meet in class till she was between thirteen and fourteen years of age. From this time till she attained the age of thirty, her attainments in religion appear to have been above the ordinary standard. During part of this period she met in band in the "prophet's room," the room set apart for Mr. Wesley's use when he called there. When she was about thirty years of age, Mr. Mather, then stationed in the Circuit, formed the first female class, and appointed her to be the Leader. At that period there was a blessed revival of religion in Wakefield, and the hours for preaching were fixed at five in the morning, three times a week; and at these services she regularly attended. Nor was this the effect of temporary excitement: it arose from the high value she set on the means of grace, and continued the same through life. Not long after her appointment to the office of Class-Leader she was married to Mr. Taylor; and in the new relations of life thus formed, her conduct was governed by the same rules. Her path was a chequered one; but in every time of trial she was enabled to look to the Rock that was higher than herself. She had learned to acknowledge God in all her ways; and under every circumstance, whether of prosperity or adver sity, did her heart "cleave unto the Lord." Hers, indeed, was a happy religion. She experienced a deep and abiding peace, and rejoiced both in the possession of a present salvation, and in hope of future glory. And this was connected with genuine humility. Her whole appearance and deportment evinced that she sought the honour that cometh from God only. Her anxiety to retire from public gaze, and to be "little and unknown," was, perhaps, carried almost to a fault. Great kindness and affection were always manifested by her. Her conversation was cheerful; her sympathies easily excited; she appeared, indeed, to be always desirous of making others happy, and seeing them so. To the cause of God and the poor she was, according to her ability," a cheerful giver," and her willingness to relieve distress sometimes subjected her to imposition; but she thought the error was on the safer side. She was always ready to commend, reluctant to blame, and disposed to extenuate the fault which could not be denied. She seemed always afraid of giving trouble, and disposed to the last to imitate Him who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister." And with all this she had eminently "the ornament of a meck and quiet

spirit." Those who knew her can testify that for many years no temptation, however trying, however sudden, could either irritate her mind, or call forth an angry expression from her lips. In the varied relations of wife, mother, and mistress of a family, her example, though unassuming, was well worthy of imitation. In the training of her children, she did not allow her kindness to prevent the exercise of the wholesome discipline which the word of God enjoins. For the last two or three years of Mrs. Taylor's life her memory, which had long been declining, seemed to have lost all power in regard to matters of recent occurrence; but it was a great comfort to her friends to perceive that her intellect was unimpaired, and that she clearly understood what was said to her at the time, though it was almost immediately forgotten. As her sight continued good, she usually read aloud several chapters of the Bible every day. She would likewise often repeat, with surprising accuracy, the hymns which she had learned in her youthful days. Her affections were as decidedly as ever fixed on spiritual and heavenly things; and as long as she was able to go out, she retained her strong attachment to the means of grace. She was at last favoured with a very peaceful and easy departure from the world. On the morning of the 12th of January she had a paralytic seizure, under which she gradually sunk, with, it should seem, but little pain, except occasionally, till the next morning, when she died. Probably owing to the oppression in the head, and the general failure of strength, she spoke but little; but it was evident that all was calm within. A friend asked her if Christ was precious to her soul, and she replied in the affirmative; and very shortly after died, as though falling asleep. THOMAS EASTWOOD.

RECENT DEATHS.

JAN. 12th, 1838.-At Collumpton, in the Tiverton Circuit, George Bridgment, aged eighty-two. In his twenty-second year he entered into the militia, before which time he had walked in the paths of iniquity. Shortly after he was convinced of sin, under a sermon preached by the Rev. G. Wadsworth, and soon joined the Methodist society. For some years he served in his own country, with his fellow-soldiers; and during the greater part of this period was prevented from hearing the Gospel ministry, which he very much deplored. In the year 1780 he was discharged, and went home, and successively sustained many of the most important offices in the Methodist society. During the gradual decay of nature he manifested great devotedness to God; and as death drew near his prospects became brighter

and brighter. He so remained till it pleased Almighty God to call him to the mansions of eternal bliss. T. B.

March 9th.-At Darlington, Mrs. Thompson, relict of the late Mr. James Thompson of that place, in the seventy-third year of her age; having been a member of the Wesleyan society nearly half a century. While residing in London, with a brother, she was induced, through the persuasion of a religious nurse in the family, who was a Methodist, to attend the ministry of Mr. Wesley, who was an instrument of good to her; yet it was not until she returned to her father's house at Harrogate, in Yorkshire, that she experienced a sound conversion. On receiving this blessed change, she immediately joined the Wesleyan society, and attended divine worship among this people at Knaresborough. She quickly became the honoured instrument of her father's conversion, and had the happiness of witnessing a flourishing prayer-meeting and class-meeting established in her parent's habita

tion. In 1800 she entered into the holy state of matrimony. Through chequered scenes, religion enabled her with cheerfulness to regard the will of God as the unerring law. She was kind to the poor, and exemplary for uprightness, and for faith in God. Without being loud in profession, she enjoyed the pleasures of religion, and honourably attended to her different relations in life. Her death was preceded by long and painful affliction, which she bore with Christian fortitude. W. W.

