sion of that peace which the world cannot give nor take away. It is true he proved the truth of the apostle's assertion, that, "Those who live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution;" and he had trials in the world, in the church, and in his family; and some of them not very light ones, but all of them being sanctified through grace, he came off more than conqueror. And by "patient continuance in well doing," he gave evidence that he sought for glory, honour, and immortal life. His enjoyment of God was as a stream of water, whose springs fail not. The language of his heart was,

"Fulfil, fulfil my large desires,

Large as infinity;

Give, give me all my soul requires,

All, all that is in Thee."

This was his happy state for seven years previous to his death, during which time not a day passed wherein he could not read his title clear to mansions in the skies.

It is too common for professors of religion to measure the experience of others, by their own scanty attainments. And some there are, who cannot credit or receive any thing that rises above their own feelings and attainments. My conversation with our brother not long before his death, turned upon this subject, and he gave me such a particular account of the state of his mind, as fully convinced me of his devotedness to God. He said, "It is my care, first, to know the will of God concerning me; next, so pray for grace to do that will; and then, however painful to nature, I set about doing that which is my duty towards God, or man, not seeking for justification or acceptance through the merit of this, but pleading the mercy of God through Jesus Christ." No wonder then, that a heart thus devoted, should increase in the knowledge and love of God.

The things of God and eternity were the chief subject of conversation with him, never spending more time in talking about temporal affairs than was strictly necessary. His treasure and his heart were truly in heaven. And few that came into his company, if they had the least taste for spiritual food, could be in it long without receiving edification. Self-examination he considered as an important duty. It was, therefore, his practice to close each day with it; and he could not, with satisfaction, lay his head to rest on his pillow, without evidence in his heart that he was at peace with God, and all mankind. "Follow peace with all men," was the motto he ever had in view. And it was his study to live in peace with every one, as far as his duty towards God and his neighbour would admit; often saying, I love peace, and would do every thing in my power to promote it at home and abroad.

The Sabbath was the day he esteemed as a high day, and called a delight, the holy of the Lord, most honourable, not

doing himself, nor suffering others, if he could prevent it, to do the least thing of a worldly nature, whereby the duties proper to the day might be infringed, or the law of the Lord his God be broken, or in any respect violated.

The last eighteen months prior to his death, it was evident he rose high in salvation, making a greater progress than formerly in the divine life. On renewing our tickets, December, 1815, he said the last year had been the best he had ever known. In the latter part of it, I frequently heard him say, what the Lord was about to do with him he could not tell; but that of late he had enjoyed such manifestations of the love of God, and such communications of grace had flowed, at times, into his soul, as he had not before experienced.

On Tuesday morning, November 28th, of the above year, his first salutation to me was, "I just wanted some one, to help me to praise God for his goodness to me. I feel this morning

such a degree of the love of God, and such an assurance of my interest in the blood of Jesus, as raises me above every thing on earth. And by faith I have a bright prospect of what awaits me in heaven, if I prove faithful unto death."

Of the blessing of entire sanctification, he spoke with caution, as respected his own experience. But whatever is implied in the term, if it signify loving the Lord with all the heart, I think I shall not go too far in saying, that our brother lived in the enjoyment of this great blessing, and answered in no low degree the command our Lord gave, Be ye perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." By this, I would not insinuate that he was free from weaknesses; nor yet that he was incapable of error. This would be paying a tribute to human nature it is not entitled to, not even in its renewed state.

As an evidence of his zeal for God, and his cause, he accounted it one of his greatest pleasures to be employed in his Master's service, ever ready to take up any cross that was connected with duty. I have heard him say repeatedly, "If I had no other employment, how sweetly could I fill up every moment of my time in going about, doing and receiving good." His love for sinners, and his concern for their salvation, was great; being sensible that he himself was a brand plucked from the fire; it therefore gave him inexpressible pleasure to see, or hear of the work of God going on in the conversion of sinners. And in a particular manner was this love manifested towards those whom the Lord had committed to his care; I mean his class, ever anxious for their spiritual welfare. It was a matter of rejoicing when any of us was advancing in religion, saying, "O how I love to hear of you all making a progress in the divine life!"

