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he met with a very serious accident by the explosion of some guupowder, which laid him prostrate for a considerable period, and the medical men expressed their fears that he would lose his sight; but by the blessing of God he was permitted to resume his labours in the church. Soon after his recovery he removed to Bykerhill, where he became united to Miss Hannah Barnett. He then joined our church at St. Peter's Quay, and continued his membership until 1836, when he removed to the other side of the river, and united with our church at High Felling, in the Gateshead Circuit, where he remained a useful member and devoted leader until death. He was firm in his attachment to the church, and no difficulties prevented him from strenuously labouring for its prosperity. He took a lively interest in the Sabbathschool, and was for many years superintendent. In this, as well as in every other department of the church, he was faithful in the discharge of his duties. He was also a very liberal supporter of the cause of God, and much attached to the ministers, which was manifest in his generous hospitality towards them.

From 1841 to 1843, when our beloved community passed through a severe ordeal, great excitement prevailed in many of our churches (caused by the unfaithfulness of one of its ministers), when many were led away from the truth as it is in Jesus, our dear brother remained firmly fixed on the Rock of Ages. He never wavered, but was always ready to defend the principles he held 80 dearly. In business transactions he was just and upright. He practically carried out the golden rule, "Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you." As a citizen, he was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him. As a Christian, he was exemplary and diligent in all the means of grace, punctual in his attendance, and never known to be late unless prevented by circumstances over which he had no control. When the cause of God prospered, he rejoiced; if it languished, he mourned. He could exclaim with the Psalmist, "I have loved the

habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth." As a leader he was diligent in the visitation of his absent members, and in strengthening the weak of his flock. The wanderer he sought to reclaim. Those that knew him best loved him most.

In 1862 he had to endure many severe trials, arising from the long protracted affliction and death of his beloved wife, who died in the Lord March 27th, 1862. Those trials were indeed very heavy; but he trusted in the Lord, and thus experienced the fulfilment of that glorious promise, "When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee," &c. He bore his trials with Christian patience and fortitude, not a murmuring word escaped his lips. He was enabled to say, "It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good." From this time he never manifested his former cheerfulness of disposition. The stroke was severe, and made deep impressions on his mind. The loss of such a dear partner could not fail to leave a blank in his earthly enjoyment, which time could not efface or remove.

During the last year of his pilgrimage he suffered much occasionally from a severe pain in his chest, which he endeavoured to shake off. All available means were tried; they utterly failed. This last affliction was very painful, but he bore it with Christian patience, and when asked if all was right with God, he replied, "Oh, yes; I am built upon the Rock, and the foundation is sure." Whilst he did not manifest all that ecstacy which some have displayed, the disease being of that nature which depresses the spirit, he had a holy, settled peace, which the world can neither give nor take away. Towards the close of life he suffered much, but murmured not. No doubts perplexed his mind; his confidence in God was unshaken to the end. On May 29th, 1866, his happy spirit passed away from its tenement of clay, in the sixtieth year of his age; and is doubtless now before the throne, enjoying that everlasting rest which awaits the people of God. A. BROWN.

RECENT DEATHS.

DUDLEY CIRCUIT.

DEATH keeps making inroads in our church and congregation. Brother Southall (Dudley) departed this life on the 30th day of November, aged fiftysix years. He united with the Wesleyan Methodists when about seventeen years old, and came over to our community at the time of the union in this neighbourhood. He was a man of excellent character, deep piety, and adorned his Christian profession. He had clear views of the plan of salvation, an excellent gift in prayer, was regular in attendance at his class, and ardently He panted after holiness of heart. suffered much the last year or two from asthma, but was patient and resigned. His death was calm, peaceful, and triumphant.

Died also on the 29th of November, Mrs. Houston, aged sixty-seven years. She has for many years been identified with our Wesley congregation, a sincere lover of God's Sabbath, and a liberal contributor to our Society and Connexional funds. Her end was peace, and she has entered into rest.

REV. WILLIAM M. BUNTING. THIS distinguished minister, son of the late Dr. Bunting, died November 13, 1866, in the sixty-first year of

CONFESSIONS OF SPIRITUAL SIN.

BY THE REV. W. M. BUNTING.

"Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God." Holy Spirit! Pity me,

Pierced with grief for grieving Thee;
Present, though I "mourn apart,"
Listen to a wailing heart.
Sins unnumbered I confess,
Of exceeding sinfulness,-
Sins against Thyself alone,
Only to Omniscience known.
Deafness to Thy whispered calls;
Rashness 'midst remembered falls;
Transient fears beneath the rod ;
Treacherous trifling with my God!
Tasting that the Lord is good,
Pining then for poisoned food;
At the fountains of the skies
Craving creaturely supplies!
Worldly cares at worship-time;
Grovelling aims in works sublime;
Pride when God is passing by!
Sloth, while souls in darkness lie!

