account of whose glorious work justice and mercy may agree in a verdict of deliverance to the transgressor; promises, which pour the warm love of a Father's heart upon the burdened souls of His children, sustaining and encouraging them amidst the difficulties of their homeward journey to the house of many mansions; epistles, in which the thoughts of one man are familiarly given to another, or to many, concerning the character of the human family, the nature of the Christian Church, the mysteries of the gospel, the arrangements of redemption, the employments of angels, the state of the departed, the results of the resurrection, and the purposes of God; and poetry, in which the hallelujahs of heaven are brought down to earth, and the grand future of the Church and the world is sung in strains of rapture and bursts of magnificent imagery, such as never yet issued from uninspired pen.

BIOGRAPHY.

DEAR BROTHER,

MEMOIR OF KEZIA WESTINGTON.

To the Editor.

I quite concur in the observation of Brother F. Martin, in the Bible Christian Magazine for August, 1855, namely, that, "as far as practicable, the writer should aim at presenting a truthful portraiture of the character and experience of the departed." Nevertheless I shall purposely pass by certain family matters with which my dear departed one was painfully connected, by her request, and also, because I am persuaded that it will be of no advantage to the departed, and might be the cause of producing unpleasant sensations in the bosom of some who survive her, although strictly true. I therefore forward this as a few particulars of her life and death, and not as a Memoir, sincerely praying that it may be made a blessing to some. The memory of the just is blessed."

I am, dear Brother, yours truly,

R. WESTINGTON.

KEZIA WESTINGTON, whose maiden name was HAMMOND, was born at Littlehampton, in the county of Sussex, in the year of our Lord, 1820. Her father was a Coast Guard, an honest, judicious, and an enlightened man; but at that time gave no evidence that he was a possessor of saving grace. Her mother was a member of the Baptist Church, and a truly pious woman, whose object and aim it was to train her children for God and heaven. Kezia was the eldest, and when about seven years of age, she removed from Littlehampton, in company with her parents, to Bembridge, in the Isle of Wight. During her residence there, she had a little brother burnt to death; an event painfully felt by all the family, especially so by the mother, which circumstance, no doubt, hastened her to her eternal rest.

After a residence in the Island of about four years, the family removed to Selsea, where, after the lapse of twelve short months, at

the age of twelve years, Kezia was bereft of her most tender and affectionate mother by the grim messenger death. A mysterious providence; most acutely felt. Her Aunt, for some time after this, endeavoured to supply the place of a mother; but at the termination of about four years, her father again entered into matrimonial alliance with a young woman very much his junior; hence in age they were unequally yoked; no doubt, an unwise step, and a cause of discomfort to Kezia. Nevertheless, when about the age of seventeen, she became acquainted with a young woman (HARRIET FAITH) who proved to her a friend by introducing her to the Sabbath School, and also to the Class Meeting, from which time she became fully decided for God to live and die. Harriet and Kezia were truly attached to each other. They were, indeed, sisters in Christ, constant associates, and walked to the house of God in company. Not being so comfortable as could be desired, Kezia left home for a respectable situation as servant, and at length went to reside with a maiden lady at Chichester, with whom she lived for several years, highly esteemed, and treated more like a daughter than a servant. Being appointed by the Conference of 1842 to labour in the Chichester Mission, I first saw her in company with H. F. (who at this time also resided in Chichester) at the house of God; and although at that time an entire stranger to me, I was struck with her neat and christianlike appearance. It was obvious that she did not waste her money in procuring artificial flowers, nor murder time in filling her cap borders with ribbons, as I fear too many professors do. Her adorning was "not that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;" but rather "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," and I have since learnt by happy experience, that her disposition was as gentle, as her person was lovely and graceful.

At the Conference of 1843, contrary to my expectations, (and I have thought contrary to providence), and also to the expectations of the friends in the Chichester Mission, who had requested my reappointment, I was appointed to the Holsworthy Circuit. About this time we commenced a correspondence by letter, and during that year there was a pressing call for Missionaries from our Foreign Stations. I felt a powerful influence stirring me, and I believe the love of Christ constraining me in that direction, and at length offered myself to the Committee, conditionally. She consented to accompany me if I went. However, we did not go. A most painful circumstance to us both, and no doubt the light of Eternity will show whether we ought to have gone or not.

