world. His end was triumphant. A few moments before his departure, when asked if he felt happy, he replied, "O yes;" and then, lifting his hands, added,—

"For me my elder brethren stay, And angels beckon me away, And Jesus bids me come."

J. S.

Nov. 17th. In the Hull East Circuit, Mr. He was a George Dean, aged seventy years. native of Halifax, and at an early age became the subject of renewing grace. Subsequently he removed to Beverley; where he laboured with great zeal and success in conducting prayermeetings in neglected parts of that town, and was appointed by the late Rev. Joseph Entwisle to the office of Class-Leader. His next removal was to Hull, where he spent the rest of his devoted and useful life. He laboured faithfully to promote the cause of God, and was greatly beloved by the members of his classes, and by a wide circle of Christian friends. During a long and painful affliction he enjoyed the peace which results from faith, and rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. A few days before his death he solemnly addressed the several members of his family, beseeching them to yield themselves unto God, and to meet him in heaven. On the day of his departure, one of the Ministers of the Circuit found him in a happy and triumphant state of mind, desirous to depart and to be with Christ. Exclaiming, "Come, Jesus!" he entered into the joy of his Lord. T. L.

Nov. 17th.-At Beeford, in the Driffield Circuit, Mr. John Mackley. About thirty years ago he was brought to the saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, when he thankfully availed himself of the privilege of church-membership in the Wesleyan Connexion. From that time his conduct was that of a consistent follower of Christ. For a considerable time he was a useful Class-Leader. His death was rather sudden; but he was found ready, and he proved the blessedness of dying in the Lord. S. W.

Nov. 17th-At Green-Hammerton, Mr. William Agar, aged seventy-one. For half a century he had walked with God, in fellowship with the Wesleyan Society. His faith in the atonement was strong and life-giving; his profession unwavering; his conduct upright and exemplary; his spirit frank, meek, kind; his manners urbane, modest, retiring. In his brief but painful afiliction he opened not his mouth in murmur; but was patient and resigned. As death approached, no fear or doubt disturbed his serenity or interrupted his joyous prospect. When nature's energies were almost exhausted, he lifted his eyes and hands, and said with strong feeling, "Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly!" and, while surrounded by choice Christian friends, his happy spirit peacefully withdrew from the body, and returned to God who gave it. W. W.

Nov. 22d.-At Bromsgrove, Mrs. Elizabeth Dalton, in the fifty-fifth year of her age. Her temper, naturally placid and peaceful, was animated with love to God and cheerful obedience

to His will. During twenty-two years she was a steady and consistent member of Society. She was an affectionate wife, a tender mother, and a faithful friend. In her last affliction, she showed a longing desire for the salvation of her children; and it was among her oft-repeated prayers that her sufferings, which were endured with resignation, might prove the means of showing them the necessity of that personal religion which alone triumphs over the dangers of life and death. H. R.

Nov. 24th.-At Bradford, Yorkshire, Jane, the beloved wife of the Rev. William Bird, aged sixty-six. She was the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Longley, one of the early Methodist Preachers. In her youth she was led to say, "Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee; my father's God, and I will exalt Thee." She was kind, intelligent, discerning, and, above all, deeply devoted to the Divine service. Unobtrusive in her manners, retiring in her habits, she was a woman of high sterling excellence, beloved most by those who knew her best. Ten days before her death she met her class, and remarked with great earnestness, "Many persons are anxious about dying well. The right way is to live by faith so as to glorify God, and then in a dying hour the requisite grace will be given." She rapidly sank beneath the pressure of disease; but, within, all was calmness, joy, victory. "I am in the valley," she said; "but my Shepherd is with me. It is not dim torchlight. Sin is all washed away in the blood of an expiring Deity. O what would it be to be without such an almighty Intercessor? He is my Rock and my Shield." On the morning of the day on which she died, when suffering intensely, she said, "What an enemy! How strong! But he shall be destroyed! I shall be one of them that sleeplin Jesus;' and when God comes, I shall come with Him." When the struggle had partially subsided, she remarked, "I have had the pain, and now I shall have the bliss, of dying." This was verified. One of her daughters asked her to take some nourishment. She replied, "No more till I eat in the kingdom of God;" and when her lips were moistened with a little water, she said, "I shall soon drink of the streams flowing from the throne of God, and I shall thirst no more." After a short pause, summoning her little remaining strength for the final testimony in honour of her Saviour, she faintly whispered, "Christ is All-All and in all;" heaved a gentle sigh, and passed away to her eternal rest. "All the people of my city doth know that thou wast a virtuous woman." J. D. B.

