settled on his farm, he was invited to hear the Methodists preach at BoothBank. He went, but was greatly displeased; for, from what the Preacher said, he thought that his friend had seen him privately, and told him what kind of a character his was. He occasionally attended preaching after this; but little impression seems to have been made upon his mind. Through the failure of crops, and other adverse occurrences, his affairs became very deranged; but for some time the design of these chastenings was unaccomplished. One day, while labouring on his farm, and thinking of his circumstances, he was almost at his wit's end. A field of wheat which he had indulged a hope would prove an excellent crop, had failed. Viewing it in disappointment, the words of Scripture came to his mind, "Cursed is the ground for THY sake." He thought on them; and his conscience began to awake from her long slumber, his heart was smitten, he hastened home, and asked most earnestly for the Bible; but, alas! this was a stranger in his house; and when, after long search, one was found, it was only a mutilated copy. He read, but found no rest: the sentence still pursued him. One day he kneeled down by a ditch-side to pray; but became so alarmed by evil thoughts, that he fled from the place, and durst not return again to his employment that day. His life became a burden to him. Once he shut himself up in a stable to pray; but as soon as he began, the same feelings returned, and he rushed out. He had appointed to visit some relations on the ensuing Sabbath; but such deep impressions were made on his mind, that he resolved he would go to the Wesleyan chapel, Altrincham. He accordingly went: Mr. Beanland was the Preacher. The text was, "Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?" At the conclusion of the service, the Preacher announced, that he had endeavoured to open the wound; and to as many as could attend at six o'clock in the evening, he would try to find a plaster for it. Mr. Harrison resolved not to return home till he had heard what this plaster was; and accordingly went again to the chapel. The text was, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chron. vii. 14.) That part of the sermon which referred to prayer was powerfully applied to his heart, and he

thought he would willingly part with all the world, if he had it, could he only pray as the Preacher and some of the Methodists did. From this time his distress so increased, that in an agony of grief he besought God either to pardon him, or set him where he was before the Spirit strove so powerfully with him. He remembered, "Jesus Christ came to save sinners ;" and he cried out, "Lord, save me." He continued to pray, and the Spirit of faith was given to him; and for several days he enjoyed a peace before unknown. But, through unbelief, no doubt influenced by temptation, he was again brought into bondage, and walked in darkness for about three weeks; when, on his way to attend preaching at Altrincham, musing on his state, and praying God graciously to regard him, as he passed through Dun. ham-Park, the words, "Thy sins, which are many, are all forgiven thee," were applied to his heart, and he was enabled again to rejoice in the God of his salvation. The people he had before despised were now sought after; and he united himself to the society at Booth-Bank. The providence of God likewise smiled upon him, and blessed him with increase; but his heart was not set on it: the word of the Lord was precious to him; and he desired to do His will, and be found accepted of Him at last. Some time after he had experienced the pardoning love of God, he began to exhort his fellow-sinners to repent and turn to God; and was soon much employed in going, on the Sabbath-day, from village to village, preaching the Gospel. He was naturally shrewd and witty, and was often in great danger from the indulg ence of this disposition; but, through grace, it was generally held in check. He loved God, and God blessed him in his labour of love. Many remain to whom the word, through him, was made a blessing; and many are fallen asleep. As age and infirmity increased, his soul ripened for heaven. There was a holy serenity about him, which it was delightful to witness; and he drank in the word with all the eagerness of a young convert. This aged pilgrim had long been familiar with thoughts of death; and when he stood at the opening of the valley, he feared no evil, but triumphed through Jesus. A few days before he died, a friend called to see him, and prayed with him. Mr. Harrison expressed the delight he experienced in communion with God, and spoke pleas ingly and impressively of the blessed hope which he enjoyed. His faculties

became much impaired at the last; but in all things it was plain that his heart was fixed; and at length, without a struggle, he entered into rest and joy.

CHARLES SIMPSON.