As to his religious views, previous to his being changed by grace, the doctrine held and inculcated by the Methodists, ap

peared to him, (as far as he was then capable of judging) to accord most with the word of God. And for that people he had the greatest veneration and esteem, often saying, "I am but for one religion: I love all that love Jesus Christ." He ever considered it as being more acceptable to God, to pay obedience to his word, than to contend about opinions only, acknowledging that as a right faith, that destroys sin in the heart and life. Thus established, he was preserved from falling into many disputes about doctrinal points, which numbers of professors contend about, to the hurt of their souls, and that of the cause of religion. Conscious of his own insufficiency, he every moment hung dependent on the Lord for grace according to his day, and the times of trial he met with; and he was thus enabled to live to God a moment at a time; knowing, that through temptation he was liable to fall, but confident that the Lord was able to bring him through more than conqueror. Thus was he enabled to persevere through every difficulty, to surmount every obstacle that arose to impede his progress; and to do his duty, as a man of God, in the world and in the church; neither fearing the frowns, nor courting the smiles of men. He was patient under sufferings and wrongs, not seeking to retaliate, but rather willing to submit all to the righteous judgment of him who trieth the hearts of all men.

On Sunday evening, June 23, 1816, he closed the active part of life in the church militant at Halton, a village a short distance from his own, at which place we attended every fortnight to hold a prayer-meeting, and meet the class, and where he performed his labour of love. Soon after our return from thence, he was taken very ill, and passed a night of severe trial, through violent sickness, accompanied with a complaint in his bowels of an inflammatory nature; but in which severe conflict, through confidence in Him that was able to sustain him, he found support and strength.

On Monday, Satan made an attempt to shake his confidence, by displaying his infirmities and defects; but, looking unto Jesus, he said, "Whither can I go to but unto Him? He is my hiding place;" repeating,

"By death and hell pursu'd in vain,

To Thee the ransom'd seed shall come,
Shouting, their heavenly Zion gain,

And pass thro' death triumphant home."

"What should I do now," said he, " if I had my religion to seek but praised be the Lord the work is done, and whether I am appointed for life or death, I am resigned to the will of my heavenly Father."

Thursday, he altered much for the worse. And death now more visibly made its appearance, his disorder baffling the power

of medicine. He now spoke but little, as from the nature of his complaint, speaking caused much pain: but he continued to enjoy a sense of his interest in the blood of Jesus, which kept him happy; alternately supplicating a throne of grace for patience, and praising the Lord for his mercies. Once this day, when struggling with pain, he raised his eyes towards heaven, and with the language of a dying pilgrim, expressive of the feelings of his heart, repeated,

"On Jordan's stormy banks 1 stand,

And cast a wishful eye,

To Canaan's fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie."

Through this night he suffered in the extreme, but in the midst thereof, he could praise the Lord, saying, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: it is my hiding place, it is my rock." Friday 28th, Many of his friends came to visit him, whom he exhorted to meet him in heaven. To his wife and children he recommended Christ, as the only Saviour, and pressed them to flee unto him, telling them and those about him, that he was not looking back upon a life well spent, for he was a sinner; but he was a sinner for whom Christ had died. Towards the latter part of the day, on being asked if he had a clear view of Canaan's happy land, he answered, "Not so clear as I could wish, but I feel no fear:" and to another, he said, "I shall conquer:

"The wings of love and arms of faith

Shall bear me conqueror through.""

After this he frequently said, " Now He is perfecting me: now He is making me perfect through sufferings." As he came nearer to the shores of eternity, his prospects became brighter, and he expressed a desire to depart.

Late in the evening the doctor came to see him, and finding means ineffectual, was obliged to give him up. On being informed of this, he replied, "The Lord is still here." His strength now rapidly decreased, swiftly falling into the arms of death. The last word he spoke, (his voice being just lost in death,) was, "Glory." And about half past twelve o'clock in the morning, June 29th, his happy spirit burst its bonds of mortality, and mounted to its God. "The memory of the just is blessed."

