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At last we found a period. We had certainly lost our way, and were obliged to send back two coolies to procure a guide. After a long absence, they returned, bringing with them a man who put us right. About six o'clock we passed through a village called Allambeal, and proceeded at once to ward Cocoaly through a most beautiful forest. We saw a great many monkeys, which were amusing and amused. The coolies were exceedingly lazy, and stopped more frequently to replenish their mouths with areca-nut, lime, and betel, than my patience could well tolerate. An incident occurred, however, which induced them to move with an agreeable velocity during the remainder of the day. We suddenly emerged from the dense forest into a fine open plain where was a herd of wild buffaloes feeding. It was evident we had surprised them, and they seemed somewhat enraged. They were noble animals. Forming themselves into a square, like a well-practised army, they prepared for an assault upon us. My party had already left the path: they set up a most horrid noise in order to frighten the buffaloes away: (and, indeed, I wonder they were not frightened :) their black faces began to whiten with alarm. exhorted them to return to the path, and remain together; but to no purpose: the buffaloes were coming; and in a second, having cast away my luggage, they disappeared in the mazes of the jungle, leaving me and the pony to contend with the danger. I confess I did not like my circumstances; but thought it would never do for me to ride off after the coolies; so I drew the pony's head round to face the herd, and, brandishing my stick, rode to meet them. As soon as they perceived this movement, they glanced away, towards my right, and halted between myself and my coolies. Once more I had to ride towards them before I could induce my timid companions to leave their hidingplaces. This little circumstance had a perceptible influence on the rest of the journey. They henceforth regarded me as a man of courage, and were more attentive to my requests.

I

We reached Cocoaly about three P.M. There is no rest-house here. Having taken a little milk and rice, we were again on our way. Here was the deepest river we had yet crossed. We went over in a boat, and the pony swam at the stern. Our resting-place for the night was six miles distant. The village is pronounced Cummandy moorty. There is no proper rest-house here; but a

Mussulman offered me his shed, which I was glad to accept. There were large holes in the roof, inviting the falling dews to enter, and one side was entirely open. I wrapped myself in my blanket, and should have soon forgotten all in a sound sleep, but the incessant chattering of about a score who were lying around me positively forbad it. I required sleep, having walked almost the whole of the day. The night passed away, and I rose at four, very little refreshed. Between this place and Cutchevelly there is much water to ford. Where I could, I walked through it; and where it was deeper than usual, I was carried by the coolies. We reached the lastmentioned village about eleven A. M.; and having prepared and eaten our rice, we resumed the route for Nillavaly. Nillavaly is about nine miles from Trincomalee, and we have a Tamul school and a Native Teacher there. There is a good rest-house; but in order that I might be free from the annoyance of the preceding night, I preferred our own school-room. It is necessary to know that our caravan consisted of more than twenty persons, of various shades of complexion, nations, religions, &c. Company is agreeable when travelling in the jungle.

Early in the morning I walked into Trincomalee. I found Mr. Gillings as anxious to arrive in Batticaloa before Mr. Stott left it, as I had been to reach Trincomalee before his departure. In twenty four hours from the time of my arrival he bade me farewell. After a few alterations and repairs, we shall have a good chapel; but it is very badly attended. On Sunday evening, I had fifteen people, including children. there is not much to encourage me; but I do not despair. There is also a school on the premises, supported by the School Commission, but absolutely under the control of the Minister on the station. There are eleven native boys in this school, whose proficiency does much credit to those who have had the care of them.

Thus

And now I shall give myself fully to the work assigned me by the church. In order to be useful among those for whose benefit and instruction I am specially sent, the natives, I see that getting the language is the first step. I trust I am alive to the vast responsibilities which attach to my position. I could say much about a penetrating consciousness of my unfitness for so great a work. This I hope ever to feel. I begin to discover the truth of what one

of the American Missionaries, who has been thirty years in the island, told me when in Jaffna, "You have much to learn, and much to unlearn." I trust I

shall be replenished with the "wisdom which is from above ;" and beg to be "mentioned" in your prayers.

RECENT DEATHS.

