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tried to speak, but could not. Shortly after she sank into the arms of death, and her spirit passed home to glory, September 1st, 1858, in the 61st year of her age.

I shall close this sketch with a few extracts from letters that have been received on the occasion of her death, which show the esteem in which she was held by the parties who wrote them. The first is from her highly valued father in the gospel, the Rev. C. Atkinson, addressed to Mr. T., dated Hunslet, October 20th, 1858. "My dear brother Topham,-I deeply sympathize with your feelings in the loss you have sustained by the death of dear Mrs. T., whom I have long known and highly esteemed for the excellent spirit that animated her, and the traits of character exhibited in our intercourse for a very many years. When I was appointed to Leeds, in 1820, your best beloved had for some time been under the strivings of the Divine Spirit; but during that year she fully decided to give her heart to God, and her name and influence to the church. The importance of personal religion was felt; the leaven of grace commenced its process in her heart: to her the word preached dropped like the dew, and distilled like the rain; but being of a retiring habit with respect to religion, little was known of what was going on in her heart, as she made no high profession of her spiritual attainments. She was very cautious in making known the state of her feelings, as she was afraid of saying too much, but pursued the even tenor of her way. She often complained that her love to God was so cold, while her obligation and mercies demanded the devotion of all her powers to the glory of her redeeming Lord. Yet she wearied not in well-doing; whether in prosperity or comparative adversity, she could say, 'O Lord, my heart is fixed.' I know, my brother, by experience, what it is to be separated from those we love best on earth. Mrs. T. has been removed sooner than you anticipated, and at a time when her converse and sympathy appeared most desirable; but the Lord liveth, and his consolations are not small. She has entered the haven first and you are nearing the port. A few more gales, and you will be landed on the blissful shore, where winds and seas distress no more. C. A."

I received the following letter from Mrs. T. Heaps, dated November 4th,

1858. "My dear friend,-I am sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing you when you were at Leeds, and conversing with you respecting our departed friend Mrs. Topham. Ann, her faithful domestic, is very desirous I should add my testimony to the power of divine grace, as manifested in the life and sufferings of her beloved and lamented mistress. Since they, Mr. and Mrs. Topham, came to reside in our locality, we have had frequent opportunities for usefulness. She ever manifested great readiness to converse on spiritual things. During her pilgrimage through the wilderness, she had many severe trials: hers was indeed a mingled cup; she could sing of mercy and judgment, but the song of praise was generally predominant. She sincerely loved God's ministers, and when she could not do as her heart prompted, it was to her a great trial, and caused her to weep in secret places; but being assured that the Lord would cause all things to work together for her good, mature her Christian graces, produce in her deportment and spirit a growing meetness for the saints in light, as her bodily strength decayed, her spiritual life became more vigorous. Her favourite text of Scripture was verified in her case: 'No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits righteousness to them that are exercised thereby.' Not long before her death she remarked to me, 'I enjoy a more constant and settled peace than formerly. I have learned to trust more in God and less in the creature; and I have an abiding sense of his presence and smile.' On the Tuesday before her dissolution, I found her suffering acute pain of body, and only able to converse in broken sentences, but she was in a very tranquil state of mind. I had the impression she could not continue long, and I felt wishful to ascertain her own views on the subject. She encouraged me to speak freely, and I did so. shall not soon forget the interview; it was, to my mind, most satisfactory and refreshing. Finding I thought her case all but hopeless, she grasped my hand with affectionate tenderness and said, "It is all right; life or death, I am in the Lord's hands: he loves me too well to leave me now.' But the ties of nature had to be rent asunder, and she felt an instinctive shrinking from death; but she took refuge under God's

of

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wings of mercy and love. Her language emphatically was

'Let me in life, in death,

Thy constant power declare; And publish with my dying breath, Thy love and guardian care.' If I am faithful unto death, Ishall rejoin her in heaven."

There are two other very kind and interesting letters addressed to Mr. Topham by the Revs. C. J. Donald and P. J. Wright, who speak in the most decided terms of Mrs. T.'s sincere piety and character; but want of space will not permit their introduction. Enough has been said to show forth the grace and mercy of God to our very dear friend in her journey through this vale of tears. Who next shall be summoned away? Oh! for a constant readiness for our triumphant flight to glory! Amen.

MRS. TOWLE..

