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father, thy mother, thy wife, thy son, thy daughter, thy man-servant, thy maid-servant. Pay me, otherwise I will not pray to God for thy relations, thy friends, and thy benefactors. Pay me what thou owest, else there is no heaven for thee." (The Lord have mercy on me!) Here again is no mere denial. The above is enough to prove that I did not defend myself by mere denial.

As to what regards the attempts of the worthy Abbé Dupre at St. Giron's, to induce me to retract, I will tell you that they were as earnest as my resolution not to do so was fixed. Really I am sorry that my convictions could not yield to the desires of this friend, with whom I reasoned a long time; but it was impossible; for a few moments before separating, I told him that if I should retract, I could say as Coriolanus said to his mother, "Rome is saved; but Maurette is lost!"

As to the position I occupy, and which your Excellency styles a false one, be not uneasy, Sir: I believe it the most happy, and that is enough; especially when I reflect that worldly goods not being able to satisfy my soul, I cannot become attached to them. The grace of God, the favour of God, is the only treasure I covet, far more precious to me than life and all its enjoyments.

I know that your Excellency has power to launch against me the penalties of the law with which you threaten me. Well, Sir, if it is your good pleasure, strike. For myself, I shall go for consolation no where else than to the word of God, which I shall not cease to study; for in it I find strength, peace, and life, joy and courage. It teaches me to render good for evil, and love for hatred.

A word more, Sir. Since you desire to open to me your arms, and take an interest in the salvation of my soul, permit me to express wishes for your own. You have prayed to God that his grace would enlighten me. Ah! believe me, Sir, that I have prayed ardently that you might be enlightened by the Holy Spirit upon your eternal interests. What will become of your soul, after leaving this transitory state, if you have not followed Him who alone is the way, the truth, and the life? if, putting your confidence in a Church which cannot do anything for you, you do not call upon the only name by which we can be saved? Open your heart to the Gospel of grace, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding will rest upon you.

May the Lord in mercy bring to your heart this sweet consolation.

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Note. We have used the translation of the preceding letters which appeared in the New-York Observer.

Since the resignation of his office as Priest, and his excommunication by the Bishop, Mr. Maurette has continued to reside at Serres, where he occupies a very small house at a rent of less than six dollars per annum, and converses with all who come to see him. He also corresponds with several Priests of his vicinity, who begin also to have their confidence in Romanism shaken. Many of his former flock are desirous to know more of the Protestant faith. At the request of M. Maurette, the President of a neighbouring Protestant Consistory visited Serres, a few months ago, and preached to the people. For doing this he was imprisoned by the Mayor or Assistant-Mayor of that town, but was at once released by the order of the Prefect of the Department. The following letter of M. Maurette to the AssistantMayor of Serres will be read with interIt gives some views of Romanism which are not often so fully and so hap pily developed.

est.

Reply of M. Maurette to the Letter of Mr. Peter Porlet, Assistant-Mayor of Serres.

Serres, August 2d, 1841. DEAR SIR, I shall be greatly obliged if you will send me, by letter, your orders for my future course: this will be the proper method of "losing sight of nothing," as you express it. [The AssistantMayor pretended he had an order from the Prefect to make M. Maurette terminate his meetings. When he was asked to exhibit it, he was much embarrassed. Now he pretends he never had issued such an order.]

St. Paul, being a zealous Pharisee, abandoned the Jewish religion to embrace Christianity. The Pharisees from whom he had withdrawn could easily denounce him as an apostate, as a traitor, if you please; but St. Paul gloried in this.

My friend, Mr. Assistant, I have been an idolatrous Priest, a pagan Priest. I have now abandone♬ idolatry and Paganism, in order that, like St. Paul, I might embrace Christianity. In consequence of this happy change, I cheerfully submit to the epithet of "apostate," which the author of your letter has applied to

me, ("it is evident the Curate had written it,") and I glory in such an apostasy.

St. John tells us, "Come out of Babylon, my people," &c. (Rev. xviii. 4.) I have left this Babylon, Mr. Assistant, to the great satisfaction of many honest, sincere, and intelligent men. I am a Christian, and in this character, fully disposed, by the grace of God, to suffer from the Pagans, not only injuries, but death itself. "Happy are ye when men shall speak all manner of evil against you," &c. (Matt. v. 11.)

You accuse me, Mr. Assistant, of having deceived the people. It is admitted, Sir; and I therefore make my confession to you publicly and sincerely.

