Roles, James

Transcription of Journal Extracts published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

TUNSTALL CIRCUIT.

Extract of J. Roles’s Journal. 1821.

SUNDAY January 7. In the morning preached at Wirksworth in Derbyshire. The house was exceedingly full, and the word was with power. In the afternoon and at night I preached at Cromford.  The house was crowded, and the presence of God was felt in a wonderful manner. After preaching at night I spoke to the society, and found eighteen in class. A great number stopped, and such a house of mourners I have not seen of a long time. We spent some time with them in prayer, and some got a little liberty; others went home mourning. eight more joined the class. There are now twenty-six in all. 

Sunday January 14. In the morning I was at the class at Hanging Bridge. In the afternoon I preached at Alton and held love-feast. It was a powerful time. The glory of God appeared to fill the place. Believers had a refreshing time, and several were in trouble.

Tuesday February 6. I preached at Alrewas. The word run with power; believers were blest, several were in distress, and we had much power in prayer for them. Wednesday 7. I visited several, one a backslider cried out for mercy while I was talking with her. We spent an hour in prayer, and she got a degree of comfort. At night I preached at Burton

Sunday February 11. In the morning I preached at Bromley Wood. In the afternoon at Horecross to a crowded house. several were in distress. At night preached at Abbots Bromley. The word was with power. Wednesday 14. I preached at Repton. One was in trouble. In this place, in the course of about four weeks, about twenty have found peace with God.

Sunday 18. I was at a prayer-meeting at Repton. We had a good time. One young woman was in trouble. I spoke at half past ten at Stretton. The word run with power. One of our friends from Tutbury spoke to the society after and two were in trouble In the afternoon I preached at Burton, and had a hard time. Preached again at night and had a good time. We then had a band-meeting. It was a refreshing time. At prayer, at the close two were in trouble, one found peace with God.

Wednesday 21. Before I left Hilton I heard of a woman who died very suddenly. Does not God say, Be ye also ready? At night I preached at Horecross; and spoke to the society. There was several in distress. Friday 23, preached at Wood Mill. There was several in distress. This is a new place which our Alrewas friends have opened, and there is a prospect of much good.

Friday March 2. Preached at Repton. The chapel was crowded, and the word had free course. I and two more then spoke to the society. It is in a flourishing state. Three were in trouble; we prayed with them, and the Lord spoke peace to their souls.

Sunday 11. Love-feast at Burton. A good time. Several were in trouble, but did not find peace. Monday 12. I went this morning to a friend’s house, and talked to a woman who had been in our society some time, but had not found peace. She began to weep and pray for mercy, and the Lord spoke peace to her soul.

JAMES ROLES

Research Notes

A James Roles was baptised on 6 August 1798 at Wrenbury Cheshire, with parents John and Ann.

There is a marriage between James Roles and Elinor Foulk on 29 December 1826 at St Mary, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which may coincide with his stationing in the Pembroke Mission.

A James Poles is found in the 1841 census in Chester, a felt dealer, with wife, Eleanor.

I have not identified a death record or later census record. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Circuits

• 1822 Macclesfield (6 mths)
• 1822 Tunstall (6 mths)
• 1823 Oakengates
• 1826 Pembroke Mission
• 1827 disappears

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1822/110

W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers