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stations.

But for a declension in two or three of them, the increase would have been greater in the aggregate number of our members. In the Lisburn, Priesthill and Broomhedge Societies, the in

crease is 143, and 67 on trial. The col lections at the Conference services, which exceeded those of last year, amounted to more than £15. T. MILLS.

MEMOIRS AND RECENT DEATHS.

JOHN TOWLSON.

FOR thirty-six years brother John Towlson had been identified with the Methodist New Connexion Church at Pendleton. Manchester Circuit.

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The place of his birth was Bank Top, Manchester, and the time November, in the year 1793. His parents were very poor, and when only five years of age John had to go to work. His education was entirely neglected, and being so early exposed to contaminating associations and principles, it could only be expected that he would grow up, not only naturally depraved but awfully rebellious. Ignorance is the stepping-stone to vice. twenty years of age our brother was unable to read and write; and long before he arrived at that period he had manifested a wayward disposition, and plunged into many scenes of dissipation. One of his youthful excursions was to sea. There Divine Providence often interposed when the storm was raging with tremendous fury, and all on board expected a watery grave. After effecting many deliverances for him in the sea, and in foreign lands, Jehovah brought him safely to his home.

Shortly after his return, in 1814 or 1815, he married; and, in the same year, he united with our Church at Pendleton. Probably he had met in class some time before he experienced a saving change of heart; and what were the circumstances which led to his conversion and prompt determination to join our Society we cannot distinctly ascertain. In his most rebellious state he seems to have felt powerfully the strivings of the Spirit, and it is not unlikely that his frequent deliverance from danger and death had made a salutary impression upon his mind, and prepared it for the reception of divine truth.

Deeply convinced of sin, he commenced his attendance upon the ordinances of the sanctuary. While feeling himself a sinner, he saw, by faith, the atoning efficacy of Christ's death. Gradually led on by the Divine Spirit, he continued his attendance on the means of grace, earnestly seeking an evidence of acceptance with God. Praying and believing on one occasion at his class,

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he was at length enabled to throw himself on the atonement of Christ. sooner did he do this than he found his burden was removed. There was little excitement connected with the event, but he felt that he was changed. The cloud had dispersed, peace was communicated to his soul. Using his own expression, "the change was like emerging from midnight darkness to the splendour of the noon-day sun."

Immediately after this he more closely identified himself with the Church; and the genuineness of his conversion was evidenced in his sincere love to God and burning zeal for his glory. Concluding that the religion which made him happy was adapted to the circumstances of his fellow-creatures, he laboured to bring them to an acquaintance with it. In his family he lived as a Christian. Morning and evening, as often as he had the opportunity, the Scriptures were read and prayer offered up in the presence of his family. To his children he had imparted suitable education, and, by his own example, he exhibited the excellence of religion, and aimed to impress their minds with the importance of immediately embracing it. His "conversation was in heaven." All who knew him bear testimony to his devotedness and zeal.

In connexion with the Church his labours were abundant. For many years he was one of its ornaments and pillars. Deeming his qualifications suitable for the office, he was soon appointed a leader of a class. Having been converted but two years, this may seem to some a premature act. But though our brother was young in years and grace, he possessed the requisite qualifications for a leader of the flock of God; and being called by God, through the medium of the Church, he felt that he dare not refuse. In accepting this office, however, he was duly sensible of the responsibility it brought upon him, and the need of divine grace to enable him efficiently to discharge his duty. In his closet, and upon his knees with his Bible before him, he sought the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Lord set the seal

of approval to his labours, and it soon became apparent that he would be one of the most efficient members of the Church. To the utmost of his ability he laboured to build up the cause of God. At Pendleton, his talents were employed in the Sabbath-school, in house prayer-meetings, in visiting and attending to all the ordinary means of grace. But

to Pendleton his attention was not confined. As far as opportunity would allow he became a sort of home missionary. Partly through his instrumentality our Church at Eccles was raised. Having for some time charge of three classes, he usually walked on the Sabbath a considerable number of miles in the discharge of his onerous duties. And his labours were appreciated and attended with good. In his class he was earnest, affectionate and faithful, endeavouring to impart to all suitable advice. Scripture quotations were richly blended with all that he said. To quote his own expression, he was "resolved not to build up his members with untempered mortar." The rule of the Connexion requiring leaders to visit their sick and absent members was faithfully observed by him; and his own example furnished a lesson on punctuality. After being a leader thirty years, he was heard to say that he had been absent from class only twenty times, and then through affliction or absence from home. On one occasion he was several miles from home and the weather was extremely stormy; yet he walked through the wind and the rain to attend his class. At another time, when so ill as scarcely to be able to leave the house, he resolved upon going to his class; and, remarkable to say, he returned well.

