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DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.

ANNIVERSARIES OF AUXILIARY AND BRANCH SOCIETIES.

June 17th, 1826. Penrith Branch: John Eccles, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. R. Newton and J. Storry; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Thompson, Stevenson, and Nettleship, (Independent Minister.)

June 23d. Spilsby Branch: Richard Brackenbury, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Hannah and Anderson; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Brown, Posnett, Fielden, Wild and Messrs. Holland, Slight, Green, and Joll.

Sept. 21st. Oakham Circuit, a new Branch: Mr. Edward Arnold in the Chair. Preacher, the Rev. John Hanwell; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Foster and Carter, (Independent Ministers,) Rouse, (Baptist Minister,) Simmonite, Lewis, Ash, Catton; and Messrs. Pearson, Wall, and Tomlin. Collections, £12.

Sept. 26th. Swansea Branch: Elijah Waring, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley and White; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Newman, (of the late Lady Huntingdon's Connexion,) Brettan, (Independent Minister,) Moody, Bersey, Buckley, D. Evans, (in Welsh,) Brandreth; and Messrs. Chase and Rowe. Collections, £23.

Sept. 27th. Ashford Branch: Mr. William Parnell in the Chair. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Stanley, Fox, Cnsworth, Oakes, Jackson, (Baptist Minister,) Rees, Stores, Robinson, and others. Sept. 28th. Carmarthen Branch: the Rev. George Morley in the Chair, who also preached on the occasion. Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Buckley, Peters, (Independent Minister,) White, Davies and Evans, (Baptist Ministers,). Mole; and J. Knott, Esq. Collections, £21. 88. la.

Oct. 2d. Haverfordwest Branch: W. H. Scorfield, Esq., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley and White; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Hassell, (Baptist Minister,) Morris, (Minister of the Tabernacle,) Buckley, Bulmer, (Independent Minister,) Birsey, Harris, (Welsh Methodist,) Smith; D. Davies, Esq., Dr. Morgan, and others. Collections, £36. 14s.

Oct. 2d and 3d. Colchester Branch and Female Association: Chairmen, the Rev. Drs. Townley and Warren; who, with the Rev. R. Newstead, preached on the occasion; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Dixon, Brown, Fordred, Faull, Walker, Curwen and Wells, (Independent Ministers,) Francis and York, (Baptist Ministers,) and D. Mustard, Charles Boutflower, and D. Morris, Esqrs. -In this Circuit, six new Associations have been formed during the last year, and £90 raised more than in any former year.

Oct. 4th. Pembroke Branch: Sir John Owen, Bart., M.P., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Buckley and Smith; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley, Harris, (Independent Minister,) White, Birsey, Jackson; and Messrs. Jones and Chase. Collections, £24. 10s. 10d.

Oct. 9th. Brecon Circuit, a new Branch: Major Price in the Chair. Preachers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley and Buckley; other Speakers, Col. Wood, M.P.; the Rev. Messrs. Moody, Price, (Independent Minister,) Jones, (of the Establishment,) White, Morley, Ford, Anwyl, (in Welsh,) Hayes, and Symons. Collections, £28. 10s. Id.

Oct. 10th Merthyr Tydville Branch: Thomas R. Guest, Esq., in the Chair. Preacher, the Bev. Mr. White; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Morley, Buckley, Ford, Armett, Humphries, Jones, Mordy, and Joshua Hargrave, Esq. Collections, £33. 8s. 7d.

Oct. 10th. Wednesbury Branch: the Rev. Joseph Sutcliffe, A.M., in the Chair. Preachers, the Rey, R. Newton and J. Fowler; other Speakers, the Rev. Messrs. Gilpin, Simpson, Close, Hunt, Brown, Ranson, Watson, Kelk, and Chettle. Collections, £41. 6s. lvd.

CONTRIBUTIONS.

The amount of Contributions received by the General Treasurers of the Wesleyan-Methodist Missionary Society, since the 15th of last month, is, £4640. 14s. id. Among these are the fol lowing items:

W. I. M., for West India Missions
Henley Society in aid of Missions, by the Rev. R. Bolton....

OBITUARY.

