the Conference of that year appointed a Sub-Committee to inquire for a site suitable for an Institution-house in that neighbourhood. Such an one soon presented itself in the estate of Cooper, Esq., which is situated in the pleasant and healthy village of Didsbury, about five miles from Manchester on the road to Wilmstow. This was accordingly purchased, and immediate measures taken to prepare it, by the necessary alterations and additions, for the uses to which it was set apart. It was at first expected, that the new premises would be ready for occupation in the autumn of 1841; but circumstances occurred which rendered that impossible; and it was not until shortly after the late Conference that arrangements could be made for the commencement of the academical course, and for the residence of the officers and Students. With some few and trifling exceptions, the buildings are now complete, and fully occupied; and present an object as pleasing to the eye of the casual beholder, as it is grateful to the feelings, and encouraging to the hopes, of those who love Wesleyan Mcthodism. The house which stood on the estate as the residence of the last possessor is now the dwelling of the Governor; some of the larger rooms being used as class-rooms for the Institution. Wings have been added, containing a library, a refectory, and a lecture-room, with studies and dormitories for forty Students. The external front of all these buildings is faced with stone, and thus is made to present an elegant and substantial appearance. Near to the Institution-house, on the right as you enter the grounds, stands the chapel, a neat brick building in the old English style of architecture, having a gallery at one end, and containing sittings for nearly three hundred persons. On either side of the chapel is a house for the residence of one of the Tutors, by whom, in connexion with the Governor, the chapel has been supplied every Lord's day since the opening, which took place on Thursday, September 22d, 1842. On that occasion the Liturgy of the established Church was read by the Governor, the Rev. P. C. Turner, and a sermon preached by the President of the Conference, who took for his text, "One thing have I desired of the Lord," &c. (Psalm xxvii. 4.) The richly solemn but animated eloquence of the Preacher, and still more the unction from above which attended the discourse, produced a feeling of high delight in the minds of his hearers; and all seemed agreed to take

the blessing then vouchsafed as a token of the divine approbation of their object in founding the Institution, and an earnest of many future blessings to be bestowed upon the Students in the establishment, and, through them, on the Connexion at large.

After the service was concluded, the greater number of the subscribers present sat down to a cold collation in the refectory; and those who had not before had an opportunity of doing so, surveyed the premises and grounds. The day

was concluded by a meeting held in the lecture-room, at which addresses were delivered by the President of the Conference, the Ex-President, the President of the Institution, the Treasurer and Se. cretary of the Northern Branch, the Rev. W. Thornton, Classical Tutor; and by James Wood, John D. Burton, John Fernley, and M. Swindells, Esqrs. The meeting was pervaded by a lively feeling of satisfaction at the present posture of the affairs of the Institution, and by a determination to make new efforts that its present improved and advantageous position might be well sustained.

The opening of the chapel was the signal for commencing the course of regular employment which has since been actively pursued by all parties concerned. The Tutors, Governor, and Students are all, through the mercy of God, at present in good health, and laying themselves out for the due discharge of their several duties. Every thing promises well. The blessing vouchsafed at the opening has not been, and cannot soon be, forgotten. The chapel has been, on the whole, very well attended hitherto; and the labours of the Students on the Lord's day have extended into many of the neighbouring Circuits, and have been gladly received. Nothing is needed to insure the realization of our brightest hopes, but that "supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" which shall fill all the officers and Students of the Institution with light and love. May He in whom it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell," grant us our desire! And let all the people say, Amen. GEORGE OSBORN.

P.S. It would be wrong to close this notice without adverting to the obligations under which the Connexion is laid to the Didsbury Building Sub-Committee, and especially to Messrs. Heald, Fernley, and J. D. Burton, both for their long-continued and indefatigable activity in the work, and for their patient attention to

time before his death, he said to his now sorrowing widow," Well, my dear, it is not for long: we part to meet again; and then we shall part no more:" shortly after which he died, in possession of a joyful hope of eternal life.