We refer to these instances merely as illustrative of his attachment to his class, and his disposition regularly to attend an example many modern leaders will do well to consider. His attendance was continued till, through affliction, he was unable to go. The last time he was there he was extremely feeble; and when relating his experience, he spoke of that as being. in all probability, the last time he should meet in such way. But the thought was not distressing. His peace was made with God. The prospect of eternal glory was enrapturing to his soul.

In experience the law of Christ was fully exemplified, that " through much tribulation ye shall enter the kingdom of heaven." The first few years after his marriage he had many temporal difficulties. Work was scarce, and provisions dear; and he found it difficult to meet all en

gagements, and keep himself and family comfortable and respectable. Then, however, he trusted in the Lord, and the divine promise was fulfilled, "Thy bread shall be given, and thy water shall be sure." Subsequently he had other trials, besides the common temptations of Satan. But none of them drew him from God, or caused him to neglect the means of grace. And inasmuch as they tended to wean his affections from the world, strengthen his faith in the providence of God, and cause him more highly to appreciate his privileges, and seek for communion with the Lord, they worked together for good." In 1843 he was bereaved of his wife. She was an amiable and pious woman. His own happiness he felt bound up in hers. To be deprived of her by death was a painful stroke. But divine grace sweetens the bitterest cup. He sorrowed, but not as those who "have no hope." She was gone to heaven; and he lived in anticipation of the time when he would be re-united with her in his "Father's house," where there are "many mansions." How soon he would be called away he knew not; but he always aimed at being ready for the coming of his Lord.

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Affliction seized him. For more than twelve months he was very ill. Change of air was twice tried, but with little or no advantage. Disease had begun to undermine his constitution, once SO strong and healthy. During his affliction he was enabled to exercise strong faith in God. True, he was often depressed; and some friends who visited him have thought he indulged in a repining disposition. We contend not that he was perfect-absolutely free from infirmity. But in all our visits we never discovered a murmuring spirit. If he complained at all, it was of what he thought to be the declining state of the Church, and the inconsistency of some of its members. And even this can be accounted for. Mentally and physically, men are differently constituted. Some are light and buoyant in their spirits, and they appear at times to indulge in levity when they are only manifesting the innocent feelings of their nature. Others have a natural disposition to melancholy. some extent our brother had a gloomy turn of mind, which the nature of his disease tended to increase; and we might as well have attempted to illuminate the sky by artificial light when the sun was set, as to prevent him looking upon the dark side of the picture. This natural gloom, however, did not destroy his confidence in the Lord; and

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though often depressed, he had "peace through believing."

When confined to his room he held almost uninterrupted communion with God. With the anxiety and earnestness with which a child peruses his lesson he searched the Scriptures. Conversation with Christian friends was cheering. On the fruits of the Spirit and the hope of heaven he dwelt with pleasurable emotion. He daily ripened for glory.

But a fortnight before his death he seemed better in health, and fondly indulged in the hope of a partial recovery. But to many of his friends this improvement seemed but as the last glimmer of a taper, brightening for a moment, and then to become extinct. So it proved. His strength suddenly failed. Three days before his death he lost the power of speech, and became unconscious. Had he died in this state we should have had no doubt of his safety. But to bereaved friends it is consoling to have the testimony of their dying relative that he is happy. This was granted to the family of our brother. On Tuesday morning his consciousness returned. By myself and other friends he was visited. found him happy. Though able only to whisper, he quoted the triumphant language of St. Paul: "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand," &c. He suffered much, but complained not. Praying and believing, he closed his eyes in death on Thursday morning the 9th of October, 1851, in the fifty-ninth year of his age.

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More need not be said. "He was a good man." He died in peace, and has entered into rest. His death was improved by our esteemed friend Mr. Makinson, to a densely-crowded audience. T. CARTWRIght. Pendleton, Manchester, Dec. 13th, 1851.

MISS L. JOYNES, OF NOTTINGHAM.

OUR sister, according to her own testimony, was born in Nottingham in the year 1782, being the same year that the New Methodist chapel in Hockley was erected, to which place of worship she was Occasionally, when a child, conducted. She says, "When a little girl, I read the Scriptures as an entertaining history, and made myself acquainted with patriarchal and Mosaic times. I recall reading in the gospel of the Scribes and Pharisees, and admiring their charity and devotion, I thought them most excellent persons; but when I came to read, Except your righteousness ex

ceed,' &c., then I closed the book in astonishment, and thought, How, then, am I to get to heaven? I am not half so good as the Scribes and Pharisees, and am I not to enter into the kingdom of heaven? Although I heard the gospel preached, and was affected thereby, I had not as yet an understanding of the great doctrine of the Atonement, &c."

