eagerly listened, and they found a place in his heart. At the close of the preaching a class-meeting was to be held; and Thomas was so overpowered with a sense of his guilt, that he resolved to avail himself of this privilege. He was deeply interested in the experience of God's people, and was encouraged to state freely his state of mind. He had now clearer views of his state, and of the way of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, and was encouraged to plead earnestly for the promised blessing. In this state of restless anxiety, on the evening of the same day, he walked out on the "common," and there he wrestled earnestly in prayer with God for peace and salvation; and, while thus engaged, he was enabled by faith to take hold of the great blessing. His burden was gone, his sins forgiven, and peace and Joy sprung up in the heart; and he spent the whole of that night in prayer and praise. He now told his wife and his friends how great things God had done for him. He anxiously looked for the coming Sabbath, when he united himself with the people of God, and went on his way rejoicing in the God of his salvation.

The reality of this change was evident from the warm attachment he now felt to the cause of God, his diligent attendance on the means of grace, and his labours and prayers for the salvation of his relatives and friends; and he had the happiness of knowing that his efforts were not in vain. When the building of a chapel at Birdwell was first thought of, it was to him a source of pleasure, and he cheerfully came forward to the help of the Lord.

While this building was in course of erection, in 1822, the secular employment in which he engaged caused his removal from Birdwell to Pittsmoor toll-gate, near Sheffield, where he united himself with our society in Scotland Street. In this calling he continued many years. Being a man of good natural parts, quick and clear perception, and an active and intelligent mind, he occupied various posts of importance and responsibility in connection with making and repairing roads, which occasioned many changes of residence; but in all these changes he maintained the same consistent deportment and the same Christian zeal, embracing all possible opportunities of mingling with the people of God, and

was still made instrumental in the conversion of souls. He endeavoured to embody his religion in his life; and his consistent deportment secured for him the confidence and esteem of both his employers and his fellow-workmen. In conversation he was always cheerful, and his disposition was truly kind and benevolent. He had a heart that could feel for another; and his counsel and sympathy were highly valued by his most intimate friends.

He spent more than twenty years of his life at New Millerdam, near Wakefield, in union with the Wesleyans, labouring among them as a Sabbath-school teacher, and as a useful and zealous class-leader, having, at one time, charge of two numerous classes.

About the year 1841 he had a painful affliction, caused by a pebble or stone in his eye, caught while at his employment, and it resulted in the loss of his eye. As a token of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his employers, the Commissioners, in consideration of his loss of time, presented him with the sum of £7.

In the year 1851 he returned to Birdwell, and began to follow his trade as shoemaker; here he spent the remaining part of his life, in union with our society, labouring as Sunday-school teacher, class-leader, and local preacher, as long as health permitted. The cause at Birdwell then being low, his labours were very acceptable. He cheerfully contributed, according to his means, towards the support of God's cause. In his house our preachers found a welcome home and a cheerful, intelligent, and interesting companion. About the year 1858 our brother had a long, severe, and painful illness of about eighteen weeks, caused by the rupture of a blood-vessel, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. But he manifested much patience and resignation to the Divine will.

In the year 1862 he was overtaken by a still more painful affliction, caused by a cataract growing over the sight of his only remaining eye, by which he was totally deprived of sight. It will be easily conceived that, to a man dependent on his own labour, this was no ordinary trial. It was, however, some little mitigated by the fact that he had, by means of a benefit society, secured the sum of 8s. per week up to the period of his death. Out of this sum he spent many pounds in

journeys, &c., to the Eye and Ear Infirmary in Leeds.

In the same year he was called to pass through another painful trial, in the loss of his dear wife, with whom he had lived happily for forty-six years. Of this he spoke as the heaviest trial of his life, with which the loss of his sight, great as it was, was not to be compared. These numerous trials had their designed effect in the experience of our brother, working in him patience and resignation to the Divine will, bringing him into closer communion with God, and maturing his soul for heaven. He was blessed with a retentive memory, well stored with the truths and promises of God's Word, from which he derived much consolation. He was enabled to attend the various means of grace, to visit and lead his class, and occasionally, in the absence of the appointed preacher, he was able to give a seasonable word of exhortation; he also continued to visit the sick, and pray with them, and so to labour for God until he had finished his work below.

