The

ment both against Christianity, and against Christian exertion. But there is no such nation; no one pretends to imagine that there is. Go to some new region of the earth: you may be uncertain, before you arrive there, whether the people will have abundance of water, or of food; whether they will have this plant, or that animal; whether they may possess the knowledge of some arts, or may still be in a state of utter barbarism; but you feel absolutely confident beforehand that, if the Gospel has not been there, holiness is not there; that the people must be living without God, and dying without hope. The case, then, is urgent, and it is wide as the earth. If you have pity for the sick, if you have pity for the imprisoned, if you have pity for the dying, O, then, compassionate those poor idolaters; for these and all such maladies, in their worst and most fearful forms, meet, and reign, and riot in their deplorable condition. Report bears testimony to another fact, not simply that the Gospel is everywhere necessary, but that it is everywhere sufficient. "There is very much land to be possessed," but there is nothing more extraordinary to do than has already been done; the Gospel has no more signal triumphs to achieve than it has achieved already. There is nothing more needed than just a multiplication of such successes as those which your last year's Report relates, in order to eradicate the curse, and replace it, throughout the earth, with the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. No matter how the famine rages, there is, in its provisions, enough and to spare; no matter how the people are wounded, nay, though they be dying, or actually dead, here is that uplifted Saviour whose blood is redemption, whose death is life. This, my friends, entails on all of us a most solemn responsibility. "If thou canst do anything for me," said an agonized petitioner to our Lord, "have mercy." The Heathen are practically saying the same thing: "If you can do anything for us, have mercy." If we could only moderate their woes, it would be a fearful cruelty to deny our interposition. What, then, shall we think of our accountability, if we stand by, holding in our hands an entire and all-sufficient remedy? It is true, indeed, we can do nothing efficiently of ourselves;

Think,

but we can instrumentally proclaim that Gospel of which we have no reason to be ashamed; for it is "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." I rejoice, my friends, in the assurance afforded by this Report, that you acquiesce in such sentiments, and that you express your approval of them, not by mere verbal consent, but by noble Christian exertion. I doubt not, you will persevere in the same course; and, although the times are hard, and many may experience difficulty in prolonging their beneficence, I anticipate that this will not excuse your short-comings, but will only enhance your success. how noble it is to be so occupied. Personal effort is good, but still it is limited. It can extend only to a few of your friends or neighbours. Think how, through your Missionaries, you have a sort of ubiquity of benevolence. Through their hands and feet you span oceans, you overleap the Alps, you cross the equator, you grasp the poles. You see through their eyes; you hear through their ears; you speak through their lips. While you sleep, you are working; while you rest, you are labouring; and all that they do, you-knowing or not knowing it are doing by them. And even that is not all. Your usefulness is as little limited to your age as to your land. The wicked die, but their wickedness does not die: they leave it an awful heritage to posterity in its pernicious influences. Happily, the converse likewise holds good. You, active, devoted, beneficent Christians, will die. The tablets erected to your memories will come to be effaced and removed; and, by and by, there will be no one in all the earth to tell where they have laid you; but your usefulness, through these exertions, will still survive, will still be exerting its energies, perhaps undiscerned by human eye, from father to child, through all generations. And even this view of the subject is too limited. The world cannot hold Christian usefulness. Too large for the earth, it rises to heaven; too elongated for time, it stretches into eternity; and when the sun shall have been turned into sackcloth, and the moon into blood, and all the stars, extin guished, shall refuse to give their light, Christian usefulness shall still be shedding its benignant and lovely radiance throughout all ages, world without end.

OCT. 11th, 1846.-At Hinchliffe-Mill, in the Holmfirth Circuit, Ann, the wife of Mr. Joshua Butterworth, in the twenty-fifth year of her age. Two years since she joined the Wesleyan society, was deeply convinced of sin, sought and obtained a clear sense of her acceptance with God through the blood of his Son, and continued a steady Christian to the period of her death. Although retiring and unassuming in her manners, she was faithful and zealous in the cause of Christ. Her devotedness to God attracted the notice, and won the affection, of her Christian friends. The affliction which terminated her life was short; yet, in the midst of her suffering, she reposed with unshaken confidence in her Redeemer. As the hour of her dissolution drew near, her faith and love became stronger and more ardent. Never will her dying words be forgotten by her surviving relations. Her joy was unspeakable, and her end was glorious. She passed through death triumphant home. W. I.

