miserable, but to pour into their hearts abundant streams of joy. She was lively in the social circle, and lively in the means of grace. Seldom dull herself, she did not like dulness in others. She enjoyed lively sermons, lively singing, and lively prayers. Did not this arise, not only from a naturally lively disposition, but from the happy influence of religion upon her mind? "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice."

Such, in the judgment of the writer, was the general character of our dear sister, in her best and happiest daysa judgment which many will endorse who have had the privilege of her acquaintance and friendship. She was not without infirmity in temper, in word, and in deed; but in integrity, in uprightness, in kind-heartedness, in liberal support of benevolent objects, in attachment to the means of grace, in love to the Connexion, in cheerful piety, in earnest desires and prayers for the spread of the Gospel, and for the happiness of universal man, few have excelled her, and all would do well to follow her example.

For many years before her death, our departed friend was the subject of affliction. A disease of the heart seemed to hold her life in constant jeopardy. At times she was brought very low, expecting the time of her departure to be at hand, but God, in his wisdom and goodness, raised her up again and again, contrary to human expectation. For a long time she was deprived of religious ordinances, but the visits of Christian friends were refreshing to her spirit, When able occasionally to go to the sanctuary, how she enjoyed the privilege! How precious the word! How soothing and elevating the worship! What a foretaste of heaven! How abundantly renewed her strength! The pleasure would be increased by having her aged partner by her side, who for years had been a trustee of the chapel, and a regular hearer of the Word. May they meet again in the temple above!

The writer is not in possession of any particulars relating to the last days of our sainted sister. Advanced age and increased infirmities would, of course, confine her to her house. Memory failed, and much of bodily weakness was felt; but she doubtless realized the abundant consolations of Divine grace. He whom she had

long served would be with her, even in the valley and shadow of death. Her sufferings, being sanctified, would nurture her for heaven. Life was protracted much longer than either herself or friends expected. Her last hours were peaceful; death was gain. She died at Brighouse, Feb. 17th, 1859, aged eighty years; and the event was suitably improved in the chapel by the Rev. D. Round, to a large and deeply-affected congregation. May the surviving husband and the writer, and the reader, and all friends, meet the departed in heaven, all being "with Christ, which is far better!" Stockport. R. H.

MARY ANN FROOM, DAUGHTER of Mr. and Mrs. Fowle, was born at Canterbury, April 24, 1835. Shortly after her birth the family came to London, and settling in the neighbourhood of Brunswick Chapel, this sanctuary henceforth became the religious home of her parents. The subject of this notice was, therefore, from infancy accustomed to the public worof God, as well as to family devotion; and also shared the advantages of Sabbath-school instruction. These privileges were not lost on our sister; impressions were produced of a decidedly religious character, and not long before her death, she stated that she never knew the time when she did not wish to love and serve God. Her health was always delicate, and in childhood and youth required much care. Notwith

standing this bodily weakness, she was very lively and cheerful. In her there was great docility of disposition; few children have given their parents less uneasiness. Her religious character was not decidedly formed until the period when the Rev. T. Gutteridge was appointed to London. Under his ministry, many young persons gave their hearts to the Saviour, and among these was our departed sister. We feel thankful to God in stating that a goodly number of these are still walking in the fear of God, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Our sister was about thirteen years of age at the time referred to, and continued in the love of God during the remaining thirteen years of her earthly career. Her experience was never of a lively character; very often she was ready to say, "I hold thee with a trembling

hand," but, generally, she was equally ready to follow the poet, in using another verse

"But will not quit my claim,

'Till all I have in thee be lost,
And all renewed I am."

Christian simplicity was a manifest trait in her character from her childhood to her death: and we have no doubt but the commendation passed by our Lord on Nathaniel was applicable to her.

Prior to contracting an engagement affecting her future condition in life, her great and only concern was, not to become entangled to the injury of her spiritual welfare. Would that every young person had the same concern on that matter! She was resolved never to be so entangled, so far as she had the power to avoid it. She was married on Christmas-day, 1858, to the son of a valued local preacher, whose happiness it was to promote her temporal comfort and spiritual well-being. While he survives, to feel and mourn his heavy loss, he is resolved, by the grace of God, to meet her in a happier clime, where pain and parting will be no

more.

