feelings. I remember at one time reading this Scripture-The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, and_on examining my own heart I found myself destitute of all these Christian graces. I took a walk in the fields, and praying very fervently that I might have the fruits of the Spirit, I felt the love of God shed abroad in my heart in a way that fully convinced me that my prayer was answered. Still I was a stranger to the Gospel plan of salvation: though I attended church regularly, and sometimes chapel, my dependence was chiefly upon repentance.

'At the end of three years my health was in such a state that it was thought desirable for me to return home, and this I have since thought was providential. I found my youngest sister indulging in habits which would have proved very baneful, but I trust my remonstrances, advice, and prayers were made instrumental in plucking her as a brand out of the fire.' The only time at which the writer saw Mr. Kirkman moved to tears was when he was speaking to him of this sister. He found her one day in a state of intoxication, and deeply distressed, he determined by all means, in dependence on divine grace, to seek her reclamation and conversion to God. The results were of the happiest kind, and he had, he said, more satisfaction in the part which he was permitted to take in bringing them about, than he had in anything else that he had ever done. She became a most exemplary Christian, and was baptized by the late Mr. Goadby, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

In his own view, however, Mr. Kirkman was not himself a believer in Christ. I was diligent,' he says, 'in attending any gospel preacher who came into the neighbourhood, such as Cecil, and others like him, and by degrees light broke in upon my mind, but I was never brought to the full enjoyment of the gospel until I read Harvey's Theron and Aspasio. By reading that book I

57

saw that peace and pardon could only be obtained by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, and I was enabled to find peace and joy in believing.' His baptism took place at Barton, November 2nd, 1796; and on the same day he was received into the fellowship of the church-a fellowship which was continued in unbroken harmony for nearly sixtyfive years.

His position in the world, together with his general intelligence and undoubted piety, led to his election as a deacon about fifteen years afterwards, and it may be truly said that, until he was incapacitated by age and infirmity, he filled the office well; attending as a matter of principle to every duty that devolved upon him, pleasant or unpleasantalways ready with his opinions and judgment when required, but never forward with them-never anxious to act a part, or to make himself appear―never wounding with bitter words-never captiously differing from his brethren, and never allowing any difference to prevent his cordial co-operation with them. He did not approve of the pulling down of the old chapel at Barton, and the erection of the present one; but after a service at Barlestone, in which he perceived that the beart of Mr. Derry, then pastor of the church, was much set upon it, he told him that he should double the subscription which he had previously promised. His chief concern was to do right, and if at any time he erred in judgment, in giving to any object, or in anything else, it had only to be pointed out to him to ensure instant correction; and in the day when the secrets of men shall be judged by Jesus Christ, his frequent visits to the poor and needy will not be forgotten.

When a boy at home he had wronged one of his playmates, and many years afterwards, on its occurring to him, he not only acknowledged it, but restored more than tenfold the amount.

He was most exemplary, too, in his attendance on the means of grace.

No weather was allowed to keep him away, nor any business; and it is a remarkable fact that, though he was never a strong man, he was at his own place of worship on the Lord'sday for more than fifty years in succession. Never, indeed, during the sixty-five years of his membership did he attend any other place of worship besides his own when they were open, and not once was he absent from his own place until prevented by sickness, or age, or infirmity. And this is true not only of the Lord's-day, but of the weeknight services, church meetings, and missionary prayer meetings. It was a matter of conscience with him always to be there, and, unless God in His providence prevented him, he was there, though his house was more than a mile away from the nearest chapel, and he had the management of a large farm on his hands.

And let no one think that he was not consistent, and that he did not give similar attention to the private duties of religion. When very young,' says Mrs. Stubbins, 'so young as to sleep in my parents' chamber, I recollect thinking it a beautiful sight to see my father on bended knees, at day-dawn, holding communion with his Heavenly Father. Though requiring to be at business at an early hour his devotions were never hurried over. He was diligent in business, fervent in spirit. The Bible was his constant companion. He read it in his family, and also for his own edification, with the same regularity as he took his meals. The precepts and directions of Holy Writ were so treasured in his memory, and so impressed upon his heart, as to be ready for every emergency, and I cannot help thinking that it was this deep acquaintance with the Word of God, in connection with constant communion with Him, that made him so humble, and at the same time imparted a calm and dignified air to all that he said and did.'

