Mr. Randerson, before he embarked, married a devoted Christian lady, the daughter of the Rev. John Shepley, who was one of Dr. Coke's Missionaries, During the voyage, the young Missionary was careful to maintain private devotion, and the vessel seemed to him as a floating Bethel. He records, in 1868: "To this day I almost love the ship because of the rich blessing I received.' When he reached Jamaica, the Spirit of the Lord God was evidently upon him. His preaching was remarkably popular and effective. He says: 'We had such a blessed work of grace in the Kingston Circuit that in one year our increase was four hundred and fifty-six members. I witnessed some extraordinary scenes of Divine power, reminding me of passages in early Methodism. The people spoke of me as "the knock-down Preacher." The power which rested on my mind was sometimes irresistible. The people fell down as if slain; some lay as dead; others were in convulsions; the cries of some were heart-rending, and they fled out of the chapel in terror.'

Soon after his removal to the Spanish Town Circuit, Mrs. Randerson was seriously afflicted. He relates: 'I was obliged to send my wife to England for the benefit of her health, along with our only child. O, what a trial was this!' To his tender, affectionate heart it was almost overpowering. Yet he passed through the ordeal with resignation and magnanimity. Mrs. Randerson came home apparently to die her devoted husband remained to toil in a deadly clime, not counting his life dear unto himself if he could only save souls. Two years later, his heroic spirit was again nobly displayed. His own health broke down; yet over the feeble body dominated a dauntless soul. He was resolved to confront pestilence. At a Station where an epidemic raged, the appointed Missionary died; another who succeeded him was soon invalided, and a third hesitated to occupy such a perilous post. John Randerson, however, constrained by the love of Christ, came forward and volunteered his services for that position, and there he laboured with unflagging patience and energy until he was himself laid prostrate by the fever. His life was in imminent peril, and he was reluctantly compelled to leave for his native land, having spent nine years in his loved mission-work.

While his own health was considerably improved by the homeward voyage, he found his dear wife in a hopelessly declining condition. By the following Conference (1843) he was appointed to the Glossop Circuit, and there he was called to mourn the death, not of Mrs. Randerson only, but also of their two children. Thus he had sorrow upon sorrow. Having, however, been schooled in submission, he reverently recognized the hand of God in this sweeping bereavement, and he blessedly found that the same mighty Hand upheld him. He was solemn and serene in his ministerial duties, discharging them with a vivid realization of things eternal, and with an intensified zeal for the salvation of men. How could a Minister so heavenly-minded and so earnest fail to succeed? He had the joy of finding a clear increase of two hundred members during his two years at Glossop. Some time after he left this Circuit, it pleased God to give him a second help meet, Miss Sharp, of Wakefield, a lady of superior intelligence and piety, eminently qualified to be the wife of a Chris

tian Minister. They were blessed with four sons (two of whom died in infancy) and one daughter. The three who survive are consistent and active members of the Wesleyan Church.

The success which attended Mr. Randerson's faithful labours on his return to English Circuits characterized, more or less, the whole of his subsequent life. The causes of this we have not far to seek. First of all, he was of a remarkably devotional spirit. From the time of his conversion he felt himself consecrated to God. After his ordination he constantly sought the baptism of fire which daily rekindled the flame of his love and zeal.

so fervid and impassioned in supplications to God that the Prayer-meeting or public service was generally aglow. He wrestled for the people, and brought down Divine power upon them. On principle, he studied to have a good time' in the first prayer, knowing well that this would secure a profitable service for himself and his congregation.

Mr. Randerson's intense earnestness in preaching was a fruitful source of his success. His words went straight to men's hearts as a divine message. He writes: 'Many times I have had the most delightful assurance that I was God's servant, approved by Him. I have seen great things at home and abroad: the Gospel preached by me has been the power of God to salvation. Whilst humbled to the dust because of my poor sermons, I have been enabled to speak in faith. Generally, I have striven to be a faithful, arousing Preacher.' Here we have the secret of his efficiency in the pulpit. He studied to arouse, not to please his hearers. Not unskilled in the science of sermonizing or in the graces of composition, yet everything of this sort was with him subservient to the edification of saints and the awakening of sinners. He was always intent upon these results, expecting them with anxious solicitude. This singleness of purpose secured for him a measure of popularity and usefulness not achieved by many brethren of mightier intellect, greater learning and sublimer eloquence.

