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dleton when Thomas was a boy, he was sent to Bethesda Sunday-school, where he received most of his education, as he began to toil for the bread that perisheth when he was but seven years of age. On arriving at manhood he went to reside at Stockport, and entered into the marriage state. After several removals and various changes, he and his family directed their way to Miles Platting, near Manchester. Here he was brought to a sense of his spiritual condition, and joined the church in connection with the Wesleyans. After he became a member, his besetting sin often overcame him; but signing the temperance pledge on his knees before God, and receiving strength from above, he was enabled to gain the victory. In the spring of 1863, he joined our people. Though he had not the ability to teach in the Sundayschool, he was useful in various other ways, exercising well the one talent God had given him. When it was determined that a new chapel should be built at Miles Platting, he was greatly interested in the undertaking. As the walls of the temple were being reared, he was often on the spot by day and night guarding the premises. He also engaged at his own cost to provide palisades for the front of the chapel, and he looked forward with a glad heart to the time when the sanctuary would be completed and opened, and he be among the delighted worshippers. This privilege he was not permitted to enjoy. He was seized by sudden death. On the morning of Thursday, August 10, 1865, he left his family apparently in his usual health, travelled by train to a neighbouring village, transacted his business, returned to the station, but when he reached the platform he staggered a little, and then fell into the arms of a railway official and of a friend who was with him, and his soul immediately took its fight unto God who gave it. It is remarked that at the class-meeting on the Tuesday before he died, he seemed in a heavenly frame of mind, and prayed with more than his usual earnestness to be kept faithful unto death, and meet all his dear brethren in the better country. That he should have been called away so suddenly and in the prime of life, has been a severe stroke to his family and friends; but may they be supported under their bereavement, and be ready when the Master calls!

SAMUEL ALMARK. ANOTHER name sweet in our remembrance, is that of Samuel Almark. He was brought to a saving knowledge of Christ when a young man. At that time he lived in the country, but afterwards removed to Manchester. For nineteen years he was one of the police force in this city, and conducted himself so well and discharged his duties so commendably, that at the close of that period he retired from his post, and received a weekly pension for life. During these nineteen years he had few opportunities of meeting with God's people in Christian fellowship, but when at liberty he joined the church at Salem with great cordiality and cheerfulness. As a member he was found in the class-meeting from week to week, from month to month, from year to year, relating his experience with grateful joy, and encouraging others in the work of the Lord. He was always at home in prayer-meetings, pouring out his soul with much simplicity and fervour. With strong crying and tears did he plead with God for his family, the church, the congregation, the surrounding neighbourhood, and the

world at large. In public worship he was one of the few in the present day who continue the good old Methodist practice of responding under the Word and during prayer. Many a time has the officiating minister been encouraged by our brother's hearty "Amen!" or

Glory be to God!" "I can't help saying it when I feel it," was a remark he often made to his Christian friends. And while he was devout in the sanctuary, he exemplified religion in the world by holiness of life. Men could take knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus, by witnessing his daily walk. His industry, his integrity, his guileless simplicity, his readiness to do good, and his consistent fervent piety, bore honourable testimony that he was a true follower of Christ. His last affliction was of short duration. Neither he nor his friends at first thought it would be fatal. Hopes were entertained that he would soon recover. Medical aid was rendered, but proved unavailing. In a few days it became evident that death was near. But our brother's trust was in God. His prospect of heaven was bright. He was resigned to the will of his heavenly Father. To those who visited him, he declared his unwavering confidence in Christ. To his family he gave his

dying counsel and blessing, charging them to meet him in heaven. He died happy in the Lord, July 23rd, 1865, aged 53 years. His unexpected decease was deeply felt by our church at Salem, for though in humble circumstances in life, he was one of her most sincerely attached and devoted members.

May each reader join with the writer in the prayer, that while dear departed ones have left the church militant and joined the church triumphant, many more may enter into God's service, be united with his people, be his faithful witnesses among men, and be added to the number of those that shall be eternally saved!

January 12, 1866.

JOSEPH JONES,

OF WILLENHALL.

