aided by the society of the Rev. Francis B. Potts, who then resided with him. These young Christians were exposed to virulent persecution, especially in their profession as Wesleyan Methodists. Some Ministers of the town, affecting to observe the introduction of Methodism with considerable alarm, did not hesitate openly to impugn its followers, as well as its principles, from their respective pulpits. Mr. Wood thus refers to a method he and his friends adopted, in consequence of a sermon that had been delivered in one of the churches, designating the Wesleyan Ministers "false prophets." "We were, at that time, so insignificant, that I was truly surprised that Mr. should think

us worthy his notice. It was when Mr. F. B. Potts (now a Minister in our Connexion) was living with me. We had but very seldom a Preacher to plead our cause. So, thinking better of our cause than others did, we said, having no one to stand by us, 'We must make Mr. Wesley, though dead, speak for us. So I sent to London, for some tracts on the false prophets,' 'the new birth,' 'the Homilies of the Church,' &c.; and sent one of each, first, to the Clergyman, informing him of our reason for doing so; and then we distributed the rest amongst all the respectable families of the parish, writing on the margin of each, 'Left on account of a sermon preached at the church, against the Preachers of this doctrine: read it, and judge ye.'" Wesley's tract" on Christian Perfection" was, in the same way, presented to a Dissenting Minister, as an acknowledgment of certain unfounded and uncharitable strictures he had thought well to publish on the Methodists. Thus did Mr. Wood soon become valiant for that system of scriptural doctrine and holy discipline, by honouring a profession of which he "served his generation according to the will of God."

Mr. Wood now entered a second time into the marriage-state. The person chosen by him exemplified, in the qualities of her personal character, and in the truly Christian and successful discharge of relative duties, the truth of the words, that such a gift "is from the Lord." As a sincere and established Christian, and also in well-principled attachment to the constitution and members of the Wesleyan church, Mrs. Wood was an inestimable blessing to her husband; and there is owing to the pious example and labours which resulted from their marriage, an incalculable amount of influence upon the character and history of the numerous remaining family, as well as upon those of their revered father. In honour to her memory, as suggesting a kind of useful exertion peculiarly belonging to her position, the fact may here be stated, that, for thirty years, the Wesleyan Ministers, who visited St. Alban's or the neighbourhood, were entertained at Mr. Wood's house solely; while, after the task was divided between different parties of similar hospitality, to the close of life they abounded in the same demonstrations of love. Her life, which was always one of great suffering, came to a happy close, leaving Mr. Wood only

twelve months to wait for their re-union where "there is no more curse."

The subject of this memoir had accomplished but a short stage in his Christian career, when it was his lot to mourn over the absence of the grieved Comforter. It is to be regretted that the particular circumstances under which he lost the assurance of divine favour are not ascertained. His journal, however, testifies, in language of humiliation, that, after having been, for a short time, a happy Christian, "sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise," he walked, for four years, in much darkness. He did not utterly abandon the principles or society of God's children; but, wanting his evidence of acceptance with God, he had neither their security nor their peace. The occasion of his return to a happy state of mind was very peculiar. He had left home, on business, reluctantly, on account of the severe exercises of his mind. During the day he met with successive disappointments. He became, at last, strongly irritated; and, a fresh cause of vexation suddenly occurring, he was about to utter an oath; but, subdued by the good Spirit, he exclaimed, from his heart, "Lord, save me!" That moment he has always described as the time of his restoration to the liberty of the Gospel. His joy was again full. He had been brought a second time from darkness to light,-from condemnation to peace. The misery of his needless transition from the adoption of God's people, to the thraldom of his designing foe, exceeded not the joy of his return to Christian blessings and immunities. There is no account of his ever having again lost his hope in the Saviour, though he often embraced the objects of faith with a trembling hand, being attacked by many temptations, and, at various seasons, by unsanctified nature, which sought for the mastery.

