family is thus deprived of both parents, and is left to the special charge of their friends and of the church of God. We have also to place on record the death of the Rev. Thomas Wall, Missionary at St. Mary's, on the river Gambia. He died in great peace, and in full triumph over the last enemy, on the 24th of August. DEPARTURE, &c., OF MISSIONARIES. On the 15th of October, the Rev. William Moss, and Mrs. Moss, embarked for Macarthy's Island, in the river Gambia; and by the same vessel, the Rev. Thomas Edwards, 3d, for Sierra-Leone. On the 19th, the Rev. J. P. Hetherington, with Mrs. Hetherington and two chil dren, and the Rev. Henry Lanton, embarked for Canada. On the 22d, the Rev. James Parkinson, and Mrs. Parkinson, embarked for St. Mary's, Gambia. On the 24th, an ordination of Missionaries was held at Great Queen-street chapel, when Messrs. Richards, Redfern, Railton, and Davis, of the Theological Institution, Hoxton, and Messrs. Bell, Whitehead, Hurd, Bickford, and Fleet, were solemnly set apart to the work and office of the Christian ministry. Dr. Bunting read the Ordination Service, and was assisted by Dr. Hannah, and the Rev. Messrs. Jones, Scott, Stead, and others. The Missionaries were then suitably and impressively addressed by the Rev. Edward Fraser, who thus closed his public ministry in this country. On the 25th, the Rev. John Richards, and Mrs. Richards, embarked for the Albany District, South-Eastern Africa; with the Rev. William Impey, for the Bechuana District, in the interior. On the 27th, the Rev. Thomas Burrows, and Mrs. Burrows, embarked for Jamaica; accompanied by the Rev. Messrs. Richards, Davis, F. Whitehead, and W. Redfern. On the 31st of October, the Rev. Edward Fraser, and Mrs. Fraser, embarked for the island of Antigua, on their way to Jamaica. On the same day the following record was made on the Minutes of the Committee of the Wesleyan Missionary Society : The Secretaries having reported that the Rev. E. Fraser has this morning left London, in order to embark at Gravesend on his return to the West Indies, it was resolved, "That the Committee gladly take this opportunity of recording in their Minutes their highest approbation of the very able and entirely satisfactory manner in which Mr. Fraser has executed the duties which, at the request of the Committee, he has so kindly undertaken during his visit to this country; that the Committee are exceedingly grateful for the pecuniary success which has attended his labours,—a success which the Committee regards as honourable alike to the talents and diligence of Mr. Fraser, and to the Christian liberality of those friends of Negro education to whom his applications were addressed; and that the Committee unite in fervent prayer to God for the safe arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Fraser at the place of their destination, and for their long preservation in life, health, and usefulness. "That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Mr. Fraser, with the further assurance, that the Committee are thankful for having had the opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with him; that they regret that the time of his sailing did not permit them the privilege of bidding him farewell at this Meeting; and that he leaves us under strong impressions of esteem for his character as a man, as a Christian, as a Minister, and as one of our own accredited and highly-valued Missionaries." The Rev. John Bell, and Mrs. Bell, for Antigua; and the Rev. Lancelot Railton, for Montserrat, sailed in the same vessel with Mr. Fraser. On the 2d of November, the Rev. Henry Hurd, and the Rev. James Bickford, embarked for St. Vincent's, in the West Indies. On the 6th, the Rev. W. II. Rule, who has been on a visit to this country for the benefit of his health, embarked for Cadiz, with Mrs. Rule and three children, and Mr. Dowty, who is appointed to assist Mr. Rule, and add to the strength of the Spanish Mission. On the 19th, the Rev. Henry Fleet, and Mrs. Fleet, proceeded to Gravesend to embark for Sierra-Leone. The safety, health, and future usefulness of these valued brethren and their families are recommended as subjects of special supplications in the Missionary prayer-meetings for the month of December. We have the pleasure to state that the Rev. William Marshall, who sailed from Liverpool for Newfoundland on the 21st of September, arrived safely at his destination on Sunday, October 14th, after a pleasant voyage. REPORT OF 1839. RESOLUTION OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE. RESOLVED, "That in order to secure the early and correct publication of the Report of the Society, the District and Branch Treasurers and Secretaries be requested to send to the Mission-House their respective Balances and Lists of Contributions by the 31st of December, or as soon as possible after that date; and that they be at the same time informed that any moneys received after the 31st of January, 1839, cannot be acknowledged in the Report of that year; and that the publication of Lists received after that date, must necessarily be deferred to the year ensuing." CONTRIBUTIONS. THE amount of Contributions received by the General Treasurers of the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society, since the 16th of October last, is £2,840. 178, 5d. OBITUARY. 