About two years since, she was brought down almost to the house appointed for all living; but God graciously raised her up again. This affliction appears to have been sanctified to her spiritual good. From that time she became increasingly watchful and guarded against everything calculated to damage the interests of her soul. She had formerly been very fond of light reading; but then so decided was her mind against it, that she laid herself under a solemn engagement not to read anything which was not calculated to foster the work of grace in her soul. To such a degree did she carry this principle, that she would not even glance at the contents of any loose papers used in wrapping up goods. She also set apart as sacred one hour every morning for reading God's precious word, studying its saving truths, and holding communion with the Triune Deity. Happy they who, having the opportunity, employ it in the use of so precious a privilege! She often thanked God for the benefit of this gracious resolve. While she was thus careful to get good, she was also anxious to do good, both to the bodies and souls of her neighbours; for, having considerable time at her command,

she was-in season and out of seasonvisiting and relieving the poor, and mitigating the sufferings of those within her reach.

About one year since, she appears to have had a severe conflict with the adversary; but she came off victorious, and from that time her faith had a firmer hold on the Saviour.

In looking forward to her approaching confinement, she had her fears as to the issue. While apprehensions were disturbing her mind, she would check herself by saying—

"His love in times past forbids me to think He'll leave me at last in trouble to sink. Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review, Confirms his good pleasure to help me quite through."

This event took place on the 19th of November last, under more favourable circumstances than she expected; and for some days there was every prospect that she would soon be again the active Christian, the happy mother of a lovely son, and the joy of her fond husband; but, alas! hope was doomed to disappointment. A change took place: she became feeble, then prostrate; and, when the writer last saw her, she was not only pale, but white as marble. She sank lower and lower, until the 13th of December, when she exchanged earth for heaven, being twenty-six years of age.

We have only to add, that when the child was born, her prayer was, "Oh, that he may be like Samuel, dedicated to God from his birth!" And when fears began to be indulged as to her recovery, she said over and over again, "I have no wish to live on my own account; but for the child's sake I should like to be spared." Then, turning to the partner of her bosom, she said, "Be sure you meet me in heaven.” HENRY WEBBER. December 29th, 1861.

HUGH GRIMSHAW,

MACCLESFIELD CIRCUIT.

THE late Hugh Grimshaw, the eldest son of George and Ellen Grimshaw (and grandson of the Rev. Hugh Grimshaw, who, for upwards of nineteen years, was minister of St. Peter's Church, in Oldham, and who was remarkable for his great attention to the sick and poor of his district), was born on the 11th of October, 1795, in Manchester.

He was a very dutiful son, and did

all he could to assist his parents. When very young he was remarkably fond of reading religious books; the Bible and the "Pilgrim's Progress may be said to have been his chief companions. His leisure hours were all so well occupied in reading, that there was little time for other kinds of recreation; and no doubt it was owing, in a great measure, to spending his time thus, that he was kept from the many snares and temptations of youth. He was also very fond of accompanying his parents to chapel. At the age of seventeen he became a prayer-leader amongst the Independent Methodists in Oldham, where his parents removed during his infancy.

He was diligent and punctual in business; so punctual was he, that when he went on business from Oldham to Manchester for his father (which he often did), they could have told, to a few minutes, the time he would return, though he had to walk there and back.

About forty-six years ago he, with his parents, removed from Oldham to Stockport, and, while there, he made his first effort to hold forth the word of eternal life. When going with a friend to an appointment in Bradbury, a village near Stockport, he was requested to preach. He did so, taking for his text those words of our blessed Saviour "But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her." This was his first effort to preach the Gospel.

After a short time they left Stockport, and came to reside in Macclesfield. Here he joined the Independent Methodists, and very soon became one of their preachers. In the year 1833 or 1834-during the late respected Mr. Wilson's ministry-he became much attached to the New Connexion church polity, and, about the same time, was put upon the local preachers' plan. He was also appointed soon after to the office of assistant-superintendent of the Fence Sunday-school, in Waterloo-street. He laboured, with his esteemed friend, Mr. George Frost, in the school for a period of about nineteen years; and, at the death of Mr. Frost, in 1853, was elected superintendent, and also took his place as leader of his class.

