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he was incessantly engaged in studying mechanical combinations. One of his companions secured a poodle dog, and spent six months in teaching the quadruped to execute a jig upon his hind legs. Knowlton spent the same period discovering some method by which he could saw ship timber, in a bevelled form. The first man taught his dog to danceKnowlton, in the same time, discovered a mechanical combination that enabled him to do in two hours the work that would occupy a dozen men, by slow and laborious process, an entire day.

That saw is now in use in all the ship-yards of the country. It cuts a beam to a curved shape as quick as an ordinary saw-mill saw rips up a straight plank. Knowlton continued his experiments. He took no part in parades or target-shootings, and in a short time afterwards he secured a patent for a machine that turns any material whatever into a perfect spherical form. He sold a portion of his patent for a sum that is equivalent to a fortune. The machine is now in operation, cleaning off cannon balls for the Government. When the ball comes from the moulds the surface is incrusted, and the ordinary process of smoothing it was slow and wearisome. This machine, almost in an instant, and with mathematical accuracy, peels it to the surface of the metal, at the same time smoothing out any deviation from the spherical form.

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Within a few days the same plain, unassuming man has invented boring machine that was tested in the presence of a number of scientific gentlemen, a few days ago. It bored at the rate of twenty-two inches in an hour, through a block of granite, with a pressure of but three hundred pounds on the drill. A gentleman present offered him ten thousand dollars upon the spot for a part interest in the invention, in Europe, and the offer was accepted. moral of all this is, that people who keep on studying are sure to achieve something. Mr. Knowlton does not consider himself brilliant, but once inspired with an idea, he pursues it until he forces it into tangible shape.

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If everybody would follow him, the world would be less filled with idlers, and the streets with grumblers and malcontents.

"THE NEW MAN;" OR, THE CONVERSION OF A NEW YORK MERCHANT.

THERE died, in the city of New York, about ten years ago, a distinguished merchant, and much more distinguished saint of God, whose conversion was on this wise. He was born and brought up on the island of Santa Cruz, and belonged to a wealthy and gay family, in which he received no religious instruction at all. He had a naturally gay, light, forceful character, but scarcely a religious idea. One Sunday, when the family and their guests went out for a ride, he remained at home. Going to the library for something to read, his eye fell on a book labelled, "The Truth of Christianity Demonstrated." He took it down, as he looked on the back of it--"The truth of Christianity demonstrated-the truth of Christianity demonstrated-well, if it is, I ought to believe it, and I WILL. Let me try the book and see. "Sitting down at that point, he opened the book and began to read; and though it was an argument only, giving no particular appeal to feeling, he was surprised to find a strange brightness of light on the words. Holy conviction flowed in upon him, a wondrous love waked up in his feeling, a still more wondrous bliss dawned upon his love, and in a few minutes it seemed that the helm of his nature was somehow taken by a mysterious power he could not resist. The joy of the change, which he did not understand or conceive, was so great as to prove its reality; he could never, from that moment, shake off the conviction of his being quite another man. What it was to be a Christian he did not know, but he knew that he was something which to lose, or cease to be, he could as little think of losing his life. When the riding party came back, he began forthwith to let out his joy, tell his wonder, testify of Christ, just as he would of any good, gay time he had

had before. They were astonished; some of them doubted whether he was not somehow beside himself. But there was no slack in his flame; he went on like the just, growing brighter and brighter. There was no appearance of sanctimony, no cant; he was the same ontspoken, social, manly youth that he had been. Hungering, finally, after some religious society, he managed to remove to Philadelphia, where he found

teaching and sympathy, and great works of duty. He finally came to a settlement in New York, where he was known many years as a man of dignity and power, nobly free and joyous, fond of the young, and open to all humblest minds wanting counsel, the most distinguished mark and brightest ornament ever known in the churches of that great city. From first to last his Christian life was but a hymn.

Memoirs and Recent Deaths.

