severe conflict; but," he added, "my faith has conquered." "Your happy state," observed a friend to him, " is cause of great thankfulness." "Yes," he replied, "it deserves a thousand thanks. Nothing but religion could do this for

me.

We have tried religion,-tried it in many circumstances; and it has never failed us. From the beginning of this affliction, I have not had one desire to recover. My case has been rather that of St. Paul,— having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better.'" At another time, he said, "Now I have got all I ever wished, victory, victory at the last!" He was graciously preserved in the enjoyment of holy and undisturbed tranquillity, until, being completely worn out by the force of his disease, he peacefully expired, falling asleep in Jesus without a struggle or a groan. J. H.

May 9th.-At Faversham, in the Canterbury Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, wife of the Rev. Thomas Baker, in the thirty-sixth year of her age. From her childhood she had been taught the fear of the Lord, by her pious and widowed mother, Mrs. Beecroft, of Lowestoft, whose parental care was successful in preserving her from youthful follies; yet she did not give herself entirely to God, till about the age of twenty-one, when, from curiosity, she was induced to attend a prayer-meeting there, during the time of a revival of the work of God in 1827. In a similar meeting her brother and sister had previously found peace with God. She then was deeply convinced of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and obtained an assurance of pardon through the blood of the Lamb, which it appears she never lost. For nearly thirteen years she usefully acted as a Class-Leader; and when united in marriage to a Minister, she not only looked well to the ways of her household, but sacredly devoted herself, as far as possible, to works of Christian usefulness; encouraging Bible, Tract, Benevolent, and Missionary Societies among the female friends where her lot was cast. The disease (consumption) which terminated her life was induced by an accident which happened while she was on an errand of mercy, in the St. Alban's Circuit. On removing to Faversham she never recovered vigour of body; yet, while labouring under increasing disease, she gave various proofs of her anxiety to be usefully employed for her Lord, and endeared herself greatly to our friends of that place; who showed no little kindness toward one whom they had not known in health, but whom they respected and loved as the wife of their Minister. Her protracted affliction was uniformly borne with Christian fortitude, patience, resignation, and confidence. In the presence of weeping relations, her husband, mother, and brother, she solemnly commended her soul to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and immediately gave up the ghost. B. A.

May 15th.-At Gunhouse, in the Epworth Cireuit, in the seventy-second year of her age, Mrs. Fowler, wife of the late Mr. George Fowler. About six months after her marriage, her husband was converted to God; and twelve months after his conversion, the Lord began to work powerfully upon her mind. When in health she

took an active part in promoting the work of God. Her house was opened for Preachers; and there they have been hospitably entertained for many years. She was a sincere Christian, a tender and affectionate mother, and a faithful and amiable wife. For a considerable time she was a subject of great affliction, and sometimes of severe temptation; but during the last three or four weeks of her life, she could calmly and confidently rest her soul upon the merits of her Saviour. In her chamber she was cheered and strengthened by the presence of God, and was enabled to "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." The last words she uttered were,

"Not a cloud doth arise,

To darken the skies,

Or hide for one moment my Lord from mine eyes."

After having been a member of the Methodist society upwards of forty years, she peacefully fell a sleep in Jesus. E. A.

May 21st.-In Mortimer-street, in the Sixth London Circuit, Mrs. Harriet Begbie. She was brought under religious impression about thirtysix years ago, in New-Providence, Bahamas, before any Missionary had been appointed to that island. When one was sent, she and a few friends, concerned like herself for their salvation, most heartily welcomed the Missionary, and undertook themselves to support him. She soon found peace with God, and joined the Wesleyans. Not long afterwards she came to England, and for some time with her family resided at Lambeth, where she was likewise a consistent member of the society, as also at Hinde-street, when she removed to the west of London. Here she attended with most exemplary diligence all the means of grace; her Christian activity and benevolence rendered her very useful, whilst her amiable spirit, and kindness of manner, made her to be much beloved by an extensive circle of friends. About nine months since, the sickness commenced which terminated her valuable life, and at times her sufferings were severe; but she bore the painful affliction with a spirit and patience which excited the admiration of all her friends, often in extreme pain singing the praises of God. Some weeks since she was favoured with an extraordinary manifestation of her Saviour's presence and love, which completely dispelled a cloud that she said had gathered over her soul; and in the full light of his countenance she continued to the last. A little before her death, she awoke from sleep, and said, "I have been asleep, and there was over me a mantle of blessedness." A friend expressed her satisfaction in finding her so happy : she said, "I am very happy. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel." These were some of her last words. When her utterance had failed, one of her daughters said, "There is a crown of glory awaiting you!" She bowed assent; and then she opened her arms, smiled, and fell asleep in Jesus. J. S.

