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among them; a success which we believe will, by the grace of God, become more and more striking, until the whole

Armenian nation is brought back to a pure Christianity.-Evangelical Christendom.

BIOGRAPHICAL

[THE substance of the following memoir was drawn up by the late lamented Dr. Hannah, and read by him when preaching on the occasion of Mr. Fernley's death: one of the last services of the kind in which that venerated minister officiated.]

The late MR. THOMAS FERNLEY was born at Stockport, on the 5th of May, 1789, being the eldest son of Thomas and Ann Ferley. From early life he appears to have been serious and devout, and a diligent reader of the Scriptures. When about fifteen years of age, he became more fully decided; and after earnest wrestling, found peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. "I saw every thing," he states, "in a new light. All seemed changed. 'Old things were passed away, all things were become new.' He at once united himself to the Methodist Society, of which he continued a devoted member, without any break or interruption, for the space of sixty-three

years.

Constrained by the love of Christ, he cheerfully employed his leisure hours in endeavours to do good; and in many instances was successful in inducing others to yield up themselves to God, through Christ. Sabbath-school service was, however, the field in which he chiefly delighted to labour. After having been himself a scholar, he was in succession, teacher, visiter, superintendent, and treasurer. The last years of his life and vigour were marked by zealous attention to the interests of the young, on whose behalf, to his dying day, he cherished a deep and affectionate regard.

In connexion with James Heald, Esq., of Parr's-Wood, he originated the scheme for building the large and beautiful chapel situate in Tiviot-Dale, Stockport; and in its erection, after having laid the first stone, he took an active part; continuing through life one of its trustees. He was also one of the founders (as well as a trustee) of the Sunday-schools at Portwood, Brentnall-street, Edgeley, New Bridge-lane, and Hazel-grove. In a letter addressed to a member of the family, the Rev. John Howard, an excellent clergyman in the vicinity of Hazel-grove, bears pleasing testimony to the salutary

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influence exerted by Mr. Fernley in that immediate neighbourhood, especially in seasons of religious strife and agitation. "I had the highest respect for your dear brother, and shall ever remember his name with grateful feelings. To him Methodism in Stockport is deeply indebted; and in Hazel-grove, humanly speaking, it owes its continued existence to his influence. My recollections of your departed brother carry me back to the year 1832, when Methodism at Hazel-grove was struggling for existence, the culminating point being 'the Warrenite division.' During that anxious, trying time, I well remember the interviews that were held, and the deep searchings of heart which then took place. Amidst all, your brother appeared as an angel of mercy. He was ever ready to cheer the depressed, to impart energy to the fearful, and to lead in the path of duty. Many were his visits at that period: they have left an indelible impression on my memory of his sound judgment, admirable tact, and conciliatory spirit."

At the request of the Rev. Legh Richmond, made as they were travelling toge ther by the stage-coach from Huddersfield, Mr. Fernley successfully exerted himself in the establishment of the Stockport Auxiliary Bible Society; and for the last ten years of his life was its treasurer. He was likewise one of the first members in Stockport of the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society; and continued until death a member of its Committee. The Stockport town-mission also shared his sympathy and help.

Mr. Fernley was a large employer of labour; and in the conduct of his mani old transactions was kind, just, and considerate; easy of access, and a good discerner of character: distinguished, also, by Christian simplicity, strict integrity, promptitade, and plodding industry. The testimony of the Stockport "Press" supplies a deserved tribute to his memory: "He was one of the last of the old race of manufacturers of this town, having been in business for half a century, which he most honourably conducted." "" Being a native of Stockport, he took a deep interest in all the focal institutions of the town, having for

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their object the welfare of society; a feeling in which the different members of the family also participated. He was distinguished by a clear perception, a firm resolve, and a prompt action in all matters under his consideration. interests of religion in connexion with the Wesleyan-Methodist Society engaged a large part of his solicitude; and chapels, aud schools, and all other organizations of the Society, bear in their records numerous instances of his consideration and liberality. Religious education was a subject for his especial care. In this, and indeed in all matters relating to the religious interests of the town and neighbourhood, he was not confined by a narrow spirit. Most branches of the Christian church experienced his liberal and cheerful bounty."

