first Methodists in this town; and at the time of his death, the oldest member of our Society. His religious impressions must have commenced at an early period, but under what circumstances I cannot state. Before he was twenty years of age, he became a member of the small Methodist Society then formed in Stafford. For many years after this, Methodism made but little progress, and Stafford was only occasionally visited by the Preachers. This town was favoured with visits by Mr. Wesley, in the year 1783, and in the three following years. On his first visit he remarks, "Friday, Sept. 29th, about ten, I preached, for the first time, at Stafford, to a large and deeply attentive congregation. It is now the day of small things here: but the grain of mustard-seed may grow into a great tree." At his visit the third time, in April, 1785, he says. "Tuesday, March 29th, at noon, I preached in the room at Stafford, to a deeply affected congregation. This was the more strange, because there are few towns in England less infected with religion than Stafford." On his last visit, he writes as follows: "Tuesday, March 28th, after calling at Sheriff-Hales, and giving them a short exhortation, I hastened to Stafford, and found the congregation waiting. I strongly enforced upon them, the kingdom of God is at hand;' and then went on to Lane-End." Here he says nothing about the congregation being deeply attentive, nor deeply affected: it was still a day of small things. Regular preaching was not established till the year 1803. About that time Mr. Kelsall's mind was strongly impressed with the necessity and possibility of doing something more effectually for the good of Stafford. This impression he expressed to Mr. William Jones; and after they had retired to seek direction of God by prayer, they agreed to solicit Mr. John Barber, who at that time was stationed in the Burs lem Circuit, to take Stafford under his

care.

With the solicitation Mr. Barber readily complied. From that day, the work of the Lord revived; the Society increased; and in the year 1808, Staf. ford became the head of a Circuit. In 1811, a large new Chapel was erected, of which Mr. Kelsall became a Trustee. This house of God, to him was a pleasant place; as his regular occupation of his seat, and active employ in the service of God abundantly proved. His Class, which he met only six days before his death, much respected him,

as did the Society in general; and his removal from us is deeply felt. His last illness was short, continuing only four days, but his mind appeared calm and resigned. The nature of the disease did not admit of much conversation; but what he did say, in answer to questions relating to his soul, was highly satisfactory. For upwards of forty years, Mr. Kelsall held fast his religious profession, and attachment to the cause of God; and if there have not been in his life any incidents of a remarkable nature, the facts here stated ought to prevent him from being allowed to go down to his grave without notice.

JOHN SYDSErff,

4. Died, August 20th, Mrs. Fanny Baron, of Cottingham, near Hull. Her parents were members of the Methodist Society; but being at an early age bereaved of them both, the care of her education devolved upon her eldest sister; a woman of sense and piety. Her education having a decidedly religious character, it is not to be wondered at, that the mind of Mrs. B. became early acquainted with Gospel truth, and was often the subject of deep convictions. These terminated in a sound conversion to God, under the ministry of the Rev. George Marsden. She forthwith joined herself to the Methodist Society, and met for some time in Class with Mrs. Webster, (now Mrs. Johnson, of Welton, near Hull,) whose judicious and Christian counsel was of great advantage to her. A constitution exceedingly delicate, and the cares of a large family, precluded her from much public exertion and useful

ness;

hence her character was little known, and the progress of her religious experience came under the cognizance only of her own family, and of a few select friends, whose intimacy of acquaintance enabled them to view more closely the retired virtues of her daily walk. It was in the discharge of the numerous duties which devolved upon her, as the mother of a numerous family, that her real worth and piety were pleasingly conspicuous. But while the value of her instructions and superintendance was duly appreciated by her family, and is yet practically exhibited in the outlines of domestic and religious character, which her maternal love carefully and constantly impressed, yet in our late respected sister the passive graces were still more apparent than the active ones; of resignation under affliction, and patience under the restraints which a delicate and feeble

and beloved by all who had the honour of his acquaintance. His death was sudden; but to him it was welcome: when the summons came he was found watching. During the four days he was afflicted, that calm serenity of mind which had so peculiarly distinguished him through life, never forsook him: his evidence of the divine favour was clear, and his confidence unshaken. Having experienced the full power of redeeming mercy, without a sigh he committed his spirit into the hands of that Saviour in whom for many years he had trusted.

W. B. F. April 9th.-At Aubourn, in the Lincoln Circuit, William Lambe, Esq., aged fifty-six years. He was, for more than twenty years, a steady member of our Society. For a considerable time be has filled the office of Class-Leader, and truly desired and endeavoured to promote the spiritual interests of the people committed to his charge. He has repeatedly sustained the office of Circuit-Steward, and was anxious to promote the prosperity of the work of God in the Circuit. He was firmly attached to Methodism, because he regarded it as the work of God. His end was peace. To his dear wife, a little before he died, he said, "I have obtained the victory; I have obtained the victory!"