He loved the school next to his home. It was his delight to be there, and he never absented himself except

in cases of sickness, or when his preaching appointments prevented his being there.

As a husband and father he was surpassed by none, equalled by few. Unwearied were his exertions for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his family. He always said it was the duty of each member of the family to endeavour to make home the most attractive place, and he always tried to make it such. He was very strict in requiring his family to attend school and chapel, never allowing them to absent themselves when it could be avoided. Even when going to his appointments in the country, after praying, he would strictly enjoin them to attend school and chapel; nor did he forget to inquire, on his return, whether they had done so.

The last sermon he preached, on September 5th, 1858, in the Fence school, was the funeral sermon of Emma Gee, a young person who had met in his class, from the text, "I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

He, like other people, had his troubles and trials. He knew that it was to be so; but he also knew to whom he might look with confidence for help through them all. He fully proved the truth of his blessed Saviour's words-"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

On Tuesday, the 28th of December, 1858, while going on his business as usual, he was seized with an attack of paralysis, and fell in the street. He was conveyed home in a cab, and medical aid procured as soon as possible. Very little hopes were entertained of his recovery; he did not speak for about a week, except "yes" or "no" to questions put to him. He suffered much from his hand, which was severely fractured by the fall, as well as from his disease. On Sunday, January 2nd, 1859, his medical attendant gave some hope of his recovery; but he was even then extremely ill, and remained entirely incapable of conversing with any one until January 18th, when, about midnight, he was heard to utter the following words"Life is a bubble-a dream." And now, although extremely ill, often

would he have his family assembled round his bed, and, with his usual fervour, pray for them, his friends, neighbours, the school, and the world. In March he was so far recovered as to be able to be taken from his bedroom. He then began to improve considerably, and was very desirous to be at the annual tea-party of the Fence school, on Easter Monday; but the weather being unfavourable, and he being still in a very weak state, his friends and family, thinking it might he injurious, caused him to give up the idea. The same afternoon his highly esteemed friends, the Revs. James and Robert Henshaw, called to see him, and he was very happy to see them and listen to their religious conversation. The first time he was able to be taken to school was in May, when, as soon as he entered, the teachers and scholars, to show how glad they were to see him once more amongst them, joined in singing the hymn, commencing

"And are we yet alive,

And see each other's face?"

After which brother Gee prayed, and the teachers and scholars were much affected.

He did go to school several times after this, but never so far recovered as to be able to take the active part he had been accustomed to do. During his long and severe affliction he was, at times, subject to great mental suffering, through the violent pain in his head. The Holy Scriptures, which he had read while in health, and which were so riveted in his memory, were very consoling to him. Scarcely a passage of Holy Writ could be mentioned but he remembered it.

When at all able, he was desirous to attend the class-meeting, and was often taken into the room long before the time of meeting.

He was often visited by his much respected friend, the Rev. James Henshaw, whose attention to him was unremitting. In the summer and autumn of 1860, one of his beloved brothers in Christ-John Hollandoccasionally preached in the house to him, his family, and a few neighbours. Of these times he often spoke with pleasure and thankfulness. His worthy colleague-David Gee - frequently spent many hours with him, and often cheered him by narrating

incidents which had occurred in school, and by his words of spiritual consolation. The teachers and scholars often came to see him. On one occasion so many came, that it was impossible for them all to enter the house at once. He was particularly fond of vocal music. The visitors remained outside, and sung a hymn which had been sung at the previous anniversary of the school, commencing thus

"The Sabbath, the Sabbath, the Sabbath of rest;

after which they each passed through the house, and shook hands with their beloved superintendent, and all were deeply affected. Nor did he, when able, fail in giving his kind advice to all, and, like the patriarch Jacob, he would pronounce a blessing upon them. On one occasion, when speaking to a number of boys who went to see him, he exclaimed, "The Lord bless the lads."