Nov. 15th.-At Nottingham, Mr. Robert Hogg, in the ninety-fifth year of his age. In early life he was strongly attached to the established Church, and regularly attended her services, but knew nothing of spiritual religion. On removing to this town in 1797, he attended the Wesleyan ministry. His mind was enlightened; he examined the word of God with changed views; and, while reading the Bible in a prayerful, penitent, inquiring state of mind, God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, "shone into his heart. In a moment his soul was filled with divine love and joy; and so glorious was the manifestation, that he thought the room itself was full of glory. He had previously joined himself to the Wesleyan church; and, from the time of his conversion, he entered on a course of labour that only closed with his life. For thirty years he visited a large workhouse twice a week, and was never known to be absent once during that time. He was also careful to provide himself with a number of tracts; and taking his stand in some public place, he distributed them with a word in season. He had also an important connexion with the Benevolent Society and Sunday-schools. To the ninetieth year of his age, he was an entire stranger to all kinds of bodily suffering; but from that time to his death he was the subject of occasional weakness. His confidence and joy in God were, however, full and unvarying. His last affliction was short, and his death remarkably happy. His character and labours will long be remembered by Ministers and people. "The memory of the just is blessed." W. J., 2d.

For

"endured as seeing Him who is invisible." many years in her house the junior Ministers, when visiting Marple, were treated by her with the kindness of a mother in Israel. She was the subject of long and painful affliction, which she bore with great fortitude. As she approached near the close of life, her confidence in the blood of atonement was strong. In much pain and weakness she displayed a vigorous mind, imbued with deep piety, and maternal affection, in writing what she called "a Mother's Legacy," which she sent to each of her sons and daughters, as well as to some of her grandchildren. To her Class-Leader she said, a short time before she died, "I am happy in the Lord, and am waiting until he takes me home. All is well, all is well.'

H. B.

"

Nov. 26th.-At Stoke-Newington, in the Eighth London Circuit, Mr. John Jeffs, in his fiftyninth year. Through the instructions and example of a pious father, he was led, in early life, to consecrate himself to God; and was one of a little band who formed the first Methodist society in the place of his residence. His subsequent Christian career was marked by great consistency and uprightness, and by a steady zeal for the glory of God. He was eminently a man of peace. Nearly every office which a layman can fill in the Wesleyan society was sustained by him; and the duties thus imposed were cheerfully and efficiently discharged. His attachment to the house of God in which he was accustomed to worship, and to the institutions connected with it, was shown by his liberal support of them. For some months prior to his decease, many were struck by his increasing heavenliness of mind, manifested especially by the delight with which, in conversation and prayer, he dwelt on the employments and happiness of that better country." His last attack of illness deprived him of the use of his senses, and of speech. Remembering his blameless and holy life, it cannot be doubted, that for him "to depart" was to be "with Christ." J. H.

Dec. 14th.-At Altrincham, aged eighty-four, in assured confidence of a glorious immortality, Mrs. Ann Sparks. She had been a member of the Wesleyan society forty-four years. Her piety was deep, and eminently cheerful. Her love to the Bible and the means of grace was ardent, and her whole conversation "such as becometh the Gospel of Christ." She was called to pass through many trials, and to endure the privations of poverty; but she always found grace according to her day. Her trust in Providence was remarkable; and some of her deliverances and supplies in difficulty and need were equally remarkable. During the latter part of her life, her subsistence was chiefly supplied by a few friends; and, such was the esteem in which she was generally held, that Christians of other denominations regarded it as a privilege to converse with her on divine things, and to minister,

Nov. 19th.-At Marple, in the New-Mills Circuit, Mrs. Bridge, aged seventy-two. She was converted to God while young, and ornamented her religious profession for half a century. In the early part of her Christian course she suffered much for the cause of Christ; but she

as occasion might be, to her temporal necessities. In her last sickness she was the same cheerful and happy individual as she had been in health. She conversed on heavenly realities as familiar things, and the prospect of heaven brightened on her vision. Still she was resigned to wait the Lord's time. She died in great peace.

W. E.

Dec. 15th.-At Williton, in the Dunster Circuit, aged seventy-one, Mary, the wife of Mr. John Stoate. She was brought, in early life, to see her fallen and guilty state by nature and practice, and obtained a clear sense of the pardoning mercy of God, through faith in the atonement. For upwards of half a century she was a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society, and adorned her profession by a humble, self-denying, holy walk. She manifested great concern for the spiritual welfare of her children, by often taking them alone, and wrestling with God in fervent prayer for their conversion; and the Lord crowned her efforts with success, by giving her to see them all brought to himself: four of whom died triumphant, and have hailed her welcome on the celestial shore. For some time before her death, she was evidently ripening for heaven; and her last affliction was borne with Christian patience and resignation to the will of God. Such was her bodily weakness, that she could not converse much; but she said to those around her, "I am on the Rock! Christ is precious! I am going home to Jesus!" In this happy state she exchanged mortality for life.

