drinking father
who lived wirth his son. The son had brought home a bin of flour. In the absence of the son the
father carried the bags of flour on his back, one by one and sell them for half price to get beer.
What a curse is drink?
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June 11 Preached at Moonta Mines, had a good time – The Lord was with us. One woman
ran out of the Chapel under conviction of sin, but came back – fell on her knees, cried for
mercy, “and rejoiced in Jesus as her Saviour. How grand it was.
June 12 Buried James Julian a young lad cut off in Youth. On the Friday I asked his mother to
come to Class. No, she had not time. On the Sabbath he died. The poor woman found time
then to go to the Cemetry. When I saw her again, she was completely broken down. God has
to send death to effect some hearts.
June 19th. A young man of this place died after a few days sickness. He had been a very
moral man, much beloved by all that knew him. Just before he died, he asked his mother to
pray for him, She said she could not. Then asked his father to pray, he said, he could not.
Then asked his brother but he said he could not. No one in the family could pray. All living in
sin They then sent for an old man Nathaniel Rowe, he called on the Lord for the young man,
he found piece and rejoiced in the Lord untill he died. How good the Lord is to us! How willing
he is to save us. Oh for a heart to love Him!. I want to love Him more. I long to have my Soul
filled with his love!
June 21 Visited 36 families. Felt much grace. Some wept, others praised God. Some dying,
others affleted. Mr Henwood was dying but death was lit up with smiles.”How precious has
Jesus been” “I am ready to depart.””I am longing to get home.” “Praise the Lord.”
22 Preached at Belta after visiting 20 families. One case impressed my mind deeply. A man
who had been in bed for six weeks, though some complaint of his back. Before his affliction
John Rowe visited him. Asked him to allow him to pray, but he refused. Told him to be off. The
good man on hearing he was ill and had nothing to eat, went late at night to carry the man who
would not let him pray some food. This was true religion. The sick man sent for him to pray. He
was as happy as a man Could well be in this life. He had a family, wife and several children
but nothing coming in. Yet he laid there praising the Lord with all his heart. No food yet trusting
the good Shepherd. No money yet trusting his heavenly father. It was grand to see him. I
lugged him a bag of flour after preaching. I felt the Lord to be with us in this little act of
brotherhood. Praise the Lord for his goodness. Amen!
July 7th. John Henwood died to day or fell asleep in in Christ. He had been a Christian a long
while, but is gone safe Home. “”I am going to be with Christ which is far better.” Preach him to
all and cry in death behold, behold the lamb .” “Happy day when Jesus washed my sins
away.”Heaven after death.” How I long to be there and its glories to share.” I am walking in
The shadow of death, and fear no evil for the Lord is with me.” “My Jesus to know and to feel
the blood flow is life everlasting and heaven below .” “Blessed Jesus.” Just before his death
he became fluent and exhorted all to love and serve the Lord. My God, let my end be like his!
O to die in peace how grand and glorious.
August 28 I burried to day Mary Prideaux of Wallaroo Mines who died in the faith in the 22
year of her age, leaving an Infant and husband. When dying, she said to her mother “Hark
mother, Don’t you hear the sweet singing? I cannot catch the words, but sounds like the “ Rock
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of Ages!” I’m going home to father, mother. She sang “I am going to sin no more.” This is
blessed dying! How grand to see life so end!
(Yalta Lea)
Sep 11 Called to see Mr W. Thomas at Wallaroo Mines who had shot off his thumb and was
lockjawed. As soon as I mentioned Jesus, he flung up his hands saying – “He is mine, all is
clear, pray! Glory!
I next called upon MrsTresize who was dying and leaving an infant and husband. She looked
heavenly and said “Precious Jesus – I am trusting in the blood, going home, not be long .” How
grand to see good people die. *
12 Visited an old man dying in the faith of the gospel. “I have,” he said “ little to do with a
general Saviour, but a personal Saviour, He saves me. I have no hope but in the Lord.
Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. I thought of being home before this, but when he hath
fulfilled all his purpose in me, He will say, Come up higher –
‘When my Voice is lost in death
Praise shall employ my nobler powers.”
I visited today about 35 families and felt it good. Praise the Lord.
Mrs Tresize when dying said to Mrs Peters,”Where is Mr Peters? I want him to come and pray
with me, not because I am not happy, but he is my leader. When she saw her mother weeping,
she said ”Do not weep, I am going home. You weep as if I were going to jail instead of a
palace.” The soul was almost home, she began to sing, “Rock of Ages cleft for me.” This she
sang most sweetly. Her end was peace. How grand is the religion of Jesus. He sweetens
death.
Sep 1876 17 Kadina Chapel Anniversary. Rev. J . (H). Williams preached three sermons to
large congregations, the Lord was with him. Hope good was done. Obtained £41
Sep 18th. Visited the wife of Reuben Major dying. She was very happy in the Lord. She cried
out in great earnestness ‘ The Lord is ours – glory ! As I left her she exclaimed “Dear Mr
Wright meet me in heaven.” Those that live well, die well. The husband told me for five years
she had gone every day into privite to pray. This is the secret of dying well.
Sep 22 Visited Mr Betterson of Cross Roads who had been injured in the mine. While
preparing a hole to blast the powder ignited, blacked his face, destroying one eye and almost
the other, and made him a frightful spectacle. When they found him he was singing most
heartily the praise of God. This is religion in reality. When I saw him, he was praising the Lord
for what he had done for him. What a lesson to one.
Octo 8 1876
Preached School Anniversary Sermons for the Wesleyans at Wallaroo, Congregationalist at
Kadina and for our own at Moonta Mines. We had a good time. The Lord with us. Money
raised £102-15.
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Octo 15 New Town School Anniversary. Felt the Lord very good to me. He is precious to my
soul.
Happy Saviour should I be Trust thy blood to cleanse my soul
If I could but trust in thee Trust thy grace to make me whole
Trust thy wisdom me to guide, Trust thy living, dying too,
Trust thy goodness to provide Trust thee all my journey thr
Trust thy saving love and power Trust thee till my feet shall be
Trust thee every day and hour. Planted on the crystal sea.
Nov 12 1876
Preached at Redruth. I feel glad to see the great improvement in this locality. Much has been
done. Amid all death is here. Several old friends have died of late. One whom I long knew,
Thomos Killicot. He died in peace. Another man Rev Jenkin visited cursed the pains as they
came. Orded him to leave the room. Got from bed to bed no rest. How hard to die without
religion!
Nov 19 Visited S.J.Harris of Moonta Mines. He had three beautiful children. Within one week
they all died and he was near death. The mother at first was almost distracted. She had left the
Lord. She thought this was a Visitation of God. She yielded her heart to Him. When the last
child lay dying and the husband in great danger she was singing “The Lamb, the Lamb, the
bleeding Lamb” She told me she never felt happier in her life. This was Divine Consolation.
The Holy Spirit helped her. Oh the blessedness of true piety. It can give strength in
weakness!
[ The next page is devoted to a newspaper cutting, undated and without reference details,
noted in handwriting only, as : “This was in Africa” ]
“ On Wednesday morning a large congregation assembled in the Wesleyan Church to witness
the marriage bnetween Mr. Mortimer Row and Mrs Emma Hannah Morison, relict of the late Mr
Joseph Morison and daughter of Mrs M.A.Ball of this town. Although, as is usual in such
cases, there were no bridesmaids, the bride was assisted by Miss Low, principal of the
Colesberg Public School, whilst Mr Bell, brother of the bride, and Mr A. Summer Dudley were
present and signed the register as witnesses. The happy couple, immediately after the
ceremony, proceeded to their residence in Murray Street, where they entertained a numerous
company at breakfast and received the congratulations of a large number of friends, after
which they left town on a brief visit to the Free State. We join with their many friends in
sincerely wishing them a long and happy life together. This being the first wedding celebrated
in the new Wesleyan Church, the officiating minister, Rev. E. Harris, announced that in
accordance with custom, the bride and bridegroom would be presented with a Family Bible
and a copy of Wesley’s Hymns.
It gives details of a marriage ceremony. Underneath is handwritten – ]
The above Emma Hannah Morison was the eldest daughter of my oldest sister. She was very
dear to me. She when a child lived for a time with my mother and myself. She wrote me many
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letters from Africa. She was a true Christian. When she died no more letters from the family
reached me, but the one announcing her death.
1877
Jany 4th.
I have been in this coloney 21 years, have travelled on six stations and through the goodness
of God never had a decrease.
Kooringa three years, increase of numbers 121
Adelaide seven years, “ 180
Mount Barker two years “ 130
Salisbury four years “ 140
Strathalbyn three years “ 32
Wallaroo two years “ 200
------
803
---------
By the help of God I have built whole or in part 20 chapels and raised towards the buillding of
these chapels £4400 . Towards old debts about £2000. My soul magnifies the goodness of
God to me in blessing me in my work for the last 21 years. I have preached there and four
times on the Sabbath and most of the week nights, and my health has been good. To God be
all the praise. I have bought ground and begun to build and completed in most of the following
places Kooring, built, Spring Bank, built; Redruth built; Mintaro bought land and house; Light
built, Adelaide built; Paynham built; Unley built; Nairne built in part; Callington built; Oak Bank
built ; Handorff built, Crafers built; Dawsley built; Roseworthy built; Eversden built, Sturton
bought the chapel; Gawler built; Yelta built; Mount Barker, bought land and began the chapel,
Cary’s Gully, began to build. May these places be the homes of Redeemed souls in the
Church of Jesus. Amen.
Nov 27 I have read to day that Governor Hindmarsh arrived in the Coloney on Dec 28 1836.
The choice of the site of Adelaide after much contention was made by Colonel Light on Dec 31
1836.
Dec 14 1876 This has been one of the hottest days ever known in the Coloney. In 1858 the
thermometer stood at 116 in the shade about the same , to day it stood at 114 in the shade in
Adelaide, in Gawler at 120: and at 160 in the sun. It was like a furnace.
Dec 15. This surpasses all the days I have ever known for dust. For about three hours we
could not see a house in the Township. The Rooms when all the doors were closed were
partially dark. It is was choking. Life was almost intolerable.
1877
Feb 12 We have had a great down fall of rain. All hearts are full of joy. We have but little rain
for the year. For nine months no rain to supply the tanks. Farmer have had to pay from £5 to
£18 per week for water. Many families have had to drink filthy water, cattle, birds and human
beings have died. No grass. Chaff £10 per ton. The poor people had got to the last extremity.
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This day the long looked for and long praied for rain came. All hearts are filled with joy. How
good is the Lord to man. Oh that men would praise Him! All nature has put on a new
appearence. Our extremity is God’s opportunity. How we want the spiritual rain. The churches
are dead very dead and we need his blessing. May it soon come! Amen!
June 29 This has been a blessed week to me. I have visited many families at Cross-Roads
and the mines. On the Wednesday five souls had faith to believe in the blood and liberty. This
filled my heart with joy. On the Thursday two more came and were made happy through faith
in the blood of Jesus. Nothing is more grand than the Conversion of souls. This is the best of
all Victories.This is the Victory of truth. A Victory over which Angels rejoice and all the bells of
heaven ring. The Soul of Jesus feels satisfaction in this work. Lord help me to labour on and
give me great success.
August 4th. 1877. Went about 7 miles into the bush to visit a few families and to see if I could
get a place for preaching. While in one house, the horse ran off with the trap and my little boy
in it. He ran with fury The dear boy shriek and stretched out his hands, but on and on the
horse flew. The horse came to the fence with two rails, he went over or through them and cart
tooo. The child still shriking was soon out of sight. I fell on my knees and cried, “O my God
save my child!” I spring to my feet with the confidence he would do so. Soon I saw Mr Crossly
who had run on ahead coming and shouting “The child is safe.” What joy filled my heart. O
my God help me to trust thee and trust thee at all times. My God, My God I do love thee and I
will by the help of thy grace praise and love thee. How good how gracious art thou to me in all
my trouble. How can I ever distrust thee again? I will trust in thee what time I am afraid. My
God help me, help me. Amen!
September 4th.1877.
Robert Horne died at Norwich in Norfolk. His end was peace. He was as good a man as I have
met with. For 22 years he has sent by every mail He has left me £300, but I feel his life was
best to me. His letters were both spiritual and instructive. “Gone before”
October 25 Buried D. Chapman of East Moonta. He was one of the Lord’s jewels. He was
faithful, full of zeal and earnestness. When I saw him his confidence was strong in the Lord.
“Father come and take me home”.”Father do come and take me home.” “Blesed Saviour.” He
longed to be there and see Jesus. How good to be ready for death!
29 Burried a young woman in Kadina. She had been a scholar in our Sabbath School. She
appeared to be happy in Jesus. Many young people attended, but what little influence these
things have upon their minds!
Dec 28.
Visited Stephen Nicholls of Kadina who is sinking into the arms of death. He is worne out by
age and hard work. He cannot remember his own sons, but is fully alive to his soul’s best
good.
He sang
“Jesus Lover of my Soul
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Let me to thy bosom fly”
With uplifted hands exclaimed
“ My Jesus to know
To feel the blood flow
Tis life everlasting
Tis heaven below.”
Again he sung –
“Depth of mercy can there be
Mercy still reserved for me
Can my God his wrath forbear
My the chief of sinners spare
God is love I know I feel
Jesus weeps and love me still.”
It was heaven to be there by the side of that dear old Saint . After he was ill he would come
down to see about his class and know there was a leader. He worked to the last. He loved the
house of the Lord to the last of his days. May I be so found working for my blessed Lord!
Another year is almost gone. It has been a year trial and pain because zinc languished and we
have had no prosperity. I trust my soul had been alive in my father’s cause.
1878
Began the New Year with the Lord’s people at Kadina in the house of the Lord. I felt a strong
desire to be more fully devoted to the Lord. I feel a longing for a closer union with the
undivided Trinity. To speak hourly and momently with the unseen, the while the Stream of
theological opinions, that take their rise in the wold of thought and the schools of philosophy
and that swell the tide of mind and feeling, I may rest on the imperishable rocks of Bible truth
and the faithfulness of God who cannot change because he is perfect – absolutely perfect.
What a blessing to have this friend to whom ye can always go and come from Communion with
Him refreshed and made Strong.
Jany 7 Attended the golden wedding of Mr Skipwith at Greens Plains. They had been married
50 years. Lived in South Australia 38, had 8 children and 48 grand children. These old people
here both in the fold of Christ. They have a noble famely and inclined to piety. What a mercy!
The meeting was very good and profitable. The Lord was in our midst. I trust the old people
will go down the grave side of the hill of life with joy and blooming hope.
Feb.27 1878
The Lord is precious to my soul. I have been blessed with his love to day and more than ever
feel I can trust my Saviour in all things. I want to carry every thing to him and trust him at all
times.
If to day He deigns to bless me
With a sense of pardoned sin
He tomorrow may distress me
Make me feel the plague of Sin.”
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Yet I trust Him. He is the sunshine of my soul. I can see Him in the cloud and the tempest.
Jesus thou art my all in all.
April 6 1878 Came to Adelaide Station for the third time.
July 15. Two old friends this day left earth for heaven. Mrs E. Nurse who has been a member
of Our Church for many years. Her house in Kelling Norfolk England was the home of the Holy
John Smith and Key, Many souls were saved in their home. She lived to near 80 and through
exhaustion fell asleep in Jesus.
Mrs Corin of Adelaide also left to day for the realms of light. She told me the night she died –
“I was so happy last night when I thought I was dying, the Lord filled my heart. Oh I felt a
desire to go. We sang “What a friend we have in Jesus &. She took me by the hand saying.
