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was near, and she frequently conversed on death and a blissful immortality, with confidence and pleasure. On Tuesday, July 26th, it pleased her heavenly Father deeply to afflict her; but no danger was apprehended till the following Lord's day, when she became so much worse, that her weeping relatives expected every moment to be the last. She lingered, however, till the next Thursday, when her redeemed spirit returned to the heavenly Zion. Some of her last words were, "Give my kind love to all the members of my class. When I appear nearest death I am most happy. I have firm hold on Christ. It is all love; it is all love. I have no fear of death. My dear mother, I am happy!" JAMES AKERMAN.

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viour and a great one;" and from one of her papers, dated in January, 1812, it appears that she had not sought the Lord in vain. Early in that month she writes of herself as mourning under a sense of sin; and in another part of it she says, "Glory be to God, I can now say, I have believed in his name." She appears from this time to have gone on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. At different times she made notes of her own feelings and state, but these notes are mostly without date. They show her, however, to have endeavoured to walk humbly with God; and her character furnished the evidence that her profession was genuine, and her piety deep and persevering. Her health, for some months before her death, had been in a very declining state, and she spent some time in Devonshire in the hope that change of air would be useful; and her letters to her friends proved that if the outward man" was perishing, the "inward man was "renewed day by day." She returned to Bristol on the 3d of August, apparently somewhat better; but on the 6th, it is supposed she arose early in the morning, and kneeling down to commend herself to God before leaving the chamber, she died in the act of prayer, and so quietly, that another female who slept in the same room was not at all disturbed, but, awaking at the usual time, found her in a kneeling posture, with her arm around the bed-post, but quite dead. Though she had no opportunity of giving her dying testimony, no one that knew her doubts that she was one of those to whom sudden death is sudden glory.

4. Died, August 6th, at Bristol, (North Circuit,) aged fifty two, Mary, widow of the late Rev. David Jones, 1st. was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bevan, of Bridgend, South Wales, (whose deaths were noticed in the Wesleyan Magazine at the time of their occurrence,) and from them she received a pious education, which appears to have made deep and serious impressions on her mind from a very early period. Mr. Wesley was accustomed to visit at her father's house; and by him she was, in her infancy, dedicated to God, in the holy ordinance of baptism. Like too many others, she did not yield to the impressions which were made on her mind, (as well as providential calls from without,) so as decidedly to seek after God in her more youthful days. She respected religion, she loved her parents, she was thankful for their example and advice, and often prayed that she might be the better for them; but she appears to have wanted decision. From a few memorandums which have been found since her death, it appears that in the year 1811 she was earnestly seeking a sense of the divine favour; for, speaking of a religous service which she attended, she says, "I found it good to be there, though I could not lay claim to the privilege that was so clearly made evident to be intended for me; yet I believe if I continue seeking for it, which, the Lord being my helper, I am resolved to do, I shall find it." Some years before, having been thrown into company with some Socinians, their conversation had produced a pernicious effect on her mind, and very likely was. one reason why she did not earlier seek for her own personal salvation. This snare, however, was by the mercy of God broken; she saw the necessity of "a Sa

JOSEPH BOWES.

5. Died, August 15th, at Aughalee, in the Moira Circuit, Ireland, in the sixty-first year of her age, Margaret, the beloved wife of the Rev. James Carter, Wesleyan Minister. Early in life, through the Methodist ministry, she was awakened to feel, and enlightened to see, her guilt, misery, and helplessness. Her convictions were strong, her soul was deeply humbled under a sense of her sinfulness, and of the infinite purity of God. By the same ministry she was directed to the Lamb of God; believing in whom, she found pardon, peace, and salvation. Having joined the society, she was in consequence subjected to trials, but she had counted the cost, and by the grace of God continued faithful. About this time the Wesleyan Ministers were received into the house of her fa

ther, and by their preaching and religi ous conversation she was greatly edified. As a wife, she was faithful and affectionate; and as a parent, all the energies of her soul were directed to give her children right principles, and impress their opening minds with the fear of God. Next to the salvation of her own soul, she viewed this as of the greatest importance: hence she led them to the closet, to the holy Bible, to the family altar, and, as soon as able, to the public means of grace. While she enjoyed any degree of health, she was singular for neatness and order in all her family and domestic arrangements. By her prudence and economy she met all the wants of her family, and maintained her Christian independence amid the late pressure and embarrassment of our Connexion. The wants of the poor of God's people lay near her heart; and, to the utmost of her power, in a variety of ways, she endeavoured to lessen their affliction. For many years she laboured under deep and almost indescribable afflictions, such as unhinged the mortal frame, and pressed down the immortal mind. This, in general, she bore with firmness and patience; and rather endeavoured to conceal than make it known. In her illness, her views of God's holiness and justice were not always accompanied with suitable views of the atonement. This sometimes deeply affected her; but through the grace of God, and an application of the promises by the Spirit of holiness, she was happily delivered from this temptation. She closed life, calmly and confidently resting on Him who was the guide of her youth, the Redeemer of her soul, and, to the end, her support and comfort. JAMES CARTER.

