until she could form a word. By this method she was soon able to read the book of God, which she highly prized through life. She found it to be her directory-a never-failing source of consolation, her strength and support. She became familiar with its promises, and treasured them up in her heart. There was one promise especially which she called her own, as being peculiarly a lapted to her circumstances. It was this, "I will never leave thee, I will never forsake thee." This she claimed as her heritage, on it she rested, and from it she derived the sweetest consolation. To the means of grace she was ardently attached; and in those peculiar to Methodism, such as class-meetings and love-feasts, she took great delight. From her class she was seldom absent; and whenever there was a love-feast, either at Mossley or the adjacent villages, Hannah was sure to be there, and generally the first to stand forth as a witness for her Master.

"Not ashamed to own her Lord,"

she was ever ready to tell to others "what God had done for her soul."

She was a steady Christian. To reject the doctrine of the atonement after having felt its saving efficacy was to her "a new thing under the sun"-a novelty which excited her sorrow, and a mystery she could not understand. She was "sted fast in the faith," "rooted and grounded in the knowledge of God." The stability of her religious life was equal to, and beautifully in harmony with, her doctrinal views. As a Christian, she had many trials of a peculiar and heavy character. At home she was daily persecuted by her ungodly husband, while he was with his family. In his absence, she maintained family worship in her dwelling; and, on those occasions, some of the "lewd and baser sort" have been known to go on the house-top, put a stone on the chimney, and fill the house with smoke. "But none of these 66 stedfast, things moved her;" she was immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord;" and to the day of her death maintained her integrity."

She continued a stedfast member of the Church of Christ for about seventy years, and has been connected with our body in this place from the formation of the Connexion. She was not "given to change," but had a fixed choice, settled rest," and was a 66 pillar in the house of God," in which, after her conversion, she dwelt all the days of her life.

a

In prayer she was remarkably simple, earnest and powerful, and received from God many answers to her fervent petitions. Amidst all her trials she was cheerful and happy: and though " sorrowful yet always rejoicing, persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed;" exclaiming in effect, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." By her chaste conversation and holy life, by her simple and earnest piety, her fervent prayers and constant efforts to do good, she secured the good opinion and favourable regard of many, and evinced that she was an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile."

66

She regarded herself as peculiarly a child of Providence, and in Jehovah, as the God of Providence and grace, she had strong confidence and an unshaken faith. Though, for some time in her latter years, she was dependant upon the aid of the benevolent for her daily supplies of food, "yet she lacked no good thing." "Her bread was given, and her water made sure." She trusted in God, and fainted not in the day of adversity. For some time, owing to the infirmities of old age, she was unable to attend the ordinances of the sanctuary; yet at home she held communion with God, and much enjoyed the visits, and conversation and prayers of the pious and benevolent, who forsook her not "in old age, nor cast her off when her strength failed." During prayer her responses were frequent, and when any of the promises were quoted she would exclaim, with great earnestness and delight, "There, there! it is enough, Lord; it will do; it just suits Hannah !" When conversing of heaven, her countenance would brighten, her eyes glisten with tears of joy, and, with clasped hands and an elevated tone of voice, she would exclaim, My Jesus! my sweet Jesus! thou art coming, and thy servant is ready." She indeed

Longed and sighed to be there,
Where Jesus has fixed his abode,
The palace of angels and God.

She had no fear of death, but spoke of her decease with composure, and anticipated it with joy. About half an hour before she died, she said, "I have not much pain, but I am quite resigned, and ready to suffer anything the Lord may lay upon me." Then, after a short pause, she again said, "He who has helped me in all past trials will not leave me in this valley." He did not leave her, and therefore she "feared no evil."

RECENT DEATHS.

JOHN NOBLE died at Dewsbury, July 5th, 1852, aged 66 years. Brother

Noble had been a member of the Methodist New Connexion, at Dewsbury, for the long period of forty-two years. He also officiated as chapel-keeper for many years. He was much attached to the Connexion; and this attachment seems to have increased as life advanced. Though comparatively poor in worldly things, he was rich in heavenly graces. prized the means of grace, and, when able to attend, was seldom absent from his post. He bore a long and severe affliction with exemplary patience, and died at last triumphant in the faith. One

He

of his last utterances was-"I am fixed upon the rock-Jesus Christ." His death was improved by the Superintendent to a numerous and attentive audience.

W.

MARY OLDROYD died at Dewsbury, August 3rd, 1852, aged fifty-two years. Sister Oldroyd had been a member of our Society at Dewsbury about twenty years. During that period she maintained the Christian character with great consistency, and was much esteemed by all that knew her. She was distinguished by the exercise of strong faith in her Saviour. Her health had, for some time, been in a failing state, but her soul was sweetly sustained by divine grace. In her last moments she had no fear of death, and was fully resigned to the will of God. She devoutly thanked God that she had not then religion to seek, frequently exclaiming "Jesus is precious! Jesus is precious!" J. N.

