rest were all strangers. I brought with me some hymn-books, and commenced to hold Divine worship, as conducted in our Baptist Churches: twice on Sunday, once on Wednesday evening, and a prayer-meeting once a month. The interest increased, the whole crew attending-seldom anyone wilfully absent. I preached to them Jesus, and desired them to read the Bible for themselves. The effect of this was, that at the end of three months every novel had been thrown overboard, the Bible taking their place. Instead of street-ballads and sailors' songs we heard the Songs of Zion issuing from the forecastle, and the men had frequent prayer-meetings forwards. Seeing that the Lord was working mightily among us, and having so great a cause to be thankful, I saw the necessity of helping to strengthen that which God had wrought for us, and commenced to have family worship every morning at half-past seven until eight o'clock. Upon our arrival at Calcutta six were baptized, at Lal Bazaar Church, by Mr. J. Robinson; when the ship arrived at Rangoon two others were baptized, by Mr. E. A. Stevens. On the homeward passage, with the exception of one, all were converted. This crew was frequently on shore in India, surrounded by temptations; not one instance do I know of misconduct. They subscribed very liberally to the cause of Christ in India.

The vessel sailed again, with six Baptists on board, being part of the late crew, and eleven others, one or two of them having serious impressions before coming with me. Divine worship was conducted as usual, with the addition of family prayer every evening, and a special prayer-meeting every Monday evening; also the ordinance of the Lord's Supper-the crew taking a deep interest in all. They were implored to surrender themselves to

Christ; to come, whilst Jesus invites them to come, before they hear Him say, Depart." The men are encouraged to pray, " Old things pass away; behold, all things are become new." Look at the change: these bold hardy men weep like children, confessing their sins, big stalwart fellows acknowledging how weak they are!-praise and prayer coming from those who were a short time ago daring blasphemers! Who will not give thanks unto the Lord, and take courage and help us? Upon our arrival at Colombo six were baptized by Mr. Pigott at the Pettah Chapel.

The faithless, the faint-hearted, may say that these men have a good example, and are kept up to the mark, whilst under my charge, and they will fall away when free from restraint. No, don't say thatdon't think it. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? He is able to keep them. Their consistent Christian walk would put many to shame. I have not heard an oath, or seen one case of drunkenness (except in one man, who is not a believer), on board of my ship for the last three years. Look at the torrent of iniquity that sailors have to stem, and pray for them. Don't judge them too harshly-rather give thanks, and help them. The prophet spake thus: "Then thou shalt see and flow together, and thine heart shall be enlarged: because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee!" Let the Church see to it. Here is a host of missionaries, a people prepared by the Lord to carry His name into every land. This crew have subscribed handsomely to the Baptist and also South American Mission.

I am, dear sir, Yours truly,

THOMAS MATCHES, "Alice Ritson," W. I. Dock.

W

E learn from the Word of God

that "the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." We may very properly admire Divine grace in any instance in which it is especially manifested, whether it be seen in the lives of those whom our "God has counted faithful, putting them into the ministry," or when shining forth, in stations less prominent perhaps, but, it may be, not less useful. This world of ours, bearing on its surface numerous indications of the devastation resulting from transgression, and affording, as it does, melancholy proofs of the Creator's curse, yet retains many illustrations of His beneficent wisdom and paternal

care.

There are stars which shine upon the darksome path we tread. Yes! And there are those of our species pre-eminent in worth, who diffuse an influence around them-an influence like that of the sun in its course, whose glowing and refulgent rays shine "more and more unto the perfect day.' Such is true-true to the very letter-of every Christian man who honourably maintains his principles and his profession. We say "every Christian man," however prominent or however secluded his position. Let the palace announce his majestic glory, or the mud-wall hut, in the centre of yon quiet glen, conceal him from observation and gaze. Let him possess a larger or a smaller share of other influences which might command respect or secure esteem-every Christian man is a lovely object. Such a one cannot be too highly estimated. No! He is a precious son of Zion, com

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parable to fine gold," a "polished shaft in the Divine quiver concealed"; his life emitting a brilliant effulgence, his death the departure of a lovely object. Hence, hearken, ye despisers of our holy religionhearken, and tremble! Hearken, ye fearful, doubting believers, hearken and rejoice, while from heaven's highest glory falls upon your ears the Divine behest, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.' The memoirs of such characters are sought for and read with avidity, and frequently are they blessed to the spiritual benefit of many. Hence we employ this method of making known the excellences and usefulness of "the servants of the Most High God," whether they have moved in public or private life. Moreover, let it be remembered that, in doing this, we extol not the men, but the grace that made them what they were; while, herein, we are encouraged by the language of the Apostle, who says to the Corinthians, "If our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ." Of such Christian character and usefulness our beloved and departed friend, whose name is at the head of this paper, was a valuable and pleasing instance.

