dear anxious parents n minister to his comforts, and what a privilege to be enabled to do it. But the greatest blessing was his submission to the will of God, who drew him gently to himself. Whats an unspeakable comfort to feel that he is happy, and that he will be for ever with the Lord! God grant that my other children may follow in his steps. Amen." Her last illness was very protracted and lingering; from its commencement, it was strongly impressed on her mind that she should never recover. Notwithstanding this impression, she was enabled to preserve great calmness of mind. Though she had occasional misgivings, she was generally supported by the hope of a glorious immortality. There were two things about which she expressed more anxiety than about anything else, viz:-The salvation of her own children, and that of the scholars belonging to her class in the Sabbathschool. Often did she observe, "I believe I have one and pray that the in heaven, and I hope follow him." May the anxiety of their departed mother be constantly remembered by her children, and through the rich mercies of our God, be speedily realized in their spiritual welfare! May her death be blessed to the life of their souls! and, when the wanderings of their pilgrimage are over, May they all meet, no wanderer lost, In the prospect of death, Mrs. Cooke often quoted the expression of Dr. Goodwin, in similar circumstances: How have I dreaded, as an enemy, this smiling friend." Mercifully was she preserved from great suffering, and at length, on the 18th of March, 1858, she peacefully departed. Literally, as well as figuratively, she fell asleep in Jesus. And if we believe that Jesus I died, and rose again, even so them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. father that, was near, he sought, death father's speak, пода nant of strength, to his knees, finally commending himself to the Divine hand. One of his daughters used significantly to say of an oldsch fashioned arm-chair, which had been placed for many years bed-side, If that chair could what would it tell "an allusion to parental prayers breathed in secret. The name of Mrs. M'All's brother, Mr. John Whith a dou remembered in Macclesfield, v with respect Jaffecpect and affer tion. He was was the founder of the "Macclesfield Sunday-school; and, when assailed in that noble effort, by the ridicule of the young ng men of his own age, the counsel and encouragement the Rev. David Simpson him. V of aided Dise vitaey Sarah, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker, is described as having early days. been though as having Her religious appears to been unmarked by any distinguishable crisis, though none who knew her in maturity could doubt the genuineness of her devotion. In the year 1815, she was Rev. Robert united in marriage with of Maccles Stephens M'All, M.A., then of MacclesJof Manchester; and in 1823, on the of a church of the Congregational order, in the chapel newly erected for her husband, became one of its first first members. Those who knew her intimately can testify with what humbleness of spirit and undeviating consistency she maintained that confession. field, afterwards Dr.Mformation 0102 her In the summer of 1838, she was called to pass through the deep waters of afflic tion, With but a few days interval, h only and beloved daughter, at the age of 19, and her husband in his 46th year, were cut down. Yet "grievous" as was the "chastening," the doubly-bereaved widow received grace to bow. Thenceforward she meekly pursued her comparatively unnoticed career, as one for whom impoverished earth told of added treasures in heaven. The late years of her life were spent under the roof of her only son, in Sunderland and in Leicester. She evidenced the deepest interest in all things connected with his ministry; and so long as failing strength allowed, delighted to take her place in the house of God,— where her meek and venerable aspect bore to many a silent teaching concerning the Divine helper, who had chosen her in the furnace of affliction. In a considerable period, she had suffered much from one cause, inability to rest in the persuasion of personal acceptance with God. These sad misgivings seemed often to cloud her prospect But the converse of Christian friends was not in vain; nor did her merciful Saviour permit that her peace should be thus invaded. When the last conflict drew near, some months had passed, in which she evidenced much tranquillity, and even appeared to have some renewal of bodily strength. Very suddenly, in January last, a slight attack of influenza brought her to the verge of the grave. From that time, a holy calm reigned around her. She did not shrink from the monition, but gently said, "My time has come, I am mearing nearing the Jevere pain, and Being exempted from having full possession, to t the latest moment, of every faculty, her converse with sorrowing relatives and friends was most touching many of her expressions were indeed, beautiful. Alluding one night, to necessitudes and sorrows of the past, she said, "Hitherto, hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Must we be carried to the skies Om flowery beds of ease, 01While others fought to win the prize, bio And sail'd through