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prelude to one still more painful. Divine Providence, in his ever mysterious way, may have been gradually preparing her mind for a more affecting bereavement, that, when called to endure it, though distressed, she might not be destroyed. In 1837 the partner of her life, the sharer of her sorrows and joys, was afflicted and evidently laid upon his dying bed. After a few months of painful affliction he gave up the ghost. Having exemplified in his life the excellence of religion, he manifested in his death its saving power and infinite superiority. In the Magazine for 1838 an excellent memoir of Mr Guantley was furnished by the Rev. P. J. Wright. The pain of such a stroke who can conceive but those by whom it has been borne? Previously partly broken in spirit, this event seemed to give a fatal blow. The cheerfulness of her spirit and the activity of her mind ap peared to have gone. Her friends feared she, too, would close her eyes and gather up her feet in death. While thus suffering, another distressing event occurred. Just before the death of Mr. Guantley, one of their sons was visited with a melancholy affliction, by which he was rendered incapable of attending to busi. ness. After the death of his father, his affliction became worse; and poor Mrs. Guantley had to experience the pain of seeing her son carried to an asylum. Four years before her death she suffered from a severe attack of influenza, which left upon her a difficulty of breathing; and in the December of 1849 she had to mourn over the death of another son, who had for some time been in a blacksliding state; but before his death his friends had the consolation of seeing him return unto the Lord.

What a complication of sufferings ! Were they not calculated to break the strongest constitution and produce much mental depression? Under circumstances so painful and mysterious, blind unbelief would dispute the goodness of God and murmur at his ways. But honoured and happy is that individual who can recognize Jehovah's hand and bow submissively before Him. Acutely did our sister feel these repeated afflictions; but her faith and patience nobly bore the test, she was made "perfect through suffering ;" and, like Paul, she could "reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

The last twelve months of her life she was confined to her room. To be deprived of the opportunity of holding

communion with the Lord and his people in the sanctuary was a great trial, but her spirits were often raised by the visits and conversations of her friends. Her physical strength was rapidly declining, and the weakness and pain of her body sometimes tended to produce depression of mind.

The best Christians may look with sorrow upon some things in their lives; but there are some peculiarly sensitive minds who in the time of affliction are apt to dwell too much upon past imperfections. Our sister often referred to her religious career, and deeply regretted that the things of this world had been allowed to gain so much influence over her.

When well she was fond of reading, and her knowledge of general subjects was somewhat extensive; but during her affliction the Bible was her sole companion. Its statements she read; upon its promises she meditated; and by its assurance of divine comfort and support and an immortality of bliss, she was inspired with fortitude and joy.

66

A week before her death she came down stairs, and the impression was deep upon her mind that it would be the last time. Darkness for a few days hung over her mind. In passing through the valley of death it does sometimes happen that Christians are devoid of rapturous feelings and emotions; but it does not thence follow that they have no confidence and peace. Our sister was for a time without rapture; she was afraid of becoming a cast-away," and this unhappy reflection produced increased mental agony and bodily pain. But the darkness was soon removed. Friends visited, talked to and prayed with her. While in this state of mind she was much refreshed with a visit from my esteemed colleague, Mr. Donald, who frequently visited her, and who bears willing testimony to her devotedness to God and the tranquillity of her mind. Wishing in her dying hours to glorify God and promote the salvation of her friends, she frequently spoke to them on the shortness of time, and urged them to prepare for death, remarking, "It is a hard thing to die!" On the Wednesday before her death, she became slightly delirious. Recovering from her delirium, she inquired if she had said anything wrong, remarking, "It is not a time to do that." As the earthly house of her tabernacle was gradually brought down to the dust, she had an assurance of "an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." To various questions proposed by her

friends, she returned answers expressive of the happy state of her mind. On her daughter referring to the fact of many of her children and friends being in heaven, and speaking of them as waiting to welcome her over the river Jordan, she seemed much delighted. The prospect of a recognition of and a reunion with parents, husband, children and friends, was enrapturing. Speaking but little, she calmly waited for the coming of her Lord. Her lamp was trimmed, her light was burning, she had on the weddinggarment, and was fully ready to enter in to the marriage-supper of the Lamb. The last word she was heard to utter was, "Jesus!" and what more appropriate name for dying saint or sinner to have upon his mind than "Jesus," the "Sinner's Friend?" On the 6th of February, 1851, she bade adieu to her friends below to meet with friends above, in the 79th year of her age, having been a member of the Methodist Church 59 years.

