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And surely spiritual prosperity is the prosperity on which our hearts should be most earnestly set. The work of conversion is not to be eclipsed by the raising of money; nor is a narrative of evangelistic services to be deemed less interesting or less worthy of record than the proceedings of a tea-meeting or a bazaar. To those brethren who have promptly supplied us with reports of temporal progress we give our hearty thanks, and solicit their willing service in the future, only respectfully suggesting, that while they do this thing with their usual promptitude and kindness they will not leave the other undone. May God graciously vouchsafe abundant spiritual prosperity to all our Circuits, that every minister may have glorious tidings to report !

May He also in His great goodness be pleased to hestow His blessing on the department of service committed to our care, that we may share with our brethren the joy of knowing that our labour is not in vain in the Lord.

December 1, 1876.

THE EDITOR.

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THE METHODIST

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

JANUARY, 1876.

MEMOIR OF REV. ROBERT WALKER.

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THE subject of this memoir was born in Temple Street, Newcastleupon-Tyne, Dec. 16th, 1838. He was the second child of John and Elizabeth Walker; and, like Samuel, was dedicated by his mother to the Lord from his birth. She had promised that if the Lord gave her a son he should serve Him all the days of his life. As a pious mother, she faithfully observed her vow, and endeavoured to train her child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The happy effects of parental influence, and the instructions imparted to him, were made manifest by the general steadiness of his conduct and his careful choice of companions, who were at least moral aud not likely to corrupt him by evil communications or vicious conduct. He was also sent to the Sunday school. His behaviour there may be inferred from the fact that he regularly took the best prizes for good conduct and regular attendance.

During his boyhood he seems for some time to have resided in Shields. There he gained the good opinion of his schoolmaster, as he stood well in his classes and made creditable proficiency in learning. He was urged to become a pupil-teacher, and for a short time was so engaged, displaying considerable aptitude for the work. But as the confinement proved injurious to his health, the plan of his life was changed.

From youth to manhood his career appears to have been uneventful. At least, there were only those incidents and experiences which are common to those who are engaged in business and are battling with life. In his secular calling he was conscientious, active, and courteous, giving satisfaction to his employers; whilst his moral conduct gave no uneasiness to his parents. He was a member of one of our congregations, a Sunday-school teacher, and also a tract distributor, feeling an interest in religious matters, and willingly

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rendering service in the above capacities, without, however, having the assurance of pardon through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was one of those young men, of whom there are many, who seem to possess almost everything but the one thing needful, which has to sanctify and direct all talents and attainments to the glory of God. He was upright, intelligent, active, and obliging; a dutiful son, a good servant, and an agreeable companion.

The Rev. Wm. Booth, when stationed in the Gateshead Circuit, in 1858, carried on a series of special services with extensive results. One Sunday evening our late brother, who had long been under gracious influences, presented himself along with some companions at the communion rail, and there gave his heart to the Lord. His conversion was not the result of a sudden impulse, but of a gradually formed conviction. He had already apprehended the truth, now he surrended himself to its power; he had seen it was his duty to become a Christian, and now he became one. The change in his manner of life was not so marked as in some converts; but his motives and aims were now under higher influences, and he was the possessor of a Divine peace and a holy joy. He at once closely associated himself with the Church, and became an earnest worker in the vineyard. He joined a vigilant band, and took part in cottage and other prayer meetings. A new spirit pervaded his Sunday-school teaching, and this gave him boldness to stand up in public to speak on behalf of Christ. In a small memorandum-book containing a few entries of his early subjects-and in fact the only records he has left-he states that he delivered his first address in Salem Sunday school, Hood Street, on Sunday, May 1st, 1859; and delivered his first exhortation a fortnight later in High Street, Gateshead. Nor did he neglect reading and the improvement of his mind, as he, with other young men like-minded, constituted a class to cultivate their talents and acquire capabilities for further usefulness. As he evinced considerable readiness in public speaking, and was not ashamed to stand up in the streets and preach the truth, he was soon placed on the plan and employed as a local preacher in the Gateshead Circuit. His labours were acceptable and useful, both in the Newcastle and Gateshead Circuits; and after having passed the usual term of probation, he was received on full plan.

In the beginning of 1863 a supply was needed for the Dudley Circuit, and Mr. Walker being deemed suitable for the ministry, he was duly recommended by his own Circuit, and forthwith commenced his ministry in Dudley. There his labours commended themselves to the Churches, and he was regarded as a young man who would be likely to render good service to the Denomination. He was

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