bloody seas?' it is those who have come out of great tribulation that enter there." The last Sunday evening of her life, she said, very sweetly, to her son, on his return from evening service, "My dear, dear son, you see God has helped you wonderfully through the duties of this day. As thy days, so shall thy strength be. May he give you that rest which he giveth to his beloved." More than once, she repeated, with singularly perfect utterance, the stanzas of the hymn commencing, "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide." On the night before her death, she again spoke with her son, most earnestly, concerning her hope and interest in the Saviour; and, after he had reminded her of one who "will in no wise cast out," she added, in a mode which never can be forgotten by those who heard the words, "Wilt thou cast a sinner out, Who humbly comes to Thee? And give my spirit rest." And truly that prayer was answered. The following morning she sank rapidly. Her few broken utterances evidenced a heart calmly awaiting the moment of union with her Saviour, and with the loved ones who had gone before. The very last drop that moistened the parched lips was received with manifested regard to the kind hand administering it. Thus, like a wave dying on the shore, she sank to rest. She died at Leicester, February 4th, in the 74th year of her age; and was interred in the same vault with her husband and daughter in Rusholme Road Cemetery, Manchester. "At evening time it was light." The foregoing notice is abridged from that appended to the funeral sermon, preached at Leicester, by the Rev. S. M'All, of Nottingham. Of St. Ives, Cornwall, dve”! THE memory of the just is blessed, and the righteous are to be had in everlasting remembrance. It is true their record is on high; but to suffer those to leave us whose life and labours have benefited the church and the world, without some suitable reflections, would discover both insensibility and ingratitude. Richard Payne, the subject of this memoir, was born at Newlyn, near Penzance, March 1st, 1785, of poor but pious parents, who laboured to instil into his youthful mind the principles of our holy religion. Hence we find that his mind was early impressed with the importance of divine things. Their example exerted a beneficial influence on him. As he advanced in years, he saw his lost and ruined state by nature, and the necessity of being born again. This conviction, to use his own words, 66 66 was very deep." His soul was oppressed with the burden of his sins.. Whilst following the humble and hazardous calling of a fisherman, it pleased that "God who is rich in mercy to all that call on him" to set him free, and rid him of his burden in the following remarkable way. When his boat was lying at St. Ives pier, and he was carrying his net to a field to dry, a load on his back, but a more intolerable one on his mind, he breathed out his soul to God in prayer. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard, and delivered him from all his fears, and put a new song into his mouth, even praise unto our God." His spirit was unburdened, and with the load on his back, "he went on his way rejoicing." On his return to his native village, the great change was apparent. He at once saw it to be his duty to give himself to God and to his people. Accordingly we find that he was soon afterwards admitted a member of the Independent church at Penzance. Being a lad possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, he was noticed by the late Rev. J. Foxell, who kindly superintended and directed his mental and religious studies.. When about thirty, he was received into the employ of the Messrs. Bolitho, of Penzance, with whom he continued till his death, earning for himself, by his diligence and integrity, a high place in their esteem and confidence, and securing the respect of all with whom he transacted business. In 1836, when it was found necessary to establish a bank at St. Ives, Richard Payne was selected and deputed manager, and filled that situation with credit and satisfaction until recently, when growing infirmities required assistance. But it is as a Christian that we have chiefly to do with him; and here we can affirm that he was one of the excellent of the earth. He feared God above many. His piety was decided and uniform, and penetrated and pervaded his conversation, deportment, and daily life. It was good to be in his company; and who ever visited him in his room and found him without his Bible? There was no book to him like God's book. "His delight was in the law of the Lord, and in his law did he meditate day and night." That law was the spring of his actions, the rule of his conduct, and the source of his comforts. On his removal to St. Ives, he speedily identified himself with Lady Hunting don's Chapel. The prosperity of that place lay always very near to his heart. He acted as its treasurer and deacon, and as the correspondent of the Trustees of the Connexion, to the principles of which he was intelligently and ardently attached. His attendance on all the means of grace was regular. The prayer-meeting, the church-meeting, as well as the services of the Lord's day, always, whilst health continued, found him one of