JULY 10th, 1846.-In the Fourth Manchester Circuit, Mrs. Sambrook. She was awakened to a sense of her guilt and danger in her twentyfirst year, under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Mortimer, during an occasional visit which he paid to that town in 1837, and found peace shortly afterwards at a lovefeast. She immediately joined the society, and continued to adorn her religious profession to the end of her life. Her last affliction was long and painful. When first apprized of the fears entertained as to its fatal termination, she was much distressed, and deeply lamented her past unfaithfulness; but ere long the Lord manifested himself to her, and she was filled with joy and praise. In this state she continued until her departure. She expired in the thirtieth year of her age.

B. S.

Jan. 3d, 1847.-At Kidderminster, in the Stourport Circuit, Hannah, the wife of Mr. Levi Hammond, aged sixty-four. She was a good wife, an affectionate mother, a kind friend, and a uniform member of the Wesleyan society for more than thirty years. Her death was awfully sudden; but she was mercifully prepared. She rose in her usual health, breakfasted with her family, joined in domestic worship, made some preparations for going to the house of God, and then walked into the yard, where she fell down, and ceased at once to work and live!" "Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." (Matt. xxiv. 44.) J. S.

Jan 29th.-At Kirkstead, in the Coningsby Circuit, Mary D. Brett, in the twenty-third year of her age. She was born of pious parents, and from childhood enjoyed many spiritual advantages. She gave herself to God and to his people at the early age of fourteen; and, to the day of her death, furnished satisfactory evidence of the genuineness of her piety. Her last illness was short, but very severe, which she bore with perfect resignation. Her end was peace.

J. H. N.

Jan. 30th.-At Ballylaggan, in the Carrickfergus Circuit, Mr. Thomas Wilson, aged sixtyseven. In early life he imbibed opinions unfavourable to Wesleyan Methodism; but through the instrumentality of his now-bereaved widow, he was induced to hear for himself, was convinced of sin, and found redemption in the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins. Mr. Wilson maintained an undeviating attachment to Methodism, and frequently expressed his gratitude for that

mould of truth." The afflictions of

life drove him nearer to the Saviour, and, with a vigorous and enlightened mind, he drew consolation from the word of God. His life was consistent, reflecting credit upon the cause he had espoused; and in death he was triumphant. A long and lingering illness was borne by him with resignation, often expressing his unshaken confidence in the blood of the cross, and speaking of Christ as being then most precious.

R. B.

Feb. 1st.-At Haddenham, in the Ely Circuit, Mrs. P. Burkitt, aged forty-one. She was led to serious reflection about seventeen years ago, and shortly after "the love of God was shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto her." She immediately felt and expressed a desire to meet in class, and to give herself to the church by the will of God. This desire she at once carried into practical effect. Her subsequent conduct has been highly ornamental to her religious profession. She was clothed with humility, in conversation chaste, and in general manners uniformly consistent. In her that precept was beautifully exemplified: "Let each esteem others better than themselves." During the period of her last affliction, she was graciously supported. When, through the violence of strong pain, the material tabernacle was compelled to give way, the consolations afforded her made her more than equal to the distressing conflict. Two or three days before her death, she was delivered from the fear of the last enemy, and had a glimpse of the glory that awaited her. On the day of her departure, it was manifest that she was on the point of exchanging earth for heaven. She took a farewell of all her fatherless children, and then composedly and in triumph went down into the valley of the shadow of death. J. N.

Feb. 2d.-At Helstone, Mrs. Hodge, aged fortytwo. Being left an orphan when but eighteen months old, her grandfather, the late Mr. R. Oats, who was a Local Preacher, residing many years in Drury-Lane, London, brought her up. When converted to God, she kept a diary, which gives pleasing evidence of her true piety, and Christian experience. She was much afflicted for several years before her death; but her patience and submission were exemplary. On the Friday preceding her death she was severely tempted; but her faith triumphed; and she said to a friend, "I have been heard in that I feared." On Sunday, she was remarkably happy. Having awoke from a doze, she said, "What! am I come back again? I have been, as it were, in heaven!" On repeating part of "Vital spark," she ap

