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good, the extent of which will not be known till eternity shall unfold it to our view.

"Letitia had finished her education, and some considerable time had elapsed since she left school; when, one day, much to her surprise, she received a note from one of her school-fellows,* whom she had not seen since they were at school together, requesting her to call upon her. She did so, and was informed that ever since their prayers and conversation together she had felt a desire to devote herself to God, and that now she had decided to join the church to which Letitia belonged. She had sent for her, to request she would take her to a class-meeting. I need not say with what delight the request was complied with. This was the commencement of a dear and lasting friendship, the two frequently uniting their prayers together at a throne of grace, travelling together the road to heaven, bearing each other's burdens, and sharing each other's joys.

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"Letitia had many severe trials. She had to pass through the furnace of affliction, in losing by death her nearest and dearest friends; but her religion was her support in every time of trial. She was enabled to say, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.' This young servant of Christ was called to receive her reward at the early age of twenty-five. Short as her life was, she had not lived in vain. She had improved her one talent, and it was said unto her, Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'

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Young reader, tread softly as you pass the grave of Letitia. She sleeps in death; but the impress of her example remains. Imitate her virtues, follow her footsteps; and that which was her joy in life, and her support in death, will be also yours."

It was shortly after the period to which the writer refers in the foregoing narrative, that she sought for and obtained the "pearl of great price," a knowledge of acceptance, through Christ, with her God. This assurance was conveyed by the still, small voice of mercy. It came upon her mind whilst in her room in private prayer, like the dew upon Mount Hermon, influencing and pervading her whole nature, making her a new creature in Christ Jesus. This change, though gentle, was both marked and influential. The glad news was at once communicated to her mother, and they rejoiced

together over that glorious translation from "darkness to marvellous light.' She never lost her sense of her acceptance; and its effect upon her was beautifully seen in all the relations of life. For about six years she was a most exemplary and conscientious Teacher in our Sabbathschool. Having given herself to God, she felt that her life was to be one of consecration; and, so far as she had opportunity, she acted up to that conviction. And in dying moments, though called upon to pass through deep waters, she was enabled to gasp, "Bless the Lord, Q my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

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As a daughter, she was a model for others. Even before her conversion, her mind was so sensitive, and her attachment to her parents so intense, that a look or a word was enough at any moment to correct her juvenile faults. About the age of twenty-four she entered upon married life. It was a union of affection, which from the beginning assumed a religious character; and it continued undisturbed either by distrust or indifference, until broken by the hand of death. She discharged her duties unobtrusively, but faithfully, beloved by her own family, and respected by all who knew her, Called to preside over a numerous household, surrounded by stirring scenes of active business, to which she had before been unaccustomed, she met with trials, Nevertheless, all her duties were undertaken with that cheerfulness which makes labour light, and gives a grace to the domestic character. These duties were rendered more than usually arduous, by the arrival from England of her husband's aged parents, and some other members of his family, all of whom were personally unknown to her; but all were at once most cheerfully received into the circle over which she presided, every arrangement being made for their comfort.

She ruled her household with discretion and scrupulous fidelity. Her conduct toward her domestics was indulgent and considerate. That they might attend some place of worship, at least once on the Sabbath-day, she cheerfully remained at home. The time, however, was not lost, but devoted to the instruction of her children. Subjects were explained and impressed upon their tender minds, as none but a mother could do. May the seed sown produce an abundant harvest !

She conscientiously attended the means of grace, and was not a forgetful hearer. Her class-meetings she highly valued, as

It is hardly needful to explain, that this school-fellow was Mrs. Shepperson herself,

also the privilege of compassing the family-altar every morning and evening. The language of kindness was ever upon her lips, and the law of kindness was written upon her heart. Sincere in her attachments, she listened to no uncertain rumours or uncharitable aspersions respecting friends. Not forward in making acquaintance, nor hasty in forming an opinion, she always looked on the hopeful side, and hence was charitable and liberal in her conclusions. Her husband

ever found in her a wise and faithful counsellor, both able and willing to comfort and encourage, in all times of perplexity and difficulty.

She was conscientious in the observance of private prayer; always endeavouring to act, think, and move as in the sight of God. She spoke not unadvisedly with her lips. The testimony borne by her husband is, "I never heard her make use of an irreverent expression: her conversation was habitually serious and sensible. Possessing a great fund of knowledge from extensive reading and careful observation, she endeavoured to make it subservient to her religious feelings, and delighted to think, and often spoke, of the wisdom and munificence of Jehovah. While grateful for the blessings of Providence, she manifested great care that the world should not gain the affection of her heart. She frequently exhorted me, with irresistible eloquence, not to be too anxious, but to be satisfied with having performed what our circumstances and duty required, and leave the rest to God."