the most punctual and devout worshippers. Frequently, when there was no minister, he was wont to conduct the public service; and according to his ability he would tell the story of the cross to listening congregations, and endeavour to lead them to that Saviour whom he himself had found so precious. He was also devoted to the Sabbath-school; and latterly, when unable to leave his house, he arranged for a meeting of members and others, devoutly disposed to be held at his house on Sunday afternoons, which proved to himself and to them a rich means of grace. The poor, and the sick, and the dying received his attention, and were ministered to in temporal and spiritual things. In fact, he was ready for every good work, and cheerfully contributed, to the extent of his limited means, to every charitable and religious object. Though a decided Nonconformist, his spirit was thoroughly catholic. He loved all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ's image was upon him. He had the seal. His religion was deep-seated and sincere, though unobtrusive and unostentatious. He loved to talk of the things of the kingdom, and relished prayer before parting. This was the atmosphere in which he lived; and his intercourse with heaven was close, intimate, and habitual. We also find that he walked before his house with a perfect heart, and never neglected family worship, even when ill able to perform it. Whole hours were spent by him in private with his God. He was accustomed, when the bank closed, to retire to his closet, and there pour out his heart unto the Most High. Here lay his strength. Humility eminently characterized him. His was that meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. He was a friend indeed in every way to Lady Huntingdon's Chapel, St. Ives, and "given to hospitality." His unostentatious benevolence, under the name of a friend, or anonymously, gave evidence his protracted and severe affliction, he ever manifested unmurmuring patience. His submission shone forth with the brightness of a star. Often have we heard him groan under the pressure of severe cough and pain, but never once murmur against the Divine procedure. His long affliction proved the strength of his faith in God, and exhibited his Christian character in perfection. In the intervals of comparative ease he delighted to talk of the Lord's goodness and of the riches of grace, and always referred to his own unworthiness. Christ and him crucified was the grand topic of his conversation, and the sole foundation of his confidence. He trusted, he gloried in nothing else. This was all his salvation, and all his desire. It The writer bade him farewell on the evening g of the 11th of January, when he appeared in tolerable health. was a solemn scene-a Bochim indeed. This last interview with his pastor and friend was spent in mutual prayer and praise, blended with sorrow at parting. We believe this was the last prayer he offered up audibly, for a few friends were privileged to be present, and it will not soon be forgotten. Little did the writer imagine that within three weeks after he should find himself penning this biographical sketch, an exercise of melancholy pleasure. 15 Our friend was confined to his bed only a few days before his decease, which took place mid-day of Thursday, 28th January, in the seventy-third year of his age. That morning a letter from the writer reached him. Its arrival cheered his fainting spirit. He was too weak, we are informed, to read it, but desired it to be read to him. This was done. At the close he breathed these words, "Dear man, God bless him." He rapidly sank, and in about two hours afterwards his happy spirit winged its way to glory, and so closed a life of piety in peace. He slept in Jesus. "He was not, for God took him." "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." He leaves behind him a memory fragrant with that which is lovely and of good report; and though dead, the remembrance of the just shall flourish whilst he sleeps in dust. In him death at last loosed the silver cord with a gentle hand, and was swallowed up of life. The exchange of worlds to him must have been ineffably glorious. "Well done, good and faithful servant,' thou hast entered "into the joy of thy Lord." We cannot think of thee but with affection and veneration. The pen of friendship fails, unequal to the task to do justice to thy character. To effect this it must be dipped in hues brighter than earth affords. In the hearts of a numerous circle of friends thy memory will long be enshrined, and their recollection of thee will be sweet and sacred. Farewell, but only for a time. We shall meet again, to part no more. Peace to thy ashes, thou man of God! E. S. HART. 1 Ruthin, North Wales. The Lay Preachers' Corner. IF the earth is to be filled with the INDIVIDUALITY IN PREACHING. ONE of the characteristics of the New Testament and of the true Gospel ministry is its solicitude for Individuals. Heathen antiquity looked at mankind in masses. Man the individual was nothing. But Christianity has consecrated the individuality of man as a religious being. The Gospel is addressed to masses only as composed of individuals. Its grand commission is to every creature apart and alone, as the