Thus, the society at Alkbro' lost its brightest ornament, his family one of the best of husbands, and most affectionate of parents, and I, a friend, yea, more, a brother, and a faithful counsellor.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

Wednesday, May 5, was held the 15th Anniversary of this Society, at Freemasons' Hall. It is supposed there were not less than 2000 persons present. At twelve o'clock the Right Hon. Lord TEIGNMOUTH (President) took the Chair, and VOL. XLII. JUNE, 1819. * 3G

in a short address to the meeting, mentioned that the state of his health would have led him to decline the honour of presiding that day; but the indulgence which he had experienced, and the pleasure which he had received at former meetings, had silenced the suggestions of human prudence.

Mr.DEALTRY then read an Abstract of the Report, the whole being judged too long, as containing a comprehensive statement of the proceedings of the Society, in all its domestic and foreign relations and operations, making a sort of tour through Europe and through the world, to but few parts of which the Society's exertions have not extended. It detailed the progress of the Bible Societies in the different countries on the Continent, and in the Indies, &c. stated that the number of Bibles issued at Dost and reduced prices, from the 31st of March, 1818, to the same period in 1819, was 123,247 Bibles, and 136,784 Testaments, making in the whole 260,031 copies, being an increase beyond the issues of the preceding year, of 65,930 Bibles and Testaments; making, with those issued at the expense of the Society, from various presses upon the Continent, a total of more than Two Millions Three Hundred Thousand Bibles and Testaments.

£94,306 17 10

92,237 1 4

The total net Receipts of last year were
Including Auxiliary Societies
Ditto Bibles, Testaments, &c.
Total net payments

Besides which, the Society was under engagements to the amount of £70,000 more. After the Report, the Lord Bishop of CLOYNE rose, and proposed that the Report now read, be received and adopted; observing, that a more gratifying or animating Report he had never heard within these walls. It is many years ago (said he) since the friend of my youth, whose name I can never mention without sentiments of the highest veneration, and not only my friend, but that general friend of mankind, Sir Wm. Jones, first threw out an idea, that if but one single gospel, (that of St. Luke,) were printed in the language of the Hindoos, the effects of it, in a few years, would be prodigious; but he did not live to see this carried into effect. It was several years afterwards when several gentlemen met together to consider if it were not possible to pursue this plan, and to print the Bible without note or comment, and send it out into all the world. Fourteen years after, what has been effected? Instead of printing a few Bibles, or a single copy of the Gospel of St. Luke, we have printed 2,300,000 Bibles; instead of distributing them in our own country only, they have been distributed in every part of Europe, many parts of Asia and Africa, and in the East and West Indies. Thus we see "how great a matter a little fire kindleth, how many may be animated by the zeal of a few individuals.Permit me to intreat you never to relax in your exertions; still water and cultivate the off-sets of that tree of life which you have planted in so many countries; they will produce fruits which will afford you comfort amidst all your present labours and trials, and consolation on your dying beds. For myself I can only say, that at that solemn period I shall reflect on no moments with greater pleasure than on those, when in conjunction with you, I have, under this roof, lent my feeble assistance in promoting the cause of my blessed Saviour.

Sir WM. GEARY seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

His Royal Highness the Duke of GLOUCESTER then proposed the thanks of the meeting to the Right Hon. President, a motion which he was perfectly convinced would be agreed to without a dissenting voice; and at the same time to express the interest which he felt in the concerns of this Institution. From its formatiom (said he) I have been one of its feeble but constant supporters. The design of this Society is to obey the command of our Saviour, in sending his gospel into all the world, and in making known to those, who are sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, that book from which we ourselves must draw all our present happiness and our future hopes. In so good a cause there could be no doubt of success; but that every year they might expect to hear a more favourable Report.

A Gentleman then came forward on the platform, when the Rev. JOHN OWEN rose, and addressing the meeting, said, Proffessor Kieffier, of the University of Paris, Interpreter of Oriental languages to the King of France, now appears before you, having in his hand the first Turkish New Testament ever published, the fruits of his labour, of your bounty, and of the generosity of the French government, which has patronized the undertaking. Being a foreiguer, he is not qualified to address you in your own language; he has, however, laid on the table an Address, which the Rev. D. Wilson will read to you, in a language which you do understand. It observed, that he was still engaged in the work, and hoped to go on and print