The ancestors of Mr. Rose have been connected with the Church meeting at Queen-street Chapel, Woolwich, from the date of its formation in the year 1786. About that time some dispute arose at Enon Chapel, in this town, touching the question of communion. The parti

culars of such dispute need not be given here, but the issue was, that the late venerated Adam Freeman, who was afterwards, for fifty years, the pastor of Queen-street, with some few others who sympathized with him, seceded from Enon, and planted the standard of the Cross on the spot upon which Queen-street Chapel now stands. The beginning was, indeed, "the day of small things," and the original sanctuary was erected by the personal labours of the members and friends of this little community. Yes! pious shipwrights, and others who were employed during the day in the Royal Dockyard, as servants of his late Majesty George the Third, when their hours of duty were over, met at the corner of Queen-street, and employed their evenings in building a sanctuary to be dedicated to the worship of the Majesty of heaven and earth. These good men seem to remind us of the servants of King Solomon, who were sent by him in courses to Lebanon to cut down cedars for the erection of his magnificent temple, and of whom the inspired historian writes thus, "A month were they in Lebanon, and two months at home." Moreover, it may interest the readers of the BAPTIST MAGAZINE to know that the one dome placed by these devoted shipwrights in the ceiling of Queen-street Chapel, as they built it, is fitted up with ribs and planks in the same manner as ships of war were constructed in those days; and thus have their descendants been constantly reminded of the interest taken by their forefathers in this matter. Among the artificers whose hands and tools were thus employed was a Mr. Stradley, who, with his wife, joined the secessionists from Enon Chapel and these became consequently two of the first members of the Church when formed at Queenstreet. Mr. Stradley was not elected to the office of deacon at the first appointment made in 1786, but in 1794

his name was added to those of the two other brethren in office; and the records of the Church inform us that he retained that position, with advantage to his brethren and to the praise of Divine Grace, till his decease, in 1824 or 1825.

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Miss Esther Stradley, one of the daughters of this excellent man, became in early life a partaker of the Holy Spirit. She made application for fellowship with the Church at Queen-street, and being received, was baptized by the Rev. A. Freeman, in August 1807. Miss Stradley became the wife of Mr. John Rose, and she appears to have been a woman of marvellous attainments in piety, and of unusual consecration to the service of the Redeemer. Truly she is held in "remembrance," one instance in proof of which shall be given. About nine years since, the writer had been preaching on the Sabbath evening at Vernon Chapel, Pentonville. The service over, stranger made his way to the bottom of the pulpit-stairs, and said, "I believe, Sir, you are the minister of Queen-street Chapel, Woolwich ?" "Just so," was the reply. "Pray, did know you Mrs. Rose?" "No, was the answer, "she had gone to heaven before my connection with Queen-street commenced." "Then, Sir," responded my friend, "you never knew one of the best women who ever lived!" The membership of this estimable character with Queen-street extended over an unusually lengthened period. Within a few weeks of fifty-three years she "adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour in all things," till, on the 21st March, 1860, she was gathered, "like a shock of corn ripe for the garner;" and in the same grave with her husband and now sainted son, at Woolwich Cemetery, her remains await the resurrection of the just.

David was her tenth child, and

was born at Woolwich, January 11th, 1824. He was brought, by his devoted mother, to Queen-street Chapel in the long-clothes of infancy, and, so far as we can gather from the records of the Sunday-school, he was enrolled as a scholar in that institution when about eight years of age. His parents had him taught the trade of a whitesmith; and, being clever with his tools, he became an excellent workman. When comparatively young in life, Mr. Rose commenced business on his own account, a movement in which Providence smiled upon him, while his strict integrity and manly uprightness secured for him the respectful confidence of all parties by whom he was employed.

In the course of a short time he was enabled to purchase extensive and convenient premises hard by the barracks of the Royal Artillery, and thus could enter into contracts with the Government, which doubtless helped him considerably. Had an allwise Jehovah seen fit to spare him to anything like the venerable age attained by his parents, to all human appearance he would have been, most eminently, a successful man. Now, however, he understands and shares the "durable riches" of the upper clime.

