the presence of God. He replied, "This morning." She asked whether he did not believe that Christ was able to bear his whole weight; and then said, "Cannot you rest yourself on Christ, casting your soul upon him?" He

cried out like Jacob, "I will not let thee go until thou bless me," and then, enabled to rest on Christ by faith, the cloud vanished, and he rejoiced to see the way to glory clear before him. The fear of death was gone. He looked upon that enemy as a friend. He seemed so full of joy as to forget the severe pain he was suffering; the language of gratitude and praise dropped from his lips.

On the Saturday morning, at one o'clock, he changed. His features assumed a deathlike aspect. It was evident the closing scene was very near. "William," said his affectionate mother, 66 you will soon have to leave me and go to your dear father. Is Christ precious?" "Oh, yes, mother," he replied, "Christ is precious to my soul." "You seem,' ," she said, "to be walking through the valley; do you feel that God is with you?" "Yes, mother, Hallelujah, hallelujah!" and then, without a groan or sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus, and resigned his spirit to the convoy of angels waiting to bear it home.

Thus died William Blaney in the 19th year of his age, deeply lamented by his bereaved mother and the church. But our loss is his gain. We sorrow not as those without hope; we trust we shall meet him again in the bright world above. The prayer of the writer is, that all who read this brief sketch of the departed, may see the necessity of devoting themselves to the service of God while they enjoy health and strength, so that whether death come suddenly or by lingering disease, it may find them prepared, and all may meet at last in glory, for Christ's sake. Amen.

S. SHEWARD.

BETTY SMITH.

BETTY SMITH was born in the year 1790. Her mother (who was a member of the Independent church, New-road, Bury) instructed her very carefully in the principles of Christianity. Her disposition being naturally amiable, little difficulty was found in gaining her attention to that course of instruction which was deemed important, and from

her earliest days she was habituated to yield to the desires of her pious mother. But though our departed sister was so excellent a character, there is no sufficient reason to believe that she felt the power of godliness until about the middle of her life. The means of her conversion are not known, but from the scanty information which the writer has been able to obtain on the subject, he is inclined to believe that it was a gradual work; probably the effect of that careful education in the principles of Christianity which she had received from her pious mother, enforced by consistent example, and the faithful ministry of the gospel which she was accustomed to attend.

About twenty-five years ago she was led by the Providence of God to attend our chapel, where she found the word to be quick and powerful, and soon united in church fellowship with us. Her heart was opened to receive the truth, and it is believed she ever afterwards lived under its happy influence. From the commencement of her religious profession, her conduct and conversation were eminently Christian. She proved the genuineness of her conversion by a regular and constant attendance on the worship of God; by her persevering attention to the duties of secret prayer and the social means of grace. She cherished a strong and growing attachment to the ordinances of the house of God, seeking and obtaining her best enjoyment from communion with his people.

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Though our departed sister was favoured with a blessed assurance of her personal interest in Christ, she was no stranger to very painful and oppressive feelings sioned by the suspension of the divine presence and by manifold temptations. She occasionally complained of the distraction of her mind, the coldness of her affections, the barrenness of her soul, and the absence of her Saviour. She was most anxious not to be deceived concerning the work of grace upon her mind, dreading the idea of being deceived at last; and often fervently prayed that the Lord would preserve her from every false, as well as evil way, and guide and uphold her in every good and right way-the way of truth and holi

ness.

Of her class meeting she was particularly fond, and consequently was very regular in her attendance. Often has

she spoken of it as profitable to her soul, and to be the means of obtaining deliverance from her burdens, and a renewal of her spiritual strength. Her leader, Mr. Healey, informs me that he never knew her on any one occasion, when she was called upon to excuse herself, or decline offering up her prayers to a throne of grace, but seemed always fitted for devotional engagements. Her heart was always attuned for the exercises of thanksgiving and of supplication; it was, indeed, a privilege to be present, and to feel the glow of holy affections kindled by the flame of hallowed devotion which pervaded the sacrifice of her lips and of her heart.

The retired habits and reserved disposition of our sister prevented any ostentatious display of her religion to the world; but it was obvious to all who knew her that she lived in a considerable degree above the world, and adorned the doctrine of her Saviour in all things.

