Εικόνες σελίδας
PDF
Ηλεκτρ. έκδοση

riod of the year that the electors who intend to exercise their right ought to see that their names are duly registered; and considering the state of parties in the House of Commons, it is not at all improbable that, at no very distant period, there may be another dissolution of Parliament. "A foe to God," however loud and clamorous may be his professions of patriotism, was never a true friend to men, either in their individual or social capacity.

A disposition in reference to the Sabbath, similar to that which prevails in the House of Commons, has recently been expressed by the House of Peers. When Bills relating to the formation of railroads have been under discussion, it has been proposed that clauses should be introduced to prevent Sunday travelling; but every such proposal has been resisted, and negatived. In these cases the conduct of some of the Prelates was highly praiseworthy; and was marked by a promptitude and zeal in favour of the Sabbath, every way becoming their sacred office and character. The manner in which they pleaded for one of God's institutions shows something of the benefit which may result from their presence in the Senate.

While the Legislature is thus unwilling to lend its assistance in checking one of the greatest evils of the present day, —an evil which strikes at the very root of religion and morality, and more than any other is likely to inflict the deepest injury upon the national character, it becomes increasingly necessary that good men of all denominations should unite together, especially in large towns, to promote the observance of the Lord's day; and that private individuals, and especially the heads of families, should exercise that influence and authority with which they are invested, to secure this important object. The general desecration of the Sabbath, to which there are at present strong tendencies, would be the certain prelude of national ruin.

On the 18th of this month, that remarkable man, William Cobbett, died, at the age of seventy-three. For the last forty years he has been distinguished

as a political writer; and his publications have, during this period, exerted a powerful influence upon a considerable part of the community. Without any fixed principles either in politics, morality, or religion, he has alternately praised and abused all parties in the state, and nearly all the public measures that have been adopted. With all "murmurers and complainers " he has long been an oracle; and it is impossible to estimate the number of persons, especially among the working classes, whose minds and habits he has perverted, to their own misery, and the misery of their hapless families. He has diverted their attention from God and Providence, and taught them to attribute nearly all their calamities to the misgovernment of their rulers; and thus fostered in them a spirit of fierce democracy, of practical Atheism, and impatience of all restraint, both human and divine. For the last few years he has been in Parliament; but there he possessed little or no influence. It is not as a Senator, but as a writer, that he will be remembered; and in this character his career was peculiar and unexampled. There was in his manner of writing a simplicity, a vigour, a raciness, and a perspicuity, which never failed to interest and impress his readers, and which continued undiminished to the last. Notwithstanding his palpable contradictions, he wrote as if he was utterly unconscious of any deviation from his former principles and statements; and many of his readers, therefore, gave him credit for an honesty of purpose, to which his claims were certainly very slender. He was clever, but not profound; shrewd, witty, and sarcastic, but not wise; and his selfishness and vanity are strikingly manifest in the whole of his literary lucubrations. The views which he took of public measures were generally very limited, and therefore often obviously unsound. Had his mind been imbued with religion, and had he confined his attention to practical subjects, such as domestic and rural economy, he might have been a benefactor to his country, aud acquired permanent honour; but such was the nature of the course which he pursued, that his influ

ence through a long life has been mainly seen in the riots which have taken place in manufacturing districts, in the cursing and brawling of pothouse politicians, and in the wretchedness of poor families, whose miseries were aggravated by that hatred of their rulers and employers, and that spirit of impiety and discontent, which his pamphlets created and fostered. The great secret of his success as a political writer was, that, in a telling and popular style, and in times unusually eventful and stirring, he addressed himself to the bad passions of human nature. From the notices of his death published by his son, it does not appear that in his last hours he made any reference to God, to Christ, or to that solemn and final account to which he was passing. The talents with which he was endued, the purposes to which they were actively and long applied, the age to which he arrived, and the manner in which he entered upon his eternal state, all render him an affecting spectacle to the Christian observer. The most prominent characteristic of his writings is ungodliness, for which no excellence of style can ever

atone.