May 23d.-At Manor-Hamilton, aged seventytwo, Mr. Christopher Armstrong, deeply lamented by a numerous family, and a very large

circle of friends. For many years he discharged the duties of Circuit-Steward and Class-Leader, as well as the treasureship of several Wesleyan funds. He was an unwavering friend of Methodism during the greater part of his life; and proved the strength of his attachment during one of its most painful trials in this country, by opening his house and his purse to those faithful men who were exposed to the same test; and by an uncompromising avowal of attachment to those measures which he believed were expedient, scriptural, and right. His conduct, and that of his wife, during the painful struggle, are subjects of grateful remembrance. He possessed a large share of common sense, and had the reputation of being a wise man, in consequence of which he was consulted by great numbers of people; and the soundness of the advice, and the readiness with which he entered into their troubles, endeared him to many who cared nothing for religion; and his maxims will probably long be adverted to by those who were profited by them. Young and old, rich and poor, religious and ungodly, all concur in the statement, that he was an honest man. God prospered him greatly, and opened his heart to give of his abundance to the poor. He was in his neighbourhood "the poor man's friend." He was a loving husband, a tender and affectionate parent, a kind friend and a good neighbour. In his last illness no murmuring escaped him; there was peace in his heart; and he resigned his spirit to Him that gave it, in sure and certain hope of a blissful immortality. J. A.

May 25th.-Mrs. J. Brooke, of Hopton, in the Diss Circuit, aged forty-four. She was brought to God about twenty-seven years since. In her the grace of God shone with most engaging lustre. Deep seriousness was combined with cheerfulness; and from the day that she joined herself to the people of God, her life was blameless. For some years she was a very valuable ClassLeader, and when the chapel which now adorns the village in which she resided was built, she made great exertions to raise the needful supplies. She drank deeply of the cup of grief, for many years being subject to sore afflictions; and not the least was the loss of reason, for about three years; but God raised her up again, and restored her to bless her numerous family. During the three years last past she has been gradually declining; but it was delightful to witness her calm resignation in the prospect of approaching dissolution. Her end was peaceful and triumphant. Her gentle and amiable manners gained the affection of all her neighbours, which was abundantly testified by their attendance, when her death was improved by the writer of this brief notice. The chapel was crowded, and numbers stood about the doors and windows, unable to gain admission; and the tears that were shed were only a tribute due to her estimable character. T. S.

May 26th.-Mrs. Hazlehurst, relict of Thomas Hazlehurst, Esq., of Camden-House, Runcorn. In early life she was awakened to religious concern, through the death of an infant; and this concern ripened into genuine conversion. Religion in her did not display itself in words, but

in humility, gentleness, and love. In the family circle, as a wife and a mother, she was greatly beloved, anxious above all things for the salvation of her children, and lived to see them all converted. From the death of her beloved husband, she cherished a longing desire to depart. She was embued with the spirit of heaven, manifested a growing meetness for its enjoyments, peaceably left the world, but regretted by all who knew her. Her end was sudden, but safe.

R. R.

May 27th.-In Bristol, the Rev. Joseph Collier, aged seventy-two; a man who in early life devoted himself to the Lord. In 1795 he entered upon the itinerant ministry, in which he faithfully laboured, with much acceptance and suecess, till the Conference of 1834, with the excep tion of two years, (1812 and 1825,) when, through affliction, he was obliged to suspend his labours. Since 1837 he has resided in the Bristol North Circuit, where, when his health permit. ted, he exercised his ministry to the edification of the church. He was a deeply pious and eminently spiritual man. His sufferings towards the close of life were considerable; but he murmured not, and received all as the gentle chastisement of his heavenly Father, whom he supremely loved, and in whose favour he habitually rejoiced. His death was sudden. By the help of his niece he walked from his sitting-room to his chamber, when he sat down upon his bed, and, without a groan, fell asleep in Jesus.

J. S.

May 28th.-In the Salford Circuit, the Rev. John Taylor, Supernumerary Wesleyan Preacher, aged eighty-one. He was born at Rochdale, and was converted to God at the age of twentyone, while residing in Manchester. In 1798 he was ordained to the work of the ministry by the late Dr. Coke, and appointed as a Missionary to the West Indies. For nine years he exercised his ministry in several of the islands, and in 1808 returned to England. From that period to 1827 he laboured most acceptably in various Circuits at home. While travelling to Manchester the coach was overthrown; and so severe was the injury he sustained, that he was under the necessity of submitting to the amputation of his leg. His strength gradually declined, and he felt that his days were hastening to their close. He bore his protracted affliction with great patience, resting upon the atonement of Christ for acceptance and final salvation. Just before he died he placed his attenuated hands in the posture of devout prayer, and said, "I want to go; I want to go;" and almost immediately entered into rest.