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Still at this period she was under very gracious influences, was accustomed to pray, and in the simplicity of her mind she believed the Lord heard and answered her. She says, "In my younger days, I experienced some remarkable answers to prayer. I remember that when about eleven years of age one member of our family was absent longer than was expected. I perceived my mother much concerned. Time passed, and the absent one did not come. became more uneasy. I thought I would try the efficacy of prayer. I folded my hands before my face, and prayed silently as I sat. I heard expressions of uneasiness renewed by my mother, and I renewed my prayer. While thus sitting, joy sprung up in my bosom. I could not pray any longer, and the words, Cheer up, desponding soul, thy longing pleas I see,' crossed my mind again and again. I pondered this over in my mind, but told it not; and I resolved that if I should grow up to mature years, I certainly would be devoted to the Lord."

When these influences and early resolutions are considered, no one will be surprised at her early conversion. She says, "When sixteen years of age, my sins were laid heavy upon my conscience and heart in a manner which I never experienced before. I was troubled. All outward circumstances were smooth as usual, but there was a conflict in my soul. I wished to be in a better state. I had come to the strait gate,' by which Jesus Christ commands us to enter. I mourned and longed for light and liberty. I thought of the sufferings of my Redeemer. I smote upon my breast, and said, What, have I not sinned long enough against such boundless love? I met with an old book on regeneration. I read for life! and it was not long before I obtained comfort. Scripture was applied to my heart by the Spirit of truth, and only about a fortnight elapsed before my confidence abounded so that I could say, 'I know that my Redeemer liveth, and believe that God hath, for Christ's sake, forgiven my sins.'" Such a conversion, so clear, so scriptural, was likely to end in the most blessed results, both to herself, the Church, and the world.

She now felt a consecration of heart and life to his glory who had "done such great things for her." And all who knew her from that day to her departure will readily believe it was her anxious desire and endeavour to do and suffer the will of her heavenly Father.

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One of the first evidences of this change was, she gave herself to the Church. "I commenced," she says, "meeting in class with that excellent leader, Mr. Samuel Barlow, in which class I met twenty-one years, and was seldom absent. I was taken into full connexion in the year 1779 by the Rev. Win. Thom. My first ticket I received at the hands of the Rev. Winstanley, bearing this text, "Arise, shine, for thy light is come,' &c. The first time I attended class I felt very timid. In the course of the week, I prayed that before I went again the Lord would strengthen my heart, and afford me holy courage. felt assured my prayer was heard, and it was so. About this time, being a pupil of Mr. Wm. Singleton, who, with the widowed Mrs. Kilham as a colleague, had an establishment termed the Religious Day-school, after the routine of secular duties, our excellent preceptor afforded us occasionally religious instruction. At one time we were asked if we believed the Scriptures. We were then asked our reasons, and were required to state them, and were allowed a few days to prepare. One Sabbath afternoon, I prayed earnestly to the Lord that he would instruct me, and give to my mind evidences of the truth of his Holy Word. I prayed until I was certain the Lord had answered me. I arose, went down stairs, and found in a magazine au article On the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures.' I said nothing, took the book into my room, and gained all I wished."

Such was her experience when a young Christian. She says, "I experienced much communion with heaven; especially on Sabbath afternoons, in my room, I enjoyed most happy seasons, praying and praising, walking with God."

We have now to follow her in her more advanced stages of Christian experience, and we shall find her path was that of the just, shining more and more unto the perfect day. She says, "On complying with a requisition to be on the prayer plan, I with a select few attended private houses and workhouses, and assisted in conducting devotion, and have always cherished a lively recollection of the blessedness attending activity in the Lord's work.... I received," she says,

"band tickets for fourteen years, me with two sisters in Christ Jesus at six o'clock on Sabbath morning, and went thence to the public prayer-meeting at seven, with a light step and a heart filled with grateful joy as we used to tread the silent streets. My mind was often impressed with the idea that I ought to do all I could privately and publicly to save souls; and when I became a governess, I felt it my duty to address my pupils on important subjects from the Word of God; and, thank God, I have heard of some blessed results.

"In 1814, I lost my father by death. This sorrowful event had such an effect upon my health that I suffered from nervous fever for many months, and in 1815 I was called to sorrow deeply at the death of my other parent, having for my companion a dearly-beloved niece, whom we had brought up."