1. DIED, at Swinefleet, in the Snaith Circuit, June 21st, 1837, Mr. Samuel Lavarack, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He had been a member of the society more than thirty-seven years, and a Local Preacher and Class-Leader above thirty-five. Mr. Wesley was entertained at the house of Mr. Lavarack's father, when he visited the neighbourhood; and after the death of the father, the son continued to receive the Preachers, and to give them a hearty welcome to his house. I have not been able to gather any particulars of his first conversion to God; but it appears to have taken place in the prime of his life. Its genuineness was shown by consistent and long-continued fruit. His zeal and punctuality in the discharge of his duty as a Local Preacher were very strongly marked. Neither weather nor distance prevented him from attending to his The appointments. His classes, likewise, always prospered under his care. members were much attached to him, and often sought his counsel in the management of their temporal, as well as in their spiritual, concerns. To the poor, he was a sympathizing and active friend; yet, at the same time, careful to avoid ostentation, he let not his left hand know what his right hand was doing. His principal failing was a short and abrupt way of speaking, arising from the decision of his own character, but which was sometimes mistaken for undue warmth of temper. The cause, perhaps, was mistaken; but it had been better had the appearance been avoided, and the same kindness made evident in his manner, which all who were acquainted with him knew to be in his heart. In the summer of 1836, while returning from one of his appointments, he was thrown from his gig, and never fully recovered from the effects of the fall. In the spring of 1837 he appeared to revive a little; but about ten days before his death, sitting with his family, he complained of a sudden pain in his foot. Mortification was found to have taken place, and, as his constitution was completely enfeebled, no hopes were entertained of his recovery. He received the information with great tranquillity; and though, from extreme weakness, he was seldom able to speak, the little he did say indicated that all was right with him. "I rest upon the rock, the unchanging rock, Christ Jesus," he said to a friend not long before he expired. In this confidence and peace he died. MICHAEL COUSIN. 2. Died, July 15th, at Overton, in the Andover Circuit, Miss Matilda Woodley, in the twenty-fourth year of her age. The preaching of the late Rev. John Pipe, while he was stationed in the Newbury Circuit, was made the means of her conversion. On being made a partaker of the grace of God, she resolved to be altogether a Christian. She fully gave herself to the Lord, and from the time at which she first received a sense of the divine favour, to the end of her life, she was enabled constantly to rejoice in the clear evidence of her acceptance in the Beloved. Soon after she was truly brought to God, she saw, from the sacred Scripture, that it was both her privilege and her duty to be sanctified wholly; and following on "to know the Lord," she was brought to experience the blessedness of "the pure in heart," and henceforward her motto was indeed "holiness unto the Lord." Living and dying, she bore her unwavering testimony that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin. The illness of which she died, though short, was exceedingly painful; but the grace of her Saviour was sufficient for her, and she found his strength to be made perfect in her weakness. She was asked by a friend if she had any wish to live; when she replied, "I have no will of my own; I desire to rest in the hands of my God, as clay in the hands of the potter." She was not able to speak much; but it was evident that she had all the peaceful patience of an entire resignation to the will of God. On the day on which she died, being asked if she were happy, she calmly and briefly replied, "No guilt." Not long after she said, "I want to go to that pure place:" and immediately added, "If thou, my Jesus, still art nigh, Cheerful I live, and cheerful die; To find ten thousand worlds in thee." During part of the day she was delirious but a few hours before her death she became perfectly sensible and collected. Her holy joy at the prospect of heaven was almost boundless, and her little remaining strength was spent in praise. The last words she was heard to utter were, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Shortly after this she took her leave of earth to mingle with kindred spirits in the paradise of God. PETER Budd. 3. Died, July 27th, at Brighton, in the seventy-second year of his age, Mr. John Pocock. He was truly converted to God about thirty years ago, and was one of the first members of the Wesleyan society at Brighton. He was naturally of a gentle and amiable temper, and in his conduct was generally moral; but still, destitute of any true regard to the will of God, he was accustomed to pursue his usual calling on the Lord's day. While marking some timber, one Sunday morning, he was driven by a storm to shelter himself under a tree. Having a hymn-book in his pocket, he took it out, just to pass away the time while he stood there, and opened on the words, "Stop, poor sinner, stop and think, The words struck to his heart. He felt he was breaking the law of God, and a conviction of his guilt and danger powerfully seized on his conscience. He left