the people of God, and especially to the "messengers of the churches;" yet her chief excellencies could be known only by her own family. Her conversation was in few words; so that she did not impress so much by the weight or charm of direct address; but, a "keeper at home,"

she concentrated the influence of a uni

formly godly character upon the training of her children. Consequently, "her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." The results of that training are her best praise. Of her ten children, one preceded her to the tomb. She submitted, when a child, to converting grace; and testified, many years afterwards, on her death-bed, that, from that time, her faith and joy had been uninterrupted. Such was her high experience of Divine grace when dying, that several persons who visited her were led to seek the Saviour for themselves. Of the children who survive most are servants of their parents' God; and the mother's example exerts a blessed influence on all.

For about two years before her death, while the earthly tabernacle was being gradually impaired, Mrs. Norman's spirit was evidently maturing for the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." The diseases, indeed, under which she laboured, were such as to produce occasionally a peculiarly depressing effect on her mind. She passed, in consequence, through some very severe temptations, fearing that she had deceived herself, because her joy did not abound as in former times. It was the enemy's last desperate attack upon her faith; but its effect was to drive her to abandon herself more entirely to the All-Sufficient One; and He thenceforward "kept her in perfect peace." She ordi narily said little of her Christian experience, but expressed herself in such short pregnant sentences as, "The Lord is suffcient,"

""Jesus is precious," "My faith is as the Rock of Ages sure." The words of the twenty-third Psalm were frequently on her lips. So were those of our hymns which specially express the loving trust of

a Christian heart:

was testifying to the completion of the work of grace in her heart, God also gave testimony to the work of His grace, making all present feel themselves

"Quite in the verge of heaven."

From that time, she spoke only in answer to inquiries, ever witnessing her confidence and joy in God. On the next day, June 26th, 1867,

"Safe in His arms she laid her down,
His everlasting arms of love."

W. B.

MARGARET FEATHERSTONE was born at Glaisdale, near Whitby, January 23d, 1812. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Thompson, were for many years consistent members of the Methodist Society. Margaret

was

one of nine children, who were carefully brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." When quite a child the Spirit of the Lord strove with her. She was accustomed to read in the "Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine," and "Youth's Instructer," the Lord's dealings with His people; and the account of the happy deaths, even of little children like herself, led her to desire and seek the blessing of the same Saviour.

was

In her thirteenth year, while attending a lovefeast, she was deeply impressed with her condition as a sinner before God. In the evening of the day a sermon preached by the Rev. Joseph Mortimer; and in the prayer-meeting which followed she cried aloud for mercy, till by faith in the atoning blood of Jesus she found peace with God. During that service eleven persons professed to be made happy in God, one of whom was her sister. This was the commencement of a very glorious revival of the work of God, in which he who afterwards became her husband was converted. That she was led to yield her heart to God so early in life, she attributed, under God, to the instruction and example of godly parents. The daily influences of home-life were also promotive of her spirituality, as she had then three brothers and three sisters, as well as her parents, walking in the fear of God.

In the diary of her religious experience, which she kept for upwards of thirty years, she states that, in the early part of August, 1836, she had the privilege of spending a few days with a cousin, who was living in the enjoyment of entire sanctification, whose conversation greatly stimulated her in seeking for that blessing. Shortly afterwards she heard a sermon by the Rev.

John Hanwell, on the words: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," in which the importance of Christian perfection, and the value of its attainment, were clearly set forth. During that service, she was abundantly blessed of God, and realized, more fully than before, the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.

Herdeepened love to the Saviour now gave her increased sympathy with every depart ment of His cause. On the third day of the following year she writes in her diary: "How shall I record the goodness of God to me these three days? Yesterday I was employed in collecting for the missionary cause. I can truly say it is my delight to be thus engaged. Before we commenced I felt my soul much led out in prayer for success; and my expectations were exceeded. There seemed a readiness on the part of the people to give as had not been witnessed before. O, may all those who have contributed towards sending the Gospel to the Heathen receive it into their own hearts!"

In reading Mr. Wesley's" Plain Account of Christian Perfection," she saw the defects of her Christian character to be so many and great, that she was tempted to think that she had professed a state of grace which she had not attained, and was, for a time, greatly discouraged; but, as she waited on the Lord in prayer and meditation on His promises, He again shone upon her soul, and made her unspeakably happy. In the same month she writes, "I do enjoy constant peace of mind; but I want to be on full stretch for heaven. I do enjoy the witness of entire sanctification; but I want to be filled with God."

