debility; but, having partially recovered strength, she ventured to go to the adjoining house, and by so doing took cold. Shortly after, she was confined to her room, and for eight weeks she suffered greatly. Her youngest son, Mr. W. Eggleston, was also then ill; and on the 12th of December he died in peace, aged forty. But in the midst of affliction, and loss of the nearest relatives, her mind was kept in great peace. A short time before her dissolution she requested one of her daughters to write to her old friend Mrs. Roadhouse, and inform her "how very happy" she was. In her last days she repeated, among others, the following verses :

"No condemnation now I dread," &c.; "Which of the glories brightest shone, The justice or the grace;" -exclaimed, "Grace! grace!

"None is like Jeshurun's God," &c.

And, with joyful anticipation, she added, "I shall soon be where the inhabitants no more say, I am sick.'" On December 25th, 1852, God took her happy spirit to join her kindred, and all the blood-washed multitude, in paradise. JOHN ROADHOUSE.

THE late MR. JAMES BROADBENT was born at Sowerby-Bridge, Yorkshire, May 15th, 1800.-In the autumn of 1813, he, and his only surviving brother, now the Rev. Samuel Broadbent, were alone in their father's house at Greetland, when his brother took occasion to read to him an account of the death of Haliburton, to which he listened very attentively. When he had finished, he said, "Well, James, would you not like to die as this good man did?" He replied, "Yes, I should." His brother added, "Then you know that you must live as he did." He gave no further reply, but, after a pause, rose, went to a small drawer which he called his, took out several playthings, and put them into the fire. His brother did not interfere, but observed, "I hope you will not repent of what you have done." He made no reply, but the next evening went to his father's class-meeting, and not long after gave clear evidence of having obtained "the righteousness of faith."

The circumstance just named, some would say, was quite insignificant; but it was fraught with results the most momentous. It exhibited decision of character. Though but a boy, he made the sacrifices which he deemed necessary, and yielded a prompt surrender of all he

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valued to the claims of religion. The sequel will prove that it was not a fit of temporary impulse and excitement, but a deliberate conclusion to which he was led as he reflected upon the scene of Christian triumph of which he had just been hearing. Forty-four following years demonstrated that a spiritual change had been wrought in him by the renewing Spirit of God. At a very early age he engaged in social supplication with equal simplicity and fervour of spirit; and these humble and comparatively private efforts to be useful led to more public exercises. At eighteen, he began to call sinners to repentance; and at nineteen he was appointed a Class-Leader. both these offices he was eminently useful. In preaching Christ and Him crucified, he was actuated by the purest and highest motives. Two or three brethren, who began to preach at the same time, speak in glowing terms of his self-denial, zeal, and usefulness. When he was a young man, a general and deep conviction prevailed that he would soon follow his brother as a Missionary; but, on account of business-engagements, and the wishes of a newly-widowed mother, he declined. Whether he acted according to the Divine will in this case, has frequently been doubted by some of his friends and relatives.

At seasons, while engaged as a Local Preacher, he was remarkably owned of God in the conversion of sinners from the error of their ways, and in the spiritual power and unction which attended his word. During the latter part of his life, especially, his discourses were characterized by much evangelical simplicity and purity, and were calculated to instruct and comfort both the young and the experienced Christian. His great aim and desire were to set forth the meaning of the Holy Ghost in the passages which he selected. His addresses were always sound and practical; his labours, everywhere valued and acceptable. He was highly conscientious in attention to appointments. Except when temporary affliction prevented him, for thirty-eight years he continued to preach "the death by which we live." The Sunday before his illness began witnessed his "calmly fervent zeal," his unwearied devotion to duty, and the close of his self-denying public labours. He that day supplied the Hawkshaw-Lane pulpit for afflicted brother, and selected a theme on which he had delighted to dwell: "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." (Acts viii. 5.) The evening text, on which he

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founded his last sermon, was, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James v. 16.)

His labours in another department he commenced by forming a new class; and in nine months there were thirty-five members recorded in it, many of whom have preceded their first Leader to heaven. For the discharge of this office he was peculiarly gifted. His matured experience, mellowed piety, extensive observation, quick discrimination, cheerful and affectionate disposition, and intimate knowledge of the word of God, were qualifications above all price. He felt a deep and absorbing interest in the temporal and spiritual happiness of all the members committed to his care, and watched over them as one that must give an account, that he might do it with joy, and not with grief.

Before removing to Lancashire, he resided for several years at HebdenBridge, being engaged in a large cottonmill as manager. During this period he applied to the owners and principals, who were pious and useful Methodists, for permission to have family-worship in the mill with the hands." They kindly granted ten minutes each day, and the people denied themselves of ten minutes also from their meal-time; twenty minutes being thus allotted each day for this hallowed duty. The blessed result of such means was a great amount of spiritual good; and eternity alone will reveal how many were convinced of their sinfulness, and led to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

More than twenty-one years since, Mr. Broadbent removed from Yorkshire to the Bolton Circuit; and more than eleven years have elapsed since he became a resident in the town. For a series of years he was the Relieving Visiter of the Bolton Benevolent Society; and in the cause of the afflicted poor he felt uncommon solicitude and sympathy. After those visits of mercy he returned home with his mind and heart deeply affected; but he had frequently made the widow's heart to dance for joy, and received blessings of those who were ready to perish.

