he lifted both his hands, and in holy triumph said, "Glory, glory, glory!" which were the last words he articulated. He was a man of a peaceful and a gentle spirit; calm tranquillity seemed ever to possess his breast; rectitude, consistency of conduct, and humility, were distinguishing traits in his character. He was respected by all who knew him; even the most ungodly revered him he felt great tenderness for the character of absent persons, and was never known to speak to their disadvantage, nor to hear others do so without reproving them. Thus died Mr. George Armstrong, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, having been a member of the Methodist Society, with an unblemished character, for near sixty years.

:

SAMUEL DOWNING.

2. Died, at Haslingden, Jan. 2d, 1826, John Rishton, aged sixty-six years. He was the father of a family, in the circle of which he was justly beloved and revered, on account of his affection and fidelity, the wisdom of his counsels, and the uprightness of his actions; for he governed his family in the fear of God, and trained up his offspring in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and he had the pleasure of seeing all his children become members of the visible church. He therefore died in hope of saying, at that period when God shall make up his jewels, "Here I am, and the children that were given to me." The conversion of this eminent saint took place in early life; for at the age of fourteen, he was deeply convinced of sin, and at the age of fifteen, he became a member of the Methodist Society. One night, after preaching in Haslingden, the Minister apprized the congregation of his intention to form a Society in that place; and invited all who were seriously disposed, to join in church-fellowship; and John Rishton was the seventh person who, on that occasion, volunteered in the cause of God. Thus the Methodist Society was first formed in Haslingden, in the year 1775. In three days after he became united to the Society, he experienced a sense of God's pardoning mercy; and professed the enjoyment of it, the first time he met in class: but shortly afterwards, by falling into the company of some triffing professors of religion, he imbibed their spirit, and lost his peace with God for the space of a month; during which time his soul was in great distress: but God in mercy healed the backsliding of his servant, and re

he

stored unto him the joy of his salvation. This circumstance made him very cautious as to the company with which he associated ; for afterwards always made choice of those who excelled in virtue as his companions. His Christian experience was deep, and its fruits were abundant; for divine grace had produced a thorough change in his heart. For many years he lived in the enjoyment of entire sanctification. In describing the manner in which he obtained that important blessing, he says, "I was as deeply convinced of my need of holiness of heart, as I had been of my need of pardon; and I sought it with the same earnestness, and obtained as clear a sense of perfect love, as I had previously done of pardoning mercy." Its enjoyment be retained during the whole course of his subsequent pilgrimage; and made it manifest by a life of love, zeal, courage, and activity in the cause of God. By his instrumentality family prayer was established in the house of his father; for when only a youth, he saw its necessity and propriety. One evening, after conversing with his mother upon the subject, they kneeled down together to pray. His father, who had retired to rest, on hearing the voice of his son engaged in supplication, arose immediately from his bed, and joined in the solemn duty. For upwards of thirty years he was actively engaged in the Sunday-school belonging to the Methodists in Haslingden. His labours in this institution were particularly directed to the moral and spiritual improvement of the children; for his constant aim was, to lead the youthful mind to the knowledge of Him whom to know is life eternal. The prosperity of religion lay near his heart. In the early part of his life, he visited the people of Haslingden and its vicinity, from house to house, for the purpose of conversing with them on the things of God, and of praying for their everlasting salvation; and though persecution frequently raged, and many were driven by the storm into the world again, he stood firm as a rock. He was a member of the Methodist Society for fifty-one years, the Leader of a Class forty-three years, and a Local Preacher twenty-two. Thus, for upwards of half century, his character stood high in the church of God. In his dealings he was just; in his devotions fervent, in the government of his family faithful, and affectionate. His attachment to the Ministers of the Gospel, whom he entertained in bis house for several years, was fervent

and unabating. He was always the Preachers' friend: for he loved and honoured them for their work's sake. The piety of his heart produced uniform cheerfulness. He was equally free from that gloominess of temper, which forbids approach, and from that levity which betrays the want of religion. His affliction was painful and tedious; but during its continuance he was patient, enjoying peace of mind, the fruit of confidence in God. He was fully aware of his approaching dissolution, and met it with the calmness and diguity of a Christian: for, on his eldest son approaching his bed, on the morning previous to his death, he waved his hand, and joyfully exclaimed, "Happy soul, thy days are ended, All thy mourning days below; Go, by Angel guards attended, To the sight of Jesus go."

