wrote to me, requesting me to preach on this Anniversary occasion, and to speak, I wrote him back promptly and firmly that I would do nothing of the kind. Whereupon, in the course of a post, I received a letter from your Secretary, enclosing an unfortunate letter from myself, which was dated some two or three years back, which I had entirely and most happily forgotten, and whereby I bound myself, if in the body, in the year 1858 to do what I have now been doing in London. Of course, so long as I had the ability, or any measure of it, I had no notion of being classed amongst those who do not honour their own bills; and therefore I agreed to come up to London, on the condition that I should either be required to preach one sermon and make a speech, or preach two sermons and make no speech at all. I began to think as I sat here-Some people in this Meeting will wonder why I am here at all if I do not speak, and will begin to doubt whether my heart beats as warmly to the Wesleyan Missionary cause as it formerly did. The last thing in the world I should wish would be, that any human being should fancy that I was ungrateful for the noble services which the Wesleyan body rendered us in Scotland when our back was at the wall; or that I could cease to regard with the deepest admiration and interest, wonder and gratitude, the noble efforts you are making in the cause of our common Master, which I rejoice in as much as if they had been made by the Church to which I have the honour to belong. My Lord, it is fourteen years since I appeared on this platform, and eight since you appeared here. I rejoice to see the progress you have made. I rejoice to see the growth of your funds. I rejoice to see that in that increase you are giving evidence of a living and noble faith, and that you are not only maintaining yourselves, but that you are casting your seed abroad over the whole face of the earth, and that flourishing and

thriving churches are rising up in all parts of the world under God's blessing and your exertions. I have listened to the speeches, which have been delivered this day, with the greatest pleasure. I rejoice to see such a noble assembly here present. There is only one thing by which that pleasure is abated. I miss

the presence of one of the best, one of the greatest, men that it was ever my honour, privilege, and delight to know. I thank God that that man is yet on this earth, and that, though he is not able to speak for this cause, he is still able to pray for its success. I had the privilege and pleasure of spending a short time with Dr. Bunting yesterday, and I shall not soon forget our interview. We united together in prayer at the throne of grace. I commend him to the prayers of all this assembly. Let your prayers be ever offered up for him, that God would yet spare him for his church and country; and that whenever the hour of his departure comes, the brilliant star which has set in this world may rise in a far better one. Since Thomas Chalmers left this world,-I speak my own sentiments and my own feelings when I say, that he has left Dr Bunting to be, in my estimation, one of the greatest and best men on the earth. May God bless this Society! I have only to say,-for, as I have told you, I did not intend to speak at all, after the services I have gone through,-I have only to say, in the words of an Indian savage, addressed to his own tribe, but which may be equally addressed to another tribe of the great human family,-" May your council-fire never be extinguished, and your sky ever be without a cloud."

The Noble CHAIRMAN then put the Resolution, which was carried unanimously.

(To be concluded.)

THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £7,028. 4s. 2d.

MR. CHARLES HOLLAND, late of Bilston, Staffordshire, was born in the year 1785, and was trained in the practice of attending the Established Church with his parents. When about twentytwo years of age, he began to attend the preaching at the Methodist chapel, and

joined the Society. In taking this decisive step, and determining to enter upon a religious course, he was greatly influenced by the Christian character and conduct of the late Mrs. Brooke, (mother of the Rev. James Brooke,) a most saintly woman, and one whose eminent

At

piety and zeal largely contributed to the increase and prosperity of the Wesleyan cause in Bilston for many years. this period she was one of three Leaders whose classes comprised the whole of a Society which has since become both numerous and important. This excellent lady kindly invited Mr. Holland to attend the Wesleyan chapel. He did so, and became concerned about his soul's salvation. After this, as she was a near and friendly neighbour, she frequently embraced opportunities of giving him a kind word, which greatly encouraged him in braving the ridicule to which he had subjected himself by making a profession of religion, and by joining a Society whose members were then exposed to no small obloquy.

In becoming a Methodist, he met with great opposition from his father. This, however, was at length so far overcome, that the father was induced to accompany the son to the chapel: and thankful indeed was he, on his dying bed, for the piety and prayers of a son whom he had opposed and persecuted.