In 1814, Mr. Fernley was united in marriage with Mary, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Dyson, of Huddersfield. Her career, though short, was one of great usefulness. Later in life, Mr. Fernley entered a second time into the marriage relation, with Maria, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Barnes, sen., of Manchestera lady possessing great energy of character and Christian benevolence; whose death occurred in 1864.

The closing scene of Mr. Fernley's career was fraught with interest. When visiting Tiviot-Dale chapel for the last time, after walking with a friend over a large portion of the yard, where are deposited the remains of many "faithful dead," he remarked, when resting for a while,

"A few more rising suns at most,

Will land me on fair Canaan's coast."
Adding,

"There is my house and portion fair;
My treasure and my heart are there,
And my abiding home;
For me my elder brethren stay,
And angels beckon me away,

And Jesus bids me come!"

Miss Fernley, whose attentions to her aged parent were long continued, and most assiduous, gives the following reminiscences of his religious state and prospects, when drawing near the close of his earthly pilgrimage:

"A few days previous to his death, when asked, if he should feel any fear if assured that he must die that day,' he answered, 'No! for me to live is Christ, and to die will be gain;' adding, at the same time,Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.' Early on the morning previous

to his death, he appeared to be sinking fast; and, as if conscious of approaching dissolution, exclaimed,

'Timorous mortals start and shrink

To cross this narrow sea.'

'But,' he added, 'I do not shrink: I am on the Rock. I can rejoice in the Lord: goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life.' Portions of the hymn commencing,

Rock of Ages cleft for me,'

with others of a similar kind, were frequently on his lips. In his conversations with one or another that forenoon, he said, 'It is peace, and quietness, and assurance, for ever. My heart is full. I have not only hope, but assurance,-sweet assurance. Do not say much about me: I have tried to do my duty in the church, in the commercial world, and in my family. It has been as much as my meat and drink to work for God. Now, let me go.' To one of his family, he said, 'I am going to a better world. You will soon see me no more. Make sure work.' His brother, Mr. John Fernley, of Southport, engaging in prayer, he responded with great earnestness, and then took an affectionate leave of all around him.

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"On the morning of his death, he suffered much from restlessness; on being reminded, there is sweet rest in heaven,' he answered, 'Yes; let me tower away, let me tower away!' The restlessness increasing greatly, he frequently exclaimed, 'What shall I do ?' One present replied, 'Commit yourself into the hands of your Heavenly Father.' He said, 'Yes.' lines were repeated,

"Waiting to receive my spirit,

Lo! the Saviour stands above!'

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when, putting up both his hands, and raising his eyes, he exclaimed, 'I am going! I am going!' and, as though bounding into his Saviour's arms, he expired. He entered into rest on the morning of Friday, July 5th, 1867, aged seventy-eight years."

DIED, at Tracy-Town, Rochester, July 17th, 1867, MR. JOHN GARRISH, in his seventy-fourth year. It was the privilege of this truly excellent man, who for several years sustained the office of class-leader in the Rochester Society, to receive from godly parents at least some measure of Christian training. He was accustomed to say that in his earliest years he was the subject of the Holy Spirit's powerful strivings. Usually he attended the services of the Established Church, and at the age

