these circumstances were changed, he looked about for one who might be a help-meet for him. He was first married in 1795; but though the union promised no ordinary degree of happiness, in one short year he was called to drink the bitter cup of separation. "The delight of his eyes was taken from him at a stroke," and agonizing was the struggle through which he had to pass. He could only find support and consolation in the full persuasion that it was the Lord's doing; and he said, submissively, "Let him do what seemeth him good."

Seven years elapsed before Mr. Pressland formed a second matrimonial engagement. In August, 1803, he was married to Miss Hannah Dennis, of Bedford, who had recently joined the Methodist society there. Her mother was a widow, sister of the late John Impey, Esq., of the Inner-Temple, Barrister,-author of several valuable legal works. To my father this union was indeed providential. Greatly did it contribute to his personal and domestic comfort for thirty-seven years; and when it was broken by her death, his enfeebled frame could not sustain the shock, and, in less than a fortnight, his remains were borne to the same resting-place where he had so recently deposited hers.

Methodism continued to increase in Higham-Ferrers, and Mr. Pressland rejoiced that God had enabled him to contribute liberally to its support and extension. It was thought that the prosperity of the work of God would be promoted, if a larger share of ministerial labour and supervision could be afforded; and, therefore, in 1802, Higham was made the head of a Circuit, though the number of members in society was comparatively small; the number returned for the Circuit, at the conclusion of the year, (in 1803,) being only one hundred and thirty. But my father had taken as his rule,-"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase;" and, therefore, that which God had given him he thankfully devoted to God, in assisting to meet the additional expenses which these arrangements occasioned. About the same time he began to labour as a Local Preacher, his one great object being to win souls to Christ. His pulpit-addresses were not only judicious, but serious, earnest, and impressive; and when he went from the pulpit, in his various country visits, into the social circle, his spirit was unchanged, he still appeared to be engaged in his Master's work. Without any appearance of constraint or gloom, he knew how to give conversation a direction at once pleasing and profitable; so that spiritual subjects, and prayer, might sanctify and close the whole.

When Mr. Pressland became a parent, he deeply felt the responsibilities connected with the new and tender relations which he was now called to sustain. From the first, he dedicated his children to God; and his whole conduct manifested that however dearly he might love them as a father, it was still the love of a Christian father. He often, in after-life, adverted to an observation addressed to him by Dr. Coke, who, with his lady, in 1807, passed a few days at his house. The Doctor took up his little girl, and blessed her; and then, giving her to her father, said to him, emphatically, "Make this child your darling; but, mind, not your idol!" They were indeed his "darlings;" but he loved them too well to make them his idols. He knew that they were an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord;" and he therefore sought to train them up for God, that they might enjoy all the blessed

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ness which the love of God had prepared for them. Believing that children were able to understand at an earlier age than was supposed by many, he began to train his own according to this persuasion. He never allowed self-will to gain the ascendancy over them. From the earliest period of perception with them, they knew that they must obey. Some persons thought his system rigorous; but they only observed it under one aspect. His firmness in securing obedience was combined with unutterable tenderness. Perhaps I may be allowed to say, that never did children submit to a parent more thoroughly, or more willingly; none ever loved a parent more fondly. He attended unremittingly to their earliest education; and as he knew that this could only be conducted successfully by being conducted on Christian principles, of these he never lost sight. He knew that they were intelligent creatures, and as such he endeavoured to convey to them the information which they needed; but he knew, too, that they belonged to a fallen race, and that not only was a watchful discipline necessary on his part, but a recognition of the great truth,-that sinful creatures can only be saved, and made holy, by the grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. With this great truth ever before his eyes, he laboured perseveringly to form their characters on the solid foundation of Christian principles, earnestly praying for them, and instructing them to pray for themselves, that his labours might be rendered successful by the divine blessing. He watched their opening dispositions with great anxiety, and mourned when he saw the tares springing up along with the produce of the seed of the kingdom, even the word of God. His children were awed by his piety, and restrained by his love, even while the heart continued unsubdued, and before their natural estrangement from God was brought to a close by a true and personal conversion to him. He was particularly solicitous to train them up in mutual affection: he would endeavour to reconcile them after any of their little quarrels, and would most impressively repeat to them the language of Scripture: "Little children, love one another." He was always glad to see them cheerful and happy; but if he thought their spirits were too high, he would endeavour to recall them to seriousness, though without any mixture of gloom. He would remind them, that life was in reality short, and that a great work was to be done during its continuance; and taught them, that though they might rejoice in the days of their youth, they were never to forget the solemn declaration : "For all these things God will bring thee to judgment." He did not wish to deprive them of all youthful sports, but he endeavoured to show them that these should always possess a rational character; and, therefore, if any of the frivolous street-amusements of the day bappened to call them to the window, and gain their attention,-mountebanks, tight-rope dancers, and the like, he would take them by the hand, and withdraw them, saying to them, with equal kindness and seriousness, "Turn away thine eyes from beholding vanity." And while he closed the blinds of the front windows, and shut out from their view what, to say the least, was utterly worthless, and often degrading, he would lead them to something more worthy their attention; as, for instance, when it was summer, he would take them into the garden, and show them some favourite flower then in full bloom, and expatiate on its beauties. He endeavoured, likewise, to teach them the scriptural lesson, so opposed to the selfishness of fallen nature,-" In honour preferring one