1. I confess that I deceived the people when I told them that Jesus Christ, as man, was in the tabernacle on the altar; that I carried him suspended from my neck, &c. I was then a false prophet, because it is written, "If any one shall say of Christ, Lo, he is here, or, Lo, he is there, believe him not." (Matt. xxiv. 23.) "This same Jesus whom ye have seen ascending into heaven, shall in like manner return." (Acts i. 11.) And in the Apostolic Creed we say, "He is seated on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead."

2. I confess, Mr. Assistant, that I de ceived the people when I invited them to come and confess their sins in my ear; since Cardinal Cajetan says, that the necessity of confession is founded neither upon the commandments of God, nor upon a law of nature, nor upon reason. The knowledge of the thoughts of men is, my dear Sir, a power which Priests alone have desired to share with the Deity; for to God alone pertains the right of searching our hearts.

3. I confess that I deceived the people every time I was obliged to speak to them of the absolution of the Priests, since, in the fourth century, this absolution was considered a heresy that certain persons wished to introduce; for it is in these terms that St. Augustine speaks

of it. (Hom. xxiii., Futuri erunt homines.)

St. Augustine tells us again, that it is the Holy Spirit who remits sins, and man cannot do it. (Serm. xxiii.)

4. I confess that I deceived the people every time that I said there are seven sacraments; because Jesus Christ has personally instituted but two, baptism and the Lord's supper. The other five

are but human ordinances.

5. If I have ever said that there is a purgatory, I confess that I have deceived the people; because this pretended purgatory is but a pagan fable, in which Virgil describes the souls of men suspended between heaven and hell, (Æneid vi., alice panduntur inanes,) a fable which the Popes have found it convenient to reproduce in order to fill their coffers, &c.

shall

St. Jerome did not believe there is a purgatory; since he tells us, that so long as we are in this world, we can aid one another by our good counsels, and our faithful prayers; but when we have appeared before the tribunal of God, neither Job, nor Daniel, nor Noah can pray for any one. (St. Jerome on Gal. vi.) I could greatly prolong my confession, Mr. Assistant; but I think that this will suffice, in case I deceived you whilst I was exercising the functions of a Priest of the Romish Church, to prevent you from being any longer deceived by men who have themselves been deceived as I have been.

I am, with consideration, &c.,

MAURETTE.

P. S. I recollect, Mr. Assistant, that the author of your letter inquires for the names and the number of the Protestants in this commune. I regret to be able to give you neither; but I should be very greatly embarrassed to tell you how many Roman Catholics I can count there, the number appears so very small.

The Assistant showed this letter to the Priest, who says he will not reply to it; yet the Assistant is urging the Priest, and the people are urging the Assistant, on the subject.

INCREASE IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. THE New-York Christian Advocate, of Feb. 2, contains an extract from the Minutes of the American Wesleyan Conferences for the last year, from which it appears that the increase of members during that period was 37,414 whites; 9,250 coloured; and 298 Indians; making in all

46,962. The number of members of the Church, therefore, exclusive of the Ministers, is 891,788. The increase of the Itinerant Ministers, during the past year, is 275; making the whole 3,732, exclusive of the Supernumeraries.

RECENT DEATHS.

OCT. 10th, 1841.-At Chorley, in the eightieth year of his age, Mr. John Eccleston, who had been a member of the Methodist society near forty years. His integrity and pacific temper procured for him general esteem. He was a

lover of the ordinances of God's house; and his humble walk with God, and consistent conduct before men, proved that he did not attend upon them in vain. If there was one evil which he abhorred more than another, it was the tongue of slander. Under the infirmities of his last days, he found an answer to the prayer of the Psalmist," Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth." In the prospect of dissolution his mind was stayed on God, through Jesus Christ. Those hymns in the Wesleyan Hymn-Book, which had been his delight from the time of his conversion, were doubly sweet and profitable to him in his dying hours. His sorrowing family rejoice in the assurance, that them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. J. S.