DURING the last few weeks the agitators, who are seeking to revolutionize Wesleyan Methodism, appear to have been less noisy and active than they were some time ago. The schisms among themselves have occupied their thoughts; and their inability so far to interest the public in their favour, as to obtain by subscriptions and collections the funds which are requisite to enable them to meet the expenses of their late Chancery suit, is very apparent. They are divided in opinion respecting the nature of the changes which they wish to introduce into the Methodist economy. Some of them contend that the constitution of the Conference should be altered, by the introduction of lay delegates into that body, in opposition to Mr. Wesley's "Deed of Declaration." Others contend for the independency of the societies and Circuits; so that whatever any body of Class-Leaders or Local Preachers, under any circumstances, may see good

to sanction, either in the shape of doctrine or discipline, there shall be no appeal from their decision, and the sound members of society shall have no means of redress. In either of these cases, there would be an end to Wesleyan Methodism. And indeed Dr. Warren is reported to have recently said, in a public meeting, that he did not see how he and his party could hope to obtain their objects "without reducing Methodism to a state of complete ruin." That they will endeavour to intimidate the Preachers, and at the same time to sow further dissensions in the societies, may be expected. We would therefore take the liberty of commending the approaching Conference to the special sympathy and prayers of the Connexion. It has long been the practice to regard the first day of each Conference as a day of fasting and prayer. On that day a public prayer-meeting, in connexion with the Conference, is regularly held at eight o'clock in the morning; another at twelve; and there is also preaching at seven in the evening. We would respectfully suggest to the different societies throughout the Connexion, the propriety of assembling at these times on Wednesday, July 29th, (the first day of the ensuing Conference,) to unite in prayer with those "who are over them in the Lord," that "the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind," may regulate all their proceedings; and that the blessing of God may sanction the measures which they may adopt to preserve that blessed work which has been committed to their guardianship, and the benefits of which, it is hoped, will descend to generations yet unborn. The work of God under the name of Methodism was not begun amidst public clamour, and the angry passions of mankind; but in deep and solemn thought, and with much prayer; and in the same manner it has hitherto been successfully carried on. "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." When the infant church at Jerusalem was beset with difficulties and opposition, the men of faith united to implore divine aid; "and when they had prayed, the place

was shaken where they assembled toge ther; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul." The Lord who thus interfered in behalf of his people and his

cause is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever." He is still able to control the unruly wills, and tempers, and tongues of men; and true prayer is as prevalent now as it ever was. London, June 25th, 1835.

RECENT DEATHS.

FER. 2d, 1835.-At Lastingham, in the Pickering Circuit, Mrs. Ann Jackson, mother of the late lamented John Jackson, Esq., R. A., and sister to the late Rev. William Warrener, in the ninetieth year of her age, having been a member of the Wesleyan society upwards of sixty years. Mrs. Jackson was a pious, peaceable, and industrious woman, highly respected, and greatly beloved, from the time of her conversion to the day of her death. She died in great peace, full of years, and ripe for glory. W. S.

March 30th.-At Chadderton, in the Oldham Circuit, Mrs. Broome, aged fifty seven, having been a member of the Methodist society about twenty years. For many years the preaching of God's word, and the meeting of a class, have been established in her husband's house. During those years Mrs. Broome, in common with every other member of her kind and hospitable family, delighted in the company of the Ministers of Jesus Christ. She was confined to her house several months before her death, by a painful and consuming affliction. While in the furnace she was tried and tempted; but she found the merits of her Saviour sufficient to remove all doubts, and assure her of final conquest. Her end was peace. W. W.

March 30th.-At Shouldham, in the Downham Circuit, Mr. Isaac Brown, in the seventieth year of his age. He was awakened to a sense of his sin and danger about twenty-six years ago, under a sermon preached by Mr. Francis Lewis, at Shouldham Thorpe. It was not long before he was made a partaker of divine mercy, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He invited the Preachers to his house, and soon provided a place for them to preach in at Shouldham. Being now zealous for God, he was anxious to have a chapel, that the cause of God might not only be established, but perpetuated in the place. Accordingly, in 1816, although not a man of much property, he gave the ground, contributed liberally, and was the principal means of building the neat little chapel we now possess. From his conversion, to the end of his days, he was an unvarying friend of Wesleyan Methodism. For several years he received the Preachers into his house, both Itinerant and Local, esteeming them highly for their work's sake. I have had his acquaintance upwards of twenty years, and for more than twelve years have been his Class-Leader; and a man of more genuine piety, strict integrity, and unimpeachable character, I never knew. He was a bold reprover of sin; and constant in his attendance on all the means of grace. He was a man of much prayer. It was the very element in which he loved to live and breathe. About eighteen months before his death, he had a very severe affliction, from which he never fully recovered. From that time, espe cially, he appeared to be ripening for a better world. He walked in clear day. Not a cloud rested upon his mind. His prospects were bright, and his hope full of immortality. In this happy state he continued until his triumphant spirit took its flight to the paradise of God. On the following Sabbath, according to his own desire, his remains were interred in the chapel, attended by a very large number of persons, many of whom came from the surrounding villages. In him the church has lost a warm supporter, and the world a bright example. J. B.