His children, and some of his grandchildren, will long remember how he loved to talk to them about

the goodness of God, and through life, his own family especially, will bear in mind his wise counsel and his excellent example. 'I daily pray for you all,' said he, to one of them; and it is a pleasing fact that whilst nearly the whole of his children are walking in the ways of the Lord, several of his servants were converted during their residence in his family, and several others afterwards, who told the church that they could never forget his prayers and his faithful warnings.

A sermon that was preached by Mr. Robert Smith, at Castle Donington, from Amos vii. 2. 'By whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small;' made a deep impression upon him; and led him to comply with the solicitations of the church to preach occasionally in the villages. His efforts were not unattended with the Divine blessing, but many years before his death he was obliged to relinquish that sphere of Christian duty.

In 1836, one of his daughters, the present Mrs. Stubbins, had it in her heart to go out to India as a single female missionary, and when he was told of it by Mr. Lacey, though he manifested all the feeling natural to a fond parent, he not only did not throw any obstacle in the way, but cheerfully promised the requisite funds for her support in India.

The death of Mrs. Kirkman, on the 11th of August, 1857, was a severe trial to him; and led him to desire and look more than ever for his own departure. She was the daughter of William and Jane Bassett, of Coton, near Market Bosworth, and was baptized and received into the church at Barton, September 7th, 1806. Sincerely attached to the house and service of God, it was a great trial to her, that for some years, she could only occasionally attend public worship, But she was no stranger to communion with her Heavenly Father: and in her family, and among her servants, was very useful. She was also hospitable and kind to the poor

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When informed that Miss Kirkman wished to go as a missionary to India, she determined at the moment to oppose it, but felt it right to ask counsel of God first, and the result was the following letter, which is published in the hope that it may be useful to others.

August 11th, 1836. MY DEAR ELIZABETH,-I have for a long time had a presentiment that you would leave your native land, and become a missionary. Now we are called upon to make a great sacrifice, that of a beloved daughter; but we consider it a call from God, and, however painful to our feelings, it is our duty to submit. When I had made the surrender, and had committed you into the hands of our Heavenly Father, I felt happy. I have found great consolation from that promise -There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive a hundred fold now, in this time, and in the world to come eternal life.' Go, my dear Elizabeth, go, and may God Almighty bless and prosper you, and give you many souls for your hire in that dark and benighted land. And when you have done His work below may you receive a crown of glory. This is the fervent desire and prayer of

Your affectionate mother,
J. KIRKMAN.

She was deeply interested in her children, and often remarked that she had far less anxiety about the one in India than she had about those in England. And in her last illness, when one of her sons told her that he had fully resolved to be on the Lord's side, her joy and gratitude knew no bounds, she could scarcely talk of anything else. May the hope which she had that the children of so many prayers would all be converted to God be fully realized.

She died August 11th, 1857, happy in Christ, and with the full conviction that to die is gain.' Mrs. Stubbins was in India at the time, but when she returned, she found, in a drawer, a lock of her mother's hair, carefully wrapped up in paper,

'Tis a beautiful belief That o'er our heads, On angel wings,

Hover the spirits of the dead.'

'I

Mr. Kirkman, who had been gradually declining for some time, and was only confined to his bed three weeks, came to his grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in his season. 'I have been examining myself,' he said, 'and though very unworthy, I feel that I know whom I have believed, and am am on the right foundation.' persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.' By his own experience he urged his children to be earnest in religion, and faithful to Divine directions, as through life he had observed that he had been blessed just in proportion as he had done so. And often he has remarked to them, and others, I am the last of the family of nine, and but for religion I should long ago have been in my grave.'

He had great pleasure in the company of Mr. and Mrs. Stubbins, and said to them, on their last visit, 'I am very glad to see you. I know you will pray for me, and I am sure that the prayer of the righteous availeth much.' His strongest desire was to depart and to be with Christ, and on Mr. Stubbins remarking to him that he would be dismissed at the right time, he smiled, and with characteristic facetiousness replied - The right time seems long in coming.' Mrs. Stubbins, knowing that it would be joyful news, said, 'Father, the doctor thinks that you cannot continue long.' 'I am very glad to hear it,' he said, repeatedly and emphatically. And on Mr. Bott saying to him-Then you are not afraid to meet the enemy.' Not at all. Not in the least,' was the instant reply. Still he had an ardent desire for more of the Divine presence, and would frequently say to those about him, Pray for it, God has promised it,

and He will give it if you ask Him. It cannot be that He wishes it to be delayed to the very last.' Nor was it delayed. He invariably answered when asked if Christ was precious, 'O yes! I have no other hope. He is all in all.'

