leave a dying testimony to comfort his bereaved relatives. Pen and paper were brought to him; but exhausted nature refused to obey the still active spirit. He smiled cheerfully, and said, 'Then I will dictate what I wish to say,' but he was not able to utter more than a few sentences.

"On the 8th he began to sink rapidly. With confidence and tranquillity he entered the valley of death; for the presence of Jesus was with him, and made the chamber of death the gate of heaven. On being asked, 'Are you very happy? Is the Saviour precious?' he answered, 'Very, very.' These were his last words; and on the following day, SaturLay, February 9th, 1867, he sweetly fell asleep. So gently was the silver cord losed, that the precise moment of his departure was not known."

Letters bearing testimony to his Chrisfan excellence and expressive of sympathy with the family, were received from the esteemed minister who is now the President of the Conference, from the governor and classical tutor of the Richmond Institution, and from other ministers who had known him.

Ir is the design of God that His people should be "lights in the world," and channels of blessing to others: the love of Christ, implanted in the heart by the Holy Ghost, will counteract its natural selfishness, and call forth carnest efforts to lead others to the enjoyment of salvation. This was pre-eminently the Case with the honoured individual whose career we are about to trace. Brought to the knowledge of the truth, under somewhat remarkable circumstances, he sought to difuse the light which he had received, and was the instrument, in the hands of God, of introducing Methodism into the important village of Lewisham, and of cortributing largely to its stability and

Extension.

Lewisham was frequently visited by Mr. Wesley. There his friend Mr. Blackwell resided; and it is said that from th's spot some of the early numbers of the "Arminian Magazine" were sent forth. It was in the parish church of Lewisham that Mr. Wesley delivered his admirable sermon on "The Reward of the Righteous," before the Royal Humane Society. Bat "the people called Methodists" had no established cause there until MR. REDMAN was brought to God. It was through his influence that the first Methodist congregation was gathered, and the first Methodist class was formed.

The name of Richard Redman will call

up to the minds of many who knew him of late years, a tall, agile form, slightly bending beneath the toils and trials of threescore years, and with a face whose mild and refined expression indicated at once the Christian and the educated gentleman.

He was born at Chelmsford, in Essex, in the year 1800; but, while an infant, was taken to a village near Cambridge, where his father's family had resided for His father was a many generations. captain in the army; a clever man, fond of literary pursuits, but given to gay company, and caring little for the society of his own family. His children, consequently, did not receive that paternal care which was so necessary for their future welfare. His mother, also, left him to follow the bent of his own inclinations to the full.

It will thus be seen that no guardian religious influences were thrown around his youth; and, in looking back upon it, he often exclaimed, "What a miracle of grace I am!" But the Holy Spirit visited him, and awakened a desire of salvation. This is evident from the fact, that when it became necessary for him to choose a profession, and his father expressed a wish that he should go into the army, he declined, and desired rather to be put to a quiet trade, assigning, as his reason, that there was a greater probability of his securing the salvation of his soul in such a sphere, than if he were surrounded by the temptations of a military life. In the year 1819 he went to reside in Lewisham; but, not having united himself to any branch of the church of Christ, he wandered on Sabbath evenings from one place of worship to another. At length he was deeply impressed under a sermon preached in the Lewisham church by the Rev. J. Jones; and began to seek earnestly the forgiveness of his sins. He was led, about this time, to the Wesleyan-Methodist chapel at Greenwich; and soon afterwards, while hearing a discourse in the City-road chapel, by the Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, on the occasion of a Missionary Anniversary, from the text, "The Lord reigneth," he resolved to cast in his lot with the Methodists, and left the chapel saying, "This people shall be my people, and their God my God."