March 22d.-At Lympstone, in the Exeter Circuit, Mary Spiller, whose early training and habits were not such as the holy Scriptures require. About nine years ago she was awakened while hearing one of the most humble Local Preachers, on Matt. xv. 21-28. The case of the Greek woman was her own. She sought the Lord in good earnest, and was saved by grace. Last year her health failed, and with the consumption which brought the body to the house appointed for all living, there was, at first, an abatement of joy in the Lord. But towards the close of life her soul became inexpressibly happy, and she died in the full triumph of faith in Christ. W. L.

April 9th-At Tiverton, William Finch, aged seventy-four. For nearly thirty years he was an acceptable and useful Class-Leader in the Methodist society, which he joined when about twenty-six years of age. From that period to the end of his life he adorned his Christian profession by great humility, and uprightness of conduct. He gave full proof of his deep piety by a regular attendance on the means of grace, and a faithful discharge of the various duties which devolved upon him. He was made an honoured instrument of good to many souls. His last illness, a paralytic seizure, was short and sudden; but he frequently expressed his confidence in God, and his assurance of future happiness. In him the society at Tiverton has lost one of its brightest ornaments. T. B.

April 28th.-At Edinburgh, Alison, the beloved wife of Mr. James Menzies, and daughter of the late Dr. Grieve, of Antigua, in the fortieth year of her age. She joined the Wesleyan-Methodist

society in that island, in the year 1817, and continued a steady and consistent member unto her death. Her affliction was protracted; but, supported by divine grace, she was enabled to endure it with the utmost meekness and patience. A few days before she died, she requested her eldest daughter to read to her the fourteenth chapter of John. On hearing the words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," with uplifted hands she exclaimed, "Blessed Jesus, I feel thee precious to my soul ! O what hath my Saviour done for me!" With the utmost composure she bade farewell to her family and friends, exhorting them to meet her in heaven; and then fell asleep in Jesus.

S. D.

May 1st.-At Ambaston, in the Derby Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Coxon. She began to attend the Wesleyan ministry in 1823, and soon afterwards obtained a sense of the divine favour, under a sermon preached by the Rev. T. Stead. She was called to spend the last eleven years in a state of affliction; and was, during the whole of that time, confined to the house, and during a great part of it, to her bed; yet was she enabled to "endure as secing Him that is invisible." About the commencement of the present year she became much worse, but "the power of Christ" appeared to rest on her the more, in proportion to her increased "infirmities." The near approach of death filled her with joy and praise; and when her own voice failed, she whispered her desire that all present would help her to praise the Lord. Her departure was so serene that the moment when it took place was not perceived by those who were with her in the B. S..

room.

May 2d. At Hill-Cottage, Langharne, in the Carmarthen Circuit, Mrs. Mary Lloyd, aged seventy-two years. She was the second daughter of the late Mr. John Thomas, of Haverfordwest, who had for many years the honour of entertaining at his house the Rev. John Wesley. Early in life she chose the Lord for her portion, and his people for her companions; and for nearly half a century was a steady, consistent member of the Methodist society. Having served her generation by the will of God, she fell asleep in the joyful expectation of being for ever with the Lord. W. W.

May 6th.-At Knightcote, in the Banbury Circuit, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Mr. John Pearson, in the forty-first year of her age. She was brought to a knowledge of God in her youth; and had been a steady and consistent member of the Wesleyan society upwards of twenty years. Her death was awfully sudden; and its language, more especially to those in the village where she resided, was, "Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." She exclaimed, "Happy, happy;" and immediately expired. W. D.

May 11th.-At Ashton-under-Line, Mr. Isaac Jackson, in the sixty-first year of his age. He was converted to God in the year 1797, when about twenty years of age. In the earlier part of his Christian course he was very active and zealous in the cause of Christ; and when increasing years and infirmities decreased his physical energy, his love to that sacred cause

stances.

remained unabated. His conscientious and unwavering attachment to the Wesleyan economy has been proved in peculiarly trying circumAs a Class-Leader, Local Preacher, and Circuit Steward, he has for several years faithfully served the church of God. During his last illness he was blessed with a consciousness of the divine favour. His was the language of humble resignation, and of heavenly hope. The word of God (he several times said) was very sweet in his affliction. For the kind attention of friends he was very thankful; and often expressed his fervent gratitude to Almighty God for the mercies bestowed upon him. He died trusting in the "Lord his righteousness."