Nov. 28th.-At Worcester, Mr. James Hayes, aged seventy-two years. For more than half a century he had been a steady and zealous member of Society in this city. During fifty years his name had stood upon the Local Preachers' Plan; and, for the greater part of that period, he had been a useful Class-Leader. At the time of his death, he had about fifty members under his care. His attention to the duties of these offices was highly exemplary, and his success great. His death was sudden. Part of his last evening on earth he spent with a friend, "an old disciple," who had met in his class forty

eight years he then met one of his classes with great vigour, and retired to rest apparently in his usual health; when he fell suddenly on the floor of his room, and expired without a struggle or a groan. His loss is much lamented; but his work was done, and he has entered into his rest and his reward. J. W.

Nov. 29th.--At Chester, Mr. William Clemence, aged sixty. He was born near Hayle, Cornwall. When eighteen years of age, he was truly converted to God; and from that time, until God saw fit to call him hence, was an active, useful member of the Wesleyan Society. He was instrumental in introducing English Methodism into several places in North Wales; and, wherever his lot was cast, he endeavoured to spread the knowledge of Christ. Mr. Clemence ornamented the religion he professed by his uniform, upright deportment; securing at once the esteem of his employers, and that of the men who were called to labour under him. Both parties frequently presented him with tokens of their esteem and confidence. His end was truly happy. The day before he died he beautifully spoke of leaning where the beloved disciple leaned. And in his last hour he said, "Thanks be unto God, who giveth me the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"

W. B. T.

Nov. 30th.-At Skibbereen, (Ireland,) in her seventieth year, Christina, relict of the late Mr. James Gaggin, of Cork. She was early the subject of religious impressions, but did not become truly concerned about her soul's salvation until her twenty-fourth year. Then, with all earnestness, did she flee from the wrath to come." On exercising repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, she obtained a clear and delightful assurance of pardon, and was enabled to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. The first verse of Isaiah 1x. was graciously in-spoken to her heart: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." At once she connected herself with the Wesleyan-Methodist Society; and, a few years later, being "counted faithful," she was appointed to the important and responsible office of Class-Leader. The duties of this office she long and usefully discharged. Of late years her mind was much enfeebled; but her confidence in the Atonement remained unshaken; so that "in age and feebleness extreme" she could testify, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." Some of her last expressions were, "I love Jesus!" "He comforts me!" "Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching!" M. L.

Dec. 1st.-At Stoke-Heath, in the Bromsgrove Circuit, Mr. William Lewis, aged eighty-three years. He was a Trustee of the Wesleyan chapel at Bromsgrove, and one of the friends prominently engaged in its erection. He also long fulfilled the office of Class-Leader, in which he was both affectionate and faithful. For sixty years he maintained the character of a sincere,

devout, and useful Christian. Though his residence was fully two miles from the chapel, Mr. Lewis was exemplarily regular in attending the Lord's-day services. In faith and hope, he peacefully finished his course. H. R.

