rounding country. Chang-Chew appears to be the centre of the population, wealth, and literature of this district of Fuh-Kien province.

"But it is time to come down from the walls, where men are few, and distribute the words of life amongst the masses of Heathen that throng the streets. Our books were eagerly sought for, and, of necessity, sparingly given away. Opportunities for quietly addressing groups of listeners on the Gospel themes were numerous. But, the ability to speak intelligibly being so slender, our hopes of doing good in this way were far from sanguine. Not so, however, as to the books we were distributing. These are sure to be read and thought about by some one, if not by the persons into whose hands we gave them. The Chinese, as everybody knows, reverence their own characters; and he who destroys a book is reckoned truly wicked. Hence, as to the book itself, in this fact, we have a guarantee that it will be preserved. But as to the truth unfolded in the book, we have the infinitely sure guarantee of God's Word, that it will not be lost,-'My word shall not return unto me void.' To the superintending care of the Holy Spirit we gladly commit His own truth as we scatter it amongst the cities of China.

"Our stock of books being exhausted, and we ourselves much in the same condition, we bent our steps towards our inn, and prepared to return to Amoy. On our way to that place we encountered a storm, from which we were obliged to seek shelter by lying at anchor a whole day. The day following, however, we arrived safely at Amoy.

"Second journey to Chang-Chew.— Since making the above journey, I have paid a second visit to Chang-Chew, during which I had much better opportunities of seeing the place, and conversing with some of the people in their own houses. I lived a week in the inn above alluded to, going out daily for tract-distribution and conversation with a population every where friendly, and curious to hear the new doctrines. I had frequent visits also from parties making application for books, and ready to sit down and quietly hear of the doctrine of the Gospel. On such occasions, I found my Chinese teacher very useful as an interpreter, he being more familiar with my stammering speech than utter strangers could be. Several of these visiters expressed themselves as glad that a foreign teacher had come to their city. Of course, this may have been VOL. VII.-FOURTH SERIES.

mere politeness; but certainly the pros. pect of a Missionary settling amongst them did not appear at all startling to any with whom I talked of renting a house. A number of houses were shown to me at very moderate terms. But in none of them could a European live without great risk of sickness. For the present, I fear, this great city can only be visited occasionally. If it had been included in the terms of the treaty between Great Britain and China, our course would have been less difficult. It would then have been incumbent on our Society to have given it the preference over Amoy. But as things are,

perhaps prudence forbids an attempt to establish a Mission there. Yet it may

become a grave question for the consideration of wise men at home, whether all our Missions in China should seek to nestle under the wing of British law. Whatever the variety of opinion on this point, it will be accorded by all, as an encouraging fact, that a Missionary can work for days together in an inland city without let or hinderance. The wall of Chinese exclusiveness is surely breached and crumbling, and the day approaching when, in all its provinces, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.'

GERMANY.From Hanover we went to Bremen. Here we met with Mr. Jacoby, a Missionary of the American Episcopal Methodist Church. The history of his Mission is rather interesting. You are aware that an immense number of Germans emigrate every year to America: from Bremen alone more than sixty thousand left for that continent in 1849. The Episcopal Methodist body began, in 1839, a Mission amongst the German settlers, which has much prospered. They now have one hundred and seven Missionaries at work in America, and above eight thousand members, of which fifteen hundred at least were Roman Catholics when they left Germany. The emigrants wrote to their friends in Europe as to what was going on amongst them, and it was suggested that their body should send a Missionary to preach in Germany. This has been done. In November, 1849, Mr. Jacoby landed in Bremen, and immediately began his labours. He preaches every Sunday, and his congregation numbers at least five hundred hearers. He told us the chapel is filled half an hour before the time of service, and many persons go away for want of room. Once a week, on Tuesday evenings, he

G

preaches in another part of the town, in a dancing-room lent him for the purpose, and there he has generally about three hundred persons present. Two other Missionaries are at work in the neigh. bourhood, and they have five or six hired places of worship, and several private houses in which they hold Meetings. Two colporteurs are also engaged in selling tracts, religious books, and the Scriptures. There are three Sundayschools in connexion with the Mission, one of which contains two hundred children. Mr. Jacoby also publishes a religious paper once a fortnight, the expense

of founding which was paid by a house in America. These are new things to the Germans, who are being provoked, I verily believe, to jealousy thereby. We made arrangements with Mr. Jacoby for supplying him with our Scriptures, by which means we have secured a considerable advantage to our work. Mr. Jacoby employs as his agent a bookseller, and our books will be henceforth kept in depôt at his shop: in addition to which, we have, in Mr. Jacoby, a zealous helper in the distribution of the Bible without the Apocrypha.—Bible Society Reporter.

