office. I was led to see I could do all things by the help of the Lord, and with fear and trembling undertook the work, trusting in the Lord. For some time I felt utterly unequal to such a responsible charge, and was led to cry mightily to the God of all comfort, to strengthen me in my inner man and deepen the work of grace in my soul. Glory be to God! He did lift upon me the light of His countenance, and said unto me: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God." For a time I felt happy, but soon found I wanted more grace, much more piety, and much more hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

*July 12th, 1854.-Heard one of my beloved sisters' experience with much profit. She almost felt she had a "clean heart." I felt determined not to rest till I obtained the like precious blessing. How much I saw of my unworthiness and nothingness and anfitness to guide precious souls to heaven. I wrestled before the Lord in prayer.

July 17th.-Called on one of my dear Class-mates. Had some profitable conversation. She spoke closely to me on full salvation. We prayed to the Lord together that He would cleanse my heart from all sin and make me clear in this important point, in order to my own comfort and my usefulness to those precious souls committed to my care. Beturned home determined not to rest until I had obtained a clean heart.

'July 20th.-Last evening at the Prayer-meeting after the preaching, I could realize that "perfect love casteth out fear." Glory be to God for ever! Lord, keep me watchful and prayerful, that I may ever hold fast my blessed hope, through the precious blood of Jesus,'

The origin of the Southwark Methodist Society is contemporaneous with some of the early evangelistic labours of the Rev. John Wesley. In August, 1743, he took possession of a convenient chapel in Snowsfields, built by a poor Arian misbeliever, for the defence and propagation of her bad faith. But the wisdom of God brought that device to nought; and ordered, by His overruling Providence, that it should be employed, not for "crucifying the Son of God afresh," but for calling all to believe on His name.'

Notwithstanding being overturned in a coach, and falling on the ice on London Bridge to the injury of his ankle, Mr. Wesley continued his visits to Southwark, holding Watchnight and other services.

'February 12th, 1763.-I visited the Classes at Snowsfields, where I was Bold many would go away; but the time was not come. As yet we have lost none, though some are held as by a single hair.' The foresight of our Founder was akin to prophecy. Since that how often has the 'single hair' snapped asunder!

On August 18th, 1764, Mr. Wesley says: I preached, for the first time, in our new chapel at Snowsfields.' Was this the octagonal chapel in Crosby Row, which was long used as a Sunday-school after the erection of Southwark shapel in Long Lane (now in the occupation of a Welsh congregation)? Mr. Wesley had a preference for this shape of chapel, as therein the congregation is brought closer together, and the sound of the Preacher's voice is more equably distributed; and thereby the sociableness of worship is conserved, and a cosy compactness given to the building.

Mr. Wesley writes again: 'Thursday, December 27th, 1764.-I preached and administered the Sacrament at the new chapel in Snowsfields. How well does God order all things! By losing the former chapel we have

gained both a better house and a larger congregation.' Let those who condemn the Methodism of modern times, which has matured into a distinct ecclesiastical community, ponder these doings of our Founder. Since the above date Methodism has often gained by the loss of a 'former chapel '-in improved situation, architecture, and commodiousness.

On February 23rd, 1771, Mr. Wesley writes: 'We had the greatest number of communicants at Snowsfields that we have had since the chapel was built.' Since that day the Southwark Society has retained its attachment to, and attendance on, this hallowed rite.

In the evening of Saturday, December 20th, 1760, Mr. Wesley hastened back from Snowsfields to meet the penitents,......and walked thither again at five in the morning.' He adds: 'Blessed be God, I have no reason or pretence to spare myself yet.'

On Saturday, November 1st, 1788 (being All Saints' Day), Mr. Wesley preached at Snowsfields, on Revelation xiv. 1: 'A comfortable subject; and I always find this a comfortable day.'

Dr. W. Rendle, of Forest Hill, who was connected with Methodism in Southwark from 1816 to 1851, has favoured me with some interesting notices respecting its early history.

Wesley's interest in Southwark appeared from his frequent visitation of the prisons there-the Magdalen, and other abodes of the wretched. The rude and demoralizing plays enacted in the new theatre in the Bowling Green, and the coarse jests and open licentiousness of the public booths and yards of the fair, furnished Hogarth with one of his effective scenes for satirizing vice and evoking contempt for unbridled sensuality.

In 1753, Mr. Wesley writes: 'Saturday, February 3rd.-I visited one in the Marshalsea Prison; a nursery of all manner of wickedness. O! shame to man, that there should be such a place, such a picture of hell upon earth! And shame to those who bear the name of Christ, that there should need any prison at all in Christendom.' This hell in epitome' has long since disappeared.