J. L.

May 17th.-At Burslem, Mrs. Dean, aged forty-three years. In the days of her youth she remembered her Creator, and experienced the blessedness of those whose iniquities are forgiven. Her whole life was a fine comment on the apostolic admonition, "Study to be quiet, and to do your own business." She was not a tattler, "wandering about from house to house;" but discreet, chaste, a keeper at home, and looked well to the ways of her household. Her tinid disposition and great nervous depression prevented her from realizing those joyous feelings with which many have been favoured, and which have enabled them to shout aloud upon their dying beds; but she had peace with God, and good hope through grace. For some years she was greatly afflicted, and her last illness was peculiarly distressing; but in feebleness extreme, she was strengthened with might unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.

R. S. May 17th.-At Cambridge, aged fifty-three, Janet, widow of the late Dr. Buxton, of Camberwell. J. C.

May 18th.-At Wellington, Sarah, the daughter of the late Mr. John Baker, in the twentyeighth year of her age. In the year 1830, attending the Wesleyan ministry, she was brought to sce and feel herself to be a lost sinner; though she had for some years regarded herself as a real Christian. Her heavenly Father was pleased not merely to convince her of sin, but to bring her into an acquaintance with himself, as the God of pardoning love, granting her the witness of his Spirit, that she was his child. Subsequently she became a Teacher in the Sabbath-school; and for regularity, attention, and pious concern for the souls of the children, she may be equalled, but cannot perhaps be surpassed. Her loss will be severely felt. During the last two years her mind has been deeply impressed that this would be the last of her life: and so it has proved; for after a short illness she died, as she lived, trusting only in the merits of her Saviour, and deeply regretted by all who knew her. J. B. A.

May 22d.-At Wetwang, in the Driffield Circuit, Mrs. Wilberfoss, widow of the late Thomas Wilberfoss, Esq., of that place. For many years she had been the ornament and support of Methodism, and of the cause of God, in the circle in which she moved. She was the daughter of pious parents. Her father, Mr. Blake

stone, died when she was but five years of age. Her mother, who was for many years a consistent Methodist, and died recently, aged eighty-eight, brought up her daughter in respect for and attendance on the ordinances of religion. When she was twenty-two years of age, and had been two years married, she became a member of the Methodist society; and from that time to the end of her life, by the steady fervour of her devotion, and an unwearied diligence in well-doing, she honoured the Gospel of Christ. By the death of her husband, eight years ago, there devolved on her the care of educating her three children; but neither this, nor the anxieties attendant upon the other affairs of her family, were suffered to impair her concern for religion. The disease of which she died reduced her, by starvation, to the extreme of weakness; but her preparedness for her great change enabled her to contemplate the approach of death with the calmest tranquillity; and in this delightful frame of mind she resigned her spirit to God.

W. W.

May 27th.-At Wilton, in the Salisbury Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Larkham, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. Until she was about twenty-five years old, Mrs. Larkham, though a regular attendant on the services of the established Church, and of good moral character, was a stranger to vital godliness; and being of a lively imagination, frequently supplied amusement for her thoughtless companions. In the year 1798 she was induced to hear Mr. James Crabb, under whose ministry, by the divine blessing, her mind was first enlightened, and she was brought to see herself a sinner; but for want of a clear conception of God's method of justifying the ungodly through faith alone, she remained for many years a subject of very painful doubts, unable to rejoice in the knowledge of pardoning mercy. It pleased God, however, to enable her to hold on her way; and by waiting upon the Lord in his appointed means, she obtained spiritual strength. She was strongly attached to the Wesleyan Methodists, so that when their cause in Wilton was placed in very perilous circumstances about twenty-four years ago, she re mained steadfast with the people of her choice. The servants of God were esteemed by her for their work's sake; and it was considered by her to be an honour to minister to their necessities and comfort. These exercises of Christian kindness were not confined to Ministers of her own denomination, but were extended to others

also. Mrs. Larkham's natural vivacity and warmth sometimes overcame her, and hence occasioned much regret and humiliation before God: this failing excepted, her character was that of an humble follower of the Lord Jesus; and in the several relations of domestic life, it was her concern to discharge the duties devolving upon her, so as to promote the happiness of those with whom she was connected, and to glorify God. Her death was sudden and unexpected, and took place under circumstances which precluded the possibility of conversation: all that she was able distinctly to utter was. "I shall soon sleep in Jesus."

J. B.

May 29th.-At Hayton Bent, in the Ludlow Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, in the thirtysecond year of her age. She was converted to God in early life; and has maintained an unblemished character. She was a member of the Methodist society for upwards of sixteen years, and died in the full triumph of faith, leaving a husband and five small children to lament her loss. T. P.