“SIR,

"Whitehall, Dec. 16th, 1850.

"Sir,

"Your obedient servant,

"G. GREY.

1. DIED, June 13th, 1847, at Crewe, in the Nantwich Circuit, Mrs. Cross, (late of Frodsham,) aged sixty-seven. During her childhood she feared to offend God, and earnestly desired to be a Christian. But, having no spiritual guide, she remained destitute of the knowledge of salvation by Christ until the twentyfourth year of her age. At this time she was persuaded to hear a Methodist Preacher, and, under the word, was convinced of her lost state as a sinner in the sight of a holy God. She thought the sermon was directed to her, so effectually did the Holy Ghost apply it to her conscience. She felt that, notwithstanding her life of strict morality, she was a

fallen and guilty creature, needing the pardoning mercy of God. She was not disobedient unto the heavenly call, but sought and obtained the pearl of great price through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She now chose the Methodists for her people, and their God for her God. "Old things had passed away, and all things became new." Her subsequent life was in strict accordance with her profession. On this account she was called to suffer persecution; but the promise was fulfilled,-"As thy day, so shall thy strength be." The Lord did not "deliver her unto the will of her enemies," but by His grace enabled her to hold on her way. Like

David, she might have said, "I have not hid Thy righteousness within my heart;" for, having tasted that the Lord is gracious, she faithfully warned those around her of the danger of living in sin. Through her entreaties, some souls were brought under the care of the Shepherd: they heard His voice, and followed Him; and she and they are now met where He will lead them from fountain to fountain of living waters, and feed them in evergreen pastures which no wolf can approach. Soon after Mrs. Cross's conversion, she saw it was her privilege to enjoy greater blessings than she had obtained. Like Jacob, she wrestled with God, until she felt that the blood of Christ cleansed her from all sin. During the remainder of her life she walked by faith in Christ; and, in afflictions and trials, was enabled to say, "Hitherto the LORD hath helped me." In her last illness the goodness of God was very graciously manifested. For

many months she suffered much pain; but her supreme desire was, that her heavenly Father's will should be fully accomplished, whether in her life or death. The great change did not appear terrible. When expecting it, she said, exultingly, "I shall soon

Clap the glad wing, and tower away,
And mingle with the blaze of day.""

God her Saviour stood by her in the valley and shadow of death His rod and staff comforted her. She one day said,

"By faith I already behold

That lovely Jerusalem here:
Her walls are of jasper and gold,

As crystal her buildings are clear."

She desired, if it were the will of the Lord, she might die on the Sabbath; and in this her request was granted. She asked for a hymn to be read; and, very shortly after this, she went to realise all her sweet and bright anticipations, and to find what it is to be eternally saved. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

**

2. Mr. Benjamín Plant, late of Atherstone, was born March 25th, 1821, and died June 25th, 1847. He received a liberal education; and was blessed with a sound understanding, a lively imagination, and a ready utterance. From a child he manifested a great love to the word of God. In his seventeenth year, while hearing a sermon preached by Mr. Crock, (a Local Preacher in the Hinckley Circuit,) he was effectually convinced of sin and danger. Soon after

this, in a public prayer-meeting, he found peace with God,-a blessing which he was enabled to retain. He at once joined the Society in Atherstone, and in course of time became a truly acceptable Local Preacher. He bestowed great care in his preparations for the pulpit; and it was the joy of his heart to preach Christ to perishing sinners. A frail constitution, however, checked his exertions; and he was "taken to an early rest." During his brief but consistent course he secured general esteem. This was evinced on the occasion of his funeral sermon, which was attended by persons of almost all religious persuasions. His filial and fraternal affection was strong: he cherished the hope to the last that he should be spared to comfort and help his family.

