Sep 1
Held two Committee meetings. One in connection with the contemplated School and the other to consult about the erection of a small wooden Cottage. Found we can erect the latter for £300. An amount which is due from an origina1 grant from the Contingent Fund to this Circuit but upon which I cannot at present draw. In Evening met my class.

2
Attended at the head of a deputation from the "Sabbath Alliance" to present the Memorial to the Resident Commissioner. He received us very courteously and promised to take our visit into serious consideration and furnish us with a written reply in a few days.

In prayer found deliverance from a sadness and sorrow which has weighed me down for the last month.

3
Great liberty in preaching morning and evening to crowded congregations at Wesley Hill. Subjects Colo 2:2,3. Num 16:46 48. Baptized also two children -addressed the Sunday School. Met a class for tickets and concluded with a prayer meeting.

4
Attended to directing the repairs of the blown down Chapel. Wrote a reply to an article in the "Geelong Advertizer" re misrepresenting the object and animus of the"Sabbath Alliance". Conducted a prayer meeting in the evening.

6
Spoke at a public meeting of the "Sabbath Alliance" on the propriety of keeping holy the Sabbath day.

7
Rode to Creswick Creek married a couple and baptized a child. Returned and preached at Clayton's Hill.

8 Spoke at a meeting convened for the purpose of promoting "Education". In the evening gave tickets to my class.

9
Met with Revs Thackeray and Dor ey and commenced operations towards forming a Branch Society for the diffusion of the Word of God.

10
Sabbath Preached thrice - gave tickets to two classes and concluded the day with prayer meeting. Physically weak, mind in consequence somewhat low.

11
Variously engaged about difft matters. Much exercised in mind at receiving a note from the Senior Circuit Steward that "henceforth he does not regard himself a member of the Wesleyan Society". I know not what course to take.

12
Married a couple and presided at a meeting of the "Board of Education" and the Committee of the "Sabbath Alliance" Resolved in latter meeting to use as far as possible the "Milder Method".

13
Met 2 classes for tickets. Felt blessed intercourse with God.

14
Variously occupied with business matters. Evening attended a meeting at Parsonage to organize a Bible Society. Resolved to hold a public meeting immediately.

15
Very unwell having caught a severe cold yesterday.

17
Preached twice met class and baptised a child. In connection with evening service was much encouraged to persevere in the good work. Text Zech 4:6,7.

19
United a couple in marriage

21
Attended as member of Sub-Committee for the arrangement of "Bible Meeting"

1854 Sep 24
Preached to two crowded congregations at morning and evening and to the children in the afternoon. Baptized 5 children and administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the evening. Great attention is manifested to the word spoken. May it bear an abundant harvest.

25
Visited several members at Creswick Creek. Rode into Ballaaratt and I was greatly startled and somewhat pained at the receipt of a letter from a lady on business which in no way concerns her. I read Mrs Bs letter and to prevent myself from returning it, cast it into the flames. Had sweet liberty in preaching in the Evening concerning "Abraham's faith" as explained Heb 11:8-10.

26
Today we held our Quarter Meetings found an increase in Society of 14 and 5 on trial. Finances in a more healthy condition than ever yet known. Quarter income £190 with which our last Circuit debt is more than paid. The Quarter meeting resolved henceforth to treat me more liberally. We all thank God and take courage.

Oct 1
Preached thrice. Morning opening of a temporary chapel in the Township. Afternoon at Cornish Town on the Sabbath question and evening to a crowded congregation at Claytons Hill on "They were all filled with the Holy Ghost". It was good time.

Oct 4
Assisted at public meeting of the "Sabbath Alliance" Numerously attended and good speeches. This movement is exciting a good deal of emotion on the part of the lawless and ungodly. But none of these things move us.

5
Preached at Claytons Hill

6
Moved my tent to Township

7
All day spent in setting tent to rights and closed the day by joining a couple in marriage.

8
Preached at "Mount Pleasant" in morning. Conducted love feast afternoon and preached to a crowd in evening. Also administered the Sacrament of Baptism. A happy day.