J. J. T.

April 7th.-At Westbromwich, Mary Baugh, in the forty-second year of her age. That fearful pestilence, the cholera morbus, which raged so awfully in the year 1832, (one after another, in rapid succession, passing away to their long home, at a few hours' notice,) appears to have been the occasion of her conversion. Having found the way, it was her delight to walk therein; and her path was that of the just: it shone more and more. Her last affliction was long and painful; but her continued cry was, "Thy will be done." In hours of extreme suffering she often said, "Well, all that the Lord doeth is right." A few hours before her death, her niece said, Aunt, is there peace within now?" to which she smilingly replied, Yes; peace within, peace within, peace within!" Subsequently she said, All I want now is, to get to the heavenly country." Shortly after she fell asleep in Jesus.

66

J. J. T.

May 13th.-At Portwood, in the Stockport North Circuit, Elizabeth, the affectionate and faithful wife of Mr. Thomas Brentnall. Her early religious training was in connexion with the parish church; but after her marriage she was led to attend the services of Wesleyan Methodism; and under its ministry was brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus." Her affectionate and pious demeanour so won upon her husband, (then thoughtless as to God and heavenly things,) that, influenced by her example, he became a follower of Christ. Her religious career was marked by great tenderness of conscience; by a cordial attachment to the house of God, its ordinances and ministry; and by special delight in the celebration of the holy supper of our Lord. For more than twenty years she was connected with the Wesleyan Sunday-school; sustaining, with great benefit to those intrusted to her care, the offices of Teacher, and Leader of the select class. She was the subjeet of frequent and protracted sufferings; yet, in the submissiveness of her spirit, and in the hallowing tendency of the chastenings, she obtained profit. In her last illness, her faith in Christ was strong; and as her end drew near, she was favoured with more than ordinary manifestations of the presence and power of God. "I feel perfectly resigned," said she, "to the will of God. O how precious is Jesus to my heart!" Whilst her husband was leaning over her emaciated frame, she articulated, "Have faith in God." Almost her last words were, "Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly!"

W. W. S.

June 13th.-At Stockton-upon-Tecs, aged fortyseven, Elizabeth, wife of W. Sleigh, Esq. She was gifted with a superior mind, an amiable disposition, and possessed so fine a taste for painting and music, that in these she seemed to excel without laborious cultivation. Nurtured in Socinianism, she imbibed its deadly doctrines; but

to her they were more especially flattering and pernicious. From her own testimony, when relating her history to a friend, some time previous to her death, it appeared that the ministry of a pious Clergyman of the Church of England was made the means both of rescuing her from heresy, and of awakening her soul from spiritual death, and guiding her to Christ, in whose blood she found life and peace. This was about twenty years ago. Within the last three years she was induced to attend the Wesleyan ministry, and join the society: from the day she did so, she attended her class with exemplary regularity. On one of these occasions, after meeting a few weeks, she exclaimed, with affecting simplicity, "O I have just found the peace and joy I have been a stranger to for many years!" Early in March her last illness commenced; when, after three months of severe suffering, and adequate succour and consolation from on high, she, with her expiring breath, strove to sing her soul away to everlasting rest; but not being able, she softly uttered, "Let me go into the bosom of my God."

J. R. B.

June 19th.-At Mouschole, in the Penzance Circuit, Mrs. Jane Angwin, aged eighty-three. When about twenty years of age, she sought and obtained mercy through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and, during a period of nearly sixtythree years, she maintained the character of a consistent Christian, and a devoted Wesleyan Methodist. For about thirty years she filled the important office of Class-Leader, to the edification of those committed to her care. She was a woman of one book; and greatly excelled in acquaintance with its contents. The evening of her life was calm and serene, and she departed with a hope full of immortality. W. B.

June 19th.-At Luton, Charlotte, the wife of Mr. James Darley, aged thirty-eight years. Her youth was spent in pursuing the pleasures of the world, until she was drawn, by the influence of divine truth, to seek real happiness in Jesus Christ. This took place about the twentieth year of her age, when she earnestly sought and found the knowledge of salvation by the remis sion of her sins. The enjoyment of this blessing she retained to the end of her life. Being appointed to the office of Leader in the Methodist society, she discharged the duties thereof with credit to her own religious character, and also with profit to the people intrusted to her care. The attack of disease which caused her somewhat sudden removal hence, was regarded by herself as a messenger, to forewarn her of her approaching end. To her husband and family she said, "All is right: I shall be safe, and the Lord will take care of you." At another time she said, "I am in the valley; but it is not dark. No; the Lord is with me: his rod and his staff they comfort me." And shortly after, emphatically exclaiming, "All is right," she fell asleep in Jesus. G. T.