D. C.

Dec. 16th.-Mr. Joel Buxton, of the Macclesfield Circuit, aged forty-nine. He had been a uniform member of the Wesleyan society nearly twenty years, and was a man of strong sense, great integrity, and diligence. He united much authority, tenderness, wisdom, and piety, as a husband and father, the fruits of which were manifest in the blessing which rested upon his household. He was greatly respected by all who knew him. As a builder, he had risen to considerable eminence in his profession; and some of the works which he executed on the Sheffield and Manchester railway will remain lasting monuments of his ability. But it was his greatest excellence that, amidst all his laborious duties, he walked with God, and let his light shine before men. He died in calm triumph, surrounded by the afflicted members of his family. T. H.

Dec. 17th.-At Willenhall, in the Walsall Circuit, after a painful affliction, which she endured with patience and resignation, Fanny, the beloved wife of Mr. Richard Tildesley, aged fortyfour. Born of Christian parents, she was early Jed to the house of God, and instructed in those things which could alone make for her eternal welfare. About the age of sixteen she joined the Wesleyan society, and continued a useful member until her death. She was the first Missionary Collector in the town, having commenced that good work about twenty-nine years ago, and for many years persevered therein. A few years ago she was appointed a Class-Leader, the duties of which office she discharged with great fidelity.

Dec. 17th.-At Silverstone, in the Towcester Circuit, aged seventy, Hannah, the wife of Mr. Henry Wright, late of Brackley. For upwards of fifty years, with the exception of a short intermission, she was a member of the Wesleyan society; and more than once, with her parents, had the pleasure of hearing the venerable Founder of Methodism at Whittlebury, a village in this Circuit he frequently visited. Under a painful affliction she was graciously supported; and, upon strict examination, she said, "I am built upon the rock Christ.

'Not a cloud doth arise,

To darken the skies,

Or hide for one moment my Lord from my eyes.'

O, had I strength, how I would sing, and tell you of what I feel and see!" Her last words were, "I am going to heaven!" W. P.

Dec. 18th.-At Pembroke, Mr. William Blake, aged thirty-eight. Twenty years ago he joined the Wesleyan-Methodist society, and shortly after he obtained the assurance of his adoption into the family of God. From the time of his conversion, to the end of his Christian course, he was graciously enabled to sustain an unblemished moral and religious character; and thus exemplified, most beautifully, those great principles of religion which so powerfully influenced his heart. He was highly and deservedly respected by all classes of the community. By his death the Sabbath-school has lost an excellent Superintendent, and the church is bereft of a faithful Class-Leader and Steward. But our loss is his eternal gain. T. P.

Dec. 19th.-At Scotter, in the Brigg Circuit, Mrs. Dorothy Bramford, aged sixty-six. About twenty years ago she became a member of the Wesleyan society. During the greatest part of her pilgrimage, she was much distressed with doubts of her acceptance, and fears that she had deceived herself; but a little before her departure, the Lord graciously manifested himself to her as a God that pardoneth iniquity, transgression, and sin, and then shortly afterward, she breathed her last. E. B.

Dec. 20th.-At Bantry, in the Skibbereen Circuit, Ireland, Mrs. Ellen Woulfe, aged ninety-two. She became a member of the Methodist society at Dunmanway, her native place, about seventy years ago. From that period to her death, she had "fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Humility, meekness, and love were the distinguishing traits of her Christian life. As long as health permitted, she was regular in her attendance on the ordinances of the sanctuary, and delighted much in the "communion of saints." About a fortnight before her death, knowing that she must soon put off this tabernacle, she spoke of

the heavenly state with unusual animation; expressing at the same time her hope that, at the "resurrection of the just," she should be joined by her son and grandchildren. Having, like Jacob, long waited for the salvation of the Lord," she at length quietly gathered up her feet, and yielded up the ghost. J. W.

