Short

ly after he joined the society he became a Teacher in the Collingwood-street Sabbath-school, where he was much and deservedly esteemed. They who were associated with him will long remember the interest he manifested in the prosperity of the school, and the pious breathings of his soul when addressing the throne of grace on its behalf. He was a man of great simplicity of manners, and of retired habits. And while thus careful to walk humbly with God, he was not less careful in his conduct before men. He was a man of strict integrity, and in the cause of truth and justice was always firm. A person who had known him long and well, when he heard of his death, bore this valuable testimony to the uprightness of his character: "I never, in all my life, saw a person so completely free from any thing like guile or duplicity, as Mr. Bulley."

He was for many years called to pass through deep afflictions, both personal and domestic; but while he felt as a man, he bowed submissively before the Lord, and said, "The will of God be done." For some time before his death, his health was in a very declining state; but the chief effect of this was, a more earnest desire for clearer manifestations of the love of God, and a richer baptism of the Holy Spirit. For this he laboured fervently in prayer; and it was evident that his prayers were heard. In conversation with his friends, the subjects on which he most delighted to dwell were the goodness of God, and the riches of his Saviour's merits and grace. Christ was all in all to him; and as he sank towards the grave, his soul was kept in undis turbed peace. When his life was ebbing out, with his little remaining strength he exclaimed, "My Jesus hath done all things well." And then, looking at his friends, he added, "Farewell: I am going to Him!" Soon after he breathed his last. JOSEPH MULLENDER. VOL. XVIII. Third Series.

9. Died, November 25th, at Bushhill, in the Irvinestown Circuit, (Ireland,) aged ninety-one years, Mrs. Keys, mother of the Rev. Thomas and William Keys, Wesleyan-Methodist Ministers. Her parents were respectable members of the established Church, but lived without the power of godliness until Mr. Wesley visited the neighbourhood where they resided. He was hospitably entertained by the late Mr. John Armstrong, of Sydare. Multitudes flocked to hear him; and among those to whom his ministry was made a blessing were the mother and sister of Mrs. Keys. She had at first to suffer much opposition from members of her own family; but she was unmoved by it, and finished her course with joy. Mrs. Keys was married early. The father and mother of her husband had been in the habit of receiving the Wesleyan Ministers; and now that he had commenced housekeeping for himself, he and his partner, who was likeminded with him, continued the practice which their parents had regarded as an honourable privilege. They had a numerous family, who were trained up in the way in which they should go. Two of their older children were brought to God at the early age of eleven years. One of them was afterwards called into the Wesleyan ministry; but, having successfully preached the Gospel of Christ for two years, in the prime of his life, and the midst of his usefulness, he was, in 1801, unexpectedly removed by death, while in the Skibbereen Circuit. Mrs. Keys was a very humble Christian. Whatever her attainments in the divine life were, her constant language was,— "Never will I remove

Out of thy hands my cause;
But rest in thy redeeming love,

And hang upon thy cross."

To the last she delighted to sing the
praises of God; and it was both pleasing
and affecting to hear her voice, tremulous
with age, still declaring the goodness of
her almighty Redeemer and Friend.
Her death at last was sudden; but she
had on the wedding-garment. Her dis-
position was gentle and humane.
loved the ordinances of religion; and,
generally, till the infirmities of age inter-
fered, read the Bible through twice every
year.

She

When her flesh and heart were failing, God was the strength of her heart, and is now her portion for ever.

WILLIAM KEYS.