He

Oct. 24th.-In the First Leeds Circuit, Mr. John Timms, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was brought to God in the year 1833, under the ministry of the Gospel in the Brunswick chapel. Upon his becoming an attendant at that place of worship, he was invited to meet in class, and immediately availed himself of that means of grace. He earnestly sought and soon experienced the pardoning love of God; and the divine change thus wrought in him was exemplified by a subsequent walk with God. His own conversion was followed by that of several members of his family. He was appointed a Leader in the year 1839, and sustained that office with great acceptance, fidelity, and usefulness. was not less esteemed in the relations of husband and father. The affliction which terminated his life was typhus fever; and though his sufferings were great, and his mind sometimes depressed, especially when thinking of his wife and children, he was greatly comforted by the promises of God. He expressed great confidence in Christ, and manifested an entire resignation to the divine will. The day before he died, whilst his wife was watching over him, she observed him weeping, and fearing it might have an unfavourable effect upon him, she wished him to refrain. He answered, "These are not tears of sorrow; they are tears of joy." These were nearly the last words he spoke. The next morning he fell asleep in Jesus; being thus removed at a period when life seemed the most desirable to his family, and to the church of God.

T. S.

Dec. 20th.-In great peace, Mr. William Hotton, of Probus. In early life he was converted to God, and was a useful and honourable member of the church for about forty-five years. The greater portion of that time he was an acceptable Local Preacher and Class-Leader, and took an active part in everything pertaining to the cause of pure religion. He was a lover of the

doctrines and discipline of Wesleyan Methodism, and more than once has stood forward in their defence. His morality in the eyes of the world was unimpeachable. Even when his engagements in life were numerous, he was remarkable for his diligence in the means of grace. Towards the close of his days especially, he watched over the society to which he belonged with paternal affection and solicitude. He was ardently attached to the general interests of the church, and deeply sympathized with its adversity and prosperity. For twelve months he was confined to his bed. His soul was preserved in uninterrupted peace. Patience, meekness, and hope raised him above fretfulness and murmuring. For some days before his death he was unusually happy in the love of God, and in the prospect of heaven. Jesus was to him all and in all. After sending messages of affectionate warning to some, of whom he stood in doubt, and fervently requesting them to meet him in glory, he peacefully departed this life, to enter upon another, where sin and death are unknown.

J. H.

Dec. 29th.-In the fiftieth year of his age, and the twenty-seventh of his itinerancy, the Rev. Elias Thomas, of the Marazion Circuit, leaving a widow and five children. From an early period of his life he was a subject of religious impressions; and in the days of his youth devoted himself to the service of God. He maintained a consistent and unblemished character through the whole of his Christian course; and, by his cheerful and affectionate disposition, and by his exemplary discharge of every relative duty, he exhibited the religion which he professed in the most amiable and attractive light, and obtained the esteem and love of those who had the happiness of being acquainted with him. As a Minister of the Gospel, he was acceptable and useful; his heart was in his work. The malady, which proved rapidly fatal, was incurred by him in the faithful discharge of his public duty, and was of such a nature as to deprive his family and friends of the comfort of Christian conversation with him on his death-bed. J. W. T.

Dec. 29th.-In the Stockport North Circuit, in the sixty-first year of her age, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Joseph Collier. Trained by her widowed mother to a regular attendance on the Wesleyan ministry, she was in early life a subject of reli gious impressions; and, as a member of the Methodist society, ornamented, for many years, her Christian profession. As a child, she was duti ful and affectionate; as a wife and mother, a helpmate to her husband, and the guardian and guide of her children; solicitously endeavouring to instil into their minds the principles of religion and piety. She was a woman of "one book," delighting greatly in the study of the holy Scriptures. For several years she was a subject of declining health; yet her protracted affliction was borne in humble submission to the divine will: in tribulation she rejoiced. In her last ill

ness many gracious words fell from her lips. Having entered the dark and dreary valley, her voice being well nigh lost in death, she exclaimed,

"My Jesus to know,

And feel his blood flow, "Tis life everlasting "———

Here her strength failed; yet afterward, reeruiting her energy, she cried,

"Sweetest and best of all, O Jesus!"

Almost her latest breath was spent in enforcing, on a friend who visited her, the admonition of our Lord: "Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh." W. W. S.

Dec. 31st.-At Glasgow, Mrs. James Donaldson, in the eightieth year of her age. In early life her mind was deeply impressed with a sense of her guilt and depravity, which made her think on her ways, and turn her feet to the testimonies of God; and, under a full persuasion of the efficacy of the Redeemer's blood, she was enabled, at the age of sixteen, to apprehend by faith the pardoning love of God, shed abroad in her heart by the Holy Spirit. At that tender age she forsook all the follies of the world, and gave herself to God and his church. This happy event took place in Ireland. During the long space of sixtyfour years she was enabled to adorn the doctrine of Jesus Christ our Lord, by a steady and uniform profession of his holy religion. Her attendance on all the means of grace was constant and regular. Her attachment to Methodism, and to the Ministers of God, was deep and progressive. Her hope was well grounded, and her principles had been tested once and again. Her path truly was "the path of the just, that shineth more and more to the perfect day." To the last moment of her earthly career, God was pleased to continue to her the use of her mental faculties, which were delightfully employed in expressions of confidence, gratitude, prayer, and exhortation. Her happy spirit fled to glory during the time of the watch-night. J. S.