In the winter of 1847 our sister's health began visibly to fail. She had tried her constitution by hard study and confinement; and in her diary she says, "I suffered much from asthma. In submission to the divine will, I had one desire in particular, that I might live to publish my Family Piece Book,' and the good Lord indulged me in this. Thrice blessed be his holy Name! Again, in the following winter, I had a still more severe attack of illness, and was nigh unto death. As it regarded my spiritual state, I felt safe and happy, being able to trust in the precious merits of the great Redeemer, and knowing that I should be in God's hands dying as living. In this affliction I had a great trial of a domestic sort; but the Lord helped me; he heard my prayer, and supported me, and raised me up once more. In the midst of my illness the 'Piece Book' was in the press. I could neither read nor bear reading; and the Rev. Thos. Mills, a friend in need, most kindly and efficiently corrected for me the latter proofs."

Our sister had naturally a gifted mind, that had been much improved by a good education. In 1811, she commenced teaching a school on her own account, and how she felt in regard to this important undertaking may be gathered from what she says: "When I received from the printer my cards of terms, I took them into my room, kneeled down, and in the most solemn manner gave them, with my undertaking, into the Lord's hands. I resolved to do my best, and not to disquiet myself with occasional disappointments, perplexities, or unkindnesses. I had a very encouraging

commencement, having more than fifty pupils. In 1820, being compelled to say, The place is too strait for me,' I removed my establishment from our patrimonial situation, and located in Castlegate, and for thirty-eight years have had a prosperous boarding and day school."

It will be easily remembered by all who knew our late sister what a gift she had in writing poetry. Many of her publications do great credit both to her head and her heart. In 1817, she first published a small book of poems, called, "Original Poetry for Infant and Juvenile Minds," which has had a very wide circulation, and is still held in high repute. From her childhood she had a high regard for the sanctity of the Sabbath, and hence we have a small book in prose, entitled, "The Sabbath, a Dis. course to Children." She afterwards published "Mental Pictures in Verse for Children;" and in 1834, "History of the four English Kings William, in Rhyme." Her last published work, which, perhaps, displays more ability and deep thought than any other, was, "A Chart, or History of Nottingham at one view, of its institutions, employments, and general view of its people." Of course, such a work, and from a female, could not be accomplished without much diligent research and careful inquiry. Indeed, her mind was always actively employed on benevolent purposes for either the Church or the world. Aud here we must not forget to remark her steady, unwavering attachment to us as a Christian community for upwards of fifty years; an attachment founded on principle and affection. In our Church she found a quiet, settled habitation, and would often exclaim

My soul shall pray for Zion still,
While life or breath remains,
Here my best friends, my kindred dwell,
Here God my Saviour reigns.

She sustained in a very efficient manner the important office of class-leader. Many of our friends can bear most decided testimony to her zeal, her ability and faithfulness as a conductor of the armies of the living God to the promised laud.

Our departed sister, it is true, has done with the Church militant; but she is gone to share the glories and triumphs of the Church triumphant, and "her works do follow her." Yes, her respectable standing in the town as a teacher of youth for nearly forty years; her nume. rous poetical effusions, all bearing upon the good of the rising race; her decision in religion, amidst the changes and afflic

tions of the world; her active efforts in doing good among the poor in our Church; the unsullied, untainted character she has left after a profession of religion for half a century-impart a sweet fragrance to her memory. In closing our remarks, we may observe that her last illness was rather protracted, but not always severe. The frail tabernacle seemed gradually to decay; still no particular thoughts were entertained that her end was so near. How happy for her that she was always ready! Our respected superintendent, Mr. Hudston, called to see her a few days before her death, and found her very calm and happy, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God." Very soon after, on April 25th, in the 69th year of her age, the last enemy was suffered to make his attack rather unexpectedly. And oh, what a mercy ! What a privilege! Her friends were surprised, but not alarmed; no doubts of her safety afflicted their minds. They knew she had "walked with God" in fellowship through his Son Jesus Christ, and were assured that God took her ransomed spirit to himself. May this be the blessed portion of the reader! January, 1852. F. W.

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MRS. HAWKINS. DIED at Birmingham on the 25th of October, 1851, Mary Ann, the wife of our beloved brother, James Hawkins, in the forty-eighth year of her age. In the days of her youth she was regularly taken to the Wesleyan Chapel, where she beard the gospel, and serious impressions were made upon her mind; but, like many more, she resisted the Spirit, and, although those impressions were never fully erased, she remained for some time a stranger to the saving grace of God. It was not until after her marriage that our sister yielded to the Divine Spirit, and received the blessing of adoption. With the particulars of her conversion we are not acquainted; it is, however, sufficient to know that Mr. Hawkins, having been himself brought to God, joined the Wesleyans, and that, soon after this, she also decided to be a Christian, and became a member of the same community. In that community they remained nine or ten years; but by reason of the disputes which prevailed in connexion with Dr. Warren and the Conference, the minds of our brother and his wife became unsettled, and they left the body. They knew something of the Methodist New Connexion, and, approving of its peculiar principles, they went to Oxford-street Chapel, and heard

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