ple, who walked and leaped and praised God.

Some for a time resisted the Spirit, but were at last brought to repentance; and their distress was perhaps greater than any others'. It has been a glorious work; and though we have not as much power at present with us, yet the Lord is with us still, and our people are growing in grace.

In November there were strange reports from Bau. The Priest professed to be inspired, and said that Viwa must be destroyed.

A Bau Chief has been driven here, because he was favourable to Christianity. He says that the Bau Chiefs are very angry, and intend to punish the Viwa people. We hear that they intend to kill them when the Somosomo people

come.

On the 27th of that month Christians from towns near here were driven to Viwa. They say that they intend to send all the Christians to Viwa, and starve them. Orders have been given to all persons not to bring any food to Viwa. Some persons from Bau went to Dravuni, and said to Micah, a Christian Chief living there, "You must either give up religion, or be clubbed." He said, "It is an easy thing for me to die; but a very difficult thing to give up religion." They had a club to kill him ; but the Lord restrained their rage.

Some of the Viwa men went to Bau, and a great Chief told them that they would all be killed. "If," said he, 66 your God strives hard to save you, you may live; but if not, you will all be clubbed." A Christian Chief from Nawava went to Bau, and they prepared an oven to bake him at once if he did not renounce Christianity. He had not long embraced the true religion, and had felt none of its power; so that he gave up his profession to save his life. Things have got to a great height. We must wait and see the end. Some say that the Missionaries are to be killed, and others say that we are to be driven away.

On the 1st of December the Somosomo people arrived, and thirty men of Rewa were killed for their breakfast. The Chief of Namata took two pigs and two human beings for them. He carried first a pig on one shoulder, and a man on the other; and then he returned for the two others. The Somosomo people would rejoice much more over the human body than over the pig. It is reported that they are to have the Christians for their dinner some day.

When things were thus at their greatest height, our people were unmoved, and seemed willing to die for their religion. They had been prepared for it. No one spoke of taking up arms in selfdefence; every one seemed willing to suffer whatever might come for the Lord's sake. Viwa was devoted to destruction, and every one looked upon it as destroyed; but He that sitteth in the heavens laughed at the rage and fury of the Heathen, and curbed their cruel power. He spoke to the storm, and it ceased; he restrained the wrath of man, and delivered his people.

Now we have peace, and all wonder how Viwa has been saved; but we know

"All power is to our Jesus given,

O'er earth's rebellious sons he reigns."

He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us. He says to the fury of men, "Thus far shalt thou come, and no further;" and when their designs and plans are ready for execution, He overturns them all, and shows himself mighty to save his people. Our people attribute their deliverance to Jehovah alone. This persecution has not been confined to Viwa only, but has been felt in every part of this Circuit. Almost every part of Feejee fears Bau; and when they oppose anything, the people tremble to have anything to do with it. But their opposition to the Gospel has altogether failed, and the Lord has made their wrath to praise him. The Bau Chiefs appear very friendly just now. That which they were aiming at was to do away with Christianity; but they say that they were angry because the Viwa people would not help them to kill their enemies. The firmness of our people has surprised them. The Viwa people say, if Bau had been angry like this before they knew Christianity, they would have fled anywhere to save their lives; but they say, "We cannot fear at all now: we seem willing to die for Christianity." Glory to God! The Bau people see that Christianity is doing away with sin; and they love their sins, and therefore hate Christianity. Blessed be God, the day shall come when all shall feel his mighty power. We look upon these as signs of good. We hear the rumbling of the chariot-wheels of the Conqueror of the nations, and our longing souls cry out, "Triumphant Lord, appear!" I desire a continued interest in your prayers.

JULY 23d, 1846.-At Great Ponton, in the Grantham Circuit, Mr. John Butler, aged sixtytwo. He was converted to God in early life. His piety was enlightened, uniform, sincere, and fervent. As a Class-Leader, he was diligent and useful. During his last affliction, which was protracted and painful, he had undisturbed peace through believing; and in him it might be said "patience had her perfect work." Just before his departure, he said to his son, "I am going; but I am on the Rock!" W. L.

Oct. 7th.-At Ruston-Parva, in the Bridlington Circuit, Mrs. Margaret Lamplugh, of Kilham, aged twenty-five. For eleven years she was a member of the Wesleyan society. Her illness was of short duration. The Sunday preceding her death, she repeated the verse, beginning with these words, "There is my house and portion fair," &c.; and then immediately after she said,

"O happy day that fix'd my choice

On thee, my Saviour and my God! Well may this glowing heart rejoice, And tell its raptures all abroad."