Dec. 20th.-Mr. David Birtles, of the Maccles field Circuit, aged sixty-two. He had been a faithful member of the Wesleyan society thirtythree years, and had sustained the office of Leader thirty years. Although he never rose above the office of a servant in a silk-mill, he was a pillar in the house of God. He had considerably improved his mind by reading, observation, and meditation. He was a devout man, and well versed in the knowledge of the holy Scriptures: he was also greatly attached to the doctrines, discipline, and Ministers of the Wesleyan body. There were great seriousness in his manners, and fixedness in his principles: he therefore adorned his profession by a holy life, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. His affliction was long and painful; but he bore it as a Christian, and died in calm triumph.

T. H.

Dec. 20th.-At Birmingham, East Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Hamlin, a humble and devout Christian, and a patient sufferer in the school of affliction. When passing through the valley of the shadow of death, on being asked if she felt that she was on the Rock, Christ Jesus, she replied with great emphasis, "Yes, yes!" These were her last words. Soon after, she fell asleep, in the fifty-sixth year of her age, having been a uniform member of the Wesleyan section of Christ's catholic church for about thirty years.

A. B.

Dec. 23d.-At Derby, Mrs. Jemima Anne, the wife of Mr. John Humphreys, and only surviving child of the late Rev. Joseph Hollingworth, in her thirty-third year. In early life she became a member of the Wesleyan society, but did not obtain salvation until her last illness; when, by simple faith in Jesus, she obtained peace, and a cheering hope of everlasting life. From that time she gave satisfactory evidence of the blessed and entire change which had been wrought in her heart by the Holy Spirit, until she calmly and joyfully entered into the rest which remains for the people of God.

J. S.

Dec. 26th.-At Oxford, aged forty-three, Sarah, wife of Mr. Charles Ward, jun. Having been deeply convinced of the necessity of religion, and also witnessed its gracious influence on some of its professors, she was induced to join the Wesleyan society, of which she continued a steady member to the day of her death. She was for many years a diligent Teacher in the Sunday-school, and a Collector for the Wesleyan Missions; and, in her earliest days of religious enjoyment, was frequently found kneeling by the couch of poverty and disease, in prayer for the afflicted. As a wife, the heart of her husband safely trusted in her;" she did

life."

him good and not evil all the days of his Her constitution having been impaired

by frequent indisposition, she became much er feebled; and from the first few days of her last affliction, she expressed herself as fully persuaded that it would be unto death. She was much harassed by the great adversary; but the pastoral visits of her Ministers were made a blessing to her, and her doubts and fears gave way to a firm and humble reliance on the great atonement. One evening, after a severe struggle, she exclaimed, with much confidence,

"Jesus, and all in him, is mine;"

and afterwards attempted to repeat those two lines,

"And, dying, find my latest foe
Under my feet at last; "

but her strength not being sufficient to repeat the whole, one of her friends finished what she had begun, on which she expressed her satisfaction. She was faithful and affectionate in her admonitions to her relatives and friends who visited her, urging upon them the necessity of seeking a preparation for eternity while in the enjoyment of health and strength. As her end approached, it pleased God in some measure to alleviate her sufferings; and the last few hours of her life appeared to be spent in a state of patient waiting for the Lord. She died in great peace, having been a member of our society thirty-two years.

C. W.

Jan. 11th, 1847.-In the New Kent-Road, in the Fourth London Circuit, Mary Ann, the wife of Mr. Richard Pentreath, of Her Majesty's Customs, London, aged thirty-one. She was born at St. Ives, Cornwall. It was her privilege to enjoy the advantages of religious training; and from her earliest years she discovered seriousness of behaviour, and devoted attention to the things of God. It was not until 1840 that she joined the church of Christ, and shortly after obtained peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and continued to walk in the light of his countenance. She was often prevented by affliction from attending the ordinances of his house, and engaging in the more active duties of religion: nevertheless, as she had opportunity, she endeavoured to promote the welfare of her neighbours. But it was in the discharge of home duties that the influence of her piety appeared to pervade the whole of her character and conduct. Her manners were amiable and unassuming; and she was remarkable for integrity, meekness, humility, and devotedness of spirit. She bore her last affliction, which continued only a week, with great patience. Her faith was fixed on the Saviour; and though, for some hours before she died, articulation was indistinct, yet, when requested to give some token of confidence in God, she gently raised her dying hand with an expressive countenance, as if in token of victory. J. B.