THE memory of departed worth is sweet, and on it a pious mind loves to dwell. Precious among metals are silver and gold; precious among stones are diamonds and rubies; and precious in the annals of the church is the remembrance of those who sweetly sleep in Jesus, and are for ever blessed. Sister Towle was ushered into earthly being, in Huntingdon, just as the year 1800 was numbering its latest sands. Her parents attended the services of the Established Church; also the family. The subject of this memoir, when eighteen years of age, left home, and became servant to a respectable lady in the immediate neighbourhood of Stapleford. Two years after, she became the wife of him who now fondly cherishes her memory and mourns his loss. It was not till her first child was born that she felt any concern about salvation. One day, meeting with Dr. Carey, with her baby in her arms, he said to the little one, "When shall you, my dear, groan in spirit, and find comfort?" These words impressed the mother. She felt a want of a something essential to her happiness. For months she struggled with conviction of sin, and had a desire to lead a new life. She began to attend our chapel at Stapleford. She was much enlightened, though not converted, under the ministrations of the Rev. W. Ford, then stationed in the Nottingham circuit. One week evening, after preaching, she was induced to stay the service during which the quarterly tickets of

church membership were renewed. Expressing herself to be a guilty sinner, she was assured that Jesus was an able Saviour, and that if she would believe in him she should be saved. She cast her soul on the sacrifice of Jesus, and was made happy in the love of God. She joined the church, and was steady in her attachment to its ordinances to the end of life.

For many years past, Sister Towle was the subject of affliction. As silver is refined by fire, so the heavenly Refiner purified her spirit through the fires of painful suffering. Under sufferings she possessed a lamb-like patience. Frequently she cried out, "O, my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." At one period her sufferings were so intense that total loss of sight was feared; but in answer to prayer this precious sense was fully restored.

In the month of August, 1854, she was seized with a heart affection, which confined her to her room during the ensuing winter. On the return of spring, she was so far improved as to walk out, and even to visit her native town. Returning home, the rod of affliction again smote her, and month after month affliction was her lot. In April last she suddenly grew worse, and it was feared that the hand of death was upon her. The members of the family gathered around her bed, and received from the lips of the suffering mother suitable counsel, warning, and encouragement; and summoning her strength, she exclaimed with emphasis, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." "Thanks be unto God who giveth me the victory through the blood of the Lamb." To the surprise of her medical attendant, she received a change for the better, though it was apprehended she might any day breathe out her last. She sank with the autumn. Death drew near-a friend, not a foe. She could boldly ask, in the name of death's conqueror, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Assured that her days were numbered, she set her house in order, and made necessary arrangements for her funeral, which were strictly carried

out by her family. Being a neighbour to the late Mrs. Aitkin, and dying a week subsequent to her, a suitable funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. J. Bate to a large and sorrowing audience, founded on the words of Micah, "Arise ye, and depart, for this is not your rest;" after which, memoirs were read of our departed sisters.

Mrs. Towle had many excellent virtues, and though, in common with good people, she was not without failings, yet over these she mourned, and strove, with Divine help, to rise superior to them. She was a good wife, and shared alike the sorrows and joys of her husband, managing well her household duties. She was a good mother, and by precept and example trained her children in the fear of the Lord.

And,

best of all, she was a good Christian, humble-hearted, sincere, earnest in prayer, a lover of Bible truth and social fellowship; and through the mercy of God in Jesus Christ, she lived and died in peace, and now reigns with the glorified in heaven.

MRS. AITKIN.

J. B.

SISTER Elizabeth Aitkin was born June 15th, 1806. She was religiously impressed when a girl, under the preaching of a Primitive Methodist preacher. Like a nail driven in a sure place, the impression remained. In 1826 she entered the married state. Two years subsequently she joined our Stapleford Society, and remained therein a consistent member up to the period of her death. In a variety of ways she aided the cause of our common Saviour. She was in former times a member of the choir, and delighted in the elevating exercises of Divine worship. When the chapel was being erected she collected a pleasing sum towards defraying expenses. Twenty-six years ago Mrs. Aitkin, busy one day in household duties, gave herself an accidental blow on her side, which, while it caused no immediate bad results, left an impression on her mind that it would eventually produce a cancer, and bring on death. Such was the case. Four years ago the cancer assumed alarming aspects. Application was made to several medical men, but none could afford effectual relief. True, having been under the care of a medical man in London a few months before her death, she returned home, hoping that