“If we do not see each other here again, we shall meet in heaven.” We parted with these
words being in my ear – “We shall meet in heaven.” May I be ready. My God I trust in the
blood of Jesus only.
August 25 Preach at Kensington. Visted an old Christian on his bed of death. He was all
praise. I have known him (Mr Young) for years, in the street and on the temple he was the
same always praising the Lord. He exclaimed on Sunday – “I am a poor sinner, but My
Saviour loves me, loves me! “I’ll praise my maker while I have breath.” As I fell on my knees
to pray, he stopped me – “I do not whant want you to ask the Lord to give me anything, He has
given me much, let your prayer be all thanksgiving! Praise Him! Praise Him! It was the gate
of heaven!
In the afternoon I visited several houses at Hope Valley. Met two men in the paddock as I was
going to the house. One 84, the other 59. I asked the younger if he loved Jesus. “That’s my
business.” “Do you go to church or chapel?’ “When I please.” He was most abusive. I told
him that we were one family. God had made all men and we should love all. He took me to
his old cart which some young men had brocken, as a proof of the love the people had for him.
Or the Contrary. I knelt down in the field and praid with the two poor men. When I had
finished, he said “That is very good.” May God bless them both and save them. Amen!
1879
April 11. 1879 My dear Son John George was married to Miss Stubbs of Melbourne. I trust
the Union will be one of much good to themselves and the church. The God of Abraham bless
them. Amen!
April 20 Opened Parkside Church. The Lord was with me I felt his Spirit. Very Precious.
May God make this Church a blessing. Amen!
1879 On good Friday my oldest son was married to Miss Lydia S Stubbs by Rev. J.T Kearns
at Carisbrook Melbourne. I pray that God may own this wedding to the Salvation of many
Souls.
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July 13 Preached at Parkside. Administed the Sacrement. One man who had in the chaple a
brother and to whom he had not spoken for some long time, When he had received the bread
could not eat it. He got up and said -“ I cannot eat this with hatred in my heart, for he that says
he loveth God and hateth his brother is a lair”. Then reaching out his hand to the brother said
,”Will you give me your hand?” The two brothers met shook hands. The effect galvanised.The
whole of the communicants wept and three were brought to God. The meeting was noisy but
nevertheless it was powerful. Praise God.
21 December.
[Attached is a newspaper cutting – source unnamed – reporting the marriage between Rev.
J.G. Wright and Miss Lydia S. Stubbs, as follows]:
A most agreeable assemblage took place at Carisbrooke last Friday, the occasion being the
marriage of the Rev. J. G. Wright ( recently of Ballarat ) to Miss Lydia S. Stubbs. The bride was
exquisitely attired, as also were the bridesmaids. Among the forty or fifty guests present were
the Rev.S. Richards, of Brighton, and Messrs E. Pinchbeck and W. Taylor, of Ballarat. The
ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.T. Kearns, of Melbourne. The evening passed off in
the most agreeable manner. After-dinner speeches by Messrs Taylor, Ross, and the Rev.
S.Richards were both amusing and entertaining, and were well received by the company. The
young couple started on their wedding tour by the evening train amid the warmest expressions
of kindly feeling by their numerous friends.
This entry follows:
21 December. I took dinner with Mr Creeper at Unley’ His son had been lost to him for 7 years
and 4 months. He had gone from home, changed his name and neither sent, nor wrote to his
father for that long period. The father had often wept for him as dead. On Satturday he came
back, went into his fathers paddock laid down and wept, but would not go in. He went back to
the City. As soon as the father heard of his return he like the father of the prodigal he ran to
meet his son. What a meeting it was. I cannot forget the joy. I thought how willing is Our
heavenly father to receive the long lost son.
1880
January 1 1880. What a blessing! The Lord has permitted me to live through a nother year.
How many I have seen fall into the arms of death, but I am living. A young man came down
from to Greenwith to marry when the minister went to find the two in one, the bride was dying.
How uncertain is life!
January 15. This day the dear wife of my eldest son was delivered of a son. Thank God for his
mercy. May the son be a light in the world. Let thy blessing O God rest upon him.
January 20 This was one if not the hotest day I have known. The glass stood in the sun at
172 in the City of Adelaide: 111 – 115 and in Clare 114 in the shade. This was for one day
only. What a mercy we had not to endure that degree of heat long.
I have just read the death of Andrew Scott Alias Moonlite and Ths Rogan two Bush rangers in
Sydney. Scott had said he would laugh to the end, but the sight of death had changed his (
perepaes) principles. When he came on the scaffold he shook his companion in crime by the
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hand saying “Tom we have made a sad mistake.” He told us he tried to pray in his cell but had
not power. He could not pray As he did when young. How careful we should be in not grieving
away the Spirit.
1880 August 22 The Rev. Moody just from England preached at Norwood. The chapel was
filled and Mr Harrison was brought to God. He flung his arms about neck and wept. How grand
the sight. I trust these two brothers will be made a blessing to us and this land.
A poor woman came to me whose husband had left her three months and not sent word
where he had gone. She had one child and soon expected another and no means of getting a
living. This man had been earning £3 to 5 per week. Drink had done it all.
23 Called in to see Mr Jenkin at Kensington. The wife told me, the next neighbour had
become a changed man. He was a drunkard and would curse and beat his family. His home
was a hell and frequently cries of murder were heard. But now all was peace and the whole
family happy. What had made the change? The religion of Jesus.
Visited one Gentleman on the Sabbath at Athelston asked him to come to the church, but he
Refused. I fell on my knees and asked him to let me pray, he took hold of my shoulder, no
unless you can say the Lord’s prayer properly, for I do not believe in extempore prayer. Poor
man he did not like prayer from the head that was too feeling for him. Sad to learn how these
poor church people are deluded.
Sep 10 Attended a Committee Meeting. We had sharp contention and I felt very angry. I wish
I could keep calm. I try hard to conquer my own spirit, but find it hard work. The old flesh
struggles hard for its way, when will grace triumph? When shall be the conqurer of my spirit? O
for that hearty trust in the Lord. Christ can give me the Victory, He can cast out the old man, I
am sure he can, do Lord now and give my Soul the triumph over Sin. Amen
Sep 29. I am fully convinced of the need of full devotion to the Lord. I love him but want to be
fully given up to Him body and soul. My God make me thine – in all my thoughts and words.
Sep 30 In visiting to day I met with two very pleasing deaths. A young woman in Adelaide
knew she was dying, every k night she asked her mother to put the light out for when the light
was out she could see a door partly open and every night it was wider; and also she could see
a hand stretched out to see receive her. She died in peace in her father’s arms.
The other was a little girl when dying said “Father pray for me.” He wept but could not pray.
“Mother you must pray for me.” She could only weep. Father you must pray for me” He did as
best he could. Pointing up she said, “I can can see Jesus waiting to receive me. Father I will
tell Jesus that you are coming to meet me in heaven.” She then sweetly died. Stephen saw
Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and why not the saint now?
Sep 10 Preached the Anniversary Sermons for the Wesleyans at Gumeracha. The Lord was
with me and I trust good was done. This is the most beautiful part of the Colony I have seen.
The hills and the gullies are full of grass or covered with waving virdure.
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Sep 12 Was glad to learn to day that Marcus my fourth Son had passed with success his first
examination in the Adelaide Modle School. I pray that the Holy Spirit may guide him into all
that is good and useful.
Sep 13 Rode to Athelstone and heard Rev. Jenkin give his lecture on the Gypsies. It was
highly amusing. We met with one poor man before we went to the church who had been chief
engineer and in a good position but now had to cut wood and drive bullocks. He abused Mr
Burnett as seeking money and not the good of the public. Ministers made a trade of their
calling. A sailor got up and said – “Look at me, before I heard Mr Burnett and became a
Teetotaller, you know I was a drunkard and blasphemer but what am I now?” This closed the
mouth of ridicule. The foolish man whom drink had ruined said no more. When will men be
wise?
Sep 14 Visited Mr(S) Gall who is dying. She has long been on the way to bliss. She exclaimed
– “Blessed Jesus, Sweet Jesus, He is my all in all.” She is looking and longing to go.
1881
January 16 1881 After preaching at Norwood and had concluded the prayer meeting I heard
my youngest son Albert crying “Oh Lord Save my Soul.” He remained on his hnees and cried
bitterly for pardon. I hope he found the Lord. My God grant that this may be unto life eternal
Amen. I do believe God will save all my family. The cry of my dear boy filled my heart with
gladness. The flower is tender only 11 years of age, but I know the Lord can bless and help
him. May it be so for Jesus Sake. Amen.
January 25 This day I received a letter from my dear Necie in England stating that her mother
my dear Sister Elizabeth Gibbon Barr had died on July 27 1880. I felt sad but joyful. Sad to
think she had left us, but glad to know her end was peace. Her last words were “Jesus will take
up.’” Jesus was on the dying tongue. Bless the Lord oh my soul for this hope. May I be ready!
Feb 15 1881 Left Adelaide for Melbourne to see the exhibition and visit my son whom I had
not seen for some long time. We had a very pleasant voyage and reached Melbourne safly.
Melbourne is a great and busy City, but not very clean. I met my dear boy in good health. We
had a joyfull meeting. Preached at Ballarat on the 20th. had souls brought to the Lord. This was
cheering to my heart. I cannot praise the Lord as I would like for all his goodness. May my dear
boy win many souls to Jesus. Amen!
May 22 1881 I had the happiness of marrying my second son Joseph to S.M.Hall of
Adelaide, married in our Norwood Church. She is a good young woman and I trust will be
useful to him and lead him fully to consecrate himself to the Lord, which I have prayed for, for
many years.. I believe the Lord will save him. Piety is more to me than wealth. My prayer for
my children has been that they may not be wealthy, but holy and useful. To the present I have
seen my prayer granted. Praise the Lord.
May 25. I learn to day that the numbers of people in the colony is 278,000. The rate of
increase for the last ten years has been 49 per cent. This is three times that of Victoria and
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greater than that of the other district Colonies. Could but think the spiritual condition of the
Colony is increasing in the same ratio, it would be a sorlace to the mind.
August 17. We had a glorious meeting at Payneham. A man and his wife both knelt at the penit
ant form, and an old man over 70. The Lord blessed us indeed.
May 15 1882 After preaching at Kooringa my wife, self and son Albert 12 years of age went
home. While sitting at the table he came up to me put his arms around my neck weeping and
crying “Father I want to be like Jesus.” We praid with him and believe the Lord saved him.
May 19. Called to see a topher in his hut 61 years of age, Crucbs by name. Talked him about
Jesus . He said he would try to be a Christian and had tried, but no use. I said don’t try but
accept Christ. I don’t feel. The Bible does not tell you to feel, but believe on Christ . I took out
a book and said “If I offer this to you as a gift what would you say and do. I don’t feel? I’ll try
to get it? Not so, but accept and thank me. Christ died for all our sins, will you accept him? I
will. He praied and wept.
1882
January 1 1882 We are spending the New Years day in Norwood. This is one of the best
and happiest New Year’s day I have known. Two daughters, their husbands, children and four
Sons with their wives and families were present to day. One in heaven and Joseph at Kadina
who could not come, this constituted my family for me.
22 I trust the whole of these will be found in heaven through the blood of the Lamb. I wish our
Church was in a happy condiion. We are divide and a house divided cannot stand. May the
Lord help us and lead us into the right road.
April 1 This has been a sad week. Two men whom I visited are dead Not much hope of one.
Mr Chivell who was to hear me at Salisbury on the Sabbath died on the Thursday. How ready
we should live.
Visited Beaumont in Adelaide. He praied the Lord with all his heart. “Said God had given him
absolute peace.
Mrs Birt died this week and when dying sang “”Hold the fort for I am coming.”
April 18 I left Norwood station for the Burra. The four years have not been in vain. We have
built a new church at Parkside, enlarged Glenelg, built a school Room at Norwood, improved
Unley Park. Paid off the debt on Athelstone, Payneham, Mitcham and £50 from Kensington
and £40 from Hope Valley. We have raised £800 for building and paying debts. We have had
many souls saved each year an increase. God of my father take thou all the glory. Thou hast
used me for thy glory,Clay to open the eyes of the blind.
On my way to Kooringa I met with Mr Neale of Kapunda a public teacher a young man who
was led to Christ by my instrumentality praise the Lord. He opened up communication from his
house to Morgan by the Telephone. We could speak to our friends 60 miles from us. They
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asked me to sing. I sang “Happy day when Jesus washed my sins away. They heard me
plainly. Wonderful invention!
We reached the Burra on April 20 just 24 years after leaving and found friends waiting for us
who 24 years back had been brought to the Lord. Praise him I have not laboured in vain. To
Him be all praise. How shall I praise him for his goodness?
May 15 1882
My dear Son Albert 12 years of age gave his heart to the Saviour to day. He fell on my neck
weeping and crying “Father I want to live like Jesus.” Praise the Lord for all his goodness to me
only one more to be brought on the Lord’s side. I am praying for him and feel sure we will see
him saved. Bless the Lord O my soul. Amen!
June 18th. Re-opened Spring Bank Chapel. Several famillies have been blessed in this place
of late and have been holding preyr Meetings in the houses. Several souls have been brought
to God. We now agreed to open the chapel which had been closed for some years. On the
Sunday the congregations were good. On the Wednesday a good tea Meeting. The Kooringa
Band attended and discover good music. All the people were lively and a good feeling
pervaded the whole. The Lord was with us. We are working in good times. May the Lord save
souls! He can save to the upmost. Praise His name.
1882 July 3 John Hill was found dead in his bed. I had knew him from his youth. He had a
praying father and mother and he had been saved but fell back.Shortly before he died, his
good wife wrote him and reminded him of his soul. He told her not put any more religion into
his letters, he did not want it. Death was to him eternal death.
July 11th. Dear John Hallett whom I had known for 26 years came to bid me goodbuy as he
was leaving the Burra for his home at his elder daughter’s. His eyes were filled with tears when
he said God bless you and carry on his good work.” He praid long with Mrs Smith on leaving
and said ”Oh if the Lord would take me as I am I would sooner die than go back to my home
which they used as House of God. He just left my house to go and meet the train called in at a
store and fell down dead . He was happy, truly happy in God. He praid a great part of the night.
Mrs Smith said whenever awake they could hear him praying. His eldest daughter and
husband had not treated him kindly. Sad to live till no one wants God. Strangers were kinder
than some of his own children. May the Lord forgive them.
July 27 We have opened Douglas New Church and paid for it within £10 and a Soul saved. At
Redruth on the 22 three Souls were saved, one a native - a black. She was quite happy.
Praise the Lord.
August 22 Buried Mrs Jordan in Kooringa. Her death was very glorious. She called her
children one by one, bade them meet her in heaven. She hung to life untill her husband could
get home. “ Often would say Is my George home yet? He came just in time to see her go
home and hear her last words. All she said to him was “George read the Bible.” She asked
them to sing ”Trusting Jesus that is all” And after singing she left for home. Her end was
peace.
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August 30 We have several saved the last few days in Kooringa. One mother told her story
about 30 in age, as she was leaving home to come to our chapel. Out to get converted in our
Chapel but if he got converted to go to his own. Poor simple woman full of bigotry as an egg of
meat. She would sooner the son be lost than get converted in another Church. How foolish.
I met a man who has been attending Chapel for years he said, though not Converted his life
was good. I ask him if he would put half hinge on a gate. “No that would be no good.” Well my
friend said I give all only a half hinge. Because good morality is but half what God demands.
The two half hinges are these. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy
neighbour as thyself.” These two must go together if you would gain heaven. How many have
this idea. They forget their relation to God and their duty.
