He had seasons of sore temptation, but the Captain of his salvation enabled him to overcome, and kept him from falling.

Of late years Mr. Ker's piety has been matured. His walk was close with God, and he enjoyed a clear and constant testimony of the Spirit to his adoption. His deportment before others was uniformly consistent; and in his dealings with his fellow-men he was strictly truthful and upright. In his household, his behaviour was that of the humble, selfdenying, and earnest Christian. His labours for God were incessant. He returned to England in 1819, and was quartered for some years at Woolwich, where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Feeling constrained to preach the Gospel, according to the ability which God had given him, he was duly examined by the Rev. Jonathan Edmondson, and was received as a Local preacher. In this work he took delight; and his simple, pointed, scriptural addresses, were often accompanied with Divine unction, and followed by blessed results. From Woolwich he went to Ireland, and remained there for seven years, employed on the engineering staff engaged in the Irish survey. During his stay in Ireland, he saw much fruit of his pious labours. The writer has heard him speak with delight of a most interesting and successful service he once held in Enniskillen. On his way thither he was much tempted to turn back; his preparation was so scanty, it seemed to him that he had nothing to say. He, however, went to the preaching-room, which by the time of his arrival was filled. He commenced the service in much trepidation, but had power with God in the first prayer. He then gave out his text, and for twenty minutes, thoughts and words flowed in upon him, as he spoke from the passage: "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ." In the course of that service, which was a protracted one, -twelve men were stricken to the earth; and before the meeting separated, most of them had arisen, and declared that their burden of sin was gone.

Mr. Ker was discharged from the army in 1832, after twenty-four years' service. He married in 1834; and soon afterwards received an appointment in the barrack department in Carlow. He was subsequently transferred to Glasgow, where he remained for eleven years. When residing in Glasgow, he regularly visited, in his turn, Airdrie, Renton, Blantyre, Dumbarton, and other places, as a messenger of the cross. He was most at home in the class-meeting and prayer-meeting, and in all his journey

ings he sought out those who valued these means of grace. Being a man mighty in prayer, rich in Christian experience, possessing an extensive acquaintance with the Scriptures, and having a fair share of moral courage, he discharged his duties as a class-leader with aptitude, fidelity, and zeal. Oiten has he administered consolation to the tempted believer, encouraged seekers after a deeper work of grace to go forward; and led penitent, burdened sinners, step by step, to the place of deliverance-the cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He resigned his appointment in Glasgow, in 1852, and came to Stirling, where he spent the residue of his days. Here he laboured and prayed for an increase to be given in what had long been "unfruitful soil."

In the last year of the Rev. James Cuthbertson's ministry in Stirling, (1866) God poured out His Spirit upon the feeble Methodist Society, and couversions took place for many Sabbaths in succession, and on week-days also. Mr. Ker rejciced in this work; and not long after taking a prominent part in it he was called to his eternal reward. He was taken ill on Sabbath night, March 25th, 1867, while in the house of prayer, and died on the 15th of February last, in the seventyninth year of his age, after a painful affliction of nearly eleven months. During the greater part of his illness he expected he should recover. He had indeed a strong desire to do so, that he might go regularly to the house of God, and again take his part in the services of the sanctuary; but when he was persuaded his sickness was unto death, he cheerfully acquiesced in the Diviue will. His pain was very great at times, and then he would say, "I am in great misery," (referring to his bodily distress,) "and yet I am happy in Jesus." During his previous life he had generally enjoyed good health, and was always actively employed. This lingering illness served, by the grace of God, to exercise and mature his patience. Sometimes, he would say, "I long to be gone, but I must wait the Lord's time. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."" On several occasions, he obtained sudden and complete relief from acute pain, when his whole soul would be stirred with gratitude to God for His merciful deliverance, and with overflowing peace and joy. At such times he would exclaim, "Ö, for a capacity to love Thee more!" He frequently testified to those who saw him in his affliction, that he possessed "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding."