RECENT DEATHS.

AUG. 10th, 1837.-At Huggate, in the Pocklington Circuit, Mrs. Diana Baker, in the ninety-second year of her age. She was brought to God, and joined the Wesleyan society, thirty-five years ago; and from that time was diligent in her attendance on all the means of grace, kindly entertained the Preachers at her house, subscribed to the Preachers' Fund, and to the end of life gave proof of her attachment to Wesleyan Methodism. At the close of life she said, "The Lord is with me." Her end was peace.

J. H. Sept. 30th.-At Walsham, in the Bury St. Edmund's Circuit, Mrs. Howe, who for many years entertained the Preachers at her own house, and freely contributed in aid of the cause of God. When some forsook the paths of piety, she remained "steadfast and unmovable." By the strength of grace she patiently endured many severe trials; and, when near eternity,

her prospects were bright. With confidence in the merits of the Redeemer, and the greatest composure of mind, she closed her eyes on this world, aged sixty-four; having been a steady member of the Methodist society more than twenty years. W. E.

Oct. 10th-At Club-Cliff, in the Wakefield Circuit, in the thirtieth year of his age, Mr. Charles Lake. He was brought up to attend the services of the established Church, and was moral in his conduct from a child. About eight years ago, he was led to attend the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodists at Oulton, and became deeply convinced of sin. Subsequently he joined

the society, and soon afterwards found peace with God. His future conduct evidenced that he had not received the grace of God in vain. He was distinguished by his amiable conduct as a son and a brother, and by his love of the Scriptures, the perusal of which was his daily employment and delight. During his last affliction, which continued about five weeks, and terminated in typhus fever, his mind was kept in perfect peace. On one occasion, his brother having asked him, if he found religion to support him under his affliction, he immediately replied, "Yes; I am very happy." Just before he expired, he stretched out both his arms, and smiled, as if he was just about to grasp the prize, and receive his R. B. heavenly crown.

Oct. 21st.-At Sudbury, in the Bury St. Edmund's Circuit, Mr. J. Vickers, aged thirtyfive. He was strongly attached to the cause of Methodism, and laboured zealously for its support. In life and death the Saviour was precious to his soul. Having been a consistent member of the church for five years, he cheerfully left the scenes of time for the glory and happiness of W. E.

heaven.

Oct. 28th.-At Elmswell, in the Bury St. Edmund's Circuit, aged fifty-three, Mrs. Ruddock. She joined the Methodist society at sixteen years of age, received a sense of pardon, and became very happy in the Lord. During a great part of her life she was much exercised by family trials, which she endured with Christian fortitude. Her last affliction was long and painful; but Christ, in whom she believed, removed all fear, and caused her to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Her death was peaceful and triumphant. W. E.

Oct. 29th.-At Witney, aged seventy-three, Mrs. Bolton, widow of the late Mr. Edward Bolton, of Blandford Park, an account of whose death appeared in the obituary department of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine for 1819. Mrs. Bolton was one of several who became decidedly religious through the instrumentality of a terrific thunder storm, which happened at Witney, in July, 1785. (See Mr. Wesley's Works, vol. iv., p. 258.) Having resolved to devote herself to God, she became a member of the Methodist society, and steadfastly adhered to the people of her choice, and the service of her God, to the end of life. She was strongly attached to the Ministers of the Gospel; and from the time of her marriage, till her widowhood, She rejoiced to entertain them, and provide for

their comfort.

She had once the happiness of having the Rev. Messrs. Wesley, Fletcher, and Valton as her guests at the same time. She was a person of unblemished reputation; exemplary in her attendance on the ordinances of region, both public and private; and remarkable for her love to the holy Scriptures; so much so, that, when in comparatively feeble health, she used to spend some hours in a day reading them in private. Her natural disposition was diffident and retiring. Of her it may be truly said," She walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." last affliction was very painful and distressing; but she endured it with perfect patience, and often declared her peace and confidence in God. Her prayer for several years had been, that she might have an easy passage into eternity;" and her request was graciously granted.