Sep 10 Burried a poor man who was cast off within a few minutes. He had been advised to
seek the Lord but put it off. At night informed his death. Full house . One man saved. We have
had not less than 500 in and round the Burra saved within the last few months. Praise the
Lord.
Nov 12 Preached at Douglas. At night eight souls were brought to the Lord. About thirty have
found peace in this out of the way place. The Lord has blessed his people there in a good
revial
Nov 16. Burried a mother and son at Kooringa. The son fell into the tank, the mother sprang in
to save him and was lost- both drowned. How great the love of the mother! Poor woman not
ready for heaven I am afraid. How needful to be ready.
1883
January 1883. Began the new year in the Wesleyan church Kooringa. I promised to be more
than ever the Lord’s.How soon these promises are forgotten and pass from our mind. Help me
Holy Spirit to fully understand thy mind and learn thy will and be filled with thy soul! The past
year many souls have been led to the Saviour on this station. I trust the new year will be even
more useful.
Jany 3 I baptised the first child of my son Joseph a dear little girl, most engaging. My God for
the sake of Christ let her live before thee.
I have just heard that old Mr Nottle of Kadina died swaring; told his wife when she died, to
come straight to him to hell. What an old hardened wretch. Sin had blinded his eyes and
satain filled the whole orb of his being. May God save us from sin.
Sunday Jany 14. The temperature was 141 in the sun and 109 in the sade. The heat was
great, this passed away on the Tuesday and a cool change came, which was very acctable,
Feb 1883 21 Held our first Northern District Meeting.It was one of peace and prosperity.
Feb 25 Held a Union Camp Meeting at Kooringa. One man over sixty came to me and said “I
have quarreled with my master about wages and I am deserting his service.” He came over on
the Lord’s side. Praise God.
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April 8th. Buried the body of the wife of Rev.S. Wellington at Saddleworth. Her end was peace.
Told her husband when to do. Left a present for each of her six children called the children and
bade them meet her heaven. While in her last moments, her little girl was singing in the next
room the hymn “Sweet bye and by.” Many attended the funeral. All wept that I could see. She
was much loved by all who knew her. One by one we are gathered home.
I feel today a holy peace. God has filled my heart with his perfect love. The words of the
Psalmist are very sweet to my heart. “The Lord is on my side, what can I fear?” We can rest
softly and happily with him on our side.
April 30 1883. I am this day 61 years of age. How good the Lord has been to me. But few
have been more blessed. The last year I think has been the best of my life. Many souls have
been led to the Saviour; and my own soul has been filled with peace. Oh had I but I lived so
fully with the Lord and with constant trust as I have by his grace the last year. I feel daily that
my work is drawing to a close and my life passing away. The remainder of my days I trust to
spend to his glory.O Lord help me by the Holy Spirit! May heart sings-
“Take my will and make it thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it thine now
It shall be thyine royal throne.”
I have just received a paper from my oldest sister in Africa whom I have not seen for over forty
years.I prayed for her and am glad to learn she has given her heart to God.. An Address was
presented to her and a presentation on the 70 years of her age. This was signed by 60 of the
inhabitants of Coloney Africa. The Lord has been blessing our family greatly. Why? I cannot
tell. My dear parents opened their house for the preaching of his word and many souls were
converted. He has blessed the family for their sakes and for the sake of Christ. Praise him. His
praise shall be continually in my mouth.
1883 July 6 This day my dear boy Marcus was brought to God at Norwood in the … of his
age. Long had I pryed for him, the Lord has heard my prayers and given me the desire of my
heart. One is in heaven, six are in the church one still remains out of Christ. My father who art
in heaven, who hath promised thy blessing on our offspring, lead my dear son Joseph to the
Cross! Amen! I believe thou wilt. Oh let him feel his need of the Saviour for the sake of Christ.
Amen!
August 19 Kooringa. At 2 o clock this Sabbath morning Mrs Munns my eldest daughter gave
birth to a fine daughter after much suffering. She must have died had she been at her own
residence, as there was no doctor. Praise the Lord for her life! May both Mother and child live
to honour the name of the Lord.
1883 Dec 12. I have just seen the fourth death of old friends and local preachers. Mr
Champion of Kadina, H. Marton of North Adelaide, John Harris of Kapunda, and W. Tonkin of
Kanmantoo. When will my turn come? I trust I am ready to go when my Master calls. My only
hope is in Jesus. He is my righteousness. I stand in him.
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1883 Dec 28 This is the Anniversary of the South Australian Coloney. Great has been the
Prosperity of this land. The Lord has smiled on us as a people. I have been engaged in the
work of the Lord as minister about 40 years. I wish I could say I had done more good. Oh God
pardon me for all my want of conformity to thy will!
1884
God in mercy has given me health through another, and one of the best years of my life. Many
souls have come on the Lord’s side bless his name.
Jany 13. Sunday this has been one of the hottest days I have known the heat registered in
Adelaide162.5 in the sun and 111 in the shade. This is one of the hottest days we remember.
The wind at times was like a blast from a furnace.
April 30 1884 I am this day 62 years of age. I cannot look on the past of my life without regret,
and also thankfulness to God. How little I have loved Him who has watched over me, and took
me from the field and made me an Ambassador. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all
his benefits. Pardon me O My father for thy Son’s sake for many have been faults. What joy
fills my heart when I think for over 40 years the altar fires have been kept burning. I cannot say
they never waned some what, but they have never gone out. Praise the Lord. This year has
been one of great peace. I feel more than ever the love of God glowing in my heart. I am still
strong to work for the Lord. Some few have been led to the Cross this year. Praise God. I am
seeking for a stronger faith. We read of little faith and great faith, I want that faith that will not
shrink thrugh pressure by every foe.
May 1st. I visited two old men both 75 years of age and not converted. The first was a German
We prayed and sang. He wept and prayed and then rejoiced in the Lord. While singing “He
saves me as I am.” The Lord blessed the old man. He had been a bad man. Set fire to
gunpowder to kill his wife, but only injured himself. The other man had been a backslider for
many years, but found peace with God. Praise the Lord.
May 3 This dinner a poor man at the noon prayer Meeting found the Lord and praised the
Lord with all his heart. It was glorious! What work so grand as seeing souls saved? What a
God we have!
1885
Sunday 4th. This has been an unhappy Sabbath to me. I had to keep in all day through a
swelled mouth. I could not be happy without work. I love my work. I trust this year will be one of
my best if permitted to live it through. God only knows. I wish to do good while I live. May He
by His grace help me. Amen! O Lord thou most merciful Being, I feel utterly ashamed when I
think of my past promises and little performances.How Small my love! How languaed my zeal!
How feeble my efforts! What have I done the past year? Where are the souls? Where the
brands plucked from the fire? Oh Lord lead me into more useful efforts for thy glory and give
me souls the coming year, for Christ’s Soul.
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Jany 22 Visited Mr Eustace likely dying. He said – Had I religion to seek now I could not do it. I
feel the Lord always with me. I can talk with him. I feel my heart full of zing.” How blessed is
true piety.
Jany. 24 Visited Mr Eustace. He is still very happy. He said “I have not a doubt. The Lord is
with me both night and day. I sang to him Rock of Ages. He said I am on the rock. Then he
exclaimed –
Jesus lover of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly
While the near waters roll
While the tempest still is nigh.
4 Feb Visited Mrs Sampson an aged woman dying full of the Holy Ghost. “I am almost home.”
“There is only a narrow stream to cross and it is so narrow and many are waiting to welcome
me I shall go up with a thrust.” “All thr the precious blood of Jesus. He offered me salvation. I
accepted it. Now he has given me full Salvation. “Not a spot, not a stain remains.” His blood
has made me clean. I am whiter than Snow.” “Tell them Mr Wright, Jesus can save them too,
tell them how happy I am dying.” “When my father was dying said to my mother, “I pray when I
die you may feel the glory I feel; just as he died, a light rested on his feet for half an hour.” It
was the gate of heaven to be with her. “The Church has lost much of the image of Christ. They
want to be holy. “It gives a fresh edge to the soul.” How true is this. May the Lord help us to
obtain this blessing.
Feb. 15 Visited Mr Eustice who is dying found him very happy. With deep emotion he
explained “I am going home to die no more.” “My lamp is trimmed.” We sang together “Safe in
the arms of Jesus.” It was the gate of heaven. How Sweetly a Christian can die.
March 15 Visited Mr Eustace. The doctor told him no hope. He was happy in Christ said He
was packed up ready to march. His Soul was like a bucket full running over. I felt like a lamp
filled with oil to the very top. The wick trimmed. He was fully breathing and waiting for the
master. Grand to feel so sure of heaven. The unknowable can communicate his Self to us.
April 27 Received a very hearty welcome to the City church. I trust my coming will be for
good.
April 28
Visited Mrs Mc Feat in the hospital. I was very much blessed. She gave her dirty handkerchief
to her daughter saying. That has been covered with tears and prayers for my family. I
say”Shall my Jonny, my Willy perish? No,no God will save them.” Shall I hold up the
rags of my own R.. before my King? No. He is my light, my Righteousness, I will trust in Him.”
She wept, but tears of hope and joy.
May 8th. Visited Mrs Jansen a widow leaving one son. She appeared to talk of death as a
pleasant change. One asked why she appeared so contented. Could she willingly walk from
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her little boy. Why not? God will provide for him. Noble faith! Faith in God gives peace. It
hushed all fears. Blesed is the man that trusteth in the Lord.
July 14 Buried a poor woman in Adelaide, she had hope in Christ. She was buried in her
wedding dress to indicate her being married to Christ.
July 15th. Visited poor Mrs Diment dying. I have not seen a happier death. She said “She had
never fully understood that verse – “Labour is sweet rest and pain is sweet if thou my God art
here! But she understood it now. How precious is Jesus! Precious, precious! How grand to be
ready!
Octo 25 1885 We celebrated the 24 Anniversary of our Morphett Street church. It was a very
successful one. The man who laid the foundation stone took the chair Mr S.Bakewell. We
realized over £40. We praise the Lord who has inclined to many to help us in our work.
1886
January 1st. 1886.. We began this year with intense heat. We have had three weeks of
December very hot. The thermometer stood in the shade 106! In the shade 173⁰ ! We but
seldom get it so hot. To day we have a change. A fine breeze and much cooler. I trust this year
will be one of usefulness. May the Lord bless us with the fulness of his love. Amen! I have now
been in the Coloney 30 years and 11 in England.
Went out June 1844 Adelaide 1886 41
North Walsham 2 Do. 1
Bury St Edmonds 2 Do. 1
Wisbeach 2 Wisheach 2 Do. 1
Swaffham 2 Do. 1
Briston 3 Do. 1
Burra & on water 4 ________
Adelaide 3 = 47
Mount Barker 2
Salisbury 2
Adelaide 4
Strathalbyn 3
Salisbury 2
Kadina 3
Norwood 4
Burra 3
_____
= 41
May 10 Met a man from Raleigh near Strathalbyn on the street of Adelaide. He asked me if I
knew him. I said “No I did not.” He replied “Twenty odd years ago I heard you preach at the
opening of Raleigh Chapel and that sermon led me to Christ. I was pleased to think I had not
laboured in vain. What joy when I met my children in heaven.
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13th I visited a man in Adelaide who had long been afflicted and was incurable. He told me he
had followed 7 of his family to the grave, his wife to the Lunatic Asylum and two of his sons
men grown he did not know where they were. They never wrote to him or helped him. Did not
my heart ache when I looked upon bending under such a heavy load. Yet he was happy in the
Lord. “My grace shall be sufficient for thee.” There is strength.
August 3 This day my second little granddaughter Pearl, the first child of Joseph Weight left
earth for heaven at the age 4½ years. She is gone before , but it is hard to part. I can see her
still in the house. It is hard to realise the fact that she is no more. We know she is in a better
land. Safe in the arms of Jesus. She will be watching and waiting for me. Three of our young
ones are gone safe home.
1887
Jany 1st.
The Lord whom I have feebly served for near 50 years has in mercy blessed me during
another year. I give myself to Him more fully. I want to do all things to please Him, may He
help me. He will, He does.
Jany Feb. 6th. My church has made me a present of £20 to go to Tasmania to see my son.
May the Lord bless them and reward them with the fulness of His Spirit.
Jany Feb 9. Reached Melbourne. This was the hottest day known for many years in this city
the thermometer stood in the shade 112 – and in some parts 115.
Jany Feb 10 Left by steamer for Launceston and reached Hobart on the 11th. What joy on
meeting my dear boy who is a minister of Christ. What will the joy be to meet in heaven. Who
can imagine the bliss. Hobart is the most like an English City or Twon I have seen. I trust good
was done by my humble labours in that City. The people are very kind and honesty . I spent
Jany 16 and 23 in Hobart
Jany Feb 17 Feb 6th. I am safe back to Adelaide where I have spent many happy years.
1887 April 30 This is my 65th. birthday. When I look back and think of the many who have
fallen into the arms of death and I am yet well as in any part of my life, I wonder with deep
humility and with profound admiration at the goodness of God. Oh how I wish I could love Him
more. I long, I pant, I thirst to be filled with His perfect love. Why not? What hinders me. Why
not my whole being lost in His unfathomable love? I do, I can, I will trust Him for the fulness of
His love. He is the vine, I am the branch, my spiritual vigor depends upon my abiding in
Him.Obedience is the condition of my abiding in Him – Loving obedience. Lord help me by the
….. word and spirit to abide fully in thee.
“ Thy gracious nature Lord impart
Come quickly from above
Write your new name upon my heart
Thy new best name of love”
1888
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January 1 – 2 The first day of the year fell on the Sabbath. We had a good watch night. Good
congregation and trust good done. We have had a very hot close of the old and beginning of
the New. We made a very solem covenent with the Lord to be more fully his. I trust we shall
remember our Covenent with the Lord. The past year has not been very successful in Soul
saving work. I trust this will be better. I long to see men saved and made happy in the Lord.
God grant it. Amen. Many of our old friends have finished with the old year. Gall, Bagshaw,
Ross, lived to see the Christmas but not to spend the first day of the year on earth. Like the
flower of the field the wind pass over it and it is gone and the place that knew it , knows it no
more forever. These men who have had a prominent place in society are gone and we do not
miss them. Some are glad they have made room for others. Such is human nature. Sin has
made us supremely selfish. Only the religion of Jesus can destroy self and set up in the heart
true benevolence. How I long to feel my will lost in His will. I feel pleased with human praise, I
want to be less pleased at human smiles and more anxious for the Smile of God. My Father
help me by thy holy spirit to seek thy smile above all earthly favours. This shall be my aired
sole desire. Help Lord! Be with me and fill me with Love. Love is the fulfilling of the Law
We have been in this Coloney 32 years this month. We landed January 4th. 1856. This 1888 it
does not look long when we look back. I trust I have done Something to honour the name of
the Lord during that 32 years. My life is going and soon I shall leave this field of labour for the
rest God has prepared for them that love Him. To live for Him is heaven on earth, but to die is
gain . It could not be gain if death ended all. Home is before me praise the Lord. Amen!
Feb 12 This day my dear Brother in law Rev Mark Warnes died in the faith. He was the
companion of my youth, but has been called home before me. His end was peace. I trust I
shall be ready when the master calls me. To be ready is a noble thing.
July 11. I am glad to say I feel growing in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus. I feel to
rest in God. Nothing disturbs me as once things did. They come like storms on rocks, I feel
them for the moment I then think I am in the hands of my Father. I leave all to Him. He knows I
love Him and seeks to do right. I will trust Him what time I am afraid. Praise Him Amen!
Sept 22 Visited Mrs Best (Eliza) who was dying. She was very happy and praised the Lord.