R. H.

THE subject of this brief memoir was not one of those servants of God whose life abounds with marked and striking incidents. The course of our brother was quiet and unobtrusive. There is nothing to record in his brief history that will awaken either wonder or surprise.

Joseph Jones, the son of Samuel and Sarah Jones, was born at Darlaston on the 25th November, 1839. In early life he was taken to the Wesleyan Sunday-school, and whilst there received impressions that were never erased from his mind. It is believed by those who knew him in his youth, that, had not his mind been diverted by other things, particularly by his engrossing attention to music, the impressions he received in the Sabbath-school would have resulted in his conversion to God. But, alas! other pursuits were allowed to exercise a preponderating influence over him, and religious impressions, for a time at any rate, faded from his mind. He did not, however, rush into the coarse and flagrant sins which many commit. His character was good, and his parents testify that he was a dutiful and affectionate son, but there was an absence of that decision which God requires in them that serve him.

About seven years ago a revival of religion took place in connection with the Reformers in Darlaston, whom his father had joined some time previously, and during that revival our brother consecrated himself to the Lord. He and his wife, who, previous to their marriage, was a member of the church, then joined the Reformers in Darlaston.

About four years ago, brother Jones and his wife came to reside in Willenhall. They did not immediately join our church as members, but at first attended the chapel as hearers. Ultimately, however, they offered themselves as members, and remained in connection with us until the time of our brother's decease.

During our brother's connection with us his character was unimpeachable. He was shy and reserved, but just and upright. He never took any prominent position in the church; but this is accounted for, in part at least, by his reserved disposition. That he might, however, have been more active in the performance of his Christian duties he himself felt and acknowledged. He suffered some little matters that transpired in connection with the church to have an improper influence over his mind, and to interfere with his attention to the means of grace. Hence his spiritual life suffered; he became cold and negligent; and when heavy sickness overtook him, and his mind required the consolations of a lively faith and an implicit confidence, he was bitterly distressed to find his faith almost dead, and his heart full of reproaches. No one could speak more emphatically than he did of the folly of allowing anything whatever to intercept the steady course of earnest Christian labour. His sorrow was so great that he wept over his unfaithfulness, and earnestly sought for the mercy of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

In the early part of his last illness his mind was, often overclouded, through the cause just mentioned. He was visited, however, by some of the friends belonging to Froysell Street chapel, and seemed to derive great benefit from their counsels and prayers. He was able at length to realize a renewed sense of pardon, and to commit his soul wholly into the hands of his Saviour. From the nature of his illness, he was often afflicted with great pain, but he sought and found the help of Divine grace. Often during his paroxysms of pain he expressed an earnest desire for help to glorify God in the midst of his sufferings. He seemed to have a constant dread lest he should in any measure give way to impatience. God's grace, however, was triumphant, and our brother endured patiently unto the end. Amidst all his pain he was perfectly resigned to

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the will of that God who doeth all things well, and to whose mercy and care he committed his wife and children.

As his closing hours approached, he longed to depart and be with Christ. On the morning of the day on which he died he repeated the whole of the hymn commencing

"My rest is in heaven, my rest is not here,"

He seemed, towards the close, to be conscious of heavenly presences and heavenly music. Heaven seemed to be opening upon his admiring soul, and the glories of the better land to beckon him away. Thus does God sometimes gently allure the earth-bound spirits of his people to the home of beauty he has prepared for them. About an hour before his death he exclaimed, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." These were some of the last utterances of our brother; and thus relying upon the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, he was led by the Shepherd of Israel to greener and fairer pastures than this world can boast, and to the overflowing waters of the river of life. T. R.

MR. S. J. HULME.