Her

J. G.

Oct. 30th.-At Romanby, in the Thirsk Circuit, Ann Tweddle, aged sixty-three. Though poor, she was a worthy member of the Methodist society twenty-five years; first at Stokesley, and afterwards at the village where she died. For nearly five years she had been a subject of affiction, which confined her to her cottage, and frequently to her bed. When visited by the Preacher, or by Christian friends, they ever found her supported by the consolations and hopes of religion. In this peaceful frame of spirit, and rejoicing in the prospect of glory, she passed through death to immortality.

R. T.

Nov. 15th.-At Devonport, Miss Catherine Hidley, in the twenty-fifth year of her age. She janed the Methodist society about the year 1827; and a short time after, while the late Rev. Samuel Lear was reading the text from which he purposed to preach, she obtained an assurance of the divine favour. She was frequently called to drink deeply of the cup of affliction, but in patience she possessed her soul. During her last illness, which for nearly two years was, with scarcely any intermission, very severe, she gratefully said, "Unless I had been divinely supported, I could not have borne my sufferings." The rest which remains for the people of God the anticipated with great joy. In the various interviews which the Ministers and friends had with her, they always found her rejoicing in God, and possessing unshaken confidence in the merits of Christ. On the last evening of her life she was repeatedly heard to say, "Come, Lord Jesus: come quickly." In this happy state her spirit left a scene of suffering, for an eternity of bliss. As long as her health permitted, she took great delight in the services of the sanctuary; and in teaching the rising generation, distributing tracts, collecting for the Missionary Society, and in the responsible duties of a Class-Leader. From the time at which she joined the Methodist society, to her death, she was a steady follower of the Lord Jesus.

T. H. P.

Nov. 21st.-At Rainow, in the Macclesfield Circuit, Mr. John Gaskell, aged forty-six. He had been a member of the Methodist society about four years. An inveterate asthma had

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Nov. 22d.-At Belper, Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. J. W. Nuttall. She was the daughter of Mr. W. Wain, of Alfreton, whose house for many years has been a home for the Methodist Preachers; several of whom took great interest in the spiritual welfare of Mrs. Nuttall and her brother William. In her late affliction she

gratefully acknowledged this. Her mind appeared to be concerned about spiritual things at a very early age; but she did not receive the assurance of her adoption into the family of God until she attained her seventeenth year; from which time she sedulously endeavoured to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. During the last two years of her life she has been a subject of severe bodily suffering, but constantly manifested great resignation to the will of God. In her last affliction, her mind was not only peaceful, but triumphant. Nearly her last words were "Tell my father that I die happy!" "Victory! victory! through the blood of the Lamb." T. E. Nov. 24th.-At Bradford, Yorkshire, Martha, the beloved wife of Mr. Calvert. She was blessed with a strong mind, which in early life was cultivated by a liberal education. Her intelligence, sincerity, uprightness, and sense of propriety, elevated her in the esteem of all who knew her. About the thirty-fifth year of her age, under the Wesleyan ministry, she became a subject of powerful religious impressions, and united herself to the Methodist society. She sought and obtained a change of heart; and continued in the possession and practice of Christian godliness to the end of her earthly course. By her participation in the joys and griefs of her husband, her solicitude for the temporal and eternal welfare of her numerous family, her attention to the Ministers of Christ, her orderly management of family affairs, her kindness to her domestics, and her remembrance of the poor, she adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour; and her removal has caused deep and extensive sorrow. In January, 1835, she was seized with paralysis, from which she never fully recovered. In the spring of the present year, she was again brought to the verge of the grave by influenza. On this occasion "the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant," filling her with holy joy, and affording her an unclouded prospect of immortal life. Her long and painful affliction was borne with Christian resignation. She rested on the mercy of God, and the merits of Christ. She died in the sixty-third year of her age; having been a member of the Methodist society twenty-seven R. F. years.

Nov. 24th.-At Vittoria-place, Stoke-Newington, in her forty-third year, Frances, the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Crossley. Her con

version to God, about the age of twenty, was sound and scriptural. Regarding Christ as the rock of her salvation, she built her hopes of eternal felicity solely upon his merits; and by a steady and consistent conduct manifested the reality and power of saving faith. Her attachment to the ordinances and people of God, and the Ministers of his word, was sincere and unbroken. As a wife and a mother, her frugality and industry were most exemplary; equalled only by the frank and generous affection with which every domestic duty was discharged. Surrounded by her children at eventide, and engaged in domestic employment, she sank at once into insensibility and death. For her there was no appointment of wearisome days and nights. These ordinary preludes of death were mysteriously omitted. About a fortnight before this distressing event, her mind was powerfully and delightfully impressed by a valuable sermon preached by the Rev. Wm. M. Bunting, from, "Shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil?" On her way home she said, "That is the kind of preaching I like. It comes home to one's every day's experience." Being found in the path of righteousness, and meet for the society of angels and of God, her heavenly Father issued an immediate summons. She heard, and obeyed;

