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'O, what are all my sufferings here,

If, Lord, thou count me meet

With that enraptured host to' appear,

And worship at thy feet ?""

Observing further, "We must take the whole into the account; that 'eternal weight of glory,' yes, that eternal weight of glory!""

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On taking leave of the Rev. Joseph Sutcliffe, who called upon him during the Conference of 1833, he cited the following lines with great animation :

"Exults my rising soul,
Disburden'd of her load;
And swells, unutterably full
Of glory and of God.""

He then proceeded, "Go on preaching this salvation. It saves in health, it saves in sickness, it will save in death, and it will save to all eternity."

In the course of the same Conference, Mr. Marriott preached in the chapel at Cheetham-Hill, and a considerable influence accompanied the word. A friend having immediately afterwards remarked upon this circumstance in the hearing of Mr. Gibson, the latter inquired the text, and was informed that it was as follows:-" Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." Immediately he exulted at the tidings; and remembering his own interest in Christ, in connexion with the prospect of his approaching dissolution, he exclaimed with his usual brightness of eye, and warmth of feeling, "Our conversation is also in heaven; from whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, and fashion it like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself." The report of the blessing enjoyed by the congregation was as a blessing carried to himself; and in this way he was enabled to " divide the spoil," when by the providence of God compelled to " tarry at home." At another time, when visited by one of the Preachers, he said, "I have not been able to attend the services connected with this Conference, but Conference has come to me."

On the Thursday before his death, having very little rest, and his "tossings to and fro" exciting the sympathy of his attendant, he exclaimed, about midnight, He that keepeth Israel neither slumbereth nor sleepeth." In short, on every occasion when others seemed disposed to be sorrowful on his account, he was ready with some consoling scripture, or some hymn of praise. There was one scripture in particular, which had been very strongly impressed upon his mind during a special manifestation of the power and grace of God vouchsafed to him, soon after his reception of the blessing of pardon, and which, in the course of his affliction, he often recollected with peculiar comfort. This scripture was, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee

a crown of life." In allusion to the circumstances under which that passage had been so delightfully brought to his mind at the period above mentioned, he observed in his last illness, "The visitation which I then received, and the word which was given me, I have always considered a special legacy from heaven. And it was well-timed; for it was at the beginning of my journey and it has been like a staff in my hand through the remainder of my pilgrimage."

To some friends who called upon him in the course of the day before his death, he said, "The enemy has quitted the field; there is not a corner in which he is to be found. I have a full assurance of my interest in Christ; a sweet reliance there; the Spirit bears witness with my spirit."

During the same day, from circumstances related at the time as having occurred in connexion with the decease of a near relative* of a friend who was conversing with him, he was led to express it as his wish that he might, if it pleased God, depart this life so silently and unobservedly, that the precise moment of his departure should be scarcely known; and in this thing the Lord indulged his servant. On the morning of the following day, (August 17th, 1833,) after taking a cup of tea, he said to Mrs. Gibson, "I want a little rest, my Ann; let me be quite still; I shall have some sweet sleep this forenoon." And it was "" sweet sleep; " for, having closed his eyes, and calmly dozed awhile, he fell asleep, once for all, in the arms of Him who, having loved him, loved him to the end; his departure being so still and silent, and so entirely free from any apparent tokens of actual dissolution, that, for some time, whether he was in the body or out of the body, his faithful and affectionate attendants could not tell! It scarcely can be called presumption, if we add that, as he fell asleep, he made "melody in his heart unto the Lord" in sentiments accordant with the following

verse:

"Jesus can make a dying bed

Feel soft as downy pillows are,
While on his breast I lean my head

And breathe my life out sweetly there."

Mr. Gibson's general character was very strongly marked, and it was such as to adorn his Christian profession. In secular affairs he seems to have been, from his youth up, a pattern of punctuality, and of "all good fidelity." In proof of this, it may be mentioned that on the decease of his uncle, with whom he was apprenticed, there was found in one of the account-books the following entry: "William Gibson, in testimony of my approbation of his fidelity, industry, and presence of mind, and especially his fidelity on occasions of my absence, Twenty Pounds." The same character was afterwards exhibited in every situation which he occupied, and in every relation he sustained; all his proceedings being marked by a promptitude and regularity, such that he never seemed

The late Rev. Theophilus Lessey, sen,

to be perplexed, and never in a hurry. To these qualities was added a habit of intellectual independence, and a spirit of perseverance, which gave to his character a steadiness and consistency above the ordinary standard.

But it was chiefly from the grace of God which was in him, and in his connexion with the Methodist society, that his great excellence appeared. In the house of God, as well as in the world, he was "found faithful." And as his independence and fidelity were very remote from every thing like austerity and fault-finding, so his promptitude betokened nothing of officious forwardness. If duty called, there was no hesitancy, no delay, no frivolous excuse to shake off an onerous obligation, no attempt to throw upon another a burden which was unwelcome to himself. His perception of duty was too keen and active not to notice what properly belonged to him, his piety too deep to admit of his neglecting it, his zeal too ardent to allow his loitering; and, until the duty was performed, he was always at his post. On this account the society at Cheetham-Hill owe much honour to his memory for the service which he rendered. It was the day of small and feeble things, when first he went there. But he watched, and nursed, and toiled, and prayed, and gave, until, in the order of Providence, others came to his assistance; and he greatly rejoiced in the spiritual prosperity which followed. In the various offices which he sustained, he acquired and retained, in an unusual degree, the confidence and affections of his brethren. Decisive and steadfast, both in principle and in opinion, he never allowed himself to lose sight of that charity which is "the bond of perfectness;" and to the legitimate decisions of those who differed from him in opinion he always yielded a just and cheerful submission, and kept himself at the utmost distance from every thing like factious opposition to the proper course of public business, and the due exercise of Christian discipline. He was, moreover, one of those Christians, whose cheerful temper and frankness of behaviour, without involving any unbecoming compromise of character or principle, attract and conciliate persons of all classes, not excepting even the spiritually indifferent, and the openly profane. There was no trifling in his spirit, or his conversation; but, at the same time, there was no cold stiffness, and no repulsive gloom; and in the calm and steady sunshine of that heavenly combination of spirituality with cheerfulness, which was displayed in his example, there was a charm "seasoned with grace, and fit to minister grace" to all that were around him.