DIED, on the 6th of August, in the 25th year of her age, Sarah Warhurst. Our beloved sister had been a member of our Church at Stalybridge for more than six years. In her disposition she was meek and kind, in her piety sincere and persevering. On earth she lived for heaven. Having made Christ her friend and portion, she was sweetly supported in her passage to the grave. The consumption wasted her body, but her soul was happy in Christ her Saviour. She died saying, Not a cloud does arise to darken my skies,

Or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes.

H. WATTS.

Stalybridge, Aug. 19, 1852.

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.-The 109th Annual Conference of Wesleyan Preachers commenced its sittings in Carver-street Chapel, Sheffield, on Wednesday, the 28th of July. As by the Deed of Declaration the yearly assembling of ministers is confined within the three weeks beginning on the last Wednesday in July, the various departments of Connexional affairs are entrusted to Committees, which meet prior to that assembly, in the town where the Conference is held. This has been an eventful Conference, many preachers having resigned in consequence of alleged dissatisfaction with the Wesleyan discipline, and as report states the number of members being about 20,000 less

than in the preceding year, and making a diminution of 70,000 members in two years. This is a serious state of things, and it affects our minds with pain and sorrow to place it on record. Amidst the disastrous events of the day, one thing is quite evident, the Wesleyan Conference seems resolved, at all hazard, to maintain its despotic rule.

THE MOVEMENT OF THE MODERATES, OR THE MEDIATION PARTY.-During the sittings of the Wesleyan Conference, a deputation from those who assume to be the advocates of moderate reform in Methodism, and whose action is to obtain such concessions from the Conference as would be calculated to restore peace to the body, met in Sheffield to

present to the Conference a memorial signed by about 2000 members. The deputation was not received, but the memorial was read, and a reply forwarded, which denied the allegations contained, and rejected the prayer of the petitioners.

THE WESLEYAN REFORM DELEGATE MEETING. On the 13th of August, several hundred delegates from the numerous Circuits demanding Methodist reform met in Sheffield to hold their third annual meeting, and to put themselves in communication with the Conference. Their proposition to treat with the Conference was at once rejected. A remonstrance was subsequently sent by the reformers to the Conference; but the latter made no reply, except to state, as briefly as possible, that they had no communication to hold with "those gentlemen."

The present action of the reformers is to promote and extend the agitation in the Wesleyan body, a policy which we think is, at the present time, both impolitic and improper. The numbers reported to be in connexion with the reformers, in different parts of the kingdom, is about 45,000. But the actual loss of numbers in the Wesleyan body is 70,000, leaving 25,000 unaccounted for. What can have become of this number? Some have joined other Churches, but many, we fear, have returned to the world!

THE WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE. While the Wesleyan Conference was holding its sittings in Sheffield, the Wesleyan Association held its annual assembly in Manchester. It is matter of regret that this branch of Methodism has suffered a serious decrease during the present year; report states the decrease at 1000 members. The Rev. James Carveth was tried by the Assembly on account of his opposition to certain measures recently adopted on the subject of "question by penalty ;" and, on the authority of the Manchester Examiner, it is stated that, 'at the close of the trial, Mr. Carveth was required, before receiving an appointment to a Circuit, first, to express regret for having, as the charge alleged, calumniated the last annual assembly; and, secondly, pledge himself to abstain from all agitation for the future. The rev. gentleman requested time to consider his reply. After the close of these proceedings, the circumstances of the Liverpool Circuit were entered upon, especially in reference to a special Circuit meeting held the night previously, August 4th, and called by the rev. defendant in his capacity of

chairman of the Circuit, on a requisition. This Circuit meeting was alleged to be unconstitutional, but proof of this could only be obtained from the chairman, the defendant himself. Again he was placed at the bar, when he stated that he had acted as chairman of the Circuit, to which authority alone in this case he was amenable. On this reply being given, a vote was taken that the question should be put authoritatively, which was done. Mr. Carveth refused to answer, giving his reasons, one of which was that it involved a violation of Circuit independence, that being a fundamental principle of the constitution of the Wesleyan Association; upon which the Rev. Robert Eckett moved a resolution, to the effect that Mr. Carveth should be left without a Circuit until he answered. This motion was not acceded to, but postponed until the assembly should receive Mr. Carveth's reply to the previous motion. We are not prepared to state whether or not a reply was given by Mr. Carveth; but at a numerous meeting of office-bearers and members, held in Pleasant-street Chapel, Liverpool, on Monday evening following, Richard Sharpe, Esq., in the chair, a resolution was solemnly come to to renounce all connexion with the annual assembly, and to recall the representative.' We had hoped that some pacific measures would have been adopted to remove existing grievances, and secure a return of peace and prosperity to the denomination. We grieve over the divided and adverse state of Methodism.