9
Received an invitation to preach at opening Services at Chilwell of a New Chapel. Busy at a New residence. In the evening addressed a letter to the Editor of "Ballaaratt Times" on the subject of "Sabbath Alliance" in answer to "Sciens"

15
Preached three times to good congregations and closed a happy Sunday by administering the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

17
Great tumult among the people occasioned by the circumstances that a supposed murderer was acquitted by the Authorities upon too slight evidence. At this, being a continuation of many acts of injustice, the people became ungovernable, met together at the Hotel kept by the suspected culprit and in the face of all the force of the Camp, both police and military, burned in one hour property to the value of £16,000.

19
Received a letter from England. I had looked forward to it with anxiety hoping it would have brought me a decided answer whether my betrothed would be allowed to come to me. But was disappointed. Up to Aug 4 No intimation had been given her by the home Committee that she should be allowed to join the Mission party who are voyaging hither. My mind very much depressed and pained. But I am struggling on hoping deliverance from loneliness & grief will ere long arrive.

21
The Authorities having imprisoned some of the chief parties concerned in the late fire were again attack by the mob more infuriated than before. The camp was only saved from being burnt down by the liberation of the prisoners upon bail. Rode over to Creswick Creek.

22
Preached twice with liberty and power to crowded congregations. And addressed the Sabbath School. After evening service called friends together.to fix upon who should be employed to commence a day school. The lot fell upon a Mr 0 Brien. Recommended to us by Dr Singleton of Melbourne.

23
Returned to Ballaaratt. Having obtained plans of Creswick Creek Township applied through Chairman of District for two acres of ground for Ch purposes. Wrote several letters of Business and two letters per "Great Britain" to England. The mob had another "Monster Meeting" but were considerably pacified by information that bills would not be filed against parties out upon bail.

Evening presided at a meeting of the "Local Board of Education" to open tenders and decide upon the Carpenters work of the Stone School House now in course of erection.

24
Waited at the head of a deputation upon the Architect to consult about the curtailment of the work at the school.

27-30
Visited by Bro W.P. Wells from Castlemaine who preached our Anniversary sermons at Cornish Town on the 29th and assisted us at a tea meeting on Monday. In connection with which services upwards of £100 was raised which quite liquidated the debt upon that Chapel. The meeting was most enthusiastic and attended with great good. The only debt now in connection with this Mission is £77 upon Claytons Hill Chapel which we hope to clear shortly. We thank God and take courage.

31
Called a meeting of the Sabbath Alliance Committee.Resolved to publish a pamphlet in our own defence and have a public meeting in a few days.

Nov 3
Journeyed to Geelong a distance of 60 miles a good days journey for this country. This my first visit to this town. I was much delighted with its scenery contrasting most strikingly with the rude uncultivated aspect of Ballaaratt.

4
Met the Chairman of the District and enjoyed the Company of my brethren much.

5
In connection with the Chairman opened the Chilwell New Chapel by preaching to overflowing congregations afternoon and evening. This is a large stone ediface erected at an expense of £2,200 and reflects great honour upon the zeal and liberality of the friends in that Society. Being somewhat indisposed I did not feel that liberty I could have wished but in the name of the Great Master scattered a little seed. Texts Luke 11c 21.22 Rev viii: 3-5 Collections for the day £100.

6
Having obtained £50 from the Chairman I spent it in furniture for my new house and saw it off to Ballaaratt. In company with Rev W. Butters waited upon Rev T.P.Vipont to recover monies due to my circuit. He was not at home. At 6pm 500 sat down to tea in the New Chapel. After tea had the privilege of speaking. Subscriptions poured in which raised the amount including Sunday collections to £410 far exceeding all their expectations.

7
Took breakfast at Rev R. Harts in company with Chairman and Rev I Harding. After prayer which did my heart good we separated.

8
Took breakfast with a few of the Chilwell friends at the house of my host Mr Westcote. I enjoyed conversation with them very much. Was privately urged to come to this Circuit next year in case of a change. I leave the matter entirely in the hands of the District Meeting and of God.

