His

sentiment of grateful pleasure expressed in the remembrance of your late Mission in that city. Mr. Scott was everywhere spoken of with the highest respect. godly life and labours, and the truly catholic and large-hearted spirit in which he uniformly acted and preached, have made his memory to be alike beloved and revered. Nor can there be a question that his pious zeal was mainly instrumental in first producing that religious awakening which has subsequently in so blessed a manner been experienced in that city and the country at large.

If the Swedish Mission has done little to extend your denominational interests, be assured, dear brethren, that it has been signally honoured in other ways,ways in which we are persuaded you will not find less, and may find even more, cause for holy rejoicing before God.

We could not refrain from sending you, in the spirit of brotherly love, this short, but sincere and truthful, testimony, as we are sure it will gladden your hearts,

JOHN ATKINSON died in the neighbourhood of Hunsingore, in the Knaresborough Circuit. He was born at Harewood, in the West Riding, August 3d, 1793; and his conversion took place in his twenty-second year. The circumstances were these:-Several young men of Weeton, including some of his companions, had been awakened and saved. The Methodists of that place usually held their lovefeast on "Harewood-feast Sunday." John was very anxious to attend, expecting, no doubt, to hear what these young men would say; and, whilst they related the blessed change which they had experienced, he was deeply convinced of his sinfulness. The impressions then made issued in his conversion. He was made happy in God, while in an old barn occupied by his father. The young men went thither at five o'clock in the morning, to hold a prayer-meeting: John accompanied them; and there, while wrestling with God, he found Christ manifested to him, the burden of his sins removed, and his soul enabled to rejoice in God his Saviour. The place became sacred in his eyes. He often said, "There is the old barn where I began to pray."

For a few years after this, before he settled near Hunsingore, he had several

changes of residence; but, wherever his lot was cast, he held fast his profession. He was firm in his principles. Everything was made a matter of conscience. He had counted well the cost; and hence the world could never point to him the finger of scorn, saying, “This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' During his forty years' connexion with the Methodists, he never dishonoured his profession. He was no fair-weather Christian: he used to say, "if stormy weather did not keep him from the market, it ought not to keep him from the house of God." He felt it to be not only a duty, but a great privilege, to repair to the sanctuary. He sympathized with David, who said, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth." "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."

As a Leader, he was eminently qualified for his work. He was a man of prayer. Rarely, if ever, did he go to his class without first entering his closet, to hold communion with his God, and to seek Divine grace to help him. He was a constant reader of his Bible; and, his mind being naturally strong, and his memory retentive, and well stored with scriptural truth, he was able to give suit

able counsels to all. In his domestic relations, he was truly estimable. Uniting firmness with kindness, he adopted the resolution of Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

As a man of business he earned the reputation of steadiness, industry, and uprightness. Those who knew him best have declared that they never saw him commit a mean action. He often said, "I like to be able to look every man in the face without blushing." He was "diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

At

His last illness was distressing. times his mind was depressed, and even wandering; yet his constant prayer was, "Lord, give me patience: I want patience to have its perfect work." "I am resting on Christ," he said. "I build on Him as the sure foundation. Christ is pre

cious. When reminded that his end was near, he replied, "I did not expect it quite so soon, though I have been prepared for more than twenty years. Death has lost his sting." When contending with his last enemy, he began to sing,

"My God, my God, to Thee I cry,
Thee only would I know."

After a short time, again,

"My God is reconciled,

His pardoning voice I hear."

Then he prayed, most earnestly, that all his family might be saved, and meet him in heaven. He also prayed for the members of his class, that they might have grace to be faithful: then, that the work of God might revive, and the kingdom of the Redeemer be universally extended. He then pronounced the benediction, "May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, rest upon you!" He now lay motionless for some time, and then, as in a divine rapture, with his dying breath exclaimed, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost!" and immediately his happy spirit joined the countless number of the saints in light. He died in May, 1856. Who does not say, "Let my last end be like his ?"

RICHARD STEPNEY.

THE late MR. JAMES COOMBES was born near Gillingham, in the Shaftesbury Circuit, June 27th, 1835. In the homestead of his parents the Wesleyan Ministers have found a hearty welcome for the last thirty years. Many have been the seasons of hallowed intercourse enjoyed in that lonely but truly hospitable farmhouse. James was the third of six sons,

who conspired to make their parents happy. Blessed with many religious privileges, he was in early life the subject of good impressions. During his illness he said, "I can remember when I was very young; but I cannot remember the time when I did not feel that I was sinful, and desire to be good." As he grew in years, he was followed by gracious influences. Often, under the faithful preaching of the word, or when some solemn dispensation of God's providence was presented to his view, the still small voice called him to forsake sin, and give his heart to God. The loveliness of religion became attractive. He considered the Christian the happiest of men, and often thought he would give anything and When about everything to be like him. thirteen years of age, he read in the "Christian Miscellany" an account of a young person who had been suddenly called away by death, in very painful circumstances. This was the means of impressing his mind anew with the uncertainty of life, and the need of immediate preparation for the great change. About this time he began to seek the Lord with all his heart; and it was not long before God imparted to him the joy of His salvation. While occupied in the field, he was enabled to rest by faith on the merits of Christ. Under date of January 28th, 1849, he writes: "Glory be to God for what He has done for my precious soul. He has this day given me a blessed assurance of the pardon of all my sins." Of a reserved turn of mind, he did not speak of this change until some days after; when, sitting with his mother and brothers at the tea-table, he said, "I am happy: I have found peace through believing." That evening his mother's class was met: she asked him to go with her, and he cheerfully complied. The Leader, supposing he had come merely to accompany his mother, did not speak to him. After all the members had spoken, this youthful witness for Jesus told them, to their sur prise and delight, what God had done for his soul.