In the domestic circle he was the centre of constant pleasantness and instruction. Naturally disposed to be cheerful, he led conversations which were invariably edifying also. He was marked by a benign, forbearing, and happy spirit. Having read extensively, he had a stock of general and useful information, from which he brought things new and old. He was a true and steadfast friend; and

those who knew him best loved him most. Throughout life his conduct was irreproachable.

He had several hair-breadth escapes from death during his chequered course; but the time at length arrived that he must gather up his feet and die. His last affliction was short, of only seven days' duration. Its nature required the utmost stillness: hence he was desired not to speak more than was necessary. "I have no doubt," he said, "as to my spiritual state; and yet I have not great consolation." With regard to the prayers offered for him by Ministers and others, he remarked, "I never before so fully understood the meaning of that text, Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him."" His wife said, "You have been God's servant, and He will not now leave you." "O, dear, no," he replied: "I have had strong confidence for many years.' On Tuesday, March 4th, 1856, a friend observed to him, "You now enjoy those blessings of the Gospel which you have preached to others.' He promptly answered, "O, yes!" and wished her to read to him John xvii. As she finished it, he gratefully said, "Those are sterling truths." In the evening she remarked, "You find Christ precious to you now?" "O, yes!" was the quick answer: "He is precious to them that believe in Him." The Rev. Thomas H. Squance administered to him and his family the memorials of the Lord's death. He entered into the service with great delight, and joyfully declared, "Jesus is an allsufficient Saviour." This proved to all present, and particularly to him, a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. At midnight, his eldest son, the Rev. John Broadbent, whom he had been earnestly desiring to see, arrived at home. The meeting was very affecting. The sufferer expressed his great joy, and afterwards told him to meet him in heaven, and to bring a great number with him from his present Circuit. On Wednesday morning, at four, he became considerably worse; and, though he slept at intervals, his strength henceforth rapidly declined. At half-past ten his son remarked, "Father, you are resting on the Rock, Christ Jesus." In his own peculiar phrase, he replied, "Sure, I am." In the course of the morning, the Rev. Michael Johnson and several other friends prayed with him, while he fervently responded. About eleven he was engaged in earnest prayer, and was heard saying, "May the Lord give me

ened days, she resumed with gladness her attendance at His house, her communion with His people, and the duties of her class. But health was only partially restored, and for a limited period. In the beginning of 1855 it became alarmingly apparent that the disease which had cost her so much pain was not eradicated, but still insidiously spreading. A like treatment was again recommended; and for the sake of her family she acquiesced. She said, moreover, that the Lord had assured her she should be able to bear it, and expressed an humble desire to suffer all His righteous will. A week before the second crisis, when in her class, and while especial prayer was made on her behalf, she realized the superabounding consolations of the Holy Ghost, and was filled with ecstatic joy, which continued without intermission, and with little abatement, till the trial was past. To her brother she declared her belief that God would enable her to survive it: “but, if not,” she exclaimed, in the fulness of rejoicing hope, “I know I shall go straight to glory." Her confidence was not a mistaken one. She was wondrously supported through the ordeal, and began to recover in some degree. But this was for a shorter period than before. In a few months it was but too plainly evident that her days were numbered. Death, the last enemy, must now be encountered. She therefore began to set her house in order. From the commencement of the year 1856, to the close of her life, her sufferings were indescribably severe; but she possessed her soul in patience. Her language still was, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits!" She often said she never thought herself "hardly dealt with," though the enemy assailed her with temptations to that effect. Her general state of mind, while confined to bed, and in agonies of pain, will be ascertained from her own frequent expressions: "I am happy: I rest my all on Jesus: I cannot doubt His goodness, though I have been an unprofitable servant. I should like to suffer with patience all my heavenly Father's will; for soon this weak body will be at rest." Ten days before her death her husband was severely injured by a fall, which confined him long to his bed. As he was being conveyed to his home, she was informed of the accident; when, with a faith which appeared to rise as her trials multiplied, she exclaimed, "Another storm! But God hath promised, As thy day is, so shall thy strength be;' and He will fulfil His promise." She

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frequently spoke of her approaching decease with perfect calmness. It was an event to which she had long looked forward without dismay; and its close proximity had no sting for her resigned and happy spirit. Upon her children she urged the necessity of giving themselves at once to God, and preparing for another world; while she warmly expressed her gratitude that she herself had been called in youth to walk in wisdom's way. A few days before her death her speech began to fail, and it was with difficulty she could articulate. a kind friend, who gave her a little water, she said, "I shall soon drink it fresh from the fountain." Her last words, to her husband, were, " I am happy." She entered into rest April 28th, 1856, in the sixty-first year of her age. By faith we follow her flight till she joins "a great multitude;" and we ask, "Who are these which are arrayed in white robes ? and whence came they?" "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away."