9
Having enjoyed my visit much I returned this morning and after a jolting ride of 60 miles reached Ballaaratt at 3pm. Found myself so unwell was obliged to retire to rest.

10
Found my house nearly completed and attended to the arrangement of the furnishings.

11
Took possession of House having sojourned for nine months in a most uncomfortable tent. The contrast is so great that I now can thoroughly enjoy such accommodation. But being all alone feel very solitary and comfortless even in the best estate. It would appear that the time is now come for me to be joined to my betrothed. But she is 16,000 miles away and the home authorities not knowing my position dont appear disposed to send her. So in lonely grief I must abide their time.

12
Preached twice to good congregations and baptized two children.

13
Received letters from England including one from my beloved. I opened them with fear and trembling. Leaving England late as Sept 9 I hoped they would bring me decisive intelligence as to the result of my application for a wife. But no! Silent as death. Bitterness shades my spirit. Evening attended meeting of Sabbath Alliance and spoke to 1st resolution.

14
Wrote to my beloved urging her at all events to come to me without delay. Having obtained the consent of the General Superintendant to do so I have no scruple in urging it even though the home authorities refuse. Through the Ministry of Divine Providence I am now in a position to make a wife comfortable but without one no comfort is there for me. House sufficiently large for two and allowance quite sufficient for our support. But now I cannot get attention and my money is squandered by going out to board. Surely relief will soon come. If not, I think it will be my duty to go to some circuit where I can have lodgings. I need much the grace of resignation.

15
Preached at Mt Pleasant from Is 35:8-10. Upon entering the pulpit was exceedingly straightened. But after announcing the text, enlargement and liberty overtook me and with great delight I proclaimed the "Highway".

16
Variously occupied with official correspondence.

17
Journeyed to Creswick Creek. Spent afternoon in visiting the flock. Evening met a few of the officers to converse about erection of a New Chapel.

18
Preached at 7pm After preaching again met the friend when it was agreed to proceed to the erection of a new wooden Chapel 50x30 in the Township to cost about £400.

19
Preached to overflowing congregations morning and evening. Numbers were obliged to go away because they could not get in. On the Creek there are at least 15,000 souls and only chapel accommodation for about 300. And at present not a minister on the ground. Spiritual destitution reigns.

20
Issued Subcription Lists on behalf of the New Chapel and returned to Ballaaratt. Found upon arrival that a female calling herself Mary Eliza Taylor had come to live servant to Captain Doane claiming to be a first cousin. But her story so full of untruth could not recognise her.

21
Returned to Creswick Creek and joined a couple in marriage.

22
Joined another couple in marriage and returned to Ballaaratt.

26
Preached with sweet liberty in the morning at Claytons Hill and evening at Gravel Pits.

29
Much refreshed by preaching from Micah 7:11. Today Ballaaratt is thrown into great excitement by a Monster meeting of the diggers, convened for the purpose of protesting against the Gold Digging Licences and other alleged grievances. At the head of the meeting appeared two Catholic priests Fathers Matthew Downing and Patrick Smyth. It was resolved to resist Government by burning licences which was done to a considerable extent.

30
This morning the police, as usual, made enquiries for Licences. They were resisted and a mob was raised. In consequence the troopers and military were called out and matters assumed a very serious aspect. A few were taken up and for a few hours the excitement subsided. Afternoon the mob assembled and by evening had organised themselves into a body of rebels. They proceeded through the diggings seizing all the fire arms and ammunition they could meet with. This entirely suspended business- all the peaceable diggers were obliged to leave work and fly for safety. A meeting we were to have held on "Education" was frustrated and everything thrown into confusion and disorder.