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a check had been given to her ailment; but a few weeks sufficed to prove the utter fallacy of her hopes. Still she used all means at command to alleviate her pains, which were often acute. She could say with her suffering Saviour, "Father, not my will, but thine be done;" and occasionally remarked, "If it be the Lord's will, I shall recover; if not, all human help will be of no avail." A few weeks prior to death, while ascending the staircase to her room, she was attacked with violent pains, and falling, was unable to rise, and suffered severely for two hours, being alone in the house. Her husband, on his return home, found her in this helpless and painful situation, and assisted her to the couch, from which she never again rose. She now declined rapidly, and the tempter, taking advantage of her sufferings, harassed her much about her acceptance with God. To a friend she remarked, "I am sorely harassed and tried." God, however, is above the devil, and he made a way for her escape. Then she could say, ""Tis all my hope and all my plea, for me the Saviour died." "I know he did; he died for me." To her husband she said, "Christ is precious." He being anxious about her spiritual safety, on several occasions closely questioned her if all was right. To these interrogatories she smilingly replied, "I am sorry you should have such doubts about me. It is all right with me: Christ is with me." She often said, "There is no friend like Jesus; he will never leave us." To her brother and his wife she said, "I am about to leave you; I am going to heaven. Oh, do seek the Lord, that you may meet me there, and seek him now. What should I do if I had religion to seek now, afflicted as I am? Farewell, dear friends-a long farewell." The day before her departure hence, she said to her husband, "I wish some friend would just come in and talk with me a little, and pray with me.' A good neighbour shortly after called, and they held sweet counsel together, and parted with prayer. Then she remarked to her dearest earthly friend, her companion in life's pilgrimage, "Oh, how happy I am! I am just on the suburbs of heaven. I am ready to take my flight to glory.

"Yonder's my house and portion fair,' &c."

Her last moments were peaceful.

Her husband seeing she was sinking in the arms of death, again asked, "My dear, is Christ with you in the valley?" With confidence she responded, "Oh, yes," and then calmly fell asleep in Jesus, on the 5th of November, 1858.

"The last breath was hushed, and the agony ended,

When a chariot of fire through the dark cloud descended;

The drivers were angels on horses of whiteness,

And its burning wheels turned on axles of brightness.

A seraph unfolded its doors bright and shining,

All dazzling like gold of the seventh refining; And the soul that came forth out of great tribulation,

Hath mounted the chariot and steeds of salvation.

On the arch of the rainbow the chariot is gliding,

Through the paths of the thunder the horsemen are riding;

Glide swiftly, bright spirit, the prize is before thee,

A crown never-fading-a kingdom of glory!"

J. B.

MR. RICHARD HUMPHREY,

LYNN CIRCUIT.

THE subject of this account was born in the parish of Walpole St. Peter's, near Lynn, in the year 1826. He was

not favoured with pious parents, nor with Sabbath-school instruction; hence he grew up without any religious influence being brought to bear upon his young mind.

However, in the year 1850 he was induced to attend the Wesleyan Chapel at Walpole, and there obtained those good impressions which resulted in his conversion to God, and his union with the Wesleyan Society. He soon became a teacher in the Sabbath-school, and with pleasure and zeal pursued his various duties, till he was obliged to withdraw in consequence of some unpleasant circumstances arising in the society. He was naturally of a mild, peaceable disposition; hence he was led to seek another church more congenial to his spirit, where love and peace prevailed. Accordingly he joined the Methodist New Connexion Society at St. John's, and became a liberal supporter of the

cause.

His amiable disposition, Christian uprightness, and perfect readiness for every good work (according to his ability), secured him the esteem of all, and exercised a gracious influence on the minds of some who were not decidedly religious.

His sickness, which terminated in death, was protracted over a period of

twelve months. During that time he spared no expense to regain his health. In May, 1858, he visited Brighton for a change of air, and for a time seemed to gather strength; but on his return he rapidly grew worse. I visited him at different times, and always found him patient under suffering, fully resigned to the will of God, and happy in Christ. He seemed very anxious that his decease should be made a blessing to his brothers, none of whom are in the way to heaven. That his wish may be fully realized is the prayer of the writer. Our beloved brother died on the 28th of September, 1858, aged thirty-two years, leaving a widow and two children. His death was improved to a large and deeply attentive congregation. J. W.

MARGARET HERRING. MRS. HERRING was born April 24, 1818, at Leazes Head, in Northumberland, not a great distance from Hexham. Her father, Mr. Robert Latimer, an only son, lived there from the juvenile age of 5 years, up to the venerable age of 75, when he died in the faith and hope of the gospel. He was well educated, and intended for the Excise, but Providence seemed to fix his vocation as that of a farmer. Under his watchful care and judicious and faithful training, Mrs. Herring early acextensive quired an and accurate knowledge of those Scriptures which are able to save the soul.

