Oct. 27th-At Bridlington, Anna Hulme, nged sixty-seven, relict of Mr. John Hulme. For several years she was a member of the Wesleyan society; and enjoyed, amid the sorrows of this mortal life, the consolations of religion. The affliction which terminated her life prevented her attendance in the house of God for some time before she died; but she was preserved in a contented and happy frame. Gathering her children around her, she earnestly and affectionately charged them to meet her in heaven. She died in great peace.. F. B. Oct. 27th.-At Shipley, Faith Mann, aged sixty-eight years. She had been a member of the Methodist society for nearly fifty-one years. At Baildon, in the year 1791, there was a revival of religion, in which one of her sisters was savingly converted to God; and seeing her sister so happy in the Lord, she became more importunate at the throne of grace, till she obtained the witness of her acceptance with God through Christ Jesus. She was an upright follower of the Redeemer, **walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost." She endured painful temptation a few weeks before her death; but was happily delivered out of it before she died. She repeatedly exclaimed, "It is victory! It is victory!" And not long afterwards she was heard to say, "I long thy praises to repeat, And restless sing, around thy seat, The new eternal song." Almost immediately she fell asleep in Jesus. W. H. Oct. 29th.-At Deptford, Mrs. Mason, aged seventy-five. Her early life was spent without God. When she became concerned for the salvation of her soul, she was invited by a friend to the Methodist chapel, "where," she observed, "she heard for eternity." She immediately joined the Wesleyan society, and adorned her profession by a holy conduct. During her last illness her faith was strong, and her soul rejoiced in the full prospect of eternal life. A few moments before she departed, with humble triumph, she exclaimed, “* Christ is all in all to me." W. N. Oct. 29th.-At Northiam, in the Sandhurst Circuit, aged fifty years, Mrs. Mary Dawes; who, more than twenty years ago, received the grace of God, and by a daily walk with God evinced that she had not received it in vain. She was thus prepared to bear, with cheerful submission, a lingering affliction, and enabled to triumph over the last enemy. Her constant experience was expressed by the delightful testimony she bore, to the very last, "He blesses me with joy and peace through believing." T. R. Oct. 30th.-At Downend, in the sixtieth year of his age, Mr. W. Emmet. He had been a steady member of the Methodist society for fiveand-thirty years. A short time before he breathed his last, he said to his sorrowful wife, who was standing by his bed-side, "I am going to leave you, and am going to Jesus." She Nov. 2d.-At Market-Weighton, in the Pocklington Circuit, Mrs. Joseph Smith, aged fifty years; about thirty-five of which she had been a member of the Wesleyan society. The early training of a pious mother, who was likewise a member of our society, but whom she lost before she was eight years of age, greatly conduced to her spiritual benefit. In the fifteenth year of her age, she found the peace and love of God; but the humbling views which she always entertained of herself, led her ever to conceive that she was less than the least of all Christ's followers; and frequently she indulged doubts and fears, bemoaning her unfaithfulness, and grieving that she had not been more faithful to the grace of God. Often, therefore, was she deprived of that peace which her close walk with God was calculated to produce, except during times of severe affliction, and then heaven was always in unclouded prospect. Whether in health or sickness, she imitated the example of her pious mother, by retiring every day, and frequently many times in a day, to converse with God, and contemplate eternity. Five years before her death, she was seized with a fit of paralysis, which was succeeded by six others. Yet she endured her affliction with truly Christian patience. The repeated strokes with which she was afflicted occasioned considerable mental depression; although she was naturally of a cheerful disposition. pleased the Lord, for the last half year of her life, to indulge her with frequent manifestations of his love; and during the last four or five weeks of her life, she was made a partaker of uninterrupted peace and joy. Seldom an hour passed, either night or day, but she dwelt on the cheering promises of the word of God, or repeated verses of hymns descriptive of her confidence in God and love to him. On the night before she had the stroke which terminated her life, while surrounded by her family, she repeatedly exclaimed, "Praise God! Bless the Lord! O how I love God! I love him with all my heart; but I want to love him more." She desired one of her daughters to talk to her about the love of God. She read to her Psalm ciii., beginning, "Bless the Lord, O my soul," &c. The dying saint then repeated, most emphatically, "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath," &c. "Now I have found the ground wherein," &c. She then repeated and sang, It "I the good fight have fought," &c. These were some of her last expressions. So died a mother in Israel. J. H. Nov. 2d.