another;" and though the head of the family, his example always illustrated and enforced his precepts. He was evidently the follower of the Master who washed his disciples' feet. To all the members of his family he was courteous, kind and condescending to the lowest. He was no bigot: he honoured all who feared God; but his principles were fixed; and he firmly, and without compromise, maintained and professed them. It was among the Methodists that he had found confirmation and establishment in religion; and, on all proper occasions, he recommended Methodism wherever he went. He did this particularly in his own family. He sought to show his children the ground and reasonableness of his own attachment, and, upon enlightened principle, to secure theirs. For such union with any branch of Christ's church which should have contributed to their separation from the world, and to their final salvation, he would have been thankful; but viewing Methodism as he did, in relation both to its doctrines, and to the spiritual advantages which its economy afforded, he would have felt, along with this, much grief likewise, had they adopted any other profession.

I know not if I should mention my father's taste for gardening among the minor features of his character. It was blended in him with a general love of nature, arising from his love and veneration for nature's God. He excelled in the cultivation of choice and rare plants, and was a great admirer of beautiful flowers; but this was connected with that spiritual mind which he was always careful to preserve. He acknowledged in the beauty and fragrance of flowers, as well as in the delightful appearance of plants generally, the abounding goodness of God. His garden was often to him as a more extended closet, in which, early in the morning, while his heart was in harmony with all that surrounded him, he came in spirit to the throne of grace, and while he blessed God "for creation and for preservation," yet, "above all," he praised him "for the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory."

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Throughout life, the conversion of sinners continued to be near his heart. No sooner had he tasted the love of Christ himself, even before his views of Christian doctrine were fully established, and when, according to all human appearance, he stood alone among ignorant and the ungodly, than he had been powerfully led to this object. From the first he might have said, "The love of Christ constraineth me." His subsequent connexion with Methodism at once confirmed this sacred feeling, and afforded him many opportunities for acting upon it. But these were by no means confined to the discharge of official duties. He was faithful in reproving sin, though he sought to do this in the most effectual method, prudently, kindly, and with a manner in which all appearance of assumed superiority was carefully avoided. As he was well known in the town and neighbourhood, he would often accost those whom he met, and, after a few passing observations, introduce some pointed reference to the " one thing needful," leaving his hearer to reflect on the subject thus suggested. And where he thought that speaking was less likely to answer his purpose than writing, he would address a letter to the person, in which he would reprove, or warn, or instruct, as he thought might be necessary. At one time of his life he had "suffered reproach;" and afterwards he faithfully "laboured," "because he

trusted in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe."

After the trials and sacrifices of the former part of his life, it pleased Divine Providence to prosper him; and, through grace, he was enabled to withstand the temptations connected with prosperity, as he had before withstood those of a different character. He was truly a liberal

