said, "This is angels' food: it will help me in passing through the valley.' I replied, "You can say, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me." "Yes," said he ; "Christ is the Captain of my

salvation.

'Amazing love, immense and free!

For, O, my God, it found out me.'

The next day he said, "This is the last Saturday I shall spend with you." On the Sunday he was visited by the Rev. M. C. Taylor. My father referred to Dr. Gordon's exclamation, when near his end, "O the simplicity of the Gospel!" An esteemed friend called, and conversed about the new chapel in Studley-road, in which my dear father took as lively an interest as though he expected the pleasure of seeing it completed, and becoming a worshipper there. But he was rejoicing in a well-grounded hope of entering the temple above, to go no more out. The next day a remark was made to him to the effect, "You seem to be able to look death in the face, without fear." He replied, "Yes. I now hold the things of the present life with a loose hand." Again: "I should be thankful to drop this frail tabernacle of clay, but for the loved associations around." Again: "I should like to have inscribed on my tombstone,

"When from the dust of death I rise,
To claim my mansion in the skies,
Even then, this shall be all my plea,
Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me.'

On the Saturday before his death, having arranged all his concerns as to the present life, he said to my brother, "If I be spared till Monday, I should wish you to spend an hour with me in looking over the chapel accounts.' He was chapel-steward, and in that duty a model of accuracy, care, and neatness. He was enabled collectedly to close his accounts with the church, as also with the world; and then his glad spirit seemed free from the shackles of time and sense. He several times said, in a sweet tone of voice, "Fly away! fly away! !" He longed to

Clap the glad wing, and tower away,
And mingle with the blaze of day."

Two days later, he again said, “Fly away! fly away!" My brother repeated, "O that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.' He rejoined, in an emphatic manner, "Praise the Lord!" He also referred to the lines frequently repeated by Rowland Hill,—

"And when I'm to die, Receive me, I'll cry; For Jesus hath loved me, I cannot tell why: But this I do find,

We two are so joined,

He'll not be in glory, and leave me behind."

About nine, p.m., he took my hand, pressing it very affectionately; and then raised his hand, and held it over his head some time, as if in sign of victory. After this, he appeared to be in a deep sleep, which proved to be the sleep of death. At two in the morning of October 24th, 1862, the vital spark fled, and his ransomed spirit returned to Him who gave it.

During his illness, when he heard of the last words of the Rev. Theophilus Pearson, of Hull, he rose into new joy of confidence in the ever-living Redeemer; and more than once repeated the words, "BEHOLD, I AM ALIVE FOR EVERMORE. The stanzas following, in memorial of that incident, shall close the sketch :

"Behold, I am alive for evermore." I feel that blood applied,

Which saves from sin and death for evermore, Through Jesus crucified.

The vital spark is lit for evermore;

I feel it glow within:

It quickens all my powers for evermore,
Which once were dead in sin.

Infused into my soul is life Divine ;

Christ's blood avails for me:

And, 0, to feel this dear Redeemer mine
Is immortality.

With rapturous joy my spirit doth o'erflow,
Alive for evermore !

That Jesus ever lives, I feel, I know;
In Him, I die no more.

Joyful my ransom'd spirit wings her flight,
To dwell for evermore

With Christ, the Fountain of my life and light: I live for evermore.

J. F.

MR. WILLIAM BUXTON was born in Swaledale, Yorkshire, A.D. 1798. He was blessed in having a father whose distinguished piety and untiring zeal in God's work embalmed his name in the memories of all who knew him; and

who is still remembered and venerated by the old Methodists of the Dale, as one of the first promoters of their principles. He had received the truth of the Gospel under the ministrations of Wesley himself; and he devoted his energies, so far as a layman could, to the development of the Wesleyan system in that hitherto benighted place; while, in a life of self-sacrificing and almost apostolic labours, he displayed the highest moral excellence and the brightest Christian graces. Under the influence

of such an example it is not surprising that the son, having become the subject of Divine grace while yet a youth, should inherit the father's devotion to Methodism, and emulate his virtues and good works. In very early life he joined the infant Society which his father had been the chief instrument in establishing. When sent from home, he worthily maintained his Christian profession, and soon attained to considerable efficiency as a prayer-leader and Local preacher. In course of time he settled at BishopAuckland, where, for forty years he was known as one of the most faithful and most active members of the Connexion. During this long period, he filled, with ability and untiring perseverance, all the offices which can be discharged by a layman. In him the ministers of the Circuit ever found an able supporter and a sympa thizing friend; one who was ready, both by wise counsels and liberality, to help in the advancement of every good work. Like another Gaius, he was a receiver of the brethren; and many of the servants of Christ, as they glance over this sketch, will remember the genial greeting, the hearty hospitality, and the cheerful courtesy with which he welcomed them, when Missionary services or other occasional duties brought them to the town. As a Local preacher, and a public speaker, he had not many equals in his own circle; and as a classleader he was deeply respected.

