years the Wesleyan Sabbath School, where he would receive some knowledge of that divine truth, which is never received altogether in vain.

When he began to be employed in manual labour, he was much of his time at places distant from home. He lived a thoughtless life as it regards the claims of religion, and one of his favourite amusements was shooting, till he met with a serious accident by the bursting of a gun he was discharging. Being disabled by it for a time, he returned to Kirkby, where he settled. This accident seemed to produce some serious reflection for a time, but it led not to any permanent change in his character.

His mind was estranged from God, and the way in which his alienation chiefly displayed itself, was that of unbelief. There was a strong leaning in his mind to scepticism. He was fond of starting difficulties and raising objections. Not that he was convinced that religion was a vain thing, but he was unsettled; his mind was full of doubt and uncertainty on that all-important matter. There was one thing, however, which had great weight with him, and which he confessed convinced him of the reality of religion. It was the consistency he observed in the life of a Christian professor. Thus powerful is life-preaching.

Our late brother had been settled in Kirkby about a year, when Mr. Dunn visited this neighbourhood, and held a series of revival services in our chapel about six years ago. He attended the services occasionally, and was convinced of his great sinfulness and danger before God. In the conflict which passed in his mind previous to his submission to God, he was much troubled by his besetting sina proneness to unbelief. On one occasion, about this time, he put the following question to one of our members, "How is it, if the gospel is true, that there is such a difference in the accounts which the evangelists have written?" It was answered, "Why, it is as though you and I and one or two more should all hear and see the same things, and give our own accounts of them independently of each other; we should all differ in the manner in which we viewed them and spoke of them, while yet we should all agree about the substance of what we had seen and heard; so it was with the evangelists." To this he made no reply,

but continued silent, as if in deep thought.

A short time after, he entered into conversation with the same person, and another of our members, each separately, on the way of salvation He was deeply troubled in spirit, and most painfully alive to his ruined state as a sinner, and his chief anxiety was to make his peace with God. The question ever uppermost in his mind was, "What must I do to be saved?" In this troubled and inquiring state of mind, he listened most attentively while the way of salvation through a crucified Saviour was pointed out to him. The person with whom he was conversing set forth Jesus as the only Saviour, and his atoning blood as the only means of salvation, and said, "We must come to God repenting of all sin, and looking for mercy freely exercised: we must come without a price in our hands, and looking direct to the cross of Christ," &c. He had been seeking salvation with tears, and now he listened with child-like simplicity, and in deep silence, while the way of salvation was set before him. His soul was led out to follow these blessed directions, and he was enabled fully to rely upon the Atoning Lamb. In doing so, he found mercy and peace; and a short time after he remarked to his mother, "I believe that while Mr. H. has been conversing with me, that God has converted my soul." This was joyous information to one who greatly loved him. They rejoiced together, and united in the praise of God. He felt peace and joy in believing, and his happiness was very great. His feelings were of a deep and powerful nature, and the subject he now most delighted in speaking of was salvation through Christ. On one occasion, when on his way to Leeds, he went out of his way to tell his friends and acquaintance at Pannall what great things God had done for his soul. He was naturally of a reserved and retiring disposition of mind, but when the fire of God's love burns in the heart men will speak with the tongue.

Being now one of the people of God, he identified himself with them in the view of the world, and became a member of our society. In the same year he engaged in the work of a Sabbathschool teacher, and continued to labour in that field of usefulness as long as health enabled him. In about two

years his name was entered on the plan as a local preacher on trial; and it was hoped that, if his life and health had been continued, he would have become an acceptable and useful local preacher.

The religious experience of our late brother was marked by considerable variations. Sometimes he was on the mountain-top with joy, and at others in the dark valley with depression. How much of his occasional dejection might be owing to unwatchfulness or neglect of duty we know not; but by the grace of God he was preserved from falling into any gross inconsistency. Though sometimes faint, he was still pursuing his journey heavenward, walking with God.

In July, 1852, he took a severe cold, which led to that affliction which terminated in death. His disease was pulmonary consumption; it was, as is usual in such cases, of a very variable and protracted kind. Sometimes it seemed as though it would speedily carry him off; and then it would seem to withdraw, as though it would entirely leave him. Thus he and his friends were alternately the subjects of pleasing hope and painful forebodings. These exercises in the school of affliction were rendered of great service to him-they were made a blessing to his soul. On one occasion he said, "I feel thankful to God for my affliction. I look upon it as a mercy; for I fear if I had not been afflicted that the world would have been too much for me." There was something of hastiness and irritability in his natural temper, but it was considerably softened in his affliction, and he was enabled by divine grace to endure with much patience, and was often heard to say, "How gently the Lord deals with me!" He seemed at one time very anxious to live for the sake of those who were near and dear to him; but for some months before his death he was enabled to give them and all in this world up, and resign himself to the will of God.