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Feb. 6th.-At Cambridge, Mr. William Barker, of Willingham. When about twenty-one years of age, he became truly converted to God; and, for more than fifty years, he walked worthy of his Christian profession. He was for some years actively employed in teaching a school, connected with the established Church, at Willingham; and also filled other important offices in the parish, much to the satisfaction of the inhabitants. He was a most acceptable and successful Class-Leader in the Wesleyan society. His end proved, that in the midst of life we are in death!" After transacting some business at Cambridge, whilst waiting a few minutes for the conveyance by which he was to return home, apparently in the possession of good health, his head dropped upon his chest, and, without a groan, his spirit took its flight from earth to heaven! He was much respected by the Rev. Dr. Graham, Master of Christ's College, Cambridge; who, in a most devout and affecting manner, committed his remains to the tomb, in the presence of a large concourse of persons, who were anxious (notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather) to pay a last mark of respect to an old and truly consistent disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. T. P. C.

Feb. 12th.-At Sowerby-Bridge, Mr. William Fraser, in the nineteenth year of his age. He was a native of Inverness, and was savingly brought to God about three years ago. He was a youth of great promise, and had been employed by the Wesleyan society in one of their dayschools, where he was giving great satisfaction. The hopes of his family and friends were suddenly cut off by an attack of inflammation, which ended in death. Though far from his own family, he found kind and attentive friends where he was residing; and while he was anxious to be spared, and to return to the duties of his school, he was resigned to the divine will, and died in great peace, and a joyful hope of a blessed immortality.

T. S.

Feb. 23d.-At Ibstock, in the Ashby-de-laZouch Circuit, Miss Bradley, aged fifty-four. She was converted to God, and joined the Wesleyan society, in her twenty-first year. She possessed a strong and vigorous mind; supreme and ardent love to God; sincere and unwavering attachment to Wesleyan Methodism. Her piety was diffusive: it prompted her to seek the spiritual welfare of all to whom she could gain access. Her last affliction was borne with patience. From its commencement she appeared to have an impression that it would prove fatal; yet it caused her no anxiety. Her will was lost in God. In the immediate prospect of death, she observed, "I have not much joy; but I have settled, abiding peace. I feel that I am upon the Rock." Her dying hour was peaceful. She said to a friend, with a smile, "Still a probationer; but it is heaven's gate.-Angels! Jesus!" and very shortly ceased to breathe. W. J. B.

Feb. 25th.-At Haggworthingham, in the Spilsby Circuit, Mr. John Bray, aged seventyone. He was converted to God at the age of twenty-one, when he joined the Wesleyan society. He was a uniform, pious, and devoted follower of Christ. His death was sudden; but he was found ready. S. W.

Feb. 25th.-At Bradley, in the Wednesbury Circuit, aged sixty-six, Mr. William Wood. When young, he was convinced of sin under a sermon preached by the late Rev. John Wesley, in the parish church at Darlaston, and shortly after, during a revival of religion among the Methodists in that town, found the peace of God. He subsequently fell back into the world, till, in the order of divine Providence, he went to reside in a house adjoining that of a praying family. Their fervent prayers and supplications, offered up morning and evening, were heard by him, and were the means of reviving his former religious feelings. He once more joined the Methodist society; and again rejoiced in God his Saviour. In 1809, Mr. Wood was appointed the Leader of a class, and filled his place with great zeal and diligence; and in 1811, he became a Local Preacher. In these offices he was made a blessing to many. The Sunday before his death he met his class as usual, and was in a happy state of mind. On the following Tuesday morning he was seized with apoplexy; and on Thursday he breathed his last. E. M.

Feb. 25th.-At Rathmelton, of typhus, universally and deservedly regretted, aged thirtyseven, Mr. Henry Rochford. In his boyish days he gave hopeful indications of being devoted to the service of his Maker. In 1827, he joined the Methodist society, and soon experienced the converting power of the grace of God. His subsequent life was remarkable for strict integrity and undeviating attachment to his friends. As a Christian he was humble, ardent, and steady; and for many years sustained the offices of Leader and Society Steward. At the commencement of the disease, which to him proved fatal, he was greatly distressed from a consciousness of not having lived so near to God as he ought; but, in resorting to the throne of grace, and pleading the promises, the cloud that for some time brooded over him was dispelled by the Sun of Righteousness, and he exultingly exclaimed, My beloved is mine, and I am his." He continued in this happy frame, until his spirit returned to God. N. H.