For some months previous to her death she seemed gradually to decline, and appeared conscious of her approaching dissolution. With her there were no transporting feelings of rapturous joy as evidenced by some departing saints, but all was peace and comfort; and she exhibited that calm repose and steady support which are derived from a lively faith in the gracious promises of the glorious gospel of the blessed God, and a scriptural hope of eternal life through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On the Monday preceding her death she was visited by her Leader, Mr. Healey, who spent some time in conversation with her; she seemed all resignation to the will of God. Previous to his departure, when about to pray with her, he desired her not to kneel, as he thought such a position would be painful or inconvenient to her; however, she persisted in kneeling, although at considerable inconvenience, and heartily responded to the petitions put forth by him. She evidently had a good hope through grace, and an entire freedom from the fear of death reigned in her serene breast.

On the evening of the twentieth of December last, she retired to bed about seven o'clock, and about ten desired her children to retire also, and said she should have a good night's rest. They had no apprehension of immediate danger, but her time on earth was nearly at

an end-nature was almost exhaustedthe earthly tabernacle was speedily to be dissolved, and about half-past one o'clock in the morning of the 21st, in the sixty-third year of her age, without a struggle, groan, or sigh, the weary wheels of life stood still-almost imperceptibly she threw off the robes of mortality to appear at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

When glory dawned upon the departing spirit, we thank God we have strong grounds to believe it was conducted along the path of life to its high destination among the perfected spirits of the just, and the angels that surround the throne of God and the Lamb. THOS. JONES.

Bury, Lancashire,
Sept. 14th, 1854.

MRS. MARY LE PAGE.

MRS. MARY LE PAGE, third daughter of the late Mr. Thomas William and Margaret Doudney, of the Island of Guernsey, was born in that island March 20th, 1796. Being favoured with parents who feared the Lord from their youth, great attention was paid to her education. She was converted to God when in the 13th year of her age, and joined the Wesleyan Society, of which her parents were members. She received her first ticket December 26th, 1812. This happy change is to be attributed to the faithful preaching of the word of God, and the admonitions of her pious parents.

The influence of divine truth gradually prevailed over the carnal mind. As she saw herself in its light sinful, guilty, and helpless, she sought Him who came to save a ruined world; nor did she seek in vain. The sweet influences of the Saviour's love seem to have won her heart to himself. Her subsequent joy was not ecstatic, but being justified by faith, she had " peace with God."

In March, 1820, she became the wife of Mr. John Le Page, her now bereaved husband. A life passed in the bosom of her family, and in ordinary domestic engagements, supplies few materials for narration.

In the year 1836, she, along with her husband, who is a local preacher, joined the "New Conexion," in which she continued till her death. Long and protracted afflictions often deprived her of worshipping with the congregation,

but the sanctuary was the last place where she had been seen. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." In February last, my dear mother was taken worse, and for eight months kept her room and bed. She bore her affliction with patience and resignation, and rested her hope on the only foundation, Christ Jesus, the Rock of ages. The sting of death had long been taken away, aad her happy spirit passed into the bright world to be hailed by angels, and by the Saviour whom she loved. She died so sweetly, that we, who were around her bed, could scarcely say 66 she is gone."

She was a most tender wife and mother, though called to pass through many severe trials of her faith and patience. Though unable to say much, she was sensible to the end. A few days before her death, her husband entering the room, said to her, "My dear, how do you feel?" she answered him, "Happy." Another time, seeing her in pain, I said to her, "My dear mother, there is rest in heaven; for there remaineth a rest for the people of God." She said, "Oh, yes." A short time before she died, her sister, who was in the room, asked her, "Is Jesus precious? do you find him to be a light in the dark valley?" she looked at her with a heavenly smile, but was unable to answer. The Rev. H. Watts, who often called to see her, entering the room, prayed with us; and though she could not respond audibly to the petitions, yet her upraised hand testified that she felt what was uttered. My dear mother died on Wednesday evening at seven o'clock, September 27th, 1854, aged 58 years. "The memory of the just is blessed." May this afflictive bereavement be sanctified to her dear family, and may we all follow her as she followed Christ, and at last meet a happy family in heaven. MARY.

