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is impossible to review them now without observing how sweetly the providence and grace of God combined to bring her to himself.

Her mind was literally overwhelmed by maternal anxiety and personal affliction when she set out to visit her native place. The scenes of bygone days soon rushed on her recollection, but brought no comfort to her dejected heart. At length, the Sabbath returned, and in some measure recalled the religious privileges of her youth. She thought of the sanctuary to which she formerly resorted, and resolved to spend another hour within its hallowed walls. That purpose was faithfully redeemed, and "the hour of prayer" again found her in the courts of the Lord's house. Mr. Potter preached, and there was a relish in the various parts of the service which she had never felt before. His text was Esther iv. 16, "I will go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish." The word was with power. It reached the inmost recesses of the heart, and brought all her sins to remembrance. She was on the verge of despair; but the application of the subject gave her encouragement to hope. "The preacher very properly appealed to those who were convinced of sin, and wished to believe on Christ for salvation, which," said Mrs. Schofield, was just my state of mind. I felt as if every word was for me. He concluded by saying, 'If you don't come you will perish, and if you do come you can but perish; and by way of encouragement he added, ‘Remember, none ever did perish whilst coming to God for mercy.'" She ventured, hope sprung up in her heart, and she resolved to spend her future days in the fear of the Lord.

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In a short time she returned home. The child derived no benefit from the change of air, and death soon put an end to all her care and anxiety concerning it. The bereavement strengthened her determination to live to God, and circumstances favoured her well-directed purposes. With a mind ill at ease, and evidently desiring pardon, though actually questioning the possibility of obtaining it, she went to a neighbour, and said, "I am come to ask you a question." "What is it?"

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said the other. "Why, it is this; is it possible to know when our sins are pardoned?" "Yes," replied her friend, "yes, Mrs. Schofield, it is just as possible for you to know that as it would be if you were fast bound in chains, and then felt them all to fall off." "Then," she continued, "my sins are not forgiven, for I have not experienced that deliverance." That conversation did her good. It broke the snare, and not only showed her that a sense of pardon was really attainable, but it encouraged her to seek it. Hence," she adds, I went home burdened and heavy laden, and, repairing to my bed-room, if ever I prayed in earnest it was then. I felt that I could be anything or nothing, if I might be the Lord's. Yes, I felt that nothing less than a sense of sins forgiven could satisfy me. And whilst I was thus pleading with God, in the name and for the sake of Jesus, I felt a degree of his love shed abroad in my heart." Yes, faith apprehended the promise, and by confiding in the atonement peace and joy sprang up in her breast.

Whilst thus on her knees, and at the very time when she obtained forgiveness, an impression was made on her mind that they should remove from the place where they then resided. That impression was deep and immovable; and in the simplicity of her heart she asked, "Where, Lord?" Nothing further was revealed; yet she says, I

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felt it was from the Lord." When her husband returned to dinner, he was quite concerned to see her look so very unwell, and proposed that they should take a walk into the country. "I thought," said Mrs. Schofield, "perhaps the Lord has something to do with this walk;" and so it proved. "We went to Cheetwood; and as the country looked so well, and I saw a small chapel there, I said I should like to live here. We called on a friend to inquire if there was a house to let. He said yes, he believed there was one unoccupied. My husband went and took it before we returned home, and we removed that day week." Here, then, we find them at Cheetwood, a small village in the immediate vicinity of Manchester, and that "little chapel" which caught her anxious eye belonged to the Methodist New Connexion. Thither she at once repaired in a prayerful spirit. The means of grace were just suited to her state of mind. Her convictions were deepened, her pious resolutions were confirmed, her mind was more fully enlightened to comprehend the truth, Christ was increasingly precious, and looking up to God as her reconciled Father, she was often heard to exclaim, "My Lord and my God."

