tains which separate Weardale from Teesdale on one side, and Allandale from Weardale on the other. This excellent man died, Nov. 7th, 1807, in the seventieth year of his age. The latest storm of life was fierce, but short. While one of our Ministers was commending his soul to God, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

High-House near Mrs. Wilson's native home, has been famed nearly a century for powerful, extensive, and lasting revivals of religion. During one of those outpourings of the Divine Spirit, the subject of this record, being then about twenty-one years of age, was awakened, and led to seek mercy through the atoning blood. Her conversion to God was clear. Her soul then rejoiced in God her Saviour with unspeakable joy. The change appeared in her whole conduct and conversation; in the fervour of her zeal, in her spiritual-mindedness, and her intense desire to glorify God, who had called her out of darkness into His marvellous light. She and her elder sister Ann, were patterns of piety, living in the enjoyment of that religion which tranquillises the mind, and opens in the breast a present heaven. Some time after her conversion to God, Isabella was married to Mr. Wilson, who still survives to lament his bereavement. The couple soon left their native Weardale, to reside in London.

In following years, amid multiplying cares and duties, her heart continued warm in the cause of truth. She loved God she loved the people of God; and she was firm in her attachment to Wesleyan Methodism.

The graces which had been planted in her heart in early life were happily matured. She sat, like Mary, at the feet of her Divine Master; and there was taught the lessons of humility, patience, resignation, and obedience.

Some years ago, she was called to pass through a severe and protracted affliction; from which indeed she never fully recovered. But she was graciously supported; and she came out of the furnace as gold. Her last sickness was short, and her death somewhat sudden. She died August 26th, 1846, in the sixtyeighth year of her age. She had delightfully spoken of Christ as her Rock, her Hope, her Salvation.

In life she walked "uprightly;" and, therefore, "surely." She was amiable, and most affectionate, in her domestic relations. Her friends loved her, because they found that the law of kindness and of sympathy was written on her heart,

and because they could unhesitatingly confide in her.

It would be ungrateful not to record the gracious dealings of God with the Hill-Top family. Its members were early instructed in the great things of God's law; and much fruit of their early training has been seen. Nine of them are gone to a better world: two only remain below; waiting, they trust, to join their friends in everlasting day.

That beautiful hymn, the 536th, which was frequently sung at HighHouse, Weardale, expresses the joyous hope of the survivers :

"There we shall meet again,

When all our toils are o'er,
And death, and grief, and pain,

And parting are no more:
We shall with all our brethren rise,
And grasp thee in the flaming skies."
Amen! So let it be, in boundless mercy,
Lord Jesus!

RALPH GIBSON.

2. Died at Bath, on the 25th of September, Mercy, the beloved wife of the Rev. Thomas Ashton, in her sixtyninth year. She was deeply convinced of sin when about sixteen. Her sorrow was intense; but she came to the throne of grace "with strong crying and tears," and she was mercifully heard. It pleased the Lord at a prayer-meeting to reveal by His Holy Spirit, to the eye of her faith, a present and omnipotent Redeemer. She felt that God, for His dear Son's sake, had forgiven all her sins. Before this she had united herself to the Wesleyan Society; and now the word of God was her daily study, and the means of grace were her constant delight. Praise dwelt on her lips, and the joy of the Lord animated her heart. By the preaching of that eminent servant of Christ, the late Mr. Benson, she was fully instructed in the doctrines of the Gospel. She had the privilege of sitting under his ministry, both at Hull and in London. But her views of truth were not merely speculative, but truly experimental and practical; for she illustrated its power in her life and conduct. In 1811 she married; and, entering on her new sphere, she approved herself a devoted servant of the Lord, and most exemplary as a minister's wife. As she sought to be adorned with "a meek and quiet spirit," all her deportment corresponded with that qualification. Always simple in attire and devout in spirit, she won esteem and love from the followers of Jesus in every Circuit in which her lot