June 23d.-At Oxford, Mrs. Wells, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. She was a member of the Wesleyan society upwards of thirtytwo years; was adorned with the ornament of a

meek and quiet spirit; and, from the time of her conversion, lived in all consistency and godliness to the end of her days. Her final affliction was protracted; but in patience she possessed her soul. M. W.

June 27th.-At Hellaby-Hall, in the Rotherham Circuit, Mr. Samuel Clarke, who was converted to God at an early period of his life, and became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society. For many years he sustained the offices of Local Preacher, Class-Leader, and CircuitSteward; in all of which he gained, and continued to enjoy, the affection and esteem of the society with which he was connected, and the respect of all who knew him. He was a Trustee for several of our chapels, and a true lover of Methodism. Its interests he endeavoured to promote, by the circulation of its periodicals and other publications, and contributing to the support of all its Funds. His health had been for some time declining; and, after suffering much through weakness and a distressing cough, he departed this life in peace, in the seventysixth year of his age. T. E.

July 12th.-At Oxford, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Mr. Daniel Evans, builder, aged seventyseven. In early life she was instructed by her parents, who were members of the Presbyterian church, in the principles of the Christian faith; and subsequently maintained a deportment outwardly blameless. It was not, however, until a few years after her marriage, that she was convinced of sin; when she sought and obtained peace with God, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She then became a member of the Wesleyan society, and walked in holiness and righteousness for upwards of forty-five years. During the latter part of her life she was, through bodily infirmities, prevented from attending the public ordinances of religion; but she held fast her confidence, and became gradually meet for heaven. Her piety was sincere, humble, and consistent. Under the affliction which terminated her earthly existence, she manifested much patience, gratitude, and confidence in the Redeemer. Her end was peace. M. W.

July 24th.-At Sunderland, aged eighty-seven years, Mrs. Margaret Storey, formerly of Hartley, in the North-Shields Circuit. She was an eminently-devoted Christian, and had been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society for sixty-four years. At an early period of her religious course, she sought and found the blessing of entire sanctification, and retained it to the end. Although hid from the world, she was made the honoured instrument of bringing many souls to God, some of whom are now filling stations of great usefulness in the church. Her end was truly peaceful: it was so calm and tranquil, that, although surrounded by her friends, the precise moment of her departure was not perceived. T. F.

July 28th.-At Doncaster, Mr. Brailsford, aged sixty-four. As a man, for generosity, kindness of disposition, and openness of character, he was rarely surpassed. For the greater part of his life he was chiefly known in his profession as a

musician, in which he excelled both as a teacher and a performer; having been educated for this purpose, first, by the celebrated Dr. Ayrton, in the chapel-royal, and afterwards by Dr. Miller, of Doncaster, whom he succeeded as organist in the parish church of that town. His later years were more retired; and during these he culti vated fellowship with the people of God, espe cially with the Ministers and members of the Wesleyan-Methodist society. To the friends with whom he was intimate it was evident, that, as his outward man was decaying, his inward man was gradually improving. Some of his last words, articulated with difficulty, but with a most happy expression of countenance, were, "I am an unworthy creature; but I trust in the mercy of God through Christ." On entering the valley he said, "All is well."

J. S.

August 2d.-At Falmouth, aged forty years, Ann, the beloved wife of Mr. John Still. In the year 1819 she joined the Methodist society, and soon after obtained redemption in the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of her sins. This sense of her acceptance she never lost during her Christian career. She was, in an eminent degree, possessed of the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit; and her amiable manners and Christian benevolence gained for her universal approval. On Sunday evening, July 24th, she occupied her usual place in the house of God, where she delighted to be found; and the next morning, while in the act of rising, was seized with paralysis. She lingered the following week, and at times was apparently conscious of what was passing around her; and though unable to speak, yet by expressive signs she satisfied her husband and friends, that she retained her contidence in God. Her memory is still dear to her friends and relations, and especially to her bus band, who owes his conversion to God to her instrumentality. J. M.

