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1843, alludes to the above period, and says: "We found his society," namely, that of Mr. Charles, "to be of no inconsiderable advantage to us. He was a little in advance of myself in years, as well as in experience. He was a young man of sound judgment; he well understood the doctrines of grace, and felt their practical influence upon his heart, while he also exemplified their truth and power in his life and conversation. With this character he quitted Bristol for Wales. This, I well remember, and also the many delightful opportunities we had when we occasionally met, and the regret felt at his departure."

On his return to Carmarthen, Mr. Charles began business there on his own account. After a few years he married the daughter of Samuel Levi Phillips, Esq., banker, of Haverfordwest. Mr. Phillips was a native of Frankfort-onthe-Mayne, and had been brought up in the Jewish religion, being also the son of a Rabbi, but had been converted to Christianity soon after his arrival in England, in the earlier part of his life. His daughter became a subject of spiritual religion through the ministry of the late Rev. Rowland Hill,-to whom she remained greatly attached during life, and her house continued to be his headquarters when he visited that part of the country. Mrs. Charles never having learnt the Welsh language, the occasional visits of English ministers became increasingly agreeable and useful to her. Her children, also, as they grew up, labouring, in some measure, under the same disadvantages, became much interested in the visits of strangers, and particularly in those of Mr. Hill.

At an unusually early age, Mr. Charles became a leader in the denomination of the Calvinistic Methodists; and in a few years he began to distinguish himself among his brethren for deep and pious thought, sound judgment, extensive knowledge of scriptural truth, and that command of temper so essential to the maintenance of an effective superintendence

over a numerous body, consisting of nearly all ages and conditions of persons. Such was his attachment to the work of the Lord, that he would suffer nothing to prevent his appearing amongst his brethren in all their meetings, and attending to every department of the work with the utmost punctuality. An anecdote will strikingly illustrate this :-A great part of his property, consisting of a paper-mill, was destroyed by fire. (The event took place on a Saturday.) After the fire was got under, and as soon as he could place confidential persons to watch the ruins, and protect the few things saved from the destructive element, he set off on a journey of twenty miles, to preach on the following morning, according to previous engagement. He preached three times during the day, most admirably. He appeared cheerful and contented, and never uttered a word on the painful event which had befallen him on the preceding day. The news, when it reached the ears of those whom he had visited, was at first incredible,— so greatly had he appeared to be abstracted from the world by his message to them, and wholly devoted to the work and cause of his Redeemer.

So great was the self-denial of this pious minister of Jesus Christ, and such his trust in the Lord, that, for twenty years he travelled far and near in the work of the ministry, altogether at his own expense. Being one of the ordained ministers, by whom the ordinance of the Lord's-supper was administered throughout the Connexion, he was seldom at home more than one sabbath in the month: it was therefore in the nature of things that his temporal affairs should suffer in consequence of his frequent and prolonged absence from them, independently of the expense of travelling. The friends of the cause, in every part, provided more liberal donations for ministers distinguished by their talents, and by their stations in life, and to the highest of these he was considered as entitled; but he always declined every

gift, and received nothing during the whole time he was a preacher. A lady in Cardiganshire, who had a chapel near her mansion, used to set apart a guinea for the minister who presided at the monthly communion. No one was more sought for on those occasions than Mr. Charles, who was often there, and as often solicited in vain to accept the gift.

When at home, Mr. Charles had no time for idle intercourse with his neighbours. He was never seen by those who had no business or acquaintance with him, but while passing through the streets between his dwelling and the places where his trade was conducted, or on his way to chapel. He would attend a Bible or Missionary Meeting, and he is known to have astonished some of the best judges by his orations on such occasions; but at no public meeting below these in character could any one ever hope to see him. He was most select in his chosen and intimate friends, and equally sincere and affectionate. He sought them not among persons of distinguished talent, and still less among the rich. Piety was indispensable, in combination with common sense and modesty. He knew nothing of dissimulation, so that any one whose manners he disliked would soon make the discovery, although no rudeness had been shown. He abhorred cant above all things, and probably lost some oppor tunities of usefulness through the horror of it; but where he could not be suspected of being a dealer in the hateful commodity, he would speak of religion, and yield to its dictates, with unflinching courage. In his own family, and with friends in whom he had confidence, he was one of the most kind and agreeable companions imaginable. His conduct in his family was altogether most exemplary, and every way consistent with his high religious and moral character. husband and father, his cheerful and affectionate kindness and uniform wisdom were remarkable. His letters to his children are exceedingly creditable to them, as well as to himself. He ad

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dresses them, not as his juniors, but as his companions and equals. His style is not that of instruction, but of converse; and its enlightened character impresses the stamp of superiority upon the entire circle. The piety, the true philosophy, and the refined taste, with the indications of extensive reading and enlightened observation, which his letters evince, prove the exalted order of being to which he belonged. The affection of the parent seems to have been transformed to the no less ardent, and more pure, feelings of friendship: and nothing could exceed the intensity of the attachment which subsisted on both sides.