On Saturday, the 9th of Dec., 1865, he appeared to be in his usual health, and unusually cheerful; but during the night he was attacked with his old complaint, and commenced violent bleeding, through which he was so wasted and weakened, that his doctor gave little or no hopes of his recovery. When he was able, he conversed freely with those who visited him; and his company was truly interesting and delightful. A few days before his death, he seemed to be conscious of his approaching end, and quite prepared with calmness and Christian fortitude to triumph over the last foe. He said to his son-in-law that he had had one short conflict with the enemy, but now felt all was assurance and peace. To his daughter he gave all necessary instructions respecting his temporal matters, his funeral, &c., particularly requesting that she would not interrupt him by her tears or grief when dying, but that he might be allowed to pass quietly away. In accordance with this desire, on the morning of the 28th day of Dec., 1865, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, in the seventieth year of his age. The last words he was heard distinctly to utter were, "Come, Jesus." His death was improved in our chapel at Birdwell, by the writer, from Ps. cxvi. 15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." JOSEPH ROGERS.

THOMAS WOOD,

OF CHEADLE, LONGTON CIRCUIT. MR. WOOD was born at Cheadle, in Staffordshire, on the 3rd of Dec., 1799. His youthful days were spent in sin and folly. His parents, being destitute of the grace of God, lived in total neglect of religion and the ordinances of God's house. Consequently, he was left to follow the evil propensities of his nature, and became exposed to the evils of the associations with which he was connected, and thereby fell into flagrant and notorious sins.

At the age of about sixteen, the Holy Spirit effectively operated upon his mind. The circumstance connected therewith was most singular. One Sabbath morning, while in his father's garden, getting up potatoes, he was accosted by a minister of the Gospel, one Mr. Sargent, of Fulford, a wellknown hero in the cause of Christ, who ejaculated in his hearing, “Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy." This proved to be a shaft from the quiver of Immanuel, "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword," ," "the power of God unto salvation." Ashamed of his Sabbath desecration, he at once threw down the potato-fork: conviction seized him in a moment; he saw the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and experienced that sorrow that worketh repentance unto life. What time intervened between the dawn of Divine light and the full rising of the Sun of Righteousness in his soul is uncertain. But he sought the Lord, and found him as "a God ready to pardon ;" and very frequently, explicitly, and publicly did he declare what God had done for his soul.

The first few years of his Christian pilgrimage were spent among the Wesleyan society in this town. During his stay with them, he was called to preach the Gospel, and from among their ranks he took unto himself a partner, who proved herself a true "helpmeet" in the things that appertain to the kingdom. For many years, like Zacharias and Elizabeth, "they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." But she was taken to a better world ten years anterior to his decease. After due time, he took a second wife, and happily she, with himself, was on "the Lord's side."

Through some uncongenial circum

stance, he left the parent body, and united with our Connexion, which was then in its infancy in the town; and he continued a member with us, with a few months' exception, up to the period of his death. As a Christian, he was active, zealous, and consistent. To the sanctuary he ever felt and showed strong attachment. The private means of grace, as well as the public preaching of the Gospel, were regularly attended, and most cordially enjoyed.

As a

He possessed undying affection for class-meetings, and often found them to be "wells of salvation to his soul. For a long time he was leader of two classes, which were numerously attended. His domestic circle was honoured and privileged by a family altar being reared and maintained up to the period of his death. preacher, he was acceptable, energetic, and ardently devoted to his work. He cheerfully officiated for all sects who applied to him, irrespective of the distance to walk or state of the weather. His sermons resembled more the marble slab just hewn from the quarry than the beautiful statue, having undergone the chiselling and polishing of the sculptor's art. Yet, combined with his powerful voice and measured delivery, they were often arousing and effective. The phrases and sentences enunciated years gone by are as fresh in the minds of his hearers now as when first uttered. His last appearance in the pulpit was at a small village four miles distant from home, where he expatiated with great freedom and fervour on the Gospel of Christ; and from which he returned in a cold, wet, and feeble state.