She was an humble Christian, often acknowledging her great unworthiness and manifold shortcomings; endeavouring, however, at all times, to carry about with her "a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward man." Her mind was habitually spiritual, so that it required no effort to realize those feelings which ruled in a loving Mary's heart. No preface was necessary to bring up religious conversation: an allusion seemed at once to stir up the inward principle afresh; and her expressed sentiments were those of " truth and soberness."

She did not enjoy uninterrupted health during her last two years; and the sudden death of her only and most tenderly loved sister caused a shock from which she never recovered. Premonitory symptoms of an affection of the heart had already shown themselves, and these were now greatly increased. This at first depressed her mind: she spoke of leaving her family, just at that period which she had fondly anticipated as the commencement of a new life, comparatively freed

from earthly care, and gladdened by the sight of her children growing up around her. Yet she complained not of the sternness of the Divine decree, which should thus separate her from her family, her friends, and her pleasant home; but gave utterance to words of submission and grateful love.

From the commencement of her last illness, she resigned her children and her all into the hands of God, in the exercise of strong faith in His providence. No anxiety was manifested for the future. The world was dismissed from her mind. About ten days before her death she was subjected to severe suffering for about six hours. She believed it was the messenger of death. But she retained her perfect consciousness, affectionately bidding all farewell, uttering, as she could gasp, a sentence or charge to each. She then calmly resigned her spirit into the hands of God. It pleased Him, however, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, not to take her to Himself at that time, but to spare her for further testimony to His glory; and, as the sun darted his bright rays over the eastern hill, she lifted up her languid eyes, and remarked, "I did not expect to see another morning." "She requested me," says her husband, "early on that day, to write to our Ministers, and desire their prayers, and those of the church: Not,' she added, that my life may be spared, but that it may please God, if consistent with His will, to spare me from a recurrence of the dreadful pain I have lately suffered.""

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From this time she appeared to dwell on the confines of eternity, and was permitted to experience many wearisome days and nights, not complaining, but resigned, and waiting for release. intervals she was blessing and praising God, several times exclaiming aloud, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.'

Her faith, apparently, never wavered. She humbly confessed her unworthiness, but appropriated the merit of the great atonement. Once she remarked to her husband, "I find my mind getting very weak, and I sometimes fear my faith will fail me." This fear, however, was not suffered to continue. The words being repeated,

"Jesu, Thy blood and righteousness

My beauty are, my glorious dress,"she lifted her hands, and finished the sentence, exclaiming with animation,

"'Midst flaming worlds, in these array'd,
With joy shall I lift up my head."

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THE mortality of the last few years in the Banbury Circuit has been considerable; and among the number fallen are several chiefs. Soon after the demise of the philanthropic Mr. George Watson, a sketch of whose career has been communicated, Mr. John Walshaw was beckoned hence. This event was followed by the departure of Mr. Harry Drury. Before his remains were committed to the grave, melancholy intelligence was communicated of the sudden death of Mr. John Webb. And now we have to mourn the loss of the generous and simple-hearted Mrs. Elizabeth Baker. So much worth should not be permitted to sink into oblivion; and therefore the following concise sketches are presented.

MR. JOHN WALSHAW was born at. Pontefract in 1805. His parents being Wesleyan Methodists, he had advantages of religious association and influence, which he improved in a deportment uniformly exemplary. From his early days his habits were studious, insomuch that health thereby became impaired, and at one time life itself seemed precarious. During apprenticeship he was savingly converted, and hesitated not to avow his obligations to Divine mercy, notwithstanding consequent exposure to petty persecutions. He derived succour, upon occasion, from his favourite pocketcompanion, a copy of Wesley's New Testament, and willingly braved derision for the Gospel's sake. This volume is still in existence, and the colour of its leaves bears ample testimony to the constancy with which they were perused. While yet a stripling, he entered upon the glorious work, in which he ever delighted, that of preaching the everlasting Gospel. Too careful a student, and too intimately conversant with Christian experience, to be an indifferent Preacher, he succeeded in pulpit exercises. From his native town he removed to the metropolis; and, during his residence there, in the First Circuit, was appointed Class-Leader. In 1828 he