Our opinion of our departed sister we form upon the strength of the information furnished above. Though not privileged with an acquaintance with her, we confess to having experienced much pleasure in perusing the memorials of so excellent a woman; and, in closing our remarks, we think the monument we have endeavoured to erect to her memory should bear the final inscription: "A devoted Christian, a sincere lover of our Zion, an affectionate wife, a pious and indulgent mother, an heir of heaven and immortal bliss. Afflictions and sorrow were often her portion, but the good hand of the Lord sustained her." T. CARTWRIGHT. Pendleton, Manchester, Nov. 10, 1851.

MRS. FANNY SADLER.

I HAVE been employed in the itinerant ministry for forty-five years, and have seen our beloved community both in prosperous and adverse circumstances. Some Circuits have been very promising which in a short while have undergone a complete transition; and those in which we saw sterility and barrenness have shot forth into beauty and fruitfulness. The country parts of Ripon Circuit for some years have ill-rewarded the tiller's toil, and the spiritual husbandmen have sown in tears. But even in the most unproductive soil there has been one or more plants of a right seed, whose leaf has retained its verdure both winter and

summer.

Such was the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Fanny Sadler was born in 1773,

in the neighbourhood of Wetherley, in the county of York. She died in the faith and in the love of Jesus, May 27th, 1851. She was under the fostering care of her grand-parents from childhood; but as they were not in religious fellowship with any section of the Christian Church, it is not probable that she derived any religious advantages in her childhood. However, it pleased God in his gracious providence to bring her under spiritual instruction, and she heard the gospel plainly and faithfully preached. She was soon made an experimental partaker of its full, free and great salvation, and was not ashamed to make it known, by her changed conduct and speedy union with the Church in the vicinity of her residence. She was now in a farmer's service and much esteemed by the family for her activity and diligence, and her constant effort to give satisfaction. But she was hotly persecuted, and every expedient was tried to separate her from the Methodists. By the consent of her grandfather, she had gone to service, but when he heard she had become religious he was furious, and would insist on her returning home, and made her large promises of a pecuniary kind if she would break off her connexion with the people of God. But Christ was precious, grace was deeply implanted; and what was first feeling was now principle, and she counted all things but loss and dross compared to Christ in the heart, the hope of glory. Our sister's consistency of

conduct on her return home was the means, under God, of softening her grandfather's feelings towards her, so that she had comparative comfort, and was favoured with what her soul delighted in -the ordinances of divine worship and the social means of grace. Our sister was not ashamed to confess her love to Christ and her determination to follow him through good report and evil report, and used to relate her experience in lovefeasts with edifying effect. She stated the way in which she was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, what trials and temptations she had endured, how God had made darkness light before her, and how settled and fixed, God being her helper, to endure to the end.

At the age of thirty-two years our sister was united in marriage with a farmer named Sadler, when the bounds of her habitation became fixed at Monkton, and there and then she became identified with our religious community, and took a deep and lively interest in its movements. When she saw signs of improvement in congregations and society, she rejoiced

and hoped it was the commencement of a brighter day, but when called to witness a reverse she wept, and breathed," Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee?" Yet such was her attachment to the people and Church polity of the New Connexion, that had she been left alone she would still have been identified with us. Twenty-five years ago her husband was removed, we trust, to a better world, and she experienced a change in her worldly circumstances. Her God, in whom she trusted, did not forsake her; and verily she has been sustained by him, who is "a father to the fatherless and a judge of the widow in his holy habitation." She used to say in her homely way, "I have been as well off as anybody, and as poor as most people." Her confidence in God was strong and stable, and she relied on God's word with unwavering faith. Our sister was deeply pious. She lived in the Spirit and inherited his rich consolations. Religion, with its consolations and advantages, was the frequent topic of her conversation, and she urged strangers as well as friends and neighbours to get it, and exclaimed in conclusion

If all the world my Saviour knew,

Sure all the world would love him too. For some time previous to her death she exhibited symptoms of declining health. A strong asthma, with its concomitants, often prevented her attendance on public worship; yet if it were at all possible she was never absent. And many times her friends have expressed surprise that she should venture; but such was her love to the ordinances of the gospel, she would go though constrained to withdraw before the service was concluded. She always accompanied the preacher with warm-hearted prayers for God's blessing on the word. detained, however, she did not murmur, but possessed her soul in patience, and with perfect resignation said, "The will of the Lord be done!"