Humility was prominent in his character. Joined to this, in no common degree, were kindness, tenderness, and candour. He was wont to look with an eye of charity on the failings of others. His friends never regretted the confidence they reposed in him.-As his end approached, he was not only resigned, but joyful. His hope of heaven rested exclusively on the firm foundation. A little before his death he said,

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

The chief! the chief! I not only say it, but I feel it." He was reminded that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. "Yes! yes!" he exclaimed; "faith must prevail. Christ is all and in all. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!' His affectionate mother observed, "My dear, your heart and flesh are indeed failing; but God is the strength of your heart, and your portion for ever." "O yes," he replied: "I shall soon see Jesus." In this happy frame of mind he met his last conflict. As though he had a sight of Jesus, he lifted his dying hands to heaven, and said, "O Jesus, I cannot be left behind! I cannot be left behind!" The Deliverer came, and mortality was exchanged for life.

ROBERT MAINWARING.

3. Mrs. Sutcliffe was born in St. John's, Newfoundland, on the 20th of June, 1816. Her parents spared no expense in procuring for her the best education that her native land could afford; and from her early years she was also an attentive scholar in the Wesleyan Sabbath-school. In due time she was

elected a teacher in the same institution; and most harmoniously she co-operated with the officers and teachers in imparting instruction and Christian knowledge to the children. She was also a diligent and successful Missionary Collector, feeling deeply interested in the spread of religious truth, and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. At the same time, she lived in the daily exercise of prayer to God, and felt deeply the im portance of personal salvation; frequently repeating the impressive lines,—

"Nothing is worth a thought beneath, But how I may escape the death

That never, never dies."

By means of this seriousness of disposition, and, above all, by the strivings of the Spirit of God, she was kept from associating with the gay and thoughtless, in the frivolous pursuits of worldly pleasure.

When about twenty years of age, she united herself with the Methodist Society, becoming a member of a class met by Mrs. Smithies, the excellent wife of the Rev. John Smithies, now a zealous and devoted Missionary in western Australia.

She was married on the 30th of May, 1837, and in a few days left for Brigus, the Circuit to which her husband had been appointed by the District-Meeting. She entered upon her new sphere with great cheerfulness, with deep humility, and with a self-denying spirit which enabled her to endure hardships without repining.

It is not necessary to follow her through the various Circuits in which her lot was cast. It may be proper to state, however, that, at a prayer-meeting in Port-de-Grave, in 1839, she received a special manifestation of the mercy of God to her soul. For months after, her every word and action appeared in full accord with the following lines:—

"O let our heart and mind

Continually ascend,

That haven of repose to find,

Where all our labours end;
Where all our toils are o'er,
Our suffering and our pain:
Who meet on that eternal shore,

Shall never part again."

In the Blackhead Circuit she faithfully discharged the important office of Leader for the space of three years, and rendered valuable assistance in the Sabbath-school. Here she was called to mourn the loss of her infant daughter. A spirit of Christian resignation was manifested by her under this and other

painful bereavements. One of her chil. dren lies buried at St. John's, Newfound. land; one in Fredericton; and another in St. John's, New-Brunswick. It was animating to her to think of meeting those dear ones in heaven,

**Sufferers here,

But seraphs there."

During the ten years of her married life, her deportment was uniform and consistent. The important duties of her position, as the wife of a Wesleyan Minister, were faithfully performed. In the several Circuits where she resided, she was greatly endeared to our people. Yet she was constitutionally diffident. Her habits were retiring and unobtrusive; so that the real excellencies of her character were fully known only to her most intimate friends. She possessed a strong and active mind, a sound judgment, a cheerful disposition, a tender, affectionate, and benevolent heart.

It was in her own house that her excellent qualities were chiefly developed. Her devotion to her husband and children was exemplary, and her efforts to promote their happiness were unremitting.

For some time past there had been a deepening of the work of God in her soul, manifested by increasing love for all the means of grace. She loved the word of God, and never neglected to give some portion of each day to a private and careful perusal of its sacred pages. She loved the Ministers of the Lord, and esteemed them highly in love for their work's sake; saying, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bring good tidings, that publish peace; that bring good tidings of good, that publish salvation, that say unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

She loved the people of God, and knew no distinction between the rich and the poor. It was her greatest pleasure to be employed, when time and health permitted, in visiting the poorest members of the church of Christ, and in relieving them to the very extent of her power.