:

was cast. Her usefulness in various ways was acknowledged by many. She loved the sanctuary; and to hear the Gospel was her chief joy. She endeavoured to imbue the tender minds of her children with the knowledge of Divine truth nor did she labour in vain. To her husband she was a gracious, industrious, and efficient help meet; one for whose loving and untiring care he hopes to praise his God eternally. In 1837, when age and infirmities required us to retire from very active life, our steps were graciously directed to Bath. Here, for a time, she much revived; but, after the lapse of a few years, she became exceedingly weak, and quite unable to attend the sanctuary of the Lord. Still, when she was the prisoner of the Lord, He gave her pious spirit such manifestations of His love as constituted her habitation His house, and the very gate of heaven. The last year of her life was one of great debility; but she bore her affliction with sweet submission to the will of her heavenly Father. The summons that called her to inherit "glory, honour, immortality," found her prepared. She was like a wise virgin her lamp was trimmed, and brightly burning. "I am in the valley," she said; and to a friend who observed, "But Jesus, the great Shepherd, is with you: His rod and staff comfort you," she replied,

"I shall not fear to win the day,

Though death and hell obstruct the way." When her breathing seemed difficult, one said, "These light afflictions are but for a moment," when she instantly said, with great emphasis, "And they work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Her heart

seemed greatly enlarged with love to her Redeemer, and with animation she said,

"Happy, if with my latest breath

I may but gasp His name!" Her weeping son and daughter she besought and charged to follow the ways of the Lord. To a dear Christian friend, with whom she had enjoyed the most spiritual intimacy, she gave the kiss of dying love; and, soon after, consciousness ceased. She fell asleep in Jesus, after being closely united with the Wesleyan Church about fifty-four years.

T. A.

3. DIED, at Brimscombe, near Stroud, September 26th, aged seventy, Mrs. Mary Dudbridge, who had been a mem

ber of the Wesleyan Society forty-two years. She was brought up in the principles of the Established Church, and in early life manifested the germs of a seri ous and thoughtful character. She was employed, when a girl, in a gay and worldly family, and might have imbibed a similar spirit. But it pleased God to visit her with an illness, short but alarming, during which her mind was so much impressed, that when she recovered she resolved to take a situation in which she might attend to her spiritual and eternal interests, though inferior to the one she actually occupied, in reference to secular advantages. This step, in all probability, decided her future career. After a time, she opened a school near Littleworth, and became a regular worshipper in the Wesleyan chapel there. She soon joined the society. Under the ministry of the word, not only was her mind more fully enlightened, but her conscience awakened. She saw and felt that she was a fallen sinner, unrighteous before God, and that she could only be saved by His mercy in our Lord Jesus Christ. One evening, after she had been at chapel, and had returned home, she felt this so strongly, that her earnest prayers even attracted the notice of some who were passing by. But she was enabled to flee for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before her, and she obtained deliverance and peace. That eventful night never passed away from her memory, and was mentioned by her only a few days before her death. Her path through life was one of peculiar trial and severe suffering. For thirty-three years she was confined to the house, and deprived of the advantages of the sanctuary. Once only, during that time, was she able to be carried to the neighbouring chapel. Yet, though enfeebled by disease, and not permitted to enjoy the pleasures of public worship, and even forsaken by one who should have cherished her, so that she might be said to be altogether steeped in sorrow, she was always resigned and happy. In the midst of her troubles she acknowledged the hand of Him that doeth all things well. One hymn contained in an old hymn-book, beginning,

"Gracious soul, to whom are given

Holy hungerings after heaven," &c., was made an especial blessing to her during her protracted affliction. Her attention was first directed to it under peculiar circumstances. She was recovering from an attack of illness more than usually severe; asking for a book, this was

given to her, and she opened it at this particular hymn. Every word seemed suited to her case; a flood of consolation was poured into her soul; and the recollection of that time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord was as a rainbow in the cloud of her after-sorrows. Her patience was exemplary; and the happy frame of her mind was such, that in relating her experience in the class which met in her chamber, she seldom failed to kindle a glow of sacred emotion in the hearts of others. One of the most prominent features of her character was, that she was never known to speak evil of any one, nor would she allow this to be done in her presence. In her, the charity that "beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things," was most impressively manifested. Chastened by affliction, her graces shone the brighter for this providential darkness; and she glorified God in the fires. About six years before her decease, loss of sight was added to her other afflictions. For twelve months she was entirely confined to her bed, sometimes suffering excruciating pain. But she held fast her confidence, and never charged God foolishly. She stayed herself upon her God, and meekly submitted to the will of her heavenly Father. "I have oftentimes," one of her neighbours observes, "witnessed her resignation in the most painful circumstances, and have been surprised at the fortitude with which she sustained her accumulated trials." She would say, "Why should I complain? I dare not. All is by the permission of God. It will soon be over, over for ever. I shall then be with Him. My sufferings are great; but