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came to Banbury; and here-besides proclaiming the Gospel, and conducting a class-he several times honourably sustained the office of Circuit-Steward. attachment to Methodism was profound, resulting from a careful investigation of its merits; and in all his engagements he was characterized by punctuality and precision. When seized with his final illness, he said to his wife, "I have been closely examining myself during the night, and I find myself upon the Rock." As disease advanced, his references were frequent to the goodness of God, and the preciousness of His promises. Once he exclaimed," Satan is a liar: he told me the waves of Jordan would run high; but Jesus is with me." At another time he said with emphasis, "The sting of death is gone.' With a complete confidence in the fulness of Christ, this worthy man " languished into life" on the 15th of May, 1856.-The following extract from the Minutes of the Local Preachers' Meetings will show the estimation in which his brethren held him:

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"After a connexion with this Meeting of twenty-eight years, Brother John Walshaw has slept in Jesus. He was a Christian of high, uniform, and steady principle; a man of extensive reading and information; and a Preacher of sterling excellence. His final illness was eminently sanctified to his spiritual profit; and his end was that of the righteous, emphatically peace."

MR. HARRY DRURY was born at Banbury, December 10th, 1820. When about seven years of age, his parents dying, he was removed to London to receive his education, and subsequently found employment there in a mercantile house. At this period he experienced the benefit of Christian correspondence, a letter from his brother producing lively religious convictions. Influenced by these, he attended the ministry of Mr. Champneys, and became a Teacher in the school connected with his church. Returning to Banbury, he continued his relations to the Establishment; but the withering formalism of a Tractarian ministry induced him to meditate a retreat into the world. Happily, at this juncture, he was invited to a Methodist cottage prayer-meeting, repeated his visits, earnestly sought mercy through the merits of Christ, and learned to rejoice in the liberty of the Gospel. He now identified himself with Methodism, transferred his services to the Wesleyan Sunday-school, and here, by the urbanity and cheerfulness of his disposition, coupled with zeal

for their immortal well-being, endeared himself to his youthful charge. The formation of a school in the neighbourhood introduced him to the office of Superintendent, in which he cultivated his abilities for speaking. Being in a village-chapel on an occasion when the pulpit was vacant, he consented to occupy it, and conducted service with such effect that he was recommended to the Local Preachers' Meeting, and formally commissioned to preach. Subsequently he was appointed Class-Leader, and collected a numerous band of members, in whose warm affections he lived. In 1849 he recorded the dates of his several official designations, and concluded with the following characteristic expressions :"Praise the Lord, I still love my Saviour, and long to devote soul and body to His glory." During his last affliction lucid intervals were few and brief. In one of these he said, "The Gospel I recommended I feel in my own heart." At another time, "What a mercy I am saved, while multitudes are lost! Had I not been saved, I could not seek salvation now." He breathed his last on the 25th of August, 1857, aged thirty-seven. The following is the entry concerning him in the Local Preachers' Minutes:" Brother Harry Drury, who had honourable connexion with this Meeting for the space of about ten years, has exchanged worlds. His natural disposition was genial; which, sanctified by the grace of true religion, rendered him eminently amiable. His gifts, as a Preacher of the everlasting Gospel, were highly estimable; and in him this Meeting feels it sustains a serious loss.'

MR. JOHN WEBB was born at Banbury, December 29th, 1804. In the susceptible season of youth, he was brought into association with members of the Society of Friends, from whose kindness he derived valuable instruction in Divine things. This circumstance, to which he ever referred with devout gratitude, gave a moral tone to his character, and he was restrained from presumptuous sins. But it appears not that he realized the saving renovation of his nature, until, in the course of Divine Providence, he attended the Methodist ministry. From frequent enthusiastic allusions to a discourse of the immortal Newton, it would seem that was the occasion of his introduction into Gospel liberty. His disposition was peculiarly modest: he seldom spoke of himself, but was careful that his life should eloquently proclaim his devotion to his Lord. As a Sunday-school

official, he was remarkably punctual and affectionate; as a Class-Leader, exemplary; and as a Society-Steward, most exact and methodical. Whatever he esteemed requirements of duty he cheerfully and steadily prosecuted. His equable deportment marked him as one ready to depart at his Master's instant summons; and accordingly he was suddenly beckoned hence. To the last day of his life he fulfilled the duties of his occupation; even slept comfortably until about one o'clock the following morning. But from that hour he became restless, until about five, when he expressed himself as very faint. His family became alarmed. Several times his wife earnestly asked if he trusted in Jesus; and she had the satisfaction, in every instance, to obtain in answer an emphatic "Yes." ceiving his daughter by his side, overwhelmed with emotion, he turned, and, as though her sympathy detained his spirit, affectionately said, "Let my life go.' These were his final utterances : in a few moments all was still. Thus unreluctantly this estimable man yielded up the ghost, August 29th, 1857, in the fifty-third year of his age, leaving behind him the enviable reputation of a Christian irreproachable.