Of the inward change which Mr. Holland experienced at his entrance upon the Christian life, he had no doubt; and his conduct furnished to others evidence the most decisive that he was "born from above." He had bowed before God in the character of a true penitent; he had trusted in the atoning death of Christ; he had obtained forgiveness, and experienced the renewing power of the Holy Ghost; he had received the witness, and he exhibited the fruits, of the Spirit. His religious character was greatly influenced by the order and habit of his mind, which was in an eminent degree inquiring and thoughtful. He wished, as far as possible, to understand the causes of things; and his reading was of a superior kind, as well as somewhat extensive, for a man of business. He was accustomed to think closely on the subjects of his reading, and was also a careful observer of men and things, of the works and ways of God, of the tendencies and results of events. He seemed to have taken as his ruling maxim the words of the Psalmist : "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even he shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord."

It is hardly necessary to say, that he was considered intelligent; but it may he proper to add, that he was calm and cautious in the formation of his opinions, as well as in the selection of acquaintances and friends. In entering upon any new undertaking, he was wary; in pursuing a course which he had chosen,

constant. He required first to be satisfied that the foundation was firm; and then he was not afraid to build the superstructure.

A very prominent feature was his conscientiousness. He was exact and scru

His regard for

pulous, almost to a fault. what was just, and his aversion from what was otherwise, were strong. In some instances this may have led him to indulge needless doubts and unfounded prejudices. Nor was his regard for truth less remarkable than his love of equity; and although he was really kind, and always glad to please and serve others, yet, when truth or right was concerned, he would not suffer feeling, or friendship, or interest to move him. He had read with care, and marked in his Bible, the following words: "Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."

In noting the most distinguishable acts and habits of Mr. Holland's Christian life, it may be remarked that he was a man of prayer. He knew that prayer was necessary to the maintenance and increase of his spiritual life; and regarded the opportunity as one of most sacred pleasure. He loved to be alone with God; and a diligent attention to closet devotions he earnestly recommended to his children; observing that, at important periods of his life, he had received signal answers to prayer, and had often been blessed with remarkable manifestations of the love of God. Nor did he consider anything that concerned him too trivial to be brought before God; for he firmly believed in a Divine Providence, that not a sparrow could fall to the ground without the notice of his heavenly Father, and that by Him even the hairs of his head were all numbered.

His Bible was, through life, his daily companion; and frequently did he read it upon his knees. He not only read, but searched, the Scriptures; and his acquaintance with them was both extensive and correct. That holy book was in his esteem a treasure beyond all price; his light and his comfort, his joy and his strength; the map by which he travelled; the bread on which he fed; the staff by which he was supported; and the song with which life's pilgrimage was cheered. Never was that word more precious than in his last illness; nor was any part of it more consolatory or more invigorating to his faith and hope than the words which Christ Himself spoke. He had then a peculiar and earnest wish to hear some.

thing that Jesus Christ Himself had said.

His attendance at the house of God was regular and devout. Both on Sabbaths and week-day evenings, he listened diligently to the word of life; and he often conversed with his family in an interesting and profitable manner, on the subjects thus brought under consideration. He was careful to be present at the administration of the Lord's Supper; nor was the public prayer-meeting, or the private class-meeting, ever held in light esteem.

The cause of Christ was dear to him, in all its interests; and in promoting its welfare he took a prominent part. His first public efforts were in connexion with the Sunday-school, in which, through a long series of years, he acted as one of the Superintendents. As a Trustee, he rendered no small amount of service to the church. In 1823, when the old chapel at Bilston had become too small to accommodate the increasing congregation, he was one of twelve persons (of whom but two now remain) who ventured upon the bold undertaking of purchasing at a great cost the premises which the Wesleyans now occupy in that town, and of erecting there a noble chapel, which was soon filled, and has since been enlarged. In this work Mr. Holland exerted himself greatly. He was one of the most active and laborious Trustees; attending to his important duties with unabated interest to the last. Before his death he had the satisfaction of seeing an establishment on which some thousands had been expended, placed in very comfortable circumstances.

In the latter part of his life he had a class, which he continued to meet for some time after affliction made him a prisoner in his own house.

Through a long life he was favoured with moderate health; but in the latter end of 1855 he became seriously ill. The great change, which seemed not far distant, he contemplated with his wonted calmness. Up to this period he had felt an unabated interest in the affairs of life, so that he had not, like some, to bid adieu to a distasteful or wearisome existence. He had enjoyed life, and had endeavoured to live to purpose; but now he was called to look steadily at the coming hour of his departure hence, and at that eternal world to which he was fast hastening. While reflections of this solemn nature were occupying his mind, he said, "Well, my trust is in Jesus;" and, meditating on the words,

This anchor shall my soul sustain,
When earth's foundations melt away,"

said, "Yes; this earth, with all its good, and the heavens too, shall pass away, to make way for the new heavens and the new earth. Yet, even then, this anchor shall my soul sustain.""

