tian to make every possible effort for the conversion of those who are still in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. But it is instructive and consoling to trace the wisdom and goodness of God as displayed in the manner in which the most solemn and affecting events are sometimes overruled for the good of others. How instructive to see the hand of God touching the heart of an hitherto impenitent person, and awakening him to a deep concern for the salvation of his never-dying soul, by the sudden death of a neighbour, or one who may have attended the same place of worship. To know that the death of one has been the means of spiritual life to another, is surely enough to console our minds under that bereavement, and even to bless God for it. The manner in which the Lord provided for the subject of this brief memoir, and at length brought her to a saving acquaintance with the Lord Jesus Christ, verifies what has just been said. In early life she lost her beloved mother. Under such circumstances, children, and especially females, are exposed to many evils, in consequence of being left to the care of those who have not the tender sensibilities of a mother, while the father is necessarily engaged in the world. A beloved uncle who resided at Ramsgate, now took her under his care. Here she was regularly led to the house of God, and taught the way in which she ought to go. For some time she attended the enlightened ministry of the late Rev. George Townsend; but her hearing seemed to be almost in vain, for although she was pleased with the preaching of that holy man, her heart remained unchanged by the power of the Gospel. About the year 1833 she was married to a pious man; but even his example and prayers did not lead her to the Saviour for eternal life. She never opposed religion, but was indifferent to its sacred claims. In Midsummer, 1838, she came with her husband to reside at Standon, in the county of Hertford, where she attended the ministry of the Rev. W. Palmer, Home Missionary of Puckeridge. For some time she, like too many in almost every place, was satisfied with going once on the Sabbath to the house of God. This may satisfy one who has merely the form of godliness, while a truly spiritual person will be often there. The real Christian will be often heard saying, "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth." "I have been there, and still will go, In the beginning of 1839 it pleased the Lord to awaken her to a deep concern for her soul. This was done in a way which proves that his work is perfect, and that his way is right. The sudden death of Mrs. Stringer, who attended the same place of worship, which took place in January, 1839, led her seriously to reflect on her own state and prospects for eternity. The sermon preached on the occasion, by Mr. Palmer, from Eccles. iii. 2, “ A time to die," was the means of still more deeply awakening her conscience, and of enlightening her mind. For several weeks she kept all these things to herself, and pondered them in her heart. But while she was musing, the fire burned, and she then spoke with her tongue, and said, "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am." The change soon became visible, for she was oftener seen in the house of God. Her looks were an index to her mind. She appeared to be hungering and thirsting after righteousness. She soon made known her feelings to an aged female Christian, who faithfully directed her to the Lamb of God for pardon and peace. Mr. Palmer, soon after he heard of it, went to see her, and found her in a very distressed state of mind. He then conversed with her on the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. They both wept together while kneeling before the mercy-seat; the one over her sins, and the other over the returning prodigal. How sweet are such seasons, and how refreshing to the Christian minister! For about three months she seemed to walk in darkness, and had no light, but continued, with weeping and supplications, to seek the salvation of her soul through Jesus Christ. Mr. Palmer lent her" James's Anxious Inquirer," which she carefully and prayerfully read. This book was made a blessing to her, by enlightening her mind. The light of God's countenance was lifted upon her, and she began to rejoice in Christ Jesus, her Lord and Saviour. In June she became a member of the Independent Church at Puckeridge. Little did either her minister or herself imagine that this would be the last interview they should have on earth. But so it proved, for on the following Monday she was taken very ill, and died on the Tuesday afternoon, after enduring indescribable pain for about twenty-four hours. As soon as Mr. P. heard of her illness, he hastened to her house, but the nature of her disease prevented his seeing her be fore she died. She was aged