She refered to her husband said he had many trials but hoped he would be very faithful unto
death. She next referd to her six children who she left in the hands of the Lord and hoped they
would love Him and that they might meet in heaven. She then sang sweetly.
The Great Physician now is near
The sympathizing Jesus &
May we all meet in heaven for Jesus sake amen. Shortly after she left earth for glory.
Octo 31 Visited my dear Bro Jenkin in a dying condition but trusting in the Lord. “I am going
home.” He said. I said may (many?) hearts will bleed when he is called away. He replied ,
“There will be one heart healed for ever.” With eyes lifted to heaven and a countinance
radiating inward joy he said “My last on earth, my first in heaven.” In relation to the churches
he said “I have acted conscioustraurly. I have not gone out of the way to do any one harm.” He
felt it hard to speak and said “I wish I could talk.” He that could talk fluently for hours now
found it dificult to articulate. What frail beings we are! When we lose these stammering
tongues we’ll sing as loud as they.
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Tell the all the people I am going home. Mr Williams said “Poor man.” “I am not poor “ He said.
I have finished my course, fought the good fight etc. I said you will welcome us home. Tell
them we are coming. We shall often think you are with us. He waved his hand for some
moments. Then turning to his wife waved the other hand At the time fixing his eyes up. “I shall
be in heaven next Sabbath.” He said to one person. I long to get home.”
Nov 12 Visited dear Brother Jenkin this morning. The Dr came. He asked me what the Dr
said. I replied You may last a day or two, or but a few hours, much than Saturday. He lifted his
hand and clapped them and with all his strength cried glory! glory. Glory! Then …… his wife,
kissed her, then his brother, put his arms around his kneck and kissed him. It was a painfull
scene and yet the most joyful. His countinance shone, and his eyes glowed with holy fervour.
It was the gate of heaven. The end of the good man is peace.
18 Dear Bro. Jenkin departed from earth to glory after 8 month’s illness. He said to Mrs
Watson I am full of prayer and praise. To Bro Watson Earth is receding.” To Rosewarne
“Heaven, heaven.” Mr Bickford quoted to him Wesley’s hymn –
Other refuge have I none
Hangs my helpless soul on thee
He replied that is my experience”
He died on the 18 of Nov. 1888. End peace.
I said to Mrs Jenkin in one of my visits – “We shall meet again.” Welcome me there.” He waved
his right hand then turning to his wife waved his left hand. ‘ His soul was resting in God.
1889
March 25 Attended a farewell tea given to Rev J Watson On his leaving for England.
I am sorry to part with this dear servant of God. He is wise candid, intelligent and deeply pious.
We shall miss and want him. We shall have his master and will trust in Him. He is our all in all.
May the Lord go with him to his new place of labour and make him useful! Amen!
May 8th Visited Mrs Jenkin who I am afraid is near her end. She is at peace with God. She
said, I am on the the rock . Not a doubt. My husband said he would be looking out for me. . I
could not seek the Lord now if I had not done so. Too much pain. Too weak.
May 3 Burried I Jackson who died at Kent Town in the 67 year of age. He died happy in the
Lord. He had been Superintendent of our Sabbath School for some time. He removed from the
City and was lost to our church. Two years before he died, he sent fot the writer and he with
his wife wished to be members of our church. He was very happy in the Lord. Told me he felt
the Lord very precious. To his wife as he was dying he said You come home to me, I cannot
come to you. Your loss will be my gain. His soul was filled with peace. Go to church, love the
Lord. Then sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. How good the Lord is to those who trust in Him.
June 2nd. Just come from the dead bed of dear Mrs Jenkin who is near death. In November
last her husband died left her and 8 children. Now the mother is dying, but oh what beauty
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there is in religion. She told me she was on the rock. “I shall soon be home.” I am trusting in
the Lord. “Be a father to my dear children.” “Goodby we shall soon meet again.”
The religion of Jesus stands the test. It becomes brighter in the House of death. Let my last
end be like that of the righteous.” Amen!
June 19th. This day parted with my fourth son James Rendell in marriage to Miss Britten
daughter of Dr Bollen of Port Adelaide. I trust and pray that it may be for both their good in this
and the future life.
20 Felt sad this morning to see one more chair empty in the family. Such is life.
1890
April 30 This is my 68th bitrh day. I cannot express my joy and thankfulness to God for my
perfect health and all His goodness to me for so many years. I have peace with God and joy in
the Holy Ghost through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have this day married my last son and child. All eight are gone, one to glory and the other
seven are well united to their respective husbands and wives. All seven are I believe happy in
life and I trust serving the Lord. For near 40 years I have felt anxious for their moral good, felt
the heart ache at times about them, but now all that to some extent is over. May God bless
them and help them to live pure lives. Amen!
1 I have lived to see the Jubilee of our connexion in South Australia. For 35 years I have been
in this land doing something in the church of God to bring the Connetion to what it is. I give
God all the glory He has given me health, strength, favour in the sight of the people. I wish I
had been more devoted to the Lord, more earnest in his church and less seeking the favour of
man. I often feel sorry to think I have felt too much of what man will think and say. I want to
work only for the Lord and do all in His blessed name, yet I often feel I am influenced by what
man may think. O Lord forgive me and help me to spend more of my time in seeking thy glory.
Amen!
October 3rd. The first Intercolonial Conference was held at Adelaide My name was proposed as
President but I declined. Mr Gilmire(?) was President I took the Vice chair. The meeting was
the beginning of good days in I trust in the Colonies. May God grant it. It will be the last I attend
most likely. My work is almost done. O to win a few more souls before I go home!
Christmas eve 1
We have just heard that the Rev W. Diment died in Sidney. He was led to decide for Christ
while I was on Salisbury station. He has been a very useful young man. After 16 years in our
ministry has finished his work and gone home to rest. I am reminded of my time getting start.
1891
Feb 24th. This day closed our conference in Adelaide. This is my last conference I attend as a
minister in the Primitive Methodist Church. I have spent 47 years in that ministry, 36 of these
years in South Australia. I have done my best to help on that connexion but feel that I have
come far short of our obligations to God. I trust in Christ for pardon for all the wrongs I may
have done. How many imperfections one can see when one looks back on life. What should
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we do had we no Redeemer! No Advocate with the Father? But we have help in Him. I have
felt it hard to give up my work, but age compels me to comply. O Lord let my last days be
spent fully to thy glory! Amen. I have had the happiness of raising over £6000 for Chapel
purposes building 20 churches and an increase in membership of 800 on my stations. This
was done the first 18 years of my labours in this land. To God be all the glory. Creature as I
am. Praise him for his mercy! I trust I shall live to his glory while life lasts. Amen.
April 30 Spent the day at Churton Victoria with Mrs Mumus my eldest daughter.This my 69
birth day. When I look at all the goodness of God I am lost in wonder. Why Lord all thy
blessings on so mean a creather creature as I am. Praise Him for His mercy! I trust I shall live
to His glory while life lasts. Amen.I
May 8th. My friends at Morphett Street called a meeting and made me a preasent of a house,
trap, harness and a few pounds of money. I am thankful to the friends and the Lord, the giver
of all good for these tokens of brotherhood. May God bless them all.
1892
April 30.
Another year has fled and how many of the good and great men have gone home. Dr W.
Antliff, Spurgion, Cardinal Manning, the Prince or Duke Clarance and I am still alive. I don’t
know why. On the whole it has been a good year. I have preached three times on the Lord’s
day and once, on the week day for most of the year and I trust not in vain. I met with one
woman in Launceston who came 100 miles to tell me the Lord made me the agent of leading
her to Christ. This gave me joy. I look back to day on the 70 years I have lived in the world I
feel sad when I think of the little I have done, what few souls I have led to the Lord and my
failings. Not for the blood of Christ I should sink in despair, but, “Tis all my hope all my plea for
me the Saviour died.” That is my rock, my fortress, my only ground of trust. He bore my sins
in His own body on the Tree. Sins many but I set them all laid on Him and through Him I am
fortified from all things. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord oh my Soul. Praise Him! Praise Him! I
will praise Him!
1894
April 1st.
This has been a day of peculiar interest to me and my family. Mary Mumus the second
daughter of Mr A.A.Mumus died at Maryborough Victoria in the 20 year of her age. She had
triumphant going over Jordan. “ Tell Grand Par and Grand Ma Jesus wants me and I am going
first to be ready to welcome them.” Dear girl I loved thee truly deeply, and christianly,hou art
gone, I am coming. Praise the Lord One more bright spirit got home safely. Lord Jesus may I
be ready!
April 30
The Lord has spared me to see this my 72 birth day and in good health. I cannot praise Him as
I would. When I think of the whole seventy two years od my life, the many failings, the sins that
I have committed I feel utterly unworthy of God’s goodness, but when I l look to the Cross and
see the unmerited love in the gift of His Son and realise the fact that the blood of Christ
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cleanseth from all sin then my heart leaps for joy.All bloded and I am free.. No condemnation
no.
1895
October
Left South Australia for Tasmania where I spent seven months.Hobart minister having
resigned, I was asked to supply untill a minister be sent. I spent twelve weeks with the good
people there and was much blessed. Some few were brought to Christ. My own soul was
brought nearer to Christ. Thank God for the change. My prayer is that they may be greatly
blessed.
1896
September 10th
I have been preaching in this Coloney for over forty years. On an average my income,
including all things has been about £4 a week. For those forty years I have given to the Lord
the tenth of all my income. The tenth will amount to over £800 . I thank God that He put it into
my heart to do this. I do truly say, “I believe I am the better in all things for so doing. My
parents would give part of the last crust to God’s people. My mother would give up her bed for
the servant of the Lord and she would sleep in the chair all night. Her whole family has been
blessed in this life and lived for the life to come. He has blessed my family. From the day of our
marriage we have cheerfully given the tenth. Praise the Lord for giving the desire.”!
1897
April 30
This is my seventyfifth birth day. I am a wonder to myself. Years ago I thought my time was
come, many looked for my death yet here I am alive, well and able to preach three times on a
sabbath. My soul bow in humility and praise before the Lord for His goodness.How shall I
praise Him! My dear wife too is spared to help me in my old days. If I did not praise Him the
stones of the street might cry out. Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget not all his benefits.
[ One blank page ]
1893 April 30th. By the goodness of God I have this day finished my 71st. year. But few men
have lived so with such good health. I feel very unwell to day , but this illness is but temporary.
I cannot look back upon the way the Lord hath brought me without a heart of gratitude to the
giver of all good. I must forget the word “If by reason of strength they be four-score yet is their
strength labour and sorrow.” Well not my will but the will of my Father be done. “His grace will
be sufficient.”
April May 2nd. Mrs J.G.Wright Jun. who has been with us for a few week left for Melbourne. I
trust the Lord will bless her and family.
1897
Feb 6 18 It is now as far as I can learn forty seven years since I took a wife. It has been by
the blessing of God a blessed union for me, and I trust for many more. My 8 children have had
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a good mother in many respects as ever lived. When I have been from home she has
conducted family worship, and on a sabbath evening, when we lived in the City, too far from
the church for the little ones to go to the house of God, she would read to the children, hold a
service with them which they enjoyed very much. How much they are indebted to their mother
we cannot engage to say.
Should we live till Feb 6 1899 we shall have been united 50 years. How vain to look ahead so
far , we may both be in glory before that. God’s will be done, not mine. Living or dying we are
the Lord’s Praise Him for all His goods these many years I feel utterly unworthy of these
mercies I have not lived to Him as I ought. When people speak highly of me, it goes to my
heart. I think, if you knew as much of me as I do, you would think so highly of me. I try to serve
the Lord, but Oh how far I am beneath what I ought to be. The blood of Christ of Christ is all
my Hope.
October 20 This morning Mr F. Proctor came to my house. He wept like a child. He was some
time before he could speak. After many tears he said, “I have been trying to serve God and
drink, I find I cannot. When I got converted I ought to have signed the pledge but did not. I am
come to sign with you and I pray that I may be helped to keep it. He signed and we knelt down
and both prayed the Lord to help him to resist all temptation. God help him by thy Holy Spirit.
1898
East Adelaide
April 30 1898
Another year of my life has fled. When I think of 76 year of my life have passed and what little I
have done for the glory of God and the good of the world I feel ashamed. My many
imperfections look me in the face and humble me in the dust. On the other hand when I think
of the Goodness of God, I am lost in praise and thanksgiving. But few men have been more
blessed with mercies than I have been. Why? I look back to my boyhood and think of the
many prayers that were offered for me by my parents. God’s covenant is with pious parents
and their children. How much I owe to my parents only eternity will ….. How I long to see all
my family brought to God and living for Him They are very kind to us as parents, but I want to
see them all true earnest Christians. O my God for the sake of Christ who redeemed them
bring them all by the prayer of thy Cross to be useful holy Christians. Amen.
Should our lives be spared till Feb 1900
1899
April 30 Another year of my life has fled.. I have through the goodness of God reached my 77
years, and am in perfect health. I am able to preach twice on Sunday and walk some miles.
This year has one of sorrow to me. One more of my family have gone to the great majority. My
son–in-law died in the faith and left a wife and six children to fight the battle of life. May the
widow’s God be with them and give them peace. Soon I shall have but few of friends to leave
behind me. One by one they go. My turn may soon come. I trust I am ready to answer to the
Call. I am sorry to say my labours are not blessed with success. One year and seen no soul
saved. Why this want of fruit? Is it in my Lord? I love God, I believe in His Word, I try and
preach in faith, plain and pointed but no visible success. Every time I enter the pulpit I think I
will lose sight of self and preach only for Christ and yet see no fruits. Why Lord? Show me
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why, let me see the reason. Let it cost me what will I think I am willing to make the sacrifice.
Men are perishing around me. Men redeemed by love Divine. What can I do to lead them to
Christ? May the Holy Spirit show me the why I do not see the souls saved.
[ One blank page ]
1899
We began this year in Kent Town Wesleyan Church. The past year has been one of many
blessings, also sorrow. Alfred Mums my son – in – law left earth a few days before the year
ended. He had been a minister of the gospel for many years, and had been useful. He left a
widow and six children all I believe truly pious. Thank God for the power of His grace. I begin
to see I shall not leave many of my relatives if I live much longer. They go rapidly and I am still
left behind. I am looking and waiting for Home. Oh what a word is Home! The scenes of
childhood come up to Memory when parents and the family all were happy in one home, but
what changes? Well soon we shall meet again in our Father’s House where there will be no
more death. I long for the time when we shall se the King in His beauty. I want to be more like
Jesus. I long, I pray, I thirst to be fully conformed to the image of the Son of God. Holy Ghost
come in and fill thy temple in …. part . Turn out all that is unlike Christ. I am the Lord’s. I
cannot dobub doubt that as a fact. But O how imperfectly have I followed my blessed Lord.
May He help me and fill me with His love. God bless my family with salvation. Amen!
1899 March 26
We opened a Wesleyan Church to day at East Adelaide, the cost of which was £1500 all paid
for before begun. The sum included £400 on the land and old Church E. Spicer gave £1000.
May God bless him for his kindness to the cause of Christ. May many souls be born there! I
had the honour of preaching one of the opening sermons to a crowded congregation.
[ Two blank pages ]
1901
God has spared me to begin a new century and a new year. How time flies. I am yet alive.
Our beloved Queen in her 82nd.year 64 in her glorious reign died Feb. 29. 1901. Never did the
world know such a reign and such morning at the death. God has honoured her gloriously. Her
reign the most glorious and the longest than any in the English nation. She inspired the
greatest affection, enjoyed the truest allegiance, commanded the most unbounded devotion of
any ruler. Her life has been a beautiful unit, a unique whole of d idyelic simplicity. She has left
a name that will abide in the nation as a sweet savour. God bless the King.