'The first chapel used by Mr. Wesley in Snowsfields,' says Dr. Rendle, was built by Mrs. Ginn, of Newington-Butts, for a Mr. Rudd, who had been a member of the Baptist Society at Maze Pond, and but for his Unitarian views would have become the Pastor of the Maze Pond Chapel. After the death of his patroness, Mr. Rudd conformed to the Established Church, and, the meeting dwindling away, the chapel became Mr. Wesley's. This chapel was lost to Mr. Wesley in consequence of divisions in the Society arising out of the prevalence of extravagant views on Christian Perfection. Thomas Maxfield and George Bell were among the first Preachers in the Snowsfields Chapel. George Bell had a "screeching way of preaching." The excitable temperament of Thomas Maxfield was wrought upon by the extravagant ideas of George Bell. Through the ingratitude of the latter, and the enthusiasm of the former, serious loss was inflicted on the Societies.'

The first Wesleyan Chapel in Southwark fell into the hands of Mr. Max

field, who continued as its recognized Preacher for two or three years. After him another quondam Methodist Preacher, Thomas Charlton, preached here from 1767 to 1774. At first attired in a surplice, using the prayers of the Church of England, he afterwards became a Baptist.

Yet some hallowed reminiscences are associated with Mr. Wesley's first chapel in Snowsfields. Alexander Mather, one of the noblest, as he was one of the simplest, of the early Methodist Preachers, as yet a journeyman baker, tells how he aspired to be a Preacher, and how after being assured that 'to be a Methodist Preacher is not the way to ease, honour, pleasure, or profit,' Mr. Wesley said: 'You may then make a trial to-morrow morning at Snowsfields Chapel.'

Tradition says that the pulpit of this chapel, then called Zoar, was formerly occupied by John Bunyan, the immortal dreamer, on the occasions of his annual visits to London, when vast crowds gathered to hear him warn men to flee from the City of Destruction. The pulpit was removed to the Methodist Chapel, Palace Yard, Lambeth, when the building was taken down.

Samuel Larwood, one of Wesley's early Preachers, for awhile occupied this ancient Zoar Chapel; and, though he had separated himself from his father in God, received consolations in his dying hour from Mr. Wesley, who buried him and preached his funeral sermon, and afterwards held a solemn Watchnight at Zoar.

In March, 1757, Mr. Wesley officiated at Snowsfields, but feeling weak, and fearing he would not be able to go through the day, prayed that God would send him help at the chapel. The seasonable help came in the person of a Clergyman, just ordained as a Priest, the Rev. John Fletcher.

Excluded from the chapel at Zoar, Wesley soon found himself in a new one. This yet stands in Crosby Row; and is occupied by a congregation of Welsh Calvinistic Methodists.

Mr. Wesley writes, February 1st, 1772: 'I found an increase of the work of God even in Southwark. Those who so furiously opposed us some years ago...are now crumbling into nothing. Only the old chapel subsists,

as a dull, useless, Dissenting Meeting-house.'

November 14th,-I saw, for the first time, the chapel at Snowsfields

full.'

When in his eighty-seventh year, he writes again: February 27th, 1790.I met the penitents for the last time (at Snowsfields). They quite filled the room; and God was in the midst of them.'

In 1808 the present Southwark Chapel was built, supplying greatly-increased accommodation to the dense population which now crowds the busy neighbourhood. Within the walls of this venerable sanctuary vast congregations have gathered to hear from the Princes of our Israel 'the glorious Gospel of the blessed God.' At one time upwards of one thousand members were in Church-fellowship in connection with Southwark Chapel. Though often shaken and diminished by the storms which have swept over Methodism, the

Society possesses elements of strength which give promise of healthy development.

To return to Mrs. Manwaring. On August 30th, 1854, she writes concerning the members of her Class:

'Teach me what to say to these precious souls committed to my trust. O Lord, increase my faith!'

We are not surprised to read against the date of the following day:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul," we had a glorious Class-meeting last evening! Truly God was with us; each soul seemed more determined than ever to live near to God. Several have been afflicted, and feel the necessity of living prepared for eternity.'

Her chief concern was to build up her members in Christian experience. Alive to God herself, she strove to promote in others the elements and exercises of indwelling holiness.

A striking feature in the character of Mrs. Manwaring was her intense love to the means of grace, especially the public worship of God. She was a most attentive hearer of the word. Her Bible contains numberless marks attached to texts from which she had heard sermons. Below the name of the Preacher, and the date of the delivery of the discourse, she was wont to place some characteristic word expressive of the profit and pleasure which she had derived. In no instance in her plentifully annotated Bible does a depreciatory remark occur. The absence of any record or note of exclamation might assure the inquisitive Preacher that his discourse had not risen to her standard.