"Her body with her charge laid down, And ceased at once to work and live." T. C. Nov. 28th.-At Burton-on-Trent, Mrs. Bridget Swindall, aged eighty. She was a member of the Wesleyan society for more than forty years; a woman of great uprightness and sincere piety; of a very happy disposition; and truly adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour by her Christian conversation. She was brought at first to attend the means of grace by the invitation of her son Edward; and soon after obtained peace with God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Her death was sudden and unexpected; yet in her last illness she appeared perfectly sensible that her departure was at hand, and spoke of death with the most perfect resignation. Some of her last words were, "If it be the will of God, I would rather die than live; for Christ is very precious." M. D.

Nov. 28th.-At Duggleby, in the Malton Circuit, Mrs. Spink, widow of the late Mr. F. Spink, aged sixty-five. She had long been afflicted with extreme deafness, so that she could not enjoy private conversation; and the affliction prevented her from meeting in class; yet, towards the close of life, she regretted that she did not meet with her Christian friends, as she might have derived benefit from silent meditation in their society. She was a woman of an excellent spirit. Her attachment to Methodism was ardent and sincere; and to the Preachers, who were entertained under her roof, she was strongly attached. She said, "I am happy;" and in a few hours departed to be with Christ.

C. H.

Nov. 29th.-At Heworth-Moor, near York, Abigail, the beloved wife of the Rev. George Thompson, and mother of the Rev. Thomas Thompson, jun., aged sixty-two; having been

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a member of the Methodist society about thirtyfour years. She was a native of Ireland; but shortly after the year 1798 removed to Scotland; her family, which was highly respectable, being broken up during the commotions of that year. She received her first serious impressions under the ministration of the Rev. Messrs. M'Nicoll and Martin, in the town of Ayr. She was a woman of a cultivated and vigorous mind; and her piety was genuine and expansive. Her intelligence and Christian consistency obtained for her in the various Circuits to which her husband was appointed universal esteem. knowledge of human nature, and her intimate acquaintance with the deep things of God, invested her remarks and admonitions with peculiar interest and value. "She opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness." In her domestic character, also, prudence and affection were most happily blended. "She looked well to the ways of her household." During a most severe and protracted affliction she experienced the support of that religion which for many years she had professed. Few perhaps ever prized the enjoyments of domestic life, or relished the beauties of external nature, or the creations of mind, more than she; and therefore, during the greater part of her affliction, she desired to live. For some time, however, previous to her dissolution, such was the intensity of ther sufferings, that in her estimation "to depart was far better." She was tried in the furnace of affliction; and when the purifying process was accomplished, she was removed hence to reflect the brighter glories of the heavenly world. The church has lost an ornament, and her afflicted family their best earthly friend. T. T.

Nov. 29th.-Near Lymm, in the Warrington Circuit, Mr. John Leigh, "an old disciple." He was one of the principal supporters of Methodism in its commencement in that neighbourhood. He and his father stood by the small and proscribed society when others were ashamed and afraid to profess connexion with it. At this time a gentleman's servant came with a sheaf of straw, accompanied by his master, who instructed him to place the straw under the Preacher, and set it on fire. On another occasion, the same gentleman sent his huntsman into the chapel with a number of bells about his neck. At another time, he entered the chapel himself, and went up to the pulpit, to drag the Preacher down. In the midst of these and similar outrages practised upon the small society, Mr. Leigh and his father stood by the Ministers, and encouraged them in their work. He was a liberal supporter of the cause, and kind to the poor. The following expressions are a specimen of his last words :-"There is no fear now;" "There is no love like this; " "Christ is a sure Rock." He continued in the same happy frame of mind till he changed mortality for life, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, having been a member of the Wesleyan society about thirty-five years. B. C.

Nov. 30th.-At Wexford, in the seventy-eighth year of her age, Mrs. Sarah Blakeney. She was brought to a knowledge of salvation through the

instrumentality of the Rev. Samuel Wood, in the first year of his itinerancy, and for half a century adorned her profession. Her house was for many years a home for the Ministers of the Gospel. Though her last illness was protracted and painful, the presence of her Saviour supported her triumphantly in the midst of all, until worn-out nature could sustain no longer, when she quietly fell asleep in Jesus. R. B.