189 1901 June 25.
English speaking people 1801 21,574,000 in 1901 127,698,000. The mother country in 1801
16,020,000. now 41,453,000.
N. Australasia 1801 only 6000, now 4,550,000.
Canada in 1801 240,000, now 5,400,000.
United States in 1801 5,308,000, now 76,000,000.
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May the 29 My people made me a present of £41. Praise God.
1902
June 2 1902
Peace with Boers to day. Great rejoicing in Adelaide. My soul is glad in the Lord for the sound
of peace.
June 2 1902
After 80 years spent in this world, over 60 years a member of the church of Christ and I now
lay aside my active work as a minister of the word. Oh what failings I see, what short comings,
what omissions. What should I do if no Saviour, no atonement? But the blood of Christ
cleaneth from all sin. God is my Father, I am His with all my faults. In my hand no price I bring
simply to the Cross I cling. Amen!
[ Eleven blank pages ]
[ At the end of the handwritten diary are two printed articles attached to the cover]
The Voyage of Mr. John G. Wright to South Australia.
Being his first Letter to the Briston Circuit, Received April 25th., April 1856.
PREFACE.
This letter is published in accordance with a resolution passed at Brother WRIGHT’s farewell
Tea Meeting in the Briston Chapel, in which a request was made to him, that he should send
us a letter containing an account of his whole voyage, with a description of Australia, and his
own station in that country, with an understanding at the same time that I should either
through the medium of the press, or in some other way, make it known to the circuit at large.
Consequently, in compliance with the general request of the circuit I have put in print this
small, but welcome tribute of respect to our much respected brother in Jesus Christ our Lord; it
will serve as a memento to those who respect his name and work.
I beg leave to add, that I did not consider myself justified in taking any liberty with this letter,
except revising it for the press, being confident that that when the reader remembers the
circumstances under which it was written, (i.e. on Ship board, and crowding all the matter he
could within the small compass of one letter) he will most readily apologize for any defect
which he may critically observe in it, the letter is perfectly his own, and this I know will be most
satisfactory to all his friends on the Briston Circuit.
WILLIAM WARD.
THE LETTER. ON BOARD THE SHIP WALVISCH.
To all the friends of Jesus on Briston Circuit,
Dear Friends,
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Since
I last saw you, weeks and months have now passed away, oceans now roll between us, and
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hills and mountains separate from each other, but neither time nor distance in the least impairs
my affection for you, nor have broken one of those delicate fibres of Christian sympathy. We
are told that tears are the finest effusions of Christian love, if this is true, I feel no small degree
of love to you all, for thousands of tears I have shed in remembrance of you, and the happy
days we spent together. You know it is the nature of our religion to bind heart to heart, to make
all one in Christ, not only when we are in each others presence, but when worlds of water roll
between us. The religion of the Bible can boast of free, unbounded.disinterested benevolence
as its genius. It incorporates all its subjects into a Society and that Society is one; one in
motive, one in aim, and one in affection, and of this Society Christ is the head. We
acknowledge one head, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one spirit then we are one. I felt
this truth in my heart when with you, I felt I loved you, but never more than I do now. I feel
something like the boy, when asked which he loved the best, his “Father or his Mother,” his
emphatic and laconic answser was,”I love them both best,” this seems to be the feeling of my
heart at the present time. I thought at first of writing to every place on the Circuit, but this my
time forbids at present. I have now come to the conclusion to write one letter, and this one to
you all. I can only give you a short sketch of my passage, and in my next a little news of
Australia may be expected.
The Shop’s name is “Walvisch,” a Dutch ship. The name means in English, Whalefish, so you
may guess that she swims well. Her length is 150 feet, her breadth 40 feet. On September
15th. , at 10 o’clock, we began to move in the London Docks and were towed down to
Gravesend that day by two Steam-tugs, here we cast anchor for the night. Sunday the 16th, we
weighed anchor and proceded to the Downs, where we again for want of wind, cast anchor,
and rode on smooth water for the night. Next day at daylight we were on our way again and
got into the English Channel, where our ship began to reel like a drunken man. All the day my
dear wife with myself were dreadfully sea sick, and knowing in a few days that she expected
her confinement, my mind was painfully exercised. The children were crying, and Elizabeth
wanted to come home to Briston, and having just left the Land of my Fathers you cannot form
any ideaof the feelings of my mind, I could only weep and say to myswelf, “Hope thou in God.”
At night we cast anchor in the English Channel, right off Dover Castle. We took our two
children, went behind the steerage, and ;looked towards home while we talked to eachother
about our friends and the happy days we had spent with you until our hearts became like wax,
and our eyes bedimmed with tears. This was Monday night, the second day after we left
London. The next morning, September 18th., before daylight, my wife called, for she was
evidently in her labour. Now came the trial of my faith, we had a Dutch Doctor on board, who
knew not English, and we knew not one person on board, and beside all this my wife was in
the midst of her sea sickness, if I loose her alas! what should I do? She would not consent for
me to call anyone in at present, what to do I could not tell.O the value of prayer! O the bliss of
having a mercy seat, and a friend to whom we can tell all our sorrows, and on whose veracity
we can pillor our heads in time of trouble. I fell on my knees and while pleading, like lightning
the thought came into my mind how many of you promised to pray for me, in a moment you
seemed to be with me at the throne of grace, I could as it were see your prayers like a cloud of
sweet incense going up to God, perfumed by the merits of Jesus, my mind became calm, my
heart filled with gladness, and tears flowed down my cheeks, but in a gratified sense, for they
were tears of joy; I believed God would help her, and while on my knees my wife called me
again, and wished me to call some one in, but within a few minutes and before I could get to
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the Doctor, who was only a few yards off, a fine son was born without any human aid. I call
upon you all to fall upon your knees when you get this letter and help me to praise the Lord for
answering your prayers and mine. “My soul praise the Lord and all I have with me, praise his
holy name “. “He is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders.” What I most
dreaded now was the sea sickness, which in her circumstances might take her away. But how
good the Lord is to me! For days and days together, we had such remarkable calm as is not
often known in the English Channel; we could scarcely feel the vessel move, we have had all
fine weather, with an exception or two; our Captain who has been at sea for 20 years, says he
never knew such a fine voyage - then all of you may help me sing
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
My Son was born September 18th., at 20 minutes before four, A.M. in the English Channel off
Dover Castle, 16 miles from South Foreland, North East by East. On board our ship we have
about 30 sailors and 50 passengers, and in this small number there are some from Italy,
Germany, Ireland, Holland, Prussia, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Australia and England,
and not one anything like a Christian, we are quite alone. I preach every Sabbath, but it is hard
work, Lord save them. On Sunday, September 23rd., we got out of the English Channel into the
Atlantic Ocean. We now lost sight of happy old England. While I gazed on the white-washed
cliffs of my Fatherland, the struggles of nature were keen, I could not help weeping, and
saying, farewell land of my birth, in thee I received a mother’s first smile, in thee a Father’s first
prayer for me ascended before a throne of grace, in thee are all the scenes of my childhood, in
thee my mind was first enlightened and my soul saved, in thee I first listened to the tear telling
story of the cross, in thee are the mouldering bones of him whose son I am, in thee have I left
a dear, dear mother, whom my soul loveth, but to whom for Christ’s sake I have bid farewell; in
thee I have left many spiritual children, to whom my soul is cemented, and in thee many kind
hospitable friends whose fellowship I have enjoyed, and do know with grateful memory, yet
with all these tender associations, I must say farewell, nation of nations, long live thy Queen, in
peace may she reign.
“England, rail thy slanderers as they will,
With all thy faults I love thee still.”
Friends of humanity, Friends of Jesus, until we meet above, fare-you-well! These were some
of my feelings while I gazed through my falling tears on the land of my nativity for the last time.
In reality we could now enter into the spirit of GRAHAM when he penned the following words:-
Heave mighty ocean heave,
And blow thou boisterous wind,
Onward we swiftly glide, and leave
Our home and friends behind.
Away, away we steer
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Upon the ocean’s breast:
And dim the distant heights appear,
Like clouds along the West.
Our home, Oh heavens! that word,
A name without a thing,
We are even as a lonely bird,
Whose home is on the wing.
My wife, each little one
Are with me as I go,
And they are all beneath the sun
I have of weal or woe.
With them upon the sea,
Or land, where’er I roam,
My all on earth is still with me,
And I am still at home.
Then there’s a sweeter joy,
Wherever we may be,
Danger nor death can e’er destroy
Out trust O God in thee.
Then wherefore should we grieve,
Or what have we to fear?
Though home & friends & life we leave,
Our God is ever near.
Hallelujah!
October the 3rd., we came in sight of one of the Canary Islands named “Palmer”, its peak
piercing the very clouds, which hung like silvery curtains round it, fringed with the brightness of
the setting sun. This Island was 24 miles on our larboard, it is 7000 feet above the level of the
Sea. How wonderful are the works of nature! As I looked on this sublime sight, did not my
heart sing:-
Could I but climb where Moses stood,
And view the landscape o’er,
Not Jordan’s stream, nor death’s cold flood,
Should fright me from the shore.
From the Downs to the Line we had the most calm weather, no storms, I get up at 5 o’clock in
the morning to go upon deck and read the Bible, till Six, and sweet indeed have been its
exceeding great and precious promises; then I have gone down at Six, washed and dressed
the two children, for all the way my dear wife suffered through sea sickness, sometimes so
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weak that she could not stand. If the good Lord had not sent fine weather at the
commencement of the passage she could not have endured. How often have we wept together
and wished we had some from your circuit to have helped us. I was sick every day for the first
fortnight, but the Lord was very precious, this more than counterbalanced our suffering. On the
16th. of October I baptized my son, and gave him the name of John George; this was 500 miles
north of the Line, the passengers and sailors attended and drank his health; I did, and hope
ever shall, pray that the Almighty may make him wise, holy and useful in this world, this is all I
wish for him, if he live. On the north of the line or the tropic of cancer we experienced much
heat, we got the north-east trade wind which was very light, but this carried us into the south-
east trade wind, which soon carried us through the tropic of Capricorn and saved us from the
tedium of suffering a calm in those hot regions. We crossed the line on Tuesday morning at
one o’clock, October 30th. being 41 days, 12 days after leaving the Downs, 22 west longitude.
At 10 o’clock the sailors dressed themselves in the most frightful costume, painted their faces,
and come to the Captain personifying Father Neptune, and informed the passengers that all
who had not crossed the line before must come and submit to the laws of Father Neptune of
being shaved; for soap they had tar and grease, for a razor a piece of wood with teeth in it, but
I am happy to say that I got free from such a childish and ludicrous cudtom, which ought only
to live in darker days. It is said on good authority that the wind blows from the north-east all the
year, between the line and 28 degrees north latitude; at the same time by the south-east trade
which extends 28 degrees south latitude; one wind comes from the north-east, and the other
from the south-east, and both meet at the line, or equator. The cause of this is, at the line the
air becomes heated , and of course made lighter, and thus being highly rarefied it ascends and
occasions a vacuum, now this vacuum must be filled up , and an equilibrium restored; to do
this cold dense air moves from the polar regions, to supply the place of the heated air at the
equator, which has ascended; the reason of the wind not blowing from the north, but north-east
and south-east, is thought to be the earth’s rotation, which gives the wind a westerly direction.
As soon as we lost the north-east wind we got the south-east, and on we went with our canvas
filled with the breeze December 3rd., 79 days from London Docks, we were off the Cape of
Good Hope, running in Lat. 40 s. Lon.18 E. We were too far from land to see it, but I thought of
Africa with its teeming population, and the tens of thousands of crouching slaves, who had
been dragged without pity drom her shores, and while I thought I lifted up my heart to the God
of love, praying that Africa, once the cradle of the Church, (EXODUS 111. 7.) and the asylum
of the world’s Redeemer, (Matthew 11. 13.) might embrace ehe enlightening and saving word
of God, that wretchedness might smile and the ignorant speak wisdom. We now left the
southern and entered the Indian Ocean, where we had a good breeze for a whole week,
carrying us on at 200 and 280 miles in 24 hours. My dear wife is much better, and you cannot
tell how much I enjoy myself, my soul is very happy in God, we have all we can expect and
more too. The Captain is very kind to us and all on board too. We have a sleeping berth to
ourselves 8 feet square, a dining room, and an elegant sitting room, and only 12 of us in these
compartments. Our vessel is one of the swiftest, she has left all the vessels we have yet seen:-
We cut our way through the shining spray,
While the crowding billows round us play,
How proud we ride o’er the dancing tide,
While the white foam laves our heaving side.
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Our voyage will be long, but this is for the want of wind, we have had long calms, but all is for
the best. Sunday, December 16th., we were off an island called Amsterdam, which is 10 miles
long, and 5 broad, 3174 miles from the Cape of Good Hope, and 2760 from Australia. Here we
encountered a heavy storm, which continued from the Saturday night to the Sunday night; our
fore-sail, main sail, and mizen-sail,
were close reefed, our fore-top-sail, main-top-sail, and mizen-top-sail double reefed, and all
the rest of canvass snugly furled, the wind roared and whistled through our rigging with wildest
fury: but on and on we dashed, now in the deep trough of the sea, then on the back of: the
treacherous wave:-
Headlong we cleave the yawning deep,
And back to the highest heaven are borne,
Amidst darkening waves, foaming spray,
Howling winds, murky clouds mountainous
Billows, and drenching rain,
The mighty waters sweep,
With the billow and the waves.
But though tossed in our reeling bark, I felt my soul was quite safe. I spent chief of my time in
my berth with my wife singing and praising God. No gloom sat on my brow, I felt sure that if the
watery elements like liquid sheets were cast around me, and my body wrer submerged in the
ocean’s deep: My soul would rise to the portals of everlasting light, I could sing with all my
heart:-
Roar on ye waves my soul defy
Your roaring to disturb our rest,
In vain, to impair the calm ye try,
The calm in a believer’s brest.
Rage, while our faith the Saviour tries
Thou Sea, the servant of his will,
Rise while our God permits thee, rise,
But fall when hed shall say be still.
When heaved from side to side of our berth by the roll of the vessel, we thought of you even
then, and lifted our hearts to heaven for you, and called to mind the happy hours we had spent
together. Now dear friends let me persuade you all to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ
has made you free. “We are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our
confidence steadfast until the end.” I do earnestly pray that God may grant you, according to
the riches of his glory, to be strenghened with might by his spirit in the inner man; that you will
be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height,
and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fullness of God.” I cannot call to mind the kindness, the hospitatlity, the affection and attention
you heaped upon me and mine while with you, without weeping.
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Sundays are my worst days, in the morning I preach, and in the afternoon the Dutch are
dancing, swearing, and sometimes fighting, and on one Sabbath they got drunk, and three
were stabbed by knives. We go down into our berth, read and sing, and call to mind past days.
My wife says to me, “I should think poor Tubby is now going to chapel. I wonder where friend
Ward is today.. I wonder if old friend Stimson is still alive, or dead - and perhaps Mrs. Rudd
has gone home,” and many other things, till we both are choked with emotion, not because we
are come hither, No, I fully believe now that I am in my providential path. Before I left London, I
felt a doubt to arise on that point, but now all doubts are gone, nevertheless I cannot but weep,
when I think of so many friends in Jesus, that I have left behind. Dear Friends let me tell you
all, that I am hopinmg to meet you in heavens my prayer shall be, that you all with brothers
LOWE and WARD may meet us in heaven. I will give you a description of Australia in my next.