When

Our sister's sickness, which terminated in death, was not remarkable so as to produce special alarm either to her son or her niece, who resided with her; but she had lived for some years in the near view of death. On the last Sabbath she spent on earth, she knew that the time of her departure was at hand. The brother whose appointment that day was at Monkton, on his arrival found her so ill as to be altogether confined to her bed, and languishing with pain; but the inward man was so renewed that her spirit

She

was rejoicing in God her Saviour. was especially thankful that God had possessed her son Richard with so kind and generous a disposition. She said, "He is my greatest earthly comfort and support, so that I have been enabled to give rather than to beg." And a short time before her death she engaged, on her own responsibility, to clean the chapel for six months. No sooner had she mentioned this, than fearing it might be misconstrued into a meritorious act, she added, "There is no merit in any of my works; my whole dependance is on Jesus, my Lord;" adding,

"I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me.

He, and he alone, is my soul's anchor." During the several days of her confinement to bed, her mind retained its buoyancy, and many precious sayings were gathered. While brother Newis was praying with her, she responded with earnest feeling; and while he was in his devotions commending her to Jesus, she replied, "I have him here, in my heart. Glory, glory! Oh that I could sing as I used to do!" Turning to brother Newis, she said "Be faithful, Newis, be faithful until death." Then she sent her love to all her Ripon friends. On Tuesday morning, May 27, as stated above, her happy soul left its clay house to be clothed upon with its house which is from heaven, in the seventy-eighth year of her age.

Mrs. Fanny Sadler was a woman of strong and vigorous mind, and gifted by nature to have adorned a station in society higher than that which she occupied, but she never complained on that head. She was one of the most frank and plainspoken persons I ever met with, and by some, who did not know her, this plainness was taken amiss. She was honest and upright in all her dealings, and, regarding the precept of her Lord, she did to others as she wished others to do unto her. Her hospitality, according to her means, was astonishing. For many years her house has been the preachers' home, and what refreshments they would take were given without any recompense. She never lost her spiritual appetite. might be said to pray always. In mental ejaculations, for the last few years, she breathed, "Lord, help-Lord, keepLord, save!" May her two sons follow her example and tread in her steps.

She

I may conclude this short notice in the language of David-" Help, Lord, for the godly ceaseth, for the faithful fail." Ripon, Nov. 19. C. ATKINSON.

RECENT DEATHS.

Liverpool, 1852.

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DEAR BROTHER COOKE, - You will regret to hear that Death has made sad ravages amongst us at Park-place within the last few weeks. His ruthless hand has cut down the young as well as those of riper years. These painful events have plunged many estimable families into deep distress, and exerted a most depressing effect upon our minds. But whilst deploring the loss of estimable friends, we sorrow not as those without hope. They died in the full assurance of faith; and we rejoice to know that those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. We are all looking forward to that day when we shall meet our departed friends again where

Death shall all be done away
And bodies part no more.
But I must proceed to notice

1. CATHERINE DARBY, who died in the Lord, December 24th, 1851. She joined our Society about ten years ago, and was a very exemplary member of brother Hull's class. Whilst able to get to the sanctuary, she took great delight in the means of grace; and when affliction detained her at home the Lord richly favoured her with his presence, and constrained her to rejoice with joy unspeakable. It was really delightful to see her so cheerful and happy on a dying bed, and with all the solemn realities of eternity in view. But she knew whom she had believed, and, having spent seventy-five years in the wilderness, she passed over Jordan and took possession of the heavenly Canaan in holy triumph.

2. ANN FOWLER, the beloved wife of our estimable brother, Mr. Benjamin Fowler, Missionary Treasurer, fell asleep in Jesus about two o'clock on Saturday morning, the 3rd instant, aged fortyseven. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Ankers and sister to Mrs. Hulme. At an early period of life she gave herself to God and united with his people. From that time to the end of her days she did great honour to our cause in this town. Her delicate constitution frequently awakened painful apprehensions respecting her valuable life; but great care and unceasing attention, by the divine blessing, kept her up from year to year, and the remnant of her days was truly devoted to the service of God.