He

The general state of his mind, during his illness, was that of composure. If at any time he evinced anxiety, it was not on his own account, but on account of those dear to him. He was a most affectionate father; and it was often exceedingly touching to witness the thoughtful, tender concern for the comfort of his children, which he manifested to the last. He even strove to conceal his sufferings, to avoid giving them pain. -He was occasionally favoured with blessed visitations from on high. One Sabbath morning, about three weeks before his death, when the family returned from chapel, he said, with tears of joy, "God has condescended to visit me this morning in a way I cannot describe. has been speaking to me, and teaching me many new lessons. The Holy Spirit has sweetly and satisfactorily answered my inquiries, and resolved my doubts; and now, blessed be God, I feel so completely His,-body, spirit, soul, that I have not a single care or fear." As a relief to his overwhelmed spirit, he continued for some moments blessing and praising God, his children joining their praises with his.-On another occasion, when he awoke at three in the morning, he hailed the return of the Sabbath. Looking round, he said gently to his daughter, "I wonder how many are in the room beside ourselves: I wonder if mother is here," as though assured of the presence of celestial visitants. After breakfast, when the family assembled in his room for prayer, the portion of Scripture read was part of the first chapter of the Revelation of St. John. During the reading of the account there given of the appearance of Christ to John in Patmos, he lifted up his hands, and in an ecstasy of joy exclaimed, "Blessed Jesus!" After prayer, he said, "Blessed Saviour! O, how I love Him! I feel a love to Him that I cannot express. While that description was read, I could have shouted aloud for joy." Lingering on the words, "I am Alpha and Omega.....I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, and have the keys of hell and of death," he declared, "I never saw so much in that chapter before. I never had such views of Jesus Christ." And never had he so needed a full and glorious view of the Saviour.-This was the day of the school-anniversary; and, sinking as he was, he still felt a lively

interest in everything connected with it, and inquired about the weather, the congregations, and the collections.

During the following week he suffered much from increasing weakness, but all without a murmur. Severe pain was added to weakness; but his strength was as his day, and in patience he possessed his soul. Once he seemed at a loss to know what end would be answered by his continued suffering, and said, “Had you not better pray that I may be released?" but not one complaining word escaped his lips. Now he knows why the way to the kingdom is through much tribulation; and, could he speak, he would tell

us

"That every cloud which spreads above,

And veileth love itself, is love." From Ministers and Christian friends he received great attention; and their visits were the means of affording timely comfort. Any allusions made to his consistent life gave him pain, or occasioned deeper self-abasement. On one occasion he said, 66 Now, while I have power to speak, let me tell you, once for all, that I place no dependence on my past life, no, not for a moment; nor on anything that I have done. My entire dependence for acceptance with God is in the merits of Christ alone." He would sometimes repeat the lines,

"And when I'm to die,

'Receive me,' I'll cry;

My Jesus hath loved me, I cannot tell why. But this I can find,

We two are so join'd,

That He'll not be in glory, and leave me behind."

On hearing a portion of Hebrews ii. read, he observed, "I have received great comfort from those words. God has shone upon them; and it cheers me to think that my glorified Saviour is my sympathizing Brother and Friend."

Meditating on Hebrews xiii. 5, he said, "Be content with such things as ye have with affliction with heavier still, if more be added-with weakness of body with lowness of spirits, and whatever else may fall to my lot, remembering that He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'"-About a week before his death, the nearness of his approaching end was painfully evident. To his sorrowing family, who were anxious to know if nothing could be done for his relief, he said, "There is one way of meeting the case:Be content with such things as ye have,'—and with this, too; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.'" When able to speak but in a whisper, he still

spoke of Jesus as his "rock," his "refuge," his "hiding-place," and his "Saviour."

As family-worship was conducted in his room for the last time, he responded to the petitions; afterwards sweetly testifying, "It is right—it is quite right—it is all right." Being asked if Jesus was present with him, he said, "Always." He listened with calm delight as one or two hymns descriptive of heaven were read; and among the short petitions he offered up was the prayer of dying Stephen, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Some of the last words read in his hearing from that Book which he prized above all others, were from Psalm xxiii. : "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." After a short night of unusual restlessness, he requested to be lifted up; when, in a few minutes, the soul gently escaped from the body, from this region of darkness, to the inheritance of the saints in light. Suffering was exchanged for bliss, and mortality for life.

It was on the morning of Wednesday, May 14th, 1856, that Mr. Holland departed this life, and in the seventieth year of his age.