-At Bridlington, of consumption, Jane Hunter, who had been a member of the Wesleyan society for the last four or five years, and for some time a Teacher in the Bridlington Sunday-school. The circumstances of her family were very humble; yet all who visited her in her affliction found ever a cheerful resignation to the will of God. On the night before she died, lifting up her hands, she exclaimed, "Victory, victory! glory to God!" Thus rejoicing in the prospect of her release, and waiting for heaven, she continued in faith and patience to the last. F. B. Nov. 3d.-At Winfarthing, in the New-Buckenham Circuit, in the ninetieth year of his age, James Fox. He was brought to a saving knowledge of the truth by hearing the Rev. John Wesley, the Rev. Dr. Adam Clarke, and other Preachers, nearly sixty years ago. He entertained the Preachers at his house above fifty years. He built a small chapel at Winfarthing, about forty-six years ago, for the use of the Methodists; in which many souls have been converted to God; and connected with which there is a society of thirty members. He died in great peace. T. B. Nov. 5th. At Barton, in the Fourth Manchester Circuit, Mr. David Dean, in the fortieth year of his age. From his thirteenth year he was seriously disposed; but during the last fifteen years of his life he had been a very steady and useful member of the Wesleyan society. His affliction was long and painful; but when on the verge of the grave, though he had ten sons and one daughter, the oldest of whom is under nineteen, he said to his wife, "The will of the Lord be done!" Two days before his departure, he said, "O how happy I feel! Tell every body how happy I am. I should have been glad to stop with thee; but it is the will of God that I shall go. Tell my good old father how happy I am." On the day of his death he said to his wife, "Priscilla, meet me in heaven!" Shortly after this his happy spirit was removed from suffering to joy. Mr. Dean was a man of good sense, of a generous disposition, a dutiful son, a kind husband, and an affectionate father. B. S. Nov. 6th.-At Barningham, in the BarnardCastle Circuit, Mr. William Todd, aged eightyfive. Sixty years ago he was brought to a saving and experimental knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus; and from that time he remained a consistent member of the Wesleyan society. He was remarkable for integrity, and fervent devotion. The simplicity of his religion was observed by all. He had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself. He lived praising God; and died remarkably happy, in the full triumph of faith. S. W. Nov. 7th.-At Burbage, in the Hinckley Circuit, Mrs. Sarah Readhead, aged forty. She was brought in early life to a happy and sanctifying experience of the pardoning mercy of God; and to the end of life she was enabled to walk humbly with God, and to hold fast her profession. The affliction which terminated her earthly existence was a cancer in the breast, which baffled medical skill, and proceeded to a very painful extent. Her pain was sometimes very acute; and she often said, that doing the will of God was easier than suffering; but she looked to the Strong for strength, and found support. Her death was at last somewhat sudden. As her husband was adjusting the pillows of her head, while she was sitting up to afford him the opportunity, she sunk into his arms, and, without a struggle or sigh, expired, and entered into rest. M. C. Nov. 10th.-At Deptford, aged seventeen, Mary Ann Dalton; a young disciple, but made meet by grace for the kingdom of glory. She was of a most amiable and affectionate disposition, and always seemed delighted to do good. A virulent fever removed her from time into eternity in a few days. In her short affliction the grace of God gave her to triumph over the fear of death: she said, "I am not afraid to die. My hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ." Her sufferings were severe, but borne with undisturbed patience. Praying that her friends might meet her in heaven, on the fourth day of the fever she expired. W. N. Nov. 14th.