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his age. Mr. Bunting had a good mind, rather refined and poetic than vigorous, but well cultivated by early studies, and enriched by extensive reading. He was a truly pious and humble Christian, and a lover of all good men. His frame was fragile, and failing health oft interrupted his ministerial labours. For several years he had been laid aside from the ordinary labours of a circuit minister, but his death was somewhat Sudden and unexpected, the effect of a severe cold, which brought on a fatal bronchial attack. His funeral was numerously attended by ministers and laymen of various denominations as well as those of his own. The editor of this periodical would h been present had he known of vue day of interment, but he was in the Staffordshire Potteries on the day f Mr. Buuting's death, in attendance at the funeral of our own revered and beloved Mr. Allin, and on his return to London he did not learn the day of Mr. Bunting's funeral until it had passed.

Mr. Bunting was a poet, and some of his poems are distinguished by a refinement, a beauty, and an exquisite sensibility, seldom, if ever, surpassed. We give one of his poems.

Voiceless vows, whose breath awoke
In Thy courts no echo, broke;
Viewless failures, steps astray;
Languors in a once-loved way.
Chilled devotion, changed desires,
Quenched corruption's ember-fires,-
Sins like these my heart deceive,
Thee, its sole Familiar, grieve!
Oft how lightly have I slept,
With thy daily wrongs unwep
Sought thy chidings to defer.
Shunned the wounded Comforter!

Woke to holy labours fresh,
With the plague-spot in my flesh;-
Angel seemed to human sight,
Stood a leper in Thy light.
Still, Thy comforts do not fail,
Still, Thy healing aids avail;
Patient inmate of my breast,
Thou art grieved-yet I am blest!
Oh, be merciful to me,

Now in bitterness for Thee!
Father, pardon, through Thy Son,
Sins against Thy Spirit done!

NEW CONNEXION MAGAZINE.

MARCH, 1867.

Biography.

REV. BENJAMIN MURRAY SCOTT.

BENJAMIN MURRAY SCOTT was born in London, June 10th, 1832. Five years later his parents removed to Blyth, Northumberland. From a child he regularly attended the old chapel there, and was also connected with the Sabbath-school. When fourteen years of age, his father, who was a member of the society, was drowned at

sea.

His untimely death made a deep impression on the mind of his son, who always spoke of it with emotion. Mr. Scott from a child was naturally studious and thoughtful, possessed of great energy and firmness, combined, however, with a highly nervous and sensitive temperament. His position as the eldest of a large family tended to develop the energy of his character. He strove to render all the assistance he was able to his widowed mother, and in so doing he often displayed a prudence and forethought rarely to be found in one so young.

When about seventeen years of age, he had a long and dangerous illness-rheumatic fever with inflammation of the lungs and heart, which, probably, laid the foundation of the disease of which he died. Under this affliction he was led to see his need of salvation. After his recovery he became a member of the church and a Sabbath-school teacher, and soon afterwards he began to preach. The first sermon he preached was at New Hartley, from the words, "Oh that men were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" His whole heart was in the work upon which he had entered, and he pursued his studies with his usual energy and perseverance, frequently devoting the greater part of the night to study, and conscientiously fulfilling all his appointments in the surrounding villages, however inclement the weather.

At the Conference of 1854 he entered upon the full work of the ministry, and was appointed to Belfast. The Rev. J. Taylor, who travelled with him there, thus writes: "On his first introduction he made a favourable impression upon our friends; he was a very promising and interesting young man. As a student he was extremely diligent. Sermon-making was with him a passion. As a preacher he delivered his discourses with gravity and effect. The subjects were carefully chosen and judiciously handled. Though at first he was slow in his productions, yet this never arose from want of matter, but from a determination to cultivate a correct style; and so anxious was he to sustain a reputation, that unless he was prepared to his own satisfaction he would seek the aid of a substitute. His imagination often