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At a very early age, our sister attended the Sunday-school connected with our society at Oldham. One Sunday afternoon, Thomas Mellor and her father retained some of the scholars for religious conversation and prayer. Some of them were deeply affected, and among the rest, Mary Leach. reaching home, she retired to a private room, and was overheard in earnest and agonizing prayer. Shortly after, she went with her father to the class, then met by John Tommis, but her father was the assistant. She was then little more than ten years of age, still she was conscious of a spiritual change, and from that time she grew in knowledge and in personal holiness.

In due time she became a teacher in the school, and took great pains to impress religious truth on the minds of the children committed to her care. Mary was one of the first missionary col

lectors, and she has always taken part in every benevolent movement for the benefit of the church and for the extension of the cause of Christ. She continued a steady, consistent, and earnest member of the church until her death. For more than thirtythree years she witnessed a good confession by a steady adherence to the truth, and by the exemplification of those eminent virtues which give beauty and completeness to the Christian character.

At the age of about twenty-five, Miss Leach was united in marriage to William Suthers, who now lives to mourn his loss. She was the mother of six children, five of whom are still living. These, especially, were the objects of her deep and anxious solicitude-strong ties, that bound her to earth; but before her death she was enabled, with a calm and unshaken trust, to commit these dear ones to the care and keeping of her heavenly Father.

According to the testimony of her earthly father, who still lives, and who is still an active leader in the church, our beloved sister was a thoughtful, affectionate, and obedient child; and as she grew up, in domestic matters was clever beyond her years. She became as a second mother in the family, and this influence she retained and exercised, directly and indirectly, until her death. All the members of the family felt her power, and looked up to her with respect. Our sister was eminently fitted to advise, to direct, and, if needs be, to lead the way. She had foresight, skill, and wonderful energy, and hence she was prompt in forming plans, and vigorous

in their execution. Her sympathies, also, were strong and tender, and yet comprehensive. She took a sympathetic interest in all that concerned the welfare of her family, in most things that concerned the welfare of the church, and in many things that related to the well-being of her friends. It was a common saying, "Mrs. Suthers carries many burdens." She minded not only her own things, but the things of others. Many have had the benefit of her sympathy, her counsel, and material help.

Mrs. Suthers was not only a good daughter, but a faithful and loving wife, an anxious and tender mother, a sincere and true friend, and, what is above all, an exemplary Christian. She performed the duties arising out of these several relations with fidelity, with honour, and in the fear of God.

As a Christian wife and mother, her character, her habits, and her blessedness are very correctly and chastely delineated by the wise man-" She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her." Every person who knew our sister will be able to recognize the likeness of this portrait, so exquisitely drawn by the Master's hand.

Mrs. Suthers was an ardent lover of our Zion. She could feelingly respond to the song of the Psalmist, "I have loved the habitation of Thine house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth." Everything that concerned the beauty and comfort of the sanctuary, and the prosperity of the church, was very dear to her.

The following is the testimony of a dear friend, who was much with her during her last hours:-" She found the services of the sanctuary a pleasure and delight, and hence, as often as bodily health permitted, she wended her way to the house of prayer. Being a true Methodist in feeling, the classmeeting was much prized by her, and, during her long and severe affliction, was often spoken of as a place where she had held sweet communion with God." During a conversation which this friend had with her a few days before her death, she said, "You see, the chapel is a long way off, and sometimes I cannot get there; but my classmeeting is only the next door, and oh,

how precious the Saviour's love to me then! Sometimes I have scarcely known whether in the body or out of the body. My class has often been the gate of heaven to my soul."

It is unnecessary to go into details regarding the long and mysterious affliction of our dear sister, and the great pains she took, for the sake of her family and the church, to secure a recovery. At length, however, it be came evident that her work was done; that her Father in heaven had called her home; and that, therefore, no human skill or medicine could avail in