The progress of Mr. Randerson's Circuits was very considerably promoted by his diligent pastoral habits, which he charged upon his conscience as a primary duty. This house-to-house ministry, carrying exhortations to each member of his Church, exercised powerful influence upon the young especially, who were always warmly attached to him. Intelligent, discreet, affectionate and amiable, Methodist families in every rank welcomed him as a messenger of heaven who brought with him rich blessing for all. 'His happy visits to my home,' wrote a lady, when he was on his death-bed, ' and his beautiful prayers and pleasant, profitable conversation will ever be remembered as a great boon. I often say I never found another Mr. Randerson.'

His pacific, loving disposition also contributed greatly to his success. He was emphatically a man of peace. As Superintendent and sometimes as Chairman of a District, serious administrative responsibility rested upon him, requiring much wisdom and moderation. But he was as cautious and firm as he was generous and just-never compromising legitimate authority by excessivę

kindness, and never abusing official power by arbitrary assumptions. An old colleague remarks: 'I learnt many a lesson from him which I have found to be of the greatest service. His genial manner, his happy and ready method of dealing with many a difficulty made a wondrous smoothness in Circuits where things might have been rough and perilous in less skilful or less kindly hands.' Notwithstanding, gentle and judicious as he was, and so conciliatory in his demeanour, even he failed to prevent contentions in some Circuits, or to heal breaches in others. Alas! alas!' he exclaimed, on one occasion, ' ecclesiastical strife is the bitterest of all strife.' And of another Circuit he said: 'I found that party-spirit was rife among the leading men. O, what trying Committee-meetings do I hold! The Circuit made some little progress, notwithstanding; but my health completely gave way, and I was advised to retire from the full Ministry.'

Mr. Randerson's fidelity and affectionateness as a colleague, likewise contributed largely to the prosperity of his Circuits. He was remarkable for the utter absence of jealousy toward his brethren and the ready recognition of all merit in them. Their character and interests were to him dear as his own, and he rejoiced in their confidence and friendship, as attested by letters of tender condolence to his widow. No class of men are held together by such bonds of mutual love as this brotherhood; none are in such circumstances of mutual dependence and obligation; and none are in such need of mutual kindness and fidelity. Brother Randerson profoundly felt all this, and carefully acted upon it; so that he always, or with rare exceptions, had the joy to 'behold how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.'

Well might one of his most discriminating colleagues remark: 'He was in many respects a model Methodist Preacher.' His various personal excellences and his general usefulness sufficiently account for the fact, that, although not distinguished by the most brilliant gifts, yet he was heartily welcomed when appointed to such Circuits as Sunderland, Leeds, Halifax, Lincoln, etc. At the close of his third year in Burnley, his health again signally failed, and there he remained as a Supernumerary for four years. Though he keenly felt this retirement from active work, he never murmured. But when restored to health he longed to publish the Gospel, and frequently, if without an appointment and the door-bell rang on a Saturday night, he would say with a sparkling eye: 'I hope that's some one coming to ask me to preach to-morrow.' And we may well imagine the thankful joy with which he received from the following Conference his appointment to regular Circuit work.

Mr. Randerson resumed his hallowed vocation with a fresh anointing from the Holy One. Advancing age, growing infirmities and sanctified suffering deepened his sympathies and imparted a peculiar charm to his whole bearing and ministry. Never, even in his most vigorous days, were his services more highly appreciated than during his triennial appointments in his last three Circuits Weymouth, Yarmouth, and Watford. His fatherly presence, tender affection, pure character, self-abnegation and untiring activity commanded

universal esteem and hearty cooperation. Never was he so happy in himself and in his work. Never did he preach with such pathos, and never were his discourses attended with such unction. And he was as cheerful as he was devout. Though exceeding threescore years and ten, he was buoyant as a youth. His bright eye and radiant countenance seemed to reflect the Shekinah. We expect that in aged Christians, however godly, there will naturally be some little querulousness, irritability, dejection; but there was a singular absence of all this in Mr. Randerson. Even in his final sufferings, his serenity and joyousness never forsook him; and through the conflicts and perplexities of public life he was still gentle and kind. His Christian character was never so beautiful and impressive as in these later years, especially at Watford. A steadily increasing congregation, a growing Church, and well-organized workers for every department of usefulness, testified how highly he was appreciated.