I have now one favor to beg, which is this, that you would write to me, as many of you who
can, your letters will be more sweet to me than gold, I cannot write a letter to each of you as I
have but little time, but when I write to one, ( which will be as often as I can,) it is to all . My
kind love to all, my wife sends her love to you all, wishing you every blessing of the new
covenant. Now unto the King immortal and invisible , be glory, Amen. Pray for us, we will pray
for you when in Australia.
January 1st. 1856. Dear Friends, we this morning are in sight of Australia. This is the first day
of the year, last night I sat up in my cabin, my family were gone to bed, but I thought that I
would sit up and watch the old year out and the new year in. I thought of you, and lifted my
heart to God and prayed that he would bless you all. The atmosphere is hot where we now
are. There are nine hours difference between your time and ours; when it is 12’clock at night
with you, it is a little after nine in the morning with us. In the morning of January 1st., between
nine and ten o’clock my dear wife with myself sat and sung: -
Come, let us anew Our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear.
Soon tears began to flow, emotion choked my wife so that she was oblighed to desist, we were
with you in mind. O what would we not give to have been there, yet we are happy in the Lord,
and believe we are where the Lord would have us to be. I wish you all a happy new year , but
how many of you may be in eternity before it ends, I may be one; Lord help me, help me,
Amen. I will live to him by his grace. Dear Friends, will you, will you, will you let me hear from
you? I hear you say with one heart,”We will.” Get dear brother Ward to write, and also write as
many of you as can. I cannot write to you personally now for want of time, but all who will
answer this which I have written to you all, I will answer them, do write you can form no idea of
our joy when we hear from you. If any of you wish to come here, let me know and I will do all I
can for you. My station is one of the best parts of Australia, the copper mines make plenty of
work there.
With us in the ship, there are nine returning to Australia who have made large fortunes in that
land, and have been home to see their friends in England. I must now say good bye, till the
next. God bless you all. Amen. Dear Ward. I should like much this to be read in all places on
the Circuit. I have prayed over it, and wept too, I hope God will bless it to the hearts of many.
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 72 of 90
My love to all the dear people in Briston,Kelling, Cley Salthouse, Lanfham, Foxley, Binham,
Waybourn, Letheringsett, Fulmodeston,Sharrington Edgefield. Gladford, Blakeney, Gunthorpe,
Bale, Hindolveston, Guestwick, Holt, Thornage, Dalling, and Hunworth, and to the members of
my class. (tears fill my eyes when I think of them) and to all the dear children of the Sabbath
Schools. My wife sends her love to all but especially to the School Children. I should like to
mention the names of all the people, , and I might by mistake omit one, so I must say my love
to all in Christ Jesus. Dear Ward, kindly remember us to Mrs Ward. How sweetly should we
enjoy a cup of her tea, but this wish is vain. We love you both in Christ. Will you be so kind as
to write to me, wherever you may be, ask me all you want to know about this part of the world.
Can you send me a paper sometimes? They will cost you nothing for Postage if stamped
Papers. I shall be very pleased. We have had a long voyage, but very pleasant, our Captain
(who has been at Sea 20 or 30 years) says he never knew such a voyage, to God be all the
praise. My kind love to dear brother Lowe and his wife. I hope both of you are made useful.
On the afternoon of New Year’s Day, we sighted the land of our long anticipations, the day was
fine, the soft wind gently whispering through our rigging, the sea placid and sparkling, the
heavens of a deep sky blue, the time-worn cliffs stood forth in rugged prominence, the whole
formed one sublime scene which affected my whole soul, and moved my heart to its very core.
At this time a vessel passed us so close on our starboard that we could speak to those on
board her, she was homeward bound. I looked at her till my mind ran home. I thought of you,
Elizabeth said, while she looked me full in the face. “Father, is that Ship going to Briston?”
Briston is the top[ of her song. We could not get near Adelaide until the 3rd. January, as we
drew near, taking my two children, one in one hand and one in the other, I walked the deck, my
whole soul was in motion. All was bustle on deck, but my soul was filled with peace, then did I
lift up my heart and pray that the Lord would make me a blessing to the souls of men. Friends,
good bye, Heaven bless you, I will pray for you.
Dear brother Ward, the first Sabbath I was in Adelaide, I went with Brother Whittaker, ( our
Missionary) to preach, and the first man that I met when approaching the Chapel was Mr
Nurse from Kelling, he was so delighted that tears of joy fell from his eyes, he is a great man
here, he sends his best love to Mr and Mrs Nurse of Kelling; I am to spend Thursday with him
at his own house. Brother Lewis’s Father and mother are just arrived here. Let Mrs Nurse if
Kelling see this letter, Good bye all. Write soon to me dear Ward,
Your’s in Christ Jesus,
JOHN G. WRIGHT.
[ Then follow four pages of names of preachers and places and dates which have been
digitised over the next three pages ]
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The second letter of Mr. John G. Wright, from Australia to the Briston Circuit
BURRA BURRA, February 18, 1856
Dear Friends,
Grace be multiplied unto you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
With a heart flowing full of gratitude to God for his goodness in bringing me to my destination in
safety, and still gushing with love to my old friends I have left on the North of the Atlantic I write
this. The other day my dear wife said to me, “Does not Briston Circuit appear the flower of the
world?” This is the feeling of my heart. To day we received two of our boxes; while unpacking
them we could not help weeping as we gazed upon the various articles we received as
presents from our kind friends. We never forget you, but often ask the Father of all mercies to
bless you , and feel we could give a world just to come and see you, but this is impossible.
When I think I shall see your faces no more, my heart feels melted to its very core. Shall I see
you no more? Yes, up yonder! Praise the Lord! I will now give you a short description of our
disembarkation, and reception at our new home.
We cast anchor six miles from the beach of Port Adelaide, on Thursday morning, January 3rd [
3 has been crossed out and 5 written over it ], 1856. We could not go over the bar for want of
water. Here our Ship had to ride seven days. All the passengers left in boats. We could not be
carried ashore tii Saturday January 5th. About 20 of us, left in two boats, left the ship, and we
were soon on strange land. I cannot tell you my feelings when I set my foot for the first time on
the sandy and wave-washed shore of Australia. I looked around me, I could see no house, no
person, but our little company, and two or three ship’s riding at anchor. My mind flew to those I
had left behind. I then thought of the greatness of the wor in which I was engaged, and of the
deeds of darknessc which might have been committed by heathenism on the very spot where I
was standing. These were solemn moments. Well, we had reached land in safety, for this my
heart was filled with gratitude. We now to cross a peninsular three miles broad , to get the Port.
There was no road, nothing but bush and hot sand ancle deep. None of us knew the way. On
we went, I fastened one child behind me, gypsy like, another before me, and my wife carried
the infant. We went a wrong road or way, so we were lost. We were walking two hours, till all
were ready to fall exhausted. The sand was hot, the sun burn, the flies stinging, and nothing
could we see but wood. One poor woman fell to the ground shrieking, “I must die.” All went on
but my family, and a young lady from London. When she had a little recovered on we went.
Soon we saw a wooden hut in the scrub. Every heart leaped for joy. But when we came to it,
we found it was forsaken. Here I left the women and children and went in search for a house. I
saw one in the distance, went back and fetched up my host; we soon reached the house and
found two females from Kent in it. The sight was so delightful that one woman began to weep.
It was no trifle, after being in the vessel sixteen weeks to tread this loose hot sand for two
hours. Yet I felt happy in God. We asked for a little food, they had none in the house, they
gave us a little water; I prayed with them and started on again. We had two miles from this
house to go, to get to the Port. Well we reached the Port, which was crowded with Ships. We
took the Mail Cart for Adelaide, which is eight miles from the Port. Soon we reached the city
and made our way to our Missionary’s house; He had hired a boat and was gone to our Ship
for us. His kind wife soon made us forget our toils, and feel at home in a strange land, this was
Saturday, January 5th. Adelaide is promising to be a fine city, one mile square. Streets straight
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 77 of 90
through it a mile long. Next day (Sunday) I went three miles out to one of our chapels. The first
man I saw on coming near the chapel was one of our old friends from Swaffham. When I
reached the chapel gate, I saw a man coming close to it, this was Mr Nurse, I went and shook
hands with him, told him his brother at Kelling sent his love to him. Whe are you? He said, as if
alarmed; I told him. He cried like a child when I told him I had just left Kelling, his brother, and
friend Dew, od Salthouse. I took tea at his house. He is doing well here. I should have told you,
when I was leaving our ship, I saw a boat, leaving another ship a mile or two off: In that boat
was Mr and Mrs Lewis, the father and mother of Robert Lewis of Kelling; they reached safely I
spent almost a fortnight in Adelaide waiting till the Vessel should come into Port, to get my
luggage. All the people are very kind.
January 17th. Left Adelaide for the Burra Burra,(which is 100 miles) in the Mail Cart. I left my
wife and children in the city until I should get a home for them. I cannot give you a description
of my ride if I try, but fancy riding one hundred miles and no road,: sometimes ten or twelve
miles in thick wood, the wheels dashing over stub ends of trees full gallop as if it would be
upside down every moment, then through deep creeks, then into beautiful plains ten miles long
encircled by mountains ten times as large as the hills at Wayborne. Some of these mountains
we had to go around. The parents would think the cart must go over.Great part of the way
there were only me and the driver. I was thrown from side to side of the cart till I was sore all
over. But all the way I kept waiting on God, and often could have shouted his praise. At night I
reached the famous Burra, the scene of my future labours. It is built in a flat about one mile
broad, a deep creek running through the middle, surrounded by lofty mountains about half a
mile high. Not a tree is to be seen. No gardens, nothing green but a few cabbages one or two
men are growing. There are about three thousand souls here. All the houses are very small but
few a little better than our Briston wash-house; the ceilings calico; the floors, the ground or
rough stones.
Seven hundred families did live in holes cut in the side of the Creek, until a flood came and
washed them out, several lost their lives. Most of the people live like pigs, very little indeed to
use, many of them without a chair to sit on, yet some of these are worth hundreds of pounds.
This is the place to get money, but not the conveniences as in our old country. Families live
two or three in one house. Soon as I reached the Burra, our cart stop’d in front of a large Inn,
but there was no room there. The ….? are the curse of all this colony. With my bag in hand, I
began to ask for one man to whom I had been directed. I soon found a home. I went to the
chapel, there was not a seat in it that could be let, all was gone to ruins. I only found two men
who had not united with other communities. On Saturday the Bible Christian Minister came to
see me, and invited me to his house for tea, and to preach in the chapel on the following
Sabbath as ours was not fit to preach in, I did so. I felt you were praying for me. Whenever I
have felt cast down, I have thought of the many who promised to pray for me, this cheers me.
Well, I preached, the Lord helped me. We had nearly four hundred hearers. Many of the
members of that Society promised to help me. The Wesleyan minister also came and gave me
a hearty invitation. There appears no bigotry here. All breath the spirit of freedom. On Monday
I agreed with the Carpenter to put new rail back cedar seats, a new boarded floor in the
chapel, and paint and white wash it. The cost was to be £51. 10 0, and an old debt I found of
£5 15 0 made £57 5 0. The chapel was to be done in a fortnight, during which time I was to go
for my family. To get my family and luggage this hundred miles would cost me £20, but here
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 78 of 90
the Lord opened my way. A Farmer offered his horse and cart for a fortnight to fetch my family,
others offered to fetch my luggage in their bullock drays without any charge. Praise the Lord!
Off I started with this horse and cart through the plains and woods, sometimes I could not see
the track, at other times many tracks met, so that I did not know which to take, but the Lord
brought me on my way safely. Had you been near you might have heard me praising God in
the wood as I rode. He filled my heart.
February 2. I reached the Burra with my family. On the 3rd. reopened the Chapel. There was a
Public Tea on the Monday, we had the chapel filled three times to tea; the provisions were
given. Oh how I did praise the Lord. By the Tea we got £10 13 11, by Collections, £10 3 7 ,
and by going from house to house, &c., we collected £23 8 6. Total £44 16 0. O my dear old
friends help me to praise the good Lord for what he is doing. At our first call we had five
members Our chapel is now filled and the seats are let. I have to preach at a place nearly 30
miles from the Burra. I have a horse lent me whenever I like to take a ride. I must now draw to
a conclusion for the present. I hope that you will all live to the Lord, that I may meet you in
heaven. I do not forget to pray for you, and bear you on my heart, and often weep when I call
to mind your past kindness.You are all dearer to than ever. I should like to mention you all by
name but have not room on my paper. May I ask one favor of you all - that is to write to me.
Let me have a number of letters and I will try and answer them. Live holy, live in love, work for
God, then we shall meet yonder, in the world above.
Yours in much love,
JOHN G. WRIGHT.
********************************************************************************************************
My dear Ward,
Hope you and your kind wife are quite well, as through the mercy of God we are at this time. I
feel at home here in this strange land as far as you can expect. All religious sects are on an
equal here. No tithe. The Church Clergyman here is no more here than a Dissenting Minister.
Our people will do anything for our preachers. We want many more Missionaries. I could
plead now for Australia if I were at some of your Missionary Meetings. I have to travel 30, 40
and 50 miles from my home to preach, but they find me a first rate horse.What do you think? In
England we used to think it wrong for a woman to wear a veil, but in this part men wear them. I
wear a green one. Bullock drivers wear them, it is because of dust and flies.I have had some of
the natives to my house, they are very harmless but ignorant, we cannot make much out of
them, nor of them. Hope the Lord will save them. At full moon they hold their Corrobora on the
hills, they sing and dance and make the most awful noise. They have some idea of a Supreme
Being.
Dear Ward, you may read my letter to the people. Give my love to them all, I cannot mention
their names. Beg of them to write to me, for a letter from any of them would be better than
gold. Tell Mrs Kendle of Fulmodestone to write, and also White, Nelson, and the people of
Cley, Salthouse and Waybourne, and all of them. Do write to me as often as you can. Let me
know how our dear Briston Friends are,Tubby’s, J Barnes, Miss Sexton, Howard’s, Stimpson’s,
Barstead’s, Williamson’s, Pegg’s, and all you can think of. I have written one letter before to
you, hope you will get it safe. I wish Blyth would let me have his daughter’s address, I lost the
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 79 of 90
one they gave me. I am close to John Field, from Kelling, he belongs to the mounted Police.
Our kind love to all Friends. Write soon, do - do - do-.Love to friend LOWE, ask him to write.
Good bye.
JOHN G WRIGHT
HOLT: PRINTED BY J> COLMAN
The Contemplated Primitive Methodist Mission to South Africa
At a Missionary Meeting, which was held at SwaffHam, Norfolk, May 3rd. 1852, in connection
with the twenty-seventh annual meeting of the Norwich District, “The place was shaken where
they were assembled,” - the Holy Ghost fell upon them, and without premeditation or design,
on the part of the assembled brethren, the claims of Africa, with its vast population of 70
millions, were so forcibly impressed on the hearts of the people, that immediately the
munificient sum of £40 5s. was subscribed in furtherance of the above object.
At the same time, the following Ministers, Thomas Lowe, William Wood, and John G. Wright,
presented themselves as “the messengers of the churches” to the dark-browed tribes of Africa.
Hallelujah “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”
ROBERT KEY, Treasurer pro tem.
GEO T GOODRICK, Secretary pro tem. .
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE SUBSCTIPTIONS THEN OFFERED.
£ s. d.