Nov. 30th.-At Finstock, in the Witney Circuit, aged fifty-two, Mr. Edward Bolton, eldest son of Mrs. Bolton, whose death is recorded above He was a member of the Methodist society about thirty years; and those who knew him best are fully satisfied that for many years he was a partaker of the "grace of God which bringeth salvation." He loved, and diligently attended, the ordinances of religion; and was very conscientious in his general conduct. He ever manifested much concern for the prosperity of Wesleyan Methodism. His house was the home of the Preachers from the time of his father's death, in 1818; and it was his desire, expressed during his illness, that in this respect his sons might tread in the steps of their father and grandfather. For more than two years he suffered from a disease of the heart; so that his life was in continual jeopardy; and he felt the importance of being constantly prepared for a better world. During the last night of his life he was heard to utter expressions which indicated a happy state of mind. His death was solemnly sudden. He rose as well as usual, and after breakfast went into another room where he was accustomed to sit, Mrs. Bolton and his eldest son accompanying him; when he was observed to reel. They took hold of him; but he instantly sunk down, and died, without a word, a groan, or a sigh. J. G.

Dec. 2d.-At Belton, in the Epworth Circult, aged seventy-four years, Mr. Samuel Hudson; who for more than forty years was a steady and uniform member of the Methodist society. He was brought to God in the neighbourhood of Driffield; but for more than twenty years resided in this Circuit. For some time his house was open for the ministry of the word; and he entertained all the Preachers that visited the place. For several years he filled, with credit and usefulness, the office of a Class-Leader. His end was sudden. He was employed in placing some corn upon a waggon, when his son, who was with him, observed the fork to drop from his hand. He instantly fell, and was taken up dead.

M. C.

Dec. 28.-At Lee-Moor, in the Wakefield Circuit, of typhus fever, Mr. William Turner, in the forty-ninth year of his age. He was the Leader of two classes, was regular in his attendance upon the means of grace, and steadily attached to the interests of Methodism. His last sufferings were brief but severe; and in patience he possessed his soul To him death was disarmed of his terrors, and in the prospect of eternity he expressed his unshaken reliance upon Christ, and his joy in the prospect of entering into his presence; observing, "I would rather die and be with Jesus, than recover."

R. B.

Dec. 3d.-At Denby Dale, aged twenty-four, Joseph, the only son of Mr. Joseph Wood, deeply and universally regretted. At the age of nineteen he became a member of the Wesleyan society. He had long to struggle with unbelief; and even when he first believed, his faith was weak as the bruised reed; but by continuing to pray and exercise the faith he had, he was fully assured of his acceptance with God. He continued to grow in grace, in knowledge, and in love to God and man, which evidenced itself in acts of picty and usefulness. His constitution was delicate; and he frequently exerted himself in the Sunday-school, in prayer-meetings, and in other ways, beyond his strength. He was blessed with a sound judgment, a quick perception, and great prudence, far above his years; and an energy of character, combined with order and punctuality, that pointed him out as likely to become eminently useful. In his last affliction he experienced a calm and settled peace. He remarked that he had been favoured with power to give up the world much more easily than he at one time expected. In his last conflict he realized the truth of the promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." J. B.

Dec. 3d.-At Leeds, the Rev. John Farrar, sen., aged seventy-one. He rose in his usual health, and was about to proceed to Holbeck to preach, when he suddenly complained of distressing pain, turned sick, sat down in his chair, and in a few minutes, without a struggle or even a sigh, expired. It has since been discovered, that latent disease had been long hastening this solemn event; and there is satisfactory reason to believe that it did not overtake him unawares. A slighter attack of a similar character about a year and a half be fore; the subsequent death of his faithful partner, to whom he had been united for half a century; increasing bodily infirmities, and painful exercises that befel him from other quarters; proved chastisements which his heavenly Father graciously sanctified; and for some weeks he had obviously been living under a premonition of his approaching end; frequently both in public and private adverting to it, and expressing himself as unusually borne above fear, and enjoying encouraging intercourse with God through Christ. The morning preceding he said to a friend, "I believe I shall soon go home, and I never felt more willing:" and at family prayer, he read 1 John ii., and wept much, especially when pleading for his children. The wakeful thoughts of the following night, he mentioned, as having been occupied, by a letter received during the day from one of his sons, and which had greatly affected him: and it is not a little soothing to filial piety, to find that letter such as might have been written in view of the painful event that ensued, and not an unfit subject for dying thoughts. His last words were an expression of gratitude to God for the mitigation of the paroxysm of pain, that proved to be his dying agony. A. E. F.

Dec. 3d.-At Warrington, Catherine, the faithful wife of Mr. William Mee, aged seventy. Her conversion to God was sound and scriptural ; and for the space of forty-seven years, she lived a

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