He had for a long time the conviction that he must die, but it did not distress him; he was calm and confiIdent while he knew that death was approaching; and as his strength enabled him, he applied himself deliberately to the work of setting his house in order, arranging his temporal concerns, and preparing his mind for the

solemn event.

Sometimes he employed himself in

composing verses of a religious kind; and, once in particular, he composed and recited several verses on "Rest and Heaven," on which subjects he dwelt in such a manner that those who heard him were moved to tears.

He would often speak to such as visited him, whom he had reason to believe to be without religion, kindly and affectionately, warning them of their danger, and urging them to prepare for death while they were in health. "For," he would say, "what could I do now without divine grace? And if I had to seek it now, I doubt whether I could have found it." He also evinced much concern for the spiritual welfare of those he was leaving in the world, often urging his beloved partner to be faithful as a Christian even unto death; and, speaking to her of their child, he said, “Do instruct him in divine things." And frequently prayed, "Lord protect him! Lord, bless him!"

Occasionally he was tempted and depressed, but still he said, "I dare not doubt." To the frequent inquiries put to him with regard to his health, he commonly replied, I am going to heaven." A few days before his death, he said to a relative, "I have given all up-I shall soon have done; but I feel, I know that all is well. I am going to heaven." To another person he said, "I am on the right foundation." On the Wednesday previous to his death, he said to his wife, "I do not feel so rapturous as I have done, but still I know I am going to heaven." Observing her in tears, he said, "Why weep so? Had I been taken away by some accident, or had I not lived to God, then you might have wept, but you know where I am going. I do feel happy."

On the morning of the 17th of February, the day on which his spirit departed, he observed, "I have wrought hard, but there is dying work yet." Then, addressing one standing near, he asked, "What do you think; where shall I go to?" It was answered, "You will go to heaven." He then exclaimed," Glory, glory, glory, be to God!"

A short time before his death, his father-in-law visited him, and wept to see him in so emaciated and feeble a state, and said, "George, you are on the threshold of eternity." He replied, "I could like to be going-but pa tience." Here his voice failed Shortly

after he shook hands with those present, while a sweet smile played on his countenance, which was radiant with the hope and reflection of heavenly glory; and thus he breathed his soul into the hands of his divine Redeemer. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

May, 1854.

MARY TURNER.

Mary Turner, the subject of this short account, was born August 10th, 1784. She was the daughter of William and Mary Turner, who were long members of our community, and who felt a deep and lively interest in the spiritual and eternal happiness of their children, for whose salvation they presented many fervent prayers. These prayers were heard in the conversion of our deceased sister, who in early life became impressed with the importance of religion, and a decided follower of Christ. In what particular manner she was brought to a knowledge of the truth, we are not able to say; but being from a child of a steady turn of mind, and restrained by the grace of God from those vices in which so many indulge, it is probable that her mind was gradually opened to the reception of divine truth. But though nothing remarkable attended her conversion, her general deportment furnished evidence that she had become the subject of renewing grace. She joined our community and continued a steady and consistent member of it till death, which would be a period of between forty and fifty years. She highly valued the means of grace, feeling therein her soul blest while waiting on the Lord. There she renewed her spiritual strength, and having obtained help of God she went on her way rejoicing. In communion with God she could say, "Lord, it is good to be here." While she was able, she diligently attended the means of grace, feeling it her duty as well as her privilege to do so. She had a high regard for the word of God, and esteemed it a happiness to sit under its ministry. She loved the ministers of the gospel, and was always glad to have a visit from them. The writer regularly visited her, and he has to state that his conversations with her on the subject of religion were satisfactory to his own

mind, and left the impression that she was a good woman, a sincere and humble follower of Christ. Our sister had her trials, and some of them were not light, but pressed with considerable weight on her mind. She found that she had need of that grace by which alone the Christian can be supported under his troubles, and that grace was imparted to her, or she would have sunk beneath the billows of distress. For those to whom she was bound by the ties of relationship, she had a strong affection, which led her to do all she could to promote their comfort. The thought that any one of them should continue in sin, and rebel against God, was a trouble to her mind, and it is fervently hoped that her earnest prayers will yet be answered in the salvation of the prayer. less and impenitent.