On the Monday evening following, he was present at the preaching service in our chapel, and articulated his usual hearty responses to the preacher's stirring appeals. During that night, while locked in nature's slumbers, he was seized with a slight attack of paralysis, which, while affecting the use of one side, did not incapacitate him entirely from moving about. He attended his class on the Wednesday night; and, referring to the attack, with submission and resignation of soul, under the consciousness that the dispensations of his heavenly Father to him were governed by unerring wisdom and unfailing goodness, he said, "It is right-it is all right." In the course of a week, another attack

made its appearance, paralyzing his whole system, taking away his speech entirely, and prostrating him at once upon the dying couch; and on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1865, his happy spirit took its flight from this suffering world to that sweeter region "where the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick."

His remains were carried to their final resting-place on the Monday following, and attended by a large number of our local preachers and members. "Let me live the life of the righteous, that my death may be like his."

His death was improved on the evening of Sunday, the 4th of Feb., by the Rev. H. Downes, to a large, attentive, and deeply-affected congregation. H. SPOONER.

BROTHER J. S. JONES was born in Liverpool in Jan., 1827. When a boy, he attended the Sunday-school in connection with St. Michael's Church, where religious impressions were made upon his youthful mind, which were never entirely forgotten. The good seed was then sown; and, though it lay buried for a while, yet, like bread cast upon the waters, it appeared after many days.

Like too many young people, our brother thought that when he ceased to attend a day-school, he might leave the Sunday-school also. He therefore withdrew himself at a time of life when the counsel and instruction of the pious teacher were most needed when he began to mix in the busy scenes of life, exposed to the temptations and snares which beset the path of the young. Religion was , by him soon neglected, and its claims disregarded. In the slippery paths of youth with heedless steps he ran. Yet the watchful eye of Providence was over him, and the still, small voice was oftentimes heard within. When at the age of twenty-one, our brother was convinced of the error of his ways, and became deeply concerned about the state of his soul. He resolved at once to give his heart to God, and live to his glory; and soon had the unspeakable pleasure of knowing that God, for Christ's sake, had pardoned his sin, and numbered him with salvation's heirs.

Believing that religion consisted in

something more than attending a place of worship, our brother began at once to work, and think, and speak for God. In the workshop, or wherever he had opportunity, he spoke of the Saviour's wondrous love, and besought sinners to be reconciled to God. Believing that the means of grace in connection with Methodism were more likely to promote his growth in grace than those of the Established Church, he joined our church, and became a member of Mr. B. Fowler's class, where his thirsty soul was refreshed from time to time with living water from the wells of salvation. A short time after he joined the church, he became a teacher in the Sabbath-school, where he endeavoured to lead to the Saviour the lambs committed to his care. His name was also enrolled amongst the prayer-leaders, and with them he went from house to house, endeavouring to bring together those who attended no place of worship, to hear words whereby they might be saved. For a considerable time previous to his death, our brother was very attentive to religion. Being conscious of the uncertainty of this life, he determined to make sure work for eternity. On being requested to assist in the Sabbath-school, which he had left some time before, he at once complied, and appeared to take great interest in the work, always being at the post of duty, unless prevented by sickness.

On Sunday, Jan. 8th, he attended school in the morning, but was too ill to leave home in the afternoon. He continued to grow worse, and soon began to feel that his end was fast approaching. Nevertheless, he had no fear of death, as its sting had been withdrawn, but felt perfectly resigned to the will of God, believing that he doeth all things wisely and well. When visited by the superintendent of the school, and asked how he was, he replied, "Very well as regards my soul; but my poor body is very weak." He evidently enjoyed the consolations of religion, and expressed his thankfulness that he had not to seek religion then. He spoke in the highest terms of the Gospel, saying, "The more I think about it, as I lie upon my bed, the more wonderful it appears to be." He trusted entirely in the finished work of Christ, not having the least doubt of his acceptance with God. When our brother had been confined to his bed about a fortnight, his medi

cal attendant stated that the fever was leaving him, and entertained hopes of his recovery. Our brother, however, thought differently; for, when told by his wife that he would soon be better, he replied, "Yes, when I get to heaven." He felt that the time of his departure was at hand; and such proved to be the case, for, to the astonishment of his relatives and friends, he quietly fell asleep in Jesus, without a struggle or a groan, and was conveyed by angel bands to the realms of the blessed. - FOSTER.