This great change laid the foundation of all her peace and happiness as a Christian. A new heart brought new feelings, new desires, new purposes and new enjoyments. Instead of seeking happiness in the world, as in days past, she sought happiness in God. His sanctuary and his word were her delight. The means of grace proved both instructive and edifying; and when casting in her lot with the little Church her language was, "Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

After a few years' residence at Cheetwood they returned to Manchester, when she immediately identified herself with our friends in Oldham-street, and became a member of the preachers' class. At length they removed to Hulme, which led to her connexion with the Society in Peter-street. For a time things went on well here, and, in its prosperity no one rejoiced more than sister Schofield. But a fine and fruitful summer may be followed by the cold and desolating blasts of winter. Such times of disquietude generally test our principles and show what spirit we are of. In 1841 and 1842 this Society passed through one of those painful ordeals. Many professed friends had deserted it, and the love of others waxing cold, rendered them an easy prey for wicked and designing men. At that time Conference was under the painful necessity of separating an unworthy man from its ministry. Several leading members of this Society sympathized with him and deserted the Connexion. A severe struggle ensued, and it became a question who should have the chapel. Though much attached to several of the seceders, Mrs. Schofield firmly and immovably clung to the cause of truth; and her example and influence had a powerful effect on many others. In a short time the storm subsided, peace was restored, and our estimable friend lived to see the desire of her heart in returning prosperity.

About the time just named, a Dorcas meeting was established here on a small scale. Mrs. Schofield kindly accepted the office of treasurer, and devoted her best energies to its welfare. This opened a fine field of usefulness, which she took care to improve. Many poor members and others requiring assistance, were supplied with suitable clothing and otherwise relieved in the time of need. In this good work, no one took

greater pleasure than our worthy friend. Providence favoured her family with great prosperity; and, as her own comforts increased, she became increasingly anxious to promote the happiness of others. And whilst thus relieving the distressed, she realised in her own personal experience the approving smile of Heaven, and thus found it "more blessed to give than to receive."

Those who had the privilege of knowing the late Mrs. Schofield need not be told that she had a very delicate constitution, and frequently suffered from ill-health. A slight cold, or the least derangement of the digestive organs, was frequently attended with alarming consequences. By repeated and protracted afflictions she was frequently brought to the verge of the grave. But in those seasons of trial she was richly favoured with sustaining grace. When her sufferings abounded her consolations abounded also. She found it "good to be afflicted," and always endeavoured to "glorify God in the fires." By unceasing care, her valuable life was prolonged from time to time; but every succeeding attack must have weakened her frail tenement and prepared the way for its final dissolution.

Faithful as a friend, frugal and affectionate as a wife, prudent and indulgent as a parent, and sincere and exemplary as a Christian, she endeavoured to fill up the respective stations to which she was called in the order of Divine Providence. And having thus accomplished the great purposes of life, nothing remained for her but to die in peace and enter into rest.

And at length her change came. It was both sudden and unexpected; but through mercy she was found fully prepared. It appears that in August last she paid a visit to Harrogate. Several branches of her own family and other endeared friends accompanied her there. Change of air produced the desired effect, and in due time she returned home much improved in health. A season of family excitement-the mar riage of her eldest son-immediately followed; and ere that had well passed over she was taken ill and confined to her room. In a short time her complaint yielded to judicious treatment, and on Wednesday, the 22nd of October, she ventured down stairs again. Her return to the family circle was like life from the dead. Joy beamed in every countenance, and hope inspired every breast when they again saw her in the midst of them. But alas! alas! those fair and flattering anticipations were doomed to disappointment. On the Saturday following she was again absent; and next day the affliction began to assume an alarming aspect. The best medical aid which could be obtained was immediately called in. It was thought a good night's rest would have the desired effect, and that she would be better in the morning. But those fond hopes were disappointed. That night was a restless one, and the opening day found her sinking into the arms of Death. When the medical man arrived the case was pronounced hopeless. This overwhelming intelli gence plunged her family and friends into the deepest distress; but, even then, her own mind was calm and placid as a summer's evening. Death was swallowed up in Victory; and that day her happy spirit returned to God who gave it. "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

(To be concluded in our next.)`

DISCOURSES, ESSAYS, &c.

CHRIST PREVENTED FROM DOING MIGHTY WORKS BY UNBELIEF.

BY THE REV. H. O. CROFTS, D.D.