Jan. 2d, 1842.-At Addington, in the Croydon Circuit, Mrs. Mary Beare, aged fifty-two; who had been in connexion with the Methodist society about thirty years. She was brought to seek the Lord at Wandsworth, where it was her privilege to receive religious instruction from Dr. and Mrs. Coke; prior to which she acknowledged that she scarcely knew that she had a soul. By the pious and judicious advice of Mrs. Coke, in particular, the Lord was pleased to open her eyes, and turn her from darkness to light; so that she received remission of sin. Her attachment to the means of grace was strong. On many occasions she walked a considerable distance to the house of God, although suffering from severe weakness. Her last affliction was protracted and painful; but she possessed her soul in patience. She was favoured with delightful foretastes of heaven, where her happy and glorified spirit now rests in the fruition of eternal glory. I. A.

Jan. 9th.-At Hendred, in the Wantage Circuit, in the thirtieth year of his age, Benjamin Bew. In the year 1833, under the ministry of God's word, his mind was impressed with the need of salvation; but his goodness was like the morning cloud and early dew, which pass away. About two years since, while visiting his friends in a neighbouring Circuit, where there was a revival of the work of the Lord, he was deeply convinced, resolved to forsake sin, and seek in earnest the blessings of the Gospel: accordingly, when he returned home, he began to meet in class, and rested not till, through faith in Christ, he obtained peace with God, and was enabled to rejoice in him as his reconciled Father. During his illness he was not only patient, but frequently joyful. In the dying conflict his soul was triumphant in God. When asked, "Is Christ precious?" he answered, "Yes; very precious.

'The wings of love and arms of faith,
Will bear me conqueror through.'

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Jan. 15th.-At Barnsley, aged seventy-one years, fifty-one of which he had been a member of the Methodist society, Mr. J. Cordeux. He became pious in early life, and a member of the Wesleyan society in the twentieth year of his age. For some time he met in the class of the late excellent Mr. Coussins, of Soho, London. Having commenced business in Barnsley, it pleased the Lord to give success to his exertions; and often, when alluding to the fact, he said, with peculiar emphasis, "I owe all to getting religion in early life. O what snares has this preserved me from, when my fellow commercial travellers have sought to entangle me!" Having been for many years the Chapel-Steward, increasing infirmities induced him to tender his resignation; but his co-Trustees had had such proofs of his integrity, and economical management of their trust-property, that they would not accept it. A natural warmth of temper was the sin against which he had through life to contend. For several months his strength was evidently failing; and occasionally he suffered great depression of spirits; but his reliance on the atonement was unshaken. A short time before his death, when the Rev. Mr. Roberts was administering the sacrament of the Lord's supper to him, he was blessed in a very extraordinary manner; so that he exclaimed, with rapturous emotions," The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for me-for me! Glory be to God, for me!" From this time all was calm, and joy, and peace. He often said, "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." To inquirers after his health, he would say, "I am like a bowing wall, or a tottering fence; but shall soon be

'With God eternally shut in.'"

After a restless night, he observed, "I am weary, very weary; but there remaineth a rest for the people of God.'" Fixing his eye on Mrs. Cordeux, he said, "Let me go; let me go; faith, praise," and expired. J. P. H. 2 A

VOL. XXI. Third Series. APRIL, 1842.

Jan. 19th.-At Grantham, aged sixty-four, Mrs. Sarah Hardy. She joined the Wesleyan society when about eighteen years of age, and from that time walked humbly with God. She possessed a strong mind, read extensively, and had a memory exceedingly retentive. The Bible was to her the book, and her delight was in its law. The high estimate she fixed upon the means of grace, was proved by her constant attendance upon them. During her last illness, which was severe and protracted, her conversation was in heaven. For the last few weeks of her life she constantly exclaimed, "Come, my Jesus, come quickly." Her last words were, "I shall soon see his form." S. M.