THE CRYSTAL PALACE.-IS IT TO BE A HEATHEN TEMPLE ?-On Thursday, the 5th of August, Samuel Laing, Esq., M.P., Chairman of the Crystal Palace Company, surrounded by a large gathering of nobles and professional gentlemen, together with crowds drawn thither by the interest of the object, laid the first pillar of the new and notable structure. It stands upon a site, a few miles below London, between the Sydenham and Anerley Stations, on the Brighton Railway, on the one side, and the turnpike road which borders on the Dulwich Wood, on the other. Although intended to be a reproduction of the far-famed Crystal Palace of Hyde Park, in many respects it will be different from and more magnificent than that. In length, it will be 240 feet less than the old palace; but it will contain a transept at each end, with a central transept, the circular roof of which will be 120 feet in diameter. Besides, the nave of the New Palace will be forty-four feet higher

than the old, and its wings on either side will embrace terrace gardens, covering thirty acres of land. At the end of each wing there will be a large tower, from which a commanding view of the gardens, the country around, and London, will be obtained. When finished, it will contain plants and flowers of every clime, statuary, and endless products of manufacture. Sir Joseph Paxton is the architect, and Messrs. Fox and Henderson the contractors. It is to be finished by the 1st of May, 1853. But will this palace be a heathen temple or not? If, as the London Times and some other papers advocate, this building is to be opened on the Lord's day, better, far better, the sun of Britain had never illumined its crystal dome. It will be one of the greatest curses to England which this country has ever seen. Open its gates to the millions of London, and the myriads who come from the country, and alas for the Sabbath of the Lord! alas for the interests of religion! It will not only be an unparalleled source of temptation, but it will be the great normal school for Sabbath desecration throughout the world. At home it will be the pattern and example for Sabbathpleasure and Sabbath-trading, and abroad it will be regarded as the visible embodiment of English sentiment on the Sabbath question. Open this place, and what gin-palace or draper's-shop can you close? License this great hall for Sabbath desecration, and you impart a sanction, a commendation and a praise, to the Sabbath-breaker's course, which will embolden men to proud defiance in their violation of the laws of God!

PERPETUAL LIGHT.-A most curious and interesting discovery has just been made at Langres, in France, which we have no doubt will cause a searching scientific inquiry as to the material and properties of the perpetually-burning lamps said to have been in use by the ancients. Workmen were recently excavating for a foundation for a new building, in a debris evidently the remains of Gallo-Roman erections, when they came to the roof of an underground sort of cave, which time had rendered almost of metallic hardness. An opening was, however, effected, when one of the workmen instantly exclaimed that there was a light at the bottom of the cavern. parties present entered, when they found a bronze sepulchral lamp, of remarkable workmanship, suspended from the roof by chains of the same metal. It was entirely filled with a combustible substance, which did not appear to have diminished, although the probability is

The

the combustion had been going on for ages. This discovery will, we trust, throw some light on a question which has caused so many disputes among learned antiquaries, although it is stated that one was discovered at Viterbo, in 1540, from which, however, no fresh information was afforded on the subject.Mining Journal-[Query. May there not have been some chemical preparation in the lamp, which would take fire on the admission of air?-ED.]

CONFLAGRATION AT MONTREAL.-A fire of a most dreadful and destructive character broke out in the important and influential city of Montreal, Canada, on Thursday morning, the 8th of July, and continued, with but slight intermission, the whole of that day and part of the next. It took its rise in a house on the east side of St. Lawrence-street. This street runs north-east going out of town, and divides the city into two almost equal parts. The east or south-east part is, in this case, the sufferer. During the first day, the whole of the streets and squares extending from St. Lawrence on the one side, to St. Denis on the other, and known as the St. Louis Ward, were for the most part converted into ashes. The houses in this locality being built of wood (nearly all of them), the fire ran and raged with fearful rapidity and fury. At five o'clock in the evening of the first day, it was thought to have exhausted its energy and terminated its career, inflicting a loss of St. Denis Ward, with several buildings, a church, schools, and bishop's palace, belonging to the Roman Catholics, and a large timber-yard and sawmills, the property of Messrs. Sims and Coleman. But this thought was vain and delusive. An hour later, its reappearance was discovered. Very soon it had possession of the Hays House Hotel, a large pile of stone building of four storeys high, with a theatre behind. Thence it spread into a district called the Quebec Suburb, and was not mastered and stopped till nine or ten o'clock the next morning.

The dreary aspect presented after the fire had done its work cannot be put into human speech. Ten thousand houseless and homeless persons of every age and sex were seeking a shelter wherever a likely place presented itself. Not less than 1,100 houses had been carried off by the quenchless foe, and a property estimated at £201,000 was destroyed.

Happy are we to notice the sympathy excited and the liberality put forth, on both sides the Atlantic, in behalf of those who have lost their all in this serious and sad catastrophe.