four, Grace Blakemore, the daughter of John and Mary Sheldon, of Eyam, in the county of Derby, who were amongst the first Methodists of that place, and brought up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Grace, the youngest child, experienced, at a very early period, the influences of the Holy Spirit upon her mind; but had attained the age of sixteen before she found peace with God. She had been seeking the Lord a considerable time in great distress of mind, refusing to be comforted. She retired a short distance from her father's house, reflecting on her helpless and miserable condition, when she knelt down in the open air, under a tree, and whilst wrestling with God in prayer, her sorrow was turned into joy, and she was enabled to praise her pardoning God; and though subject to powerful temptations, she never lost her sense of the divine favour. She became a member of the Methodist society at Thorncliffe in the year 1809, in which she was steady and consistent to the close of her life. Her attachment to the people of God was uniform; and she was regular in attending every religious means, especially her class-meetings. She had abasing views of her attainments; but to say that she was an eminently pious and useful Christian, is only to echo universal testimony. Whilst in the humble sphere of a servant in a family at Thorncliffe, she was faithful and diligent; and when she married and left that family, she laboured to promote the temporal and spiritual interests of her husband. As a mother, she evinced Christian consistency, teaching her children the good and right way, and carefully walking in it herself. She was a kind neighbour, ever ready to lessen the sufferings and increase the comforts of those around her ; and was a practical observer of that scripture, "Speak evil of no man." The last nine months of her life were almost a continued series of bodily affliction; and during the whole of this time, she experienced great anxiety at the thought of leaving her children at a period when they most needed her counsel and guidance. Yet, in the midst of all her solici tade, she could cast herself and them upon God, and find support in his promises. Her daughter entering her room on one occasion, found her weeping; and on asking the cause of her tears, she replied, "They are tears of joy. I was just now bewailing my helplessness and unworthiness in the sight of God, when this promise was applied to my mind: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the

rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flames kindle upon thee; for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:" and I believe this promise will be fulfilled in my experience." About a week before she died, a pious female visited her; to whom she stated that she felt at that time very low, both in mind and body, but desired she would pray with her. The Lord graciously appeared in her behalf, and answered prayer by filling her soul with his love, so that her cup ran over with joy. She was asked if she had any desire to recover: her reply was, "Father, thy will be done." In the forenoon of the day of her decease, her children were all standing around her bed: she looked upon them, blessed them, and exhorted them with purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. After this her strength failed, so that she could scarcely make herself understood; but in a few hours she was able to express a wish to see her brother. When he entered her chamber, she was apparently sinking into the arms of death; but casting her eyes upon him, she exclaimed, "My brother!" stretched out her dying hand, which he took, and gazing upon each other for a few moments, he said, "Thou feelest peace?" She, with a smile, answered, "Yes;" then added, "It is enough," and joined in that beautiful verse in our Hymn-book, page 624, "In suffering be thy love my peace," &c. She expressed an assurance that God would answer the petition, and save her to the uttermost. In the course of the evening her spirit took its flight to the mount of God.

GEORGE MARSDEN.

11. Died, December 23d, at Norton, in the Daventry Circuit, Mrs. Catharine Wright, widow of Mr. William Wright (an account of whom is found in page 61, and who died August 12th). She was a native of Gateshead; but her parents dying when she was very young, she was left under the care of an elder sister. In her twenty-second year she removed to London, where she resided, until her marriage, with a pious lady, who carefully watched over her spiritual and temporal interests. She was first convinced of her lost estate as a sinner, and of the necessity of personal redemption by Christ, under the ministry of the Rev. W. Aldridge. She was married in 1791, and removed to Norton, where she joined the Methodist society. She was naturally of a timid and retired disposition. She seldom

spoke much of her own feelings, except in the bosom of her family; but there she was indeed both known and loved. Her children will never forget her instructions at the fireside, nor the impressions made on their mind in early life, when they have crept softly within the reach of her voice, and heard her affectionate and earnest prayers for them. She had stated times for private devotion, and no circumstance could induce her to neglect her Bible or her closet. She was sometimes troubled with fears lest she should not reach the heavenly Canaan; but when she arrived at the brink of Jordan, she found that death had no terrors. All was peace! Being reminded of her past doubts, and told that all would soon be over, she replied, "Yes," with a pleasing smile, expressive of her joyful hope; and, soon afterwards, exchanged mortality for life.

ISAAC WRIGHT.

