second attack of the old complaint; an additional physician was called in. Most anxious enquiries were made of them by the family as to his recovery, when they said. "We don't know; he is four years older than he was the last time." Prayers were frequently offered for his recovery, and hope sometimes gladdened the heart. The Sabbath before his death he appeared to have taken a turn for the better, but, on the following day, he was much worse, and gradually sunk under the fierceness of the disease till Friday noon, November 27th, when he fell asleep in Jesus, in the fifty-ninth year of his age.

His last sermon was preached, November 1st, at St. Mark's Woodhouse, from, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved;" after which he partook of the Lord's Supper, for the last time, on earth. Of his last moments we can say but little. The torpor, caused by the disease, entirely prevented those parting words which he would gladly have given to those he so dearly loved. But we may truly say of him, as he lived so he died, trusting alone in Jesus. Shortly before his death he said,—

"Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me."

He could not finish the verse before he was again unconscious. At another time, to one standing by his side, he gently said, "I'm going to rest;" to another, who was talking to him of heaven and the blessed Jesus coming for him, with strong emphasis he exclaimed, “I'm ready." And now that he has departed from our midst, and we shall see his face no more in the flesh, how the fact that he has entered into rest does cheer our hearts. He has joined the blood-washed throng, amongst whom are many of his spiritual children who were eaved through his instrumentality. The cup has, indeed, been a bitter one. His widow has lost a most devoted husband; his children a most affectionate father; the Church a most earnest worker; the Sabbath-school a most sincere friend; the widow and the fatherless a deeply sympathieing brother; and the world one who did his utmost to promote its happiness. From him let us learn life's lesson,-" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." The business-life of our brother was in strict harmony with his Church-life. At home and abroad, in the mill or the market, he was the same kind-hearted, honest Christian; he was ever true to his religious profession, acting under a sense of duty and principle, rather than that of expediency. A merchant, with whom he had done business ever since he first came to Leeds, says of him, "Mr. Palmer was a high-class Christian," a statement fully endorsed by all who knew him. The Stamford Mercury, of December 4th, 1863, referring to his death, says, "It is our painful duty to make special reference to the death of our late highly respected fellow-townsman, Mr. William Palmer, who, a few years ago, took up his abode at Leeds. Mr. Palmer, although a dissenter of great activity and zeal, commanded the respect of even high Churchmen. He was a great friend to the poor, and, indeed, we may say generally beloved. As a preacher he was attractive, and could generally secure a larger audience at home than any of his brethren." And the Peterborough Advertiser, of December 12th, 1863, says, "The death of Mr. W. Palmer, formerly of Eye, recorded in our obituary of last week, was received with unfeigned regret by many; for the deceased was generally respected and loved by the poor. When the Reform agitation convulsed the Wesleyan Body, he was one of the seceders, and afterward's held an important position in connection with other conscientious

men who were opposed to the proceedings of Conference. Mr. Palmer removed with his family to Leeds, about six or seven years since, and in that populous town gained the confidence and esteem of many friends. Uniting amiability of disposition with untiring zeal for the cause of his great Master, he faithfully did his appointed work, and, having passed peacefully away, has left behind him the most endearing of all earthly monuments-a good name. The memory of the just is blessed.""

These extracts from the press of his own immediate neighbourhood testify the estimation in which he was held by the outer world. Let it not be supposed that our departed friend had no cares in business or troubles in the world; they gathered in his path continually, but, in spite of them all, he maintained a marvellously even temper and disposition, and delightfully exhibited (sometimes under most provoking circumstances) the loving spirit of the Gospel of Christ. He had enough religion to make him really happy at all times,-never gloomy or desponding, but cheerful and happy, saying, with the Psalmist, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;" or singing,

""Tis religion that can give,

Sweetest pleasures while we live," &c.

This was his happiness in life, and his comfort in death. We sorrow deeply at our loss, but not as those having no hope. No, no; we shall meet again the widow and her husband, the children and her parent, the hearers and the preacher, the class-members and their leader. Yes; thank God all, ALL of us may meet again-meet in heaven-meet to part

no more.

"O that will be joyful," &c.

The mortal remains of our departed relative were laid in the Woodhouse Cemetery, in the presence of a large company of preachers, leaders, and private members from all parts of the Leeds Circuit. The service was conducted by the Revs. J. Hirst and J. Adcock. Sermons, to improve the event to the living, have been preached at Lady Lane, and most of the other Chapels in the Circuit.

Thus another earnest worker in the Christian Church has passed away, leaving a bright testimony behind, that he has gone to be with Jesus. Oh, that our sudden bereavement may be sanctified to the family, to the Leeds Circuit, and to our beloved Connexion; and may God, in His abun dant mercy, grant that we, too, "may die the death of the righteous, and may our last end be like his."