The domestic relationships of Mr. Rose were of the happiest character. On the 25th of May, 1847, he was married to Miss Mary Ann Ambrose, whose father and mother (Mr. Josh. Ambrose and his wife) were long and constant attendants at Queen-street Chapel. Miss Ambrose was adopted and brought up by her uncle, Mr. Solomon Strang, who was long an honourable deacon, and one of the "pillars" of the Church at Queenstreet, and with whom she resided till her marriage. During the long affliction of her worthy husband, nothing could surpass the devoted attention and care bestowed upon him at all

hours and in all ways, by his now sorrowing widow, all of which will be rewarded by Him who says, “A Father of the fatherless, and a Judge of the widows, is God in His holy habitation."

Mr. Rose gave evidence of having "passed from death unto life" when about eighteen years of age. He asked to be admitted into the Church at Queen-street, was welcomed by the brethren; and made one of nine friends baptized by the Rev. John Cox on the last Lord's day of July, 1842. From that time the sympathies of his heart appear to have been bound up with the welfare of everything connected with the place of his spiritual birth. He was one of the attached and steady friends of the Church and the pastor; studying in every way the prosperity of the one, and the comfort of the other. Any society, either philanthropic or benevolent, that might be set on foot by the brethren, could safely reckon on the cheerful sanction and ready and liberal support of our departed friend; and only "the day shall declare" all that was done by him for relieving the distressed, or comforting the downcast and desponding. In this way, for twenty years did Mr. Rose help his friends in their "works of faith and labours of love," in his capacity as a private member of the Church; but further service awaited him. On the 27th November, 1862, his brethren manifested their ideas of his worth by electing him to the deaconship-an office for which his respectable appearance, suavity of manners, gentlemanly bearing, untarnished reputation, and, above all, eminent piety, specially qualified him. None but those who were identified with him in that position in the Church will ever know his value, either as a wise friend or a Christian "fellow-helper to the truth." Fondly did those who loved our friend for his works' sake hope

that many years of usefulness in this department of the Church might be granted; but not so! Alas! the remainder is soon told. Shortly after Mr. Rose took office with his brethren, symptoms of declining health made their appearance-such symptoms, too, as caused the gravest anxiety alike to his family and friends. No expense was spared to secure the services of eminent medical men; and their opinion was that tumour in the abdomen was the cause of suffering. This, by active treatment, was supposed to be scattered, so that, for a time, the means used seemed to be successful. The improvement, however, was only temporary, and the patient was never well long together. About two years ago, a failure of mental power was occasionally manifested, and in July last his state became such that the faculty were all puzzled. "Serious mischief," said they, "is evidently going on." And all help was of no avail. During his long and trying illness Mr. Rose was singularly thankful and resigned, repeating always, twice a day, and sometimes even more frequently than that, the words of the Psalmist, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" This state of mind was more pleasing to behold than it would have been under ordinary circumstances, for the last days of our friend brought with them some heavy trials. Let us mention

one.

In the autumn of 1869 the youthful husband of his only daughter sailed for the United States, hoping there to build up a home for the future-a course rendered seemingly necessary by heavy reductions in the Government establishments in Woolwich. His wife and infant son were left in the charge of Mr. Rose, intending to sail so soon as arrangements for their comfort were completed. But, how mysterious are the

ways of Providence! Just a month before the decease of our friend, the fearful intelligence reached the family that by the husband and father a severe cold had been taken, which in three days laid him low in death, and that by comparative strangers, and in a foreign land, he had been laid in an early tomb!

"By foreign hands his dying eyes were closed,

By foreign hands his decent limbs composed,

By foreign hands his humble grave adorn'd;

By strangers honour'd, and by strangers mourn'd."

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This sad fact had to be made known to Mr. Rose as best it could be, the doctors fearing the consequences; but marvellous was his resignation! "Is it so ?" said he; "then let me put this among the all things,' somehow it will be for good." Thus, although about to leave a beloved wife a widow, and three sons and a widowed daughter and grandchild fatherless, still his confidence in God never wavered, till the end came; and on the 5th of November, 1870, simply relying on the finished work of Jesus, his happy spirit was released from its suffering tabernacle, and went "up higher," to be "for ever with the Lord." Mr. Rose was a splendid singer, and now, "for ever with the Lord," he has indeed something to sing about!

A post-mortem examination, requested by the medical attendants on the departed, and wisely permitted by his family, revealed a state of things such as astonished everyone! Dr. James Fuller, of Woolwich, by whom this duty was undertaken, has politely forwarded to the writer the results of his investigation. He says:

"After death I found the liver much disorganized by morbid deposit from old disease; and, in the brain,