The estimation in which Mr. Charles was held as a preacher, especially by his own countrymen, was very high indeed. It is said, that "the three mighty ones in the ministry, in Wales, in their age, were D. Charles, of Carmarthen; Christmas Evans, of Anglesey; and Williams, of Wern."* While in London, Mr. Charles preached, in English, at Surrey Chapel, on the solicitation of his old friend, the Rev. Rowland Hill: he also preached at Spafields Chapel, and other places. His preaching in town, whether in English or Welsh, was attended, on every practicable occasion, by the Rev. W. Howells, the then minister of the Episcopal Chapel, Long-acre. Mr. Howells was so enthusiastic an admirer of his preaching, that he seemed, at times, while listening to it, to forget where he was. He invariably took his station immediately under the pulpit, as if his highest ambition were to be the clerk of such a man; and on hearing some striking passage of a sermon, would jump from his seat, rubbing his hands, and turning round, as if he stood on a pivot. He was in the habit of describing Mr. Charles as "the greatest divine be had ever known;" and once said to his daughter, Mrs. Hughes, "If I could, I would make your father a bishop."

* Rees's "Memoirs of Williamis," translated by Jones, of Kilsby, p. 102.

During his visit to the metropolis, in 1827, or soon afterwards, the health of Mr. Charles became precarious. A degree of lethargy oppressed him, and the symptoms were deemed alarming. He was in some measure relieved by frequent cupping, and cold applications to the head. This complaint had been gradually coming upon him for some time, and paralysis had been seriously apprehended. After any operation, he so far recovered, that his life and usefulness were prolonged for a short period. For a few months, in the early part of 1828, his health improved, and he went about preaching as with a renewed commission, and with unwonted earnestness. Many who heard him at this time were delighted beyond measure with his mini- | strations; but several were impressed with the idea that his course was fast drawing to an end. They judged him "ripe for heaven," and his soul in too close contact with eternal realities to allow of the hope of his being continued much longer in the service of his Lord below. He was at home one day early in July, 1828, and, while sitting at table, was observed to handle his knife with some difficulty. He felt a numbness in the thumb of his right hand, which gradually extended. Professional attendance was immediately procured, and the serious nature of the attack was soon discovered. In a few days the whole of his right side was paralysed, and his speech gone. This was followed by a violent fit of apoplexy, which it was thought he would not survive. Life, however, was spared; but the effects of the malady were not palliated. For six years and two months he endured a life of utter helplessness and constant suffering, incapable of more than a small degree of the comfort which duty and extraordinary affection could provide.

Of this excellent and lamented minister, it is said, that "the pious and devotional frame of his mind never forsook him." He continued able to read, and read the Scriptures daily. Much was

also read to him; and both the reading and singing of hymns by his daughters, gave him great consolation. His mind was intent on family worship: and sometimes, the household being assembled, and a chapter read, while the family kneeled around him, as he sat on his chair, he would mutter a prayer that would generally overwhelm all present with surprise and deep emotion, though they understood not a syllable! The effect upon the minds of casual visitors on these occasions was deep and striking. The devotional expression of his countenance, together with his tones and emphasis, bespeaking intense fee1ings of want and confidence, while speaking to God in a language known to be unintelligible to man, presented a scene which could never be forgotten. On one occasion, he was driven by a relative to the house of a friend, a few miles in the country, to tea. The party assembled was numerous, among which were some ministers and preachers. When the meal was ready, individuals directed their eyes to him. He took the hint, and implored the Divine blessing in a manner which instantly bathed the whole company in tears. On two or three occasions during his illness he was taken to the chapel in a wheel-chair, where he united in the celebration of the Lord's-supper, when both himself and the church were so greatly affected, that evil consequences to him were apprehended from a toofrequent repetition of the experiment. He used to say, in the time of health, that, when death came, he should only have to do what he had done thousands of times, namely, commit his soul into the hands of his Saviour! This event occurred on the 2nd of September, 1843, in the 72nd year of his age. His remains were interred in the family grave, in the churchyard of Llangynor,-where all that was mortal remains until the day of a general resurrection, when Christ shall be "glorified in his saints," and admired in all true believers.

The writer of this memoir is indebted

to an extended biographical article appended to a volume of Sermons in Mr. Charles's best style, recently translated into English by his son-in-law, the Rev. H. Hughes. Those Sermons demand, and will no doubt obtain, a distinct notice in the review department of the Evangelical Magazine. They are beautifully and correctly printed, in a large

and clear type; and will be highly valued by all the friends of the preacher, both in England and Wales. To them, although dead, he will thus speak again; nor will it be to the deaf, the careless, or the unwilling.

JOHN BULMER.

1, Windsor-terrace, St. Paul's, Bristol, August 4, 1847.