At the Conference of 1815, I was allowed to marry, but I was to have no salary for my wife for so many months. And on January 2nd, 1846, the subject of the present remarks became my wife; an event which we never had to regret. I found in my dear Kezia an help-meet indeed; she constantly studied my comfort and happiness, and made my path through life as smooth as she possibly could; and many a time I felt disposed to blame her for exerting herself beyond her strength. It was not only in the domestic circle that she endeavoured to make things pleasant, but in my ministerial capacity

she was anxiously solicitous to aid me. She sympathized with me in my trials, perplexities, and painful exercises of mind, and endeavoured to cheer me in the midst of my difficulties. She rejoiced with me in my successes, and prayed earnestly, perseveringly, and fervently for my prosperity in my arduous labours. She also felt deeply interested in the welfare of Zion, and the several societies over which I had the oversight, and in appealing to them she could adopt the language of Paul, and say, "Now I live if ye stand fast in the faith." She gained the goodwill of the friends generally, and won their affections, a source of great comfort and pleasure to my mind. Perhaps I had better allow her to speak for herself, by inserting the following, which I have found in her well-known hand-writing since her depar

"Ten years of my christian life are gone, and I have not written any thing of the gracious dealings of God towards me. In that time I have enjoyed much of the goodness of God; but alas! my heartwanderings have been many, and my deviations many; still Ï feel the Lord is my portion.

Sept. 26th. I have felt it good to-day to wait upon God in his sanctuary. His presence was there.

"28th. I have felt a greater desire to-day for more of the life and power of religion. Quicken me, O Lord! I feel thankful that he hath blessed me in a temporal way beyond many of my fellow-creatures; the lines, are indeed, 'fallen to me in pleasant places.' I have a kind, loving husband, and a sweet little babe. May the Lord still spare them unto me, and in heaven may we praise Him together.

"Oct. 3rd. Felt it good this morning to wait upon God, while my dear husband was exhorting us to let our light shine. I felt I had not let mine shine as I ought. In the evening we had a gracious season, and although no visible good was effected, yet I doubt not but eternity will prove that this meeting was not altogether in vain.

"4th. Felt much cast down, because the members appear so cold and indifferent. 'O Lord revive us again, that we may rejoice in thee.'

"7th. I feel that God is deepening the work of grace in my soul. Glory to his name. I cannot sufficiently praise him for all his goodness to me. I desire to be more fully the Lord's.

'When shall I see the welcome hour,

That plants my God in me?'

"10th. Deprived of the means of grace to-day, but felt it good to draw nigh to God in my closet, and was blest while reading the life of Mrs. Fletcher. May I follow her as she followed Christ.

"19th. I have had many temptations since I wrote last, and I have also had some refreshing seasons coming from God; but I have not lived so close to God as I could wish this week. O! for more ardent piety.

Sunday 24th. Felt much drawn out to pray for the Preacher this evening; he being a young beginner, and there being a large congregation, I was afraid he would be timid; but all was right. The prayer meeting was a good season. I felt much liberty in prayer, and was told there was a person in distress; but did not speak to him.

"25th. Busy at work-felt a sweet calm-went out to teatalked to the people of the house about their souls, and prayed with them. May the Lord save them. I went to the prayer-meeting in the evening. Glory be to God, I felt it good to be there.

"27th. Praise God for his goodness to me. I want to love him more and serve him better.

"28th. Have not lived so close to the Lord as I could wish, but felt the Lord precious at the class-meeting.

"Nov. 7th. Had a melting season at the meeting.

It is intended

to hold a Protracted Meeting at Ruardean this week. arouse the church; and may we see much good done.

May God

"8th. Many came to the prayer-mecting to-night. We felt encouraged to hope for a revival.

"9th. Only a few came to the meeting to-night. The members I saw were discouraged. I told them our faith was being tried.

"10th. More came to the meeting, and a good influence was realized. I felt in an agony for the salvation of souls; but, alas! our lazy church loved their fire-sides! How it grieved me that there were but a few of the members present.

"11th. The preacher disappointed us, and I am afraid but little good will result from our Protracted Meetings.