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of twenty received the rite of confirmation. Occasionally, however, he accompanied his father to the chapel at Frindsbury, and ultimately became a constant worshipper among the Wesleyan Methodists. In referring to the subject of his conversion, Mr. Garrish used to speak of having been awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger as a sinner under a sermon preached from Gal. vi. 14: "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross," &c. At lovefeasts and other occasions, he has been heard to say that his mind had been opened very gently, like that of Lydia; and that only gradually had he come into the possession of the "full assurance of faith." In one instance, however, after having partaken of the Lord's Supper, he had experienced an extraordinary mauifestation of the Divine graciousness to his soul; when the words, My Beloved is mine, and I am His," were applied with great force to his mind, so that he was filled with a "joy unspeakable." Subsequently, through a long course of years, he largely enjoyed the " 'Spirit of adoption." During an affliction with which he was visited in 1823, he resolved, that if his life was spared, he would connect himself more closely with God's people by joining one of the Society classes; a resolution which, on his recovery, he practically remembered. Soon afterwards he became a tract-distributer and Sundayschool teacher, as also a visiter of the sick, a work in which he continued, as he was able, to the end of his long life. member of his family remarks, "His religion was not a thing of occasional times and seasons, but was exhibited in the commonest matters of daily life." He sought to "adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things." Great gentleness of spirit and an unaffected humility, were striking traits in his character. He followed after "charity," carefully cultivating the love without which all else is but as sounding brass, or a tinkling cym66 The bal," and "profiteth nothing." law of kindness," as well as the law of truth, was on his lips. He was a devout man, habitually mindful of the Saviour's admonition, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." Through years of domestic trial, his "great rcsource," observes his daughter, prayer." He carried all his own burdens to the Lord; and his most frequent counsel to persons in trouble was, "Pray to the

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Lord, and He will help you." Like Enoch, he "walked with God,"—pursuing the "noiseless tenor of his way," having his "conversation in heaven," and "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Some years before his death, our departed friend was intrusted with the care of a class in connexion with the city Society. From this office he shrank in unafheted diffidence, fearing that he was unequal to its responsible duties; but in this new position he approved himself to his minis ters and the brethren as a faithful man, and was greatly esteemed by the members of his class.

In the autumn of 1866, Mr. Garrish had a dangerous and protracted illness. This period of affliction he regarded as the brightest portion of his life. In feebleness and pain his religious experience was more than peaceful. He greatly rejoiced in God his Saviour, exercising in Him a strong confidence, and enjoying much of the "light of His countenance." To his minister, by whom he was greatly venerated, the "aged disciple" gave, from time to time, the most pleasing testimonies in relation to his "joy and peace in believ ing," and the abounding of his "hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." Though in circumstances naturally tending to awaken anxiety, he was "careful for nothing." Staying his mind simply on God, in a beautiful childlike faith, he was kept in "perfect peace." It seemed to him that "angels hovered around his bed," and he asked his daughter if she could not "hear their music."

His health, after a time, being some what restored, he was permitted to resume occasionally his attendance at chapel, the services of which he so greatly prized; and also to meet his class, which he always esteemed a privilege. He remarked in his family, "I am willing to stay as long as the Lord pleases; and when it is His will to take me, I am willing to go." And soon the Master's call came. In the middle of the summer, very suddenly, having been present in his accustomed place in the Lord's house on the preceding Sunday, he entered the "long-sought rest," leaving behind him that "good name" which is "rather to be chosen than great riches;" and having "walked " in no slight manner worthy of the vocation wherewith he had been "called."

H. J.

SEPTEMBER 17th, 1867-At Kirby-Moorside, John Allan, who was born at Cabon, in Lincolnshire, in the year 1799. His parents were connected with the Church of England. When nineteen years of age, he attended a Wesleyan service to ridicule and mock; but before leaving the house of prayer he was convinced of sin and converted to God. The reality of the change effected in him was evinced by a consistent Christian career of nearly half a century. Some time after removing into Yorkshire, he felt called to preach the Gospel. His labours as a Local preacher were successful, not only in the Helmsley and Pickering Circuits, where he resided, but also in adjoining towns and villages. As a classleader and visiter of the sick, he was beloved by those who were brought under his influence, and made a blessing to them. As a man of business he was remarkable for his firmness and uprightness. He was suddenly called to his reward, but left consolatory assurance to his friends that he was ready to depart and to be with Christ.

February 11th, 1868.-At Londonthorpe-Mill, in the Grantham Circuit, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, aged seventy-four years. She was a native of Billingborough, and in carly life was converted to God, and joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Society. She resided for several years in the Wisbeach and Peterborough Circuits, but in 1845 removed to Londonthorpe-Mill, where she held fast her integrity, and continued a member of the Church of her youth to the day of her death. The Bible was her daily companion, and standard of appeal on all questions relating to doctrine and practice. Her last illness was long and painful, but she was strong in faith. The night before she died, when speaking of her prospect of heaven, she exclaimed,—

"Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees,

And looks to that alone;

Laughs at impossibilities,
And cries, It shall be done!""

