Billy Bray

The church library - now cleared away except for bits and pieces salvaged by individuals - had some interesting old books. One is a biography of a man called Billy Bray. Billy was a Cornish miner born in the late 1700's, who lived through to the late 1860's. He was a simple, but profound man, converted in early manhood after a drunken past. He was a Bryanite - essentially a Methodist. He was absolutely full of joy in his salvation, and had a trust in God that never deserted him. He influenced and led many, by example, who were far his superiors in education and wealth. I want to share just one perceptive observation he made - out of many which are shared in the book:

In a temperance meeting at Liskeard, the first speaker had said, "Although Alexander had conquered the world, he allowed liquor to conquer him." When Billy was called on, he said, "Our friend has been talking of Alexander the Great; I can't see what he was great for except to cut men's heads off. Alexander conquered the world, and drink conquered him. Now, we conquer drink, therefore, we conquer Alexander's conqueror..." Amazing, bottom-line wisdom...

I talked with Flora yesterday and asked her whether or not she knew of Billy Bray. Of course, she did. I commented that it is interesting that the area where he lived and worked was Celtic. Many of the Celts retreated to Cornwall when later tribes invaded. Their Methodism was very emotional in comparison with more Anglo-Saxon expressions. She agreed that the religion of Celtic strongholds is different. Apparently, a friend - pastor, professor?- felt the Celts were "more highly evolved" with their mystical, emotional bent of spirit...feels that is what influenced black churches in their religious self-expression...

I love the study of history for many reasons, but one of the most exciting is to see where God plants genius...Absolutely where he wants it to bloom, more often than not from very humble beginnings!

A few news updates: Katie should begin her flight home in the next while. We thoroughly enjoyed her and Matty, and will miss them...Dad will be going into town this afternoon to do some replacements for a former client, and to price a small job for someone else. He will stay overnight with Maryanne to accomplish both these things...I was tempted to go along, but think I will probably stay and do some writing...Andrew will fly home from NYC on Saturday. Rick and Susanna are wonderful, gracious hosts and I know he has had a stimulating, rewarding time there. He loves museums as few people do...Grace and Cora :) are visiting Maryanne and Will :) today as she had to go downtown to drop Katie at the airport.

I now sign off!