For the last few years she was not often at the house of God, being unable to attend through affliction and increasing infirmities, but she enjoyed the presence of her God and Saviour in her own habitation. She was likewise glad to see any of her Christian friends whose conversation and prayers were a comfort to her. It would have been a delight to her to have gone up with them to the sanctuary of God, but this she was unable to do. Though she had been for some time the subject of infirmities her end was somewhat sudden, but peaceful. Having on Tuesday, April 18th, returned to her room from a short visit to a relative in the neighbourhood, she was seized with a tremor, and complained of being very ill. Assistance was rendered but with.. out effect, and it was evident that her end was drawing nigh. Yet she felt herself divinely supported, and expressed herself, as well as she could in terms which showed that she be lieved she was going to a better world. She lingered on the Wednesday, and died early on the Thursday morning, April 20th, 1854, aged 69 years. was a good neighbour, a kind sister, a sincere follower of the Saviour, and it is believed that she is now present with the Lord. Her death was improved to an attentive congregation. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, yea, saith the Spirit; they rest from their labours and their works follow them."

She

T. RIDGE.

Alnwick, June 19, 1854.

"No Better than We should Be; or, Travels in Search of Consistency." By Andrew Marvell, jun. Addressed to all Christians, patriots, and philanthropists. London: R. Bulman.

The work is written in a good spirit, and is expressive of liberal opinions and right views, on many points; but, while pointing out the practical errors and inconsistencies of various religious denominations and philanthropic associations, there is such a keen and obvious desire to palm the peculiarities of the Baptists upon us, that the usefulness of the book is thereby greatly impaired. A book professing to deal with the practical inconsistencies of the various sects, should itself be free from sectarianism; but in this book there is plenty of this commodity.

"Healthy Homes, and How to Make Them." By William Bardwell, Architect. London: Dean & Son.

This work is the dictate of benevolence, and the production of wisdom. The author describes the squalid wretchedness and disease, the pestilence and death resulting from the neglect of sanitary laws in the construction and condition of the dwellings of the poor, and seeks to stimulate commercial and benevolent enterprise to erect human dwellings in accordance with natural laws. To this important object his scientific knowledge and architectural skill are directed in this volume. The suggestions and plans of the author are judicious and practicable; they combine economy with taste, and salubrity with utility. The work is well worthy the attention of both, the benevolent who are interested in the welfare of others, and the selfish who are careful for their own interests. It would be well for society at large, especially in our crowded towns and cities, if the judicious and valuable directions of the author were carried into effect.

"God's Image in Ebony." A Series of Sketches, demonstrative of the Mental Powers and Intellectual Capacities of the Negro Race. London: Partridge & Oakey.

The work consists of two parts. In the first place we have what purports to be a sketch of the Slavery Question in America; and, secondly, a series of

Biographical Sketches, illustrative of the mental capacities of the Negro Race. We have no sympathy with slavery, but hold it in utter abhorrence and detestation. We do not think, however, that the first part of the work is characterized by sound discrimination and impartiality. The other portions of the work present a faithful mirror of a great truth-the proper humanity and equality of the African as compared with men of other countries, and we can, without hesitation, recommend it to our readers.

"The Contrast: War and Christianity. Martial Evils and their Remedy. The good Soldier and his reward." By James William Massie, D.D., LL.D. London: Cash, Snow.

A seasonable little work for the times we live in; fraught with pacific and benevolent sentiments; war contemplated in its real horrors; and the duty of Christian people to cherish the spirit and temper of Jesus, set forth and enforced.

"The Sunday at Home." A Family Magazine for Sunday Reading. London: the Religious Tract Society.

The laudible object of this serial is to supplant the trashy and demoralising publications which deluge the homes of our population, and Occupy the hours of the Sabbath. Its topics are well chosen, and have both an instructive and religious tendency. We heartily wish it success.

"The Leisure Hour." A family journal of instruction and recreation. London: The Religious Tract Society.

This is a very useful serial. We have here a great variety of subjects, nature, historic facts, incidents, and brief sketches of character, in both prose and poetry. It is replete with interest for the reader.

"The Monthly Pulpit." No. 1 Sermons preached in Lower Norwood By the Rev. C. G. Rowe. London: Peter Terry.

"Ninevehi: A Review of its Ancient History and Modern Explorers." By R. G. Pote, Esq. Illustrated, 291. London: Clarke, Beeton, and Co.

"The Lamplighter." London: Clarke, Beeton, and Co.