In January, 1861, he was taken much worse. He gradually grew weaker, and in March he was so ill, that it was thought that his departure was at hand. About the middle of the month he called the family around his bed, prayed for them, and blessed them. On this occasion he expressed great confidence in God. He believed that he was about to enter the "swellings of Jordan," and relied on his Saviour to carry him safe over. He told his family that, if he died, they must write, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." The next few months of his pilgrimage he was anxious to

depart

and to be with Christ;" nevertheless, he said, with great emphasis, like Job of old," All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." He delighted to sing our beautiful hymns.

A few nights before his death, he said, "Eternity is drawing nigh." On Thursday night, on being asked how he was, he replied, "I am waiting for the better country." On the Saturday afternoon, November 16th, the Rev. T. Gutteridge, to whom he was strongly attached, came to see him, and expressed his belief that he would not survive many days. He seemed to breathe with great difficulty, and his throat, which was paralysed, and which, for some months, had prevented his taking his usual food, had now become so bad as to prevent his swallowing anything

besides liquids. About nine o'clock the same evening the family thought he was dying, as he did not speak for some time, and seemed to be in a stupor. He, however, revived a little, and slept several hours during the night; and on Sunday at noon, one of the family coming into the room, he asked him where he had been. On his replying, "To school," he said, “That is where thou ought'st to be."

His breathing after this became very quick. He made several attempts to take a little food, but was unable to do so. He spoke very little during the day. In the evening, on being asked if he felt happy, he answered, “Ay.” During Monday he dozed. In the evening, his medical attendant said that it was impossible he could survive many hours. On Tuesday he was conscious that his end was drawing near, and seemed very anxious to converse with the members of the family, but he was unable to do so. On the same day he was looking towards the foot of the bed as though he saw something, and beckoned with his hand, saying, "Come, come;" and, in broken accents, he said, "I am going where the weary are at rest, and where the wicked cease from troubling." one of the family remarking that God would wipe all tears from his eyes, he said, with all the energy he could, "He has done." His lips moved several times after this, but nothing could be heard distinctly, except the words, "Glory to God in the highest," and a few words about David Gee, begging of them to tell him that he was gone to glory.

On

On Wednesday, when the family was standing by his bed-side in silence, he could not speak. The tongue that had often uttered supplications on their behalf was now silent; the hands that had worked to maintain them now lay motionless; one of the best of husbands and fathers was about to depart for ever.

About eleven o'clock the pulse began to flutter, and then a stop, and, in a few minutes, in the same room where he had often held sweet counsel with his beloved class-mates, he breathed his happy spirit into the arms of his dear Redeemer, aged 66 years.

"He, being dead, yet speaketh."

MR. WILLIAM GLOVER,

STOURBRIDGE.

OUR esteemed brother was born in the year 1795. In early life he was led to the Wesleyan Sabbath-school in this tawn, and with other youths formed a select class, conducted by the late Mr. T. Webb, who doubtless endeavoured to direct their attention to the nature, necessity, and importance of real religion, that they might be happy and useful in this life, and prepared for glory in the life to come. But the world has attractions, which often draw youths from the path of virtue. He, with others, abandoned their religious duties and forsook the school and class. Our late friend plunged into the very depths of sin; gave himself up to a life of ungodliness; became a ringleader of those who run to do evil; frequenting public-houses and places to which persons resorted who practised the art of fighting. If they wanted a leader or adviser he was sent for, and when he was with them they were never afraid.

The science of fighting he studied and practised, and took great delight therein, purchasing books and teaching others. At length he was about preparing to go to London, to enter his name in the P.R., and come out as a pugilist. But while preparing for this he was stopped in his mad career by that Being who has no pleasure in the sinner's death. This was some time in the year 1818. One Sabbath afternoon he met a few of his companions, with whom he went into a liquor-shop, and having partaking freely of rum, they started off in pursuit of sinful pleasures, but passing the Wesleyan Chapel, he said, "Let us go into the chapel." Sermons were preached that day on behalf of the Sabbath-school, by the Rev. Henry Losdale Eden, after whom his son, William Henry, was named. They consented, and in they went.

This was the first time he had been in a place of worship for a long period. During the sermon he was powerfully wrought upon by the Holy Spirit, was convinced of his sinful condition, and, like Felix, trembled, but did not, like him, put off till a more convenient season the great work of salvation. At once he acted upon his convictions, determined to forsake his evil companions and sinful course. He said nothing to any one, but when he re