In this spirit of holy joy he spent the whole of that day, frequently calling upon those about him to sing, "Come let us join our cheerful songs," &c.; but the hearts of his children were too deeply affected to sing in that cheerful strain which comported with his happy state of mind; he therefore urged them frequently to sing cheerfully, and exerted all his powers to raise his voice in the song of praise to Almighty God. A few hours previous to his death, he remarked, that his pain was nearly overwhelming; but, in the midst of all, he could testify,

"I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me."

the ministry of the Rev. R. B. Wolfe, which was made a great blessing to him. This Clergyman informing his congregation one Sabbath day, that those who desired to see him administer the Sacrament were at liberty to remain as spectators, Mr. Cope thankfully accepted the offer; and while beholding the communicants partaking of the cousecrated symbols, he was deeply convinced of his awful state as a sinner before God, and experienced that godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of. The next time the Lord's Supper was administered, he was a communicant; and during the service, he received an inward assurance that God had pardoned all his transgressions. About the year 1807, the British prisoners, in the depôt at Givet, who had belonged to the Methodists in their native land, formed themselves into a Society, and to this Society J. Cope united himself; and shortly after he faithfully preached to his fellowprisoners, that Gospel which he had found to be the power of God to the salvation of his soul. In the year 1815, he came to Weymouth, and immediately joined the Methodist Society in that town; and soon after he received a letter from the Rev. R. B. Wolfe, in which he says, "I endeavoured by all means to find you out at the time when all the rest came home, and could then have secured you a situation of 801. or 907. a year; but these situations are all filled up. Do you think you should like to be a Missionary? There is no situation in which a zealous Christian might be more eminently useful; and it has occurred to me, that you might qualify yourself for such a charge." In about two months after the same Clergyman wrote to him as follows: "What I thought for you, was preparing your self for holy orders, in the Church of England; and either going abroad, under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society, or occupying your talents at home." He was grateful to this gentleman for the solicitude he manifested for his welfare; but believ ing it was the will of God that he should remain at Weymouth, he endeavoured to employ his talents in that town and Circuit, in the several offices of Schoolmaster, Class - Leader, and Local Preacher, in which he laboured with all his might, until he was laid aside by affliction. On Sunday, Sept. 11th, he attended the public worship of God for the last time. In the early part of his affliction, he was harassed with painful views respecting the motives by which he had been actuated, the defects

which had accompanied his last actions, and the indwelling sin by which he conceived he was polluted, and rendered unfit to enter on the possession of the heavenly inheritance. During this inward conflict he could derive no comfort from the consideration that "the unsearchable riches of Christ," which are contained in the vast mines of the promises, belonged to him. About six weeks before his death, he received an assurance, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, that his "love was made perfect," and that he should have boldness in the day of judgment." After he was in this high degree made a "partaker of the divine nature," he found by experience that "there is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear." A little while before he died, he said to a friend, "I shall soon die; the world is nothing to me now." In reply, it was said, "He that believeth shall never die :" on hearing which, he cried with a loud voice, "Glory, glory, glory be to God; I trust alone in Jesus, and God will not, he cannot, cast me off." On the night before he died, he desired that I might be sent for, as he wished to see me once more. On my arrival, I took him by the hand, and said, "Is all well?" To which he replied, with an audible voice, "All is well; I am as sure of going to heaven as if I were there already." In this blessed state of mind, without a groan, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. On Sunday, the 22d, a funeral sermon was preached on the occasion, from 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8, to a larger auditory than had ever been witnessed before in the Weymouth chapel, and a great number had to return for want of room.

JOHN ROSSELL.