Dec. 4th.-At Richill, in the Armagh Circuit, James Harcourt, Esq., of Tipperary. In early life he was brought under the induence of Divine grace, which converted him, "a sinner, from the error of his ways," through the instrumentality of John Shillington, Esq., of Portadown. Very soon after this joyous event, he raised his youthful voice in calling sinners to repentance. The offices of Class-Leader and Local Preacher he discharged with acceptance and success. His piety was steady; his acquaintance with the holy Scriptures was extensive; his knowledge of Wesleyan Methodism was accurate; and his cordial love of its doctrines and discipline was shown in his liberal support of its Ministers and institutions. After much anxiety about the cause of God in Tipperary and its vicinity, he obtained a Missionary to officiate in that benighted part of Ireland. He also endeavoured to procure ground for the erection of a Wesleyan chapel in Tipperary, but was disappointed. A little before the approach of the fatal disease which defaced "the earthly house of this tabernacle," he often contrasted this fleeting world with eternity, and urged the necessity of being always ready to exchange worlds. When the hour arrived, his faith was settled on the Rock of Ages; and, in the spirit of fervent prayer, he waited until his soul was called to the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

J. C.

On Friday, Dec. 6th, in St. John's, Stamford, Mr. Alderman Woodroffe. In early life, by the blessing of God upon the counsel and prayers of the Rev. Joseph Cheesewright, (who was then resident with the family,) Mr. Woodroffe was brought to a saving acquaintance with Divine truth, and joined the Wesleyan Methodists; with whom he maintained uninterrupted communion, sustaining various important offices and supporting the work of God with cheerful liberality, until death removed him hence. In his affliction he was enabled to rest confidently upon the atonement, of which he gladly and repeatedly testified that he felt its efficacy; and his end was peace. Н. К.

Dec. 9th.-At Bradford, Yorkshire, Annie, the wife of the Rev. James Shoar, aged sixtyeight years. She was a native of Montrose; and, from an early period of life, was accustomed to attend the services of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Many of the sermons which she then heard, especially the addresses delivered on sacramental occasions, awakened in her mind an abhorrence of sin, and a deep sense of the love of Christ in "putting away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." But it was not till she heard a Wesleyan Minister in the south of Scotland, that she became fully awakened to a sense of her lost condition, and of her need of a personal application to the Saviour for pardon and acceptBy the exercise of faith in the Divine atonement she now obtained a knowledge of

ance.

salvation by the remission of sins. For several years before her death, her health was exceedingly delicate. Her last illness was borne with exemplary patience; and, when her Divine Master at length called her to Himself, her lamp was already trimmed, and burning brightly. She exultingly entered into the joy of her Lord.

J. T. B.

Dec. 18th.-At Witney, Mr. Edward Hardeastle, aged fifty-four years. For nearly forty years he had been a member of Society; and for thirty he was well known, in this and the neighbouring Circuits, as a most intelligent and acceptable Local Preacher. The results of much careful thought lately bestowed were, deepened conviction of the excellency of the Methodist system, and renewed confidence in the wisdom and integrity of the Conference. As Circuit-Steward, and Treasurer of the New Auxiliary Fund, his services were as cheerfully rendered as they were efficient. A firm friend and an able advocate of the Temperance cause, he pursued his object without censorious reflections or uncharitable judging. Conscientiously did he "follow the things that make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." For two or three months his sufferings were extreme; but they were borne with Christian fortitude, and yielded "the peaceable fruit of righteousness." The night before his death, a friend said to him, "You will soon lay down the sword." His reply was, "Yes, and take up the crown." A few hours after, without a struggle or a sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus. P. C. H.

Dec. 20th.-At Pontefract, Mrs. Hannah Shepherd, aged sixty-one. For many years she was a most devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Society. Humility, meekness, gentleness, and benevolence adorned her character. Though she was remarkably modest and retiring, the influence of her holy example was widely and deeply felt. She loved the Sabbath and sanctuary of God. No common difficulty detained her from hearing the word of life, or enjoying the meetings for Christian communion. Her bounty to the poor, and her liberality in the support of religious institutions, were limited only by the extent of her means: she expended her entire income in doing good. By sundry legacies, she has provided for the perpetuation of her charities, and testified her attachment to the community in which she found light and salvation. Her mortal sickness was short and severe. She attended public worship on the Sunday, and on the following Friday escaped from the burden of the flesh, and joined the worshippers who are without fault before the throne. Her last words were expressive of assured peace and settled faith in Jesus. Her memory will long be fragrant among the poor, and the pious of every rank, in the neighbourhood where she lived and died. S. H.