"12th. We had a blessed class-meeting; to God be all the praise. "18th. This is our class-meeting. O! I felt such a responsibility resting on me as the Leader. May God give me grace to discharge my duty faithfully, and set before them an example worthy their imitation. While pleading with God before I left home this evening, for wisdom to instruct the people, bless God, I was enabled to lay hold on the promise, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible;" and according to my faith it was done unto me. I feel that I want to live closer to God, and be more heavenly-minded. Feel dull today. My dear R. has been from home a week, and will not return for another week; but he is engaged in a good work. Why then should I complain? Lord take care of him till we meet again.

Jan. 1st, 1848. I feel truly thankful to God for his sparing mercy manifested towards me, and am resolved to give myself afresh to him. I felt it good just now while waiting upon God in secret. Bless God, his promises are yea, and amen. I feel they are. My soul does grow in grace. O! may I be faithful unto death. I have felt the presence of the Lord. It was good to be in his house to-day. My thoughts in the evening wandered; but, bless God, afterwards my

soul was blest.

"12th. I feel that the Lord is my portion. My desires are stronger for sanctification. I see it is my happy privilege to enjoy it, and feel resolved not to rest without it.

"Sunday, March 5th. About half-past three in the afternoon the Lord sanctified my soul: glory to his name. O! may I ever hold fast. Lord help! Thou wilt!

"Sunday, Oct. 15th. Several months have elapsed since I wrote anything of God's dealings towards me; but praise his name, my desire is still toward him, and to the remembrance of his name. I feel I do not make that progress in the divine life, that it is my privilege to make; but I still feel that the Lord is my portion. I want to

realize more of his presence. I want my mind to be more stayed upon God, and I want to feel greater delight in the service of my God.

"16th. Weak in body, but feel drawn out in prayer to God for more ardent piety. I want to be more resigned to his will. Several months have rolled into eternity since I wrote anything of the goodness of God. How mindful is the Lord of me.

66

May 16th, 1849. Gave birth to a little daughter. I have now two immortal souls committed to my care. O! may I have wisdom to train them up for heaven.

66

August 3rd. Received the intelligence that the Conference had appointed us to the Weare Circuit. I have felt it very much, and cannot see the way so clear as I have seen it in times past when I have left a Station, and I must think our place was in the Forest another year; but I hope to be resigned.

"14th. Have been engaged several days in taking leave of the friends, and putting my things together: and now, farewell to the Forest, with its trials, its pleasures, and its numerous friends.

"15th. Came to South Brent, and feel resolved to consecrate myself afresh to God.

66

17th. Feel dull and fearful, but the Lord is my high tower. "19th. Felt it very good to wait on the Lord; but my thoughts run back to the dear friends in the Forest. I do not feel at home in this Circuit as I could wish. I have also felt very backward to take up my cross, and often feel condemned.

"Oct. Feit encouraged to-day on receiving a letter from the Forest, informing me that a woman for whose conversion I had engaged to pray for twelve months was converted.

"January 27th, 1850. My dear R. preached this morning. I did not sit under him with so much delight as usual. In the evening he preached again from the barren fig tree. I felt well. After the preaching service, the Lord's supper was administered, but my mind was grieved to see one of our oldest members refuse to stay. His excuse was, that Mr. W. had spoken one hour.

"28th. A tea meeting at our house for the members. We want to get them more united. We had a comfortable tea, and a good meeting in the evening. I do hope we shall see better days.

"29th. I feel cast down, and am led to wish for some little cave or hut that I might live secluded from all, rather than encounter the many trying things connected with the station I fill; but why should I feel like this? Lord save me from murmuring.

"March I do feel resolved still to go forward. However, the state of things in this place is trying in the extreme. We suffer from a party spirit. O! may the Lord unite us more together." (The allusion is to a most painful and perplexing state of the society, which was divided through unfounded suspicions and unwarranted jealousies.) After recording this circumstance, she only adds, "I am deprived of the means of grace frequently-my babe is getting to be noisy, and when I take her into the chapel she disturbs the people." This is the last memorandum I can find in her hand writing, but this is sufficient to show that he found the christian life to be a continual warfare. But had she continued her diary I am sure she would have informed us that she felt quite at home at South Brent