thirtysix years. Her death was improved on Sabbath day, July 14, from Jerem. xv. 9, "She hath given up the ghost, her sun is gone down while it was yet day." willingly attended, and was capable, as well as pleased, with making her occasional and correct remarks on the merit of gospel sermons; yet there was no decisive evidence of her having been the happy possessor of spiritual life in her soul, until the Lord was pleased to visit her with that affliction which ended her mortal existence. Here it was that the force of David's confession was felt, "I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou, in faithfulness, hast afflicted me." For here it was, the chastenings of the Lord caused her mind to be seriously impressed, and MEMOIR OF THE LATE MRS. MARY fully exercised in those things that HICKMAN, ELDEST DAUGHTER WAS MARRIED IN FEBRUARY It may not be unnecessary to remark that, although she ever enjoyed an excellent state of health through life, having taken a severe cold, and not having paid due attention to its early symptoms, it soon settled on her lungs, and brought on that rapid consumption which terminated in death, in about six months; and however unremitting was the kind attention both of the physician and those in the chamber of sickness, yet all hopes and efforts failed, the disease having made too strong a hold to be conquered. An account of the happy death of her late mother, given in this Magazine, for Jan. 1836, is, doubtless, still remembered by many of its readers; nor is the present memoir less interesting, or descriptive of the power of Sovereign grace. During the many years she remained under the parental roof, her undeviating conduct was that of cheerful obedience and love; always actively treading in the steps of her Jate affectionate parent, with wisdom and prudence; and such was her amiable disposition, that it enabled her to exemplify to all with whom she had intercourse, that sweetness of temper ever mingled with a willingness of doing good so as to obtain imperceptibly their affection and interest, but she did not presume to rank with those who make a display of their religious attainments. It is true, the means of grace she made for her everlasting peace, Heb. xii. 11, which constrained her to utter, as her own prayer, the suitable language of the penitent "Show pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive; The paraphrase of the 51st Psalm, of which the above lines are a part; during the early part of her being confined to her room, often appeared in her hand, which became the fervent breathings of her heart; and, while the Lord was pleased to show her by the teaching of his Spirit, (whose first office is to convince of sin,) her lost condition as a sinner, and the absolute need of a Saviour, her hours of affliction were much engaged in perusing various portions of her little Bible, (the gitt of her late mother, let Christian mothers do likewise,) especially the 12th chapter of Isaiah, the comforting language of which she could happily apply, as well as many of the hymns of Dr. Watts, on the sacrifice, justifying righteousness and love of Christ. Nor was she a little delighted with the kind visits, instructive intercourse, and affectionate and ardent prayers of her father, friends, and ministers ; especially those of the Rev. Dr. Pye Smith; she could, therefore, join with the poet, and sing "Jesus my great High Priest has died, And although the enemy, Satan, was once, during her afflictions, permitted to cast a gloom of doubtfulness over her mind for a short season, she was soon after enabled to say, with the church of old, "O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me ;" and to sing, in the exulting language of Dr. Watts "I shall be safe, for Christ displays Superior power and guardian grace." This was subsequently well manifested by the spirituality of her mind and entire submission to the will of her heavenly Father; for she assured her anxious and kind mother-in-law that she had not one earthly care upon her mind; and as to the prospect of death, she said she had No fears whatever;" but, on the contrary, the stability of her trust in her Saviour's effectual sacrifice and justifying righteousness, was such, that on the last night of her afflictions, her love to him was so intense, and her mind so fixed on the happy anticipation of a blissful eternity, that she said to her dear husband and relatives around her, "I am to remain with you this night to tell you how much I love my Saviour for his pardoning love to me, and then I shall go to him." join with her in singing two or three hymns of her own choosing, but particularly "Vital spark," &c.; and although she was now become exceedingly weak, and her cough tronblesome, yet she sung it throughout with a spirit of holy joy and surprising vigour. This awfully solemn, but