what are they when compared with the joys I shall soon realise ?" The writer, who had frequent opportunities of visiting her, can add his testimony to that of her neighbours. None could be with her without feeling the influence of her piety, and admiring the grace which was always sufficient for her, the strength which was made perfect in her weakness. Some glorify God by a course of active service she glorified Him by a cheerful patience in solitude and suffering, and joyfulness in all her tribulation. During the last three weeks of her life, it was evident that she was maturing for her final change. Her happy composure made it a privilege to be in her company. She observed, "My conflicts here shall soon be past, but the crown shall never fade away." The night before her death, she said to her daughter, "Ann, I am dying. I am going home. If I leave you in the course of the night, I am quite resigned and happy." Psalm cxvi. was read to her. When she heard the verse, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints," she exclaimed, "O yes, precious indeed. I shall soon be in my Father's kingdom." When her end was drawing nigh, a younger daughter asked if she should read another Psalm, and opened without design on the thirty-first. When the fifth verse was read, "Into thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth," she lifted her right hand, gently signified her own assent; and in a few minutes her happy spirit passed peacefully from earth, to be with Christ in paradise. JOHN LYTH.

MAY 21st, 1849.-At Newcastle-on-Tyne, aged forty-three, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Joseph Hopper. In early life she was brought to the enjoyment of experimental religion, and became united to the Wesleyan Society, of which she continued a zealous member till called to join the church above. Her attachment to Methodism was strong and unwavering, and her efforts to promote its interests exemplary. Her death was sudden, and deeply felt by a large circle of endeared friends. But they are cheered by the assurance that, when the Lord came, she was found ready. W. A.

July 13th.-At Lowestoff, aged fifty-nine, suddenly, of disease in the heart, Elizabeth, the

wife of Mr. John Carr. In early life she experienced the strivings of the Holy Spirit; and, in her nineteenth year, under the ministry of the Rev. Richard Pattison, she was brought to seek and find those blessings of a present salvation which, through the grace of God, she retained to the end of her life. On principle she was a firm and zealous Methodist; her whole conduct proved her to be a genuine and devoted Christian. She walked circumspectly, and was enabled to rejoice evermore. She attended diligently to all her family duties, and was especially careful in the religious training of her offspring. Consistent in her whole behaviour, and amiable in her disposition, she was respected and beloved by all who knew her. Though

called most unexpectedly and suddenly to deplore her removal under circumstances which allowed no dying testimony to be given, they rejoice to know that God had enabled her to bear a faithful living testimony to the glory of His grace for forty years; so that the event, which to them is loss, is to her eternal gain. W. E. II.

July 23d.-At Walsall, Jane, wife of the Rev. James Miller. Early in life she joined the Wesleyan Society at Four-lane-ends, in the Buxton Circuit, obtained the forgiveness of sin by faith in Jesus Christ, and from that time to the end of her earthly pilgrimage, a period of thirty-four years, she adorned the Christian profession, by unwearied attention to the duties of religion, and an humble walk with God. She was eminently a woman of a meek and quiet spirit: her strict integrity, joined to a kind and peaceable temper, won the respect of all who knew her. Her sufferings during her last illness were great and protracted; but they were borne with exemplary patience and unshaken confidence in Jesus Christ as her God and Saviour. Severe agony occasionally extorted groans and tears, but never murmuring. Some time previous to her dissolution, she gave directions respecting her funeral with a composure which deeply affected her friends, though they rejoiced to witness the victory over the last enemy which was so evidently given to her. A few hours before her departure, she clasped her hands, and lifted up her eyes with a heavenly smile upon her countenance. Her only child could not help saying, "What do you see?" She whispered, in reply, "Angels, angels! and they say, 'Come!' Jesus! How precious! Jesus, how precious!" She then added, "Glory, glory!" and soon after fell asleep. J. M.