12. Died, January 18th, 1838, at Athlone, aged thirty, Mrs. Mary Ann Quinan, the beloved wife of Mr. James Quinan, and youngest daughter of Mr. John Dowd, a long-tried and faithful member of the Methodist society, and who has for many years largely aided to support it in this town. Mrs. Quinan, having had pious parents, who trained her up in the way she should go, was brought early in life under religious impressions. She joined the Methodist society at the age of fifteen. The ministry of the Wesleyan Preachers had been much blessed to her. She was led by it to see her own personal need of a Saviour, and was soon enabled to rejoice in Him who has said, "They that seek me early, shall find me." From that time it was her "one great business" to serve the Lord in all humbleness of mind, walking in all his commandments and ordinances blameless. About two years before she died, while reflecting on the power of the Saviour's grace, and remembering that all salvation was of unmerited mercy, she was encouraged to look to God for richer bestowments than any she had before received. She pleaded the promises of God; she looked to the merit and intercession of Christ; and wrestling with Godin prayer, she obtained the grace she sought, and rejoiced in the full establishment of the inward kingdom of God. For more than twelve months before she died, she was called to walk in paths of affliction and pain, with the certain prospect of death at no great distance. The nature of the disease was uch as to prevent the exercise of much joy. She appeared to be too weak for it.

But she had a calm, unshaken confidence in Christ; and the peace which passeth all understanding kept her heart and mind continually. Her beloved partner and her two dear children, she committed to God, and resigned herself to his blessed will. On the morning of the day on which she died, the enemy of souls was permitted to assail her faith, and the conflict was severe. She knew it was temptation, and resolved to yield to no suggestion that implied a doubt of her Saviour's love. She prayed; she fixed the eye of her faith on Calvary; the Atonement was her refuge: and soon it pleased God to afford her a joyous victory, so that the few hours she remained in this mortal life, her peace was undisturbed, and her prospect of glory unclouded. Several times she expressed her thankfulness and joy, that she was so near the paradise of God. She very tranquilly took leave of her friends a short time before she died; and, after being heard once or twice to say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" she "fell asleep" in Christ. SAMUEL DOWNING.

13. Died, at Bassingham, in the Lincoln Circuit, on the 3d of April, Mrs. Mary Storr, wife of Mr. John Storr, in the sixty-seventh year of her age. She united herself to the Methodist society upwards of twenty years ago. She was distinguished by much mental vigour, and decision of character: and endured no ordinary course of family difficulties, and, in the early part of her Christian career, not a little persecution for the sake of Christ. When her own mind became enlightened, she had a great struggle with herself, because her family were growing up without the fear of God, and there was no family prayer in the house. She commenced this duty under the greatest discouragements, and with many interruptions; but she persevered with fidelity. She had the happiness of seeing several of her children brought to God; and it is not easy to describe the anxious solicitude and unwearied constancy with which she watched over those who had not become members of the church of Christ. About fifteen years she held the office of Class-Leader. She entered upon the office with much fear and hesitation; but the duties of it she was graciously fitted and enabled to discharge. "If, indeed," says an enlightened and pious Minister of another Church, intimately acquainted with the deceased, "a Christian example, clear insight into character, uncompromising fidelity, and unwea

ried diligence, be qualifications for that office, I do not know a more proper person than our late excellent and respected friend." Her religious experience was sound and deep. Having sought and obtained the mercy of God, and a clear sense of pardoning love, she held fast her confidence, and never seemed satisfied with any thing less than perfect love to God and man. It was a trial to her to have any thing to do with lukewarm Christians; indeed, to some her fidelity might at times almost appear to wear the aspect of severity. She was distinguished by a sincere and particular regard for the word of God. She had such a conviction of its truth and certain fulfilment, that it was with great delight she read in them by day, and meditated upon them by night. She had enlarged views of the benevolence of God, in providing salvation for the whole human race; and she felt that it heightened her own religious enjoyment, to contemplate the boundless mercy of God to others. Hence she engaged with all her heart in those plans which aimed at the salvation of sinners, whether at home or abroad. It was her regular practice for several years to attend a prayer-meeting early on the morning of the Sabbath. She was much interested in the rising generation; and was, personally, a zealous promoter of Sabbath-school instruction, and whatever she thought calculated to promote the best interests of the young. She felt in this, as in other religious duties, anxious to work while it was day, not knowing how soon the night might

come.