But, while he thus proved himself a true and worthy son of Methodism, his heart was too large, his sympathies were too catholic, and his views of things too advanced, to allow his efforts in God's work to be circumscribed by the pale of his own denomination. Much as he believed in the solidity of the foundation Wesley laid, and in the symmetry and beauty of the structure his successors have reared thereupon, he never ignored what was sound and admirable in other sections of the church; but regarded them all as but different parts of the one great temple in which Christ has

promised to dwell. Every institution, based on religious truth, which appealed to him for aid, met with a ready response. He was, especially, a firm supporter of the Bible Society, which he regarded as the glory of all societies. For twenty years, without intermission, he had the honour of being annually elected to be Treasurer of the local branch of that institution. As a townsman, he was also a public man, discreet, reliable, and active; one who never shrank from taking his part in advancing the general good. He sought to serve his generation in the fear of God: how well he was enabled to do so those who knew him best can testify.

As his end drew near, he was able to contemplate it with calm consideration. The latter weeks of his life were not marked by indifference to the things of earth because he was about to leave it; but, on the contrary, he felt it his duty to set his house in order, so arranging all his affairs as to ensure their satisfactory settlement after his death. His manner of doing this was more like that of one who was about to take a long journey; such was the quiet, thoughtful interest he took in everything that concerned his family, the Society, and the town. But these minor things excluded not the higher interests that were every day assuming a closer relationship to himself. He knew in whom he had believed, and on that Rock his hopes were firmly fixed. During a long and painful illness, though at intervals harassed in mind through the severity of his complaint, he had light in the eventide-songs in the night. The grace of Christ was sufficient for him; the strength of Christ was made perfect in his weakness; and when, at last, the chilly gloom of physical dissolution began to close around him, his spiritual life seemed to strengthen and brighten. He feared no evil in the valley of the shadow of death, for the rod and staff of his Divine Redeemer comforted and supported him. Hence he was enabled to magnify the Lord, and his spirit re joiced in God his Saviour. Almost his last words were words of peaceful triumph :-"God is here; Christ is here; my dear wife is here; my dear parents are here: but, thanks be to God, Satan is not here." He died October 26th, 1862. J. S. B.

church below; but he "being dead, yet speaketh." And we do well to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Seneca says, "Example is the least invidious way of commanding." It not only tells men what they ought to do, but shows them how they are to do it. Schools of learning may supply examples of much practical wisdom; the church of Christ exhibits examples of true godliness.

The late MR. THOMAS DAWES, of Isleworth, was born in 1785. His parents were respectable, but they were not decidedly pious. In his fifteenth year, he suffered a painful bereavement in the death of his father. The conversion of his mother did not take place until she was nearly sixty-five years old. Isleworth was visited by that eminently useful man of God, the late Rev. John Smith, who was then stationed in the Windsor Circuit. After the evening service he announced that there would be a prayer-meeting. Among those who were deeply convinced of sin, and who sought the Lord with strong cries and tears, was the venerable parent of Mr. Dawes. When Mr. Smith gave out the usual doxology, she simultaneously exclaimed, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." To the close of her life she gave full proof of the genuineness of her piety. In 1829 she exchanged mortality for life.

Mr. Dawes was, in disposition, lively and cheerful. He had a taste for poetry, which he cultivated to the end of his days. Some even of his earliest pieces exhibit strength of thought, and beauty of expression. When very young, he was the subject of religious impressions; and his convictions were deepened by the preaching of Dr. A. Clarke, the Rev. W. Vipond, and the Rev. Thomas Martin. Having obtained mercy through faith in Christ, he pursued a course of conduct uniformly consistent, and his piety was above suspicion. His conscience being tender, he often indulged in severe self-reproach and self-condemnation. Fifteen years after he passed from death to life, he said, at a lovefeast held at Richmond, "Since my conversion to God, I have in two instances, through unfaithfulness, been brought to the brink of despair." Then in burning words he poured forth his thanksgiving to God who had restored to him the light of His countenance; and he closed with a triumphant expression of confidence that He who had

interposed in utmost need would never leave His servant, but keep him faithful to the end. "Surely," he exclaimed, "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