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MRS. ELIZABETH BAKER was born at Banbury, of parents ignorant of vital religion. While yet in tender years, however, her mother began to take her aside, to supplicate the Divine blessing upon her. The child " could not imagine how her mother became so good all at once;" but the secret was, she had realized the conversion of her soul. Elizabeth removed to the residence of an aunt, with whom she attended the National Church, and there oftentimes felt her need of some radical moral change. She married about the age of nineteen, became a mother, and was soon deprived of two fondly-cherished children by the ruthless hand of death. This event the parents interpreted as a visitation of Divine anger for their sins; and they forthwith purchased a Prayer-Book, by the aid of which they purposed to ask for mercy. About that period, the year 1820,

memorable in Banbury as the period of a gracious revival, they were invited to the Wesleyan chapel. Sunday-trading, in which they had extensively indulged, was immediately abandoned, though they had frequently taken from £20 to £30 on a Lord's-day morning; and both became enrolled members of Society. From this time Mrs. Baker sought reconciliation with God; but, until the occasion of a

serious illness, she had no consciousness of acceptance. Her confidence in Christ now became implicit, her happiness ecstatic, and her tongue fluent and earnest in beseeching all who approached to seek like precious faith. From this illness her medical attendants despaired of her recovery she herself thought she saw a convoy of angels awaiting her spirit's exit, to conduct it to the realms of light. But earnest prayer for her restoration was made; upon which, to the astonishment of those around her, she exclaimed, "There now, I shall recover: the angels are gone." Her words were verified. Her added days she devoted to her heavenly Lord. Spare moments in the intervals of worship were consecrated to the poor, the sick, and the outcasts; and oftentimes, with a generous cheerfulness, did she rise at midnight to minister to the destitute in calamity. The confidence in God she had maintained through a long course of heavy domestic anxieties, afflictions, and bereavements, was finally tested by an illness in which her nervous system was affectingly disorganized. A few days before she died, her family, never having known her to sing, were surprised to hear her pour forth in clear, musical strains,

"Jesus, the Name high over all,

In hell, or earth, or sky!
Angels and men before it fall,
And devils fear and fly."

She literally slept in Jesus, October 27th, 1857, in the sixty-sixth year of her age. A more transparently simple-hearted and sincere Christian was seldom seen.

When so many saints exchange worlds, affection urges on survivers such questions of more than curious interest as the following :

1. Is personal recognition enjoyed by disembodied spirits?

Dismal would be the apprehension, that to us relatives or friends departed exist no more. What a damp to friendship would it be to regard our associates as ephemera, which, as far as we are concerned, perish in death! The light thrown upon the separate state by the torch of revelation is sufficient to dissipate such forebodings. Jacob evidently depended upon finding, and so recognising, the spirit of Joseph in that state, when he said, "I shall go down to my son into sheol mourning." (Gen. xxxvii. 35.) He could not have anticipated finding his son's body in the grave, since he

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supposed it devoured by wild beasts. The expression, "gathered unto his people," of frequent occurrence in the more ancient portions of Scripture, teaches the mutual recognition of disembodied souls. After Moses is directed to ascend the sides of Nebo, and thence to survey the land of promise, the word of the Lord proceeds: "And die in the mount whither thou goest up, and be gathered unto thy people; as Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people." (Deut. xxxii. 50.) Neither of these worthies had interment in any family-vault; and if their " gathering designates the congregation of souls, the emphases, "thy people," and "his people," must import personal identification. Confidence in this was obviously the spring of David's comfort after the decease of his child, when he said, "I cannot bring him back again: he shall not return to me, but I shall go to him." (2 Sam. xii. 23.) And is not this doctrine explicitly taught by our Lord in the following passage?" Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke xvi. 9.) Here we are certified that saints to whom we have ministered, conducted to paradise before us, will welcome us as their former benefactors. Thus to welcome, they must identify.*

2. But by what means do they recognise one another, being destitute of corporeal senses ?

The answer to this question is, By those faculties to which the Holy Ghost now imparts "all spiritual revelation in the knowledge of Christ." The ungodly, asleep in sin, are unconscious of their existence eyes have they, but they see not; ears, but they hear not; and a heart, but insusceptible. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." But the "senses" of the spiritual man are "exercised to discern good and evil." By means of these, it would seem, Peter, James, and John knew Moses and Elias in the glory of the transfiguration. The record informs us not that they were verbally instructed: if not, they must have distinguished the heavenly visitants by spiritual illumination. This example is apposite, as the whole scene anticipated the world to come. Paul seems to have doubted, when carried into the third heaven, and into paradise, (for he uses both terms,)

* Compare, also, Matt. viii. 11; 1 Thess. ii. 19.-EDITORS.

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