Having found "redemption through the blood" of Jesus, "even the forgiveness of his sins," he earnestly desired to enjoy Christian fellowship in the various forms which Methodism provides. In Lewisham, however, there was по Society. It would have been easy for him to identify himself with the Society at Greenwich; but he wished rather to establish Methodism among his

neighbours. This desire having been communicated to some of the leading friends at Greenwich, they cordially cooperated with him; and a preacher was promised, on consideration that Mr. Redman should provide a suitable place. To this arrangement he cheerfully acceded; and on Christmas-day, 1822, Methodist preaching was begun in Lewisham, and a class was formed, Mr. Redman being the first member. Ere long, several others were added; and the work greatly prospered. But now, also, opposition appeared. The cry was raised, as of old, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also." The pioneer of the movement was assailed on every hand; but, like Bunyan's Christian, his cry was, "Life! life! eternal life." In 1830, Mr. Redman married Miss Sarah Fell, the daughter of Mr. Jacob Fell, of New-Mills, a gentleman well known in that neighbourhood; and who, for more than fifty years, greatly promoted the cause of Christ there by his untiring energy, holy example, and generous contributions. Mrs. Redman had been early trained in Methodism; and devoted her whole energies, along with her husband, to sustain and carry forward the work which he had been instrumental in beginning. That work continued to prosper. Soon a larger room had to be procured, which was generally filled even when a prayer-meeting was held. Many remarkable conversions took place; and several who removed from the neighbourhood carried Methodism to distant localities.

About this time Mr. Redman was induced to leave Lewisham, and go into another business. In this step, however, he evidently mistook his providential path; and the result was, that he lost nearly all his property, and soon found it expedient to return to his former abode. On again settling in Lewisham, he found the cause of Methodism in a low state. The rent of the preaching-room had been suffered, during his absence, to fall into arrears; but he at once paid all demands, and threw himself into the work with his accustomed energy and judgment. And now, under God's blessing, the cause so greatly revived, that a chapel became necessary; and the present edifice in Avenue-road was erected on land which Mr. Redman procured.

With varying success he laboured in the interests of Methodism, with three brief intervals, from its establishment in Lewisham to within a short time of his

death. He sustained the offices of Local preacher, superintendent of the Sundayschool, and class-leader; and in all his duties he evinced his love to Christ and to the souls of men, by his fidelity, diligence, and affection. His character was preeminently distinguished by sincerity. He was real and earnest; a true friend to the needy and friendless, but a terror to evil doers. Possessing a keen, homely wit, he often did good service to the cause of truth by exposing hypocrisy wherever he found it.

Mr. Redman's last illness was comparatively short. He took a severe cold in the month of January, 1867, which brought on a fatal attack of bronchitis. He rapidly sank; and his weakness was so excessive, that he could not bear much reading or talking. But prayer was his delight; and whenever any of his friends called to see him, he was glad for them to pray with him. Next to the Word of God, he used to find great comfort in reading our Hymu-Book; and as his memory began to fail, he would ask those who were with him to find favourite verses for him.

Throughout his illness his uniform testimony was, that he enjoyed peace. About an hour before his death, he commenced repeating the hymn beginning, 'Peace, doubting heart," &c. Then his recollection failed; and shortly after he calmly fell asleep in Jesus, on Wednesday morning, April 3d, 1867.

His long residence in Lewisham, his kind, affable manner, his active life and labours, made him known and respected throughout the village, and, indeed, throughout the neighbourhood for miles around. On the day of his funeral, the tradespeople residing along the road leading to the cemetery closed their shops, in token of their respect for his memory; and many friends from London payed their last tribute of love by their presence at his grave.

As we listened to the sweet and subdued voices of a large number of Sunday scholars, who sang by the open grave, "For ever with the Lord," and as we marked the many weeping eyes among the large concourse of people, we felt that such a tribute to his moral and spiritual worth was far more valuable than the most costly monument of sculptured marble that could be raised, to point out the spot where his mortal remains await the resurrection to eternal life. AMICUS.

APRIL 3d, 1866.-At Wednesbury, Mr. Henry Walker. He had been a member of the Weskyan-Methodist branch of Christ's church forty years; and, during the whole of that period, was distinguished by deep devotion, cheerful piety, great kindness, and unwearied interest in Sunday-schools and Christian Missions. For twentysix years be filled the office of class-leader, and generally had two classes under his care. His character was so pure and beautiful, his experience so clear and practical, his method of communicating religious instruction so lively and animating, and his attention to afflicted and poor members so tender and assiduous, that his classes became peculiarly attractive, and he was greatly beloved by all the members. As a trustee of Wesley chapel, and superintendent of the Sunday-school, he rendered important service to the cause of God. His death was very sudden and unexpected. He attended a social-meeting at Toll-End, delivered an address, was taken ill on the platform, and was assisted to the vestry. His companion and friend-Henry Mills, Esq.-had him conveyed home, in a state of prostration and unconsciousness; and he died in the course of a few hours. **Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."