delightful scene, removed every appearance of that gloom attendant on many a dying bed, and yielded a serene and heavenly pleasure to each one present. The next day, about one o'clock, while the sinking tabernacle of Mrs. Hickman was in the arms of one of her sisters, her happy spirit took its flight to the eternal world of bliss, to join her kindred in the song of redeeming love, and to be "ever with the Lord." The Rev. J. Morren, who addressed the family and spectators, over the grave in the burial-ground adjoining Dr. Burder's Chapel, Hackney, improved her death on the second sabbath evening after, from Isa. xii. 2. King-square, She afterwards desired them all to Aug. 19, 1839. J. B. OPENING OF THE NEW CHAPEL AT WESTERHAM, KENT.* WE have seldom had to record a more important movement connected with the operations of the agency of the Home Missionary Society, than the building of the new chapel in the respectable town of Westerham. The occasion has arisen out of the successful exertions of our Missionary, the Rev. W. Foster, during the past three years. When Mr. F. commenced his labours in Westerham, in May, 1836, the congregation was less than twenty persons. An Engraving of the Chapel was prefixed to the last "Quarterly Chronicle," but we have placed it again at the head of this article, The attendance increasing, the necessity of a more commodious and suitable place of worship than that which was occupied, even at a large rent, was soon apparent. The new Chapel having been completed, was opened on Wednesday, the 9th of October. Sermons were preached by the Rev. H. B. Jeula, of Greenwich; and the Rev. P. Thomson, A. M., of Chatham, in the absence of Dr. Bennett, who was prevented attending by severe indisposition. The Rev. Messrs. G. Verrall, of Bromley; J. Felkin, of Sevenoaks; W. Chapman, of Dorman's-land, Surrey; and G. Hinde, of St. Mary's Cray; engaged in the devotional exercises of the day. The weather was fine, and the congregations were excellent. The Rev. G. Verrall preached on the following Lord's-day; and the collections amounted to £18. About £125 have been raised in the neighbourhood, in addition to which, Mr. W. Joynson, of St. Mary's Cray, generously gave, on the day of opening, the munificent sum of £50. The Chapel measures 40 feet by 31, with a vestry 20 feet by 11. It is much admired for its neatness, and its happy combination of simplicity, convenience, and respectability. The whole cost of ground, containing three old cottages, which it was necessary to take down, together with the erection of the Chapel and vestry, has been little more than £800. An appeal must be made to the religious public for aid in this important undertaking, when it is hoped that such assistance will be afforded as shall prevent the remaining debt proving a heavy clog upon the energies and resources of this rising and interesting cause. INTERESTING SERVICES AT HEN- (Extract from a Letter.) I am happy to say that the Rev. George Evans arrived here on Saturday evening, Oct. 12, 1839; and you will, no doubt, wish to know how his visit was received. I am happy to say his visit was as acceptable as it was useful and beneficial. He preached on Sabbath morning at Henley, from 2 Cor. ii. 14; it was a very impressive discourse, and commanded great attention; the fund of anecdote which he brought to bear upon his subject, was highly useful. Some of our friends took Mr. Evans in the afternoon in a gig to Lonsomford, a village four miles off, where there is neither church nor chapel; it lies upon the side of a hill, studded with wood and grassy fields: there is a large barn converted into a chapel, and a Sabbath-school, in which above thirty children are taught. You would be highly pleased to see, on a Sabbath afternoon, the strag gling groups of cottagers, coming from several directions to the barn to hear the sweet voice of the Gospel; and, generally, the place is crowded with attentive hearers. In this rustic chapel Mr. Evans preached. The Missionary, with a few friends, crossed hill and dale, which shortened the distance half a mile, and were there before Mr. E. came. The report of a London minister coming to preach in a barn, excited the curiosity of the poor cottagers, and many came to hear the word; many stood, unable to get a seat, glad that they had standing-room. He took his text from Psa. lxxiii. 