-At Helston, near Camelford, Mrs. Grace Brown, aged eighty-eight. She had been a consistent member of the Wesleyan society about twenty-five years; and after a few days' illness, borne with great patience, she died in peace. Her last words were, "Blessed Jesus!" O. H. Nov. 16th.-At Deptford, aged sixty, Mrs. Seeds. In 1821, under the Wesleyan ministry, she was awakened to a deep sense of her fallen condition, and led to flee from the wrath to come; and thenceforward she walked in the fear and love of the Lord. In all the means of grace she had great delight; and in her classmeeting, the goodness of her God was the frequent subject of her praise. When visited by that affliction which ended in death, her soul was filled with peace and joy. Her invariable language to all who inquired of her state was, "Bless the Lord, I am happy: I have no desire for any thing in this world." When apparently unconscious of every thing around her, being informed that her Pastor was standing by her bed-side, she opened her eyes, and, lifting up her hands, exclaimed, "Happy, happy!" Shortly after she yielded up her spirit to God. W. N. Nov. 16th.-At Brawby, in the Malton Circuit, Wilson Speck, aged thirty-three, a poor and suffering, but pious, member of the Methodist society. In his boyhood he was steady, obedient, and affectionate; and, in his seventeenth year, he sought and found the forgiveness of sin. Having tasted that the Lord is gracious, he frequently and zealously employed his humble talents at meetings for prayer, and in various ways sought to do good. For seven years he has been unable to walk without assistance. Though nearly helpless, he delighted to discourse on divine subjects, and to be carried to the house of God. During the whole of his long affliction, his mind was kept in fellowship with God, in love to the pious, and in joyful hope of heaven. At length he passed from the trials of this militant state, to the joys of the triumphant church in glory. R. T. Nov. 17th.-At Rhodes-House, near Middleton, in the Oldham Circuit, Ellen, the beloved wife of J. Burton, Esq., aged fifty-seven. Descended from a pious parentage, she was, from her earliest years, attached to the ordinances of religion; and, when about twenty-two years of age, sought and found peace with God. From this period, she was a consistent member of the Wesleyan society. Careful and affectionate in the discharge of all her relative duties, she was deeply solicitous for the spiritual welfare of her family. Her amiable disposition endeared her to all who knew her. She cared for the poor: her Bible was her constant companion, and she delighted in private prayer, as well as in the public means of grace. Presenting a combination of those things which are lovely and of good report, humility, perhaps, was the most prominent feature of her character. She suffered much for many months before she died, and constitutional timidity occasioned her many a struggle with distressing doubts; but she always fled for refuge to her blessed Saviour; and, indeed, during her affliction, she was almost constantly engaged in prayer, or in repeating short portions of Scripture, or of favourite hymns. When in a paroxysm of suffering, she said, "My blessed Saviour, thy will be done!" Soon after, being in a state of extreme exhaustion, she became at intervals unconscious; but though thus incapable of triumphant joy, she had quiet peace, till ber spirit departed to be for ever with the Lord. J. D. B. Nov. 19th-At Holloway-End, in the Stourbridge Circuit, Mr. William Beckley, aged twenty-nine. He was nephew to the Rev. W. Pearson, sen.; and had been a consistent member of the Wesleyan society for seven years, and a Local Preacher about four. He was a man of deep and ardent piety, and of unblemished character. He preached for the last time on March 31st. On the following Tuesday, a blood-vessel on the lungs was ruptured. During his affliction, he was resigned to the divine will, and thankful for all his blessings, spiritual and temporal. The night before he died, when visited by his Minister, he grasped his hand, and, earnestly fixing his eyes on him, said very promptly, **This is worth living for. I have preached the word of life, have enjoyed much of the love of God; but nothing like this! Glory! glory! glory! A convoy of angels is waiting, and they will bear my soul into the paradise of God." A friend being engaged in prayer with him, said, in his address, ** Lord, thou art about to take thy servant home." Mr. Beckley repeated, "Home? Yes. My home. Lord, thou art about to take thy servant home!" He met death with a Emiling countenance; and exclaimed, with his latest breath, "Victory! victory! through the blood of the Lamb!" W. D. Nov. 21st.