his employment, returned home, and began to cry to the Lord for mercy. By prayer he received more light, and thus his convictions were strengthened. He felt his guilt, depravity, and helplessness, and sought with all his heart for mercy. The Methodists had not long before commenced religious services in Brighton; and he was induced to go among them, hoping to be directed as to the way in which he might find relief. After several months of deep distress, the Lord graciously revealed his pardoning love in Christ, and enabled the drooping mourner to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. He seemed to have entered into a new existence, and would have been glad to make known to the whole world the great things which the Lord had done for him. He became now a happy Christian; and his natural gentleness, sanctified by the grace of God, rendered his whole character delightfully attractive. Kindness, integrity, strong attachment to the wor ship, cause, and people of God, were very decidedly manifested in him, and won for him the affection and respect of all who knew him. The Preachers who first laboured in that neighbourhood will all have very pleasing recollections of a man, in whom they always found a warmhearted friend, and who, in conjunction with his devoted partner, seemed never happier, than when endeavouring to make them comfortable. About two years before he died, his constitution, which was naturally good, began to give way. His affiction was long, and his pain sometimes very great; but he was kept in a state of quiet resignation to the will of God. When lying on his bed, he was often heard to repeat the hymns, "Jesu, lover of my soul," &c., and "For ever here my rest shall be," &c. When prayer was offered up for him at his bedside, he would frequently break out in expressions of praise to God. His frame of mind, to the very last, was very blessedly serene. A little before he died, his nearest earthly friend asked him if Christ was still precious: "O yes," he replied, "O yes! What could I now do, if it were not so ?" In this happy state he continued till he quietly breathed his Jast. It is not added as a mere matter of course, but as what is strictly true, that he lived beloved, and died lamented. ८८ J. MORGAN, RECENT DEATHS. MARCH 29th, 1838-At Toynton-All-Saints, in the Spilsby Circuit, aged seventy-eight, Mr. John Cartwright. In 1810, through affliction, he was truly brought to God, and continued steadfast to the end. The latter years of his life were clouded with adversity, but in patience he pas sessed his soul. In his last illness he was exceedingly happy, frequently breaking out in singing, "My God, I am thine ;*** What a comfort divine!? He died collected and triumphant." Aug. 7th At Colchester, in the twenty-fint year of her age, Miss Eliza Coleman. In 1831, under a sermon preached by the Rev. J. M'Lean, she was led to seek the salvation of God, and to devote herself to his service. Her cultivated mind, amiable temper, active disposition, and deep piety, led her friends to anticipate that her life would be honourably useful; but it pleased God to appoint otherwise. In her affistion she manifested the greatest patience; and though occasionally delirious, in every lucid interval, it was evident that her whole trust was in Christ. A short time before she died, she requested that the family would sing, "Rock of ages, cleft for me," &c. 1 In life she adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour, and in death experienced the comfort and support of his dying love. P. MO. Aug. 29th.-At Colchester, Mr. W. Candler, in the seventy-first year of his age. Under a sermon preached by the venerable Wesley he was induced to join the Methodist society, and to seek the salvation of his soul; and from that time he firmly and consistently maintained his Christian profession. He was a good man, JR intelligent companion, a kind neighbour, an honest tradesman, a useful member of the church, a warm friend, and a true Christian His death was truly patriarchal Possessing his intellectual powers in full vigour, he spent the three last days of his life in blessing and cousselling his friends. A few hours before he died, he repeated these lines very feelingly, 4 "Lo, God is here, let us adore, 201 And own how dreadful is this place **** A friend said, "Part of the host have crossed the flood;" he added, with peculiar emphasis, "And part are crossing now.” .” Soori after, Fooking affectionately at his family, he faintly wilpered, "Good bye, God bless you!” and fill asleep in Christ. Sept. 4th-At Shipley, Mrs. Mary Crabtree, in the twenty-fourth year of her ages! In her eighteenth year she was led to seck earnestly for the blessing of a present salvation ; and, after some time, she obtained a clear sense of meetance with God through Jesus Christ, and thence forward steadily maintained her confidence, amf walked in consistence with her profession. The affliction which terminated her life was of four teen weeks' continuance, and sometimes very severe; but her mind was kept in peaceful patience. "I am in good hands," she said: "the Lord knows best what to do with me." "And er another occasion," Whether I live or die, all w right; I have no fear; my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour."" In this happy frame she continued till taken from a suffering to a reigning church. W. H. Sept. 26th.