Contributions in aid of the Society will be thankfully received by Thomas Wilson, Esq., Treasurer, and Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary, at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, London; by G. Yule, Esq.. Broughton Hall, Edinburgh; J. Risk, Esq., Cochran-street, Glasgow; and by Rev. John Hands, Society House, 7, Lower Abbey-street, Dublin.

THE

EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE,

AND

MISSIONARY CHRONICLE.

FOR JUNE, 1843.

MEMOIR

OF

THE LATE REV. THOMAS JACKSON,
OF STOCKWELL, SURREY.

THE Rev. Thomas Jackson had been
upwards of forty-three years minister
of the Congregational church at Stock-
well, in Surrey, when he rested from his
labours, and entered his rest, during
the night of Saturday, the 18th of
March, 1843. For several days pre-
viously, he had suffered from cold, and
complained of fatigue in discharging
accustomed duties, but there was no
admonitory symptoms of his approach-
ing end. On the Thursday before his
death he preached in the evening, and
attended to pastoral engagements on
the following day. On Saturday he
prepared to preach on the Sabbath, and
spent the evening with his family, with
composure and cheerfulness.

At an earlier hour than usual he retired to rest, in hope of being relieved by sleep from the cold that oppressed him; but the short slumber which followed was not the refreshment of his spirit for renewed toil; it was the precursor of dissolution. Suddenly awaking, he called for attendance, and twice said, when it was immediately given, "I am dying," and

VOL. XXI.

desired that a medical man might be sent for. He was breathing with difficulty, and strong convulsive movement showed how much he endured; but his mind was conscious and calm. In a very few minutes two medical gentlemen were with him, and every means had recourse to for saving the life which was fast ebbing away; but nothing gave relief, and his spirit fled.

To the medical men only was it evident that he had expired, and it was long before the astounded family would believe their repeated statement. His own assurance that he was departing, was not enough to persuade them he was gone, and though a smile was on his brow, that spoke the presence of his soul with the redeemed, and the impress of a spirit filled with glory on the mortal frame, they thought he slept; but when assured he would live no more on earth, it consoled them that his was the serenity of heaven, and that they are blessed" who "die

in the Lord."

No treasure of last words is laid up, nor, in the departure of this believer,

2 A