W. H.

April 10th.-At Gainsborough, Captain John Duntin, aged eighty-four years. He had been an upright member of the Methodist Society about fifty-nine years. His parents became serious on the very earliest introduction of Methodism into this part of the kingdom, and received many of the first Methodist Preachers into their house. Their family consisted of John, three brothers, and a sister, all of whom obtained salvation in early life, adorned religion for many years, and most of them died triumphantly, and now rest with their father in glory. John had honoured the Lord in his life, and the Lord honoured him in death. On calling to see him, a little before his departure, I asked him if he was happy: he replied, "Yes; very happy." I said, "Captain, you love prayer yet;" he answered, with an energy I shall never forget, "Yes; and praise too." His end was peace and triumph.

J. H.

April 12th.-At Gaisgill, in the Clitheroe Circuit, aged thirty years, Mr. Richard Dean. For nearly five years he was a worthy member of the Methodist Society. His conduct was such as excited universal esteem. He was sensible for some time that his end was rapidly approaching, and therefore lived as one who had shortly to render his account. In the prospect of death he expressed a joyful hope that he should soon be before the throne, and praise God and the Lamb for ever. He has left a widow, and five children, to lament his loss.

M. C.

April 20th.-At Liverpool, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, Edmund Worthington, a man of good report. He had been a member of the Methodist Society thirty-eight years, and upwards of thirty a useful Class-Leader. For the last three years his health has declined; but while the outward man decayed, the inward man was renewed day by day. On the Sunday before he died, he met his Class as usual, when he expressed himself as being exceedingly happy in God, and seemed much animated in the prospect of a better world. He appeared fully aware of his approaching dissolution, and spoke but a few days before to one of the members of his own family, on the necessity of setting his house in order. His end was sudden. An attack of apoplexy terminated the life of this faithful servant of God. A. B.

April 20th.-At Tanfield, in the Bedale Circuit, Mrs. Mary Hanley, aged sixty-seven years.

She had been a steady, upright member of the
Methodist Society for more than forty years, and
died in great peace.
J. A.

April 21st At Sheffield, Mr. Charles Alfred Froggatt, aged twenty-five years. The depth of his piety, the strength of his understanding, and bis extensive reading, rendered his labours as a Local Preacher highly acceptable. The religion he recommended to others was the support of his own mind during a long and painful affliction, and enabled him to rejoice in hope, as he passed through the valley of the shadow of death. R.W.

April 22d.-At Uploder, in the Axminster Circuit, John Wallbridge, aged sixty-nine. He was converted to God by the instrumentality of the late Rev. Christopher Hull, of Bower-Hinton, Somersetshire, and subsequently for fifteen years, opened his house for the ministry of the Methodist Preachers. In his affliction he was remarkable for his patience and resignation. His end was not only peaceful, but triumphant.

T. W. S.

April 24th.-At Gainsborough, aged sixty years, Mr. William Cuthbert. At the age of eighteen, he was brought to the knowledge of the truth; and for the space of forty-two years he manifested unabated attachment to Methodism. Through great persecution, and much affliction, he steadily held on his way. He was regular in his attendance on all the means of grace. A few hours before his dissolution, [ called to see him; and on asking him, if Christ was precious? with considerable emphasis be replied, "Very precious; " and then added, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." J. H.

April 24th, in the Leighton Buzzard Circuit, Joseph Mead, who had been a member of the Methodist Society about thirty years, and a Class-Leader about twelve years. His worth was best known to the family in which he acted the part of a menial servant, for the space of thirty years, during which time the most entire confidence was placed in him, and that confidence he was never known to betray. Nathanael, he was "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." While attending his business, he fell down, and lay insensible for some time. When he came to himself, he remarked, that "sudden death would to him have been sudden glory." He survived a few days, and died in great peace. J. F.

Like

April 25th.-At York-Place, City-Road, in the London North Circuit, Mr. David Bruce, (late of Aldersgate-Street,) aged seventy-one. He had been above forty years a member of the Methodist Society, and during the greater part of that time, a very useful Class-Leader. His end was peace and assurance. A further account of him may be expected.