MARGARET THOMPSON. MARGARET THOMPSON was born at Whitehaven in or about the year 1801 or 1802. Her early education was neglected, in consequence of her disobedience to parental authority, and the greatest portion of her life was spent in a state of reckless indifference to her eternal welfare. While very young, she left the shelter of her parental home, and wandered into Lancashire in search of work at the mills. In 1831, we find her living in the neighbourhood of Flowery Field, where she formed an intimate acquaintance with the late Kitty Taylor, and through her example and influence was induced to attend Divine worship. Under the faithful ministry of the Word, the eyes of her understanding were opened, and she was convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come, and resolved, "This people shall be my people, and their God shall be my God." She decided at once to give her heart to the church, and her name was enrolled as a member in our late brother J. Leech's class, with whom she continued to meet until the death of her leader in October, 1840.

In the year 1839 she went to reside with the family of our late brother, Edward Booth, with whom she dwelt in peace for more than twenty years; but, unhappily, she took offence at some trifling matter, and for a long time absented herself from all the means of grace, except on special occasions. Oh, my friends! how necessary it is that we should all take heed to the Apostle's injunction, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." During the year 1858, a series of special revival services were held in the adjoining school, when a great number of poor sinners were plucked as brands from the fire. Among the number was our deceased sister: she

was then again enabled to return to her first love, and to consecrate herself afresh to God; and we have no hesitation in saying that her general conduct since that period proves her repentance was genuine, and her profession sincere. She again joined the church, and had her name enrolled in one of the week evening classes, and she continued to meet until increasing infirmities rendered it difficult for her to breathe the night air. Our deceased sister was the subject of severe affliction for several years, so that it was a matter of surprise how she could attend the several means of grace with such regularity. We find, on examining the class-book for the last quarter, she was present at ten meetings. We have the following testimony from Brother Clayton, giving his conscientious opinion as to her spiritual condition: "From the many opportunities I had of hearing her relate her Christian experience, which was always related with much plainness, simplicity, and earnestness, I have every reason to believe she was soundly converted to God, and I believe she is gone to reap her reward in heaven." The writer can conscientiously corroborate this testimony: her earnest breathings at the throne of grace for a revival of pure religion and the salvation of precious souls, her intense love for the means of grace, her anxious yearnings for increased spirituality of mind, and her exemplary patience under severe affliction and privation, prove her to have been a decided Christian. She attended her class for the last time on the 22nd of October, and her experience on this occasion was characterized by great earnestness and faithfulness. At this time she appeared in her usual health, but about the 6th of November she was taken very ill. The disease baffled the skill of the medical adviser, and she gradually sank, both physically and mentally. We saw her on the 9th of November, and found her confined to her bed, and very ill, but, we believe, very happy. She was not able to converse much with us, but we learned sufficient to satisfy us that she was on the Rock, and had a pleasing prospect of a glorious immortality. On the evening of the 10th she sank into a state of unconsciousness. In that state she continued until half-past twelve at noon, on the 11th of November, 1865, when she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, aged about sixty-three. Her

death was improved on Sunday evening, December 24th, 1865, to a large and attentive congregation, by the Rev. J. R. Swift, from Hebrews ii. 14, 15-"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Hyde, Jan. 16th, 1866. J. H.

THOMAS MADDOCK. THOMAS MADDOCK was born in Macclesfield, August 1st, 1813. He joined our Macclesfield society in 1828, being invited by a young companion, now the Rev. B. Turnock, to the class of brother T. Cooper, of which class he became a consistent member. He began to labour in the cause of God in our Lord Street Sunday-school, in connection with which he continued in active service till his last illness, and of which he was treasurer when he died.

In 1838 our brother became a local preacher, in which office, as well as that of class-leader, he rendered good service for a series of years.

When our Park Street Chapel was built, in 1836, Mr. M. was made a trustee, and held the office of chapelsteward at his death.

About three years since, our brother and his devoted wife sustained a severe shock by a railway collision, which inflicted on both very serious injuries, though in his case all the injury was not apparent at the time. The spine was so injured as ultimately to occasion paralysis and death.

Up to the latter part of last year, though his health was not good, and he was often incapacitated for much business, there appeared no ground for alarming apprehensions, and he was generally found in his place at the house of God; and, having laid aside business and taken a private residence, it was hoped that his days would be prolonged. But a change for the worse was experienced, and it soon became evident that he would ere long leave his new home, for the "house appointed for all living." He was confined to the house, then to the chamber, and then to the bed; getting gradually weaker, though without much pain, till he peacefully dropped into the arms of death on the 1st day of February, 1866.