Died, on Sunday, the 22d of December, in his eighty-ninth year, at his residence in Bristol, the Rev. John Woodrow. He was born at King's-Lynn, in the year 1762; joined the Methodist Society in 1782, and gave indubitable evidence of a sincere conversion. After a time

he occasionally exercised in preaching the word, to the edification of many. He was called in 1787 by Mr. Wesley to engage in the ministry. In this sacred employment he laboured thirtyfive years, five of which he spent in Ireland; where, as well as in England, he met with much persecution. Returning to England after his marriage, he travelled seventeen years in Cornwall, and the remaining thirteen in other places. He devoted much thought and consideration to his great work; being tremblingly alive to the present and everlasting interests of mankind. His subjects were selected with care, his sermons were full of excellent matter; and, being a ready and pathetic speaker, he was always heard with attention. His intelligence, affability, and cheerfulness rendered him a welcome visiter at the houses both of the rich and the poor. Nor did he long continue unnoticed by his brethren, having been often chosen Chairman and Representative,-which important offices he filled with fidelity, always strictly adhering to Wesleyan discipline, from which in sentiment he never swerved. In the year 1823, his labours were suspended by affliction,-the result of fatigue; and he remained a Supernumerary to his death. The last scene was happy and peaceful, indicating his unshaken confidence in God. His views of the atonement were deep and comprehensive, often filling his soul with adoring gratitude, and leading him to give utterance to his feelings in scriptural or poetic language. His hope, as an anchor, sure and steadfast, was cast within the veil; and he passed from earth, cheered with the prospect of a blessed immortality. W. S.

Dec. 30th.-At Bury St. Edmund's, in his seventieth year, Philip Mortlock, who had been a member of Society nearly forty years, and a Local Preacher during a considerable part of this time. He was awakened from the sleep of sin, and led to seek salvation by faith in Christ, by the plain and earnest preaching of Mr. Reach, a Local Preacher of Bury, whose zeal for souls had led him to take his stand on the villagegreen of Hargreaves. Desire for salvation led our friend to join the Society in Bury, and soon after to open his cottage in the above-named village for preaching. Here a class was formed; and several of the members, it is trusted, bid him welcome to the skies. Ten years since, a severe affliction laid him aside from public activity, though he was generally able to attend the chapel till within the last twelve months. The religion he had found and retained sustained him to the last. Once for a few days he had a severe conflict with Satan; but his Divine Deliverer appeared, and his soul exulted in the prospect of death and heaven. Sensible till within three hours of his end, he gave pleasing proof that he was hastening to glory. R. T.

Dec. 31st.-David Smith, of Seaton, in the Hornsea Circuit. At the age of nineteen he was converted to God, and became a member of Society. For thirty-four years he maintained an uninterrupted walk with God, and a blameless deportment toward men. During a prolonged affliction he experienced the support of Divine grace, and was evidently becoming meet for the

inheritance of the saints in light. His last hours were marked by holy triumph. Leaning upon the rod and staff of Jehovah, amid the sorrows of dissolution, and the keener anguish of separation from a beloved wife and twelve children, he could say, "Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory." E. K.

Dec. 31st.-At the residence of her son-in-law in Drogheda, aged sixty-seven, Mary Jane, the affectionate wife of the Rev. John Nelson. Above forty years ago she heard the Gospel preached in her father's house by the Irish Missionaries, when she and all the family, consisting of eleven members, received the truth in the love thereof. From the day of her adoption into the family of God until the day of her spirit's returning to God who gave it, she retained the clear witness of the Holy Spirit that she was a child of God. She daily read the holy Scriptures, often on her knees, in private; and prayed to her "Father which is in secret." She frequently said, "My closet is my heaven." For more than thirty years she led a suffering life; but patience had its perfect work. She did indeed "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing," and "in everything give thanks." Shortly before she died she said, "I want no fine, flowery, flashy experience; but what is solid, solid,-God dwelling in me, and my soul dwelling in God." And again, "Victory! Victory! through the blood of the Lamb! Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!'" J. N.