From the commencement of her religious course she evinced great consistency of character; but from this period the higher Christian life was steadily exhibited by her; so that, in her, many were led to glorify her Saviour. Nothing could induce her to listen to proposals of marriage from young men who were not decided for God. She deeply felt, that to do so would result in her having a clog for life, if not, indeed, in the loss of her soul. If all professors of godliness would steadfastly act on this principle, much evil and misery would be prevented. Shortly afterwards she was united in marriage to him who now deeply mourns his irreparable loss. She writes, "I felt very much the importance of the step I was taking; but, at the same time, I had a sweet sense of the approbation of God. Glory be to my adorable Redeemer! He hath surely made a plain path for us. The Lord grant that our union

may be made a mutual blessing to our souls; and that we may be more than ever determined to devote our all to Him!"

The health of Mrs. Featherstone had been much enfeebled for many years before her fatal affliction came on; but she evinced, through all her weakness and pain, uncomplaining submission, and cheerful acquiescence in the will of God. Although she was the mother of ten children, none of them lived beyond a few months, except the two who survive her. "The scul that hath not sorrowed, knows neither its own weakness, nor its strength." In the "great fight of affliction" which she endured, she painfully felt her own weakness, but her strength through Christ was sufficient.

Various entries in her diary indicate the deep solicitude which she felt for the salvation of her children, and the joy which she experienced in believing that as a family they were “walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the confort of the Holy Ghost." She prayed with, as well as for, her children, often taking them with her into secret to plead with God in their behalf. One of her daughters experienced the regenerating grace of the Holy Ghost at the early age of nine years; and the other even before she had reached that age. Her joy on these cecasions was correspondent to the solicitude which she had felt for their religious welfare, and the labour which she had bestowed in training them for the Lord. Such an acknowledg ment of parental responsibility and privi lege is well adapted to foster and maintain family piety.

Her heart was so full of love to the Saviour, that to aid His cause in any way was to her a great delight. Towards the ministers of Christ she evinced a hospitality most grateful to them, as well as acceptable to the great Master. Many noble testimonies to her high excellencies have been borne by those servants of the Lord Jesus whom she delighted to entertain. The Rev. R. Petch, who was resident in the Circuit at the time of her death, writes, "In the advancement of everything pertaining to the Church of her choice, she ever manifested a deep interest. Nor was her regard confined to her own section of the Church: she took great pleasure in everything which had for its object the glory of God, the lessening of human misery, and the salvation of precious souls. The British and Foreign Bible Society, Sabbathschools, Missionary operations, efforts to raise money for the extinction of debts on chapels or the building of new ones, had her warmest sympathy and liberal support. With the hearty concurrence of her

husband, her house was ever open to the preachers of the Gospel; and all who have been entertained there can bear testimony to the hearty welcome, and the genuine, unaffected hospitality, they ever received. She was remarkable for sauvity of manner, gentleness of spirit, and constant patience under trial. It was my privilege to see her often in her last long affliction; and I never before witnessed such a fine illustration of the sentiment: 'The chamber where the good man meets his fate

Is privileged beyond the common walk

Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven.'"' Her last terrible affliction-cancer in the tongue and throat-was endured for nearly a year, with a Christian fortitude which was admired by all who witnessed it. When, in the month of October, 1866, she was first informed by the physician of the nature of her affliction, and told that it might probably prove fatal, she replied with the most perfect composure, that if such were her lot she trusted the Lord would give her strength to suffer His will. Margaret Featherstone was one of those choice spirits whose society is courted, and whose conversation and life are most refreshing and elevating to their fellow-Christians. Like those flowers which present the highest beauty, and emit the richest fragrance, so her life had a peculiar attraction and charm, and her usefulness deserves to be admired and imitated. In her there was a rare symmetry of Christian character. "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report " she happily exhibited. Her natural disposition was amiable, and a large measure of religion made it still more lovely. In the several relations of life she was exemplary. As a daughter, her obedience was marked by a cheerful promptitude; as a sister, her affection was deep and constant; as a wife, she did her husband "good, and not evil, all the days of her life; as a mother, she blended kindness with authority, so that her children loved her, while they revered and obeyed her. The poor had in her a willing helper; and the blessing of such as

料

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were ready to perish came upon her." The foundation of all her excellencies Was Christ. Through Him she had that love to God which" casteth out fear," and that love to man which destroys all hatred, enry, selfishness, and uncharitableness. Her control of her feelings and her tongue Was such, through the grace of God, that she never manifested in word or deed anything contrary to meekness and charity. The slanderer and evil-surmiser encouraged in her presence;

were never

but rather made to feel the reproof of her silence, or charitable explanation. Her deep, undying, and increasing love to the cause of Christ was such, that we think we might apply to her the words of the great Master: "She hath done what she could.”