J. M.

Circuit, Mr. William Pearse, aged seventy-six. When about eighteen years of age, under serious impressions, he joined the Methodist society, and soon found peace to his soul through faith in Christ; and he was never separated from the people of his choice. His attachment to Wesleyan Methodism was enlightened and firm; and to its institutions, local and general, he was a regular and liberal contributor. After he settled in business, he opened his house to the Ministers of God: the first he entertained was the late Mr. Joseph Cole, from whom he received suitable advice; and who wrote in his New Testament the following lines:

"With patient mind thy path of duty run; God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, But thou thyself would'st do, could'st thou but see

The end of all events, as well as he."

In times of difficulty Mr. Pearse used to revert to these lines with great satisfaction. "With patient mind" he did his duty, and he was pros. pered in his way. His integrity was unbending, his morals were irreproachable, and his piety was evangelical and fervent. The various offices in Methodism open to laymen he filled with dignity and efficiency. Mr. Pearse was not a common man. His principles sustained him in the last conflict, and he died in great peace. Nearly the last words he was heard to articulate were,

"Now I have found the ground wherein

Sure my soul's anchor may remain: The wounds of Jesus, for my sin Before the world's foundation slain; Whose mercy shall unshaken stay When heaven and earth are fled away." J. H.

June 1st.-At North-Frodingham, in the Driffield Circuit, aged eighty-eight, Mr. Peter Day, a man of deep piety, and sound understanding. He was a member of the Wesleyan society for fifty-eight years, and a faithful Class-Leader almost as long. His house was a home for the Preachers for more than forty years; and a person who for the last twelve of them has lived in his family says, " He was a man of much prayer. I never knew him neglect the duties of the closet, either in hay-time or harvest. A more holy and upright man I never expect to meet with." His end was peace.

J. J.

doing good, till increasing infirmities laid him aside. The various institutions of Methodism received his support; and a short time since he built a neat chapel in his native village, of South-Pennott, and presented it to the Connexion. He was very reserved in his habits, seldom speaking much of his religious experience; but it is well known that he lived near to God, and enjoyed an assurance of his acceptance with him. "Ah! what could I do, but for the blood of Jesus Christ?" was an expression that often fell from his lips during his last painful affliction. Feeling the efficacy of that blood, he was enabled, while nature was dissolving, to exclaim, "Happy!" W. B.

June 5th.-At Dundee, aged seventy-eight, Mr. David Crom, having been for many years a pious and useful member of the Wesleyan society. His Christian experience was of a very high order; and from the abundance of the heart his mouth spake. His views of the Wesleyan doctrine were clear and comprehensive; and his attachment to the Wesleyan discipline, firm and undeviating. In speaking to a brother, who had left us for some years, but had recently returned to our society, and who was complaining of the deadness and lukewarmness in duty which he felt, David very pointedly replied, "I do not at all wonder at it. You left God's people, where you had received all your spiritual good; and it was no wonder that God left you." Then, elevating his voice, he said, "Why, man, it was a mercy he did not cast you into hell." In his last illness, he said, “Christ is all, and must be all in a sinner's salvation. I have nothing to depend on, but the merit of my Saviour."

J. B.

June 8th.-At Witney, Jane, the beloved wife of the Rev. Samuel H. Wardley. In February, 1830, she was deeply convinced of sin, under the ministry of the Rev. Robert Gover; and, whilst attending a prayer-meeting, obtained peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The evidence of her acceptance she retained to the close of her earthly pilgrimage. She highly prized the means of grace, and cherished an earnest concern for the prosperity of Zion. Her last illness (consumption) was very lingering; but she endured it with great patience, relying for support and final salvation upon the sacrifice of her Redeemer. The hymn beginning with,

"Rock of ages, cleft for me,"

expressed the feelings of her inmost soul, and at her request was often read or repeated to her. On the last day of her earthly existence, being asked, "Is the Saviour precious to your soul?" she replied, "Yes, gloriously. O that I could utter what I feel!" Being fully sensible that the hand of death was upon her, she requested, that she might be commended to God in prayer, and, after some hours of severe suffering, fell asleep in Jesus. S. H. W.