-At Gravely, in the St. Neot's Cireuit, of an injury which he had received from a chaff-cutting machine, a few days previously, Mr. John Fielding, aged forty-eight. He had been a member of the Wesleyan society upwards of twenty years; and the prosperity of the cause of God was the desire and delight of his heart. He was the Circuit Treasurer of the Centenary Fund, and a subscriber to it of fifty guineas. During his short affliction he was fully resigned to the will of God. He expressed himself as having strong confidence in the atonement of Christ, and a lively hope of eternal life. He died highly esteemed by a numerous circle of friends. J. R. For Dec. 2d.-At Sancton, in the Pocklington Circuit, aged eighty-three years, Thomas Jackson, the revered and honoured father of the Rev. Thomas, Samuel, and Robert Jackson. He was brought to repentance, and was saved from sin by faith in the sacrifice of Christ, about fifty-six years ago; and from that period gave satisfactory proof of the genuineness of his conversion, and of the power of divine grace, by an undeviating course of Christian uprightness and piety. He was possessed of a vigorous understanding, and was distinguished through life by great firmness, integrity, and kindness of heart. nearly three years his sufferings have been severe. Seldom, during that period, has he been able to obtain even an hour of unbroken sleep, either by day or by night; but his fortitude and patience never forsook him. He died in great peace, and in the full assurance of hope, steadfastly trusting in his infinitely gracious and almighty Saviour; of the efficacy of whose atonement he had a solemn and permanent conviction. His widow, to whom he had been united in the sincerest affection, and with whom he had lived in uninterrupted harmony, for the long space of fifty-nine years, and his numerous children, entertain the most profound respect for his memory, and will ever be thankful to God for such an example of sound principles, and of practical subjection to the Gospel of Christ. T. J. Dec. 5th.-At the residence of her son-in-law, the Rev. W. Mowatt, Kilkhampton, Cornwall, Mrs. Mary Cullen, mother of the Rev. James Cullen, Wesleyan Minister. She had been an esteemed member of the Wesleyan society fortyeight years, and for a considerable portion of the time a Class-Leader, and Visiter of the sick. Her health had been for some time declining; but death was not supposed to be so near. However, the summons did not find her unprepared. On the morning of the day on which she died, complaining of a violent pain in her head, she observed to her daughter, that if it were the will of the Lord to take her home, she should most gladly resign herself into his hands. Almost immediately, she had a paralytic seizure, which partially deprived her of speech; though she was enabled to testify her confidence in her Saviour. She continued in a most peaceful state through the day, and in the course of the evening died in the Lord. W. M. Dec. 6th.-At the house of her brother, in Frome, Miss Margaret Rabbiths, aged fifty-two. About four years ago, she became a member of the Wesleyan society. She was soon after made happy in the pardoning love of God. From that time, her temper and conduct evinced a mind under the government of divine grace. Her health had for some time been impaired, but her death, at last, was sudden. Her friends have the consolation of believing that she died in the Lord. J. W. Dec. 7th.-At Stainland, in the Sowerbybridge Circuit, aged seventy-eight, Mrs. Hannah Walker; who had been a member of the Wesleyan society for fifty-two years, and was truly a "mother in Israel." She joined the Wesleyan society at a time when, in the place where she dwelt, it was poor and despised; but her attachment, being founded on principle, was unaffected by these circumstances, and continued to the end of her life. She supported the cause she had embraced both by her property and influence; and her unsparing liberality was felt and acknowledged by the sick and poor of her neighbourhood. She lived to see her children's children to the fourth generation; and as she most of all desired their salvation, she rejoiced when she saw any of them deciding to serve the Lord. For several months her health had been rapidly declining; but her confidence in God, through our Lord Jesus, was unshaken, and in the valley and shadow of death she feared no evil, for her Shepherd was with her. She died in great peace. P. G. Dec. 11th.-At Birstal, Joseph Stocks, chapelkeeper, aged forty-one. He was brought to the knowledge of the truth, and joined the Wesleyan society, in the year 1815; and from that period to the day of his death, "walked in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost," being a man of a meek and quiet spirit, and greatly beloved. He sustained, with great acceptance, the office of Class-Leader for upwards of eleven years. On the Sabbath before he died, he was favoured with a glorious manifestation of "the powers of the world to come; " of which he continued to speak till mortality was swallowed up of life. J. W. Dec. 14th.