count of himself to God." He then saw that he was an accountable creature, and felt a determination to devote himself to God. In the year 1786, he was apprenticed at Blunham, at which place resided the Rev. Mr. Mayle, a Baptist Minister, who, observing his serious deportinent, invited him frequently to his house, offered him the use of his library, and was indeed a spiritual father to him. It was in hearing Mr. Mayle preach, that Mr. George received that peace of God, which passeth all understanding. He used often to speak with great delight of the refreshing seasons he has felt from the presence of the Lord during his apprenticeship; at the end of which he removed to London, and about the year 1800 he married, and went to reside with some persons who attended the Methodist Chapel at Lambeth. He and his wife were also induced to attend; and in 1803 they joined the Society, and went on from this period rejoicing in the God of their salvation. In February, 1807, his wife died, gloriously triumphing over the mortal foe, through faith in the Redeemer. Since that time he has been kept through grace, and has walked almost uninterruptedly in the light of God's countenance The last time he met his Class, his mind was exceedingly happy, and the people were unusually affected. The circumstance induced him to observe, "What the Lord is about to do, I know not; perhaps this is the last opportunity we shall have to meet together." And so it was. His illness was very short, and "he ceased at once to work and live." On being asked, a few hours before his decease, if any doubt or fear disturbed his mind, he replied, "No; I am quite happy." Soon after a friend said, "Is Jesus precious to you?" "Yes; 1 feel my mind perfectly happy," was his reply. The disorder was an inflammation of his lungs, and prevented him from speaking again; so he gently and almost imperceptibly fell asleep in Jesus. RICHARD REECE.

5. Died at Tuckingmill, Cornwall, Jan. 23d, Mr. Paul Burrall, aged seventy years. It appears from au account of his religious experience, which he began to write a short time before his death, that he was convinced of sin when only eight years of age, under the preaching of the Rev. Thomas Rankin. The conviction then wrought in his mind was never entirely lost; but it was not improved, as it ought to have been, by giving his whole heart to God. In the year 1767, he was bound an apprentice

F

to Mr. T. Pearce, of Redruth. Here," he says, "my time was spent in sinning and repenting. Sometimes led away by my sinful companions to do evil; at other times distressed with a conviction of the sinfulness of acting in opposition to the good example set before me, by my pious master and mistress; as well as contrary to the dictates of my own mind, enlightened by the word and Spirit of God." When about twenty years of age, having served his apprenticeship, he returned to Tuckingmill, and commenced the business of builder, in which he continued eight years. During this period he was in the habit of hearing the Gospel preached among the Methodists, and of attending to the important duty of private prayer. At certain seasons, his mind was much affected, and inclined to join the Methodist Society. Had this been done at a much earlier period, it is very probable he would have been preserved from the evil into which he was led ; and thus he would have been saved from the suffering he endured in consequence of departing from the paths of piety. But he suffered himself to be prevented, by a fear that he should depart from the good way, and by so doing raise an evil report concerning the cause of God. Such a fear certainly merits respect; but it ought to be considered by such persons as are under its influence, that their conduct has a direct tendency to produce the evil which they dread. In the year 1783, he left his native land to go to America, and after an agreeable voyage he arrived in safety at New-York. From thence he sailed to Philadelphia, where he engaged in business for a short time; and the Lord prospered his undertaking. It is pleasing to find that he maintained an unfeigned regard for the people of God, in the midst of strangers, and the anxieties of business. In Philadelphia he became acquainted with the Methodist Society, then comparatively small, and consisting mostly of persons of colour. He obtained admission to one of their lovefeasts, and was delighted while hearing them declare, with simplicity and much unction, what God had done for their souls. He observes, "I would gladly have changed situations with them, and, had I continued in that place, I would have united myself to that people." In the latter end of the year he left America, to return to England. During the voyage, the weather became very stormy, and for some time he expected to find a grave in the great deep. After experiencing many escapes

from death, and much suffering, by the kind providence of God, they reached a small harbour on the north-west coast of Ireland. During this perilous voyage he was enabled to exercise faith in the providence of God; and when they were arrived in a place of safety, he gave his Prayer-book to the Captain, requesting him to read with them the prayers suited to the occasion. During the performance of this religious service, he was much affected with a sense of the divine goodness; and was ready to depart to be with Christ, having no doubt of his acceptance with God. From this place he proceeded on foot, in the depth of winter, in company with some other passengers, and after suffering much from the severity of the weather, and the want of accommodation, he arrived at Belfast. From thence he sailed to Swansea, and in the spring of 1784, came again to Cornwall. On his return to Tuckingmill, though he constantly attended the public means of grace among the Methodists, eleven years were suffered to pass away, before he became a member of the Society; when, feeling deeply his need of further instruction in spiritual things, he was fully convinced that it was not only his duty but also his interest to unite with them. In this he yielded to his convictions, and continued, for thirty years, a steady member of the same Society. Some time after his admission as a member, he was appointed to lead a Class; to which he attended with faithfulness, as long as his health would permit. In the management of his temporal concerns, Mr. Burrall was diligent and frugal; he entertained a strong aversion to wasting the smallest portion of his Master's goods. By the blessing of God he increased in riches; but he did not forget to do good to his fellow-creatures, especially to those who were of the household of faith. Many of the poor in the vicinity of Tuckingmill have been taught to praise God for the kindness he manifested towards them. In addition to his regular contributions for their assistance, once a year all the poor widows who would apply were relieved by him. The number the last year, was one hundred and fifty. In the morning of the day on which his remains were committed to the grave, a considerable number came to shed tears of affection over their kind benefactor; to many of whom his name will doubtless be precious for many years to come. He loved the cause of God, and rejoiced in its prosperity. His house was open to the Ministers of God, of every