Jan. 1st, 1851.-At Driffield, Sarah, the beloved wife of the Rev. S. Wilde. At the time of her conversion she gladly embraced the privilege of uniting herself in church-fellowship with the Wesleyan Methodists. From that time she made the salvation of her soul her principal study and care. She very highly valued the means of grace; and availed herself of every opportunity of waiting upon the Lord, both in public and in private; and she could thankfully say, with the Psalmist of old, "It is good for me to draw near to God." And with joy did she "draw water out of the wells of salvation." Aware of the value of her own soul, she was much concerned for the salvation of others; and she diligently sought to persuade others to secure a present salvation. She knew how to sympathise with those whom she found in distress. She could" weep with them that weep," as well as rejoice with them that do rejoice." Her piety was evangelical and practical. Her only glorying was in the cross of Christ. Christ was to her All and in all." Her death was rather sudden; but when the Lord came, she was found ready, and she could say, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." S. W.

Jan. 3d.-At Culgaith, in the Penrith Circuit, Mr. Joseph Oglethorpe, aged ninety-four. When about fifty-nine years of age, through the instrumentality of a pious daughter, he was awakened to a sense of his sin and danger; was led to Christ as the sinner's Friend, and by faith

in the atonement obtained the justifying grace of God. His Christian life was unblemished; and for many years he enjoyed the blessing of perfect love. He was warmly attached to Wesleyan Methodism; and, while circumstances permitted, affectionately welcomed his Ministers to his dwelling. In his last illness he exclaimed, with great fervour, "Bless the Lord, O my soul! I am happy. Victory! Victory! Victory!” And again he cried out, "Jesus, who was rich, for our sakes became poor. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" He continued in this happy frame, until he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

W. S.

Jan. 5th.-In Pitfield-street, London, venerable in age and in matured Christian excellence, Mr. James Mackie. He was born in Dundee, and in his boyhood was accustomed to attend the services of the Church of Scotland. But, coming to London in 1775, he was led by his brother to the Foundery; where he was convinced of his need of a Saviour under the preaching of the Rev. John Wesley. Soon after, he found peace in believing; and from that time, for more than SEVENTY years, he continued in close, happy, and useful fellowship with the Methodist Society. He was among the founders of the Strangers' Friend Society, and of our Sunday-schools, in London; and in these, as well as in meeting his warmly-attached classes, he continued to labour while rapidly diminishing strength permitted. He died in his ninetieth year, in full hope of immortal happiness. His remains were committed to their long home, at his favourite Cityroad, in the presence of hundreds who revere his memory, and humbly hope to meet him at God's right hand. G. M.

Jan. 5th.-At Bristol, Mrs. Sarah Collier, widow of the late Rev. Joseph Collier. She died in her seventy-eighth year, "satisfied," as she expressed it, "with long life," and seeing the salvation of God. She was a steadfast believer, and lived habitually in the serene enjoyment of the Divine favour. Her disposition was gentle, her life holy, and her death most peaceful. She greatly mourned over the guilty agitations which have recently distressed and divided the Society in this city; and her last intercessions for the church were many and fervent. Her last audible words were, " My soul is sweetly lodged in Jesu's breast." Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

J. W. E.

Jan. 6th.-At Dudley, Mrs. Ann Hollis, aged seventy-six. For about fifty years she was an unwavering member of the Wesleyan Society, and for twenty-five years a diligent and affectionate Class-Leader. From the time of her conversion to her death, a public meeting for prayer was held in her house every morning. She liberally but unostentatiously ministered of her property to the poor. For seven years she was confined to her house by affliction, but never lost her Christian cheerfulness. Her end was triumphant. J. A.