her case. When this fact was clearly indicated she gave up all, and said, with an approving heart, "Thy will be done." About a fortnight before her death she seemed quite aware that her end was drawing nigh, and she told her father that she would soon be at home in heaven. "I have been," said she," an unprofitable servant, very unfaithful, and yet I have enjoyed much of the favour of God; and now I feel he is comforting and supporting me, and soon I shall see him in the better land above." In a conversation which the writer had with her about the same time she gave a similar testimony, and expressed her entire trust in Christ. She continued in this composed and happy frame for several days, and often spoke with thrilling pleasure of the joy of meeting friends in heaven, but, said she, "I believe my greatest joy will be that which Mr. Sheldon pointed out to us-beholding the Saviour, gazing upon him, and being made like him." About a week, however, before her death, this peaceful calm was disturbed. Satan was permitted to buffet her; his attack was most furious and crushing, and the struggle that ensued was beyond anything I ever witnessed. She was sorely pressed with the temptation that she was lost. The contest was not only fierce, but long. The agony of her soul was unutterable; it seemed as if she must fall in the conflict. At length, however, deliverance came; hope beamed into her soul. And as the adversary still pressed the temptation that she was lost, "Well," said she, with great energy, at any rate, I will die clinging to the cross of Calvary." Her faith at once took hold of Christ. The enemy was foiled, vanquished, and routed. Her soul recovered its wonted confidence, and was filled with peace and joy. The victory was complete, and she shouted aloud

the praises of God. She could now triumphantly sing with the Apostle, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." During the following five or six days of her life she never lost her consciousness, and her mind retained all its activity and vigour. With great earnestness she recommended religion to those around her, and by arguments and appeals the most searching, she pressed those who were undecided to an immediate surrender. Some of her dear relatives will remember the pathos and power with which she pleaded with them-how she poured forth her dying breath in exhorting them at once to give their hearts to God, and to trust in the Saviour, the ever-living, everpresent, and all-sufficient Redeemer. The Sabbath before her death, and about two days after her glorious victory, she said to her father, "I thought I should spend this Sabbath in heaven." That was indeed a memorable day; that dying chamber was indeed "the verge of heaven." Her father said to her, "You expected to spend this Sabbath in heaven, but heaven has been brought down to you." She continued till the following Thursday, and hardly ever ceased to exhort, to plead, to pray, to sing, and praise. Then she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, 17th of November, in the forty-fourth year of her age. Thus was our beloved sister removed from earth in the prime of life. The visitation was mysterious; but so it seemed good to our heavenly Father. What we know not now, we shall know hereafter. Her death was improved by the writer in Union Street Chapel to a crowded audience. The service was solemn and impressive. May we all meet our sister in heaven! J. A.

RICHARD RIPLEY, OF BOLTON. RICHARD RIPLEY was born on the 21st of July, 1847, and was, consequently, at his death, in his eighteenth year. He began to attend our Sunday-school when only very young, and taking a delight in it from the first, his parents had no trouble with him on that account. While young he was remarkable for punctuality and regularity, and also for a spirit of thoughtful obedience. He would, with the greatest cheerful

ness, leave his companions and go with his mother to the public service or the sanctuary. Up to the age of five, he enjoyed an ordinary degree of health, but at that period he had an accident, which made his after life one of continued suffering, and at last led to his early death. The injury he sustained prevented his bodily growth, and was the cause of that deformity which distinguished him for several of his latest years, and which gave him the appearance of a boy ten years younger than he happened to be. But this long and trying affliction he bore with the patience and resignation of a mature Christian, never complaining that the sunny and joyous period of youth had been overshadowed by a great misfortune. He saw others, buoyant with health, indulging in the hilarity of boyhood, while he was not only unable to partake in their childish glee, but had to endure long days and nights of pain and weakness. Under all this, he was at the school and chapel whenever opportunity served, and it would be more than a trifle that would keep him at home.

In the Sunday-school he was remarkable for all the good qualities which make a good, an improving, and beloved scholar; attentive to his books, obedient to his teacher, and always a pattern to those in his class. He was fond of reading, and he read with a purpose, and therefore with profit, so that his mind was furnished with a goodly store of knowledge. He especially read his Bible with great care and thoughtfulness, and when a question was asked by the visitor on some point of Bible truth he had frequently to give the answer. His answers to questions were distinguished by accuracy, showing how carefully he had read the Bible and other good books. He made good use of our school library, and he relieved the weary hours of sickness by these instructive companions.