denomination; and he was ready to assist in every religious institution. Not long after he became united to the Tuckingmill Society, he subscribed liberally towards the enlargement of the old chapel; and when it became again too small, he afforded considerable assistance in the erection of a new one. The congregation of Tuckingmill having become too large to be accommodated with sittings, a considerable addition was made to the chapel, and a dwelling-house erected adjoining. At the commencement of this work, he subscribed £200 towards the expense; and, a short time before his death, he directed that whatever deficiency remained, might be supplied from his property. His charity was not confined to the Society with which he was connected. He esteemed highly all who excelled in virtue. But though he had excellencies, he had his failings his constitutional defect was an occasional hastiness of temper, which was to him the cause of much painful anxiety. For some years his health had been declining; but on Saturday, January 21st, he became much worse, and it was evident that he was sinking very rapidly under the power of the disease. On Sunday morning he could not go to his room without assistance, and on the following day it became difficult for him to speak, so as to be understood. At intervals he exerted himself, and was enabled to utter a few sentences, which were expressive of his confidence in God, and hope of heaven. A friend having observed to him that he was near to the eternal world, inquired if he felt any inclination to remain here; he replied, "No: not for one moment.' Not being able to meet with his brethren in the chapel on the preceding evening, to commemorate his Saviour's dying love, at his request, the sacrament was administered to him in his own room. During the solemn service, his mind appeared to be earnestly engaged with God, and with much fervour he engaged in prayer with the friends present. During the night he continued in the same happy state of mind, and until the following day, about noon, when the weary wheels of life stood still, and his soul escaped to the paradise of God. On the day of his interment, his remains were taken into the chapel, according to his request left in writing; when the solemn event was improved to a very large congregation.

JOHN MASON.

6. Died, January 24th, John Davies, of Llanelly, in the Swansea Circuit. As

a penitent he had a godly sorrow, which worked repentance unto salvation; and as a believer, he had that faith by which he was freely justified, and born of God in Christ Jesus; of which he gave practical evidence by a steady conformity to the divine precepts, and by bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit for about half a century, during which period he was a member of the Methodist Society. His providential lot was that of humble life. His con. sistency of character,-his strict honesty,-his punctual attention to the ordinances of the house of God, both public and private,-his fervency of Spirit in prayer and praise,-his sympathy with the afflicted, and kind efforts to alleviate their sufferings, and anxious solicitude to lead them to the only Saviour of dying man,-gained him the high esteem of his Christian friends and neighbours. The general sentiment entertained of him was, "He was a good man." For the last three years of his life he was a subject of heavy affliction, through a confirmed asthma, during which he possessed his soul in patience, in humble acquiescence in the Divine will, and communion with God his heavenly Father. He was ever ready, when visited by his friends, to give a reason for the hope that was in him. Time would fail to enumerate all the gracious words which fell from his lips. On one occasion, being asked how he was, he answered, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain;" on another, (being the Sabbath-day,) his countenance beaming with heavenly joy, he said, "Bless the Lord, I was never happier in my life! O this has been a glorious morning! The Lord has visited me in a wonderful manner with his consolations. I was thinking how good the Lord had been to me in my pilgrimage, and how wonderful is his love to so worthless a being; my heart adored and praised Him, and he came; yes, my blessed Jesus came, and filled my soul with his love; and I only wanted wings to fly away, and be for ever with Him." In the closing scene, though in great pain from an extreme difficulty of breathing, his joy in the Lord abounded; and he was heard to say, "Lord Jesus, come quickly, and receive me to thyself!" Thus died this venerable servant of the Lord Jesus, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. The Vicar of the parish, from the great estimation in which John was held as a pious man, improved the funeral solemnity by an impressive sermon; and a similar token of respect