EDWARD ALDER.

OUR little Church at Felling Shore has been visited again by the hand of death. Recently the Redeemer has gathered home from among us those who had borne the burden and heat of the day-those who were sustaining in the full vigour of manhood the battles of the Lord, and those who had just devoted their youthful ardour to advance the Redeemer's kingdom among us.

Edward Alder, the subject of the

present memoir, was born in Stoneygate Lane, Felling Shore, on November 21st, 1834. From a child he attended our Sabbath-school, and was always of a quiet, docile, and modest disposition. As he graduated from the lower to the higher classes, he showed unusual acquaintance with the Scripture, which by the Divine blessing made him ultimately wise unto salvation. About

three years ago he was appointed to teach a junior class in our school, and although the teachers' meeting felt justified in making this appointment, in consequence of his good conduct and punctual attendance, they could not as yet rejoice in the fact of his being brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus.

About two years ago several of our senior scholars were brought to repentance, and to a concern for their souls; among whom was our departed friend. From the time of his joining the church his conduct was most exemplary; he was one of those who seemed to feel it his duty, at any sacrifice, to be at the post assigned him in the church; and though sometimes great temptations were presented to induce him to absent himself, I do not recollect an instance in which he had to be complained of as having neglected his engagements.

His religious experience was of a most satisfactory kind. He enjoyed a conscious salvation, knew in whom he had believed, and rejoiced in a sense of the Divine favour. His view of the progressive character of the divine life in the soul, led him to use all the means in his power to secure his growth in grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. His regular attendance on the means of grace, and his willingness to engage in anything that might serve the interests of the church, were pleasing indications of his piety and zeal. From his previous habit of reading, and his general thirst for knowledge, we might have expected that his career would have been more of the intellectual than otherwise. This, however, was not the case; he was more disposed to cultivate his spiritual and moral powers, and was more anxious to increase in holiness than intelligence. Hence, if he had lived longer, we did not expect to see in him so much of the brilliant, as of the plodding and useful Christian. He had always a grateful sense of the advantages of early piety.

""Twill save us from a thousand snares

To mind religion young,"

was often sung by him with the spirit, and with the understanding also.

During the winter of 1853 and 1854 he became indisposed, though not so seriously as to excite any alarm, or to indicate his speedy removal from us; and though his strength gradually diminished, it was so imperceptible in its progress that his death was not at all expected. On the night previous to his departure, he lost the power of articulation, and was not able to say anything to those around him respecting his hopes of the future. We have not, therefore, to record any manifest triumph over the fear of death; but from his previous character and experience we infer that he died in peace with God, and with a title to a better world.

This hope is matter of consolation to his bereaved parents, and a source of joy to those teachers who were happily the instruments of leading him to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. "His sun went down He died June

while it was yet day." 20, 1854, aged 20 years.

Felling Shore.

E. SMITH.

RECENT DEATHS.

HULL.

ON Monday, the 2nd of October, Mrs. FILLINGHAM, aged 71, the wife of our esteemed and venerable friend Mr. Fillingham, who is now the oldest member connected with our Society in Hull. Our departed sister has been connected with Bethel Chapel for most of forty years, and for many years a pious and consistent member of the church. She died full of years and good fruits.

On Monday, October 9th, ELIZABETH, the beloved wife of our esteemed brother OLIVER, aged 36, departed this life after an illness of twelve days, connected with her accouchement. The mother and child are both released from this world of sin and suffering. Our dear sister was a pattern of Christian excellence. Her piety was unostentatious, but sincere and deep. Her end was calm and peaceful, and almost without a struggle she passed away to that world where her life will be immortal, and her joys eternal.

Died in King-street, Chester, Mr. Thomas Garner. He was an old disciple; he served the Lord with humility of mind, and by his upright walk and conversation gained the respect of all who knew him. He was diffident and retiring, avoiding display; but he possessed in an eminent degree a meek and quiet spirit, and was deeply devoted to God. He was the oldest but one of the male members in our society in the city, and one of the trustees of Pepper-street Chapel. He had sustained the office of steward, and also leader, up to the time of his death. He was liberal in supporting the cause of God as far as his means would allow. It was a prevailing opinion entertained by all that he was a good man. His affliction was protracted and heavy; but in the midst of all he was patient, and as he had lived so he died, having an eye to the recompense of reward. He fell asleep in Christ on Tuesday, August 29, 1854, in the 74th year of his year.