During the last few days of h's mortal life, he said to the minister, at different times, "I have a deep peace." About twelve hours before he died, when he was only just able to speak, on being asked, "Is Jesus precicus to you?" he replied, "Yes! O yes!" These were his last words. A few hours more, and his spirit returned to God who gave it. "Blessed

are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Four weeks afterwards, Mr. Ker's wife, Margaret, who, with a loving daughter had so attentively ministered to the afflicted one, was seized with an attack of paralysis. She soon became unconscious, remained in this state for little more than a day, and then expired. She had long been a consistent follower of the Lord Jesus, and she too has proved that " to die is gain."

M. F. P.

MR. JOHN PENNY was born at Colton, near Ulverstone, February 11th, 1797. His father, a respectable yeoman, was a member of the Church of England, as was also his industrious wife. In the year 1814, John went to reside at Preston, and took up his abode with his uncle, the late Mr. John Leece, who was an excellent Local preacher, class-leader. and trustee. Under the roof of his pious uncle, he had religious advantages of a very high order, which, through the blessing of God, were not lost upon him. He had been thoughtful, serious, and amiable from childhood; and when brought under these new influences, he soon became decided for Christ, and united himself to the Methodist Church. He continued throughout his long life a truly consistent, active, and useful member of Society.

After completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Penny resided in London for a short time, and then returned to Preston, where he spent the remainder of his days. On going and returning, he secured

a note of removal," signed in one instance by James Bogie, and in the other by Joseph Benson. All members of the Methodist Society, but especially young ones, when removing from one place to another, would do well to imitate his example; it would break the force of temptation, and introduce them at once into godly associations, so necessary under such circumstances. Soon after his return, he was appointed to the office of class-leader, which he held nearly fifty years. In the members entrusted to his care, he took the deepest interest, watching over them

with paternal solicitude and affection. The office of Society-steward, and the more important one of Circuit-steward, were on several occasions filled by him; and he discharged the duties thus devolved on him with diligence, fidelity, and kindness.

In the erection and maintenance of Wesleyan chapels, Mr. Penny took a warm interest, became trustee to several, and liberally contributed to their funds. Lune-street chapel, Preston, was the object of his peculiar regard. Here, when a young man, he had been accustomed to hear the word with profit and delight; and, during many subsequent years, it had been to him "the house of God," and "the gate of heaven." The associations of a long lifetime bound him to this venerated spot; and, as a last proof of his love, he left by will the sum of five hundred pounds to the trust funds. Methodism was the Church of his convictions and choice. He believed her doctrines, admired her institutions, and was a warm and liberal supporter of her entire economy. He was, however, no bigot, but was friendly with all" that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity."

His last affliction was trying, and very protracted; but his soul was habitually placid, and often "joyful in the Lord." His case afforded a somewhat striking comment upon the words, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee."

A friend who was much with him says, "He was always happy in God, looking for the sweet rest of heaven." He would frequently quote a passage of Scripture, and say how profitable he had found his meditations upon it. His conversation often turned upon those loved ones who were safely gathered home, and he rejoiced much in the anticipation of meeting them above. Christ, however, was all and in all to him, the foundation of his faith and hope, the theme of his praises, and the Object of his supreme love. His minister, the Rev. W. Mearns, M.A.. says, "I was impressed with the soundness of his religious experience, and the vigour of his inner life. Amid acute sufferings, he was graciously supported, and his mind was uniformly serene and peaceful. His benevolent and zealous interest in the cause of God was a feature in his character, which came out finely and strongly to the last. The prosperity of the Church of his early choice, and long attachment, lay near his heart; and some of his last thoughts were given to this subject, and some of his last prayers were breathed to Heaven in this behalf."