The last time Mr. Randerson preached was on his birthday, September 29th, 1878. He little thought that he should enter the pulpit no more; but it was soon evident that his work was done. In the seclusion of his sick-chamber, however, he constantly felt for his people, like a vigilant and loving Pastor; and he indited a remarkably useful address to them, which was read at the close of a Sunday evening service. His observations on the Class-meeting particularly deserve a permanent record:

'I am very much troubled about the attendance at the Class-meeting. These meetings have been a life, a power, a success. Other Churches have envied us this part of our organization. But in order to be profitable they must be very carefully attended. I attribute my advancement in spiritual life to diligence and punctuality in those means, so harmonious with human reason and social fellowship; and the blessing of God has signally descended upon them. Many persons there are, both as respects the world and religion, who never keep any account of their weekly, monthly and yearly income and expenditure, and so get involved in trouble. In like manner, many attend the means of grace, but never examine the state of their souls. The Class-meeting used to be in my mind nearly all the week, and kept before me the claims of spiritual religion. What am I doing? Am I careful to read the Bible? Am I much in private prayer? Do I flee all lust of the flesh? The result was, I had always something to say: if it was not much, it was to the point. I have many a time gone burdened with worldly care and powerful temptations, but have returned with a light and satisfied heart. The younger members are very much perplexed, and their faith weakened, by the frequent absence of senior members. Then if a Class-mate, full of zeal, tries to persuade some thoughtful or anxious person to attend, he feels ashamed of the poor gathering, and the candidate thinks, "These older Methodists do without the Class-meeting, why cannot I?" Brethren, shall this state of things continue?'

A very sympathetic, affectionate and grateful letter, signed by the Stewards, was sent to him in acknowledgment.

Mr. Randerson became weaker day by day. His complete physical prostration necessarily enfeebled his mind. Yet his faith was unshaken, his hope undimmed, his peace unbroken. Adverting to his personal religion, he exclaimed emphatically, 'That was all settled more than fifty years ago. I now feel the force of those blessed doctrines I have endeavoured to preach.

They are true, they are true! Let it be known, I said, All is well-all is well!' While consciousness remained he was bright and happy, confidently 'looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life,' and in calm exultation repeating the triumphal words, Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' As the final struggle drew near he feebly whispered, 'I want to escape away; bright prospects! Jesus is there! He is looking on me. The time He appoints is best all is right-all is right. Jesus! heaven! the glory to be revealed! I want no other sacrifice!' Thus looking unto Jesus, not seeing death, John Randerson passed away to eternal rest, at the age of seventy-two, and in the forty-seventh year of his ministry.

The Rev. Thornley Smith, having travelled with Mr. Randerson some years ago, had so high an opinion of the excellences of his old colleague that he thought a permanent memorial to his honour should be raised, the cost of which might be easily obtained by appeals to friends in former Circuits. Accordingly, a beautiful marble tablet has been set up in Watford Chapel.

Mr. Randerson had a prolific pen. His manuscripts would make a very readable and edifying volume. Besides many useful sermons, he wrote a variety of hymns, poems, etc., which show that he was a man of diversified talents and diligent application. But his noblest monument is the fruit of his ministerial labours: he gathered a large harvest of souls.

'THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD:'

BY THE REV. MARSHALL RANDLES.

WHAT God is, determines what He does. Hence the discussion of religious questions generally runs up into consideration of the Divine attributes. I propose to discuss, so far as the space available will permit, not any one attribute exhaustively, still less the whole circle, but the nature and rank of one which I think is in some danger of being underestimated.

Almost all the words applied to the attributes have been used in now a wider, and then a narrower sense; sometimes to denote all moral good, and again only some part of it. It is enough to say in what sense the words are used here, taking care not to beg the conclusion in the definition. Then let holiness stand for the complete union of moral perfections in God; love for good-will towards its object, with delight therein, and desire for communion with, or possession of, the same; benevolence for that which tends to seek the happiness of others; mercy, pity, forbearance and long-suffering for modifications of benevolence; righteousness for that which gives and claims what is due, or insists on right because it is right; justice for righteousness as developed in the form of moral government; truth and faithfulness for modifications of righteousness, or justice. My object is to ascertain, if possible, whether this righteousness is, like mercy, a modification of benevolence, as faithfulness is of justice, or whether righteousness is distinct from, and equally original and essential with,