He possessed good natural talents, and strength of mind, which might have been employed in after-life for the good of others. At times he felt very anxious about the salvation of his neighbours, especially of some who possessed many good qualities, but were destitute of saving grace. In the Sunday-school he endesvoured not only to teach the children the letter of the word, but also to impress their minds with its important truths.

When death looked him in the face, he

was not alarmed. In the early part of his affliction, he suffered much from the temptations of the wicked one. But, resorting to the word of God, and claiming the promises, he was enabled so to use the shield of faith as to quench all his fiery darts. One night, when that passage of Scripture was quoted, "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment," &c., he said, "O, I felt that just now!" Humility was a prominent feature in his character. He esteemed others better than himself. This trait was particularly manifest in his last affliction: he looked on himself as being the most unworthy of God's people, and was full of gratitude for every little attention. He died resting on Christ, and in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection. Aware of his approaching end, on the Sunday morning he desired to see his mother and the family, shook hands with each, and exhorted them all to meet him in heaven. He had been asked, if unable to speak, to raise his hand in token of victory; and, a short time before he expired, he did so three times, saying, "Victory!" and, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." again endeavoured to speak; but nothing could be understood but the name of "Jesus," a sweet and happy word to be uttered with the last breath. Thus died James Coombes, February 22d, 1857, aged twenty-one.

ANDREW RENNARD.

He

DIED, February 26th, 1857, at Creaton, near Brixworth, Northampton Circuit, MR. WILLIAM DUNKLEY, aged sixtyfive. In his seventeenth year, while passing by the Wesleyan chapel in Northampton, he was attracted by the singing, and entered the house of God. Under the sermon, which was preached by the late Rev. James Blackett, on those words, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," he was powerfully awakened, and led to "sorrow after a godly sort ;" nor did he rest until he had found the pearl of great price. He immediately united himself with the people called Methodists; and to the day of his death he felt grateful to God for his happy connexion with this branch of Christ's church. As a tradesman, his high sense of honour and Christian integrity stood out in broad relief, so that all who knew him acknowledged the consistency of his conduct with the principles he avowed. While thus respected by man, he was blessed of God, both in his basket and in his store; and, of that which God gave unto him, he cheerfully contributed to the cause of Christ, both among his own people and other sections

of the church. As a counsellor and friend, his assistance was often sought in times of difficulty; and numbers were greatly benefited by his judicious advice and sympathy, to which he was ready to add pecuniary aid when needed.

His home and heart were open to the Ministers of Christ, whom he greatly loved and highly esteemed for their work's sake, and with whom he deeply sympathized when they were called to suffer reproach. In his family God was daily acknowledged: however business might press, the Scriptures were read and prayer offered unto Him who has said, "Them that honour Me I will honour."

Although his residence was three miles from Brixworth, he met his class with great punctuality at nine in the morning of the Sabbath. As a Class-Leader, Trustee of chapels, Society and Circuit Steward, he endeavoured with all fidelity to perform the various duties devolving upon him.

The

His last affliction was long and painful, but was borne with great patience. consolations of God abounded unto him. A little while before his departure, he believingly commended his soul to that Saviour in whose atonement he had long trusted, exclaiming, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit;" adding, soon after, "I trust the blood of Christ to cleanse my soul from every guilty stain." From that moment he sank gradually, until his redeemed spirit escaped to be for ever with its Lord. T. S.

AUGUST 26th, 1857.-At Selby, Mr. Thomas Sykes; who was born in that town, December 19th, 1797. He was blessed with a pious mother, whose godly instructions and example deeply impressed his susceptible mind; but it was under the ministry of the Rev. J. P. Haswell, in 1815, during a season of gracious revival, that he was induced to yield himself up fully to God, and seek fellowship with His church. Henceforth he was enabled to hold fast the profession of his faith without wavering. As a man of business, he was diligent, upright, and successful; as a Christian, humble, devout, liberal, and zealous in promoting the interests, both temporal and spiritual, of the poor and afflicted. In addition to untold acts of self-denying liberality while living, he bequeathed £100 to be equally divided between the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and the Ministers' Auxiliary Fund. During his last illness, he was Divinely supported. A short time before his death, he said to his devoted attendant, "O, praise the Lord! He is so kind! I suffer neither pain nor sickness. He is taking me down a brick at a time." Then, in an ecstasy, he exclaimed, "God is love! God is love!" On another occasion, having received a little milk, with eyes and hands uplifted to heaven, he said,

"The wine is sweet; the grapes are sweet; the milk is sweet; but Christ is sweeter than all." In this thankful and happy state of mind, he "passed through death triumphant home." J. M.