His attendance on the means of grace, not excepting the early prayer-meeting on the Sabbath-morning, and the numerous week-night services, was indefatigable. As his "profiting appeared to all," so did his estimation of religious ordinances assert his acquaintance with its causes, with the truth that "even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

With his late pious wife, Mr. Wood always manifested a deep concern for the spiritual welfare of his children and household. So far as judicious and Christian oversight could effect it, their "house" served the God of Joshua. His "work" did "appear unto" them, and his "glory unto their children." Nearly the whole of the family is now found, not only walking in the ways of the Lord, but attached to the same Christian denomination which was honoured by the life and death of their sainted parents; and all cherish the recollection, and discover the fruits, of early religious culture.

The subject of this sketch, though deeply interested in the concerns of his household, was far from being indifferent to claims of distress or ignorance, when not so peculiarly pressed upon him. The Christian father and the Christian master were but confined aspects of his more general character and zeal as the Christian man. Only He "who seeth in secret" knows all those expressions of sympathy with the wretched, and offerings of compassion to the destitute, which, in the life of Mr. Wood, he did not fail to "reward openly." Several regular pensioners upon his bounty were retained, until his hand and heart were stayed by death. Widows, of creditable character, were objects of his especial commiseration. In this way of private benevolence, as well as by contributing to different funds for the poor and the sick, did he enjoy the recompence of him that "lendeth unto the Lord."

Mr. Wood's care for the physical and social comforts of his neighbours was properly subordinate to his higher motives relating to their souls. Amongst those who received his alms, he moved as the Christian philanthropist. They were not allowed to dwell only on the trials of this life, nor to be satisfied with appreciating the supply "which perisheth," and honouring the earthly benefactor. In imitating, he sought to exhibit and glorify, his Master. It was his practice to have in continual possession a large number of tracts, which were regularly distributed by himself, or by others, who, willing to be his assistants in this "labour of love," had always a supply readily afforded. He was an anxious and useful Class-Leader, but never became a Local Preacher; though, on occasion of any disappointment, he would visit cottages deprived of their Preacher, and read to the assembled villagers the Scriptures, and one of Mr. Wesley's sermons. Many other ways might be mentioned, in which he went out, possessed of a home-Missionary spirit, as he had call and opportunity, "to seek the wandering souls of

men.'

With regard to the financial support of institutions dear to his heart, Mr. Wood, from the early part of his Christian profession, according to his means, was ready for "every good word and work." The various funds of Wesleyan Methodism-whether for its local or connexional, its home or foreign, purposes-he always liberally supported. The period arrived when Providence blessed him with considerable property; and, with increased wealth, his deeds of benevolence abounded. Remembering that "it is He that giveth power to get wealth," he "consecrated his gain unto the Lord." The St. Alban's Circuit was the principal sphere of his charitable operations. In several instances he generously came forward to purchase land for the erection of country chapels; and in the town, after the debt upon the old chapel had been materially reduced by his contributions, he prominently supported the erection of a new one. God permitted him to see, as one of the last honours of his life, the superior edifice, of which he had laid the foundation-stone, and in which the Methodists of St.

Alban's now conduct divine worship, dedicated to His holy name. Often did he exclaim, with sacred fervour, "What hath God wrought!" and when the long years of its trial, under much feebleness and opposition, the society of six or seven souls with whom Mr. Wood first met, the little place of worship which has been alluded to in connexion with his spiritual awakening, and the subsequent one in St. Peter'sstreet, itself superseded by the one just left,-are remembered in association with the present position and promise of Methodism in that ancient town, his survivers may well be excited to similar emotion. "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"

No one could be acquainted with the real character of Mr. Wood without perceiving, as a most distinguished feature, his inviolable integrity. Principles, well ascertained, were held by him most sacredly. The mischievous law of expediency he knew not. This gave a uniformity to the proceedings of his life, with friends and foes, in matters of religion, and transactions of business, which astonished many, and enamoured all. If he were naturally destitute of a strong disposition to uncandid and designing habits, that advantage was strongly evident when brought under the hallowing power of grace. Some thought him austere; but no competent witness felt this who did not wish to explain its appearance by the irresistible proof afforded of high regard for principle, and unsurpassed simplicity of purpose.