S. JONES.

ISABELLA RUTHERFORD.

Died at Gateshead, August 18, 1854, Mrs. Isabella Rutherford. She was born July 10, 1816. When very young she became decidedly pious, and united at once in Christian fellowship. Her maiden name was Wighan. In the year 1836, she was united in marriage to Mr. Rutherford. Her husband was a man of delicate health, and two years since death terminated his earthly sufferings. Isabella was an amiable and truly devoted woman. Her memory, among those that knew her, will long be blessed. Her last illness was short, and her death rather sudden; but she was found ready for the summons. Her walk through life had been lovely, and her end was peace.

JOHN NELSON.

652

THE MISSION OF THE BIBLE. A Lecture. By John Hudston. Price Threepence. London: Methodist New Connexion Bookroom.

This Lecture was delivered before the Young Men's Christian Association in Huddersfield. Its object is to present a view of what the Bible is in itself, and what its mission in the world. The author has certainly adopted a method of placing these subjects before the reader, admirably adapted to carry to the mind of every candid inquirer, a conviction of the Divine authority and superlative excellence of the Bible, and its design to enlighten, regenerate, and bless mankind. The Lecture is a calm, sober, argumentative appeal to the judgment and heart; and if reason and conscience answer, the response will be, "Truly the Bible is the Word of God, and is worthy of all acceptation."" Our Sunday-school teachers, and all our friends who are exposed to the sophistry of infidelity, should supply themselves with a copy of this excellent little work; and our wealthy friends would do well to procure a number of copies for gratuitous circulation among the masses of the people. The price is but threepence; a few shillings would procure many copies, and their circulation would, under the blessing of God, be productive of an amount of good which could never be computed in gold and silver.

THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER IN EARNEST; OR, THE LIFE OF ATKINSON SMITH. By Charles Kendall. Third Thousand. London: Ward and Co., and Primitive Methodist Bookroom. Price 1s. 2d.

This is a precious piece of biography, brief, but full of matter, and matter, too, of the most important kind. It is the record of a man "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost," whose ruling passion was the salvation of souls, and the end of whose existence was the glory of his Saviour. Mr. Smith was a minister in the Primitive Methodist Connexion. He believed and laboured for success, and 66 according to his

faith it was done unto him." Very many precious souls were brought to God through his instrumentality. But his career as a preacher was short: the sword was too keen for its scabbard. At the age of fifty he was a pale, wrinkled, bald-headed, feeble old man. His life shows how much may be accomplished by a man of moderate abilities, when sanctified by piety and devoted sedulously to the work of God. Mr. Kendall has exhibited considerable skill in the preparation of the Memoir, and we cordially recommend the little

work to our readers.

PICTURES OF GENIUS: THEIR LIGHTS AND THEIR SHADES. By Thomas Bullock, Author of "Popular Education," " Popular Sketches of Celebrated Characters," &c. London: Methodist New Connexion Bookroom. Price 2s. 6d.

In these "Pictures" we have sketches of Columbus, Napoleon, Wesley, Whitfield, Wellington, Howard, Bunyan, Baxter, Dr. Johnson, Foster, Hildebrand, Adam Clarke, and Isaac Newton. As they have already been published in the pages of our own magazine, they will be known to most of our readers. They are lively, graphic, and interesting; and, while all are well written, there are some passages of considerable eloquence and power. We are glad to find that our contemporaries of the press speak highly of these "Pictures." Those of our readers who are not furnished with our last year's magazine, will find these "Pictures of Genius" well worthy of their perusal.

SERMONS ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER. By H. F. Kohlbrügge, D.D., of Uberfeld, Germany. Translated from the German. London: Partridge and Oakey.

These sermons are evangelical, expository, and practical. The edition is beautifully got up.

THE LEISURE Hour. A Family Journal of Instruction and Recreation. THE SUNDAY AT HOME.

These two periodicals, published by the Religious Tract Society, hold on