£. s. d. 200 0 0 500

pose to indulge in some of the vanities of a large town but her designs were frustrated, and her hopes of worldly happiness blighted, by severe personal affliction. To her, however, as to thousands, the season of affliction was one of thought and reflection, of conviction and prayer; and on the return of health, she commenced attendance on the Methodist Ministry, in the George-Yard Chapel; and under a sermon on the barren fig-tree, preached there by the Rev. James Wood, she was deeply convinced of sin. At this period a gracious visitation from on high was vouchsafed to the Methodists of Hull; Prayer-meetings were held with 3 K

1.DIED, at Hull, Nov. 5th, 1825, aged fifty-one, Mrs. Ainly; of whose early years little is known, except that at a tender age she was left an orphan, and came, in consequence, under the care of a near relative at Winteringham on the Wolds; at which place she had opportunities of hearing the Gospel from the Methodist Ministers. In some measure, her understanding unfolded to the light that was brought to it, and some correct moral principles were grafted upon her mind. When approaching maturity, she removed to Hull,where, liberated from restraint, which at Win teringham had exerted a salutary influence on her conduct, it was her purVOL. V. Third Series. NOVEMBER, 1826,

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frequency, and attended by many, among whom was the subject of this sketch, who felt, whilst engaged in them, the drawings of the Father, and experienced intense desires after the privileges of adoption: although she did not, till some time afterwards, receive and rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, as all her salvation and all her desire. In the mean time she took for her friend and husband the late excellent Mr. Whiting, into union with whom she entered with abundant expectations; but soon found that they build too low for happiness who build below the skies; as, in four months after marriage, she was by death deprived of this valuable companion. Whilst bemoaning herself, as one cast off and forsaken, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, sweetly and powerfully applied to her mind those words of sacred truth: "I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." And now her soul felt the confidence, and realized the peace and joy of believing with her heart she believed unto righteousness, and her mouth thenceforward confessed unto salvation. This was in 1796 or 1797. From this time her Christian course and experience assumed consistency, and stability, and continual progression; nor, it is said, did she ever after doubt the mercy of God in the remission of her sins, through the blood of the cross. Some time after Mr. Whiting's death, her excellent character, and suitable qualifications, procured for her the situation of Matron of the Hull Workhouse; a situation which involved an important trust, on the acceptance of which she was determined by the advice of some pious friends. In this service she entered a second time into connubial life, by marriage with Mr. Ainly, then, and at present, the approved Master of the same establishment; and by her conduct and usefulness in this station she acquired general esteem. The nature of her engagements now put it out of her power to wait upon the services of the sanctuary with her former regularity and constancy; a circumstance which she much regretted; yet, when hindered, she was not destitute of help, nor estranged from the spirit of devotion: the Bible and Mr. Wesley's Sermons supplying her on such occasions with the means of instruction and comfort, of invigoration and excitement. By a diligent improvement of those means of grace which were accessible by her, she adyanced in knowledge and in holiness, abounded in the fruits of righteousness,

and for some months previous to her decease, her path brightened so rapidly, that others witnessed and rejoiced in ber light; and her own conclusion was, that the time of her departure was at hand. Mrs. Aiuly was distinguished by veneration for, and intiniate converse with, the Scriptures, constantly reading therein by day, and meditating thereon by night: the Oracles of Truth were the light of her eyes, and the delight of her heart; and, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus, they made her wise unto salvation. The precepts and commandments thereof she never wished to narrow or diminish; but strove and prayed and laboured, that they might all be graven on her heart, and illustrated in her life; and the promises, so "exceeding great and precious," she explored with delight, and realized by faith, feeling in several of them a special propriety, Of diligence and tenderness in visiting the sick in the town, as well as in the institution of mercy with the interests of which she was in part intrusted, she was a shining example; and in the distribution of Religious Tracts (an humble and unostentatious, but efficient means of doing good) she was, as opportunities served, active and laborious. She adorned her profession by consistently and uniformly exhibiting the Christian character, and to her sex was, both in public and private life, an ornament and a pattern. As Matron of the Hull Workhouse, the record of her fidelity and general excellence is on high, not only in the book of God's remembrance, but also in the happy and grateful recollections of those poor saints who passed from that abode of the destitute and afflicted, to the blessedness of an everlasting home. They know how, with sympathetic affection, she pointed them to Jesus, the sinner's friend, and endeavoured to cheer their spirits, and animate their views, with the prospect of perfect felicity in heaven. In this service of love she was indefatigable; caring with maternal tenderness for the inmates of the House. Her last illness was acute and oppressive; but those who were spectators of the final scene, witnessed the patience with which she endured it, and the supplications and tears with which she besonght such a measure of grace as should preserve her from uttering a single expression of impatience under the chastening rod of her heavenly Father. She suffered the pains of disease and of death in the same firmness and meekness which had distinguished her through life. A conscious interest in the