She persevered in this work of faith and labour of love until within a few months of her decease, when, at the urgent request of her family, who feared the consequences, (as she became extremely weak,) she was prevailed upon to desist. In conjunction with the excellent Clergyman of the village, she was mainly instrumental in the establishment of a Temperance Society; which is believed to have been the first in the county of Lincoln, and still continues in a flourishing state. She was called, in the providence of God, to suffer much for some years, from internal disease in the lungs and heart; but her last affliction was only of a few weeks' continuance. A remarkable prostration of strength, and extreme difficulty of breathing, prevented her from saying much. After settling her affairs, she said, "Now I am ready for eternity, and, if it please God, should be glad to go at any time, this hour, and should be thankful to be relieved." When some of her family and

a neighbour were around her bed, and were unable to restrain their feelings, she suddenly opened her eyes, and said, "I thank you all for your faithful attention. Give me a little more water to drink, and then you may all go." On one of her daughters saying, "What a mercy it is to know, that if this earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens!"" she replied, in her usual laconic and impressive manner, "Yes, defying description." On being asked, "Is your mind in perfect peace ?* she said, "Yes, it is unmolested." The last question put to her was by her eldest daughter; who inquired, a few hours before she departed, if she felt quite happy: she answered, with all her remaining strength, "Yes." After spending the night in partial sleep and suffering, in which she gradually breathed shorter and shorter, she died in great peace. One of the last acts of her life was to give donations to the amount of £250 to the Bible, Missionary, and other Societies and Institutions. The occasion of her death was improved on the following Sunday in the village church, by her intimate and highly-respected friend, the Rev. D. S. Wayland, whose text seemed at once to portray the leading characteristics of the deceased: "It is a small thing for me to be judged of you, or of man's judgment; but he that judgeth me is the Lord." It was also the subject of a solemn and profitable discourse in the Wesleyan chapel, by a Local Preacher, an old friend of Mrs. Storr, who had known her from the earliest period of her Christian career. her death it is scarcely too much to say, that her family has sustained the loss of one of the best of mothers, the village one of its brightest ornaments, and the church of God one of its most consistent members.

WILLIAM STORR, JUN.

RECENT DEATHS.

In

MAY 26th, 1838.-At Mitcham, in the Croydon Circuit, in the sixty-fourth year of her age, Mrs. Pratt, having been a steady, consistent, deeply pious member of the Wesleyan society for more than forty-four years. Her death was unexpected; but she was found fully prepared to enter into the joy of her Lord.

S. Y.

Sept. 27th.-At Higham-Ferrars, Ann, the wife of Mr. Thomas Burgess, aged fifty-eight. When fifteen years of age, she chose the Lord for her portion, and became a member of the Wesleyan society. She had, for this, to experience severe, and even persecuting, opposition;

but she was enabled to be faithful. Throughout her life she was strengthened to maintain the Christian character which she had from principle assumed: she was an active, zealous member of religious society; and when called to pass through painful bereavements, she still gave praise and glory to God. Her end was more than peaceful; it was triumphant: death had Do sting to her; and her prospect was not only clear, but bright. She died in the full triumph of faith. J. G.

Oct. 24-At Rothwell, in the Wakefield Circuit, in the sixty-first year of her age, Mrs. Mary Sheldon. She experienced a saving change during a remarkable revival of religion in 1795; and her piety, thus early commenced, was maintained during her subsequent life; so that, as she advanced in years, she grew in grace, to the end of her pilgrimage. In her dying moments, she said to her weeping partner, "You must give me up. You know what we have often said, 'The Lord cannot do wrong."" On his inquiring into the state of her mind, she replied, "All is well. I am happy." Soon after, her spirit was emancipated from flesh, to join the multitude before the throne of God.