For more than half a century he was united to the church of his early choice; and his attachment was founded on principle, and an intelligent appreciation of its doctrines and scriptural polity. By the blessedness of his life, the soundness of his judgment, the wisdom of his counsels, and the constancy of his friendship, he secured the esteem of the ministers resident from time to time in the Hammersmith Circuit. He filled the office of Circuit-steward with the late Thomas Farmer, Esq., who bore the highest testimony to his worth, and pronounced him "an orderly, correct, wise, and holy man." As a class-leader, he could discern character; and from his enlarged views of the atonement of Christ the penitent found comfort, and the believer in Christ was led to seek and to enjoy a full salvation. His means were not ample; but he "devised liberal things," and gave according to his ability. His house was for many years the home of ministers, students, and Local preachers. He could appreciate the best preaching; but he used to say, "When a weak brother' is appointed, instead of leaving the chapel I pray so much the more for him." It would be well if in this respect Mr. Dawes had many imitators. Many speak of poor preachers, who forget that there are more poor hearers. A short time before his last severe illness, Mr. Dawes had to mourn the loss by death of his earliest friend, the late excellent Mr. Thomas Roche, of London: but to him this bereavement was sanctified. He mourned as a friend; he bowed as a Christian.

Many years he was the subject of chronic disease; but he retained much general health and vigour until the completion of his seventy-fifth year. From that period infirmity and sickness came rapidly upon him. His mind barely sympathized with the decay; though somewhat shorn of its strength, it lost nothing of its clearness.

His son, who had been abroad for several years, writes: "I saw but little of my father for two years or more, until within some seven or eight days of his death. On my return to England, the first letter placed in my hands summoned me to what proved to be his death-bed. I found him wasted and enfeebled in body,

even beyond my expectations; but in mind little impaired, and calm in the prospect of death. The characteristic of his state was quietude, and a patient waiting for deliverance. He spoke seldom, and only after long intervals of silence. His first words were always such as indicated and followed up a train of thought which had occupied the period of musing and silence. Generally they were of a sacred or spiritual kind; and the distinct citation of suitable passages of holy writ, or of devotional poetry, enabled such as heard to infer more than his feebleness would permit him to express."

"

On one occasion he spoke of enjoying a higher and deeper communion with God, though so quiet and habitual as to seem quite an ordinary thing." Again, he repeated with distinctness, "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." And he added,

"I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me."

These lines he often uttered. The desire to depart now grew with each hour. At length the moment came. He feebly uttered, "Surely this is death," and death it was. In the evening of Saturday, November 8th, 1862, the last enemy triumphed over the frail part, and the imperishable spirit, redeemed and sanctified, was rendered back to God who gave it. Thus closed an honourable career of

seventy-eight years. Mr. Dawes was beloved in life, and lamented in death. The venerable Thomas Jackson has supplied the writer with the following testimony:

"During the nineteen years of my residence at Richmond, I was accustomed to visit Isleworth, and preach in our small chapel in that town. On these occasions I used to meet Mr. Dawes in the vestry, in the chapel, and in his own house; and always admired him on account of his spirit, his intelligence, and steady adherence to the cause of Christianity in its Methodistical form. He was, in some sort, a centre of union to our Society there; an object of confidence and respect to the congregation; being an example of Christian urbanity, and always ready to serve every one in love. Considering his position and opportunities, he was a well-read and a well-informed man; and through a long life was a principal support of our cause at Isleworth. I never heard a whisper to his disadvantage from any one. saw him repeatedly after his health began to decline, and hope was at an end as to the recovery of his strength; but, as far as I could perceive, his hope of future blessedness was bright and unwavering. I greatly esteemed and loved him as a fine example of Christian fidelity, courteousness, and readiness for every good work. He belonged to a class of men, dispersed through the land, whom Methodism delights to own. May their number be everywhere increased." J. H. N.

JENE 6th, 1863.-At Congleton, Mrs. Tizabeth Shaw, late of Marsh-Green Farm, Kaldalph, in the fifty-seventh year of her age, and the thirty-seventh year of communion with the Wesleyan Methodists. From early life the fear of God was before her eyes. In her twentieth year God opened her way to reside in the Macclesfield Cirruit; where the earnest ministration of the word of life, public prayer-meetings, and the social means of grace, won her heart, and she consecrated herself to the Lord. Long had she felt godly sorrow, which worketh repentance to salvation; and she now found joy through believing in Christ Jesus. Henceforth she walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." Surrounded, in course of years, by the cares of business and the claims of a large family she still attended to closet duties, and to the public means of grace. It pleased God to remove eight of her children by the hand of death; but she was enabled to bow

I

and in her death she glorified His name. She was seized with paralysis, and survived but a few hours, during which the word of the Lord was precious to her, and she attempted to sing portions of hymns, which bespoke her anticipation of soon entering the rest that remaineth for the people of God. In this frame of mind she calmly expired. J. B.