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merit of the Redeemer preserved her from every murmuring thought, and from every fear, whilst the cold waters of Jordan's flood rose around her. Of the love of Christ she spoke with ecstasies of delight. The dark cloud of death came over her; but the cloud was gilded with glory. A voice seemed to say, "There is a resurrection from the dead; there is a better and a happier world; there is a Saviour from death; there is a land where consumption, and fever, and separation, and death, will never be known."

JOSEPH E, BEAUMONT.

2. Died at Heanor, near Belper, Nov. 7th, George Bryan, aged twentynine. Though destitute of the advantages of a religious education, his mind gained a degree of divine light at an early period of his life, by occasionally hearing the Gospel among the Methodists. George was a Collier; and his pit-mates being killed by the fire-damp, from which he had a narrow escape, conviction of sin, and of the consequent danger of hell, troubled his conscience; but meeting with hinderances when he was in great need of spiritual help, he for some time remained under the miserable influence of neglected purposes, and broken resolutions. About nine years since, he yielded to the strivings of God's Spirit, by not only regularly attending divine ordinances, and renouncing all sin, but by joining the followers of Christ, and seeking salvation through faith in the atonement. His conversion was sound: to himself it was certain; and from its corresponding fruits, to his friends it was undoubted. The love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost, was a steady flame. He soon began to exhort his neighbours to flee from the wrath to come; and having given proof of suitable talents, he was received and employed as a Local Preacher, as well as admitted to the office of a ClassLeader. In each of these important offices, he was faithful, acceptable, and useful. Hard labour during the six days of the week, did not prevent active efforts for the edification of the souls committed to his charge. On the Lord's day, they must have been rare and special circumstances indeed, that prevented George Bryan from being at his appointment, though it should be at the opposite side of the Circuit to that on which he lived. Eight days before his departure from this world he travelled upwards of twenty miles, through wet and dirty roads, and preached twice, under pressures that would have deter

mined all but fixed and decided minds, to avail themselves of Sabbatic rest. For some time, the Christian fidelity of our esteemed friend had raised him to a place of confidence, as salesman, &c., to Mrs. Sutton, of Heanor-Hall. Mr. George Parkin, agent in that lady's service, a Local Preacher and ClassLeader, had for some time been ill of typhus fever; which had occasioned, not only frequent visits to the chamber of contagion, but had considerably added to the care of Mr. Bryan's mind, and the labour of his body. His robust frame was at length assailed by fever, which, scizing on the brain, kept him in a state of delirium; and, in four days, "the strong man bowed himself;" leaving a widow and four small children, the youngest of whom was not many days old, at the time of the father's death."

THOMAS PINDER.