creature of God, who sends a message of good-will to it in personal individuality. This message is complete in its directness, and in all its bearings to each individual, just as much so, as if the individual addressed, had been the only one in existence, or the only one in such a condition, as to need a Divine message. Religion is a personal, individual affair. It is an affair of the heart and life, having to do with the soul and its Maker. It addresses itself therefore 313 to the soul apart. The preaching of the Divine Word must then, as far as possible, come home to the hearts of the hearers. The truth must descend from the pulpit to the pew. It must go into the pew, and find the conscience, and fasten itself there, as a nail driven in a sure place by the Master of Assemblies. The Apostle Paul repeatedly expressed his deep solicitude, that he might so manifest the truth of God without corruption to the conscience.: Elijah, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul, and our blessed Saviour himself troubled the consciences of their hearers. They sympathized with the people addressed, and made them feel, that they had a personal interest in the matter. In Dr. Chalmers' Sabbath Scripture Readings, for 1844, while at an advanced age, and long introductory prayer in the morning and preached a short sermon. He made a short introductory prayer in the afternoon, and repeating his text with his heads of discourse, preached at considerable length; often holde ing his audience, in the long days, until near sunset; retaining their patience and fixed attention to the end. He was of the straitest sect of Hopkinsians (a class of Calvinists), and frequently preached the mostsoffensives tenets of his creed, yet he commanded larges congregations, and was admired by those who disliked his doctrineswans si 1 "I beg to suggest that if ministers would preach extempore, and spend the time in reading commonly spent in writing, they only a few years before his death, he was might preach longer sermons without tiring toiling to gather a Missionary congregation, and build a church and school in one of the most depraved parts of Edinburgh, I have noticed the following fervent and simple prayer on this very point: "Let me not faint, O Lord, under the toils of that ministry which thy Providence hath put into my hands. Give me wisely to husband my strength; but let me be unwearied and most tenaciously persevering in my enterprise for the families of the West Port. Save me from all dishonesty and deceitfulness in handling thy Word. And let me walk on a visible platform, and in the daylight of an open manifestation. Oh, may I find a way to the consciences of many by the godly sincerity of my conversation in the world, and above all, by the power of that Gospel, which the devil tries to intercept, but which do thou, O Lord, cause to enter the hearts of those among whom I labour, with power and the Holy Ghost, and much assurance. Give me the light of the knowledge of thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ, and in his great work of redemption. Lift the veil from my minut that in thyesight I may clearly see light. And, oh, let a sense of the coming immortality sustain me amid all my present discomforts and despondencies, and that while my outward man perisheth, my inward man may be renewed by that light and confident anticipation. Oh for a realizing sense of the unseen futurities on the other side of death, an efficient and practical apprehension thereof, so that I may not only rejoice in hope of the glory of God, but learn to joy in tribulation also to that I no PERMANENCY OF THE PASTORATE. EVERYTHING appertaining to the pastorate has a bearing on the work of the lay preacher. A judicious American author says: As facts are called for in relation to the connexion, if there is any, between the length of sermons and the permanency of the ministry, I beg to present the example of Rev. Samuel Niles, for many years pastor of the Congregational church in Abington, Mass. He was a powerful preacher and successful minister; and was very popular in his own and neighbouring congregations. their hearers, and continue longer with the same church and congregation. But to succeed thus they must read thoroughly and extensively, give themselves to profound reflection and g HOME SOLES NOy on woll folders ylovol zalo oning sdw no HEARING SERMONS! od At WORD FITLY SPOKEN noisy THE following anecdote, illustrative of the pulpit discrimination of the late Dr. Mason, has never before, we think, found its way into print. 92001 919019109d vodi Hit Preaching on the text, "What shall it profit a man," &c., Dr. Mason referred to the various apologies offered by the impenitent in excuse for the mong these he menrefusal to accept the gifts of eternal C1 tioned the common plea: We do not want to profess Christianity because many dishonour their profession. We do not want to be hypocrites. We are candid men ! "And so," said the Thunderer," You are willing to go to hell as gentlemen of candour" A distinguished lawyer, now of this city, then a young man, felt the sharp thrust of the preacher's words, and at once renounced the hypocrisy of unbelief for a sincere faith in the Son of God."2 bus vissa |