June 11th.-At Stoke-Newington, Margaret, relict of the late Rev. Miles Martindale, aged eighty-seven years. She commenced her religious career upwards of sixty years ago, and maintained her confidence in Christ through the vari

ous trials of her long pilgrimage. It was through her instrumentality that her husband was first induced to attend the ministry of the Methodists in Liverpool; and in the convictions of his guilt, which were produced by the preached word, she directed him to Christ. The first station that her husband occupied, led her to experience some of the privations and sufferings which the families of many of the earlier Wesleyan Ministers were called to endure; but though her faith was greatly tried, it triumphed. She was well acquainted with the venerable Founder of Methodism, and in several instances received marks of his kindness and sympathy. During the eight years that she was resident at Woodhouse-Grove, her maternal tenderness gained her the esteem and affection of many of the sons of the Preachers. For eighteen years she was a widow indeed, sorrowing deeply in her bereaved condition. The greater part of that time, through deafness and general infirmity, she was deprived of the advantages resulting from a devout attendance at the house of God: but the Bible was her daily companion; her delight was in prayer; and her vows were often repeated in the sacrament of the Lord's supper. Her last struggle was severe; but by grace she was saved through faith. The last intelligible words she uttered were, "Happy, happy, happy!" J. F.

June 15th.-At Islington, Maria, the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Escreet, and sister of John J. Buttress, Esq. For a series of years she had endured great affliction, and had laboured to acquire a meetness, through faith in our Lord's atoning sacrifice, for that heaven of rest and peace into which she is at length admitted. She was constitutionally timid and fearful, and was often assailed by temptation to doubts and discouragement. But she continued to cleave to Him whom she knew as "mighty to save; found refuge in his mercy, and repose in his care. Her humility, gentleness, and patience were truly exemplary; and, in her last words, she gratefully testified that "the Lord was better to her than all her fears," It may be most justly said of her, that her "adorning" was "in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." J. H.

"she

June 15th.-At Warrington, Mr. William Collinson, aged sixty-one years. He was awakened to a sense of his awful state as a sinner, under a sermon preached by the Rev. Joseph Beaumont, (now Dr. Beaumont,) and soon after found peace with God, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. From the period of his conversion, to the time of his death, he uniformly maintained the dignity of the Christian charac ter; his conversation in all things being as it becometh the Gospel of Christ. He filled the office of Teacher and Superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday-school, that of Class-Leader, Society and Circuit Steward, and was a Trustee of several chapels; in each of which his conduct commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he was acquainted. As a husband, a parent, and a master, he greatly excelled; ruling his own house well. His widow and five children

greatly revere his memory. They are decidedly pious, and members of the Wesleyan society. He took a lively interest in the Missionary cause, and honourably filled the office of Missionary Treasurer in this Circuit for many years. By the prudent and zealous exercise of his talents, he was rendered very useful in the church of Christ. He was characterized, during the whole of his religious career, by prudence, firmness, and decision. When he first became a Methodist he was exposed to considerable persecution, which was likely to injure him in his circumstances but he honoured God; and the Lord, according to his word, honoured him; so that the evil was overruled to his advantage. His affliction was protracted, and very severe; but the Lord sustained him during the whole time; so that he was enabled patiently to endure, and cheerfully to submit to, the will of God. He died in great peace, in the possession of a glorious hope of immortality. S. W.

June 16th.-At Guernsey, Thomas Doudney, sen., who was one of the first race of Methodists in this island, and one of the first Local Preachers in the French society. He was a man of deep piety, of remarkable simplicity of mind and manners, of very respectable and useful talents as a Preacher; and, for the last twenty years especially, since he retired from business, in every department in which the ignorance, the sin, and the misery of the world, call for the active benevolence of the church, he has been solely devoted to "works of faith, and labours of love." Though he died at the age of seventy-six, his firmness of constitution bore up for several years against a lingering disorder; but he endured his afflictions with resignation. To visit him in his illness was indeed a means of grace. Even Methodism has but few such men to lose; and the world will unite with the church in lamenting his decease. He was the honoured father of Mrs. Toase, of Paris, and of the laté Mrs. John H. Adams. G. J.

June 16th.-At Guernsey, Mrs. Martha Gallichan, relict of the late Mr. M. Gallichan, in the seventy-ninth year of her age. She was "a widow indeed;" and the fruit of the labours of such men as Brackenbury, De Queteville, Clarke, and Reece, who formerly laboured in Guernsey; and one of those who drank deeply at the same fountain of mercy and grace. For several years her whole life was spent in going about doing good; for which she was peculiarly fitted, by her established character, her pious and amiable demeanour, and her deep knowledge of the things of God. She was one of a little band, whose hearts and hands are almost always engaged in sympathy with human misery; and it was graciously permitted to her to be thus employed, until within a very few days of her death; when, without suffering, and in glorious anticipation of eternal life, the weary wheels of life stood still." It has seldom been the duty of one society in resignation to mourn the loss of two such members on the same day, as Mr. Doudney and Mrs. Gallichan; but that was a merciful dispensation which, for above half a century, has spared them to their families, to the church, and to the world. G. J.