2. Died, at Glasgow, December 22d, Mr. Thomas Atkinson, aged thirty. Being religiously trained up, his mind was seriously impressed at an early period. He joined the Methodist society in the year 1826, and was truly converted shortly after. He continued a member of the Wesleyan society till he died, with the exception of about two years; which time he spent in a small town in Ireland, in which there were no Methodists. He maintained, however, the life of God in his soul, living by faith, regularly attending divine worship, and actively engaging in several religious meetings. Returning to Glasgow, he again joined his former and still beloved friends. Naturally diffident, he kept back, as much as he could, from promi. nent positions in the church: he was, however, prevailed upon to undertake the superintendence of the Sabbathschool connected with John-street chapel; and his judicious and attentive management was rendered very successful. He was also, for some time, Chapel-Steward. Indeed, his conduct, both in public and private life, secured the respect of all who knew him. He possessed great strictness of moral principle, and tenderness of conscience. He feared to sin, and sought safety by abstaining from the very appearance of evil. As an instance of his strict adherence to truth, the following circumstance may be mentioned :-Before his last illness, and when, though occasionally feeling indisposed, there was nothing to cause apprehension of serious illness, being about to insure his life for a certain sum, when all the preliminaries had been satisfactorily arranged, he was called to affix his own signature to a declaration, as the close of the engagement. Reading it over, he found the expression, "in perfect health." He instantly said to the gentleman at the office, "I cannot sign this: I really am not in perfect health." Some observations were made as to the general character of such expressions; but he was unmoved. Generosity to the poor was likewise another pleasing feature in his character. He appeared to desire to see every one connected with him comfortable and happy; and, as far as possible, he sought to make them so, and that not only by what is commonly called charity to those who might be in

distressed circumstances, but by the general kindness and affability of his behaviour to all with whom he had to do. His last illness, being an attack of malignant typhus fever, painfully affected his brain, and hindered the delivery of such a dying testimony as, under other circumstances, would have been given. But even in mental wanderings, he was busily engaged in prayer; and when the delirium was at the highest, he appeared to imagine himself to be at the Sabbathschool; and once or twice he said, "I am trying to serve God sincerely and humbly," and, "All my hope is in the death of Christ for me." Such was the violence of the disease, that in a short time its mortal errand was accomplished; but as while in health to him" to live was Christ," so "to die" would be great, even everlasting, "gain."

JOHN SIMON.

3. Died, at Lowestoft, December 24th, Ruth Outon, in the twenty-ninth year of her age. When she was about twenty years old, she was awakened to a consciousness of her guilt and danger, under a sermon preached at Norwich by the late Mr. William Dawson, of Leeds; and immediately joined the Wesleyan society in that city. Having sought and obtained the witness of her adoption, she continued "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost," for some time. Unhappily, assailed by temptation, she did not resist with sufficient fidelity, but yielded to what were truly evil reasonings, and cast away her confidence, so losing both her joy and her strength. In her last illness she deeply regretted this, and frequently warned those who visited her against all heart-backsliding. A short time after her removal to Lowestoft, she recovered her lost ground, and continued till death in the happy possession of the evidence of her acceptance with God. Her case furnishes a striking exemplification of the promise, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." Though surrounded by external poverty, with all its attendant trials, wasted almost to a shadow by protracted and painful disease, and subject, at intervals, from the nature of her complaint, to great depression, frequently aggravated by powerful temptation; yet throughout her affliction she was sustained in the exercise of unwavering, and even triumphant, faith. She was peculiarly supported in the prospect of approaching death. Her meditation on the death and intercession of Christ seemed to afford her especial satisfaction

and enjoyment. A few hours before she died, she several times repeated, "The precious blood of Christ was shed for my redemption." She also recited, with expressions of great joy,—

"He ever lives above,

For me to intercede,
His all-redeeming love,

His precious blood, to plead."

One of her friends, perceiving the difficulty of her breathing, said to her, "Dying is hard work." She replied promptly, "O no! Christ is here." Aware of her approaching end, and recollecting what the next day was, she exclaimed, "O what a Christmas-day I shall have!" And when articulation became indistinct, she whispered, “ Hallelujah!" and feel asleep in Jesus.

JAMES CLAPHAM.