'October 19th.-Bless the Lord! last evening we had a delightful Class-meeting. God was with us of a truth. Our number is increasing. Praise the Lord! Surely I can say, "When I am weak, then am I strong." I felt much depressed before I went-felt so unable for such an important duty; but my God pitied my weakness and increased my faith. All my fears vanished, and I feel assured we all felt it to be a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. I felt abundantly blessed while listening to an excellent sermon from Mr. Prest on 1 Cor. x. 13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. ""

'October 29th.-Sabbath-day.-Throughout the week could keep my mind stayed on the precious promises, and had an increasing relish for the Word of God: Truly its promises were sweet to my soul. O that I could love God as I would!

'December 3rd.—I do think I am making some progress in the Divine life. I feel more delight in reading the Word of God. New light seems to spring up in my mind: its blessed promises seem more sweet to my taste. My beloved Class-mates seem dearer to me than ever. We seem cemented by true Christian affection, and I trust are "striving together for the faith of the Gospel." I feel I have an interest in their prayers. May I ever prove worthy of their prayers.

'June 20th, 1855.-Yesterday had my dear Class to tea. We had a most blessed meeting-a truly spiritual feast of love.

'September 3rd.—I am desirous to be fully conformed to all the will of God. Yet feel so much dulness about me and stupidity of spirit. I long to be holy in heart life. O, my Jesus, still plead for me at Thy Father's right hand!

'March 23rd, 1859.-We have a Revivalist among us-Mr. Richardson from Lincolnshire. He is a happy man indeed, so full of the love of God. Our chapel has been well attended every night-many a hard heart melted-many a dead soul quickened—

many a believer stirred up to increased diligence. Glory be to God! my soul has been greatly blessed under his heart-searching ministry.

'September 15th.-We had to-night one of the best Class-meetings I ever experienced. Every soul seemed alive to God. The mighty power of God did indeed come down

upon us.

'March 29th, 1865.—I am thinking much about my much-loved Class. I tremble lest I should not be faithful, yet they want gentle leading, guiding by Thy love. Thon knewest my weakness, and canst strengthen me for every duty. I cast myself upon Thee. Hear and help one of Thy feeblest creatures, who depends alone on Divine strength ! 'April 3rd.-"Bless the Lord, O my soul," for the blessed Sabbath! Yesterday I had a feast of love. Jesus was near all day. All worldly trials were left behind.'

Mrs. Manwaring was no stranger to severe trials.

'June 20th.-Outward things are all dark; but God is ever nigh to all that call upon Him.

'September 28th.-Had a glorious Class-meeting last evening: a goodly number present. All the elder ones seemed filled with the Spirit. The Leader felt her soul happy and lightened of her load of temporal cares, by casting them all upon God, Who careth for her.

September 30th.-Be pleased, O Lord, to grant me more of Thy gracious presence; more tenderness of conscience and fear of offending Thee; more humility, stronger faith, and more entire devotedness to Thy cause. Enable me to leave my temporal concerns entirely with Thee, and run with patience the race set before me, looking unto Jesus. He is my all in all! Amen.

'October 20th.-How grieved I am to see such a light and trifling spirit in professors of religion. O Lord, make me more watchful over my own conduct that others may see no cause for censure in me!

'January 10th, 1866.—I feel assured that my Heavenly Father will supply me with bread and water; but other weights press heavily upon me. Lord, Thou knowest, and Thou knowest, too, that I would suffer anything rather than bring a reproach upon Thy blessed cause. Undertake for me.

'April 4th.-As the veil which now separates me from eternity may soon be drawn aside and the realities of a future state burst on my soul, it becomes me, therefore, to live in daily expectation for an event which is of tremendous moment.

'May 3rd.-Glory to God for a day of sunshine after so many months of darkness! Still help me and mine to confide in Thee. Delays are not denials. I will yet plead in faith, nothing doubting.

'August 7th.-Precious Sabbath-day! I have again been favoured to go to the House of God, and heard words of encouragement from a good Local Brother. God spoke through him to my soul. His text was: "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God." God demands my time, my talents, and my affections, and I bless Him I have no desire to make any reserve.

'December 15th.—I have of late experienced a growing deadness to the world, a deeper consciousness of my insufficiency, and a firmer reliance on Christ.

On being presented by the members of her Class with an album containing their likenesses, Mrs. Manwaring wrote: 'No present could have been more gratifying to me than to have my beloved Class to look at when laid aside.'

'March 29th, 1874.-The Lord has laid me aside, but I have felt it so sweet to rest in Jesus, although at times so powerless that I could scarcely lift my heart in prayer. But the everlasting Arms were round about and underneath, to strengthen and sustain me.

March 2nd, 1875.-I have this day attained the age of seventy-three. I am now laid aside, but my mercies abound. I never felt more my need of the infinite Saviou