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period he was a partaker of Divine grace, and by integrity and uprightness in business-transactions adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. He held several offices in the Church, and by deeds and words sought to incite others to liberality in the cause of God. Although he had not been well for many months, his death was unexpected. But he knew whom he had believed, and peacefully heard the Master's call. Only three days afterwards, Mr. Chadwick's wife Elizabeth "fell asleep." When about eighteen years of age, at a cottage prayer-meeting, she received forgiveness of her sins through faith in Jesus, and from that time was a steadfast member of the Methodist Society. As the wife of Mr. James Tattersall, and afterwards of Mr. Chadwick, she performed her domestic duties with diligence, fidelity, and affection. In seasons of affliction she was resigned and cheerful, knowing that "all

things work together for good to them that love God." As a class-leader she helped others in their Christian course, and in the use of her property did not forget the poor and the work of the Lord. Her attention to her husband was unremitting till the end of January last, when she also was prostrated by sickness. In all her conflicts she triumphed in Christ, and often repeated the lines,

"In my hand no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling." Her last whisper was, "I am safe."

C. P.

March 12th.-At Canterbury, Mrs. Brown, the beloved wife of Mr. Joseph Brown, and sister of the late Rev. Joseph Earnshaw. She was born of pious parents at Kirkburton, near Huddersfield, and received her first religious impressions at a revival-meeting among the Primitive Methodists, in a village at a distance from her home. On her return, two years after, to her native place, she connected herself with the Wesleyan-Methodist Society, of which several elder branches of the family were members, and continued warmly and conscientiously attached to it till the day of her death. She became a successful Sunday-school teacher, and subsequently a valued class-leader; and in each capacity did good service to those entrusted to her care. To the poor she was a kind and sympathizing friend, relieving their necessities, and directing their thoughts to the true riches. In her domestic relations she was exemplary. She was a faithful wife; a loving mother, watchful over the interests of her children; a true friend, who could be depended on in the time of need. Her last illness, which was protracted and painful, she bore with Christian fortitude. Severe and depressing temptation assailed her; but through a firm reliance upon the atonement of her Lord, and faith in God's promises, she finally triumphed, and calmly expired in the peace and hope of the Gospel. T. H.

April 16th.-At Fisherton, in the Salisbury Circuit, Jane, the widow of the late Mr. Joseph Harding. Mrs. Harding was born at Amesbury, in Wiltshire, in 1786, and was trained in the teaching of the Established Church. When she was young the Methodists visited Amesbury, and held a preaching service in a bakehouse. At the close of that service, Mrs. Harding, who had now heard the Gospel preached in a way quite new to her, gave the first sixpence towards maintaining the Methodist cause in that place, in which it has flourished for sixty years. She was then seventeen years old. Deep conviction seized her soul, and for years she lived in the "spirit of bondage." At length, however, she cast her soul on Christ, and obtained a clear evidence of God's adopting love. For sixty-I've years Mrs. Harding was a member of the Methodist Society, and a most consistent Christian; and for forty years was the affectionate wife of a most useful Local preacher. She was also for many years a class-leader at Fisherton. Her

disposition was gentle and retiring; and her piety steady, cheerful, and exemplary. In her Christian experience she seldom rose above the enjoyment of peace; but, just a week before she died, she told one of the Circuit ministers she had lately experienced much joy in the Holy Ghost." The death of her lamented husband, fourteen years ago, left many posts of usefulness vacant, and Mrs. Harding did her best to supply his place. She gave liberally to the cause of God, and to charitable institutions; visited the sick; and relieved the poor. Her death was that of the righteous, and her name will long be had in blessed remembrance. S. V.