Dec 2
Since yesterday morning the rebels have continued patrolling the diggings armed with spikes, -spears,- revolvers- rifles etc In their course have seized everything and every body that could serve them. Have raised a fort at the end of Eureka line. They are about 1000 strong and the greatest alarm is felt for the consequences. I was privileged by an interview with the Resident Commissioner with whom I conversed at length relative to the state of affairs. Assuring me it would be ended in a short time I retired somewhat more comfortable than for the last few days

3
This morning at 2 o clock a company of troopers and military carried the war into the enemies camp. In a very short time numbers were shot and hundreds taken prisoners. About 50 come at death by their folly. On the other side two soldiers killed and two officers wounded. The sight in the morning was truly appalling -Men lying dead slain by evil. The remedy is very lamentable but it appears was necessary. It is hoped now rebellion will be checked. Preached twice and administered the Lord's Supper in the evening. Mind very much harassed by the excitement of the last few days.

4
Quiet reigned through the day. Evening thrown into alarm by a volley of musketry fired by the sentries. The cause, it appears, was the firing into the camp of someone unknown. The report is two killed and some wounded.

5
Martial Law proclaimed. Major General Sir Robert Nickle K. G. arrived with a force of 1000 soldiers. The reign of terror commences.

7
In company with Rev J Martin waited upon the General to ascertain how far Martial Law would affect Meetings for Religion and Moral Purposes. Found him a very affable and kind gentleman. And were assured that meetings which we might wish to hold should not be interferred with. After this interview attended the hearing of evidence against the prisoners. Four who had been taken by mistake, members of Society, were liberated. This evening Rev W. Butters arrived from Belfast to visit this Mission. His presence very acceptable. I wrote and posted a letter of the "Editor of the Age" giving a brief a/c of some of the Causes and character of the insurrection.

8
In company with the Chairman of the District visited several friends. Evening held a meeting to consider a Bill now before the Legislative Council entitled "A Bill to make provision for Public Education" Resolved to petition in favour of it.

9
Rev W Butters rode to Creswick Creek with me to glance at state of affairs The chairman deeply impressed at the need of a Minister being required to devote his labours exclusively to this Mission. Martial Law repealed from 12 of the clock. Evening received papers and a letter from England. The letter gave me an a/c of Bro Nattl Beamont with whom I was acquainted at home sailing for Adelaide. But no a/c of my friend Miss Partridge sailing. Somewhat disappointed.

10
Drew up the following address to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor:

"May it please your Excellency"

"We the Minister, Office Bearers and Members of the Wesleyan Church at Ballaaratt beg to address your Excellency with feelings of deep regret that a portion of the mining population of this District have allowed their excitement on a/c of alleged grievances to lead to the resistance of Lawful authority. We beg to tender to your Excellency our most devout sympathy on account of the embarrassment in which the disturbances which have taken place have involved your Excellency - to assure your Excellency that your Excellency may always rely on our being on the side of order and good Govt. And to express to your Excellency our confident belief that there is no disposition on part of the people generally but to submit to lawful Authority."

"As loyal and dutiful subjects of Queen Victoria we take this opportunity of expressing our devoted allegiance to the Person and Throne of Her Most Gracious Majesty and to your Excellency as her Representative in this Colony."

"Our devout prayers are offered to the "God of Peace" that peace and prosperity may be the issue of your Excellencys Government and that the interests of all classes may be under the blessing and protection of the "King of Kings"."

"We are etc" - -

Signed by self and 55 officers and members and entrusted with the Chairman of the District to lay before His Excellency.

Met two large classes for tickets. Preached on behalf of the Mount Pleasant Sunday School and baptized three children. After dinner received the following "Sir Robert Nickle presents his compliments to the Rev Mr Taylor, and begs to enclose him copy of a circular he has caused to promulgated throughout the Diggings"

"The Major General has named an hour on Sunday for the purpose which he thought might not interfere with the clerical duties of the Respective Clergy and he feels convinced that he will receive every co-operation from Mr Taylor in his endeavour to make this demonstration as effective as possible"

The Circular being absent I waited upon Sir Robert and found the object of the meeting was to persuade the people to enrol themselves as Special Constables for the preservation of peace. It being the Lord's day I could not conscientiously attend. At five pm about a thousand surrounded the General who was accompanied by several officers, Rev I R Thackery and Rev Smith. In consequence of some one speaking to the effect that we ought to obey the Divine Laws as well as human -the meeting was postponed. At six pm had the privilege of hearing Rev W. Butters preach Text Rom 5:20 21. Felt much profited. After Public Services the Chairman explained to us the principles on which we are about to become a Separate Conference. The day profitable and peaceful.

