spirit of darkness and sorrow sat heavily upon her. Sometimes it seemed as though she had compassed the Divine promise, and then the next moment she fell back into a desponding, doubting state of mind. Still she was not left either to herself, or the wicked, painful suggestions of the adversary, but, after a severe struggle, she was enabled to take hold of God, and rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. During my residence in Shields she was a member of my Tuesday evening class. Her experience was always sound and clear. She was never the subject of high rapturous emotion; but in general, her peace seemed to flow as a river. I had no doubt of her perfect sincerity before God. We shall meet her again in the day when God shall bring those with Him who sleep in Jesus." Having given her heart to God, she began to employ her energies in his service. She became a teacher in the Sunday-school, and endeavoured to familiarize her youthful charge with the things belonging to their peace. In this vocation she took great delight, as was evidenced by the regularity of her attendance, and the severe disappointment she felt, when unavoidably detained from the school. She highly appreciated the public ordinances of God's house, took special delight in the class-meeting, and was never absent when health and opportunity allowed her to be present. In the autumn of 1848, she had a severe attack of sickness, which laid the foundation of the disease which terminated her earthly career. However, she rallied for a season, and enjoyed comparative health until the autumn of 1851, when her cough and other symptoms of disease returned. But she was still able to go about and partially attend her business; at the same time manifesting an increasing delight in the Sabbath-school and in the means of grace. In August 1852, the violent conduct of a man, in a state of intoxication near the shop, gave her such a fright that it brought on palpitation of the heart, and increased difficulty of breathing, and disabled her from afterwards going out alone. Now came the time of trial. Cut off from the Sabbath-school, prevented from attending the services of the Sanctuary, except occasionally, yet no murmuring word cscaped her lips. While watching the other members of the family, as they left the house for the chapel, her mother has frequently observed the silent tear stealing down her cheek, and has heard her express the delight she should feel to be able to accompany them. In consequence of difficulty in breathing, for some months previous to her death, she was not able to lie in bed, but sat in an easy chair. When sitting in the chair through the night watches, she has often been so blessed with a sense of the presence of her Heavenly Father, that she was thrown off her natural reserve and entered freely into conversation. On one of these occasions, she observed to her mother "How kind my Heavenly Father is to me, inasmuch as I am comparatively free from pain, adding when I look at father, and you, and the children, I feel it hard work to part. But we shall meet in Heaven. I only go a little before." me. An intimate friend, Mr. John Nevison, Junr. recently deceased, has written as follows-"Her gentleness of spirit, her kindness of heart, and perhaps more than all, her evenness of temper, had a beneficial influence on Of her Christian experience, I know more than I can express. Her natural reserve led her to say little, and that little she seemed to say with caution, lest she should give expression to what she did not really feel. She was not satisfied with her attainments, but desired to make progress. I have seen her in tears on account of her littleness of love to Christ. She was the first to speak about parting, and, though she felt much, she said. 'God is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind. What he wills is best. She could speak of her death with calmness. Her great desire was to be prepared. She said, 'Though doubts and fears will arise in my mind, yet generally I have confidence that the Saviour, who has kept me hitherto, will keep me to the end.' I often repeated to her. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee" and asked her whether she experienced the truth of it, and she said 'Yes.' "On the Monday night previous to her death, she was extremely ill. Through the course of the night she became much easier. I was supporting her head, when she expressed her thankfulness to God for the ease she felt (but I could not tell very well what she said as she spoke with difficulty) adding, 'Help me to praise Him.' To her father she said, "I sometimes feel a shivering on the brink, a fear to launch away." On the day before she died, she was taken much worse about noon, and it was thought that her release was at hand. The family were collected together. She engaged in fervent prayer, quoting, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;" adding, "Pray, pray! Glory! glory! Don't weep for me." During the afternoon she rallied a little, but as the night advanced she got weaker, and her breathing became shorter. To her father she said, "I cannot fail." He answered, "No, it is impossible, for Jesus is near.' She then repeated, "I cannot fail with such a prop." She was now sinking fast. Her father said "Jesus is near, the conflict will soon be over. She whispered, "Yes! yes!" and then fell asleep in Jesus, at half-past six o'clock, Thursday morning, September 15th, 1853. 