The Cornish Fishermen's Watch-Night, and Other Stories

"The Cornish Fishermen's Watch-Night, and Other Stories" by Anonymous is a compilation of stories set in the Cornish village of Penwhinnock, delving into the lives of fishermen and their spiritual journeys. The tales center on universal themes of wrong-doing, forgiveness, and the power of belief. One story introduces Mr. Ernest Boyce, a devoted minister, as he navigates the challenges of ministering to the lives of the rugged village fishermen. The narrative captures the men's morally questionable activities amidst the minister's efforts to lead them towards a more ethical path. On a dark and stormy New Year's Eve, as the fishermen brace themselves, the minister resolves to hold a Watch-night service, sensing the villagers may not be attending with honest intentions. As tensions rise, the minister's act of locking the door during the service leads to intense internal conflicts among the villagers that ultimately reveals each man’s desperate need for salvation.