JOSEPH HIRST.

JOHN MAYSON, the eldest child of William and Catherine Mayson, was born February 21st, 1800, at Macclesfield, Cheshire; in which county his family, though of an old Shropshire stock, have long resided. He received an elementary education in his native town; but, owing to the feeble health of his father, he was removed from school at an early age, and placed in almost paternal relationship; the duties of which he well discharged, in behalf of a numerous family of brothers and sisters. He was from infancy influenced by the example and counsels of his pious mother; who survives to mourn the loss of her firstborn, and to tell how soon were seen in his dutiful behaviour that prudent foresight, that industry, that zeal for others' good, that reliance on his own efforts, (subordinate only to a sense of dependence on the Divine will for success,) those deeds of almost unconscious generosity, and habits of just economy, which became so characteristic of his later days.

After his experience of the blessings of the new birth, (and some time before his marriage with one whom he had been graciously led to choose for the partner of

his earthly joys and sorrows, his fellowpilgrim to heaven,) he took an active part in Sunday-schools, and was known in Salford for his able advocacy of Missionary enterprise. Even then, wearied as he was with the day's toil, did he often devote his leisure evenings to the promotion of benevolent and religious objects.

Knowledge, carefully acquired in the course of his daily duties, he did not preserve for his own use merely; but he consecrated it for the benefit of those who sought his advice, or those in whose welfare he felt interested. Neither of these classes was easily numbered. Many who may read these lines will own, with grateful tears, that to him whom they now mourn they owe, under God, their success in life. Nor did he withhold more public services, which he was often called to render in aid of the church of Christ and of good government, or in defence of his country's best institutions. Glorying in his British birthright, and a firm believer that England owes her high position among the nations to the purity of her professed religious faith, and the influence of her religious associations, he was always ready to repel any attack, from within or from without, on our beloved Protestantism. It may be fairly said that his speeches on the platform, in the chamber of the city Council, and elsewhere, were distinguished by simplicity of style, justness of conception, and liberality of sentiment, as well as by a manner at once serious and persuasive. Talents thus employed brought their exercise into much request; and, among many instances of the estimation in which he was held, it may be mentioned that in 1851 he was importuned by an influential portion of his fellow-citizens to accept the mayoralty of Manchester. This gratifying proffer, however, and other honours, were met by a respectful refusal on his part.

For several years, indeed, preceding the date just named, it had been evident that his robustness was diminishing; and now symptoms of failing strength (first faintly traced when, in 1849, he mourned the loss of a dearly-loved brother, Mr. William Ashburne Mayson) were sadly and too surely developed. Shortly afterwards he gave up public work, excepting the discharge of magisterial functions, and the prosecution of his business. From these engagements, also, he was obliged erelong to retire. The necessity of doing so was no small trial. He sought, however, and obtained, the gift of patience in that retirement to which a mysterious but merciful providence had directed his

steps. And now he studied, more intimately than ever, the interests of those who were nearer and dearer to him than all others; while they, with deepest fondness, treasured each word, so wise, so tender, that fell from his lips.

During the continuance of complicated disease, terminated but by his lamented decease, his sufferings were severe; and his medical attendants held out little hope of relief from them. Yet he refrained from manifesting much pain, and retained his habits of method and order: nor, so far as his feebleness would permit, did he neglect any known duty. It was obvious to Ministers and friends who saw him in the near prospect of eternity, that, to the last, his mind was maturing in holiness, and that he was prepared for the great change.

The above is no mere panegyric. It is an imperfect and inadequate portraiture of one who has left no written record of what he saw, and said, and did; but whose every feature is engraved, in enduring lines, on the hearts of those whom he loved with exceeding affection. Our desire, our humble confidence, is, that we may meet him again, and for ever, in that happiest home where, with all God's children, we shall share the promised inheritance, "incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.

J. S. MAYSON.

DIED, March 17th, 1856, at St. Giles, near Torrington, in the Bideford Circuit, MRS. CHARLOTTE BRINS MEAD, aged thirty. From early life she was the subject of religious impressions, and her attendance on the ministry of the word was marked by regularity and thoughtful seriousness. Frequently, while listening to powerful appeals from the pulpit, she was observed to shed tears. Next to her Bible, the truths of which she diligently studied, and carefully pondered in her heart, the Wesleyan Hymn-Book was her favourite companion, and she stored her memory well with its treasures. But, though thoughtful and conscientious in her deportment, and deeply impressed with the value of true religion, it was not until about six months before her death that she realized, to their full extent, the glorious consolations arising from the direct witness of the Holy Spirit to her adoption. Her house had been opened to receive the messengers of Divine truth; her liberality to the poor caused her name to be fragrant; and her attendance on all the means of grace was exem