Robert Moffat | Page 6

energy, it
required all to keep pace with the duty which devolved upon me. I lived
at a considerable distance from what are called the means of grace, and
the Sabbaths were not always at my command. I met with none who
appeared to make religion their chief concern. I mingled, when
opportunities offered, with the gay and godless in what are considered
innocent amusements, where I soon became a favourite; but I never
forgot my promise to my mother."
After several delays, High Leigh was reached on Saturday, 26th
December, 1813, and there the young man found himself surrounded
by a genial atmosphere. The head gardener took to him, and soon left a
great deal in his hands. This made his work very heavy and responsible;
but, although labouring almost day and night, he yet managed to devote
some time to the study of such books as he could obtain. The kindly
notice of Mrs. Leigh was attracted to him, and she lent him books, and
encouraged him to studious pursuits.
In very early years serious impressions had been made upon the heart
of Robert Moffat. The earnest teachings of his minister, combined with
his mother's counsels and prayers, left recollections which could never
be effaced. These impressions were now to be deepened, and the good
seed that had been sown to be quickened. The Wesleyan Methodists
had commenced a good work at High Leigh, and a pious Methodist and
his wife induced Moffat to attend some of their meetings. He became
convinced of his state as a sinner, and unhappy, but after a severe and
protracted struggle, he found pardon, justification, and peace, through
faith in Jesus Christ, and henceforth his life was devoted to the service
of his Lord. Energetically he threw himself into the society and work of
his new friends, but by so doing, lost the goodwill of Mr. and Mrs.
Leigh, who were grieved that one in whom they took so much interest
should have become a Methodist. So were these good people despised
by many in those days.

At this time Robert's worldly prospects were brightening, and a
position of honour and comfort seemed opening before him. But the
anticipations of that day were not to be.
Apparently unimportant events frequently determine the whole course
of our lives, and a simple incident was now about to change the current
of this young man's life, and to convert the rising gardener into the
God-honoured and much-beloved missionary. How this came to pass
we now relate:
While at High Leigh, Robert Moffat had occasion to visit Warrington, a
town about six miles distant He set off one calm summer evening. All
nature seemed at rest, and thoughts of God and a feeling of admiration
for His handiworks took possession of the young man's mind. His life
was reviewed, and with thoughts full of hope he entered the town.
Passing over a bridge he noticed a placard. It contained the
announcement of a missionary meeting, over which the Rev. William
Roby, of Manchester, was to preside. He had never seen such an
announcement before. He read the placard over and over again, and, as
he did so, the stories told by his mother of the Moravian missionaries in
Greenland and Labrador, which had been forgotten for years, came
vividly to mind. From that moment, his choice was made; earthly
prospects vanished: his one thought was, "how to become a
missionary?"
Many difficulties seemed to stand in the way between Robert and the
accomplishment of his desire, but the same Divine power which had
implanted the desire, prepared the way for its fulfilment. He visited
Manchester, shortly after the event just related, to be present at a
Wesleyan Conference; and while there, with much hesitancy and
trepidation, ventured to knock at the door of Mr. Roby's house and
request an interview with that gentleman. He was shown into the
parlour, and the man whom he had been hoping, yet dreaded, to see,
quickly made his appearance. "He received me with great kindness,"
said Moffat, "listened to my simple tale, took me by the hand, and told
me to be of good courage."
The result of this interview was a promise on Mr. Roby's part to write

to the Directors of the London Missionary Society concerning him, and
to communicate their wishes to him as soon as they were received. In
the meantime Robert returned to his ordinary occupation.
After waiting a few weeks a summons came from Mr. Roby for Moffat
to visit Manchester again; and, with the view of his studying under the
care and instruction of that reverend gentleman, it was arranged that he
should accept a situation in a nursery garden belonging to Mr. Smith, at
Dukinfield, that place being near at hand. Moffat continued here