T. P.

July 28th, 1867.-At Alsager, in the Nantwich and Crewe Circuit, Mrs. Emma Plant, aged forty-eight years. She was blessed with pious parents, and at the early age of six years was the subject of deep religious impressions. It was not, however, until the year 1832, when there was a gracious revival of religion in the neighbourhood of Alsager, that she received a elear sense of God's pardoning love. She was very regular in her attendance on the means of grace, and having a fine voice and considerable skill in music, she delighted in singing the praises of God. Her daily walk, also, was such as became the Gospel of Christ; and in the several domestic relations which she sustained, the evinced a meek and kind spirit. Her last affiction was protracted and severe; but, throughout it, she was sweetly sustained by Divine grace. She experienced great comfort in reading the Holy Scriptures, and our Hymn-Book was her constant companion. To her beloved husband she said, "If it were the Lord's will, I should be glad to stay with you and the children a little longer, and minister to your comfort; but the will of the Lord be done." On the morning of the day on which she died, her husband read to her a comment on the passage, In all their afflictions, He was afflicted," when she remarked, "How sweet and comforting!" These were her last words; and, soon after uttering them, she gently passed away.

**

August 28-At North-Cave, in the Howden Circuit, in the twenty-first year of her age, Mary Elizabeth, the daughter of Mr. W. Gelder. Tmined from her infancy to fear God and hate

evil, she was early a subject of religious impressions, and felt much of God's restraining grace. When about fourteen years of age, under a sermon at the Wesleyan chapel, she was more fully awakened to a sense of her true condition as a sinner, and sought and obtained a sense of God's forgiving love. She at once joined the Church of her parents, and endeavoured according to her ability and opportunities to be useful. As a daughter, she was tenderly affectionate, and unswervingly dutiful. As a member of the Church, she was steady, thoughtful, and consistent; regular in her attendance at all the public means of grace; and cherishing a deep sense of the value of the class-meeting, where she constantly bore testimony to the power and comfort of redeeming grace. The illness which terminated in death lasted but a few weeks. At first she could not repress a lingering wish to live, that she might still further glorify God upon earth; but she was soon reconciled to that change which was fast coming upon her. To the end her confidence in the Lord was unshaken; and her dying words bore testimony to the preciousness of Jesus.

J. S.

August 28th.-At Skipton-in-Craven, Mr. Francis Addyman, in the fifty-first year of his age. He had been a member of the WesleyanMethodist Society for about fifteen years, and cherished a strong attachment to its principles and institutions. He had filled various offices in the Church, including those of leader, Societysteward, and Circuit-steward, which last he held at the time of his death. The affliction which proved fatal is supposed to have originated while he was attending the opening services of the new chapel at Skipton, two years previously. His last hours were marked by considerable bodily suffering, but he was enabled constantly to realize a sense of the Divine favour. A short time before his death, whilst receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, he was favoured with an extraordinary manifestation of the Divine presence, so that he rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Shortly afterwards he appeared to rally, and hopes were entertained of his recovery; but, very soon his complaint returned, and he gradually sank, until he expired with the name of Jesus on his lips.

J. W.

September 23d.-At Great-Glenn, in the Leicester Circuit, Mr. Thomas Batchelor, aged sixty-nine years; having been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society fifty-three years, and a class-leader nearly forty. He was a man of sincere and unostentatious piety; and his kindness of heart endeared him to all who knew him. He was strongly attached to the system of Wesleyan-Methodism; and liberally supported it in the village in which he resided. His last illness was very brief; but he was graciously sustained, and met death calmly relying on the atonement of Jesus. H. W. W.

