her wretchedness was felt no longer, but she was made happy in the love of God. Her words are, "I found peace through believing. The Lord increase my faith, and keep me faithful unto death, that I may have no fears when I pass through the swellings of Jordan. With what different feelings I could go that evening_to hear the word. The text was, 'Remember Lot's wife.' May I never look back, but ever press onward, till, by God's grace, I reach the New Jerusalem." She was, during the week following, sometimes assailed with temptations to doubt the reality of the saving change she had experienced, and to suppose that after all she was but deceiving herself. The remedy she employed, and which always proved sufficient against these distressing doubts, was earnest prayer. The assurance that God had really saved her was felt with renewed force. On the Sunday evening she appeared among the communicants at the table of the Lord, and observed, for the first time, that solemn ordinance. She makes this observation on her spiritual state on that occasion. "Last Sunday I was kneeling there (at the communion rails) wretched on account of my sins, and this Sunday I received the Sacrament with a heart relieved of its load. I there renewed my vows of allegiance to God. The Lord help me to be faithful!" She wisely resolved at once to unite with the visible church, and did so by entering the class meeting of Mr. John Ozanne. This was the first time she had attended this important means of Christian fellowship and spiritual improvement. Many were present, and she remarks, "I enjoyed it much, and was encouraged when I heard so many say how the Lord had kept them for ten, twenty, or thirty years; surely, I thought, if the Lord has kept others, he is able and willing to keep me if I pray in faith." Speaking of another of these occasions, she says, "I spoke but few words, yet I knew that I was not ashamed to say what God had done for my soul. My prayer is still, 'Lord increase my faith; sanctify me wholly; give me an earnest desire for prayer. Amen. Praise the Lord.' Her estimate of these meetings was seen in the regularity with which she attended them, as it arose from the advantage she derived from them. Of the bless Such was the general tenor of her religious experieuce. She was the subject of trials, and found the Christian life to be a conflict and a struggle, in common with all Christians; but her strength was in God, and she found the means of grace to be to her like fountains of water in a desert land. rose by faith and prayer superior to her troubles, and was enabled to say, "I will trust him where I cannot trace him. "Above the rest this note shall swell She My Jesus has done all things well.'" In February, 1856, it pleased God to remove from this life a beloved sister, who was a fellow traveller with her in the way to heaven. The event was felt by her as a severe affliction, but she sought comfort in God, and could rejoice even in the midst of tears, because of the hope of meeting her in that world where sickness and death can never assail us. Towards the close of last autumn she began to suffer from an affection in the throat, and this affliction became so serious as altogether to prevent her attending any of the public services of religion during the winter. And through the summer these services, which she so much valued, were not permitted her, except in one or two instances. This privation she deeply felt, and it formed one of the chief parts of her affliction. Though she knew and felt that the God she loved and served was the same in all places, yet she "loved the habitation of God's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth;" and it was a matter of joy to her to go up to worship with the people of God. Her affliction she bore with patience, submitting to it as the will of God, and knowing that all things work together for good to them who love God. On Sunday the 30th of August, 1857, she became much worse, and was reduced to great feebleness, but her mind was very happy, and she evinced great cheerfulness of spirit, and said she never felt more inclined to sing than she did then, but her strength being unequal to her inclination, she remarked, "I cannot sing now; but I'll wait to sing in heaven." On the following day she was visited by her respected leader, whom she welcomed with a smile of pleasure. In answer to his inquiries she said, "I feel that I can leave my case entirely in the hands of the Lord;" and added, that she had derived much comfort from meditation on the words contained in the 19th verse of the 4th chapter of the 1st Epistle of St. Peter:-"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator." She desired that the special object of his prayer should be that her faith might be strengthened. To an inquiry by her mother respecting her state of mind, she replied, "I feel that my confidence is in God, though I am so feeble as scarcely to be able to think; and if in this weakness of body and mind I had to seek the knowledge of God and religion, I never could obtain it." Let such as are deferring religion till the time of sickness and death, think of these words. But she had not then to seek it; when entering the swelling waves of the Jordan of death, she feared no evil. God was her strength, Christ was her comforter, and she knew that all was well. To her father