The last few years of Mr. Wood's life were connected with great affliction, especially during the winter season. His rest often forsook him, his appetite was sometimes withheld for weeks together, and he was confined, in a very great measure, to his house. During this season he spent much time in reading and prayer. He loved the holy Scriptures; and, besides, particularly perused the Works of Mr. Wesley and Dr. Clarke. He would continue on his knees, engaged with God, for an hour together. At times he endured "a great fight of" mental 66 afflictions;" but was not without seasons of joy. When under severe depression, he would express the lowest views of his religious attainments, seek to discover any impurity of motive in his life of usefulness, or any dangerous reliance upon the acts of his zeal, or he would most earnestly and simply catechise his Christian visiters on the subject of faith in the Saviour. Then his mind would revert to texts of Scripture adapted to his feelings, (as it was his common habit to classify favourite portions of the word of God under appropriate titles,) and to passages in different books, which he had marked in reserve for such exigency; and, by these means, light and comfort were restored. In a letter, written a short time before his death, to his daughter, the wife of the Rev. George Oyston, he says, "My appetite is but middling; but, glory be to God, I can safely say, my spiritual appetite is good. O how could I be so presumptuous, after my very unprofitable life, as to expect God would be so gracious to me, when my flesh and my heart begin to fail me? My tears now run

down my face, preventing my proceeding. I would not say too much; but why should I say too little? My temptations and distress have been extreme; but now, frequently, my cup runs over, while I say, 'Bless the Lord, O my soul,' &c. I believe I have grieved the Spirit by doubts and fears, much more than by presumption. This has always clipped my wings of faith, when I ought to have praised God with a glad heart. But, may God grant that I may gain by the things I have suffered, although my day is far spent!""

The last public service which he attended was the first Missionary anniversary held in the new chapel, November 15th, 1841. With dif ficulty he went from his pew to his carriage; and having returned home, and reached his chamber, he never came down again alive. The next morning he was found very unwell, and much depressed. He continued in that state for some days; but, as his affliction advanced, his intervals of peace and joy were more frequent and animating; when, in answer to the question, "What is the state of your mind?" he would say, "I have no condemnation: I have peace." In the night of the 1st of December an alarming change seemed to take place; and, at his own request, a messenger was sent, desiring the attendance of the Rev. Joseph Floyd, who, with the writer, immediately went. After some time, Mr. Wood revived, and the night was spent in reading, and conversation, and singing, and prayer. His whole soul was passionately engaged in the most solemn duties.

sent.

On the following evening his Ministers again met in his room; when Mr. Harrison, a valuable member of the society, was also preThey were memorable hours. While engaged in conversation, reading, and singing, Mr. Wood's mind was greatly raised; and when each of his visiters had prayed, he himself offered a prayer not to be forgotten for its child-like simplicity and its heavenly fervour. It was "the gate of heaven;" and there he remained until he passed through, never afterwards returning to his fears. To persons in his company, at this time, he was not backward to administer counsel suitable to their age and circumstances. Mr. Floyd saw him for the last time on the Saturday evening. Mr. Wood seemed considerably better; and they were together till a late hour. In their conversation he remarked, that he should like to live a little longer, to witness the prosperity of the cause, (mentioning some particular objects about which he was anxious,) and to go round and take leave of his friends; but expressing perfect submission to what might be the will of God. He engaged himself in prayer with Mr. Floyd; and afterwards said, to a member of the family, that he had "found it very good." Mr. Floyd had hardly reached his home, when, to his utter astonishment, he was recalled, to see the lifeless clay which, a quarter of an hour before, had been possessed by a deathless spirit. It appears that, immediately after the interview with his Minister just stated, Mr. Wood was