But while the grace of God was beautifully illustrated in her quiet, consistent, unselfish life, it was remarkably displayed in her sufferings and death. The affliction which, in the mysterious providence of God, occasioned her death, is well known to be one of the most painful to which humanity is liable. But, notwithstanding this, she went about the house, as strength would permit, attending to her domestic duties with an evenness and cheerfulness which only few Christians evince when in the possession of health. When her sufferings were excruciating no murmur ever escaped her lips; but she often uttered expressions of gratitude to God. Twelve weeks before her death, the progress of the disease brought on profuse bleeding, which was expected, both by herself and those around her, to result in death. She was then unspeakably happy, and exhorted the loved ones around her to live near to God, and meet her in heaven. She said, "We shall all meet again, a family in heaven." When the bleeding subsided a little, she exclaimed,

"Above the rest this note shall swell,

My Jesus hath done all things well!

During the last ten weeks of her life she was quite unable to take solid food, and for three successive nights had no sleep; still, in the midst of intense and proobserve the composure of her spirit. One tracted suffering, it was most pleasing to of the highest tributes to her character was the pleasure felt by all around her, even the servants of the family, if they could in any daughter was sitting by her bed-side, she way minister to her comfort. While her heard her whisper, "Perfect love casteth out fear." Again, she said, "Praise the Lord, all is well! It is all through the

MR. JOHN GREATBACH, of Penkhull, Stoke-upon-Trent, entered into rest on the 11th of July 1867, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. His father was an officer in the army, and died in the prime of life, leaving a widow and young family. Shortly afterwards his mother removed to Penkhull.

In early life the subject of this brief sketch was taken to the Sabbath-school at Stoke, and was brought under the influence of the Wesleyan-Methodist ministry. The Holy Spirit applied the word to his heart; and, being led to Christ, he joined the Methodist Society, and for nearly forty-five years adorned his profession. For a very lengthened period he was connected with the Sabbath-school, and was one of its most efficient teachers. He had a deep acquaintance with the Word of God, an unshaken trust in its great verities, and a profound regard for the house and worship of the Lord.

In his work as a teacher he was indefatigable, and, through the Divine blessing, very successful. Many will long remember the words of wisdom which fell from his lips. As a Christian, he was modest and unassuming; and this feature of character appeared the more lovely to those who knew the extent of his theological knowledge, the range of his literary acquirements, and the grasp of his mental powers. A volume of his poems was published in 1858, and was very favourably received by the public press.

the Lord on August 30th, 1867. Her father, Mr. William Clarkson, was a man of piety and usefulness in connexion with the Society at George-yard. He was removed by death while she was yet a child, leaving a numerous family to the care of his widow, whose efforts for their spiritual welfare were rewarded by their early conversion to God and their union with His people. One of them became the wife of the Rev. H. B. Foster, Wesleyan Missionary to Jamaica, in which island she closed a holy and useful life, devoted to the service of the Redeemer. The particulars of Mrs. Christie's conversion are not known; but the reality of the change is undoubted. Being trained from her childhood "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," it is probable that in her case, as in that of others similarly favoured, the transition to a state of grace and salvation was more gradual and less striking than is commonly the experience of those whose conversion has been preceded by a life of practical ungodliness. The "incorruptible seed "of Divine truth, prayerfully sown in her tender mind, and watered by the gracions influences of the Holy Spirit, was, through an unfeigned faith, effectual to regenerate her heart, and to produce a life of devotion to Him who "loved her and gave Himself for her."

The illness which terminated his earthly career was of a painful character. His sight failed to such an extent that it was with difficulty he could move about. Then followed congestion of the brain, which, for many days before his death, deprived him of consciousness. But his heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord. Some of the last coherent words which he uttered were those of the Psalmist. the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever." He fell asleep in Jesus, esteemed and regretted by his neighbours generally, and beloved by the Church of which he was a member.

"As

R. NEWTON BARRITT.

MRS. J. G. CHRISTIE, of Hull, was born on March 14th, 1821, and died in

Among her papers a Society-ticket was found, dated June, 1833, and bearing the initials of the late Rev. W. L. Thornton. She was then in her thirteenth year, and from that time to the close of her life she continued to be a consistent member of the Church. It is the testimony of her leader, with whom she met in class for seventeen years, that " her religious experience was always clear, and her trust in the Atonement firm and unwavering." Her leader adds, "that she never knew any one who more fully exemplified the charity that

hopeth all things,' and 'never faileth,' but is ever ready to cast a mantle over the faults and failings of others.”

During the carlier part of her life, Mrs. Christie was actively employed in visiting the sick and suffering,—a work for which an amiable and affectionate disposition, sanctified by Divine grace, peculiarly qualified her. In after years, when the claims of a family and bodily indisposi tion rendered her incapable of engaging in that duty to the same extent, she was ever ready to listen to the wants of the poor, and took delight in meeting them with true Christian liberality. Her walk and conversation before others were worthy of the Gospel; but it was in her own house