OCTOBER 4th, 1867.-At Rockingham-street, Leeds, Sarah Helen, the wife of Mr. William Hodgson, and daughter of the late Rev. J. Mowbray Pearson. She was born at Helmsley, Yorkshire, September 21st, 1841. In the year 1854 she joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Society in the Hull West Circuit; and having been made a partaker of Christ, thenceforward, to the end of life, by "whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report," and especially by "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," she "adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour." For ten years she was a diligent and pains-taking Sunday-school teacher; and in this capacity was useful and beloved. As a tract-distributer, she was not less successful. But it was in the homecircle that her character was exhibited in its most attractive form. Unselfish, guileless, and warm-hearted, her chief delight seemed to consist in making others happy. Two of her brothers having emigrated to distant lands, they became the objects of her ceaseless interest and care, and were followed by loving letters, such as only a sister, intelligent and devoted, could write. To her widowed mother, she was not only a dutiful daughter, but as years and grace ripened her character, and unfolded its beauty and strength, she became her most trusted companion and friend. On the 18th of December, 1866, Sarah Helen Pearson was joined in matrimony to William Hodgson. As a wife, she was "loving and amiable, faithful and obedient to her husband; and in all quietness, sobriety, and peace, a follower of hely and godly matrons." Her prospects of earthly happiness were as bright as could be desired; and yet six months of wedded joy had barely passed away, when affliction intervened. For three long months she continued to suffer,-sometimes most severely; but she was peaceful, thankful, and happy. Many of the expressions which fell from her lips during this period are sacredly cherished in the memories of surviving relatives and friends; but it would hardly comport with the diffidence which so well became her, and which added a new grace to every other excellence, to repeat them here. The close of her earthly life, through the infinite mercy of God in Christ, was a scene of dignified triumph. Though the ties which bound her to this world were strong, the heaven where her Saviour was had yet greater attractions; and when the Master's call was heard, she joyfully departed to be " with Christ, which is far better."

J. W. G.

May 1st, 1868.-At Porton, in the Salisbury Circuit, William Fowles. He was born at Salisbury on the 13th of February, 18 3. Until he was twenty-one years of age be regularly attended the services of the Established Church. He then married; and, what afterwards proved to be a providential circumstance, went to live at Chisenbury. Here he became seriously concerned about eternal things, and sought a people who taught the doctrines of Christianity with more clearness and force than he was accustomed to hear them set forth. He soon met with those who showed him the plan of salvation in Chris', and by faith realized the forgiveness of sins. He at once became a member of the Methodist Society, and commenced to labour for God. In 1833 he was received as a Local preacher on the Salisbury Plan. For twelve years Mr. Fowles was the chief support of the Methodist cause at Chisenbury. As a Christian he was sincere, even, calm, and conscientious. As a preacher he was most acceptable. By diligent application he acquired considerable knowledge of NewTestament Greek, and was a reader of the best theological books. He denied himself of many of the ordinary enjoyments of life that he might store his mind with useful information. His memory was very retentive. He was therefore a "workman needing not to be ashamed." According to the testimony of competent judges, his preaching was clear, evangelical, and useful; and his labour will not be forgotten in this generation. Four years before his death he was afflicted with paralysis of the brain, from which he never recovered. He is now gone to that land where the inhabitants never say, "I am sick." S. V.

May 13th.-At Hawes, in the Hawes and Sedbergh Circuit, Francis Burton, eldest son of the Rev. F. Barker, aged twenty-three. In early life he was often favoured with the workings of the Holy Spirit in his heart, and once and again he joined himself to the Methodist Society. During his apprenticeship he was connected with the Sabbath-school at Birkenhead. An attack of fever in the summer of 1865 caused his life to be despaired of. On his recovery, he resumed business in Manchester, from which after awhile he had to return again ill. After another period of rest and medical attention, he so far rallied that he again attempted to discharge his ordinary duties. But at the end of three months he came home for the last time, and he gradually wasted away from consumption. The dispensation was

blessed to the awakening in him a firmer decision for Christ; and on his obtaining peace with God, he joined himself most heartily to His people. When able, he was diligent in attending the public services, and at home gave attendance to the reading of the Bible and to prayer. His end drew nigh at the time his father had to leave home for the annual District-Meeting at Stockton-on-Tees. To part under such circumstances was painful in the extreme. When obliged to separate, he said to me, "Father, if we never meet again, what shall our last parting sentiments be?" After pausing awhile, he added, with uplifted voice, "Blessed Jesus! blessed Jesus!' that shall be it;" and responding, "Blessed Jesus," I had with an aching heart to tear myself away. He died in great peace the day following, and passed to his eternal rest.