WE record with sincere sympathy and sorrow the painful bereavement which our beloved brother, the Rev. Samuel Hulme, has been called to suffer in the death of his son, Mr. S. J. Hulme, a young man of sterling piety, superior talents, and great devotedness to the duties of his profession. He had passed with success the examination at the College of Surgeons only a year ago, and belonged already to the staff of the Manchester Royal Infirmary. It was his office to visit home patients. In the faithful discharge of this duty he caught typhus fever, which, in spite of the utmost care and skill, terminated in his death on the evening of Monday, January 22, 1866. He was only twentythree years of age; but he had given high promise of future eminence in his profession. To the patients on whom he attended he greatly endeared himself by the gentleness of his manners and the assiduity of his visits. The blinds of the Infirmary were down, and the flag was lowered to half-mast, from the time of his decease to the day of his funeral, as a tribute of respect and

regret for one of the most esteemed officers of the institution. The late Mr. S. J. Hulme was a member of the University of London, in which he obtained a first-class at matriculation and at the preliminary scientific examination in 1863. He died in great peace, relying on Christ as his atoning Saviour, rejoicing in hope of eternal life. We are indebted to the Rev. T. W. Ridley for a knowledge of the last words of this amiable and promising young man. His sorrowing father was at his bed-side during his illness and in his dying moments. "Do you know me?" said the father. "Yes," replied the dying son; 'you are my father." "Do you know Jesus, my son?" "Yes," was the prompt reply; "he is my Saviour, the only Rock. He loves me, and I love him." "You will soon, my child, be in heaven. You have a mother there." "Yes, and a grandmother." The parent turned for a moment, but the expiring son said, "Don't leave me." The father prayed as well as grief would enable him to articulate a few sentences. At the close his son attempted to speak, and uttered the words, "My father," but could proceed no further. Soon after he closed his eyes, and his spirit passed away to heaven. A mournful bereavement, indeed; but a blessed death. He died a virtuous youth, in the discharge of his duty; he died a martyr to the benevolent labours of his profession; still more, he died a child of God, a rejoicing heir of everlasting blessedness; and he lives an heir in possession of God as his portion. May Jehovah be the refuge and the comfort of the bereaved!

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ledge of the truth. Miss Wright was saved and gathered into the church at that time. Nearly fifty years have now passed away since that transpired; but still she maintained her integrity, preserved an unblemished reputation, and continued to walk humbly with God.

Our departed friend was well known in the town, and her moral and religious worth had evidently much endeared her to many friends, even far beyond the circle of our own society.

Her life was considered to be in a very precarious state for several years; but still she held up, and even attended to business almost to the very last. About a fortnight before her death, a most distressing and fatal event occurred in another branch of the family, which evidently hastened her end. The shock was too great for her enfeebled state, and she sunk rapidly under it. A pious life had, however, prepared her for a peaceful and happy death. She was on the Rock, and it was gratifying to hear her speak with so much confidence of the power and all-sufficiency of grace. "I know whom I have believed." Her faith never wavered, and, in due time, angelic bands conveyed her home to God.

"Happy soul, thy days are ended."

The writer improved her death in Mount Tabor Chapel, on the 4th inst., to an attentive audience, from Prov. iv. 18, "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Stockport, Feb., 1866.

W. B.

SARAH HARRISON.

SARAH HARRISON, for twenty-nine years a member of our society at Armley, near Leeds, entered into rest on Friday, February 2nd, aged sixtythree. Her course through life had been one of unobtrusive Christian piety, and her end was peace. Her mortal remains were followed to the grave on Sunday, February 4th, by many sorrowing friends, who knew and loved her, and who hope again to meet her where parting is no more.

Not as having held a place of prominence in the world's eye, do we claim the mention of her name in our obituary record, but as having, in her lowly sphere, exemplified those virtues which "have praise of God." The memory, not of the conspicuously great, but of the just, is that which

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DIED, at Hayle, Cornwall, on the 24th of December, 1865, Mrs. Dennis, in the seventy-seventh year of her age. She was the relict of the late Mr. James Dennis, the first preacher regu larly employed on the St. Ives Circuit. She had experienced the strivings of the Spirit from her earliest consciousness, and during an affliction when a girl she vowed to God that her life should henceforth be devoted to his service. This vow she did not forget to perform, but forthwith gave the Lord her heart, joined the church, and became a happy, useful Christian. Her walk as a follower of Jesus was exemplary for more than sixty years. Her experience in Divine things was always considered by her friends to be sound and clear. She prized the class-meetings very much, at which her constant attendance and her kind invitations addressed to others were made useful. Latterly she was the subject of accumulating infirmities of body, which she bore with resignation to the Divine will. Her last illness was short, but very severe. When stepping into the river of death, she was asked if afraid to die. Looking surprised at the question, she quickly replied, "Afraid to die! No; how can I be afraid to launch into the arms of my precious Saviour?" Her death was improved in our chapel, by the writer of this, to a large and interested congregation. M. MILLS.