R. B.

Oct. 11th-At Rainow, in the Macclesfield Circuit, Hannah, the beloved wife of Mr. John Mellor, aged fifty. She joined the Methodist society about thirty years ago; at which time, though with the prospect of much opposition, she resolved to choose "the good part." She was distinguished for humility and diligence, as well as for great patience in suffering. In her last illness, though her pain was great, yet no murmur escaped her lips. Her joyful resignation to the divine will furnished an affecting instance of the efficacy of the grace of God. She waited calmly for her last moment, and yielded her soul into the hands of her Saviour, trusting in his merit, and hoping for eternal life. M. L. Oct. 14th-At Watford, in the St. Alban's Circuit, in the thirty-first year of his age, Mr. Thomas Keightley, a respected Wesleyan Local Preacher. He enjoyed very rich measures of saving grace; and his labours, being owned of God, were successful. He died truly happy in God. His last words were, "I am thine, and thou art mine.” T. B.

Nov. 4th.-At East-Leake, Nottinghamshire, aged seventy, Ann, the wife of Mr. James Smith, who had been a member of the Methodist society for the last forty years. Her afflictions for some years past have been varied and heavy; but by the grace of God she bore them with patience, and died in peace. W. D.

Nov, 5th.-At Barton, In the Darlington Circait, Mr. Edward Benson, aged seventy-nine. For many years he lived "a Pharisee;" but about twenty-five years ago the Wesleyan ministry was made the instrument of discovering to him both the spirituality of God's holy law, and his own guilt, sinfulness, and danger. He submitted to the righteousness of God, and found mercy. His conduct as a Christian professor

was exemplary, his humility unaffected, his love to the Scriptures ardent. All his trust was in Christ. His death was sudden and unexpected; but the devotedness of his life afforded satisfactory proof, that, by the grace of God, he was ready for his change. J. R.

Nov. 12th.-At Great-Oakley, in the Manningtree Circuit, aged sixty-eight, Mr. Theophilus Harvey. About 1797, under the ministry of the Rev. John Hickling, he was brought under very serious impressions, and led to join the Methodist society, of which he continued a consistent member to the end of life. For many years, likewise, he was a useful Class-Leader. He was a man of prayer, a bold reprover of sin, and walked in the light of the divine countenance. The last words he was heard to articulate were, "I am on the Rock."

J. S.

Nov. 13th.-At Barnard-Castle, aged thirtyone, Mr. John Gibson. Twelve years ago he was brought to the experience of the vital power of godliness; and from that time to the close of his life he maintained a consistent character as a follower of the Lord Jesus. He filled several society-offices with much acceptance. He enjoyed the comforts of religion on his death-bed, and truly died in the Lord. S. W.

Nov. 13th.-At Mount-Pleasant, in the Wicklow Circuit, in the eighty-third year of his age, John Paine, Esq.; for about twenty-seven years a cordially-attached and consistent member of the Wesleyan society. In his last affliction he suffered much; but, being divinely supported, he was enabled to rejoice in God his Saviour to the very last. J. H.

Nov. 14th.-At Coggeshall, in the Colchester Circuit, aged forty-seven, Miss Mary Ann Sherring, of Halstead. She remembered her Creator in the days of her youth, and her riper years were spent in his fear, and in fellowship with his people. The kindness of her disposition, and her steady opposition to detraction, endeared her to a large circle of Christian friends; while by visiting and relieving the sick and poor, and recommending the service of the Redeemer, she humbly endeavoured to exemplify her faith, and to walk with God. A short time before she died, and in the prospect of dissolution, she said, "I feel I am united to Christ: that is the best union. I am passing through the valley, but it is not dark. I am already permitted to eat of the grapes of the kingdom." After commending her soul to her Redeemer, she prayed for her friends by name; for the church universal; for the revival of true religion in the neighbourhood; and concluded by ascribing salvation to Him who sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb. Soon after, she died to join the heavenly worship.

P. M'O.

Nov. 15th.-At Sunderland, Esther, the beloved wife of the Rev. Isaac Keeling, Wesleyan Minister, to whom for twenty-three years she had been united in the Lord. She was truly a disciple of the Lord Jesus; and in a somewhat lingering disorder, experienced the full power of his grace