MEMOIR OF THE LATE MR. W. ALFORD, OF DEPTFORD.

MR. WILLIAM ALFORD was born of respectable parents, in the town of Beckington, in the county of Somersetshire, in the year 1804. When quite a young man he left his native place, and came to reside in the parish of Deptford, in the county of Kent. From what we can learn of his previous history, he appears to have been a moral and well conducted youth, constant in his attendance on the ordinances of the Lord's house, and other outward forms of religion, but yet without the pale of the true Church. He had not felt that godly sorrow that worketh repentance, nor yet fled to Christ as his only refuge and hope of salvation.

In the year 1829, being then about twenty-four years of age, he married, and was blest with the partner who is now left to mourn his removal from this vale of tears. About two years from this time it pleased God, in His infinite mercy, to open the eyes of his understanding-to show him that he was a sinner, and under the wrath of heaven, and to enable him to cry for mercy; and He who inspired the prayer, listened to the voice of his supplication, spoke pardon to his soul, and translated him from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son.

After his conversion to God he was in earnest to do good. To the young he especially directed his attention. He offered himself, and was accepted as a teacher in the Methodist Sunday-school, at Mary Ann's Buildings, High Street, Deptford; and became the companion of some of the most zealous and efficient teachers of the district, and members of the Methodist Society, such as the dear and lamented Brother Thomas (a tablet to whose memory adorns the Methodist Free Chapel in this town), Messrs. James Beard and Cocket, and many others who have removed to a distance, or been taken to the Paradise above.

Having the companionship of such men as these-men of liberal minds and generous hearts-it was but natural that he should catch some of their burning zeal and loving affection for the young in the school in which they laboured, and, like them, rush into every open door to do good, and benefit the rising race. He was also a man of liberal sentiments as it regarded the management of the Church of Christ; a firm believer in the truthfulness of the sentiments advanced in 1834-5, by the Rev. R. Eckett, and upon which the Wesleyan Methodist Association was founded. It was not long after this that the principles on which he took his stand and lived, were destined to be put to the test; himself, and about forty of the teachers of the Sabbath-school with which he was connected, were compelled, for conscience sake, in consequence of the conduct of the travelling preacher of the Circuit, to leave the spot, hallowed by many dear remembrances and happy associations, and to remove to the branch school in the New Town, Deptford, where a Church was formed, and the worship of Almighty God celebrated. Our departed Brother cheerfully took up the cross then presented, and that, which threatened to be a serious calamity, became, in the hands of God, a blessing to the neighbourhood, and to the children of the Sabbath-school in connection with that place of worship.

Here, then, we may say the real business of his spiritual life began; he became the Secretary of the schools, and continued to hold that office until a short time before his death. He was also Trustee and Chapel Steward to the time of his decease. Having been appointed to these offices, he strove to fill them with credit to himself, and for the welfare of the Church. After a short time the Chapel, in which we worshipped, became too small, and it was decided to erect one more suitable to the wants of the people. Accordingly, a freehold plot of ground was purchased, and none was more zealous to forward the erection of the Chapel, by his personal effort and his liberal contributions, than our lamented friend and brother.

As a man of business he was diligent and prudent, kind to his domestics, and those in his employ, and cheerful in his family. He was a lover of liberal institutions, both civil and religious; a promoter and supporter of many a good cause; and, as far as God had given him the ability, became useful to many of the society in his own and adjoining parish. long remember and revere the name of Mr. William Alford.

Many will

A few weeks before his death it pleased God to afflict him with a swelling in the finger; for a time no danger was apprehended, but a violent attack of erysipelas supervened, and grave apprehensions for the issue were enter tained. However, the inflammatory symptoms were speedily removed. But