May 31st. In the thirty-third year of her age, Hannah, the second daughter of the late Mr. Jabez Stead, of Hunslet, near Leeds, and wife of the Rev. James Wilson, Wesleyan Minister, of Shipley. She had a sound judgment; a fervent, but chastened zeal. She was affectionate and social; gentle, cheerful, and unassuming; full of kindness, and of charity. In her were united deep piety, and extensive benevolence. She was much and deservedly respected by all who knew her. Her end was perfect peace. With affection and mournful recollection will her bereaved relations dwell upon her patient endurance of suffering, whilst the language of her heart and lips always was, "All is peace! All is peace!"

J. W.

June 1st.-At Ripon, of the small-pox, Mrs. Bussey, aged thirty-two years. About the age of twenty, with great earnestness, she sought salvation through the blood of Christ, and obtained the blessing. To this happy event, with the most lively gratitude, she used to refer on many occasions during her Christian course. Those who knew this amiable Christian best, testify, that she was very affectionate and obedient to her parents; and during her marriage state, was one that did her husband great good, in the midst of heavy trials and difficulties, often reminding him of the promise of his heavenly Father: "Bread shall be given thee, and thy water shall be sure." She was highly esteemed as a neighbour and a Christian, by her friends and the church; and her death is deeply lamented by both. She felt greatly interested in the cause of God, and earnestly desired its prosperity, especially in this city, and delighted much in the ordinances of religion. During many and severe trials, in her patience had its perfect work; and indeed, all the passive graces shone in her, with more than usual brightness. When told of the death of a beloved child, which took place only a few days before her own, of the same disease, she said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Her last hours were hours of peace and holy transport; and her prospects of glory were bright and clear. A friend said, "Sister Bussey, Christ is coming." She instantly exclaimed, "He is come;" and almost immediately expired.

J. A.

June 4th.-At Lowton, in the Leigh Circuit, Mr. Thomas Ince, having nearly completed his seventy-seventh year. He had been a member of the Methodist society for half a century, and a Local Preacher for nearly the same period of time. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity; and although placed in the way of great temptation, he never compromised his religious principles. He used to remark that, wherever his lot had been cast, he had always avowed his religious profession; and if in some instances it seemed to subject him to inconvenience, he had

reason to believe it had always been overruled for good. He proved the truth of that scripture, "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely." His attachment to Methodism was steady and unwavering, and his views decidedly Wesleyan. He had a naturally strong and discriminating mind; was well-informed on all the great doctrines of the Gospel; and, renouncing every other dependence, he "gloried only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world was crucified unto him." His end was eminently peaceful and happy. He had no pain, but his bodily strength gradually decayed, till "the weary wheels of life stood still." His prospects

of the future were unclouded; and his constant language was that of gratitude and praise. Shortly before his departure, when asked if he had any message to send to his son, he replied, "Tell him I am longing to be dissolved, and to be with Christ." He came to the grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season.

J. S.

June 7th.-At Bedford, in the Leigh Circuit, Mr. William Smetham, brother of the Rev. Richard and James Smetham. He was converted to God in early life; was a member of the Methodist society about thirty-five years; and sustained the offices of Class-Leader and Local Preacher while his health would permit. During the last twelve months he suffered much from affliction; but his mind was divinely supported; and he died in great peace, aged fifty-five years.

J. S.

June 8th.-At Burnley, Mr. William Hopwood, aged seventy-three years. Through the instrumentality of an alarming dream, he was awakened to a sense of his danger as a sinner against God; and being invited to unite himself with the Methodist society, he gladly availed himself of the privilege, and was shortly afterwards made happy in the enjoyment of the pardoning love of God. From that time to the hour of his death, a period of about forty-five years, he endeavoured to walk before the Lord with a perfect heart. The public means of grace, as well as his private devotions, were attended by him with undeviating punctuality; and his whole character bore the stamp of uniformity. The offices of Class-Leader, Trustee, and Circuit Steward were sustained by him with considerable credit and usefulness. He was a man of strict integrity and genuine humility, a lover of peace, and a liberal supporter of the cause of God; a kind husband, an affectionate father, a generous master, and a faithful friend; beloved by persons in every condition, and of every denomination. The affliction which ended his valuable life was exceedingly painful; yet with exemplary fortitude and resignation he suffered the will of God. "I am passing through the valley of the shadow of death," said he; "but glory be to God, I fear no evil." "It shall be well with the righteous.' It must be so."

"O what hath Jesus bought for me," &c. "Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." In this delightful state of mind he continued, daily feasting on the promises of God, and frequently giving utterance to his confidence and gratitude in verses of Scripture, and hymns, until articulation ceased and then the gladness of his heart