October 14th.-At Dewsbury, Mrs. Hannah Wightman, aged seventy-three years. In early life she was converted to God, under the ministry of the Rev. William Bramwell. On one oceasion, when preaching in the Birstal chapel, that zealous minister desired all who were decided for God to stand forth publicly, around the front of the gallery. Mrs. Wightman-then Hannah Day-manifested her sincerity by meekly, but firmly, responding to his request. Having obtained peace through believing, her Christian course was distinguished by practical and consistent devotion to the service of God. Though only fourteen years of age, she persuaded her parents to allow family worship, and regularly conducted it herself. It might be truly said of her, that her "adorning" was not that which is outward," of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel, but the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." At twenty-two years of age, she became the wife of Mr. William Wightman, a man of sterling piety and superior mind, whose praise was in the churches, and whose memory is still cherished by not a few. For fortyseven years this union continued in uninterrupted happiness, and then death severed it. As a wife and mother she was a pattern to godly matrons; and failed not, first of all, to "show piety at home." It was her constant endeavour, in harmony with her pious husband, to train up her children in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" and in this respect she was greatly rewarded. For many years she saw them "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." It is an interesting circumstance, that the numerous offspring of this devoted woman-children and children's children-have, without exception, at about fourteen years of age, sought membership in the Wesleyan-Methodist branch of the Church. It pleased God that, in Mrs. Wightman, the power of Divine grace should be especially exemplified in her suffering. For thirty years she endured chastening which, "though not joyous but grievous," nevertheless yielded "the peaceable fruit of righteousness." She learned to submit herself unto God; and, like clay in the hands of the potter, desired only to be moulded to His will. A few years before her death she became a widow; but this keenest trial of her life was borne with exemplary submission. In her last illness her frequent testimony was, 66 God is love." Often in the night-watches she would raise her feeble voice, exclaiming,

"Where shall my wondering soul begin?"

or,

"Begin, my soul, some heavenly theme." To a friend who asked if she felt Jesus near, she replied,

"He will not now His servant leave." When life was fast ebbing out, she faintly, but cheerfully whispered, "Light in the valley! and in this peaceful frame of mind she fell asleep in Jesus.

November 4th.-At Haugh, in the Wathupon-Dearne Circuit, aged forty-one, Joseph Roberts. He was a man of great simplicity of character, of a cheerful temperament, and of unquestionable piety. He zealously and faithfully exercised his gifts as a Local preacher about twelve years. While engaged in his labour as a coal-miner, he was suddenly buried by a falling mass; and, after ten mouths of great suffering, during which he testified of the abounding "comfort of the Holy Ghost," he passed away. His last words were, "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul." II. D.

November 21st -At March, in the Chatteris Circuit, Susannah, relict of Mr. Stephen Robinson. In 18:7 she obtained peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and joined the Methodist Society, to which she continued steadily attached for forty years. Her last illness was short, but severe. In it she was sustained by a cheerful confidence in Christ, and enjoyed "the full assurance of hope unto the end." Her departure was eminently peaceful.

November 28th.-At Wakefield, Mr. Samuel Fearnside. He was born at Shelf, near Halifax, and joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Society at Sowerby Bridge when in the eighteenth year of his age. He removed to Wakefield about the year 1830. Little is known of his early life, but his consistent Christian walk for fifty-two years gave the most clear and satisfactory evidence that he had experienced a Divine change, and was indeed "a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven." He was a good man, and feared God above many. For several years he was a classleader and Local preacher; and by his earnest, faithful, and diligent labours, rendered essential service to the cause of Methodism in the Wakefield Circuit. He was also a Sunday-school superintendent, and one of the oldest trustees of the West Parade chapel; in which capacity,during the time of our Connexional troubles,-he evinced an amount of firmness, loyalty, and courage, that was greatly to his honour. His last affliction was long and painful; but his mind was kept in perfect peace. So far as he was able to converse with his friends, he uniformly assured them that all was well, that Christ was precious to him, and that heaven was his home. In this frame of mind he departed this life, in the seventieth year of his age; and "devout men," by whom he was greatly be loved, "carried him to his burial.”

T. K.