F. B.

May 15th-At Walsall, Staffordshire, Mary Burdon, in the eighteenth year of her age. In consequence of her delicate state of health, her parents removed, with their family, from the east coast in Yorkshire to Walsall, her medical attendant thinking that an inland position would be more favourable to her health. By this change, however, no improvement was realized. In July, 1867, she went into Cornwall, and for some months hopes were entertained of her recovery; but in March, 1868, fresh symptoms of disease manifested themselves, and in a very short time she became so ill that her mother had to hasten into Cornwall for the purpose of bringing her back to Walsall. After her return, the disease rapidly increased, and she was soon confined to her chamber. Having been blessed with pious parents, she became very early the subject of religious impressions, and was admitted on trial for membership in the WesleyanMethodist Society, by the Rev. J. Scholes, in the summer of 1865. The grace of Christ which led her to Himself, prepared her for the season of affliction that was so soon to come. During the last fortnight of her sickness, her sufferings were great; but she bore them with much meekness, saying, "God keeps me alive tosuffer, that I may have more patience." On the morning of the day on which she died, when her father entered her bedroom, after she had been extremely distressed during the whole of the night, she looked at him and said, " Her ways," but her speech failed through weakness. She attempted the second time,-"Her ways,"-but could go no further. Her father then quoted the words, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." "Yes," she answered aloud, a heavenly smile lighted up lier countenance, and she appeared much pleased that she was understood. She expressed, in strong but sincere language, her deep gratitude to those who waited on her, and endeavoured to comfort her amidst her severe sufferings. Two or three minutes before she died, she expressed a desire that all in the room should kneel down and pray. Then, gathering up the little strength that remained to her, she exclaimed, "I must pray" and whilst in the act of prayer, her spirit passed away to glory.

"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,

The Christian's native air;

His watchword at the gates of deathHe enters heaven by prayer."

J. B.

May 22d.-At Congleton, William Hadfield, Esq., J.P., aged eighty-one years. He joined the Methodist Society sixty-two years ago at Macclesfield. The step was taken amidst much opposition from his master, but it was taken deliberately and firmly. His employer, impressed with his decision and other good qualities, became his attached and valued friend. Mr. Hadfield removed to Congleton, where he commenced business, and immediately connected himself with the people of his choice. He sought to be useful as a Sabbath-school teacher; and put forth earnest efforts to bring the young to decision for God. He soon became a Local preacher, in which capacity he took a large share of labour, until within a few years of the close of his life. He sustained this office for fifty-four years, and was faithful in attending to his appointments. For many years he was the leader of two important classes, for which he cared most assiduously; and he was also a regular attendant at the leaders'-meeting. After his third mayoralty, and when nearly eighty years of age, he could say that he had not missed his class once during the year. The meeting of it was to him a sacred engagement; and the most important commercial and civic duties were always considered secondary to it. He delighted also in the services of the sanctuary, and was regularly in his place at the week-evening preaching. For nearly thirty years Mr. Hadfield held the office of Sabbath-school superintendent; and as treasurer of both day and Sabbath schools, and in other ways, evinced the liveliest interest in their prosperity. He sustained all the civil offices connected with the borough, from constable to mayor. In these positions he never compromised his Christian character. No one could allege an impropriety to the reproach of his religion. He was remarkably firm in his attachment to Methodism; and rendered most important service by his Christian spirit, and the weight of his character in troublous times. The few weeks which preceded his decease were marked by weakness, rather than illness. "His Heavenly Father," he said, "was gently letting him down; " and after thus living, as it seemed, in the very vicinity of heaven, he fell asleep in Jesus. Beloved in life, he was honoured in death. His fellow-townsmen paid the highest tribute to his remains by according to him a public funeral.

T. S.

June 8th.-At Reeth, aged seventy-four years, Mrs. Margaret Fothergill. In early life she sought and found the "pearl of great price." Her piety was simple and unobtrusive. Intimate communion with God preserved her mind in peace, and cheered her declining years with a blessed hope of eternal life. At a comparatively early age she lost her husband, who died in the Lord. But God graciously honoured her trust in Him, not only by blessing her efforts for the

maintenance and training of her large family, but by giving her to see a number of them converted to Himself, and occupying important posts of service in His cause. Her decline was gradual and almost painless; of which she took advantage for the grateful review of all the way in which she had been led. She enjoyed much comfort in the abiding testimony of the Holy Ghost to her adoption, and in the prospect of a better inheritance. Her departure was so gentle that she may fitly be said to have fallen asleep," while expressions of praise were lingering on her lips. R. W. B.