she observed, "I long to go to meet my sister. I hope we shall all, without one exception, meet her in heaven." Then addressing a female domestic, she said, "You too, Susan, must be there, as you know the family will not be complete without you.' At another time, after a severe attack of pain, she said, "It is hard work-dying. But He will never leave me, He will never forsake me;" and referring to the future state "E'en then this shall be all my plea, Jesus has lived, has died for me." On Tuesday morning, September 1st, she was so enfeebled as to be able to say but a few words, but her mind continued to be calmly and firmly staid on God. Her leader, Mr. Ozanne, visited and prayed with her again. Before leaving he put the question emphatically, "Can you trust Him?" "Her reply was, "Yes." This was all she was able to say. She continued in a state of perfect repose, till, a little after midday, she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and exchanged mortality for life. And we sorrow not as those without hope. MARIA SLEIGH Was born in Flagg, near Fishford-inthe-water, Derbyshire, February 2nd, 1819. When about three years of age, she was brought to Sutton, Lane Ends, near Macclesfield, and was early admitted as a scholar in our Sunday school in that place. As a scholar she was regular and attentive, much respected by her teachers. In due time she became a teacher, and continued in that office about 15 years. As she had freely received, she freely gave, devoting herself to her duties with exemplary diligence. At a very early period of life she was the subject of gracious impressions, yet she was twenty-four years of age ere she was fully determined to give her heart to God. She then saw herself a sinner, and felt her need of a Saviour. She also saw the importance of connecting herself with the people of God, and became a consistent member. She I was not able to tell the exact time when God set her soul at liberty. The work of conversion appeared to be a gradual one, a gentle opening of the heart. She seemed to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ until she was enabled to rejoice in a crucified Redeemer. Her leader, Brother Joseph Hooly, states, "Our sister Sleigh met with me in church fellowship about 14 years, and I have never had cause to regret her joining my class. She was not generally the subject of ecstasy of feeling, but always manifested a spirit of humility, desiring to be wholly the Lord's. She loved God and his people with a sincere heart, and often in her class made a good confession." Another brother bears the following testimony:-"Our late sister was respected by all with whom she had to do. In matters of dispute she would try to make peace. In cases of need it was a pleasure to her to do good. To see people happy added to her own happiness. While in health, she had a good voice for singing, and I believe she sung to the glory of God. We miss her very much in that part of worship. She loved the temperance cause, and did not think it too much to sign the pledge, thus by her example discountenancing the cause and the practice of intemperance." It was the will of God that our sister D should be the subject of affliction for several years. "During her illness," observes her leader, "I regularly visited her. After she knew there was no hope of her recovery she willingly resigned herself into the hands of God. On asking her if she had a good hope through grace, she replied she had, and that Christ was precious. At another time, I said, 'I suppose you can adopt the language of the poet, "Now I have found the ground wherein Sure my soul's anchor may remain," 'Yes,' she replied, 'I feel that if this earthly house of my tabernacle were dissolved I have a building of God, eternal in the heavens. I have no ties on earth, I could freely give up all and go to heaven.'" At the time she was confined at home a friend came and gave me an invitation to visit her, informing me her physician had told her it was impossible for man to do her any good, advising her to prepare to meet her God. Accordingly I went and found her quite calm and collected, with her mind undisturbed at the news. When I went to her bedside, I said, Well, Maria, you are very low." She said, "Yes." "I understand you are going to leave us." "Yes, I believe I must go; I desire to go, it will be far better. I thought it would be the case before the doctor came, but did not tell my sisters, lest it should make them unhappy. I wish my will to be resigned in all things to the will of God. I am perfectly satisfied now I know I must go. I am very happy. Christ is my strength and my hope." I said, "Well, Maria, you are going only a little before us, you are only crossing the river first; we shall have to follow; and while we are conflicting with the last enemy you will have gained the victory, and be sharing the joys at God's right hand." She said, "I believe it; glory, glory, to the Lamb which taketh away the sins of the world!” At another time when I saw her, I said, "Well, how are you, to-day? Is Christ precious? "O yes." "Have you any doubts or fears?" "No; Christ has clothed my soul." I said, "Then you have not to cast a naked soul on a naked Saviour." She said, "No, my soul is clothed with the garment of praise, and Christ is the fairest among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely." A few weeks before she died she felt a strong desire to receive the ordinance at the hands of her own minister, the Rev. R. Henshaw. The day was appointed. Our venerable father, Mr. Orme, was present. Jesus was there. All found it good to remember his precious dying love. Maria was strengthened and comforted. She felt she would soon be with him in heaven. 