A Lady Friend who chooses to sacrifice her
Personal gratification to the interest of
Her Redeemer’s cause .. .. 5 0 0
Mr. J. Fuller, sen. Swaffham .. .. 5 0 0
- R. Key Yarmouth 2 10 0
Mrs R. Key, ditto .. .. 2 10 0
Mr. T. Lowe, Cambridge . .. 1 10 0
R. Beesly, Hadleigh .. .. 1 0 0
Mr. G.T. Goodrick, Yarmouth .. .. 1 0 0
- J.G.Wright, Swaffham 1 0 0
- J. Fuller, jun. ditto .. .. 1 0 0
- John Ramm, ditto .. .. 1 0 0
- R.Howchin, Norwich .. .. 0 10 0
- W Chapman, Lynn .. .. 0 10 0
Mrs W. Chapman, ditto .. .. 0 10 0
Mr B. Tripp, ditto .. .. 0 10 0
Mrs B. Tripp, ditto .. .. 0 10 0
Mr T. Lincoln ditto .. .. 0 10 0
J. Phillips, Stowmarket .. 0 10 0
E. Reeve, Briston .. .. 0 10 0
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 80 of 90
R.Eaglen, Swaffham .. .. 0 10 0
W.H. Meadows, Holbeach .. 0 10 0
W. Hammond, Upwell .. .. 0 10 0
H. Gunns, Dereham, .. .. 0 10 0
W. Peaceful, North Walsham .. 0 10 0
E. Howchin, Wangford .. 0 10 0
Dawson, Swaffham .. .. 0 10 0
Brett, Dereham .. .. 0 10 0
R. Church, Docking .. .. 0 10 0
T. Walker, Fakenham .. .. 0 10 0
£ s. d.
B. Chesney, ditto .. .. 0 10 0
W. Crown, Wangford .. .. 0 10 0
J. Langham, Upwell .. .. 0 10 0
Miss F..Fuller, Swaffham .. .. 0 10 0
Mrs. M. Warnes, North Walsham .. 0 10 0
Mr R Nurse, Thetford .. .. 0 10 0
(second column)
Mr C.King, Lynn .. .. 0 5 0
W. Woolnough, Thetford .. 0 5 0
R. Hammond, Swaffham .. 0 5 0
R. Jacobs, Dereham .. .. 0 5 0
G. Tetley, Thetford .. .. 0 5 0
Mrs G. Chapman, Pickingham .. 0 5 0
White, Swaffham .. .. 0 5 0
Miss E. Harrison, ditto, .. .. 0 5 0
Mr J. Wake, ditto .. .. 0 5 0
R. Cato .. .. 0 5 0
J. Seager, Peterborough .. 0 5 0
T. Mace, Docking .. .. 0 5 0
J. Huggins, Norwich .. .. 0 5 0
G. Betts, Dereham .. .. 0 5 0
O. Jackson, Aylsham .. .. 0 5 0
J Purdy, Dereham .. .. 0 5 0
A Claxton, Lynn .. .. 0 5 0
J. Peck, Ipswich .. .. 0 5 0
Andrews, Westfield .. .. 0 2 6
Howtell .. .. 0 2 6
A Servant Girl, Swaffham .. .. 0 2 6
A Friend ditto .. .. 0 2 6
Mr Coe, Bury Saint Edmunds .. 0 2 6
Mrs R. Bunfield, Swaffham .. .. 0 2 6
Barker, Saffron Waldon .. .. 0 2 6
Mr Quantrill .. .. 0 2 6
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 81 of 90
R. Matthews, Swaffham .. .. 0 2 6
Master Walker, Fakenham .. .. 0 2 6
Chesney, ditto .. .. 0 2 6
Miss M. A. Rowe, Lynn .. .. 0 2 6
Mr J. Spalding, Bury Saint Edmonds .. 0 2 6
H. Addison .. .. 0 2 6
Harrald, Docking .. .. 0 2 0
A few Friends, Swaffham .. .. 0 8 0
______________
£ 40 5 0
N.B. The Superintendent Preachers are requested to forward the amount of the Subscriptions
within their respective Circuits, to the Secretary, Market-place, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on or
before June 30th. 1852.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. Longbottom, Printer, Tuesday Market-place, Lynn.
SRG 4/103/2 The letter of Rev J G Wright from Australia to the Briston Circuit
Burra Burra
Feb 18 1856
Dear friends
With a heart flowing full of gratitude to God for His goodness in bringing me to my destination
in safty & still gushing with love to my old friends, I have left on the North of the Atlantic I write
this. The other day my dear wife said to me “Does not Briston Circuit appear the Flower of the
World” This is the feeling of my heart. Today we received two of our boxes, while unpacking
them, we could not help weeping as we gazed on Various articles we received as presents
from our friends, We will never forget you all. I will now give you a short description of our
embarkation and reception at our new home. We cast anchor six miles from the beach of Port
Adelaide on Thursday morning, Jan 3rd [ 3 has been overwritten with 5 ] 1856. We could not
go over the bar, for want of water. Here our ship had to ride seven days. All passanges left in
boats. We could not be carried ashore till Saturday, January 5th about twenty (20) of us in two
boats left the ship and we were soon on strange land. I cannot tell you my feelings, when I set
my foot for the first time on the sandy and wave washed shore of Australia. I looked around
one and could see no house, on person, but our little company and two or three ships riding at
anchor. My mind flew to those I left behind I then thought of the greatness of the work in which
I was engaged and of the deeds of darkness which might have been committed by heathenism
on the very spot where I was standing. There were solemn moments. Well, we had reached
land in safty for this my heart was filled with gratitude. We had now to cross a peninsular three
miles broad to get to the Port. There was no road, nothing but bush & hot sand ankle deep.
None of us knew the way. On we went I fastened one child behind me Gypsy like, another
before me. and my wife carried the baby. We went a wrong road, or way so we were lost. We
were walking two hour’s, till all of us were ready to fall exhausted. The sand was hot, the sun
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SRG 4/103 Wright diary and letters transcript Page 82 of 90
burning, the flies stinging, and nothing could we see but wood. One poor Woman fell of the
ground crying I must die. All went on, but my family and a young Lady from London. When
she had recoved a little on we went, soon we saw a wooden hut in the scrub every heart
leaped for Joy but when we came to it we found it was forsaken. Here I left the women, and
children & went in search for a house. I saw one in the distance, went back and fetched up my
host; we soon reached the house and found two women from Kent in it. The sight was so
delightful, that one women began to weep. It was no trifle after being in the Vessel sixteen
weeks, to tread this loose hot sand for two hour’s. Yet I felt happy in God. We asked for a little
food, they had none in the house, they gave us a little water; I prayed with them and started on
again. We had two miles from this house to go to get to the Port. Well we reached the Port
which was crouded with ships. We took the Mail cart for Adelaide, which is eight miles from the
Port soon we reached the city and made our way to our Missionary’s house, he had hired a
boat and gone to our Ship to greet us. His kind wife soon made us forget our toils’ and feel at
home in the strange land, this was Saterday.
January 5th. Adelaide is promising to be a fine City, one mile Square, Streets straight through it
a mile long. Next day Sunday I went three miles out to one of our chapel’s. The first man I saw
near the chapel was one of our old Friends from Swaffham. When I reached the chapel gate I
saw a man coming and this was Mr Nurse. I shook hands with him and told him that his brother
at Keeling sent his love to him, Who are you he said as if alarmed, I told him, he cried like a
child, when I told him I had just Keeling, his brother and friend Dew of Salthouse. I took tea at
his house, He is doing well here. I should have told when I was leaving our ship, I saw a boat
leaving another ship a mile or two off. In that boat was Mr and Mrs Lewis, the Father & Mother
of R Lewis of Keeling, they reached safely. I spent almost a fortnight in Adelaide waiting until
the Vessel should come into port to get my luggage. All the people are very kind.
Jan 17th Left Adelaide for the Burra Burra which is 100 miles, in a Mail Cart. I left my Wife &
Children in the City until I could get a home for them. I cannot give you a description of my ride
if I tried, but fancy riding one hundred miles and no road sometimes ten or twelve miles all
thick wood. the wheels dashing over stub ends of the tres tress full gallop, as if it would be
upside down every moment, then through deep creeks, then into beautiful plain’s ten miles
long, encircled by mountains ten times as large as the hill at Wayborne. Some of these
mountains, we had to go around, you would think the cart must go over, great part of the way,
there were only the driver and me. I was thrown from side to side of the cart till I was sore all
over. But all the way I kept waiting on God. At night I reached the famous Burra, the seat of my
future labour’s. It is build in a flat about one mile broad, a deep creek running through the
middle, surrounded by lofty mountains about half a mile high, not a treses tree to be seen. No
garden nothing green but a few cabbages, one or two men are growing. There are about three
thousand souls here. All the houses are very small but a little better than our Briston wash
house: and ceilings calico, the floors, the ground are rough stones. Seven hundred families did
live in holes cut in the side of the creek, until a flood came and washed them out several lost
their lives. Most of the people live like pigs, many of them had not a chair of sit on, yet some of
them are worth hundreds of pounds. This is the place to get money, but not the convenience
as in our old country. Familis live two or three in one house. Soon as I reached the Burra our
cart stopped in frount front of a large Inn, but there was on room there. They are the curse of
this colony. With my bag in hand I began to ask for one man to whom I had been direcited, I
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soon found a home. I went to the Chapel, there was not a seat in it that could be let, all was
gone to ruins. I only found two men, who had not united with other communities. On Saterday
the Bible Christian Minister came to see me, and invited me to his house to tea, & to preach in
the Chapel on the following Sabbath as our’s was not fit to preach in, I did so, I felt you praying
for me, whenever I felt cast down, I have thought of many who promised to pray for me, this
cheers me.
Well I preached, the Lord helped me, we had nearly four hundred hearers there. Many of the
member’s of that Society promised to help me. The Wesleyan Minister also came and gave me
a hearty invitation. There appeared no bigotry here all breath the spirit of freedom. On Monday
I agreed with the Carpenter to put new rail back cedar seats, a boarded floor, in the Chapel,
and paint and white wash it. The cost to be £ 51-10. and an old debt I found of £ 5-15- made £
57 -5 -. The chapet was done in a fortnight, during which time I was to go for my Family. To get
my Family and luggage this hundred miles, would cost me £ 20 --, but here the Lord opened
my way.
A farmer offered his horse & cart, for a fortnight to fetch my family & others offered to fetch my
luggage in their bullock drays, without any charge. Praise the Lord. Off I started with this horse
and cart, through the plain’s and woods. sometimes I could not find the track, at other times
many tracks met, so I did not know which to take. but the Lord brought me on my way *safely.
Had you been near you might have heard me praising God in the woods as I rode. He filled
my heart.
Feb 2th. I reached the Burra with my family. On the 3th reopened the Chapel. There was a
public tea on Monday, we had the chaple filled three times for tea the provisions were given.
Tea we got £10 – 13 – 11, & by Collections, £10 – 13 – 7, by going from house to house etc
we collected £ 23 – 8 – 6. Total £44 – 16 – 0. At our first call we had five member’s. Our
chapel is now filled and the seats are let. I have to preach at a place nearly thirty miles from
the Burra. I have a horse lent me whenever I like to take a ride. I must now draw to a
conclusion for the present. I hope I may meet you all in heaven. Live holy live in love & work
for God, then we shall in meet yonder in the world above.
Your’s in much love
John G. Wright
Out of the South Australia Primitive Methodist Magazine July 1887
In the beginning of year 1856, about fifteen months after Messes Whittaker and Coles arrived,
the Rev. J.G. Wright landed in the Colony from England. After spending one Sunday in the
City, he started for the Burra. Here the chapel had been closed for some time. During the
previous year Mr Whittaker had visited the place two or three times, finding the Chapel in a
delapidated state, with a hole in the wall, and inhabited by pigs. Mr Wright found only two
members in the Village, and they would not receive them. A poor man however who was not a
member gave him lodging for the night. The next day the Rev J Bowe Bible Christian, invited
him to preach in his Church on the Sunday, which offer, he gladly accepted and the Lord
blessed his word. The chapel was repaired and reopened for the Worship of God. The Lord
owned the earnest labours of his Servant many were converted some of whom have died in
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the Lord, other’s are members of the Church to this day. The chapel was twice enlarged. Mr
Wright worked with his own hands to raise the stone, burn the lime and put on the roof.
Notwithstanding that £1 & 200 pounds were expended on the chapel and in erecting a
Minister’s house when Mr Wright left the circuit the debt on the property was only £40.
Missionary work was vigorously carried on by the zealous Evangelist. At Saddleworth, Light &
Riverton, Mintaro, Redruth, Springbank and other place’s, Societies were formed and Church’s
built. Interesting incidents sometimes occurred in connection with these labours in the bush.
One Sunday morning at Bready Creek, Mr Wright saw a tall man in the Congregation in the
garb of a Shepherd. Shortly after this, a letter appeared in the Adelaide daily paper headed, “A
Voice from the bush which moved to the whole city. Certain rich men getting to know the name
of the writer, purchased him a horse and cart, and sent him into the bush as a missionary. The
man in the shepherd’s dress, who had heard Mr Wright preach, was the writer. He was a
Gentleman’s Son from England, well educated, but had gone astray and sunk in the Social
scale. He had not heard a Sermon for twelve year’s, but that Sunday morning the word of God,
pierced his conscience, and soon after he became a new creature in Christ Jesus. Mr Martin
for this was his name, called upon Mr Wright at the Burra and gladdened his heart by informing
him of his conversion. In a circuit extending from Kapunda in the South of Remarkable in the
North, a distance of 150 miles, in which there were few roads, and many unbridged streams,
Mr Wright had many rough experience’s, some dangerous, others with a touch of comedy in
them. “On one of my journeys”, he said, “I nearly lost my life, my horse being thirsty and seeing
water in the bush, I turned from the track and rode to the edge of the stream. As he put down
his head to drink, he slipped into what proved to be a very deep water hole. He swam from
side to side, but for sometime could not get out, I too was in the water, at times almost under
his feet. An unseen hand lifted me out for I could not swim. Soon we were both safe on land. I
led my horse for miles walking while my clothes dried on me.’” Once in the far North he was
overtaken by night and had to sleep on the ground. Tethering his horse he laid his head on the
saddle which he felt to be a little softer than Jacobs stone. “Another time to use his own words
after riding seventy miles in the burning sun I came in sight of a Shephards hut. The sun had
gone down, when I reached the hut where I found only two women and a little Girl. It was bush
for miles around. The women asked me to remain for the night. I felt glad at the invitation but
could only see one small room at all, for us. I did not know where to go, so I got off my horse,
and was soon enjoying myself with mutton and damper. I read the word of God and prayed
with the poor women. They wept & thanked me. They had not seen a Minister nor heard a
prayer for many years. I had to sleep on the floor near the fire Having been in the sun on
horseback all day I was soon losted in refreshing sleep. At midnight something struck me in
the head. On opening my eyes I saw a woman standing over me with an axe in her hand. I did
not feel very comfortable”, Said, “What is the matter’; All right Master”, she said “The wild cats
are after my chickens” I said Open the door and let them run out.” she did so and soon my
fears were gone and I feel asleep again. There were hundreds of wild cats on the outside one
of which having got into the hut had run over my head and awakened me to see the women
standing over me with the axe. Next morning I read and prayed with the poor women, and felt
the melting influence of the Divine Spirit.”
Mr Wright did a great amount of this rough pioneer work among the early settlers, for which his
powerful physique, his fine voice, his warm impulsive nature, and natural eloquence admirably
fitted him. The Lord has from then until now abundantly blessed his labours, Extending as his
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ministry in South Australia has done over a period of more than thirty one year’s, he has had
the honour of doing more for the advancement of Primitive Methodism, than any other man.