-At Ayr, in the sixty-eighth year of her age, Mrs. Janet Cuthbertson. In the fourteenth year of her age, she was led to give herself up to the service of God; but, after about three years, some incautious acquaintances that she formed produced a degree of carelessness, which continued two years, and might have had the most serious effects; but, happily, she was brought to see the sinfulness of backsliding in heart; and again finding peace with God, she was preserved to the end. Her trials were many, various, and painful; but she found the grace of Christ to be sufficient for her. About a week before she died, while singing to herself the well-known verse, "No condemnation now I dread," &c., she was enabled to exercise anew the faith which the words so delightfully express; and this was followed by a very gracious manifestation of the love of God, enabling her to rejoice with abundant joy. From this time she continued in a very blessed state, fully trusting in her Saviour, and enjoying unbroken peace, till she quietly fell asleep in Christ. J. S. Dec. 14th.-At Denholme, in the Bingley Circuit, Mr. Isaac Pickles, aged seventy-eight. He joined the Wesleyan society in 1783, and continued a zealous, useful member to the end. He was a Class-Leader for more than forty years. He had walked in close communion with God during life, and his latter end was truly heavenly. His faith in Christ was strong; his peace flowing as a river; and his views of heaven were often transporting. J. L. NOTE. As the "Missionary Notices " for the present month extend to two sheets and a half, we are obliged to omit several articles which had been prepared for publication. Our readers will be obliged to the Missionary Secretaries, we are sure, for giving entire the deeply-interesting Journal of Mr. Freeman's visit to Ashantee.-EDIT. Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the Direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE. MISSIONS IN WESTERN AFRICA. CAPE-COAST CASTLE, THE FANTEE COUNTRY, AND THE KINGDOM OF ASHANTEE. It is with feelings of the deepest and most anxious interest that we commence our "Notices" for the New Year, by presenting to the friends of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and to the Christian Public at large, the various Documents to which this double Number will be almost exclusively devoted. They well deserve the large space thus allotted to them; and we publish them together, and at once, because we think that the impression which they ought to make, on all the friends of Africa, would be interrupted and weakened, if they were printed and circulated otherwise than in this complete and continuous form. The most novel and important of these Documents is the Communication from the Rev. T. B. Freeman, of our Cape-Coast-Castle Mission, which includes the Narrative of his recent Journey of Observation and Inquiry to the country and capital of the KING OF ASHANTEE; and which evinces at once the necessity which exists there for the exertions of evangelical philanthropy, and the probability that such exertions would be favourably received, and would, by the blessing of God, be eventually crowned with considerable success. All that we just now request from our Readers, in reference to this Journal, is, That it may have their careful and immediate perusal. The rest may then be safely left to the operation of those emotions of benevolent commiseration for the benighted and barbarous Heathen, and of pious zeal for the salvation of immortal souls, which such a perusal, we are sure, will not fail to excite in every Christian heart. To Mr. Freeman's Journal we have deemed it advisable to prefix some brief Historical Notices, referring to the causes, circumstances, and results of the Ashantee War, which, some years ago, produced so painful a sensation, in connexion with the defeat and cruel death of the late excellent and much-lamented SIR CHARLES M'CARTHY, then Governor of Sierra-Leone, and Commander-in-Chief of the British Troops in Western Africa. The relations of Ashantee to this country, and its importance as a field of Missionary enterprise, will thus be better understood, and felt with deeper interest. Subjoined to Mr. Freeman's Journal will be found, in the same communication, a Letter, addressed to him by President MACLEAN, the present Governor of Cape-Coast Castle and its British Dependencies, to whom VOL. XIX. Third Series. JANUARY, 1840. F |