H. W.

THE following record exhibits one largely engaged in important worldly transactions, maintaining a character of unblemished integrity, and at the same time contributing his influence and effort, in every possible way, to the honouring and upholding of that religion of which in early life he became the undoubted subject. His biography might have commanded a more lengthened notice, and an abler pen, (as it certainly was worthy of it,) in order that, being dead, he might yet speak to others.

MR. JAMES HODGSON, late of Rotherham, was born in Sheffield, December 28th, 1802. His parents were for many years shining examples of the spirit and temper of primitive Methodism; and, after having long served their generation by the will of God, they fell asleep in Jesus.

It was of great advantage to the subject of this sketch, that he was thus favoured with a thoroughly religious nurture, and from his earliest years trained to attendance at the house of God. He was the youngest of twelve children; and well did he remember the punctuality with which the whole family were taken on a Sunday morning to the eight-o'clock preaching in Norfolk-street

chapel to the influence of which may be attributed, no doubt, the strong attachment which in after-life he cherished toward the ordinances of the Lord's house.

He was early sent to school; and even then a strong sense both of justice and generosity began to display itself. He was known as always taking part with the oppressed, and being their ready champion. When nearly twelve years of age, he lost by death a beloved brother, to whom he was tenderly attached. This was a severe stroke, and produced an impression both deep and serious. But, when he came again to mingle with his school-fellows, the effect passed away like the morning cloud and early dew.

When not quite fifteen, he was apprenticed to a respectable ironmonger in Derby. Here he became acquainted with several godly young men, who prevailed upon him to engage as a Teacher in the Sunday-school. And here he became convinced that, in order to be an efficient Teacher, he must himself experience the truths he taught to others. The counsel of the Superintendent of the school, a very zealous man, was made a great blessing to him; as was also the Teachers' prayer-meeting, which he regularly attended. It was when he was about sixteen that he united himself with the people of God; and, after earnestly seeking the Lord for six months, he found peace in believing, June 6th, 1819. This blessed change took place while he was engaged in prayer with a few friends in a private house. He now went on his way rejoicing, yet not without frequent struggles with the grand adversary, who would fain have robbed him of his peace. He grew stronger and stronger, and was made a blessing to many. He was more than ever anxious to improve his mind. In order to this, he would rise early in the morning to secure time for reading; and frequently, when he had to work the greater part of the night, (which one branch of his business required,) instead of devoting the remaining time to rest, he would wash and dress, and, taking Clarke's Commentary, or some other religious work, retire to the banks of the Derwent, and spend hours in reading and meditation.

Soon after his conversion, the cause of the Heathen world called forth his deep est sympathy; and he denied himself many comforts, to give something toward sending the Gospel. Throughout life, if one cause more than another called forth his deep feeling and liberal aid, it was the cause of Missions.

During the year 1820 his constitution received a shock, from which he never fully recovered. Most of his friends then thought that his days were numbered; but the Lord had other work for him to do. After repeated trials, he was, indeed, obliged to relinquish his situation before his term expired; and he regretfully left Derby, where he had enjoyed so many privileges, June 5th, 1822. He returned to Sheffield, where he entered upon a new sphere, being employed in his father's business, frequently as commercial traveller. He still maintained his integrity, united himself with the people of God, and endeavoured to make himself useful in the church. Before leaving Derby, it had been strongly impressed upon his mind that it was his duty to call sinners to repentance, and he had once or twice made the attempt; but, after settling in Sheffield, his convictions became stronger, and he was at length induced to exercise his talents as a Local Preacher. This he did with acceptance for some time, until failing health, added to other circumstances, compelled him to desist.

By a remarkable train of providences, he was led, in the latter end of the year 1826, to fix his residence in RawmarshLane, Masborough; and he joined the class under the care of his late muchesteemed brother-in-law, Mr. Wheatley, where he continued to meet until some time after his removal into Westgate, Rotherham. When it was thought desirable to form a class at that end of the town, a book was placed in his hands, and he commenced with two or three members. The little company rapidly increased, until it numbered between thirty and forty. Many now survive who look back with sacred joy to these seasons, when in a small cottage the Lord was wont to manifest His presence, liberating the captive spirit, and making His people shout aloud for joy. Many who are now occupying important stations in the church were born of God there; and many others have joined the church triumphant.

During a considerable number of years, death was not permitted to make any inroad into that class; but, when once permitted to hurl his dart, O, how many have fallen his victims! But they had "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb: therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple."

For some years Mr. Hodgson took an active part in the Sunday-school,—a work in which he found great delight. It was