66 In my subsequent visits I generally found her mind stayed on God. One day when suffering severe pain of body I said to her, Maria, you appear to be very ill." She said, "Yes, I am very ill; if it were not for the support I have from my Saviour I do not know what I should do." I said, "Then you are putting your trust in Christ, are you?" She said, "Yes." "And does he support you?" "O yes, he is always with me." I said, "You must bear with patience all that the Lord pleases to lay upon you; it is his will, he afflicts you for your good. If it had not been for the affliction he has laid upon you, perhaps you would not have been saved. There is great mercy in your afflictions. You know you had better be tried than destroyed, better be corrected than lost. Oh, be resigned to the will of God, and ever bear in mind that all your afflictions and consolations are working together for your good." "Oh," she said, "I am resigned to his will. He suffered more than this for me; he suffered death for me; he died to save me; yes, and he does save me." The next time I saw her she was very low, and said, "Will this be death?" I replied, "I cannot say, but if it is you are not afraid?" She said, "Oh no, I am not afraid of death: it will relieve me. Death is a welcome messenger to me. I desire to depart and to be with Christ. The night before she died, when the lamp of life was only flickering in the socket, one of her sisters said to her, "None can help you but Jesus." She replied, "No, do you think he will be long before he comes? I long to be with him; I am ready to go, but I must wait the Lord's time." About seven o'clock her Saviour came, and her happy spirit took its flight to the realms of glory. Thus died Maria Sleigh, in the 39th year of her age. Her death was improved in Lane Ends Chapel by the EDWIN BARNETT WAS born at Macclesfield, on the chapel. In those days of childhood he would sometimes remark to his mother that when he died he would be buried in Park-street chapel yard. He was a regular and attentive scholar, and of a mild and affectionate disposition, which gained for him the esteem of the teachers and managers of the school. In the year 1840, in consequence of some changes in trade, his family removed to Manchester, where they resided until 1849. In this year they returned to their native town, and Edwin to his former school, which he had so much loved. His improvement had been so considerable, and his general conduct so commendable, that the teachers' meeting considered him worthy to be intrusted with a junior class, and he was accordingly appointed. To the duties of this office he continued to apply himself till his health failed. In the year 1851, his mind being under serious impressions, he began to meet in class. His leader, to whom he was much attached, has furnished the following interesting particulars:-"I first became acquainted with Edwin in October, 1851, at my young men's Sunday morning class. The morning he first came we had a very precious meeting; Edwin was much affected, and without any reluctance joined at once. For several weeks afterwards he was very anxious for the salvation of his soul. Five of his brethren found peace on Sunday evening, December 14, 1851, after a sermon preached in Park-street Chapel by the Rev. A. Lynn; but Edwin could not rejoice in a sin pardoning God, which to him was a cause of deep depression of soul. For a while he seemed careless, and began to neglect his class and other means of grace. I often expostulated with him, and tried to press home on his heart eternal things, but he appeared so un 51 happy because he could not rejoice like his brethren, that for a while he gave up his class meeting altogether. During the ensuing summer, however, he was again induced to join; but still there was no change of heart, no joy in believing, although at times his brethren were filled with the love of God." was For several years he was the subject of severe affliction, and could but seldom attend the means of grace. The Rev. R. Henshaw visited him regularly. For a long time he found him perplexed with doubts and fears, and his soul cast down within him. It was no small trial to be laid aside in the bloom of life, and to be thrown upon the sympathy and help of his family; but he earnestly prayed for submission to the will of God; he was also anxious for a clear sense of the Divine favour. "When I called to see him," continues his leader, "in November, 1855, we conversed freely on spiritual things; finding him earnestly seeking salvation, we knelt down to pray, God was with us, and blest us; still Edwin did not feel the sweet forgiving love of Jesus. After this, I called many times, and never did I find one more anxious about his soul's eternal welfare. Many times whilst pleading for the blessing of pardon have our souls been melted within us; but it not until Wednesday evening, January 2, 1856, that he found the pearl of great price. After my class meeting was over, I went with another