April 18th.-Rachel, daughter of Mr. William Storr, was born at Bassingham, near Lincoln, on the 21st of April, 1840. Her remains were interred in the same village, on her twentyeighth birthday. Trained in a Christian family, she was always truthful, affectionate, dutiful, and unassuming. Many might have deemed such characteristics sufficient, but she was led to feel the need of a change in her relation to God, and of a spiritual renewal. During her residence at the school of Mrs. Islip, at Kileworth, Leicestershire, she was awakened to a sense of her sinful state; and her friend and fellow-pupil, the accomplished writer of "Sermons from the Studio," was instrumental in leading her to accept Christ as her personal Saviour. From that time all her amiable qualities shone with additional brightness, while the love of God gave cheerfulness, and often joyousness, to a mind naturally inclined to gravity, if not to sadness. One who lived in the same house, and met in the same class, describes her as "a joyous Christian."

But her joy was not more marked than her simplicity, humility, and tender regard for the character and reputation of others. One of her class-leaders says, "Her views of the nature of faith were very clear, and her constant habit of simple, childlike trust in Jesus was a prominent feature in her religious character." After her conversion, her letters and conversation showed her solicitude for the salvation of her friends, while they evinced a peculiar aptitude in setting forth the way of salvation to a confused or doubting mind. In several instances she was instrumental in leading distressed souls to Christ. Her fidelity, too, is worthy of mention. She would not spare her own feelings, or retain a valued friendship, by conniving at a fault which, if unexposed, might become serious; but she would refer to it in the most loving manner. Her mind was of a superior order, delighting to dwell on the infinite perfections of God, and especially His condescension to sinners. With a pleasure in gaining and imparting knowledge, she combined a quick insight into character, and was well adapted to the sphere of life she selected, the instruction of young ladies. The school she established in Lincoln, eighteen months before her death, bade fair by its increasing prosperity, to reward the loving, unwearied care she bestowed upon it But her work was soon done. Though the nature of her disease

tubercles on the brain-precluded the lucid testimony which she might otherwise have borne to the faithfulness and love of Christ in her last hour, she was ready, at the call of her Lord, to quit His service on earth for the uninterrupted joy of His presence above. After a few weeks of severe illness, her spirit escaped away.

They say she died; it seemed to me, That after hours of pain and strife, She slept one morning peacefully, And woke in everlasting life."

M. R.

April 21st.-At Whiteparish, in the Salisbury Circuit, John Smith. He came between forty and fifty years ago to reside at White parish, and was then an ignorant and ungodly man, and a persecutor of the people of God While he was in this state, the Rev. Isaac Bradnack preached on Whiteparish Common. Amongst the villagers who heard him was Mr. Smith. Under this, the first Methodist sermon ever preached at Whiteparish, he was, with many others, convinced of sin, and found peace with God at a prayer-meeting shortly afterwards. From that time to his death Mr. Smith strove to adorn the doctrines of the Gospel, and in the midst of persecution steadily held on his way. Through the exertion of himself and his brethren, a small place of worship was soon opened, which is now replaced by a commodious chapel, which Mr. Smith rejoiced to see erected some years before his death. For thirty years he was a Local preacher and class-leader,-two offices in which he displayed considerable strength and firmness of mind, as well as great consistency and zeal. As a preacher his talent lay in setting forth the demands, and declaring the penalty, of God's law; but he never forgot the glorious Gospel of Christ. During the somewhat protracted illness which ended in his death, Mr. Smith beautifully illustrated God's sustaining grace. To all visiters he said, "I am soon to be with Christ," and entreated them to meet him in a world of holiness and rest. S. V.

May 30th.-At Crag-View, Shipley, aged forty-seven years, Mr. Robert Southworth. He was brought to the saving knowledge of the truth under the ministry of the Rev. William Sugden, and a genuine conversion was followed by a career of great Christian activity and usefulness. His character furnished a beautiful illustration of the apostolic injunction, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." His friends were anticipating the prospect of extended spiritual influence, when his life was unexpectedly terminated by an affliction of great severity. During a period of acute suffering his mind was kept in perfect peace. Such utterances as extreme pain or complete prostration permitted, were full of assurance and hope; and the final victory was decisive. "The memory of the just is blessed."

J. P. L.

LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICHOLS, 46, HOXTON SQUARE.

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