On Sunday, November 7th, 1847, she went to the house of God, and, on reaching home, expressed herself as greatly benefited by the service. Од the day following she complained of indisposition, and performed with difficulty the duties of her household. soon became necessary to use means to mitigate and, if possible, to arrest her affliction. Yet it was hoped that, in a short time, she would be restored to her usual health. On Thursday, the 16th,

It

her strength was evidently failing, and symptoms became alarming. Unable to enter into conversation, she was still enabled to understand and answer questions of paramount importance. When asked, "Is your soul happy?" she answered, without hesitation, "Yes." "Do you rest upon the Saviour ?" "I do, I do." On Sabbath morning, 21st, while prayer was offered, she was much engaged with God. On several occasions during the day a peculiar and heavenly influence was felt by all in the room.

God was the strength of her "failing flesh and heart." The Rev. Messrs. Daniel and Cooney called to see her, and conversed with her respecting her prospects for eternity; when she witnessed a good confession. Mr. Daniel asked her if she felt happy in God. Her reply was, "Yes." Again he inquired, "Is the fear of death taken away?" Her reply was in the affirmative. She feared not the approach of her last enemy.

While our beloved brethren were engaged in prayer around her dying bed, the power of God was eminently felt by

all who had the privilege to be present, giving incontestable proof that the Lord is nigh unto them that call upon Him in sincerity, and that the chamber of the dying Christian is indeed the antechamber of heaven. Her sorrowing husband asked, "Is the Lord precious?" She replied, "Yes, yes!" This was the last time she attempted to speak; but in the agonies of death her devout hope was fulfilled :

"Joy through my swimming eyes shall break, And mean the thanks I cannot speak."

Thus closed the mortal career of Mrs. Sutcliffe, eldest daughter of the late James Blackie, Esq., of Newfoundland, November 25th, 1847, in the thirtysecond year of her age.

She is now breathing in a purer atmosphere, and reposing in a fairer clime, where sickness cannot blast, and death cannot devour. On the 27th her remains were taken to the Centenary church, when the Rev. Mr. Cooney delivered an appropriate address to a large and deeply sympathising audience.

INGHAM SUTCLIFFE.

MARCH 28th, 1849.-At Liverpool, aged sixtynine, Elizabeth, relict of the late Mr. Robert Lawn. In the year 1789, when but a child, under an alarming sermon on, "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish," &c., she became the subject of deep and strong conviction. Her sins were felt a burden too heavy to be borne; and, crying earnestly to God, her youthful mind found rest in Him. From that period, excepting a short interval when circumstances debarred her from the privileges of Christian fellowship, she continued a consistent and faithful member of the Wesleyan Society. Her religious career was marked by great simplicity, by a deep acquaintance with the things of God, and by watchful, untiring solicitude for the spiritual welfare of her numerous offspring. In the lengthened illness which terminated in her removal to a happier state, the consolations of Divine grace were richly vouchsafed. Many were the gracious words which fell from her lips; on the remembrance of which her bereaved children dwell with grateful satisfaction. "The weary wheels of life at length stood still; ' when, without a struggle or a sigh, she fell asleep in Jesus. W. W. S.

March 9th, 1850.-At Liverpool, in the sixtyninth year of her age, Sarah, the lamented wife of Mr. John Jones. Retiring in disposition,-one whom the world knew not,"-she was adorned with Christian excellencies that were best appre

ciated by her family and friends; yet, for more than forty years, she was found a consistent and devoted member of Society. An affliction of seve ral years' continuance was borne with lamb-like patience; and, although for some days before her departure she was deprived by paralysis of the power of utterance, yet, in her hours of speechlessness, and in death, the God of salvation was her "strength," and in the land of immortality He is now her "portion for ever." W. W. S.

April 1st.-At River-villa, in the WoodhouseGrove Circuit, Elizabeth, relict of the late Mr. Doylah Petch, aged sixty-six years. She was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth in her nineteenth year; and from that time pursued a consistent Christian course to the end of her days. The Bible was her rule of faith and practice. Its promises supported and comforted her through life. All her hope was founded on the mediatorial work of Christ. As a wife, mother, and mistress, she discharged her duties faithfully; evincing great concern for the spiritual welfare of her household. It was her daily practice, for nearly forty years, to pray for each of her children by name. And for years before her death she had the satisfaction of seeing the seven who survive her converted to God. Her last affliction, which was long and painful, was borne with Christian patience. Yet she desired "to depart, and be with Christ." She was wont