March 31st, 1858.-At Selby, in the eighty-first year of his age, Mr. Thomas Abbey. Soon after his marriage, both he and his wife were convinced of their need of personal faith in Christ. This conviction resulted in their speedy conversion to God, and their union with His church,-a union which they maintained to their lives' end. In 1825 Thomas was appointed to the office of ClassLeader, in which he laboured with fidelity and zeal until within two years of his death. His diligence in the use of the means of grace was exemplary; his experience of Divine things, deep and rich; his power in prayer, considerable; his zeal for God, steady and ardent; and, as a consequence, his whole religious life was characterized by a cheerful and happy consistency. His children he strove hard to bring up honestly, and in the fear of God. To this twofold end, he was "diligent in business, fervent in spirit." Nor were his cares, prayers, and efforts fruitless; for he lived to see all his children walking in the truth. When he found his health failing, he laid aside his worldly employment; and during his last, almost his only, illness, (and this a mere decay of nature,) he was eminently sustained by the power of grace. In his own laconic manner he said, "I have no fear." "All is well." "I am on the Rock." "I have not a cloud." "I love God." In this happy frame he passed to the skies, to be for ever with the Lord.

J. M. April 20th.-At Oakham, Mrs. Hannah Bryan. relict of the late Mr. George Bryan, aged eightytwo years She was a consistent member of the church of Christ, and devotedly attached to the Ministers of the Gospel, whom she ever welcomed as the servants of the most high God. She was a lover of hospitality, and well reported of for good works; yet her piety was meek and unobtrusive. She was diligent in reading the word, and in attending the house, of God. Timid and diffident, entertaining lowly views of her own state, she yet had evidently put on the Lord Jesus Christ.-Her mortal affliction was long and severe; but her mind was graciously sustained by a true and living faith in her Redeemer; so that she became entirely resigned, and calmly waited her appointed time. Her last words indicated the brightness of her hope of heaven. After asking with much solemnity, in allusion to the great city, the holy Jerusalem, "Are the gates open?" she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a groan.

T. A. R.

May 20th.-At Asenby, near Topcliffe, in the Ripon Circuit, Mr. Joseph Banks, aged eightythree. He had been a consistent Methodist more than half a century; and, though somewhat eccentric, was greatly respected by a large circle of friends for his upright and undoubted Christian character. J. P. F.

June 16th.-In the City-road Circuit, Mr. John James, aged sixty-three years. He was

convinced of sin in the year 1812 under a sermon preached in Snow-Hill chapel, in the Queenstreet Circuit, and very shortly afterwards obtained, by faith in the atonement of Christ, an assurance of Divine forgiveness. Being now united to the Saviour, he sought after the fellowship of saints, and for forty-six years evidenced a sincere love to Christ and His people. Thirty years he discharged with fidelity and affection the duties of a Class-Leader; and for a considerable period his classes numbered not fewer than one hundred and twenty persons, chiefly from among the poor, over whose religious interests he watched with parental attention. In connexion with the "Strangers' Friend Society,” he ran a course of great devotedness and usefulness for about thirty years. He thus prayed and laboured on, until the Master saw fit to lay him aside from active service by a painful and protracted affliction; but the servant suffered the will of God with patience. His last days were marked by the expression of intense desires and prayers for the salvation of his family, and not in vain. Not long before his death he exclaimed, "I have a bright prospect of heaven." "My troubles will soon be over." He sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and

"Found the rest we toil to find."

W. R. W.

July 16th.-At Darlington, Virtue, relict of the late Rev. John Pickavant, many years a Missionary in Newfoundland. She was a native of that island, and was favoured with a religious training; her father being a man of eminent piety, and a most laborious and useful Local Preacher. For some years after her marriage she was active in various efforts of usefulness: but in those days the Mission was comparatively in its infancy, and involved many hardships and privations; to which cause may be attributed the chronic disease from which she suffered all her subsequent life. Her last affliction, which was protracted and distressing in the extreme, was borne with exemplary patience. She emphatically expressed her gratitude that she had read the Bible in her youth, and that many precious promises were stored up in her mind; observing. "Now, when I am unable to read myself, or to bear the reading of others, they are forthcoming -just suited to my case." For years she had been in the habit of reading the Bible with Benson's Notes, and one of Wesley's sermons daily. She was grateful that God did not allow Satan to tempt her with doubts of her acceptance with Him, nor to shake her confidence in His fidelity and love. Often she exclaimed, "Why do Thy chariot-wheels delay?" To her kind friend, Miss Miller, when taking her leave, she said, with great solemnity and tenderness, “Farewell! we shall meet above; and in heaven there will be no more pain, but all will be light and joy." These were among her last words.

J. L

July 31st At Norton, near Malton, James Seller, in his sixty-eighth year; an old disciple of the Lord Jesus, and forty-six years a Local Preacher. He was instrumental, with some beloved companions of his early days, in introdue