ther did he flinch from his testimony in behalf of the Gospel, even though he was attacked, and frequently misrepresented, by his infidel contemporaries. Thus he considered it as one of the happiest moments of his life, when in early youth he had an opportunity, at the Court of Frederic the Great, to declare, before a brilliant assembly, that he knew no higher happiness on earth than to be an humble believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The King of Prussia was silenced by the animated testimony of the young Prince, then attached to his service; and it is remarkable that, after a life devoted to the Gospel, he was called away to see HIM face to face on whom his soul believed, on the very day on which that Monarch preceded him in death fifty years before. To the latest period of his existence, he considered it his highest privilege to labour for the glory of the Redeemer; and whenever opportunities occurred, he was not remiss in seeking to engage the co-operation of his high and influential friends. He

was found, in his last moments, seated at his writing-table, with his eyes half closed, and broken in death, apparently gazing on a painting of the Saviour, which adorned his study.

What he did, and what he projected, for the benefit of the country, is matter of record for history. The remembrance of his zeal in promoting the dissemination of the word of God, and the interests of the Sleswick-Holstein Bible Society, will ever be affectionately cherished in the hearts of all who had the privilege of being united with him in the same holy work.

During the year 1836-7, the number of Bibles and Testaments circulated in the duchies of Sleswick and Holstein amounted to 2,815 copies.

During the year 1837-8, there were issued from the various depots in both duchies, 3,187 copies of the sacred volume; making the grand total of the distributions of the Sleswick-Holstein Bible Society, down to the present time, 80,488 copies.

1. DIED, August 12th, 1837, at Norton, in the Daventry Circuit, Mr. William Wright, in the eightieth year of his age, having been a member of the Wesleyan society for sixty-five years. Though not born of religious parents, yet from childhood he was serious and thoughtful, and was much attached to the ministry of the Methodists, when he had the opportunity of attending it. In his fifteenth year, having retired to a private place for the purpose of pouring out his soul before God, he obtained a gracious manifestation of the divine goodness, and was enabled to rejoice in God as his God. He joined the first class that was formed at Norton, and received his first ticket from Mr. Ashman, in 1772. On one occasion, when the Preacher had been addressing a congregation which he had collected out of doors, he asked, in conclusion, if any one would open his house for preaching. A female, fearing God, came forward. It was William's aunt. But so great was the opposition to Methodism, that her own brother, William's father, hearing of it, went deliberately, and broke every pane in the window of the room which had been put, as he thought, to so improper a use. Satan, however, had tempted him too far. His conscience smote him for what he had

done, and he not only had the window immediately repaired, but invited the Preachers to his own house; and there is good reason to believe that he found his way to heaven. Mr. Wright had often to go many miles to hear the truths on which his soul delighted to feed. He had frequently the opportunity not only of sitting under the ministry of the venerable Wesley, but of conversing with him. He was present when he formed the first society at Peckham, near London. He steadily and consistently walked as a Christian professor for many years; and to the last, his God gra ciously supported him. During the short time that he was confined to his bed, he repeatedly expressed that his confidence in God was as peace-giving as ever. Nearly his last words were, "Come, Lord, and take me to thyself."

the Methodist ministry; and by the blessing of God upon it, he saw the ne cessity of seeking the forgiveness of sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. As he sought with all his heart, he did not seek in vain, but obtained power, by the Spirit of adoption, to call God his Father. The direct witness of the Spirit to the pardoning mercy of God, he enjoyed through life; and was enabled, with holy joy, to hold fast the profession of his faith, without wavering or inconsistency. He was much esteemed by his Christian friends, and was placed in various offices which marked the confidence that was reposed in him. He endeavoured assiduously to perform the duties which he was thus called to discharge, as well as all others devolving on him, whether as a Christian man, or as the head of a family. He loved the house of God, and his day, and his word. In private prayer, and the devotional perusal of the Scrip tures, he took delight. During the affliction of which he died, (an inflammatory seizure,) he experienced the blessedness of a calm, resigned confidence in God. He could not speak much, but he bore a decided testimony to the power of religion to support in dying moments. Just before he breathed his last, he was asked if he were happy: he replied, "Yes," and almost immediately expired.

JOHN SMITHSON.