At the age of about 14 she left the parental abode, and took a situation in Beventon Hall. Here she was not less happily situated, in a religious respect, than when at home. The pious occupant of the mansion had family worship morning and evening, and erected a chapel on the premises, where devoted ministers preached with faithfulness and affection the everlasting Gospel. It was while in this situation, and privileged to attend these services, that Mrs. Herring was first awakened to a clear perception of her perilous situation through sin. The immediate occasion of this was singular and striking. The minister had announced his hymn, and was giving out the first lines

"Stay, thou insulted Spirit, stay,

Though I have done thee such despite; Nor cast the sinner quite away, Nor take thy everlasting flight." The words went home to her heart like a "nail in a sure place," and produced wounds which were never healed

till she sought and found "the balm of Gilead, and the Physician there."

Subsequently, we find her in the house of a clergyman, who resided near Hexham, and whose high esteem was gained by her consistent and Christian deportment; and afterwards she settled in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as housekeeper in a respectable establishment. It was while in this place she entered the marriage sphere, on the 31st July, 1852. She was then, and for some time afterwards at Walker, a member of the Methodist Free Church. On her removal to Durham she became a member of our society, and for twelve months met regularly in class, and adorned her Christian profession.

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She was a woman of gentle spirit, of amiable temper, and of devoted piety. In her "sickness which was unto death," no word of murmur fell from her lips, and no feeling of anxiety respecting the future agitated her heart. She had good hope through grace," and often expressed herself to me and others who visited her, as waiting the Master's time and the Master's call. And when on Thursday, September 23rd, 1858, the Bridegroom's voice was heard, her lamp being trimmed, she went forth with joy to meet Him in the air. She has left a husband and a child for whom her prayers were often and most fervently offered. May they come to meet her in heaven, and occupy places in our "Father's house." J.S.

MRS. ANN KIRK,

WIFE OF GEORGE KIRK, EPWORTH. MRS. KIRK, the beloved wife of George Kirk, Epworth, has finished her mortal journey, and entered the rest which remains for the people of God. Mrs. Kirk's father and mother, Samuel and Jane Brooks, were among the first in Epworth who adhered to the Rev. Alexander Kilham, when separated from the parent body, and were, with a few others, the originators of that church which has made such a noble stand for religious freedom. Their descendants became warmly attached to our chapel and ministers and polity, and those of them who survive remain with us to this day.

Their daughter Ann, the subject of this brief sketch, was born November 20th, 1792. Of her early history little information has reached me. Her habits were steady, and her attendance at the house of God regular; but with

whatever restraining grace favoured, and softening influences visited, she remained a stranger to religion in its power till she was about 30 years of age. In or about the year 1824 the commandment came home, sin revived, and the hope of saving herself died. She was born of the Spirit and became a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus. This vital and happy change was effected during a powerful revival of religion at Epworth, under the effective ministry of the Rev. Abraham Jackson. And it was about the same date that she merged her name and interests in marriage with Brother George Kirk. In her new relationship she became the mother of five children, and was thus fully brought into the cares and conflicts of life. Her religion, however, was equal to her position. She not only remained steadfast in her profession, but exercised a most beneficial moral influence over her offspring. Most of them preceded her to the tomb. But they died in the Lord, and would gladly welcome her to the land of rest. Her own course was steady and her conduct consistent to the close of life. About her consistent career little more need be said. Her record is on high, for the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. During the last winter her soul was much quickened by attending a course of special services which we held in Epworth for the revival of the work of God. For some time her health had been visibly declining, but the affliction under which she closed life's journey was heavy and protracted. She really suffered much. The principal element of her disease was dropsy. Her trust in God, however, was steadfast, and her peace continued unruffled. She sank gradually till November 20th, 1858, when she fell asleep in Christ, aged 66 years. Her consistent life and peaceful death were improved in our Epworth chapel, to a numerous and much affected congregation, in a funeral discourse by John Nelson, founded upon 1 Thes. iv. 13, 14. Be ye, dear readers, also ready. JOHN NELSON.

Thorne.

MISS MARY JACKSON,

LYNN CIRCUIT.

OUR departed sister became a member of our society at Gayton about seven years ago, and evinced very great concern for her soul's salvation, which she soon afterwards realized. Her

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