4. Died, December 28th, at Woodham, in the Darlington Circuit, Mr. Thomas Boyd, aged eighty-eight; having been for fifty-nine years a member of the Wesleyan society. In the early part of his life, he resided in a neighbourhood where even the forms of religion were disregarded; the Sabbath being generally devoted to public sports, and the winter evenings to playing at cards. Having few opportunities of intercourse with religious persons, and never reading the Scriptures, he grew up in alienation from God, and practical forgetfulness of the great end of his being. For some time he resided in Sunderland; and an aged Methodist, called Richard Brass, used to invite him to go and hear the Gospel, and showed his anxiety for his salvation by visiting him the next morning, to ascertain if the word had made any impression on his mind. In 1779 he married, and settled in Thorp. Near this village lived Mr. John Unthank, at whose house the Methodists preached. At first he was induced to attend through curiosity: however, the word came with power to his heart; and shortly after, being deeply convinced of his sinfulness and danger, he joined the society. For some time he was truly miserable through the burden of guilt which oppressed him; but he never rested until he obtained a sense of the pardoning love of God. The genuineness of his conversion was evinced by his subsequent piety, humility, prayerfulness, and endeavours to promote the spiritual benefit of others, according to his ability and opportunities. He, with the assistance of two or three other serious persons, established

prayer-meetings in the village where he resided, which continued to be held for many years. In 1799 he opened his house for the worship of God; and though, since that time, he has twice changed his place of residence, the Gospel has been regularly preached in his dwelling; where, also, he has kindly entertained the "messengers of the churches." During the time of a religious revival in Thorp, he had the plea. sure of seeing the whole of his family, as well as other persons, begin to seek the kingdom of God. He was, likewise, a useful Class-Leader for many years; having a church in his own house, and composed chiefly of the members of his own family. From the time of his conversion, he was diligent in reading the holy Scriptures, and gained a familiar acquaintance with them. For some time before his death, he thought that his removal would be sudden; but he was ready for his "change." He said that he had been examining him self, and the way was clear: he had no condemnation. He greatly enjoyed the religious services of his last Sabbath: all the energies of his mind were engaged in its sacred duties. His death was as he had previously thought. He had breakfasted with his family, apparently in his usual health; and whilst em. ployed in his ordinary occupation, at a little distance from the house, he drop ped down, and instantly expired; literally experiencing the fulfilment of the closing prayer of a hymn which he often used,

5. Died, December 29th, at Smisby, in the Ashby-de-la-Zouch Circuit, Mrs. Page. Very early in life, her pious grandfather, the late Mr. Bryan, was accustomed to take her and her younger sister into his closet, speak to them on religious subjects, and pray with them. She was much impressed by these exer cises; and even during her last illness she alluded to them with thankfulness, and spoke of the spiritual good which she had derived from them. These good effects, indeed, in their full extent, were not immediately apparent; but though she lived decidedly below what sometimes are termed the privileges of religion, and thus evinced a serious short. coming as to the duty of cherishing the religious affections, she yet walked in the fear of God, and was careful, as she had

opportunity, to do good to all. Amiable in disposition, her deportment was kind and pleasing to all her friends; but she especially cultivated and practised benevolence to the poor. Before her marriage, she began to attend on the Wesleyan ministry, from which she professed to derive much benefit; and during her last affliction she often expressed her regret that she had not, even at an earlier period, availed herself of the opportunity of receiving the advantages of Christian communion. In 1822 she was visited with a long and heavy affliction, which was thought to be "unto death;" and from the assiduous attentions of the pious Curate of the parish, together with those of other Christian friends, she experienced great profit. The event which at length decided her to seek for all the sanctifying comforts of religion, was the removal of a beloved daughter, who, though young, yet, strong in the faith and hope of the Gospel, passed "through death triumphant home." In her dying hours she earnestly besought her parents to devote themselves unreservedly to God. Mrs. Page joined the class of the late venerable Mr. Joseph Kiddear, by whose counsel and prayers she was greatly instructed and encouraged. She sought the Lord with her whole heart; and while one of the Ministers of the Circuit was praying with her, in the course of a pastoral visit, she received what she desired; the Spirit bore witness with her spirit that she was a child of God; and thenceforward she went on her way rejoicing. In July, 1840, the illness commenced which terminated her life. Occasionally, in the former part of it, her mind was somewhat disturbed by temptation; but she knew her refuge and strength, and sought and found deliverance. "I am on the Rock," she said to a friend: "I have not now my religion to seek. I feel the grace of God to be sufficient." She resigned her family and friends with Christian composure. "I can give you all up," she said: "I know you love me; but what is your love to my Saviour's?" She was preserved in exemplary patience in the midst of paroxysms of pain. "I do not mind what I suffer, if I do but reach heaven at last," was her language. A friend repeated to her the words, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." "Yes," she replied, "I will wait. Though he slay me, I will trust in him.' I will not doubt. I have no reason to doubt. All will be well at the last. I suffer much; but agony is heaven." " In this frame she was kept