April 27th. At Walworth, Mr. Thomas Croggan, in his eightieth year. He was a native of Cornwall, where, in his early days, he was brought to a saving acquaintance with the truth as it is in Jesus. He resided at Penryn for many years, and was a Deacon in the Baptist Church at Falmouth; but possessing a spirit of kindness towards all denominations of Christians, he frequently attended the preaching of the Methodists. For many years the Baptist Ministers found a home at his house, in their occasional visits to the county of Cornwall; and when his son became a member of the Methodist Society, he was ever glad of the visits of the Methodist Preachers. He was very regular in the support of family-worship, and brought up his children in the fear of the Lord, taking them regularly to the house of prayer. For several years he has been a subject of continual affliction; but he possessed his soul in patience, and

rejoiced in hope of eternal life. These years have been occupied in reading, and in conversation with pious people. His delight was in the company of Ministers and Christian friends. He died in great peace. W. O. C.

April 27th.-At Lincoln, in the seventy-sixth year of her age, Mary Wilson. To a friend who visited her a little before she died, she expressed her confidence, that He who had so far kept her, weuld keep her to the end. While her children were pleading with God on her behalf, she began to praise the Lord for the great things he had done for her; and then prayed for her children one by one, and quickly after fell asleep in W. H.

Jesus.

April 29th.-At Bedford, Mrs. Irett, late Mrs. Brittain, in the thirty-fifth year of her age. She feared the Lord from her youth. Having received the forgiveness of sins, through faith in Christ, she held fast this blessing to the end. She was a subject of great affliction. For the last five months of her life she was contined to her room, where she ended her days in the full triumph of faith. D. C.

May 3d.-At Lincoln, Mr. W. S. Parker. He was for fifteen years a pious member of the Methodist Society, adorning his Christian profession, by an upright walk and conversation. He was also, for several years, a very acceptable Local Preacher, and a useful Class-Leader. He was one of the General Treasurers of the Missionary Society for the Lincoln District; and I believe in all his offices he was found faithful. To his excellent wife he said, a few hours before

he died, "All is well; I trust in Christ for salvation; I feel no condemnation." W. H.

May 3d.-At Liverpool, the Rev. John Riles, aged sixty-one, having been an Itinerant Me thodist Preacher thirty-eight years. His remains were interred in the burying-ground connected with the Brunswick-Chapel; and his funeral was attended by all the Preachers in the Circuit, both Travelling and Local, the ClassLeaders, several members of the Society, and some thousands of other people. He was indefatigable in his labours, and died rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. W. M.

May 8th.-At Lowestoft, Frances Cornaby, aged seventy-five. She had been a member of the Methodist Society fifty-five years. Being made a happy subject of God's pardoning love, with steadiness and perseverance she maintained the Christian character, in her humble situation. Her last affliction was short, but her confidence in God was strong, and she gave full proof of his great salvation. W. K.

May 9th.-At Leake, in the Boston Circuit, Eliakim Kirkham, aged forty years. This excellent man had been a member of the Methodist Society for ten years; during which time he enjoyed the peace and the love of God, and adorned his profession by his uniform and steady conduct. Hospitality and kindness were prominent features in his character. He finished his course with joy, after an illness of three days, leaving an afflicted widow to mourn the loss of a most affectionate husband, and the church of Christ a useful, zealous' member.

C.R.

EVE is come; the lovely eve!
We will go where the waters heave,
Beating round the sedgy shore
Like a frame of silver ore.
Now we launch our light chaloupe,
That doth o'er the waters stoop,
Like the neck of an Arab steed
Rushing at its utmost speed;
Or the wild swan, as it flings
Spray, like diamonds, from its wings.

Now, we sweep the billows green,
Till but sky and surge are seen.
Hail, thou glorious solitude!
Who can call thee dull and rude?
There is music in the breeze,
That upon the soul doth seize ;
There is in the surge's tone
Music, magic of its own.
Stoopeth not a rosy cloud
O'er the waste of waters bow'd,
But before the gifted eye
Shows some lovely mystery;
Now in scatter'd streamers riven,
Seeming like the steeds of heaven;
Gathering now its solemu zone,
Stands the thunder's burning throne!

What to this the festival,

Artful strains, and painted hall;
Silken splendours, pearl and plume;
Shadowing brow, and heart of gloom;'
Thousand lamps that spread their glare
On the faint and feverish air;
All that wealth and pomp can give,
Teaching all things, but to live?

Round me spreads a boundless floor,
Stars, like diamonds, stud it o'er!
O'er me shoots a gorgeous roof,
Hung with Heaven's empurpled woof.
All around me, calmly great,
Bearing all the stamp of Fate.
At my feet the unfathom'd wave,
Where earth's tribes might find their
grave;

O'er my head the blue sublime,
That but angels' wings can climb;
From my eye and from my mind,
Pass'd all weakness of mankind.
What is round my lonely hour?
Power, calm, eternal power!
Who can call thee dull and rude?
Hail, thou glorious solitude!

POLLIO.