11
The Chairman left me alone at 5am. His visit has much encouraged me and I address myself afresh to the duties of my office with encouraged feelings and hopes. Prepared the Petition in favour of the Education Bill now before the House and forwarded it to Melbourne signed by 122 - Wrote several letters. Evening held a Meeting of the Local Board of Education. Resolved to finish the stone building except the floor:- Sanctioned the use of it as a Chapel. And appointed a day for the examination of the Schools in presence of Local Board. The last four days the temperature 104 degrees in the shade.

12
Went to Creswick Creek preached and held a meeting to consult concerning the erection of a New Chapel.

13
Returned at 4am Met a class for tickets in afternoon and preached at Mt Pleasant in the evening.

15
Journeyed to Creswick Creek. Met a class for tickets and the Chapel committee. Resolved to erect a wooden chapel 54x27 appointed a sub Committee of business men to superintend its erection.

Dec 17
Preached twice, met three classes for tickets and concluded a laborious day by a good prayer meeting.

22
Occupied through the day in submitting the day schools to an examination. Found a great amount of ignorance and while parents continue to allow their children to neglect school there is no hope but that it will continue.

24
Preached twice, met classes and administered baptism Felt power while proclaiming the truth from Prov 1 29-31 to a full congregation at Cornish Town.

25
With difficulty I remember it is Christmas Day. Preached in morning from Micah 5 2,4 Afternoon we held the Quarter meeting found finances in a flourishing condition but much need for humiliation because of the low state of spiritual life. Resolved to have more prayer and use greater diligence to promote the work of God. Received an unanimous request from the meeting to continue my services at Ballaaratt another year. I thanked them and left it entirely with the District meeting.

26
In preparation For the District meeting drew up the following reports-

I. The State of Religion in Ballaarat Circuit

in this Circuit and its immediate vicinity it is estimated there are about 60,000 people. The numbers of protestant ministers including one stationed at Burringong who occasionally visits Ballaarat is five. These have not at their command Chapel room for more than 3000 so that there are 57,000 whose spiritual interests are left totally unprovided for. This startling statement induces the inquiry with deep and earnest feeling what are they amongst so many.

The consequences of so many thousands living in entire neglect of all religion, are but too apparent and present an appalling picture. Unrestrained by religious influence multitudes yield themselves to the dominion of their corruption and follow hard after every evil way. The voice of conscience is silenced and the remains of that light wh shone into them in earlier life put out by drunken revelry and the vilest practices. Worldliness, drunkenness and Sabbath desecration in their most frightful forms with all the evils that follow in their train prevail to an extent that threatens to spread a moral pestilence over the land.

The evil influences issuing from such prevalent ungodliness exert a power highly detrimental to the interests of pure and spiritual religion.

Immense numbers who had "tasted the good word of God yielding to the Spirit of reigning worldliness are submerged in the general flood of impiety and make "shipwreck of faith and a good conscience" when the piety of numbers of such who retain "the form of godliness" suffers serious loss. The unsettled mode of life necessarily attendant upon the migratory habits of the people also tends much not only to defeat all our plans of usefulness but to induce a spirit of careless indifference on the part of those whose co-operation is essential to strengthen the hands of the Ministry. The consequence is that a great amount of that time and energy which the Minister ought to devote to the spiritual interests of the Church is exhausted in the secular and more secondary departments of the work.

But not withstanding such counter influences and discouragements something has been done. Our appeals to the members and public generally have been liberally responded to, and during the year more than two thousand pounds have been contributed towards the support and extension of the work of God. Two wooden chapels a stone School house and a neat Mission House have been erected during the year and another Chapel to cost £450 is now being built at Creswick Creek.