Afterwards she spoke but little, until death put an end to her sufferings. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." J. W.

Oct. 23d.-At Warrington, in the Oundle Circuit, Mr. Davey, an extensive farmer. He was converted to God, and joined the Methodist society, about thirty-four years since. Soon after his conversion he removed from Buckinghamshire to Elton, in the county of Huntingdon, and instantly joined the Methodist society. With a few others, he caused the erection of a chapel in that place. From the first, Mr. Davey showed an invincible attachment to Methodism, and was for many years one of its liberal supporters. When Oundle was made the head of a Circuit, and the new chapel in that town was projected, Mr. Davey came forward with his influence and assistance. Mr. Davey was an example to believers in his regular and early attendance on the means of grace. Notwithstanding the care of a numerous family, and the direction of an extensive business, he considered it his duty and privilege to wait upon God in the services of the sanctuary also. On the Wednesday morning previous to his decease he felt his strength failing; and the following day was confined to his bed, during which he was visited by a friend, to whom he said, "I am on the Rock, I am on the Rock!" and on Friday morning his happy spirit returned unto God who gave it.

J. A.

Nov. 7th.-At Flixton, in the Fourth Manchester Circuit, Thomas Muddiman, aged seventyfive. He was truly converted to God in the year 1807, and united himself to the Wesleyan society. He was a good man; diligent in his attendance upon the means of grace; exemplary in his at

tention to domestic religion, and in his devout regard to the sacred Scriptures. He was often brought into great temporal distress; but he never cast away his confidence in God. He was a very useful Class-Leader for thirty years. Two years ago he had several paralytic seizures, which affected his speech; but his mind was kept in great peace; and he died as he had lived, resting on the great Atonement. W. O. B.

Nov. 12th.-At Tredegar, in the MerthyrTydvil Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, relict of the late Mr. John Smith, of Pendorran, aged eighty-two. In the year 1785 she was convinced of sin under the ministry of the Rev. John Wood, and found redemption in Christ, the forgiveness of sins. For fifty-one years her conversation was such as became the Gospel. It was her privilege to witness the departure hence, in the faith, of her husband and all her children. She was spiritually-minded; and her conversation was instructive and edifying, especially to the young. J. S.

Nov. 13th.-At. St. Leonard's, in the Hastings Circuit, aged forty-eight, Mr. William Tavenor. Whilst witnessing in a theatre some representation of fire, the terrors of the Lord took hold upon him; and, turning to his companion, he exclaimed, "Could you bear that for ever?" From that day he sought the pardoning mercy of God, which was soon whispered to his heart when walking by the way. He immediately united himself to the Wesleyan society, of which he continued a consistent member for twentyeight years. In the London Third Circuit, he was a Leader, Exhorter, and Visiter for the Strangers' Friend Society. On his removal to St. Leonard's, he became a Local Preacher; and his zeal rendered his labours generally acceptable and edifying. Though often called to bear severe affliction, he endured as "seeing Him who is invisible." His last seizure was the result of cold, taken whilst returning from a Sabbath appointment; and, after comparatively brief suffering, endured with Christian patience and fortitude, he entered into rest. M. C. T.

Nov. 15th.-At Keighley, Maria, the wife of Mr. T. Mills, ironfounder, aged fifty-two. She was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth upwards of thirty years ago, and held the beginning of her "confidence steadfast unto the end." Naturally amiable, her disposition shone with a peculiar lustre, when sanctified by divine grace. Her acquaintance with the deep things of God was sound and extensive, and manifested itself in all the relations of life she was called to occupy. A more than ordinary share of affliction was her lot, which, through abounding grace, was made subservient to her spiritual profit. For some time prior to her last illness, her experience was very rich and spiritual. It was evident to all that her "conversation was in heaven, from whence she looked for her Saviour, the

Lord Jesus Christ." Her end was unexpected and sudden; but she was ready; and, having witnessed a "good confession," she calmly and imperceptibly" fell asleep." W. J. S.

Nov. 17th.-At Sundon, in the Dunstable Circuit, Mary Lawley, aged eighty-seven. She was converted to God by means of a sermon preached by the Rev. John Cricket, and joined the Wesleyan society at Leighton-Buzzard in 1802. On ceasing to sell on the Sabbath, she and her late husband soon did more business in six days than they had previously done in seven. They opened their house for preaching, and would have given land on which to build a chapel, had the situation been suitable. After adorning the doctrine of God her Saviour forty-four years, she said to a friend, who remarked, "The Lord will be with you, ," "He is with me; the Lord is my companion, he is my Lord, my God." Her last illness continued six weeks, during which she enjoyed constant peace. W. S.