The last words which he was heard to utter were spoken when Mrs. Stubbins was giving him some nourishment. He had frequently observed that his taste was quite gone, and on this occasion, as he swallowed with difficulty what was given him, he said, slowly and at intervals, But one taste left-the love of God.' He died August 22nd, 1861, in the 89th year of his age.

Mr. Bott preached the funeral sermon, from Matt. vii. 11. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them

that ask Him?

ac

a text which was chosen by Mr. Kirkman on count of the great comfort which it had been to him all through his Christian pilgrimage.

Fond of reading, and conversation, well informed on all subjects of social and public interest, and fully competent to express his own inde pendent opinions about them, his society was both agreeable and improving; and though, during the latter years of his life, he was very deaf, and conversation with him was difficult, he, however, enjoyed and thoroughly appreciated the kindness of the pastors of the church, and others, who, notwithstanding his deafness, would converse with him. May his family emulate his example, and meet him, at length, in the heaven to which he is gone. J. C., H.

NOTES.

Our earthly house. (2 Cor. v. 1.) The leading idea in the very striking and sustained metaphor which follows, comparing the human frame to a dwelling, and that one of the humblest description as a tent, hut, or shed, liable to be dissolved,' worn-down, broken, decayed, by the course of time and the action of the elements-occurs sometimes in both classical and Jewish writers; but nowhere with so much force as here, where this fragile tenement is so emphatically contrasted with the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Waller's beautiful lines will occur to many readers :

:

I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. (John xxi. 25.) This is a very strong but significant hyperbole to express the numerous acts of Christ, of which it would seem that only a small portion have been recorded. Such hyperboles, similarly designed to convey a large meaning, are very common among the old Jewish writers, and were not unknown to the poets and orators of Greece and Rome. Bishop Pearce has adduced several instances of equally strong hyperbole from sacred and profane writers. This is one from the Apocrypha, in which the wisdom of Solomon is spoken of:"Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou fillest it with parables.' Euripides has this expression: If Jupiter wrote down the sins of mortals, the whole heaven would not have space to contain them.' The affecting hyperbole used by Mary Queen of Scots may also be mentioned: An ocean of tears would not suffice to bewail the miseries of men.'

Queries.

Smite him on the mouth. (Acts xxiii. 2.) It is still usual enough in the East, particularly in Persia, for a person in authority to order an offender who appears before him to be smitten on the mouth, if he makes an answer or remark which is not liked. This is on the old Oriental principle of punishing the offending part. The blow is usually inflicted with the heel of a shoe, and is very severe, often breaking the teeth, and causing the blood to spirt out. To be thus smitten on the mouth is considered a grievous indignity, and is inflicted for that reason.

Come unto me, all ye that labour. (Matt. xi. 28.) The grand characteristic of Hebrew poetry, is parallelism, which one writer thus defines: 'A certain equality, resemblance, or parallelism, between the members of each period; so that in two lines, (or members of the same line) things, for the most part, shall answer to things, and words to words, as if fitted to each other. This parallelism has much variety, and many gradations; it is sometimes accurate and manifest, and at others vague and obscure.' The Old Testament supplies the chief illustration of parallelisms; but some are furnished by the new. This passage is one. Dr. Jebb gives the name of introverted parallelism to that wherein 'the stanzas are so constructed that whatever be the number of the lines, the first line shall be parallel with the last; the second with the last but one; and so throughout, in an order that looks inward, or, to borrow a military phrase, from flank to centre.' He thus arranges the whole sentence in Matt. xi. 28-30, so as to point out its parallelism: -

'Come unto me all ye that labour, and are burthened;

And I will give you rest:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me For I am meek and lowly in heart; And ye shall find rest unto your souls; For my yoke is easy, and my burthen light.'