to the end. The last words she was heard distinctly to utter, were, "Come, my Saviour;" and shortly after, she quietly slept in Jesus,

FREDERICK SLIGHT,

RECENT DEATHS.

OCT. 11th, 1843.-At West-Haddon, in the Daventry Circuit, Mr. James Abbott, aged seventy-five. For more than forty years he was a consistent member of the Methodist society, and universally esteemed. For a long period he suffered much from the fear of death,-not that he should be abandoned by God in that moment, but from the pain of dying; but, as the time of his departure approached, all painful apprehension was removed, and he rejoiced in God his Saviour. T. B.

Oct. At Cape-Town, South Africa, Mr. Uriah Tonkin. He was a native of Penzance, where he was early brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. About three years ago he left England for Africa; but change of country occasioned no change of character. He maintained the same depth of religious experience, and consistency of behaviour, which had for many years distinguished him at Penzance. The Rev. T. L. Hodgson, in the letter which mentions his death, says, "He soon had the charge of two classes, and was greatly esteemed by the members. He was a man of sterling worth, influenced by a high tone of spiritual feeling; and in worldly matters he was most conscientious." His death was believed to be caused by a spinal affection, and was unexpected. It was, however, eminently peaceful. Mr. Hodgson adds, that "the Wesleyans in Cape-Town regret the loss of one who was an ornament to the cause of God there, and a steady friend to spiritual religion in general, as well as a conscientious defender of the Methodist doctrine and discipline." T. M.

Dec. 3d.At Red-Street, Southfleet, in the Gravesend Circuit, James Higgins, aged twenty-eight. A cottage for preaching was opened in Red-Street about eighteen months ago; and on Good-Friday, 1843, after a sermon by the Superintendent, James was the first to subscribe with his hand unto the Lord. He had been for some time concerned about his soul, and gratefully accepted the invitation to meet in class. In about a month he found peace with God; and, literally, his "mouth was filled with laughter," when his sorrow was turned into joy. He said, "Before this, I did not know that I had a heavenly Father; but now I feel I have, and my heart is filled with his love." Early in September he was confined by a sore affliction; but he was always happy in God, and to visit him was at all times most encouraging. The Rector of the parish, who has manifested much opposition, could not understand James when he spoke of a conscious salvation, and endeavoured to persuade him that the Methodists were dangerous schismatics; but the poor man, placing his hand on the Bible, and looking the Rector in

the face, said, with peculiar emphasis, "If the Methodists are wrong, Sir, then this book is not right." He departed more than conqueror through Him that loved him; and we regard him as the accepted wave-sheaf,-the pledge of an abundant harvest in that interesting field.

G. S.

Dec. 31st.-At Dudley-Wood, in the Dudley Circuit, aged fifty-eight, Mr. Benjamin Hancox; who had been, at the time of his death, a Leader and Local Preacher in the Wesleyan society for more than thirty years. He continued faithful in his attachment to Methodism in times of painful strife and division. He was favoured, in his last illness, with bright manifestations of the divine goodness. On one occasion he remarked, "Christ is able and willing to save! Glory, glory to God in the highest! If I had the voice of an archangel, I would make the earth ring with his praises." He exhorted his family to meet him in heaven, and urged all who visited him to seek the favour of God. A little before his death, while one of his friends was praying with him, he loudly said, "Victory, victory, victory, through the blood of the Lamb!" He thus died in the Lord. J. E.