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enabled him to invest his subject with a fascinating power; and his appeals, especially to the young, were all but irresistible. Modesty was that feature in his character which presented itself most conspicuously. In his social intercourse there was no frivolity which compromised his dignity as a moral and religious instructor. He blended cheerfulness with gravity; there was always a regard for the proprieties of social life, inspired in part by self-respect, and in part by the respect he felt for his ministerial position. His labours in Belfast, during the first year, were so acceptable to our friends, that they unanimously requested his re-appointment. This was very gratifying to him, especially as it gave him an opportunity of carrying out a deeply-cherished project-namely, entering the Queen's College as a student. During the first year, he attended the mental philosophy and logic classes of Dr. M'Cosh as a friend; but his taste for college advantages only intensified his desire to participate in them more fully. Sympathising with him in those desires, I did all in my power to aid him; but, for a time, I feared the application to his college duties, and his preparation for the pulpit, would be so severe a tax upon his not strong constitution as to require the relinquishment of the one. For several weeks he was very ill, but was afterwards able to resume his studies, and Dr. M'Cosh on several ocasions spoke to me of him in eulogistic and flattering terms. He was, to my knowledge, useful in the circuit; though his numerous engagements during the second year interfered for the time with his work as a minister; but, doubtless, he was laying up a good foundation for the time to come, and, had his life been spared and his health recruited, he would have been an ornament to our Connexion and a power in the ministry.”

After remaining in Belfast two years, he was appointed to London in 1856. Dr. Cooke says: "I have very pleasing recollections of Mr. Scott and his labours in London. I often heard him preach, and was frequently united with him on public and special occasions. He uniformly exemplified the character of a true Christian and a faithful, devoted pastor. His amiable disposition won the people's hearts; his instructive and earnest sermons rendered him always acceptable and useful, especially in building up believers; and his consistent conduct shed a mild, benignant lustre on the Christian character. At Chelsea, where he resided, he was greatly beloved. I have often heard the friends there speak of him in terms of high admiration and esteem. It was felt to be a deep affliction when he was laid aside from the sacred duties he loved, and the Connexion so highly prized; and still more when death removed him from our midst. But our consolation is the blessed certainty that he is now rejoicing in the presence of God, where affliction, and sorrow, and death are no more."

He afterwards travelled in the Birmingham, Nottingham (residing at Loughborough), and Manchester Circuits. At the latter place his health was very delicate, and it was thought advisable he should rest awhile. The following year, 1861, he resided amongst his early friends at Blyth, worshipping with them in the old sanctuary he loved, and often ministering to them in holy things. During that year the terrible calamity took place at Hartley Pit, by which so many lives were lost. Mr. Scott, with the other ministers of the neighbourhood, was assiduous in visiting and offering Christian con

solation to the widows and orphans who were bereaved by that sad event. He preached a funeral sermon for the sufferers on the bank of the pit from the words, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord," &c.

At the following Conference, 1862, he was appointed to the Truro Circuit; towards the close of that year his health again showed symptoms of decline. The next year he rested from the active duties of the ministry, and resided in Loughborough for some time, until advised by physicians to try the mild climate of Cornwall, where he remained until his death.

When first laid aside from his public duties, Mr. Scott entertained some hope of ultimate recovery; but as the disease progressed he felt that for him the fiat had gone forth, "Arise, depart, for this is not thy rest." He found it difficult at once to acquiesce in the mysterious dispensations of Divine Providence. Life was very precious to him. His whole soul was in the work which he believed God had given him to do, and he mourned that he must leave his work unfinished, that his sun should go down whilst it was yet day, and he was led to cry, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; Oh, spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more seen.' This prayer was heard. He came out of the conflict strengthened, purified, and enabled by faith to say, "Not my will, but thine be done." Perhaps the peculiar train of thought and feeling of which he was then the subject cannot be better expressed than by quoting from his sermon upon Divine Providence, revised and written about this time.

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"The next lesson of our text is this, that in this government of absolute control, God permits evils which distress the children of men. Providence is a lesson book, spread out before us that we may read it. But it is a difficult and mysterious book. There is a good deal of weeping now because none can be found worthy to open it. The deepest thinkers have been in deeps in which they saw no light. 'The whole hemisphere of contemplation,' says Forster, appears inexpressibly strange and mysterious. It is cloud pursuing cloud, forest after forest, alps upon alps. Why do the clouds of disappointment cast shadows so dark over human life? Whence the universal liability to disease? Why such wide-spread famine, and plague, and pestilence? Why is this little infant visited with such grievous and continued agony, under the eye of a mother whose heart meanwhile is torn as much as the bodily frame of the beloved child? Why is suffering so great-so universal? Man wanders in the mazes of error, and God does not interpose to set him right, though he sometimes seems to interpose in order to punish.

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"Your cry is for light, but the heavens continue shut and silent. You weep here as John did yonder, because none in heaven nor on earth, neither under the earth, can open the book. You stagger through unbelief, and but for the recollection of the truth of God's Word, your faith would utterly fail. In the multitude of your thoughts, however, you betake yourself to the Sacred Oracles. Perhaps the passage which presents itself is, 'O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!' This text affords you

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