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Feb. 26th.-At Horncastle, aged thirty, Sarah relict of Mr. Joseph Cussons, and daughter of Mr. William and Mary Keal, of Wainfleet. She was convinced of sin while at school in Nottingham, in the year 1834, under a sermon preached by the Rev. John M'Lean. She became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society, to which she remained zealously attached until her decease. Her experience of religion was clear and joyful; enabling her to pass through a life of much affliction with a resigned and cheerful spirit. last illness was short, and found her prepared for eternity. She was frequently visited by the Wesleyan Ministers, who can bear testimony to her unwavering faith in Christ, her patience in suf

Her

fering, and her "rejoicing in hope of the glory of God." Her departure was sudden. She was thought to be recovering, and was taken to Horncastle to see her friends; but she became much worse, and died two days after leaving home. In her last struggle, she was asked if she "had peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." She responded in the affirmative; and, after a friend had prayed with her, her sufferings were assuaged, and her mind stayed upon God. Her last strength was spent in repeating the consolatory psalm she loved, "The Lord is my Shepherd," &c. ; when she peacefully departed, to be with him in glory. G. E.

Feb. 27th.-At Hennock, in the Ashburton Circuit, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. R. Stranger, aged fifty-six. In her seventeenth year she was awakened to her state as a sinner. She immediately joined the Wesleyan society, and in the use of the means of grace waited upon God for salvation. A sense of divine forgiveness was soon after imparted; and from this time to her death, she evidenced the reality of the change by zeal for God, and love to his people. She suffered much during her pilgrimage, but fainted not; and, after a short illness, in which her consolations greatly abounded, her last words were, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."

J. M.

Feb. 28th.-At Grantham, Mrs. Rebecca Bamfield, aged sixty-four. She had known the Scriptures from her youth, and had been a consistent, active, and useful member of the Wesleyan society for many years. Her piety was enlightened, ardent, and uniform. As death approached, her faith in the atonement of Christ gave a heavenly maturity to the graces of the Holy Spirit. Just before her departure, she was heard to whisper, "Jesus, Jesus, blessed Jesus!"

W. L.

March 1st.-At Beaumont, in the Manningtree Circuit, Joseph Sorrell, aged seventy-nine. He was awakened to a sense of his danger as a sinner in his nineteenth year, under a sermon preached by the Rev. J. Hickling, and earnestly sought salvation till he found peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Being a man of strong understanding, retentive memory, and possessing the gift of utterance, he began more than fifty years ago to preach the Gospel. His views of divine truth were clear and scriptural, his pulpit exercises were distinguished by unaffected simplicity, point, and application, and rendered a blessing to many. He was given to hospitality. He was a man of great energy and moral courage, remarkable for reproving sin, and bearing, wherever he was, a faithful testimony for God and his truth. He was the father of a large family, which he endeavoured to bring up in the fear of God. He was an affectionate husband and father, a sincere friend, and devoted Christian. After a life spent in the service of his Lord and Saviour, his vigorous frame yielded to the pressure of disease. His last sufferings were extreme. He nevertheless in his brighter moments declared his unshaken confidence in God, and fell asleep in Jesus.

S. T.

March 2d.-At Wells, in the Walsingham Cir

In the

cuit, Mary, wife of Mr. John Peace. year 1810, being then nineteen years of age, she was deeply convinced of sin, and became a member of the Methodist society. For two years she was the subject of great distress of mind. through powerful temptations; but being enabled to trust in Christ with her whole heart for salvation, her sorrow was turned to joy, and she was filled with peace. Her deep and genuine piety was seen in her spiritual-mindedness. Her attachment to the means of grace was conscientious and strong. For twenty-five years she faithfully filled the office of Leader, and was greatly esteemed. Her last illness was painful; but her end was happy. J. T.

March 2d.-At North-Curry, in the Taunton Circuit, aged forty-seven years, Mr. William Dinham. He was a Class-Leader and Trustee. His end was peace. C. T.