August 29th.-At Cawsand, in the Devonport Circuit, aged thirty-two, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of the Rev. John L. Sanders. In the year 1834, while suffering painful affliction and bereavement, she saw the value of religion, and resolved to seek it. Being restored to health, she regularly attended the means of grace; and, under a sermon preached by the Rev. John Cullen, she became deeply convinced of sin. She immediately joined the Wesleyan Society; and on the following Christmas-day, at a prayer meeting, found peace with God. From this time she grew in grace. She took special interest in the conversion of the young; many of whom have been led by her kind and earnest entreaties to seek the Lord. Her death was sudden; but, confiding in the great Atonement, she met it with composure. Some of her last words were, "All is well." And, after calmly committing her spirit to the care of her Redeemer, she fell asleep. J. L. S.

Sept. 4th.-At Ightham, in the Sevenoaks Circuit, Mrs. Cheesman, aged seventy-eight years. She was not favoured with an evangelical ministry until she was thirty years of age, when she yielded to the earnest entreaty of a neighbour, and accompanied her to the Wesleyan chapel, Borough-Green. There she was awakened, and led to the Saviour. She became a happy and exemplary Christian. Her chief adorning was

humility. Her soul delighted much in the service of God's house; of which she gave practical proof until the last Sabbath but one of her life. She resided at a distance of two miles; but walked thither in the morning, and remained until after the evening service. She was ill but eight days, during which time, upon her dying bed, she earnestly preached Christ to all her family. Her last words were, "Glory! Glory! Glory!"

S. L., 1st.

Sept. 9th.-At Owston-Ferry, in the Epworth Circuit, Mr. James Elsom, who for nearly forty years had walked in the fear of the Lord and the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. The affliction that terminated his life was painful; but his mind was kept in perfect peace, being stayed on God. Toward the end his strength very rapidly declined, and on the last day his voice was inaudible until about a quarter of an hour before he died. To the surprise of his watching family, he thrice waved his hand, shouting as he waved it, "Happy-HappyHappy!" After a very brief interval, he again shouted, "Happy!" He then requested his son to pray with him; and, as the son prayed, the father entered into the joy of his Lord.

R. W. B.

Sept. 14th.-At Batley, in the Birstal Circuit, aged fifty-five, Mr. John Simpson, who had been a member of the Wesleyan society about twenty years. He was a useful Trustee and Class-Leader, and was several times appointed to the office of Society-Steward. His last illness was short, but very severe. He was at the chapel on the Sunday forenoon, and complained of indisposition. Returning home, he dined with his family, as usual, and then went to bed. He soon became so much worse that it was evident, unless a great change took place, that his end was not far distant. When warned of his dangerous state, his mind was unmoved, and he was enabled to bear a happy testimony to the power of divine grace. He expressed himself in the language of the Apostle, applying it to himself,-"I know that if the earthly house of my tabernacle be dissolved, I have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." In this state he continued till Friday, his sufferings great; but his mind was stayed on God, and his peace was undisturbed. In this happy frame of mind, he committed his spirit into the hands of his Redeemer, and died in the Lord. H. B.

Sept. 18th.-At Cheetham-Hill, in the First Manchester Circuit, aged thirty, Miss Ann Burrows, sister of the Rev. Thomas Burrows, Wesleyan Minister. The disease (of the heart) of which she died was of long continuance, subjecting her frequently to very severe pain, and sometimes exerting a depressing influence on her spirits. Happily, she had previously sought mercy, and grace to help in time of need;" and He who was pleased to afflict her, comforted and sustained her. She had been a member of the Wesleyan Society about ten years. Occasionally she feared that in her last hours she should

lose her reason through the severity of suffering; but her Saviour was better to her than all her fea s. She was not only collected to the last, but very greatly relieved from pain. One of her expressions will indicate the state of her mind: "O for a view of Jesus! and then let me die!" A few minutes before her departure, it was said to her," Is Jesus with you?" "O yes." "Is He precious?" "O yes-yes! The precious bleeding Lamb!" Almost immediately, without a struggle, she passed away from life.