Mr. Alford's health appeared to give way; he was advised to visit Bath, which he accordingly did, and, after six weeks, returned to his family, to all appearance, much better. He had not, however, fully regained his ordinary state of health; yet he attended to his business matters with much of his usual energy, and none supposed that the disease, which terminated his life, would be so soon and so fearfully developed. On the 14th of June, 1863, he was present at the Anniversary of the Chapel, with which he was connected, and, at the request of the Leaders' Meeting, he was called on to preside. At the Tea and Public Meeting he appeared to be in more than his usual health and spirits; now and then a shade of sorrow would pass over his countenance, as he thought and spoke of those who had been co-workers with him in the cause of God. Referring to the tablet of Mr. Thomas, already spoken of, he said "there are not many of us left, and God only knows who will be the next." He left the Meeting, and, for the two or three following days, attended to his business, but on Friday he appeared unwell. In a day or two he appeared worse, in great pain and was very restless. The complaint, however, under which he suffered, was very much better, when all at once it assumed a new phase. The heart, the seat of life, was silently and surely being surrounded by water. The best medical advice was obtained, and means were taken to abate the flood, but all in vain. On the Thursday following Brother Blacket visited him, and said, "You have professed to follow the Lord for many years." "Yes," he answered; thank God I have." They united in prayer and parted. Up to this time he had not the slightest idea his life was in danger--he felt sure he should recover and again be among his family, and the friends he loved so well. He was again visited by his medical adviser, who communicated to his devoted partner that his days, yea, that his hours were numbered, and that nothing short of a miracle could save him from the hand of death. It was a heavy blow to her, already nearly worn out with constant watching by his side, to hear the sad intelligence that they should soon be parted, and a still greater trial to acquaint her dying partner; but God enabled her to do so, and, amidst sobs and tears, she said, "We have been many years together, but we shall soon be called upon to part. You will not get better." He said, "I think I should, if I could but breathe more freely." She again assured him the medical attendant had said so; he was quite calm. He then said, “Send for the children;" after some time they surrounded his couch, and, like the dying Jacob of old, he gave to each of them suitable advice, such as none but a truly Christian man can give, charging them to love and fear God, and to meet him in heaven. During this time his strength began to fail, and he was evidently dying, yet all was calm within, and, like a child going to its rest, he sank into the arms of Jesus, on the 26th of June, 1863, in his fortyninth year.

66

During the whole of his affliction he manifested great love to, and dependence on, the Saviour, and clung to Him for comfort and support. Thus lived and died our lamented brother. We may say of him he was diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.

He was attended to his resting place by some of the members of his family, and many other friends. The Rev. E. Pearson, of the Methodist Free Church, delivered a truly delightful and sympathising address to the persons present, and to the family.

As showing the esteem and regard in which our brother Alford was held, we may say, that letters of sympathy and condolence have been received by the widow from the Leaders' and Quarterly Meetings, in the Connexion of which he was a member; also from one or two Local Societies in which he took a conspicuous part.

THOMAS MACKIE.

MEMOIR OF GEORGE APPLEBY BARTRAM.

BY THE REV. J. G. FAULL.

WHEN it becomes one's duty to sketch the memoir of a young person, how painfully are we reminded of that statement of Holy Writ, "For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a short time, and then vanisheth away.' Even so was it with our departed Brother. George Appleby Bartram, was born at South Hylton, in the Sunderland Circuit, on the 21st November, 1843. He reminds us rather of the frail flower that fadeth, than of the sturdy and enduring oak. Of tender physical constitution, yet of sharp mental nature-as though the mind had been developed at the expense of the body-he was withal of a chastened, kind, and loving disposition; blithe and cheerful as a summer morning, full of amusement, always smiling, and the very life and joy of the family fireside.

From infancy he had a place in our Sabbath-school, where, from the lowest class, he rose step by step to be a Teacher,the which office he held to the last. His attachment to the school was unmistakeable. His last visit out was to a Christmas Tea on its behalf, and the last gift he made was the whole of his pocket money, amounting to ten shillings, to its funds.

In the November of 1862, his health seriously failed. From an ap parently slight cold, thought but little of at the first, he was confined to the house four or five weeks, when he so far recruited as to return to business. But to a wakeful mother's eye, there were alarming symptoms of wasting, that told too plainly of that fell scourge, consumption. A short time only was sufficient to develop the worst symptoms of pulmonary disease. For some time its progress was comparatively painless, but, on the 13th of March, this gave place to severe chest pains, that confined him to his bed, and after two or three days of such anguish it appeared as though life was about to close. Yet with a removal of the pain, he once more so far rallied as to be able to walk about his room.

But

Although a teacher in the school, and a regular attendant at the house of God, yet he was a stranger to vital godliness until this affliction. now the great and glorious change was wrought out. Books in abundance were sent him by kind friends, or got for him by his family; but of all these he soon tired, except the Bible,

"The precious staff of hoary age,

The guide of early youth."

After the painful attack before referred too, he would sometimes ask his brother to read him a Psalm, or a portion out of the New Testament. At other times, he would request to be left alone with his Testament, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy reading it in seclusion. His brother says, "Often have I found him sitting in bed with the Holy volume before him, apparently lost in deep thought, and with a heavenly smile upon his coun tenance." It was now evident that the great change had been wrought in his soul, and that having embraced the Saviour, he was lost in the contemplation of His great love to sinners. We do not, therefore, marvel at his saying to his devoted mother, "O that I could read now as I used too before I was ill; I would read you some passages out of Milton's Paradise Lost, describing the great sacrifice made by the Son of God for the world's redemption.' This 18 supposed to refer to Book iii.,

lines 210,-241, beginning thus :