3. Died, at Tandragee, in Ireland, Nov. 8th, Jane Pedlow, wife of the Rev. Daniel Pedlow, Methodist Preacher. In early life she enjoyed the great advantages of a religious education; her parents being, for more than forty years, members of the Methodist Society; the greater part of which time they received the Preachers into their house. Under the ministry of God's word, she became acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus; and about the age of sixteen, she joined the Methodist Society, from a full conviction of the necessity of a change of heart, and of the advantages of Christian communion in the attainment of that blessing. She sought and found redemption in the blood of Christ, and exemplified the power of renewing grace by a life devoted to God. In the year 1802, we were married, and for twentythree years she has been my faithful, affectionate wife, assiduously endeavouring to increase my comforts and to lessen my cares. As a mother she attended with more than ordinary care to the interests of her children, being their companion, guardian, and teacher. She possessed a strong understanding, a quick apprehension, and an affectionate heart. For several years she had been a subject of severe affliction; but she was supported by an unshaken confidence in God. When, by a disease in my eyes, I was rendered unfit for my itinerant labours, she felt, with me, the painfulness of the dispensation, but acquiesced in the divine will. We removed to her native place, Tandragee, where I fondly indulged a hope that her health with that of my

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daughter, who had been in a declining state for some time, would be established. But how unscarchable are the ways of Providence! In six months, from our removal, I was deprived of both first witnessing the peaceful and happy death of my child, on the 10th of October, and that of my wife on the 8th of the succeeding month. A little while before her departure, she said, "I am going to launch into eternity, and I go without a doubt or fear. Unbelief is not permitted to assail me; I rest my entire confidence in Jesus, who died for sinners; there is no other ground for confidence." Thus in sure and certain hope of eternal life, she entered into the joy of her Lord, aged fifty-four years, leaving four daughters and a husband to deplore their loss.

DANIEL PEDLOW.

4. Died at New-Ross, Ireland, Nov. 12th, Michael McCormick, esq., aged seventy-eight years. Early piety, in all cases advantageous, was to Mr. M'Cormick a peculiar blessing. In him was united a temper naturally fierce and fearless, with a body of unusual stature and strength. Hence a controlling power, more efficient than mere education can supply, became necessary. This he met with in an early conversion. Being favoured with the ministry of the Rev. John Wesley aud his fellow-labourers in Ireland, he was turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God; and approving heartily of the discipline which he found amongst the Methodists, he became a member of their Society. Many were the changes of place and circumstance which marked his subsequent years; but never did he wholly lose the influence of that change in his character which took place on his conversion to God. Zeal for the cause of the Redeemer, unawed by shame or fear, was a disposition which never forsook him. Often has he risked his life in the protection of the early Preachers from popular insult, while those men of God were delivering their message, "in the streets and lanes of the city." Thus he rendered essential services to the cause he loved; for which indeed he was eniinently qualified by an appearance the most commanding, (not a little heightened when attired in mili tary uniform,) and a spirit which knew no fear. For several years he served his country as Quartermaster of the Second Dragoons, or Green Horse; and as he moved with the Regiment through Ireland, he was careful to seize the openings thereby afforded, for

introducing the Preachers into new places, and extending to others the blessings of that Gospel, which he had found to be the power of God unto Salvation.” “Upon retiring from the army, he commenced business in NewRoss, and was present in the memorable engagement of June 5th, 1798. On that day a host of twenty thousand rebels attacked the town; but after a desperate conflict they were repulsed by the King's troops under the command of General Johnson. In this action, Mr. McCormick displayed such heroic bravery as called forth the thanks of the General, to whom he acted as Aidde-camp during the day, and procured for his name a conspicuous place in all the histories of that dreadful time. Indeed many are of opinion that to him, under Divine Providence, was greatly owing the victory of that day. Prior to his leaving the army, he had married, nor had he ever reason to regret his choice. Though Mrs. M'Cormick has been dead many years, the memorial of her piety has bidden defiance to the lapse of time: still her name lives in the hearts of many, as a woman in whom were displayed all the virtues of conjugal, parental, and social life, enriched by the beauties of Christ ian holiness. The loss of such a wife was a severe trial; and as Mr. M'Cor mick was now extensively engaged in trade, and had the charge of a large family, the weight of his relative duties was much increased. In this sphere he moved with diligence and integrity. But it was in the close of life, that God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased most remarkably to bless his servant. During his latter years, he suffered much from injuries received in the service of his country; yet the lan guage of complaint he rarely used. When I came into this Circuit in August, 1825, his health was visibly declining; but his soul appeared to be maturing in grace; for there was in his spirit a meekness, quite the reverse of his natural temper. When he perceived the rapid approach of death, he frequently charged his family to observe the strictest economy in bis interment; ordering that the funeral should be perfectly plain: the money saved thereby, he directed to be given to the poor. I had the privilege of witnessing his last hour. Upon entering the room, I heard him saying, with a strong, full voice, Save me, O Lord, with an everlasting salvation." approached his bed. He inquired who I was; and being told, he reached me his cold hand, saying, "Having a desire to

depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better, far better, far better,", I spoke to him of the heavenly kingdom, "O yes," said he, raising his right hand towards heaven," there remaineth a rest to the people of God." Here pain interrupted him. After a pause, I said, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." "Yes," said he, "through the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us." Again he was attacked with pain, and we joined in prayer; not doubting, that as we were about to commence a Sabbath on earth, he would soon enter on the enjoyment of its antitype in heaven. So it was. Shortly after his speech failed, and he slept in Jesus. The spirit in her flight left on the countenance a stamp of victory, which strongly spoke that he died a conqueror through the blood of the Lamb.

JOHN WILSON,

5. Died, at Bristol, Nov. 21st, Mrs. Brettell, whose maiden name was King, wife of the Rev. Jeremiah Brettell, in the sixtieth year of her age. In the early part of her life, Miss King was graciously called to seek the Lord; she saw the world as passing away, and insufficient to satisfy her soul. This led to painful struggles in her mind; her parents were not, at that time, possessed of similar views and feelings, and therefore opposed her wishes. When company visited her father, it had been usual for the family to attend them to some place of public amusement: at one of those seasons, she was so filled with horror on account of the dissipation of the place, that she vowed to the Lord, if he would spare her to retire from it, she would never attend it again. This vow she was enabled to keep, and from that time to seek the Lord more fervently, under a conviction of her want of salvation. She had much opposition without, and many discouragements within; but the means of grace were frequented with diligence, and very soon she had the happiness of seeing her mother disposed to embrace the same truth, and seek the same blessing which she sought, This made way for her joining the Methodist Society, and attending more constantly the public worship of God. The salvation of her soul was now sought with true sincerity of heart; and although she could not fix on any precise time when the Lord forgave her sins, yet, as she expressed it, she had repeated manifestations of the divine goodness, by which she was satis fied of her interest in the favour of God.

When Miss King was uuited to Mr. Brettell, then an Itineraut Preacher, she experienced difficulties of a different kind, in going among strangers, frequently removing from one Circuit to another, and not always finding every thing that was really needful for a family. She had new friendships to form, and new crosses to take up, These, however, were often sweetened by the kindness and affection of those friends among whom her husband laboured; and more especially by the consolations of God. During the years of their itineraucy, she often had the care of a Class, felt a lively interest in its prosperity, and frequently felt a pleasure in visiting the poor members of it, and in relieving them according to her ability. In the course of these years, she contracted an intimacy with many pious persons, and with some of these she long corresponded. Mrs. Brettell was often the subject of nervous affections, by which she was frequently brought very low, and led into many discouraging reasonings respecting the state of her soul, and how it would be with her in the hour of death: but out of all these the Lord delivered her, In the beginning of the last year, she lost her only brother, and at the same time she herself was very much indisposed; and for several weeks she remained very unwell: but she revived a little in the spring, and her family hoped for a prolongation of her life, Her frequent attacks of disease weakened her constitution, and in the beginning of September, 1825, she became very ill. On Sunday the 11th of that month, the prayers of different congregations were requested, and the Lord graciously answered the supplications of his people, by giving her grace to resign herself fully to his will, She was joyful in his salvation, and looked forward to death without fear or dismay. She wished to depart, and to be with Christ. Of her happiness she spoke freely, and encouraged those around her to hope in God. Her illness was protracted considerably beyond expectation; and she was called to suffer much both in body and mind: clouds and darkness surrounded her, and her former fear returned that she, should have much to suffer in the article of death. She was reminded of the dis-j ciples of Christ, who feared when they entered into the cloud; yet there it was that God spoke to them and said,

This is my beloved Son, hear him." Now it was that many things were brought to her recollection with much feeling and concern. A close investi

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