Jan. 19th.-At Cornbrook-Place, in the Fourth Manchester Circuit, Miss Simpson, aged fiftyfive years. She was deeply convinced of sin under the ministry of the Rev. W. E. Miller, at the age of twenty-one years. She immediately united herself to the Wesleyan society, and ear

nestly sought the salvation of God. In a short time she was enabled to exercise faith in the blood of Christ, and was made happy in a clear sense of her personal adoption into the family of the Lord. From that time she adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour in all things." She laboured with great zeal and success to bring others to Jesus. She discharged the duties of a Class-Leader very efficiently for several years, until compelled to resign her office in consequence of affliction. She was sincerely attached to the doctrines, discipline, and ordinances of Wesleyan Methodism; and esteemed her Ministers" very highly in love for their work's sake." Her last affliction was long and painful; but she was divinely supported, and departed this life in the full triumph of faith. W. O. B.

Jan. 29th.-Aged fifty-eight, Mr. John Sutcliffe, of Knowlwood, near Todmorden. More than thirty years ago he was truly converted to God; and during the subsequent part of his pilgrimage, he maintained an irreproachable character, and walked in the fear of God, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. He sustained the offices of Class-Leader, Local Preacher, and Trustee, and was useful in the sphere in which divine Providence had placed him. He was a great lover and generous supporter of Wesleyan Methodism. At the time when our societies in the vale of Todmorden were rent, and in some instances almost destroyed, by internal faction, Mr. Sutcliffe stood in the fore-ranks,

"Unmoved,

Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified :

His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal."

And he lived long enough to see Wesleyanism rise and flourish, where much had been done by its enemies for its suppression. He was distinguished by a humble, meck, and quiet spirit. The soundness of his judgment, the integrity of his principles, and the kindness of his manner, gave him a high place in the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. In his last illness, his religious experience was distinguished by more than ordinary peace. At one of the latest interviews which the writer of this account had with him, he said, "It is with me not a matter of question, 'Where the indubitable seal?' No, I have the indubitable seal' that ascertains the kingdom mine." Thus he proved, in death as in life, the truth and efficacy of those doctrines which he had, during so many years, preached to others. L. B.

Feb. 2d. At Salford, Mr. Thomas Milne, aged seventy-five. He joined the Methodist society in 1795, and shortly after found peace with God. For more than thirty years he sustained the office of Class-Leader, and was remarkable for punctuality and strict attention to the duties of his office. During the last few months of his life, he was greatly afflicted; but his trust in his Saviour never forsook him. "None but Christ! None but Christ!" was his frequent ejaculation; and his end was peace. W. B. S.

Feb. 4th. At Sunderland, Mrs. Jane Longridge, aged thirty-nine. She was the daughter of pious parents, who trained her in the "nur

ture and admonition of the Lord." When about eighteen years of age, a sermon, preached by a stranger in Burleigh-street chapel, made a deep impression upon her mind. A friend in the congregation, observing her silent tears, invited her to a class-meeting. She went on the following night, and from that time earnestly sought the Lord. Her subsequent course was one of conscientious devotion to the cause which she had espoused. Before her marriage she zealously discharged the duties of various offices connected with Wesleyan Methodism. In severe domestic affliction she exhibited the fruits of the Spirit, by maintaining a cheerful piety, and a calm submission to the will of God. During her last illness, she enjoyed great peace and filial confidence in God. To a brother, who came from Leeds to see her, she said, "To die will be gain: I rest upon the atonement of Christ." She conversed about her departure with great composure; and, while scarcely able to speak, she rallied her feeble powers to console her friends, and warn the unconverted who visited her chamber. Not long before her decease, she desired to see her children. When they were brought to her, she laid her hands upon them, besought God to be their guide and guardian; and, in the final agony, exclaimed, "Jesus is altogether lovely!"

W. W.

Feb. 13th.-At Norwich, aged fifty-six, Mr. James Clark, who was for nearly forty years an Accountant in the Norwich Fire-Office. He was brought to the knowledge of the truth about thirty-six years ago, when he united himself with the Wesleyan section of the church of Christ, of which he continued a member to the time of his death. He was a man of an excellent spirit, and of great integrity; having respect to "whatsoever things were true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report;" hence, "he had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself." He was for several years the faithful and vigilant Steward of the St. Peter's and New City chapels, in which office he rendered very important services to the Trustees, especially in the case of the former, when its affairs were involved in some difficulty, for which he was eminently qualified by his orderly and systematic business habits, and his superior talents as an Accountant. His last affliction was short, but very painful. His mind was kept in perfect peace his uniform language was, "Thy will be done." Resting on the great Atonement, he possessed his soul in patience, and looked forward with the joy of hope to the rest remaining "for the people of God." A short time before he departed, he said, "I want to go to sleep; when, soon after, his spirit took its flight, and he gently rested in Jesus. In his case the sentiment of the poet was strikingly exemplified, —