April 16th-At South-Cave, in the Beverley Circuit, Hannah Dyson, aged sixty-seven, having been a member of the Methodist society upwards of forty years. She was convinced of sin under the ministry of the Rev. James Wood. In the former part of her Christian course she met with great opposition, and endured much persecution; but the Lord graciously supported her, and enabled her to persevere through evil and good report. During the last three or four years of her life she was a great sufferer, and was not able to attend the public worship of Almighty God. Her confidence, however, remained unshaken. Her last words were, "Sweet Jesus, thou art come;' and in a few minutes her happy spirit took its flight to the paradise of God. R. D.

April 20th.-At Kingsdown, in the Bristol North Circuit, Martha Bishop, aged fifty-four years. From a child she was a subject of serious impressions; and when brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, she became a professed and decided Christian. She had been a member of the Methodist society nearly thirty-six years; and during the whole of that time adorned the Christian name by unwearied attention to the duties of religion, and an humble walk with God. She was eminently a woman of a meek and quict spirit; and her strict integrity and uprightness of conduct, joined to a peaceable and obliging temper, gained the respect of all who knew her. Her last sufferings were heavy and protracted; but they were borne with exemplary patience, and resignation to the divine will. She was near nine months almost wholly confined to her bed; and when the fire of affliction seemed to kindle to fiercer flames, she often exclaimed, "I cannot murmur. I do not wish my sufferings less. My precious Saviour suffered much for me; and he will save me to the end." A short time previous to her death she was warned of her approaching end, by being much worse than usual; but she was calm, joyous, and unmoved." Death," said she, " is very near; but Christ is precious, Christ is precious. All is light. I have no fear, nor a cloud upon my mind. I shall soon sing, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb." Of a near relative, who attended her in her last moments, she inquired, "Am I dying?" And on being answered in the affirmative, she added, "Praise the Lord!" and peacefully expired. W. B. S.

April 25th.-At Melksham, Elizabeth Shepherd, aged thirty-eight years. She obtained a sense of pardon about the year 1817, and retained it till the time of her decease. For some weeks prior to her death she had experienced an unusual degree of the Spirit's influence, which led her to devote herself more fully to God. A short time before she expired, she said, "The Lord is about to take me. It is all well. Come, Lord Jesus. Into thy hands I commit my spirit."

W. B.

April 29th.-At Tadcaster, Mr. William Smith, aged sixty-three, having been a member of the Methodist society for thirty-six years. In the year 1799 he obtained a manifestation of the pardoning mercy of God, and received his first ticket from Mr. Entwisle, then the Superintendent of the York Circuit, in which Tadcaster was included. He was shortly after married to a person who had been a consistent member of the society from an early age, and was of a meek and humble spirit.

He

They walked together, with great cordiality, in the fear and service of God, as ornaments to their profession, until her death, which took place in the year 1824; leaving him with a young family of five children. An account of her death is recorded in the Methodist Magazine for October, in that year. In 1806 Mr. Smith was appointed to the office of Class-Leader. The bereaved and affectionate members of the two classes which were under his care deeply regret his removal; for never were people more attached to a Leader. For many years he held the office of Steward for the York Circuit, and was a Trustee for many chapels. As a lover of hospitality he was conspicuous. His benevolence was not confined to his own sect; for his heart overflowed with kindness and good-will; and he was always ready to assist the needy. was a liberal contributor to the building of chapels, to the Missions, and to every good work; and was, along with his amiable wife, the founder of the Wesleyan Sunday-school at Tadcaster, over which he and his family watched with parental care. He was a subject of great affliction for many years; Towards and his mental exercises were severe. the close of his life his disorder occasionally caused great depression of spirits; but the God in whom he had so long trusted did not leave him in the hour of sorrow. On the morning of Good Friday last, while looking at his vileness, he was led to contemplate the sufferings of Jesus: the Lord shone upon his mind; his heart melted into tenderness, and he was enabled to confide in the atonement. The words, "My Jesus! My Saviour!" continually flowed from his tongue. In this happy state he continued to the end of his life. On the day previous to his death a friend said to him, "Jesus is precious." He replied, "He will be more so presently; it will soon be over. I love every body; all the world: I forgive every one, and die in peace with God, and all mankind." J. U.