Respectable, intelligent and attentive congregations numbering about a thousand have statedly worshipped God and on many occasions heavenly influences have descended making the "parched ground a pool and the thirsty land springs of water".. The seed has been sown and though not much visible fruit has appeared it is yet our encouragement to hope it will be "seen after many days" and perfume the desert air with its fragrance making even "the wilderness and the solitary place glad" Instances have not been wanting wherein the Truth has triumphed in the salvation of the Soul and in a few cases it has rejoiced us to witness a simultaneous attainment of this earthly and heavenly treasure when the benefit has been acknowledged and the genuineness of the work evidenced by a liberal devotion of worldly substance for the spread of religion. The power of Truth has also proved effective in restoring wanderers to the fold and many are now rejoicing in God who were in the " pall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity".

Upon the whole there is cause for devout thankfulness to the God of all Grace for those evidences of His presence and power which have been given; but still greater for deep humiliation and prayer. Thousands upon thousands of redeemed men are continually before us who left to themselves "have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Baalim for reward and perished in the gainsaying of love" . The state of Society at present, is ominous of widespread Atheism and prevalent iniquity.

The need of the Church is more prayer and more Ministers. The ground now occupied by one might be filled with advantage by a dozen, and one at least could be supported at once. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into His harvest." --

II School Report

1. Sabbath Schools In this Circuit there are three Sabbath Schools under the management of fine Superintendents and twenty teachers. The average number of children in all the Schools during Summer is 180 but during winter arising from the almost impassable state of the roads not more than half that number can attend.

These schools, both as to teachers and scholars, are subject to the same changes and fluctuations that prove so detrimental to the prosperity of the Societies. It is therefore almost impossible to report with certainty the progress which the scholars may have made in Scriptural knowledge. When submitted to examinations they have evidenced an acquaintance with the facts and doctrines of Christianity at once highly gratifying and encouraging. The teachers give that diligence which shows they appreciate the importance of their task and it is felt these schools are a great blessing.

2. Day Schools

Under the management of two male and two female teachers we have three day schools attended by about 150 scholars. The same causes which render it difficult to ascertain the progress of the Sunday Scholars operate with the same effect in the Day Schools. Perpetual change from one gold field to another and from one part of the same field to another stands in the way of anything like steady advancement. It is also much to be regretted that parents for awhile send their children and for awhile keep them at home. This not only disarranges the order of the Schools, but it is found when the children return they have to re-learn all they were ever taught before. Then again during the winter months it is impossible for children to pass the mud and deep creeks, so that what they learn in Summer they un-learn in Winter. Such circumstances it is felt to a considerable extent neutralizes all the advantages of tuition.

At the December examinations these disadvantages were keenly felt. But while there were some whose comparative ignorance was to be deplored there were others able to read and write well and possessed a creditable acquaintance with the elements of an English Education.

Their knowledge too of Scripture was considerable and gratifying.

These schools at present are conducted in the Chapels but two of them will presently be merged into one and transferred to the stone School House now nearly completed. In the erection of this building the public have shewn their sympathy with the educational movement in that assisted by a £1000 from Government and £100 from the contingent Fund they have raised a building for strength and elegance unequalled by any thing at Ballaaratt at a cost of £2000.

It is anticipated in such a building with additional apparatus we shall be able to considerably enhance the efficiency of the Schools" Signed Theo Taylor

III General Returns

No of Chapels 3 Other preaching Places 2 4 day School teachers, 20 Sunday School Teachers, 12 Local Preachers, 12 Leaders, 175 Members, 2 on trial 3 Sabbath Schools 180 Sabbath scholars 3 day schools 150 day scholars.

Total number of scholars 240
Attending Public worship 1000

1854 Dec 27
Drew up the finances of the year for District meeting and found

Preached evening from Heb VI 17-20

Felt my heart greatly comforted.

28
Finished several letters for England

29
Met the members of Local board to consult further whether we shall put a floor into the stone building.

Resolved:That the building shall be completed and strenuous efforts made to raise the necessary Funds

31
Preached wth great power from 1 Thess 5:23,24. My mind drawn out with strong desire for a general revival of religion. End the year in peace. The review of it fills me with abasement and gratitude. Resolve by the grace of God to start anew in the Divine life