His last sickness was tedious and severe, but not a complaint nor word of impatience escaped his lips. He waited patiently for the time of his deliverance. He had been a member of the church nearly a year, and his attendance at the class-meeting was marked by the same conscientious regularity as he had shown in the school. His religious experience had all the mature and intelligent acquaintance with the workings of his own mind of an advanced Christian. Although

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young, and looking much younger than he was, he was, in knowledge and observation, a man. He had much to suffer, yet he was anxious to give as. little trouble as possible. When his death came near, he looked at it with composure. He knew and believed that he should go to heaven.

As one about to leave this world, he arranged all his little matters with careful forethought. He named those whom he wished to carry him to the grave, and requested that his weekly and quarterly contributions to the support of the ministry should be paid up to the time of his death. Religion had taught him to be punctual, to be honest, to be generous, and even laborious in the cause of Christ. As a missionary collector he had scarcely an equal, for he was modest, respectful, and persevering. With a life thus well spent he came to his latter end. Friends who visited and prayed with him found him happy and hopeful. He died as he had lived, in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and his redeemed spirit went to the bosom of his heavenly Father on the 16th day of December, 1864. His death was improved by the Rev. A. M'Curdy to a full congregation, which included a large number of young people who had known and esteemed the deceased when living. J. C.

MRS. SHORE.

FOR Some months past death has been executing his solemn commission upon a number of beloved friends in this circuit. Our society at Salem has lost some of its valued members. The first name we would place on record is that of our sister Shore. She was an old disciple, having nearly completed her seventy-fourth year. The place of her birth was Stockport. Her parents were among the first of the Methodist New Connexion in that town. In her early days she was a scholar in Mount Tabor Sunday-school, and for her regular attendance and good behaviour was presented by the honoured father of Mr. Jenkinson, of Manchester, with a Bible, which she much valued and diligently read. She afterwards became a teacher in the school, a singer in the choir, and a pious and consistent member of the church. It was her privilege to sit under the ministry of a Henley, a Driver, a Manners, a Wood, a Scott, a Livingstone, a Cooke, and many others, the memory of whose

names was as refreshing as ointment poured forth.

About twenty-four years ago our sister and her family removed to Manchester. She immediately found her way to Peter Street Chapel, and joined the church. In Manchester,as in Stockport, she evidenced the sterling qualities of a devoted Christian, was ardent in her zeal, fervent in her affection, circumspect in her conduct, a true lover of God's house and ordinances and people. In after years she became a member at Salem. It was her delight to be at the Sabbath services, at the Monday evening prayer-meetings, at her class, at the week-night preaching, and other means of grace. Though in humble circumstances in life, she seemed always cheerful, always happy. To her religion was a rich treasure. She took Jesus for her all and in all, both for time and eternity. For the last twelve or eighteen months before her decease, she evidently declined in health. Her spirits were still buoyant, her Christian cheerfulness seemed never to fail, but her earthly house was being shaken. Now and then she could come to the sanctuary, but more frequently was confined at home. It was refreshing to visit her-to witness her faith in Christ, her joy in God, her bright prospect of glory. On the Rock of Ages she had firm foot-hold. She often said she had no fear of death, but longed to depart to be with Christ. When the Scriptures were read to her, she remarked that the Bible had been her guide and comfort, calling it "that blessed, blessed Book." As she drew near to the brink of Jordan, her fortitude failed not. Jesus was near and precious. She died in peace. She has left dear ones behind, but it is hoped her bright example, her noble testimony, and her fervent prayers, will not be forgotten.

"Sweet is the scene when virtue dies,

When sinks a righteous soul to rest; How mildly beam the closing eyes,

How gently moves the expiring breast!

"Triumphant smiles the victor's brow, Fann'd by some angel's purple wing; grave, where is thy victory now! And where, insidious death, thy sting?"

THOMAS POWELL. DEATH has also removed from us our brother Thomas Powell. He was born in the village of Eccles, May 25th, 1824. The family removing to Pen

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