-At Liverpool, Mr. Robert Dickenson, in the thirty-first year of his age. He remembered his Creator in the days of his youth, and for several years was an acceptable and useful Local Preacher. A few days before his last illness he had such views of his own unworthiness and unfaithfulness, as to produce a severe 'mental conflict; but in earnest prayer he reposed his soul on the merits of Christ, and obtained deliverance. Soon after, he was seized with the affliction which very speedily terminated his life; but he died in great peace, calmly trusting in his Saviour. T. H. S. Sept. 29th.-At Woolwich, in the Deptford Circuit, Mary Reeves, aged seventy-nine. She had been a member of the society about fiftysix years. She was a woman of sincere piety, loving prayer and walking humbly with God. In her last affliction she was abundantly blessed with the divine presence, and on one occasion exclaimed, "If all the infidels in the world were present, I would tell them what the Christian religion can do for its possessors: it has supported me through a long life, and in death it enables me to rejoice in God my Saviour." She continued in this heavenly frame of mind till she entered the rest she had long been seeking. W. N. Oct. 2d.-At Sheffield, Mr. James Flintoft, aged seventy-one. He had been a member of the Wesleyan society above half a century, and was well known in the London Sixth Circuit, where, for many years, he was Steward of the Hinde-street chapel. For the last seven years he had retired from business, and spent his time in preserving and increasing the preparation for his final change, which, in early life, he had sought and obtained. He was related by marriage to the late highly-esteemed Mr. George 'Cussons; (of what was then the London West Circuit;) and in steady integrity, quietness of spirit, and uniform consistency, much resembled him. His last illness was very short, and its fatal termination altogether unexpected; but he was preserved in great peace, and died as he had lived, a sincere Christian. G. C. He Oct. 3d, At Ossett Low-common, in the Dewsbury Circuit, aged sixty-seven, Mr. John Wilby, who joined the Wesleyan society when twenty years of age, and continued a consistent and useful member to the end of his life. was strongly attached to the people whom he had joined, and sustained, with credit to himself, and advantage to others, some of the most important offices in the society. To the Auxiliary Fund he zhad been a subscriber for forty years. His last illness was one of great personal suffering; but he was supported by the clear and strong sense which he had of the favour of God in Christ. His experience during his illness he described, - on one occasion, by saying, No condemnation now I dread, Jesus, and all in him, is mine." He died with the language of praise on his lips. C. H. Oct. 8th.-At Bales, in the Alstone Circuit, Mrs. Margaret Bell, late of Wentworth place, Hexham, aged eighty-three. She had been a member of the Wesleyan society for sixty-three years; and after walking for that long period consistently with her profession, she died in great peace. མ་་r། H. S Oct. 10th. At Penzance, Mrs. Elizabeth Millett, in the eighty-third year of her age, having been a member of the Wesleyan society for fifty years. She was a woman of unassuming manners, and sincere piety. Her last affliction was heavy; but her trust was in Christ, and she died in peace. J. D.. 1 Oct. 13th.-At Lees-hall, in the Uttoxeter Circuit, Miss Sarah Chauner, who joined the Methodist society in 1817, and continued steadily united to it as long as she lived. She was diligent in attending the means of grace, and earnestly desirous that others should taste the grace that had found out herself. She was liberal, and willing to trench on her own comforts to promote the well-being of those about her. Towards the close of life she suffered much from extreme debility; but this led her to seek for stronger consolation in Christ. Two days before her death she was found in her own room on her knees, with her Bible open before her. She had had a paralytic seizure; and only said, a little before she expired, "I must die." Oct. 13th-At St. Ives, in the Huntingdon Circuit, in the seventy-third year of his age, Mr. Thomas Jenner. For about forty-four years he was a member of the Wesleyan society in that town, and nearly the whole of the time Leader of the same class. He likewise, at different times, filled the various offices connected with the Circuit in which he resided. His piety was of a very cheerful character, but he was no trifler; and his sterling piety and sound judgment obtained for him the esteem of all who knew him. During the affliction which terminated his life, his mind was in its usual peaceful frame. He said that Christ was precious to him; and he died committing his soul to the love of his Redeemer. J. F. Oct. 15th.-At Dunwood, in the Leek Circuit, Joseph Corbishly, in the sixty-third year of his age. He was brought to the knowledge of the truth about twenty-five years ago; and to the close of life walked worthy of his high vocation. His death was rather sudden; but he was found in a state of readiness, In the course of his short affliction he was not able to converse much; but at intervals he gave his friends a very satisfactory account of his xpeerience, saying that Jesus was, to him, the fairest among ten thousand, and truly precious. |