man, and devised liberal things; but he had a strong fear of ostentation. He wished to do all as in the sight of God; and while some degree of publicity was necessary for the sake of example, beyond this he refused to go, and would not have his name inserted in public subscription-lists, unless he believed that it was his duty to allow it to be so. Many a heart has he set at ease, many a family has he cheered, when no one knew but the persons immediately concerned. His visits to the poor were spiritual as well as benevolent; he cared for the soul as well as the body, and the love that prompted him to relieve the one, led him likewise to instruct and admonish the other. He was frequently found by the bed-side of the afflicted and the dying. Many who could not endure his company while in health, selected him above all others to visit them in sickness and in the prospect of death. He was faithful; but he was affectionate also, and might truly be said to "allure to brighter worlds," while he clearly "pointed out the way." Occasionally his visits were ineffectual; but to the close of life he was deeply thankful to God that they had so often been attended with success. And this he attributed not to any powers of persuasion possessed by himself, but to the wonderful efficacy of evangelical truth, and the accompanying influence of the Holy Spirit. He "believed that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation, and, "Therefore," he might often have said, "have I spoken." One instance in which his endeavours failed, I have heard him mention, as illustrating the ignorance with which he sometimes had to contend, and the fearful mischief occasioned by having blind leaders of the blind. He was called to visit a poor man who was on his death-bed, but totally unprepared for his approaching change. His conscience, however, was troubled, and he anxiously inquired what he must do to be saved. My father was engaged in pointing out the way, when the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of one who ought to have united in the same testimony. The question had nothing to do with either Churchism or Methodism. It was a sinner asking about salvation, and my father knew that the Homilies would give the same reply as was given in Mr. Wesley's Sermons.* Knowing how much the Clergyman was opposed to him, and wishing to avoid altercation in the

"I

*See especially the close of "the First Part of the Sermon on Good Works."

can show a man that without works lived, and came to heaven; but without faith never man had life. The thief that was hanged when Christ suffered, did believe only, and the most merciful God justified him. And because no man shall say again, that he lacked time to do good works, for else he would have done them : truth it is, and I will not contend therein; but this I will surely affirm, that faith only saved him. If he had lived, and not regarded faith and the works thereof, he should have lost his salvation again. But this is the effect that I say, that faith by itself saved him, but works by themselves never justified any man."

This is Methodism, so called; and this is Churchism, too; the more certainly so, for that the "Article" which states "justification by faith" to be a "salutary doctrine, and very full of comfort," refers to the Homilies for "larger declaration " on the subject.-EDIT.

chamber of sickness and death, my father withdrew into a part of the room separated from the rest by a curtain, when the following conversation took place. It made too deep an impression on his mind ever to be forgotten by him. Well, John, how are you?" “O, Sir, I am such a sinner, I do not know what to do." "Who told you you were a sinner?"

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Sir, I am afraid to die.” Why, what have you to be afraid of? you, who have brought up your ten children in honest industry: you owe no man anything, and you have done no one any harm. What have you to fear?" The conversation proceeded, till the sick man's conscience was lulled; and the customary prayers having been read by the side of his bed, his visiter left him. Mr. Pressland then again came to him; and, knowing there was no time to be lost, resumed the interrupted theme. But the mischief was

done. Peace had been spoken to him when God had not spoken peace, and the wall was daubed with untempered mortar. My father could make no impression on his mind; and in the state in which he was left, he soon after died.

My father's latter days passed away very smoothly, unmarked by any peculiar incident. He was still earnestly seeking to get good, and to embrace every opportunity of doing good; and when his increasing years prevented him from labouring as he had done formerly, his established character, his rich spiritual experience, and his accurate knowledge of the world, caused his opinion to be highly valued, and his advice to be frequently sought.

But when he passed, by some years, the ordinary life of man, he thought it had become his duty to put away all worldly occupations, and to live waiting for the final call. He suffered from no bodily disease; his health seemed as good as ever; but he was fully conscious that old age had brought its usual infirmities, and that he was no longer fitted for the more active services that had so long engaged him. He gave up his business; and after he had been one of the Aldermen of the borough between thirty and forty years, he sent in his resignation. And as, along with great weakness, he was aware of the failure of his memory, he at length gave up his offices in the church, blessing the goodness that had so long permitted him to labour, and rejoicing that God had raised up those who could efficiently supply his place. He likewise destroyed the greater part of his papers, such as his sketches of sermons, and his memorandums in relation to his own religious experience.

But though he had ceased from what man terms "active labour," he had yet to pass through spiritual exercises, and severe mental trials. His eldest daughter was married to the Rev. William Chambers; but disease of the most distressing character removed her very early from what appeared likely to be a sphere both of happiness and usefulness. During her illness, in which her consolations were most abundant, and which terminated in a death of holy triumph, Mrs. Pressland was with her, and was ten weeks away from home. Her attendance on her daughter, as well as her absence so long from her husband at his advanced age, added to her grief for the loss of her first-born, so affected her constitution, as to occasion a violent attack of English cholera, and for some days her recovery was very doubtful. She returned home as soon as she could be removed. But her health had given way; and my father, who had so long expected to be the first