Jan. 1st, 1844.-At Ambaston, in the Derby Circuit, aged twenty-nine, Edward Coxen. Fifteen years ago he sought the Lord, and obtained mercy. Being remarkably bland and sweet in his disposition, and, through secret intercourse with God, strong in grace, and also full of good works, his path was like "the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." His last illness was protracted; but he was preserved in unrepining and patient trust in God; and his end was peace. T. S.

Jan. 7th.-At Derby, Mrs. Eyre, aged eightyeight years. For upwards of half a century, though strictly moral in her deportment, she was a stranger to the power of godliness; but the death of her husband, who was a pious man, brought her to a sense of sin and danger. After a long period of sorrow, fear, and hope, she was enabled to say, "All my sins are forgiven me," in the happy assurance of faith. During the remaining part of her life she greatly adorned her Christian profession. Her reliance upon the merits of Christ was exclusive. As her latter end drew near, she often remarked, "It is brighter and brighter." Just before her death she said, "It is, indeed, all bright now." Not a cloud obscured her setting sun. T. S.

Jan. 10th.-At Retford, Mrs. Sarah Metcalf, aged twenty-seven years. She became a member of the Wesleyan society in Wakefield, June, 1838; about which time she experienced a true spiritual conversion. Affectionate, amiable, humble, and zealous, she rendered herself useful as a Sunday-school Teacher, and particularly so as a Missionary Collector. Her faith was strong, and her experience deep and clear. During the affliction which terminated her short earthly course, her soul was kept in perfect peace. She delighted to converse about her Saviour, and ardently longed to be with him. So tranquil and happy was the state of her mind, that she fre

Manchester,

Jan. 24th.-At Leigh, near aged sixty-nine, Mrs. Thorp, widow of the late Mr. Robert Thorp. She had been a consistent member of the Methodist society upwards of fifty years. In the pious and judicious training of her children, her example is particularly worthy of imitation; and the more so as, by the blessing of God, her endeavours were followed by very encouraging success. Her industry, benevolence, and love to things sacred, the fruits and ornaments of her faith, can never be forgotten. She died in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, assuring her sorrowing friends that she felt the peace of God in her heart, and a lively hope of everlasting life. W. P.

Feb. 25th.-At Norton, in the Daventry Circuit, Mrs. Mary Wright, aged seventy-three. She was converted to God about fifty-two years ago, and became a member of the Wesleyan society, in which she continued until her death. According to her ability, she supported the cause of God; but her only hope and confidence were in the sacrificial death of Christ. She felt herself to be a sinner saved by grace. For a considerable time she endured great affliction; but her mind was supported, and she proved the sufficiency of the grace of God. She was a sincere Christian, a tender and affectionate mother, and a faithful wife.

T. B.

March 5th.-At Bristol, (whither she had gone for change of air,) aged thirty-two, Sarah Ann, wife of Mr. John Williams, of Nantyglo, in the Merthyr Tydvil Circuit. Simplicity and godly sincerity were prominent features in her character. Enabled, by the Spirit of adoption, to cry, "Abba, Father," she walked humbly with God, Not long before she died, in the contemplation of her approaching change, she repeated the verses beginning,

"Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood."

She added, There we shall be for ever with the Lord." By the grace of God she was made "ready," and finished her course with joy.

W. W.

March 7th.-At Thruxton, in the Andover Circuit, aged sixty-five, Harry Noyes, Esq. He had been twenty-seven years a member of the Wesleyan church, to which he manifested an ardent and increasing attachment. For a long period he filled the office of Circuit-Steward, and contributed largely towards the erection of several chapels in the neighbourhood. A few weeks before the attack of disease which was the precursor of his dissolution, he presented gratui tously to the Connexion a small chapel erected by him in a neighbouring hamlet. As a Local Preacher, he endeavoured to "declare the whole counsel of God;" and in this department of the Lord's work his labours were not in vain. Through evil and good report he boldly took up