Jan. 19th.-At Long-Stratton, in the NewBuckenham Circuit, Robert Claxton, who had been a steady member of the Wesleyan society forty-seven years. He was converted to God; and lived in the enjoyment of that religion which made him happy in life, and supported him in death. He loved the ordinances of God's house; and, as far as he was able, was ready to contribute to the support of the Gospel. Great were his afflictions; but he was enabled to rejoice in God his Saviour, and in the prospect of that rest which awaits the righteous in the kingdom of God.

J. B.

Jan. 21st.-At Whitby, aged sixty-four years, Mrs. Mary Davison, widow of the late Mr. John Davison, of the same place. Since her conversion to God, her path has been chequered, and many of her conflicts were peculiarly trying; yet, in the midst of all, she held on her way steadily, resting on the arm of God; and she did indeed experience the accomplishment of that blessed truth, " My grace is sufficient for thee." For thirty-nine years she was a member of the Wesleyan society; and for many years a very useful Class-Leader, both in Scotland and England. Her removal was sudden and unexpected. She had been confined to her house for some months, by severe inflammation; but it was hoped, by her friends, that she was gradually recovering. On January 18th she was taken suddenly ill; and, after surviving three days, during which she experienced the supporting influence of the Spirit, she triumphantly entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

T. F.

Jan. 28th.-At Stoney-Middleton, in the Bakewell Circuit, aged eighty-three, James Redferth. This vencrable disciple of Jesus Christ had been a member of the Methodist society about fiftysix years, and filled the office of Class-Leader forty-six. The faithful discharge of his duty, as a servant, secured to him the approbation of his employers, in whose service he continued until the infirmities of age confined him at home. In him was found fidelity, both in his temporal and spiritual duties. Satisfied with the doctrines under which he sat, and highly approving of the discipline of the Connexion, nothing moved him from his steady purpose to gain his eternal crown. Punctuality was a prominent feature in his character. In conducting his class-meeting, as well as other services, he was lively and energetic; keeping to the point of clear Christian ex

perience, and a full assurance of acceptance with God, through faith in the atonement. As he drew near the close of life, he was observed to ripen for heaven; and constantly exhorted his class to love one another. During the few weeks that he was confined to his bed, his conversation was in heaven. I visited him a few days before his death, when he exclaimed, "I am waiting, I am waiting for Him. He is my salvation; he saves me to the uttermost." In this happy state he continued, until his spirit joined the heavenly host before the throne. M. C.

Feb. 2d.-At Sunderland, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, Thomas Brown, Esq. In the year 1814 he became a member of the Wesleyan society; and from that time to the close of life, maintained a steady and consistent profession of faith in Christ. He greatly valued the ordinances of God's house, and was a constant and devout attendant on all the means of grace. The religion which he had sought and obtained in the time of health, was his support and consolation in the season of affliction. During a very protracted illness, which he bore with singular patience and resignation, he maintained an unshaken confidence in God, and looked forward with a serene mind to his approaching change. As the closing scene drew near, his prospect of heaven became increasingly bright and glorious; until at length, full of immortal hope, he fell asleep in Jesus. T. H. S.

Feb. 4th.-At Carshalton, in the Croydon Circuit, in the fifty-ninth year of her age, Mrs. Elizabeth A. Knott, late of the Leyton Circuit. For several months she had been declining in health, and her soul maturing for a higher state of enjoyment in the kingdom of her heavenly Father. For some time she was borne down by excessive weakness, so as to be unable to com. municate with the members of her family; yet, by her serenity of mind, and the signs which she made, it was evident her soul was graciously sustained in the prospect of her dissolution. In her affliction she was thankfully resigned to the will of her Saviour. She had been a member of the Wesleyan society about sixteen years; and was accustomed to mention, with much pleasure, the benefit she derived from the faithful and zealous ministrations of the Rev. P. M'Owan. In early life she was a subject of divine influence; but, being an orphan, and having no spi ritual adviser, she regretted that many years passed away unimproved. Her prevailing characteristic was charity; for while she endeavoured to bear in mind the precept, “Speak evil of no man," she always endeavoured to put the best construction on the faults and failings of others. 1. A.

Feb. 5th.-At Hinmoor, near Leeds, aged fifty-eight years, Mrs. Pawson. In early life, through the instrumentality of the Methodist ministry, under which from her infancy she had the privilege to sit, she became savingly acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus; from which time till the day of her death she followed Christ with an unwavering step, and was united with that people among whom she obtained the knowledge of God as her reconciled Father.

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