0 may I triumph so, when all my warfare's past; And, dying, find my latest foe under my feet at last! On Sunday, October 16th, her death was improved to a crowded congre. gation by our excellent and respected minister the Rev. W. Jones from I Corinthians xv. 55-57. J. M. RECENT DEATH. DIED, November 22nd, 1854, aged eighty-three years, Mr. Amos Slater, of Holmes Chapel, in the Northwich Circuit. He had been a faithful follower of Christ, and a devoted and useful Methodist for sixty-two years. He was original and sagacious in counsel. Neither his mental vigour nor his faith ever failed him. His end was happy. Few men have left a brighter testimony behind them. A short biography is being prepared. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. SECOND LONDON CIRCUIT. For sometime past, we have had gracious and unmistakeable indications at Willow Walk, that God in his great mercy, was about in answer to prayer, to pour out upon us his Holy Spirit. Encouraged by ་ "The promise of a shower, Dropping already from above," we commenced a week's special services on ths 19th of November, and I am happy to inform you, that these special services have been specially blest. We have seen sinners convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come; we have heard them urging, "The sinner's only plea, God be merciful to me." We have had the pleasure of pointing them to the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world," and thank God we have had the further pleasure of hearing them rejoice in a sin-pardoning God. We have gathered into the fold 16 members on trial, principally new young men and women; many of them our own children. Our congregations have considerably increased. We have let 16 new sit. tings during the present quarter, and the good work is still going on. То God be all the praise. That it may spread through the Circuit, the Connexion, and the entire world, is the earnest prayer of, K. F. KEDGLEY, Sen. LIVERPOOL CIRCUIT. The following appeared in the Liverpool Times of (Nov. 16th,) which I send for insertion in the Magazine. "RUSSELL STREET CHAPEL AND SCHOOLS. The opening of this chapel and schools, which now belong to the Wesleyan Methodist Association, was commemorated by a soiree on Monday evening, which was attended by upwards of 200 persons. The Rev. T. A. Bayley, Superintendent Preacher took the chair; and in the course of the evening, the meeting was successively addressed by the Rev. J. N. G. Faull, Messrs. G. Quail, R. Thorp, R. Lloyd, J. Russell, S. Johnson, and W. Cheetham. During the intervals between the speeches, several pieces of sacred music were tastefully performed. Mr. G. Quail read an extract from "Dr. Thorn's Churches and Chapels of Liverpool," showing the chequered and changeful history of the chapel, ere it came into the possession of its present occupants. The treasurer's statement showed that the total disbursements, including the purchase-money of the chapel, erection of schoolroom, and vestries, and general expenses, amounted to £1851 15s. 6d. The total receipts by subscriptions &c., were 9011. 15s. 6d., the deficiency is met by a mortgage of 800l. and a loan of 1501. This loan is intended to be paid off at the rate of 50l. a year; and to raise that sum was the chief object of the present gathering. Collections were made at the chapel on Sunday in furtherance of the same object, after sermons by the Rev. T. A, Bayley, and the Rev. J. G. Faull, and we understand the amount required to meet the liabilities has already been made up." I am not aware that anything needs to be added to the foregoing acccount, except that our friends in their usual spirited manner, have done more than was at the time anticipated-having paid off not only the 50l. mentioned, but one half of the third 50.-thus leaving only 75l. (instead of 1007.) of the loan unpaid; I am glad to be able to add, that it is intended (D.v.) to pay off that sum next year, and thus to clear off the whole loan in two years, instead of three. The exertions of this Circuit in financial matters, have been most extraordinary, and most successful. May the Lord favour us with equal success in spiritual matters, T. A. BAYLEY. SEAHAM, SUNDERLAND CIRCUIT. On Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1854, three sermons were preached in the Wesleyan Methodist Association Chapel, Seaham Harbour, in the morning, by the Rev. A. Keene, and in the afternoon and evening, by the Rev. R. Chew. The congregations were good, the services interesting, and collections were made in behalf of the Connexional Mission Fund. On the following Tuesday, Nov. 14th, a Missionary Meeting was held in the above chapel. Mr. William Dixon of Sunderland presided, and addresses were delivered by the Revs. M. Baxter, A. Keene, R. Chew, and Mr. Joseph Henderson. The attendance was large, and the meeting manifested deep sympathy with the great and glorious cause of Christian Missions. This was the anniversary of what we call The "Juvenile Missionary Society," and the sum realised, is about double the amount of last year. The operations of this branch, are almost entirely confined to the teachers and scholars belonging to the sabbath-school, being distinct from the general Missionary services, which are held here at the opposite part of the year; and our juvenile friends, led on, and encouraged by the teachers, manage the affair with a zeal and efficiency which do them great credit. The school is but of moderate size, even if measured by the general standard of schools in the north of England, which, I believe, are in point both of enthusiasm, number, and efficiency, somewhat behind those of the south. They are, however, I think, improving, and it is hoped they will soon be side by side with their neighbours. Our little school at Seaham, supplies an instance of what can be done by interest, unison, and energy, and seems to say to those which are doing little or nothing for the Mission cause, "Go you, and do likewise." R. CHEW. SOUTH SHIELDS CIRCUIT. Sermons in aid of the funds of our chapel, were preached on Sunday, October 