Sept. 29th.-At Gillingham, Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, aged fifty-six. She was truly converted to God during a gracious Divine visitation in 1807, while the late Revs. Joseph Entwisle and Thomas Stanley laboured in the Rochester Circuit. She became a wife in 1813; and, as the mother of a large family, passing through many vicissitudes, she was exemplary. The domestic circle was the sphere in which she shone, and the remembrance of her excellencies is cherished with deep filial affection. Though suddenly removed during the late visitation of cholera, she gave pleasing testimony that, after forty-two years' connexion with the people of God on earth, she had a good hope through grace" of being admitted into their communion in the house above, to go out no more for ever. J. C.

Oct. 8th.-At Shepton-Mallet, Mrs. Eliza Perrot, aged twenty-seven. Her first religious impressions were received in the Sabbath-school, -in which she continued to the time of her death, acting for many years as a Teacher. She was converted to God about the age of sixteen, and henceforth maintained a consistent course. She died of cholera; but was enabled to testify with her latest breath that she was dying in the Lord. J. T.

Oct. 9th.-At Westgate Hill, in the Birstal Circuit, Mr. Samuel Mirfield, aged fifty-five years. Converted to God at an early age, he was ever afterwards a consistent member of the Wesleyan Society. As Class-Leader and Local Preacher, he was active and faithful; and, in various other offices connected with the church he was zealous and unwearied in promoting the

interests of the cause of Christ. After a somewhat tedious illness, he peacefully departed this life in the faith and hope of the Gospel.

J. H.

Oct. 11th.-Mrs. Blanshard, of the Third Leeds Circuit. She had long enjoyed the Divine favour; having been enlightened under the continuous ministry of the late Rev. A. E. Farrar, rather than under any particular sermon. During forty years she adorned the doctrine of the Gospel. Her natural disposition was retiring; but her views of the value of human souls, and her felt love of her Saviour, called forth the resources of her clear and discerning mind into zealous action for the benefit of others. She died after eighteen hours of suffering, in the full triumph of faith, aged seventy-one years.— Her husband, Mr. Joseph Blanshard, appeared to be seized with the same disease seven or eight hours after her; and though he lingered for a week after her death, and the disease seemed arrested, yet severe fever succeeded, under the effect of which his constitution sank. He was sustained by an invisible power. Death had lost its sting; and he preferred-but in submission to the Divine will-to depart and be with Christ. He had long found his chief earthly enjoyment in the company of God's ministers and people; and he felt assured God would admit him to their fellowship in heaven. His expectation of all good, in earth or heaven, was through Jesus Christ. His naturally jocose spirit was subdued into Christian cheerfulness by the power of grace. He died Oct. 18th, 1849, (seven days after his wife,) aged seventy-nine years.

J. P. H.

Oct. 11th.-At Redditch, Mr. Abner Wright, aged seventy-five. For more than forty years he had adorned his Christian profession by a consistent life and conversation. He was long employed as a Class-Leader, and Sabbath-school Superintendent; and in these offices he served his generation. He was a man of a meek and quiet spirit, resolved to "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." In business, his order, industry, and uprightness secured him general confidence. For some time before his death, the sufferings he endured were severe; but he bore them with exemplary patience. He enjoyed settled peace and confidence in God. Just before he departed, he said, "I am a sinner saved by grace: all is well!" J. W.

Oct. 17th.-At Coombe- Fishacre, in the Teignmouth Circuit, Mr. Edward Palk,-whose name is, throughout his own neighbourhood, "as ointment poured forth." He filled his appointment on the evening of Sunday, October 14th, and on the following Wednesday was summoned to that rest which remaineth for the people of God. When he was told that he had not many hours to live, the intelligence awakened surprise, but no alarm. He had long been journeying towards his Father's house; and, like a traveller unexpectedly finding his toil about to cease, he felt only a sudden, solemn joy. His last words expressed at once a living hope of the heavenly inheritance, and deep concern for the glory of