Nov. 28th.-At Sutton-on-the-Forest, in the Easingwold Circuit, Mr. Robert Barker, aged twenty-three years. Having the advantages of a religious training, he was in early life the subject of divine impressions. It was not, however, until the 5th of December, 1841, that he was led to give his heart fully to God. He was convinced of the necessity of securing a personal interest in the blood of Jesus, under the preaching of the word of God; and in the prayer-meeting, at the close of the service, he sought the Lord with a truly broken and believing heart, and soon obtained "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." His conduct adorned his profession, and he gave the most indubitable evidence that he had received the seal of the Spirit;""he showed out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." He felt a great interest in the welfare of the Mission cause, and in visiting among the poor and afflicted. The affliction which terminated in his death was short; and, though summoned unexpectedly, he was found ready. J. R.

Dec. 5th.-At Delph, Saddleworth, Mr. Richard Nutter, aged sixty-five; who was for fortythree years a member of the Wesleyan society. In him Methodism in Saddleworth has lost a devoted and long-tried friend, a useful Leader and Circuit-Steward. He was a pious man, whose heart was right with God, and whose life was circumspect before men. Few persons possessed greater control over their passions than he. The cause of Methodism lay near his heart, and was both loved and supported by him. For many years he was its main earthly support in Delph; and to him the society looked as a guide and friend. He felt both the honour and responsibility of the position, and cared and prayed for the cause he loved. In conversation with his family, he specially charged them to take care of the cause. His last affliction was distressing; but he was happily free from any fear of death, or even temptation. He was in the valley; but God was with him, and he had peace and consolation. A short time before he died, he said, "I have been a member of the Methodist society for VOL. III.FOURTH SERIES.

more than forty years, and am thankful that I have brought no reproach on the cause, that I have not gone out of the way; but I do not depend for salvation on this: I trust only in Jesus. 'Other refuge have I none.' Thank God, there is but one way to heaven. I want no other. I need no Saviour but Jesus." W. H. B.

Dec. 13th.-At Bath, aged fifty-seven, Harriet Gardner, the wife of Thomas Gardner, Esq., of Plymouth, late Treasurer to the Wesleyan Missionary Society for the Devonport District. She was for upwards of twenty years a truly pious and upright member of the Wesleyan society. Her last affliction, which was painful and protracted, she bore with exemplary patience and resignation to the will of her heavenly Father. Her confidence in God was unshaken, and her prospect of future glory unclouded. Her end was so triumphant as to lead those around her to exclaim, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like hers."

R. W.

Dec. 15th.-At Newtown, in the Southampton Circuit, the Rev. John H. Adams, aged fiftyeight, in the thirty-fourth year of his itinerancy. At the last Conference he was compelled, by increasing infirmity, to retire from the regular work. It soon became evident to his friends that a crisis was approaching, which would soon terminate his days. The great doctrines which he had clearly and faithfully preached to others, sustained him in his final conflict; and the death-bed scene of this amiable man was preeminently calm. Addressing the Superintendent, he said, "Tell my fathers and brethren that I die in peace, in great peace.' T. W. S.

Jan. 12th, 1847.-At Wimborne, in the Poole Circuit, the Rev. James Hirst, aged thirty-two. His piety was deep and ardent, his zeal indefatigable, and his ministry successful. He preached on December 22d, though for some days previously he had been much indisposed. Before Christmas-day his illness had so much increased, that he himself expressed a conviction that he should die, although his friends were of a different opinion. His malady was one that peculiarly affected his nervous system; yet the state of his mind was highly satisfactory. He said, "I want to be purged from all iniquity, to be cleansed from every secret fault. It is the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin!

'I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me.""

To a friend, who expressed a hope that God would raise him up, he replied, "That life is long, which answers life's great end." On the Lord's day preceding his death, he said, "I am justified, I am sanctified, through the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. I have preached the truth; I am quite willing to go; the only wish I have to live is on account of my dear wife." Even in seasons of delirium, his mind was evidently engaged in his ministerial work; and frequently what he said was striking and affecting. On the last night of his life, as if delivering a Missionary speech, or sermon, he 2 F

dwelt with great emphasis on the words of our Saviour, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature." "Yes," he exclaimed, with hands and arms extended, "to every creature!" He then sunk back, exhausted with the effort; and, after lying motionless about two hours, he calmly and silently breathed his soul into the hands of his Redeemer. J. W. T.