3. Died, at Leigh, in the Chelmsford Circuit, November 10th, Hester Whiting, aged sixty-three. She was first convinced of sin in the year 1814, under the Wesleyan ministry, at Sitting bourne, in Kent. Shortly after, removing to a place where there was no Methodist society, she became connected with a Baptist church; though, as her own religious opinions differed from those entertained by the Christian friends with whom she associated, her mind was often very unsettled. She continued to make religion the great business of her life, but did not clearly see the high and holy privileges to which the Gospel invites. Her comfort, therefore, was neither strong nor abiding; and she was often distressed by painful doubts of her acceptance with God. In 1825, coming to reside at Leigh, she again attended the Wesleyan ministry, and joined the society. About three years ago, Mr. Philip Chapman, one of the Students from the Wesleyan Theological Institution, was preaching at Leigh; and under the sermon she was led to see that her views of faith, and its attendant privileges, had been very defective. She

had imbibed opinions which led her, at all events, not to look for the spiritual witness of her own pardon; and that which she did not ask, she did not receive. She saw now that she had been mistaken; that she should have gone directly to the blood of sprinkling, seeking for the Comforter to shed abroad the love of God in her heart. Some time after, Mr. Ironside, another of the Students, being at Leigh, among his visits to the members of the society, called upon Mrs. Whiting; and while he was praying with her, she was enabled to rest her soul on Christ, and to receive the blessing she had long desired, and now for some time sought. Henceforth she went on her way rejoicing, serving God with renewed diligence, and with a delight unknown before. Her last illness was short, commencing on the Sunday, and terminating the following Friday. She suffered much from pain, but enjoyed a very sweet peace. She gave a very pleasing testimony as to the state of her own mind; observing, in conversation with a friend who had called to see her, that her only trust was in Christ. "He is all my hope," she said; "and because he liveth, I shall live also." As she was dying, seeing her daughter weep, she bade her be calm, and rather rejoice; for that she should soon be free from all pain and distress. She was heard to say, though with a very feeble voice, (uttering the words to herself, and evidently employing them as expressive of her own feelings,)" Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me;" and then raising her voice, she exclaimed, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." In this state of peaceful confidence in the heavenly Shepherd, she died, leaving her example and dying testimony to instruct and encourage her friends. She was a woman of a strong mind; but this was connected with a very amiable disposition. She had to pass through many of the troubles of life, but she bore them as a Christian. She was careful not to injure her neighbour by any slanderous remarks. A person who had known her for some years, bears important testimony to this view of her character: "I never," he observes, "heard her speak disrespectfully of any one." JAMES KENDAL.

4. Died, November 12th, at Port-ofSpain, Trinidad, aged forty-nine, Mrs. Mary Patrick. She became a member of the Wesleyan society in 1813; but, as her first husband was by no means

friendly to religion, she had to carry a daily and heavy cross. She bore it with meekness and cheerfulness; and though not permitted to meet with her class. mates at the usual hour, she made it a point of duty to see the Leader once a week. After being some time a widow, she was married to Mr. Patrick, and found, in her union with him, the very reverse of her former sorrows. They went to the house of God in company, and sought to aid each other in the way to the kingdom of heaven. About three years ago she became afflicted in her limbs, so as to be unable to use her fingers: but she said, that though the privation was a great one, it might have been greater; as, had her feet been affected in the same way, she could not have gone to the house of prayer. She gradually declined in health, but the approach of death she was enabled to contemplate with the utmost composure. She had strong consolation, and good hope through grace. Though not able to speak in her latter moments, she lifted up her hands and waved them, in token that even over the last enemy she experienced a full victory. She was a woman of firm principle, and happy temper. She lived in peace and love; and having steadily walked with God in life, she died in the full confidence and joy of hope.

G. BEARD.

5. Died, November 19th, in the Dursley Circuit, aged sixty-seven, Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, mother of the Rev. Samuel Cook. For the first thirty years of her life, though desirous of living in all good conscience, yet the ministry under which she sat was not one that led to the discovery of her fallen condition, nor pointed out to her the necessity of so believing in Christ as to receive the end of her faith, even the salvation of her soul. She was invited by a pious member of the Wesleyan society to hear the Wesleyan Preachers, when they visited the place, and under their ministry the Lord opened her heart to attend to the things which were spoken. She joined the Methodist society about the year 1801; and though it is not now known at what time she received the blessing of justification, yet her life supported the profession which she was enabled to make and maintain. She hospitably entertained the Preachers under her roof, esteeming them very highly in love for their work's sake. She walked humbly with God; and though of a disposition which led her to speak rather below than above what she felt, she en

joyed much of the divine presence, and ardently desired to be holy in heart and life, and to be filled with all the fulness of God. When it pleased the Lord to afflict her, she was more deeply concerned on the subject. She felt it was a call to her to seek the more abundant life which the promises of God held forth. Her de sires and prayers were not in vain. She was favoured with a very rich baptism of the Holy Spirit. Her cup ran over. She felt she had done with the world, and requested that nothing of a worldly character might be spoken to her. "I have set my house in order," she said; "I have given up my family into the hands of my God, and hope I shall meet them all in heaven." She continued in this state of solemn and happy communion with God to the last. Just before she died, she was heard to say, "Come, Lord Jesus!" Soon after she fell asleep in Christ. DANIEL OSBORNE.