November 19th.--At Ramsay, Isle of Man, aged sixty-eight, Mrs. Catherine Cannell; forty-three years a consistent and useful member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society. She loved the means of grace, and was distinguished by the fervour of her devotional spirit. Benevolence was a prominent feature in her character; her kindly feelings hourly discovering themselves in word and deed. Humility was another trait. She reluctantly accepted the office of class-leader, but was very successful in that capacity; her usefulness resulting especially from the simplicity and earnestness of her piety. She had often expressed a wish to be spared the trial of a slow and lingering sickness; and her end was sudden and solitary. On the preceding evening she was in her place in the house of God. Before retiring to rest, her attendant read to her one of John Hunt's "Letters on Entire Sanctification," to which she listened with deep interest; after which she requested to be called at her usual hour. When, however, the servant came next morning to her room, she found her mistress lifeless on the floor, having expired in a fit of apoplexy. "If He is nigh, howe'er I die,

"Twill be the dawn of heavenly ecstasy." A. H. M.

November 28th. At Padiham, in his seventy-sixth year, James Howarth. Up to his twenty-eighth year he lived a stranger to God. The death of his mother was instrumental, in the hands of God, of awakening his mind and alarming his conscience. He now sought help elsewhere, but was at length led to seek among the Methodists the spiritual instruction and encouragement which his conscience-stricken soul required. He joined the church, and was exemplary in attending his class. His life was chequered by affliction and adversity; but these tested his faith, and gave development to his piety. Three times a day the loom was silenced, and the family were called together for prayer that the blessing of God might rest upon the house. He devoted much time to the visitation of the sick, and was sought and welcomed by all denominations. Soon after the attack which proved fatal after six weeks, he said to his wife, "Through fear of death I have all my lifetime been subject to bondage; but now, thank God! it is taken away.' His mind was kept in perfect peace, and he calmly breathed his spirit into the hands of Jesus. J. B.

November 28th. --At Farnley, in the Bramley Circuit, aged sixty-nine, William Pawson, Esq. Descended from an honoured ancestry, who welcomed to their hospitable home the two Wesleys, Grimshaw, and the principal agents in the revival of religion which issued in the establishment of Wesleyan Methodism, and of parents who were the first subscribers to the Missionary Society,—he early became the subject of converting grace; and his union with the church remained unbroken to the close of life. Called to fill many of its offices, he bore his part with much efficiency and cheerfulness. His love for the social means of grace, and for the sanctuary, remained unabated to the end. In prospect of retirement (on account of failing health) from the office of leader, he remarked, "I shall attend as often as I possibly can, to get good to my own soul, and seek a perfect meetness for heaven." His reading had of late led him to review the history of Methodism, and he expressed in emphatic terms his conviction that the hand of God had guided its course, and growing attachment to its interests. He was present at the memorable Jubilee celebration in Leeds, where he testified his great joy, and made an appropriate offering to the fund. Shortly afterward his affliction became alarming; but he had long been maturing for the heavenly state, and his last utterance was expressive of the preciousness of his adorable Redeemer. Of the noble band of donors to the Jubilee Fund, Mr. Pawson is, probably, the first who has been called to exchange the duties of the militant for the bliss of the triumphant church.

J. P. L.

December 9th.-At Park Mines, in the Ulverstone Circuit, aged seventy-three, Mrs. Esther Cragg; relict of the late Mr. Robert Cragg, many years a useful and laborious leader and Local preacher. She was converted in early life. Being the eldest daughter in a large family, much of the responsibility of training the younger members rested' with her; and she had the satisfaction of seeing three of her brothers engaged in the Methodist ministry, namely, the Rev. Richard, Samuel, and William Allen. In later years her heart was also cheered by the consecration of her youngest son to the same work, who is now labouring in Canada. She maintained an uninterrupted connexion with the Wesleyan Methodists fifty-nine years. Her course was somewhat chequered. In 1837 she was called to mourn the loss of her husband; but, during twenty-six years of widowhood, she realized the truth of the gracious word, "A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation.' During the last four years she suffered from the loss of her natural sight, but enjoyed in a rich measure the light of God's countenance. Throughout life she was of an eminently meek and quiet spirit; and her end was peace. R. A.