Jan. 12th.-At Ribstone, in the Knaresborough Circuit, Mrs. Jane Ridsdale, mother of the Rev. John S. Ridsdale, Wesleyan Minister, after a protracted illness, which she bore with Christian patience and resignation, having been a member of the Wesleyan society nearly fifty years. Her disposition was kind and affectionate, and her deportment uniformly pious. By her death the poor have lost a friend and benefactress, and the church a bright ornament. A little before her departure, she cried, "Victory, victory!" In this happy state she continued, till mortality was swallowed up of life.

W. A.

As a

Jan. 28th.-At Loughborough, Mary Elizabeth, the beloved wife of the Rev. Thomas Rowe. Her maternal grandfather, Dr. James Hamilton, was an intimate friend of Mr. Wesley, and on one occasion, at his request, preached before the Conference. Mrs. Rowe was induced, in 1838, by the sudden death of a beloved sister, to join our society, and soon after was made a partaker of the pardoning love of God. member of Christ's church, a wife, and a mother, she adorned each relationship by a rich display of Christian graces. The leading traits in her character were humility, disinterestedness, and warm affection. From the commencement of her last illness, she had an impression that she should die; but, in the midst of much pain and temptation, she retained her trust in Christ. A few hours before she expired, she exclaimed, with great fervour,

"A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
Into thy hands I fall :

Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My Saviour and my all."

Soon after she fell asleep in Jesus, in the twentyeighth year of her age. T. R.

Feb. 3d.-At Huntingdon, aged fifty-nine, Mary, the wife of the Rev. James Jones. She was converted to God in the year 1814, and joined the Wesleyan society, in which she continued a member to the end of her life. She was diligent in visiting, reading, and praying with the poor and afflicted; was punctual in her attendance on the ordinances of God's house, and in prayer and perusing the Scriptures. For the last three months she suffered much; but was graciously supported and comforted. The promises of God, and our excellent Hymns, were sources of great consolation.

J. J.

Feb. 3d.-At Skibbereen, aged eighty-four, Mrs. Mary Evans, relict of the late Captain Evans, of Ardralla, in this Circuit, and motherin-law of the late Rev. John Hadden, Wesleyan Minister. Her conversion to God, which took

place in the fifteenth year of her age, at Bandon, led her at once to unite herself with the Methodists, under whose ministry she had obtained the "pearl of great price;" and from that period she was enabled to hold fast the beginning of her confidence. Soon after her conversion she entered the marriage state, and came to reside at Ardralla, where she received into her house the first Methodist Preachers that visited this part of the kingdom; and under her hospitable roof, one of them, Mr. Thomas Keys, a young man, then in his first year of probation, finished his course and entered into life. The statement of her Christian experience discovered a humble, but firm, reliance on the atonement, as the only foundation of hope and comfort. Trusting in Christ, she could rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Although her health had been in a declining state for a long time previous to her death, yet she continued to attend the means of grace until within a few days of that event. She was never known to speak evil of an absent character. J. W.

Feb. 6th.-At the house of her son-in-law, the Rev. Adam Fletcher, Nantwich, Isabella Spencer, relict of Thomas Spencer, of Hardburn, Yorkshire, aged eighty-six. When about twenty years of age, she listened to the teaching of inspiration, and gave her heart to God. For nearly sixty-five years she was a devoted and useful member of the Wesleyan society. Her heart was richly imbued with grace; she entertained a solemn impression of the worth of the soul, and of the realities of eternity; and her life was in strict accordance with the requirements of the Scriptures. Without much pain she spent her last remaining days on earth; and in great peace she passed to that rest she had so long desired, and for which she was so well prepared. A. F.

Feb. 22d.-At his mother's residence, Ashburton, in the eighteenth year of his age, Benjamin, the fifth son of the late Rev. John Worden. At an early age he saw the necessity of personal piety; and, in the year 1843, became a member of the Wesleyan church. His affliction was lingering; but it was sanctified. He felt it to be his duty and privilege to enjoy that " peace which passeth understanding," and that direct influence of the Holy Ghost, to witness with his spirit that he was a child of God. During the last six months of his life he was enabled to testify God's power to save. His piety was enlightened and deep, his consolation was strong, and he bore his protracted sufferings with the resignation of a saint. As his end approached, his prospect of heaven was very bright. His departing hours were hours of praise and prayer, and his exit was eminently peaceful. R. S.

Feb. 27th.-The Rev. Robert Pilter, at Lisieux, Normandy, aged sixty-four, and in the fortythird year of his ministry. In June, 1846, the state of his health obliged him to retire from the more active services of the Lord's house; and a variety of circumstances caused him to take up his residence in France, the chief of which was a desire to do a little good, in his latter days, to a