6. Died, November 21st, of paralysis, at Bristol, aged twenty-four, Martha, fourth daughter of the Rev. William Howarth, Wesleyan Minister. From her youth she was of a very lively disposition, and whatever impressions were made on her mind by the ministry which she attended, were, so far as conversion is concerned, counteracted by what too often became a spirit of trifling. She admired religion itself, and respected its Ministers and professors; but she resisted those convictions which placed before her its personal obligations and requirements. In the year 1830, when her father was stationed in the Monmouth Circuit, Captain Gardiner, of Liverpool, calling to see the family, took the opportunity of conversing very seriously with Martha. His observations were made a great blessing to her. She was humbled before God, and sought earnestly forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified. She obtained the blessing she sought, and was made exceedingly happy in God. During the few years that intervened between her conversion and her death, she retained her confidence in God her Saviour, and walked humbly with him. In September, 1837, after being some time in a very indifferent state of health, she was suddenly seized with a paralytic affection, which, in the course of nine weeks, terminated fatally. During her affliction she was resigned, patient, and happy. On one occasion, being asked the state of her mind, she replied, "Calm, and stayed upon God. I have no doubt, 1

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fear." This was her experience to the last. She delighted in conversation which related to the heavenly inheritance, and earnestly sought that fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit which should make her meet to be partaker of it. A short time before her death, she addressed her brothers and sisters, affectionately charging them to give themselves unreservedly to God. She then broke out in fervent prayer for them, for her fellowTeachers, and the children in the Sunday-school, for the Ministers of the Gospel, for the church of Christ, and for the Missionaries and the heathen world. Soon after this she died in the Lord, committing her spirit into the hands of her Redeemer.

WILLIAM HOWARTH.

7. Died, in the Dutch colony of St. Eustatius, November 23d, in the fiftythird year of her age, Ann Catharine, widow of Henry William Pandt, Esq. She was born in St. Eustatius, and left an orphan at the age of six months, having lost both her parents within the course of six weeks; and, together with an infant brother, was at that early period of her life confided to the care of entire strangers. Her guardians bestowed some attention on her education; but the instruction of her mind in the great truths of revelation was unhappily neglected. She grew up, accordingly, in ignorance of her condition as a sinner, and with no concern for her spiritual welfare. She married early, but, in 1815, lost her husband by sudden death, and was left a widow with four children. The blow was severe and unexpected. She felt that God was holding a controversy with her, and reproving her; and she was led for consolation and support to the life-giving pages of his holy word. By frequently reading the Scriptures in private, she was gradually awakened to a sense of her sin and danger, but did not so clearly discover the answer to the important question, "What must I do to be saved?" On this subject she fell into error. She hastily concluded that because she read the Scriptures frequently, and thus kept up in her mind those views of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, which she had been led to entertain, connected with a wholesome fear of of fending in future, she was already saved. She mistook the means for the end, and unhappily concluded that repentance was salvation. In this state she remained for many years, her foolish prejudices against Methodism keeping her from the only means of public religious instruc

tion within her reach. She was at length induced, however, to sit under the preaching of the Gospel by the Wesleyan Missionaries in St. Eustatius; which she did for some time regularly and attentively, and then asked and obtained permission to receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper at their hands. In the mean time, the Lord had been graciously blessing the labours of his servants, and making them instrumental in teaching her "the way of God more perfectly; and in 1834, by a sermon preached by the Rev. B. Gartside, she was both induced to join a society which she had once despised, and to seek salvation only through the merits of Jesus Christ. She fled to her almost-forgotten Saviour in the spirit of imploring faith, and found redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. From that time to the moment of her death she grew in grace, and in the knowledge and love of God; and was at once an eminently holy Christian, and an ornament to the society to which she belonged. Though she often experienced painful afflictions, her attendance on the public ordinances of religion was exemplary, and she cherished an ardent love for private devotion. It was long her practice to retire frequently every day into her closet with her Bible, to read and pray over the word of God, and thus pour out her soul before him at a throne of grace. She always deeply regretted that she had not been earlier brought into a saving knowledge of the truth, and invariably expressed herself ashamed and humiliated for ever having, in the ignorance and vanity of her mind, affected to despise the Missionaries; a class of men, as she often said, to whose zealous and faithful labours, under God, she owed her knowledge of the way of salvation. Her humility was deep and genuine, and led her to look upon the poorest members of the society, both bond and free, as her brethren and sisters in the Lord Jesus. Her last affliction was protracted and painful. Her body was gradually attenuated to a mere frame-work of bones and muscles; but she bore all her sufferings with fortitude and cheerfulness, and thus glorified God in the fire. She retained the use of her mental faculties to the final moment of her life. Just before she died, the writer of this account asked her if she felt no wish to remain a little longer on earth. She replied, "No; none whatever. I am too near heaven to wish to live in the world still: I long to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Her last words were words that spoke of her Sa