March 3d.-At Lichfield, in the Burton-onTrent Circuit, Mrs. Mustow, wife of Mr. George Mustow, aged forty years, having been a member of the Wesleyan society upwards of twentytwo years. Circumstances induced her to connect herself in the bonds of Christian fellowship with the Methodist body, where, by the grace of God, she was enabled to maintain to the end a truly Christian character. She was a woman of a meek and quiet spirit; and had many and severe trials, which she bore with exemplary patience. Her last illness was protracted; but her faith in the Lord Jesus, as her God and Saviour, was firm and unshaken. Often, as the period of dissolution advanced, she repeated, with deep emotion," My Jesus; my Jesus!" and while that blessed name lingered on her lips, her happy spirit peacefully fled to a better world. T. B.

March 4th.-At Oldham, aged thirty-three, Jane, daughter of the late Mr. Richard Boys. Being favoured with pious parents, who assiduously watched over the best interests of their children, she in early life became the subject of divine impressions. Often did she wish to resemble those who excelled in virtue, and whom she heard testify of the Lord's dealings with them. At the age of fifteen she joined the Methodist society; and having received the truth in the love of it, she adorned the doctrine of Christ by a meek and humble deportment. During the latter part of the last summer her health became delicate; but she was enabled to resign herself into the hands of God, and say, "Not my will, but thine be done." On being assured of the faithfulness of God, and that Satan was a chained enemy, she broke forth in strains of praise and thanksgiving, exclaiming, "I am going to heaven, God is my Father, I know in whom I have believed." In this frame of mind she continued till nature failed.

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native village; and being ignorant of the world, and the devices of Satan, she did not for some time join the church; but feeling the loss of the communion of saints, she again joined the Wesleyan society, and continued in union with it till removed to the church above. During her affliction she was grateful, patient, and resigned. Trusting alone in the mercy of God, through the atonement of Christ, she said, "I am as sure of heaven as though already there." Some time before her death she was greatly tried; but died, saying, " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." T. B.

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in faith. He passed through much tribulation, but was faithful unto death. His end was sudden, and the nature of his disease prevented expression; but he was resting on the Rock, and died in peace. P. O.

June 12th.-At Oundle, the Rev. Joseph Gostick, Wesleyan Minister, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and the fortieth of his ministry. A disease of the stomach, which had been slowly advancing for several years, at length terminated fatally; having withdrawn him from the work of the ministry only three weeks. He even attended the Annual District-Meeting at Bedford, and consented to preach on the occasion; and returned homeward in a weakly condition, yet not so as to excite any immediate apprehensions. During his last affliction he evinced much patience, faith, and love. To his sorrowing family he left an example, and many precious testimonies that can never be forgotten. His interviews with those who felt it their privilege to visit him, were of the most affecting and subduing character, as he spake of Christ and heaven. To the Rev. I. Aldom, at their last interview, he said, "Give my love to all good people." Some of his last words were, "I have known what it is to live in the Lord, and I now know what it is to die in the Lord." And truly "blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." J. S. S.

POETRY.

SPEAK GENTLY! *

SPEAK gently! it is better far
To rule by love than fear :
Speak gently! let not harsh words mar
The good we might do here.
Speak gently! love doth whisper low
The vows that true hearts bind;
And gently friendship's accents flow,-
Affection's voice is kind.

Speak gently to the little child!

Its love be sure to gain;
Teach it in accents soft and mild:
It may not long remain.

Speak gently to the young! for they
Will have enough to bear:
Pass through this life as best they may,
'Tis full of anxious care.

Speak gently to the aged one,

Grieve not the care-worn heart!

The sands of life are nearly run:
Let such in peace depart.
Speak gently, kindly to the poor;
Let no harsh tone be heard!
They have enough they must endure,
Without an unkind word.

Speak gently to the erring! know

They must have toil'd in vain ; Perchance unkindness made them so,O win them back again!

Speak gently! He who gave His life
To bend man's stubborn will,
When elements were in fierce strife,
Said to them, "Peace, be still!"
Speak gently! 'tis a little thing

Dropp'd in the heart's deep well: The good, the joy which it may bring, Eternity shall tell!

*From "The Sheffield Mercury."

LONDON: PRINTED BY JAMES NICHOLS, HOXTON-SQUARE.

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