15th, 1854, by the Revs. M. Baxter, of Sunderland; and J. Broxholme, Wesleyan Reformer, of South Shields; and on Tuesday, October 24th, by the Rev. G. Steward, late of the Conference Connexion, now of Clayton Street Congregational Chapel, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The coNections were in advance of those of former years. On Tuesday, December 5th, our Annual Circuit tea meeting, was held in Salem Chapel. The tables were gratuitously and liberally furnished by ladies of the congregation. After tea, the chair was occupied by the Circuit Minister, and the meeting was addressed by the Revs. R. Chew; H. Lawson, united Presbyterian; W. D. Rowe, Independent; and Mr. Baxter. Several ministers were prevented from taking part in the proceedings of this evening, by unavoidable engage BRADFORD NEAR MANCHESTER, GROSVENOR STREET The fifth anniversary of the opening of the new chapel at Bradford, was held on Sunday the 3rd December, when two sermons were preached, one in the afternoon by the Rev. Henry Tarrant of Lever Street Circuit; and the other in the evening, by the Rev. W. Patterson, Minister of Grosvenor Street Circuit. Notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the wea ther, the congregations were good, and the collections amount to 8l. 38. 7d. The sermons were excellent, and could not but be productive of much good to those who heard them, and also likely to enhance the esteem in which our own ministers should be held by the members of society and the congregations. NEWTON, GLOSSOP AND I am happy that my first communication to you in your Editorial capacity, is one of a cheering kind. At the above place in this Circuit, the Lord, has, within the last six weeks, converted above twenty souls, some aged, and middle-aged persons, but chiefly from among our Sundayschool scholars and teachers, and a few singers. May God convert all our singers in all our Circuits, Amen. The means used, were generally those adopted by our Manchester friends in Lever Street Circuit, and so modestly, yet earnestly urged upon all our Circuits, by the Rev. H. Tarrant, in the December Magazine of 1854. There could be no doubt that the same causes would produce the same effects. Our zealous friends at Newton, are praying, believing, and working for greater things, not doubting but God will perform them, by saving more souls. On Sunday, December the 10th, 1854, two excellent and soul-stirring sermons, were preached at Newton, by the Rev. R. Abercrombie, of New Mills, on behalf of the Mission Fund. On Monday Evening the Public Meeting was held, Thomas Marler Esq., in the Chair. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Abercrombie, Thompson, Steinthorpe and Dawson. It was a blessed time, and the Collections, Boxes, &c., were about one third more than last year. On Sunday, December 10th, Messrs. Clegg and Harrison of Manchester, preached Missionary Sermons at Staley bridge. On Tuesday evening, the public meeting was held, Thomas Marler Esq., in the Chair. It was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Ash, Particular Baptist; Sutcliffe General Baptist; Abercrombie and Thompson. Though the weather was very unfavourable, we had a good meeting, and collections a little more than last year. Here also God has lately saved a few souls, and our friends are labouring for more. At Glossop, God has saved a few souls, he is with us at Hollingworth, and as we have peace in all our borders, we hope yet to see more prosperity. J. THOMPSON DEVONPORT AND PLYMOUTH CIRCUIT. On Monday the 27th of November the Children of the Sabbath-school connected with the Old Tabernacle, Plymouth, were regaled with tea and cake, in that place of Worship. They were then addressed by the Rev. Arthur Hands, (the Minister of the Circuit), and dismissed to their homes. The teachers of this school, and several from the school at Morice Town then took tea in the Vestry of the Chapel, after which a social meeting was held, over which Mr. Hands presided. From a Report presented by Mr. Lang, the Secretary, it appeared that the school at Plymouth had been closed some time since, in consequence of a want of teachers. At a Tea Meeting, held in the Old Tabernacle, in August last, the subject of these being no Sabbath-school connected with that place of worship, was discussed at some length, and it was ultimately decided that the school should be re-established. Accordingly on the morning of Sunday, the 20th August, the school was re-opened, four children being present. The number has steadily increased since that period, and now amounts to forty-six (twenty-four boys, and twenty-two girls), with one superintendent, secretary, and four female and five male teachers. The various topics connected with Sabbath-school teaching, and the means of increasing its usefulness, especially in this locality, were discussed at some length by Messrs. Hands, Palmer, Pinch, Elworthy and Rowe. The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed during the evening; and in his closing remarks, Mr. Hands stated that it was one of the best meetings he had ever attended an opinion which was also expressed by all parties present. A Bible Class has since been formed, and the teachers meet on Thursday evenings, for the study of the Scriptures, Mr. Hands presiding. VARIETIES. THE WORKS AND GENIUS OF GOLDSMITH. One of the most beautiful and exquisite pieces of criticism that we have seen for many a day, is from the pen of the Rev. George Gilfillan, on the works and genius of Oliver Goldsmith. He says:-"We come to speak shortly of his works and his genius. We may pass by his numerous compilations with the remark, that there is not one of them so hasty, or so poor, but it contains some trace of his fine instinctive sense and uncon |