Through a long and distressing affliction her mind was kept in perfect peace. She had no fear of death. A lively faith

in Christ and a firm reliance on the promises dispelled all fear, and enabled her to shout victory through the blood of the Lamb. At length her happy spirit broke away from its clay tenement, and entered into the joy of our Lord.

A wide circle of Christian friends feel this painful dispensation of Providence, and deeply sympathize with her sorrowing partner and dear children in the loss they have sustained. May they be richly favoured with the consolations of divine grace; and they do know the Lord, and we trust they will be enabled to follow our departed friend to glory, where they will all meet again; and thus be happy with each other in the presence of God and the Lamb for ever.

We hope a more extended account of Mrs. Fowler will be furnished in due time.

3. RICHARD CREWDSON.-This valuable young brother exchanged mortality for bliss on the 8th inst. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. When but a child she placed him at Park-place Sabbath-school. Here he derived considerable advantages, and always cherished towards this institution the warmest affection as long as he lived. From a scholar he became a teacher, and eventually succeeded to the important office of General Secretary. He met in brother Benjamin Fowler's class, and gave promise of being extensively useful. But however men may purpose, God alone can dispose of his servants. Our young brother was in his hands, and, when only twenty-one years of age, death removed him from the Church militant to the Church triumphant, and "now he is comforted."

There is something very solemn and affecting in these events, and they ought to exert a salutary effect on our hearts. They speak to us, as it were, from the grave, and thus remind us of our own mortality. We cannot long survive departed friends, therefore let us not be "slothful, but followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises."

May you and I be fully prepared to meet them again in our Father's kingdom. And believe me,

Yours affectionately, W. BAGGALY. DIED at Macclesfield, December 20th, 1851, Mary Turnock, aged sixty-six years. Her affliction was short, but severe. For many years she had been a consistent member of our community. Her end was peace. T. W.

THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

MARCH, 1852.

BIOGRAPHY.

A MEMOIR OF MRS. SCHOFIELD, WIFE OF J. SCHOFIELD, ESQ., OF PARKTON GROVE, CORNBROOK, MANCHESTER.

BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF A SERMON PREACHED IN EBENEZER CHAPEL, PETERSTREET, MANCHESTER, DEC. 7TH, 1851.

BY THE REV. WM. BAGGALY, OF LIVERPOOL.

"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas; this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died."-Acts ix. 36, 37.

(Concluded from our lasʻ.)

SECONDLY, the piety and usefulness of this excellent woman.-Tabitha was "a disciple"-an avowed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. She acknowledged him to be the Lord, and rejoiced to do his will. Where there is genuine piety there will be holy activity and Christian zeal. Religion is life, not a mere existence, but life in earnest-life in action. A Christian must live to purpose, a "disciple" must be doing good. There is much to be done for ourselves and much for others. All the graces of the Spirit must be cultivated and our own hearts improved, whilst all the high and important duties of the Christian life are faithfully discharged. Time, talents, wealth and influence are given for this purpose, and must be entirely consecrated to our Master's service. Tabitha evidently lived and acted under the influence of high and heavenborn principles. She lived to God, and her noblest powers were devoted to his service. No doubt she was useful in various forms, but here we are specially referred to one thing, and that was her attention to the poor. She pitied the helpless and distressed. This kindled a hallowed flame of pure benevolence in her heart, and led her to practise great self-denial that she might be able to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Poor widows were the objects of her unceasing care; she pitied them, she gave them relief. And oh, what a luxury there is in doing good! In soothing the sorrows of desolate widows and ministering to their wants, Tabitha realized far more happiness than she could have found by pampering her own appetite, or clothing herself in purple or fine linen. "She was full of good works and alms-deeds." Here the sacred writer seems to refer, not so much to what she gave as to what she actually did. She spent her own strength and laboured with her own hands to supply this lack of service to the poor; and hence "the blessing of them that were ready to perish" came upon her, and she "caused the widow's heart to sing for joy."

This is a striking delineation of the character and conduct of our

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