28; and such was the attention paid, that even on the earthen floor I think a pin might have been heard to fall. They found the London minister did not, as some might have supposed, shoot over their heads, but discovered by his plain language and pithy remarks, he was shooting at their hearts. Mr. Evans seemed delighted at the company, and their deep attention; and no doubt left the barn more impressed than ever, with the utility of Home Missions. He preached again at Henley, in the evening, to a crowded chapel; and he directed his sermon specially to young people; and I sincerely hope the exercises of the day will be remembered many days hence. On Monday the Missionary tent was erected in a field at the bottom of the town, and as this was the first visit of a Director of the Home Missionary Society, I was anxious he should preach under the far-famed tent, which has been erected at the base of mountains-the side of the glassy lakethe margin of rivers railroadsKing's-highways-the sea-beach and fertile dell. Our dear and worthy Missionary, Mr. Hood, of Solihull, came to spend the day, and assist in the exercises connected with it. At half past four o'clock the services of the tent begun by singing and prayer, when Mr. Hood gave a short address, and Mr. Evans, another. It would be too tedious to give you even an outline of what was said. At a quarter before six o'clock the services in the tent concluded; and, when you consider the hour of the day, and that nearly one hundred came within the canvas walls, it showed the interest the people took in the work. It could not be novelty to see the tent, as it had been put up a month before, and proved useful in bringing those to hear, who never heard a Dissenter preach. Mr. Evans was highly pleased with the scene, and I hope another day will disclose the glorious results. At seven o'clock in the evening there was an interesting service in the chapel, one which, I trust, will be remembered many years hence; it was the formation of a church, when five persons openly professed their attachment to Jesus. There were present at the Lord's Supper, dispensed for the first time, two Home Missionaries, a London minister, and a blind, but effective preacher. Four of Mr. Hood's members joined with us, and three occasional members. Oh, it was truly an interesting sight, one which would silence the opposers of Home Missions, and animate the friends of home. Mr. Evans explained the nature of a church in an able and animated manner. Mr. Hood explained the nature and designs of the Lord's Supper. Mr. Evans dispensed, for the first time in the place, the memorials of the death of Jesus, and gave the right hand of fellowship to the members. The chapel was nearly filled, and all felt deeply interested, and, I expect, before another month, several will join our infant church. In the concluding services I commended to God in prayer, our dear friend who was on the morrow to leave us on his way to Cumberland to visit the stations there. I truly hope that his visit will be long remembered by all, and that he shall soon hear of the fruit of his labours. May he be long spared to the Home Missionary Society, to his church, people, and family! I cannot conclude this short account without noticing, that the 14th day of October commences my sixteenth year in England; and a happy commencement it was, and I openly acknowledge with feelings of gratitude I cannot express, that the Home Missionary Society has always treated me in the kindest possible manner; and I feel persuaded the kindness and sympathy shown to all the Home Missionaries, tend greatly to cheer them in their difficult and arduous work. And while I look back with gratitude on fifteen years' residence in England, and only one Sabbath confined by trouble, I pray that my future years may be the occasion of fresh Ebenezers, and that the Lord's work may prosper here and in the various stations connected with the Home Missionary Society. That as the London Missionary Society wishes to raise £100,000, the Home Missionary Society may raise at least £20,000. Honour to whom honour is due. It may at a future day be recorded that the success of Foreign Missions have, through the blessing of God, been owing in part to the Home Missionary Society. Expect great things. Is any thing too hard for God? NORTH RIDING AUXILIARY HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Directors have much pleasure in announcing the following spontaneous Resolution which has been just received from an important and efficient auxiliary. At the regular half-yearly meeting of the North-Riding Association of Independent Ministers and Congregations, held at Loftus, Oct. 2, 1839, it was resolved unanimously: That while this Association observes with pleasure the increase of Home Missionary zeal, it feels this to be a proper occasion to express the great pleasure, satisfaction, and gratitude which it has felt from its connexion with the Home Missionary Society, continued now for many years; and its confidence that in any new operations for the same object, a duly respectful regard will be preserved to that useful Institution; and that copies of this resolution be sent to the Secretaries of the Congregational Union, and of the Home Missionary Society, 11, Chatham-place. GABRIEL CROFT, Oct. 7, 1839. Secretaries. |