WILLIAM E. SMITH. DIED, at Hayle, on the 6th of November, 1865, William E. Smith. He was brought to a personal acquaintance with Jesus in September last, in connection with some revival services which were held in our chapel about a fortnight. While the writer of this was praying with him, and directing him to Jesus as the only but all-sufficient Saviour, he entered into spiritual liberty, and afterwards never wavered in his confidence in the Lord. He forthwith joined the Friday class, which gave the writer an opportunity of watching the progress of his experience. He was remarkable for his attention to the public and private means of grace, and his devout conduct while in the house of God. About two

months after his conversion, he was taken ill with an internal disease which was very painful; yet, so far from murmuring, he frequently expressed the most perfect resignation to the Divine will." If I live, I am determined to live to the Lord; and if I die, I believe I shall go to heaven," were words he repeatedly expressed. After suffering about a fortnight, and testifying to the sustaining power of God's grace, he calmly fell asleep in Jesus, in the nineteenth year of his age. M. MILLS.

MARTHA BARNES. OUR sister Martha Barnes is also to be included in the number of the departed. She was an intelligent and devoted member. Though left for

some years a widow, she was graciously sustained by the widow's God, and cheered in her loneliness by an affectionate family. Had it pleased her heavenly Father to have continued her life and health, she would have been very active in his service, but for more than two years before her decease, a painful affliction confined her at home. In the absence of religious ordinances, she was favoured with the Saviour's presence. So far as the writer in his pastoral visits could observe, she seemed a stranger to murmuring and fretfulness, and was an example of Christian cheerfulness, and of a firm trust in God. She calmly fell asleep in Jesus, August 29th, 1865, aged sixtyone years.

Connexional Department.

CONNEXIONAL DEPARTMENT. WE have received good news from Dudley, Oldbury, Dewsbury, and Bilston, and we cordially thank the brethren for supplying it.

We

hear good tidings also from Macclesfield, Ripon, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Bradford, Leeds, and some other places. The report of the Hanley town mission will be read with much interest. It naturally suggests the question, Could not a similar mode of operation be organized in all our circuits? It would give blessed employment to many of our unoccupied lay friends, who would undoubtedly be happier themselves if they were more useful to others; and, at the same time, impart additional life to our churches. No church, indeed, can prosper unless it be laborious; for all professing Christians, without activity, soon become lean in their souls, and often quarrelsome in temper. Prayerful activity is the normal character of the Church of God, and increase and extension its normal condition and by increase we mean not only additional chapels and schools, but the addition of converted souls. Decrease here, indeed, is a symptom, not only of weakness, but of disease; and disease un

arrested is, we all know, the certain harbinger of death. When a church has an increase, it is cause for gratitude and joy; for heaven itself is thrown into rapture on the conversion of a soul; but when a church has a decrease, especially if the declension be continuous, it is a just cause for mourning and lamentation; and the awful fact should excite great searchings of heart. It is deemed a serious thing for a commercial firm to make nothing by a year's business, but it is ten thousand times worse for a church to labour for a whole year without fruit. There must be a cause somewhere, and the church should faithfully search it out, and, by fasting and prayer and special effort, seek the return of prosperity.

If this applies to churches generally, still more especially does it apply to ministers, because they are the highest officers in the church, and the appointed guardians and promoters of its interests. To them belong the richest promises if they are faithful, and on them devolve the heaviest responsibilities. Promises and duties, indeed, are as inseparably connected as duties and responsibilities. God himself has laid

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