June 8th.-At Burnley, aged forty-six, Agnes, the wife of Mr. John Baldwin. She was brought up in connexion with the Established Church; and whilst preparing for and engaging in the rite of confirmation, she was the subject of serious impressions. But these soon passed away, and she pursued the follies of the world. Whilst thus setting her affections upon things temporal, a sad calamity occurred in the neighbourhood where she lived, whereby several lives were lost. An Independent minister having engaged to improve the event, she was induced to attend the service; and, under the powerful appeals which she heard, she was deeply convinced of sin. The result was, she at once gave up her association with gay companions, the practice of dancing, and laid aside all needless adornments of her person. While in this state of mind she removed to where she became acquainted with the Methodists. She read with avidity Nelson's Journals, Lives of Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Fletcher, and Wesley's Sermons, and attended the Wesleyan-Methodist chapel. Whilst listening to a sermon on the text, " And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life," she was well-nigh overwhelmed with godly sorrow on account of sin. During the prayer-meeting which followed, she was enabled to cxercise faith in Christ her Saviour. She now went on her way rejoicing. Her religion was one of principle; and in those relations of life which Providence called her to sustain, she let her light shine with steady and increasing brightness. As a wife, mother, and friend, she was uniformly kind, faithful, and consistent. In 1865 she had a serious illness, which was followed by a great trial in the deaths, from fever, of two of her children in the space of two weeks. Under this heavy stroke she bowed in meek and reverent submission. During the sickness of which she died she was graciously supported, knowing in whom she had believed. For the space of eight months her sleep was greatly broken; but she never "felt the nights to be long and tedious," having such a sense of the presence of her Lord and Saviour, that sometimes she felt no desire for sleep. One night, when she had been much tempted, she pleaded earnestly that God would grant her

another additional token of His love; her prayer was answered: it seemed as if the Divine Word spoke audible words of encouragement to her. This was accompanied with so much assurance and blessing, that her soul overflowed with exultation and joy. She was a devout reader of the Bible, and the eighth chapter of Romans was to her the source of rich spiritual enjoyment. Often did she quote with rapture St. Paul's triumphant conclusion, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" To one who hai prayed with her she said, "I have been trying to serve God for twenty-six years, and I have never lost my confidence." Some of her last words were, "Lord, Thou hast given me the victory! Blessed Jesus! take Thine exile home." Thus died one whose mental powers had undergone much self-cultivation; whose statements of her religious experience, and whose prayers in the social means of grace, were of no common order; one whom it was a privilege to know during the days of her health, and a season of profit to visit in the time of her afilietion. Her removal from the Church on earth was felt to be a loss of no ordinary character.

J. R.

June 22d.-At Thornton, in the Leicester Circuit, Mr. William Geary, aged seventy-seven. He joined the Methodist Society in early manhood, and for more than fifty years never omitted receiving his quarterly ticket at the hands of the ministers who vis ted the class. He was intelligently and strongly attached to the Church of his choice; vindicated it in days when it was basely attacked, and in various ways rendered good service to it for the Master's sake. His last illness was short and severe. He could say but little; yet everything betokened the calm and blessed persuasion that in death, as in life, le was the Lord's.

J. II.

June 24th.-At Pontypool, in the seventyeighth year of his age, Mr. William Goodall, having been a member of Society fifty-six years, and a Local preacher more than fifty. By the instrumentality of Methodism awakened to a sense of guilt and danger, he never rested until he obtained a consciousness of God's favour, and for many years he testified that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." He was distinguished by uniformity of character and great fervour of spirit, and it is believed that many souls will be the crown "of his "rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ." His last illness was borne with buoyant cheerfulness, and in steadfast hope he awaited the Saviour's coming. To his daughter he said, "Don't weep; Christ is all." To another he said, "I am only waiting for His chariot;" and thus triumphantly he passed into the skies. J. B.