The respect in which his character was held was testified by the concourse which assembled to hear the funeral sermon, preached by Mr. Everett; and the memorial of his virtues still survives, and will long continue to be cherished, in the affectionate remembrance of a numerous circle of friends, who have often been associated with him on earth, and who now, amidst the grief occasioned by his loss, still rejoice in hope of meeting him hereafter, amongst "the company of heaven!"

240

MEMOIR OF MRS. WOOD,

Of Bristol:

BY HER HUSBAND, THE REV. JAMES WOOD.

MRS. WOOD, whose maiden name was Beeton, was born at Stansfield, near Bury St. Edmund's, June 21st, 1752, where, her father having died, she spent the early part of her life under the care of a judicious and excellent grandmother, who taught her many useful lessons, which remained with her through life. Her will was checked, her judgment informed, and she was instructed in her duty to God, to her relations, and fellow-creatures. When about twelve years old, she was taken to Bury St. Edmunds, under the immediate care of her own affectionate mother, who sought her welfare in every respect, and endeavoured to promote the plan of useful instruction adopted by her grandmother.

Soon after Miss Beeton's removal to Bury St. Edmund's, she was brought under the ministry of the Methodists, who at that time were viewed as the vilest of creatures, and as the offscouring of all things. They seldom met without molestation, or returned to their habitations without personal abuse.

Not deterred by these circumstances, she and her beloved mother became constant hearers, when there was preaching, which was very seldom, as "the word of the Lord was precious in those days." Under the ministry of that pious and apostolic man, the Rev. John Easton, she received her first permanent awakenings; instruction was sealed on her mind, and she became a sincere mourner in Zion. The holy Scriptures were read with earnest attention, and private prayer was punctually engaged in and profitable. In these exercises she sought mercy; but, through mistaken views respecting faith in Christ, the fruit of which she expected before the act, and not having the benefit of Christian fellowship, she remained in a state of spiritual bondage a considerable time. In the following year, 1766, Messrs. Hanson and Rhodes were stationed in that Circuit, by the latter of whom she was admitted into the Methodist society; and, under the preaching of both, she reaped much advantage: her views of faith became more correct, and she was enabled to venture on Christ alone for salvation. Divine peace and sacred joy filled her soul, and led her to count all earthly things as dross, compared with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. Her resolution to follow the Lord, and devote herself to his service, was made in the strength of grace; and it was strengthened by a conduct consistent with the Gospel. Though young in years, she was compelled, by the circumstances of the little society, to take an active part in prayermeetings, and other exercises of devotion; but she always did this with diffidence, and modest reluctance. She thus became the chief pillar in that small society, and greatly delighted in acts of kindness towards the people of Christ, and in endeavours to recommend religion to others.

In 1773 she became acquainted with him who was afterwards her

partner in life, with whom she corresponded for some months, as a Christian friend, without any thought on either side of a closer union. In the spring following a proposal of marriage was made, which, after due consideration and prayer, was accepted; and after a lapse of above six years was carried into effect, on July 20th, 1780. This led her into a very different sphere of action, and to an acquaintance with some of the excellent of the earth. Mutual affection and regard resulted from such an acquaintance, which continued till death.

In Norwich, the first Circuit she was in, she was highly esteemed by the humble followers of Christ, especially by the most pious and judicious.

Her next remove was to the Sussex Circuit, and then to Kent, where she met with new friends and much kindness, and where by her prudent advice and example she won their affection and esteem.

At Canterbury Mrs. Wood raised a lovely class of young women, all of them from the middle rank of society, who sought the Lord in sincerity, and found redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. They witnessed in Christian society a good confession, and adorned the doctrine of their blessed Lord. It was matter of great consolation to her mind, that all those members held fast their confidence, and are all, or nearly all, gone to glory.

From the south of England she went with her husband to Sunderland, where she spent two happy years with most affectionate, sympathizing and steady friends, who were unwearied in their acts of kindness. In this place she lost the only female child she ever had, at the age of two years and five months. The friends she had in Sunderland were long remembered by her with grateful affection and high esteem. One year was spent in Newcastle; in the country parts of which Circuit some promising young persons were added to the society.

Providence then opened her way to Yorkshire, where kind friends were ready to receive her with affection, and to assist in making her comfortable. The late Mr. John Whitaker, of Morton-Banks, evidenced the kindness of a friend and brother on all occasions, and sought opportunities of showing it in the most delicate manner. In Leeds she met with some eminently pious females, who were very helpful to her in her Christian progress, and she gained much good to her soul by intercourse with them.

Their ordinary visits were like band-meetings; the best Christian feeling was greatly promoted; faith and hope were cherished; and their minds were thus prepared for a cordial reception of the whole truth from the pulpit. Preachers were assisted, in answer to the fervent prayers offered up by those children of the light, and Christian union was increased. The wives of the other Preachers were of the same spirit, and, like a threefold cord, not easily broken.

After spending two happy years in Leeds, she, with her husband, removed to Wakefield, where the society was in a low, barren, and

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