May 4th.-At Douglas, Isle of Man, Mr. William Kerruish, an old disciple, who had learned of his Divine Master to be eminently meek and lowly in heart. For fifty years he sustained an irreproachable character, having been enabled to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. During the whole of that time he was a member of the Methodist society; and about forty-seven years a useful Local Preacher and Class-Leader. Many were the gracious words which were uttered by him in his lingering illness; to the termination of which he looked forward with sincere but resigned desire, knowing that he had in heaven a better inheritance. He continued sensible to the last, and died in perfect peace. S. B.

May 6th.-At Knutsford, in the Macclesfield Circuit, Miss Podmore, in her twenty-eighth year. She endured great affliction for some years, in which she exemplified much of the faith and patience of the genuine follower of Christ. She was admitted into the Methodist society in September, 1831, having resolved to give God her heart. She was justified by faith, and went on to entire sanctification; so that she was ready when the Lord came. This excellent woman possessed a superior and well-cultivated mind, and her piety shed a lustre over her long and tedious affliction. She met her end with cheerful resignation, confiding in the words of her Lord, "Because I live ye shall live also."

J. H.

May 14th. At Oldham, Mr. Richard Yardley, aged fifty-one, having been a member of the Methodist society about twenty years. When Methodism was tried, as by fire, in Oldham, he stood the test, and was steadfast in his profession. His character was opposed to ostentation, and his life exhibited the power of the grace of God. An individual, with whom Mr. Yardley transacted business, was much prejudiced against the Methodists, knowing them only from report. This gentleman, speaking in high terms of eulogy of our deceased brother's character, on being told that Mr. Yardley was a Methodist, expressed his surprise, and declared that henceforth he must think more favourably of that people.

Thus do " good works shine before men," and dispel the mists of ignorance and error. His dying illness was but of a few days' continuance: his sufferings were keen, but he suffered with patience. He was favoured with worldly prosperity: but he knew that to die was gain. The writer of these lines, and others who visited him in his last sickness, remember with pleasure the cheerful piety which imbued his mind, and how fervently he joined them in prayer. His sorrowing widow

and children derive consolation from the assurance that their beloved relative is an inhabitant of the kingdom of God. His death is deplored by a numerous circle of friends, and it is a special loss to his family and the church. W. W.

May 16th.-At North-Shields, in the fiftyeighth year of her age, Jane, the beloved wife of Edward Bell, having been an upright and consistent member of the Methodist society fortyone years. She was blessed with a pious mother; and the Spirit of God wrought powerfully upon her heart when but a child. She was converted to God and joined the Methodist society when she attained the age of seventeen years. Her father was a strict Churchman, and a severe persecutor of Methodists; so that the mother and daughter often were ill-treated by him, because they attended the Methodist ministry. But the Lord heard their prayers, and sent conviction to her father's heart when he was laid on the bed of sickness. He then requested his daughter to pray for him: his heart was softened; he was enabled to believe, and to rejoice in the God of his salvation, and died happy in the Lord. Having lost her earthly parents, (her mother died two years before her father,) she had to encounter fresh trials and difficulties. Being the oldest, she had to take the charge of two brothers, and two sisters; but she was enabled to trust in God, and derived consolation from his word. In 1814 she was married to her now bereaved husband, to whom she was affectionate and kind; and she always had an anxious solicitude respecting the spiritual welfare of her children, whom she was careful to train up in the way they should go; and she had the happiness of seeing them all brought into the fold of Christ. She delighted in the means of grace, and was strongly attached to the doctrines and discipline of Wesleyan Methodism. She received the Preachers into her house eleven years, at Hebburn, in the county of Durham, and esteemed it an honour to mínister to their wants. Her health began to decline about two years ago. Her sufferings were great, yet not a murmur escaped her lips; and she was enabled to suffer with cheerful submission to the will of God. A few hours before her dissolation, while her husband was reminding her of the promises of God's word, she raised her voice, and said,

"Not a cloud doth arise, to darken the skies,

Or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes." O what a display of the power of saving grace was thus manifested to her family and friends!

R. B.

May 18th.-At Gillingham, in the Rochester Circuít, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, Mr. John Chewter Dyer. He joined the Methodist society in the year 1789; and found peace with God in the year 1791. When that blessing was bestowed, he was reading these words, Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." He then saw the all-sufficiency of Jesus as a Saviour, reposed entire confidence in him, and joyfully exclaimed," My Lord, and my God!" Afterwards he was a valuable ClassLeader many years, and an active member of the Benevolent Society, visiting the poor and the afflicted from house to house. By his exertions, principally, a small chapel was erected in Gilling ham; and he rendered great assistance in the building of the present enlarged chapel. On all occasions the work of God had both his heart and his hands. His life was eminently holy; and his

« ΠροηγούμενηΣυνέχεια »