brother to see him; I had no sooner entered the room than Edwin fell upon his knees, and desired me to pray. Oh, what a memorable season! There were his wife, father, mother, sister, his friend, and myself, pleading with God to pardon him, and then, if in accordance with his will, to release him from his sufferings. We continued to pray for near an hour, when he at last entered into liberty. Oh, how he did rejoice! During the day he had suffered much pain of body, but this he said was all gone when we rose from our knees. From this time he went on his way rejoicing in God his Saviour. He had at times the most acute pains, but no murmur escaped his lips. He would often say, 'The Lord is good; my Jesus has done all things well? As he neared the port, his prospects became brighter, and his joys increased. Although weaker in body he was happier in mind; indeed, it was quite a privilege to be with him. He was now very anxious for the salvation of his family, and seemed to partake of fresh happiness when his father had given his heart to God. On Sunday, March 22nd, 1857, according to his request, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered to him and a few friends. The house was filled with God; all felt it good to be there; our souls were filled to overflowing. Oh, how thankful he was thus to be privileged to commemorate his Saviour's dying love!" From this time, to his death, his mind was peaceful, and his experience joyous. Whenever I visited him, I found him rejoicing in God his Saviour. He took sweet delight in prayer and reading his Bible, and would often request some favourite chapter to be read for him. Some of his sayings were, "O my Jesus! nothing but thee to me be given. When I come to thee, O what a meeting that will be-O my sweet Jesus!" "On the night before his death," continues his leader, "I saw him for the last time. He was suffering much in body, but his fervent responses to my petitions indicated that his soul was exceedingly happy. He remarked, 'I shall soon be free from pain and suffering. I am going to Jesus; we shall meet above.' When his family were weeping around him, he said, 'Don't weep for me; I am going home. O blessed Jesus! I shall soon be with thee. Glory! glory for ever!' last word he was heard distinctly to utter was 'Glory! glory!' The struggle, though severe near its close, soon ended, and his spirit calmly and peacefully entered into rest. His family were only apprised of his departure by observing that he ceased to breathe. Thus died, very happy in the Lord, on Friday morning, June 5th, 1857, Edwin Barnett, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. 'Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."" Macclesfield, Oct. 21, 1857. The DEATH OF THE REV. B. HAMMERSLEY. -It is our mournful duty to announce the death of Brother Hammersley. He was one of the six missionaries sent out by the English Conference last June. His health appeared good before he left the old country, but scarcely had he commenced his labours among us before he was seized with illness, and became incapacitated. We are not aware of the exact nature of his disease, but we believe his lungs became affected, and that he has died of some form of pulmonary disease. He leaves behind him a widow and two children, who are now deprived of their protector, and are strangers in a strange land. How mysterious are the dispensations of Providence. A few months ago our brother gave himself and his family to the missionary work in this country, left his home and friends behind him, and, full of Christian zeal and hope, entered upon his new sphere of labour-and now he is in his grave! He was stationed at Southampton, where, however, he preached only a few times. His medical adviser counselled a removal to another place, thinking the change would be beneficial. In conformity with this advice he removed to Goderich, and at first the change seemed to produce all the favourable results anticipated. But his work was done, and the Master called him away. The worst symptoms of the disease returned with greater severity, and we have now to mourn the loss of a much needed and promising labourer, who hardly opened his commission ere he was called to his reward. May the widow and fatherless children be comforted, and may this painful bereavement be sanctified to them, and to the church at large.-Evangelical Witness. THE REV. JAMES GAWTHORN. THE town of Derby has sustained a great loss in the death of the Rev. James Gawthorn, who during fiftyseven long years was the devoted pastor of a large and flourishing Independent church, worshipping in Victoria-street Chapel. A notice of this excellent and revered minister of Christ will not, I conceive, be out of place in our Magazine, or unacceptable to its numerous readers. His early history furnishes a beautiful illustration of Divine providence: his Christian character and ministry are suggestive of much solemn and important instruction. He was born at Hardingstone, a village near Northampton, February 10, 1775. About three-quarters of a century ago, when he trod the streets of our great metropolis, he was a little unsheltered orphan boy, familiar with bereavement and poverty; but he was not forsaken. Father, mother, friends were gone, but the Lord took him up. The eye of heaven rested on his path. Into the City Road Orphan Asylum he |