OUR PERIODICAL LITERATURE, AND A WORD FOR THE EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

WHATEVER may be its ultimate effect on the minds of the people, it is a matter of fact that this species of literature has been multiplied more than fifty per cent., during the last quarter of a century. The very attempt to ascertain the number of weekly, monthly, and quarterly periodicals, would be a task of no ordinary difficulty and labour. Every religious denomination, every great and benevolent institution, has its periodical representative, to expound its principles, and to advocate its claims. And, beyond all this, there is a mighty mass of periodical literature devoted to every interest in the community, embracing every topic in our social economy, laying open the progress of modern science, ministering to fashion and folly, inculcating every form of politics, from the defunct toryism of a bygone age, to the extreme liberalism that would catch at everything new, and spare nothing old. We have periodicals for Romanists, Anglo-catholics, (as they style themselves,) High-churchmen, Evangelicals, Plymouth Brethren, Millennarians, New Lights, and those of every minute shade of doctrinal and ecclesiastical views. And, then, there is the infidel and licentious periodical press, active beyond measure in the cause of evil, and pouring its tide of pestilence and death into the workshop of the mechanic, the cottage of the peasant, and the manufactories of our merchant princes. Of its kind, the

* See November Magazine.

| mighty movement of the periodical press is nothing short of a revolution—a revolution for good or evil. That it indicates growing intelligence among the masses of our population will not be questioned by any competent judge; but that it is an unmixed good is very far from being

true.

While so large a portion of it is of doubtful, not to say pernicious, tendency, the philanthropist cannot look upon it but with mixed and even anguished feelings : when he has run his eye over all its best portions, he will find himself petrified and overwhelmed as he thinks of the sad amount of evil which other portions of it are inflicting upon vast numbers of the community. He sees in it a giant power, which cannot be arrested; but a power for the improvement or deterioration of the human race.

One fact is palpable;-we have a vast body of reading men, women, and children in this country. Is the Christian church duly impressed with this fact? and is it sufficiently stirred by the consideration of it? While good men sleep, the tares are being sown, with an activity worthy of a better cause. There is a trade and a traffic in the corruption of men's minds by the public press; and if those who are the professed friends of the Bible, of religion, and of sound morality, are not alive to the obligations which press upon them, they must expect that the field which they have left uncultivated will be occupied by other and very

different labourers. There is a power in the enlightened and Christian portion of the community, which, if fully realised and acted upon with earnestness and faith, would go far, in a few years, to supplant and destroy the infidel and licentious press. Were there a competent measure of zeal among religious men, to give full effect to the cheap Christian literature already in existence, we might look for great and glorious results.

It is not intended to convey the idea that nothing, or even little, is being accomplished by the religious periodical press of the day: we are thankful to feel that it was never in so vigorous and healthy a condition as it is at the present moment: but, considering the reading tendency of the age, and the sleepless activity of those who labour to pervert millions of the people, we are anxious to call the attention of our readers to one of the easiest, most obvious, and effective methods of doing good. Large as is the circulation of such periodicals as the Christian Witness, the Evangelical Magazine, the Christian's Penny Magazine, the Tract Society's monthly Visitor, and other works of similar character and tendency, a very small amount of zeal on the part of their present readers might double, or even triple, their sale. In some instances, these periodicals might be lent from house to house, allowing a couple of days for their perusal; and in others, parties more imbued with the growing intelligence of the age might be induced to procure the publications for themselves, and thus a Christian literature might take the place of that light and frivolous reading which will be resorted to, if Christians, in their walks of usefulness, do not put forth an effort in this direction for the mental, moral, and religious improvement of those who dwell around them.

It is not for a moment assumed that our religious periodical literature is not susceptible of great improvement, or that it is free from defects which hinder in some degree its usefulness. But, with all its infirmities, it has in it an immense

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power for good; and only requires to be more extensively circulated, in order to its producing a greater melioration of the public mind.

The direct tendency of such works to draw attention to the word of God, to press home upon the heart and conscience the grand question of personal religion, and to convey information in reference to all the existing efforts for the spread of Christianity at home and abroad, are reasons sufficiently powerful to induce active and devoted Christians to contribute a portion of their influence to their still wider diffusion.

The objects, too, to which the profits arising from the sale of many of our monthly periodicals are applied, ought, in connection with the truth and intelligence they convey, to operate as a powerful argument with benevolent and philanthropic men, to employ a portion of their influence for their more extended circulation. The Christian Witness and Christian's Penny Magazine, for instance, realise a fund annually of not less than twelve or fourteen hundred pounds applicable to the relief of aged and pious ministers, either in the form of special grants, or of sums to aid in providing annuities for them, when they are no longer able for their work. What Christian man, unless sunk in abject poverty, could withhold the small sum monthly of fourpence, to aid in the accumulation of a fund devoted to so noble and generous an object? The Baptist and Evangelical Magazines, on the other hand, take up the cases of the widows of our deceased brethren; and the relief thus afforded to many a godly, but suffering, sister in Christ, is such as scarcely to admit of minute detail. Hundreds of sufferers would be the most eloquent pleaders for the extended circulation of these periodicals.

Having reached the close of another year, we feel that we can appeal with confidence to the Christian public on behalf of the Evangelical Magazine. The spirit in which it was originated, by such men as Eyre, and Burder, and Wilks, and Waugh, and Hill, and Bogue, has

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