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CHRIST is able to perform mighty works." His works of creation, providence and grace prove this. "All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made." He upholds “all things by the word of his power. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body the Church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence." In this article we would call attention to the mighty works" of a purely spiritual character which he is able to perform, and which unbelief alone prevents him from accomplishing.

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Christ is able to do " mighty works" for the ungodly. He is able to enlighten the darkest mind. When on earth he said, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." This is not an empty boast; for Christ is "the Sun of Righteousness." He can impart to the sinner the knowledge of God, of himself, of his duties, of his privileges and of his end. He can give the sinner the knowledge of sin, misery and death; of holiness, happiness and life; and can show him the way to shun the former and gain the latter. No matter how dense the darkness in which the sinner sits, nor how long he may have been "sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death," Christ can chase away that darkness and pour upon him "celestial day." He has only to say, "Let there be light," and light there shall be.

Christ is able to subdue the most stubborn will.

Who was ever more stubbornly opposed to Christ and to salvation by Christ than Saul of Tarsus? He was "a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious;" but Christ instantly subdued his stubborn will and led him by the silken cords of love a willing captive to do all that he required. "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation," says this chief of sinners, "that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." Who can doubt the ability of Christ to subdue the most stubborn will, seeing he has placed before us the Apostle Paul as a pattern of what he is able to do? Christ can soften the hardest heart. Hearts as hard as the adamantine rock, dead to every feeling of love, gratitude and tenderness, he has softened by the fire of his love. He has smitten the rocky heart, and streams of penitence have run down the cheeks of the once hardened sinner; heart-rending confessions of sin have been heard, cries for mercy have been loud and vehement; and unceasing wrestlings for deliverance from guilt, and fear, and shame have been witnessed. Whenever hardened sinners are smitten by the rod of Christ's mouth, they soon begin to cry in agony, Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions." Christ can pardon the most guilty. Mary Magdelene had her devils cast out, her guilt and her

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punishment taken away by Christ. The penitent thief, in the agonies of crucifixion, receives a pardon from Christ for all his sins, and a promise of being with him that day in Paradise. The faithless Peter receives Christ's tender, compassionate look, which causes him to go out and weep bitterly; and he is afterwards comforted by the assurance of the full forgiveness of his monstrous sin, and is intrusted with the commission to feed the sheep and the lambs of Christ's flock. Christ commanded repentance and remission of sins," to be preached to his murderers first. We may, therefore, justly conclude that the most guilty wretch that breathes may obtain pardon from Christ, and be made unspeakably happy in his forgiving love. Christ can purify the most impure and exalt the most debased. His blood cleanseth from all sin. His Holy Spirit renews the heart in knowledge, righteousness and true holiness. His constraining love can keep any man stedfast in a course of holy obedience. He can raise a man from the lowest depths of defilement and degradation to the very summit of purity and honour, and can make him in spirit, in conversation, in action a fit companion for the princes of his people-a fit companion for the high, the noble, the holy beings denominated the angels of God. We have known persons whom Christ has raised from the sinkholes of human society, fitted by purity of thought, delicacy of feeling, chastity of speech, and uprightness of conduct-fitted, not for human "palaces to which the great resort," but for "the palace of our glorious King," who is the "Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty!" into whose presence "there shall in no wise enter anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life." Jesus is able to deface the image of Satan in every human heart and to stamp thereon the image of God-is able to save men from "going down to the pit," and bring them to holiness, to heaven, to God. Can any doubt the ability of Christ to do all these things for the ungodly, who believe that he is the divinely-appointed Saviour of man- -that he has atoned for the sin of the world-that he has received the gift of the Holy Spirit for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them-that he ever lives to make intercession for the transgressors? To doubt the ability of Christ to save the ungodly is daring impiety. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Christ can do "mighty works" for his saints. He can uphold the weakest believer; for he possesses "all power in heaven and on earth." His strength is infinite-his grace is sufficient for us— -his strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, should we glory in infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon us. Christ can so strengthen his saints " that he that is feeble among them shall be us David; and the house of David as God, as the angel of the Lord before them." The promises are, "I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, thy strength." Paul spoke the words of truth and soberness when he said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Christ can succour the most heavily tempted. He is a partaker of our nature, is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities," was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin:" "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto

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