His spiritual children are to be found in every part of the Colony. He would be the last man to
assert that he had made no mistakes, that he had never been led astray by that very warm
nature which has enabled him to do so much for God. But his work praise him. He had the
honour of erecting in this country 21 Churches, raising towards their erection £ 5000, besides
paying off old debts to the amount of £2000. The net increase of membership on his stations
has been over 900. May his bow for many year’s abide in strength.
June 10, 1898.
Father Wright of South Australia
By the Rev W. F. James
A Grand Old Man
One of our best beloved Ministers in the Colonies is the Rev J. G. Wright generally known as
Father Wright a Primitive Methodist Minister. After earning of good degree in England, he
came to South Australia, over forty year’s ago, and has labored in it ever since. For fervour
diligence and hard work, he has stood in the front rank of denomination noted for these
elements. As preacher and, pastor, editor, and president, he has served the connexion well.
He has labored in many parts of the Colony and everywhere amongst all sorts of people, his
name is as ointment poured forth”.
Though Seventy six year’s old last April 30th, he retains much physical vigour; his mental
faculties seem so bright as ever, the witchery of his speech is not a thing of the past, and he
appears likely to render several more years of mellow and inspiring Service.
A good Neighbour.
At the Burra and in Adelaide, Mr Wright and I were neighbours. If ever there was a tendency in
him to drive the denominational coach at the expence of other section’s, the last trace had
vanished before the beginning of our acquaintance. One could not desire a more warm-
hearted and fraternal neighbor. He was deeply sympathetic. The prosperity of other Churches
gave him pleasure because it meant the success of that Kingdom which embraces all true
Churches and all genuine Christian work. I cannot recall an uncharitable word from his lips.
There was never a misunderstanding between us. His labours were astounding. It almost took
away my breath to note how he spent an average Sunday during at least a part of his
pastorate in Adelaide. An early morning prayer meeting, with always at least four present, Mr
Wright: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sunday school at ten with prayer, address and
Superintendernce. Service with Sermon at eleven. Sunday School at 2-30, with prayer address
and Supervision. Prayer meeting at six. Service with Sermon at 6.30 and a prayer meeting
after. Then occasionally Mr Wright went to the Central Market and spoke at a united Service
for twenty minutes with more vigour than many young men displayed in their morning
Sermons. Friend of Methodist Union. Though at one time almost a bigoted Primitive Methodist,
he was gradually led to see the wisdom of organic union among Churches having so much in
common, especially in a country like Australia.
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He took an active part in the attempt to bring about Minor Methodist Union in South Australia
eleven year’s ago. Again and again, when the question was not being publicly discussed, he
stirred up the pure mind of the larger Methodist Church by way of rememberance, and did
much to foster the growth of union sentiment when the prospect of union itself was dim.
When deputations, from the Wesleyan and Bible Christian, Churches, visited the Primitive
Methodist Conference, he replied for his brethren. After telling the story of the minister who fell
in love with a Lady in the Congregation, and went to her house, the next day, with the three –
fold enquiry – Do you love me, Will you have me; When shall we be married? he when went to
every member of the two deputations grasped his hand, and repeated the enquire, re
Methodist Union. The effect was electrical I never saw so much enthusiasm kindled in so short
a speech. His personal words of encouragement did much to strengthen one in the long
campaign, which was fraught with toil and care. Many will remember his glowing and grateful
prayer at the opening of (practically) the first United Methodist Conference in South Australia,
in March,1897; and no one more heartily rejoices in the prospect of complete Methodist Union
throughout the Southern World, before many years have passed.
Public Esteem
No Minister in Sout h Australia commands a more ready hearing from the general public than
Father Wright. He has probably conducted more anniversary Service’s than any man in the
Colony. On retiring from regular work, some seven year’s ago a valuable testimonial
subscribed for by the people of many Churches, was presented to him in the Victoria Hall
Adelaide. Letters from many leading men in the Colony bore witness to the high esteem in
which he was generally held. One of the warmest tributes came from the Right, Hon,
Gentleman, who is now Premier of the Colony and no one will accuse him of being righteous
over much “.
Laborious and happy retirement
When superannuated Mr Knight did not retire from active Service. Freed from the full duties of
a single circuit he served many circuits, and lent a helping hand to other Churches. Last year
he renewed his youth by becoming the Wesleyan Presidents Young Man. He visited the
people and conducted week night meetings, while the President was helping distant Circuits
and rendering splendid Service to our common Methodism. His magnetic presence and
cheering words spread sunshine in many homes. He is still doing pastoral work in the Kent
Town Wesleyan Circuit as well as preaching somewhere every Sunday, and the work evidently
gives him great joy. The wife of his youth is still spared to him and looks remarkably well. He
occupies one of the three cottages which Mr Edward Spicer kindly built for Methodist
supernumeraries.
The Ancient Benediction
Sunday morning April 24th. while resting in a cottage by the sea” at Brighton, I walked two or
three miles to Glenelg to hear Father Wright preach in the little Primitive Methodist Church
there. Nature was charming the walk delightful. Mr. Wright conducted the service in a homely
style. Good old fashioned tunes were sung, but the singing lacked verve. The prayer made us
feel we were in the House of God. The lesson. Romans 12, helped us to a fuller conception of
Pauls picture of ideal Christian life. The Sermon was from Number’s 6th. 24 – 26. “The Lord
bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto
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thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace”. The following is
roughly, the essence of the Sermon, with glimpses at some of the illustrations used. God
speaks to man through his fellow man. Even Paul who was arrested by the Divine call near
Damascus, received peace through the works of Ananias. Preachers are like wires which
convey the electricity through them Divine grace flows.’” The Lord bless thee”
In the 103 Psalm there is a chain of blessing formed in several golden links” Who forgiveth all
thine inequities” (With tearful eyes and pathetic tones): I am nearly 76 years old. When I think
of my sins against God, sins against man) sins against myself, sins of childhood, boyhood and
manhood, I fall upon my knees before God, and seek his mercy and He abundantly pardons.
‘”Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thy diseases.’’ I believe in faith-healing with
limitations. And I am sure all spiritual ailments can be cured. I have an excitable temperament.
My father was a quiet man – I never saw him in a passion. My Mother was fiery I inherited her
temper, and it has been one of the troubles of my life. But I was cured after hearing Henry
Varley, many year’s ago. Varley said, When a butcher, I came out in the morning, saw the men
doing what they ought not, and I spoke to them angrily. Shortly after when the men were called
to prayer they looked at each other, and laughed and seemed to say “The Governor” was
almost swearing a few minutess ago: now he calls us to prayer”. Varley was humbled, he cried
to God and his temper was healed. I cried to God and he cured my bad temper. “Who
redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender
mercies. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the
eagle’s. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy House, and thou shalt make
them drink of the rivers of thy pleasures.” My God shall supply all your needs according to His
riches in Glory by Christ Jesus”. God does not guarantee to supply our wants, but our deeds.
Our wants are sometimes unwise and God does not alway meet them, but He engages to
supply our need. “The Lord bless thee and keep thee”. Lord not only blesses His people – He
keeps them also. A coloured heathen Girl in Africa went out with several of her Christian
Master’s children. Presently she found the youngest had strayed away, going in search of the
child, she found it with a tiger near, she went between the two, fell upon her knees, and cried,
“God of my Master save the child” God of my Master save the child”. The beast retired and the
child was saved. A little boy was on board a ship amid a raging storm. Shipwreck and a watery
grave seemed inevitable. All around were filled with consternation. But the little boy was calm
When asked the reason, he replied,’ My Father is at the helm, and I am not afraid. God
governs the Universe. “The Lord made His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee”.
Some people faces are like the kiss of old Judas. A friend of mine last week was in a house
when a woman called. The hostess, with smiles all over her face, said how glad she was to
see her. When she had gone she said, I wonder what she called for”. I hope she will never call
again”. There are cases of that sort. But generally speaking the face is an index of the
character. How delightful to see the face of God! Ten minutes face to face with God; will give
strength, Joy, inspiration. Our’s is a gracious God, merciful, and gracious God; abundant in
goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving inequity transgression and sin”
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace”. How blessed to behold,
without a cloud between the Godhead reconciled. How helpful to walk in the light of Gods
countenance, to rejoice in His name all the day, and in His righteousness to be exalted. Peace
is Christ’s gift to His people, “My peace I give unto you. Great peace have all they which keep
My law, and nothing shall offend them – cause them to stumble”. Thou will keep them in
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perfect peace whose ( mine ) is stayed on thee. “The peace of God which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Juses”, When the surface of
the sea is lashed into fury by strom, and the waves run mountains high, a few fathoms down
the water is perfectly calm, and so when trouble abound, deep down in the Christian heart is
the peace of God which passeth all understanding. Dear friends don’t forget the text. I was
blest thinking over it, last night and this morning. May you drink it in, retain its spirit, and enjoy
its blessedness”. This sketch gives but a faint idea of what it meant to hear Mr Wright’s
sermon. The asides, the tones, the gestures, and the face, which were so effective at the time,
cannot be reproduced in cold type; and one sympathises with a certain powerful preacher, who
refused to have his Sermon’s published because his maner could not be published with them.
Twice only have I heard , “the ancient benediction” preached from by the late Dr Raleigh, in
the Weigh House, Chaple, London, nearly a quarter of a Century ago, and by Father Wright at
New Glenelg near Adelaide. Each Sermon was stamped with the Preacher’s striking
personality; each was best in its way. The first was prefaced by the statement that the text was
one of those passages which were likely to be spoiled in handling. it charmed and impressed
me, and ( and ) part of the impression remains. The second Sermon touched me most deeply.
As usual Father Wright played upon my heart, as a skilled organist plays upon his instrument.
Gratitude and humiliation, love, and Joy, smiles, and tear’s followed each other like sunshine
and shower on an English April day. The Season will never be forgotten, and I shall ever be
grateful that my dear old friend, at any rate, in one of the last Sermons I can expect to hear
from him treated the benediction, which suited Israel in the Wilderness and in Canaan, and
which, after thousands of year’s falls, like the music of angels, upon devout ear’s in crowded
London and in quiet Australian watering place. Then the Sermon was over the patriarch
artlessly placed his hand on the head of my youngest son Alfred, 13 year’s old and prayed that
his Father’s God, might rest upon him. The simple act and prayed impressed me, more deeply
than Episcopal Confirmation would have done; and I trust that the lad will remember the
occasion as gratefully as Chief Justice Way remembers a like occasion, over fifty year’s ago,
when William Cloughs, another Primitive Methodist Patriarch, gave him has blessing.
Postcript
I did not intend writing the above sketch, when going to hear Mr Wright preach. The idea
seized me during the Sermon, the outline shaped itself on the way to my lodgings, and I wrote
as a bird sings, because I could not help it.
South Australia
Valedictory Service to the Rev. J. G. Wright.
On Friday evening May 8th in the Victoria Hall, Gawler Place. Adelaide, a Valedictory and
complimentary entertainment was held, the occasion being taken a presentation to Rev.J.G.
Wright consisting of a purse of money, a pony, harness and phaeton. Although Mr Wright
nominally has superannuated, yet practically he will be almost as busy as formerly, as he has
undertaken the oversight of two places which, belonged to the Prospect Circuit, and has
engaged to preach twice every Sunday. He is also the agent of the Jubilee Fund. The Rev
Gentleman has been fifty years of active service in the interest of the Primitive Metho-dist
Church, and for many year’s passed past has occupied the pulpit of the Morphett Street
Church. The chair was taken by Mr J Boase, and amongst, the genteman on the platform were
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the Rev. J. Nicolson, President of the Wesleyan Conference, and W.F. James Secretary of the
Bible Christian Conference, R.S.Casely, A W Wellington, and J Goodwin. The Chairman, in
making the presentation stated that a committe of which he was proud to be chairman, had
considered that the presents were not given because they thought Mr Wright was poor, but
because they thought that something more substantial than a tea meeting should be given.
Money had been received from person’s who were not members of his Church, but knew him
as a friend only. He then read a list of the voluntary subscribers, and the names included those
of the Hon. J. H. Angas, M.L.C. Hon. C. C. Kingston, 9 Q. C, M.P. and many other prominent
men.
Letters from different person’s were also read that testified to the esteem in which Mr Wright
was held. He assured Mr Wright that the whole of the work had been a pleasure to every one
concerned. The Rev.A.W.Wellington, Mr Wrights successor also spoke. He had known Mr
Wright for twenty five year’s, and during that time he had had the very highest respect for his
Christian Character. The recognised him as a warm-hearted man who had done a great deal
towards the establishment of Primitive Methodism in this colony. He was delighted to find after
fifty years of active service Mr Wright was so hale and hearty The Rev J.G. Wright, in
responding, was received with hearty applause. He appeared to be greatly affected, and said
he hardly knew whether he could speak. He had had various hints that something was to be
done, but he had not expected a presentation of this kind, and thanked all concerned heartily.
There was nothing more pleasing than the fact that one had the affection of his brothers and
sisters. They were all one great family, and he had always striven to live peaceable with all
men. He had no enemies, and he desired to live for the good of those around him. Fifty –
seven year’s in the regular ministry, and three year’s in preaching. He celebrated his
seventieth birthday on the last day of April. He had been thirty-six year’s in the Colony and had
had only eight weeks rest during that time. He looked for a little rest now. On entering the
ministry in England he was sent to a Mission to Norfolk and Suffolk. No money was, given him,
he had to sell his watch, a present from his Mother to buy food. On one occasion when very
hungry he went into a field and made a meal of turnips. He had done so often and had walked,
about all night amonge the trees and bushes while with frost, having nowhere to sleep and yet
they were some of the happiest days he knew. He remembered on one occasion having
walked all day, to get to a place where he had to preach, and on reaching the house he was
not allowed to enter as the people were oppesed to Methodism. He related several instances
of his having been ill treated while preaching the Gospel; but in most cases he had succeeded
in converting many of his assilants. Thirty six year’s ago, Mr Wright continued a Missionary was
wanted at the Burra, and he was chosen. On January 4th 1856, he, Wife and Family and many
others landed at the Semaphore, on a scorching day and after a weary trudge through the
scorching sand, the party reached Port Adelaide, and thence Adelaide. He started for the
Burra the following week, to take up his Mission work. His circuit extended over 150 miles, and
he had preached very near to Mount Remarkable. He lived at the Burra, and had conducted
Services at Kapunda and many places between. He often had to tether his horse, in the bush
and sleep on the ground. Here Mr Wright related some stories with reference to his bush
experiences which elicited laughter. The Rev Gentleman concluded his remarks, by again
thanking the people for their gifts, and asking the worshippers of Morphett-street to assist his
successor as much as possible. The Rev F James also spoke, and stated that his
acquaintance with Mr Wright dated from seven year’s back, and he had the highest respect for
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him. The Rev J. Nicholson spoke on behalf of the Wesleyan body, and assured Mr Wright of
the deep affection of the Church. The singing of the doxology closed the meeting.
May 8th.
Valedictory Service to the Rev J.G. Wright
Victoria Hall Gawler Place, Adelaide
[N.B. Newspaper articles attached at end of book. ]
HER NINETIETH YEAR
Chat with Mrs.J.G. Wright.
.[ By our Special Reporter]
[text not transcribed]
RELIGIOUS NEWS .
FIFTY YEARS’ CHURCHWORK.
Recognition of the work of Rev. J.G. Wright
The Late Rev.J.G. Wright
The President’s tribute.
A Biographical Sketch.
By the Rev. J.H. Williams.
ADELAIDE : July 1, 1904.
Death of the Rev. J.G. Wright.
REMINISCENCES OF THE LATE REV, J.G.WRIGHT By W. HOWCHIN.