August 11th.-At Woodlesford, in the Wake field Circuit, Mr. Thomas Wildblood, son-in-law of the late Mr. Samuel Hick, aged sixty-twoO years, forty-eight of which he was a member, and upwards of thirty a Leader, in the WesleyanMethodist society. He was warmly attached to the Wesleyan body, adhered to its discipline, loved its Ministers, delighted in its means of grace, and laboured and prayed for its pros perity. As a Christian, he was devotedly pious: his religion led him to love God supremely, which he manifested by his zeal for his glory in the conversion of sinners. He was repeatedly called to pass through deep waters; but in the midst of his sorrows, his confidence was unshaken. During a long and most painful afflic tion, he rejoiced in the prospect of a glorious immortality; and though he suffered much, murmur never escaped his lips. As death approached, his faith appeared even to increase, He finished his earthly pilgrimage without a struggle, sweetly falling asleep in Jesus. G. W.

August 24th.-At Oxford, Mrs. White, in the eightieth year of her age. She was brought to scek and obtain salvation under the Wesleyan ministry, joined herself to the society, and was

in consequence exposed to much persecution. She, however, held the profession of her faith without wavering; and, for many years, manifested a life of active devotedness in the service of the Redeemer. By reason of the infirmities of age, she was for some time prevented being so actively zealous as she was previously; yet she held fast her confidence in Christ, rejoicing in his name, and in the prosperity of his cause. Her affliction, though long, and oftentimes painful, was sustained with patience. She died in peace, in the fiftieth year of her membership M. W. with the Wesleyan society.

August 25th.-At Edinburgh, the Rev. W. Roberts, Wesleyan Minister, in the twenty-sixth Minisyoung year of his age. He was one of the ters ordained at the late Conference; and was proceeding, with Mrs. Roberts, to whom he had been married but a few days, to his station at Montrose. A few minutes after his arrival at the inn at which the coach stopped, he was seized with excruciating pains; and though medical aid was immediately obtained, symptoms of an alarming nature soon became too apparent. On the day following he anticipated the approach of the last enemy with great composure; and while exhorting one of his brethren (who had been ordained at the same time with himself) to diligence and fidelity in the work of the Lord, he expressed a deep sense of his own unworthiness, but added, " My labour is finished; and, through the merits of my blessed Saviour, I believe I am going to my reward." In this happy state of mind he continued until the evening, when he fell asleep in Jesus, after an illness of little more than twenty hours.

P. D.

For

thodist society upwards of forty years, and a useful Local Preacher and Class-Leader about thirty-five. He was a man who exhibited in his own character the Christian virtues of diligence in business, and fervency of spirit. As a tenant and servant, under the Duke of Devonshire, he maintained an irreproachable character for genuine uprightness and fidelity. Until the principles set forth in the Oxford Tracts began to be so warmly espoused by the Clergy, Mr. Vickers was closely attached to the Church; but, aware of the pernicious tendency of these strange doctrines, he expressed a holy indignation against them; and often said, that he feared lest the dignitaries of the Church should sleep at their post, until the evil became incurable. Though his gigantic strength gradually yielded to the pressure of years, he was only about one week confined to his bed. He viewed his approaching end with confidence in God through the merits of the Redeemer. When scarcely able to speak, he lifted his hands, and exclaimed, "Glory, glory, glory!" and then, stretching them out as if in the action of receiving something, he quietly sank into the arms of death.

M. C.

Sept. 6th.-At Bridge-End, in the Leek Circuit, aged fifty-four, Benjamin Mellor, who had been a member of the Wesleyan society nearly thirty years; during which period he had filled the office of a Class-Leader with great usefulness. Towards the close of life he was the subject of severe and long affliction; but the religion which urged him to activity in the cause of Christ, while in the enjoyment of health, became his solace and support when his heart and flesh J. C. were failing. He died peacefully.

Sept. 11th.-At Wentworth, in the Rotherham Circuit, Mrs. Mary Green, sister of the Rev. Joseph Cusworth. She became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society about twelve years ago. For some time it had been observed, that her mind had been more engaged about divine things; and though, from the severity of her affliction, she was not able to converse much, yet she expressed her perfect confidence in the mercy of God through Christ; and observed, that, should her affliction terminate in death, all would be well. T. E.