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his cross;

"for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." Communion with his God was his supreme delight. His love to the brethren, and especially to the poor disciples of the Saviour, will not soon be forgotten. His piety was characterized by simplicity and cheerfulness. In his last long and painful illness he manifested great patience, and resignation to the will of God, to whom he earnestly and affectionately commended his attached and afflicted family; and with humbling views of himself, trusting in the mercy of God, through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, he closed his valued life. J. G.

March 8th.-At Colby, near Castletown, in the Isle of Man, Ann Waterson, aged twenty-six. From a child she had known the holy Scriptures, and loved and attended the means of grace. It was in a late revival of religion that she was truly converted to God, and led to join the church of Christ. In her subsequent conduct she sought carefully to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. In her last affliction (rapid consumption) she expressed herself as being at peace with God, and as having a firm confidence in his fatherly care. Her death, at last, was rather sudden; but she was found prepared. Her last words were, "Bless the Lord, O my soul !"

W. H. H.

March 10th.-At Burniston, in the Scarborough Circuit, Mary Robinson, aged eighty-nine, She had been a member of the Wesleyan church for about fifty-five years, and during the whole of that period had adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour. For thirty years the Travelling and Local Preachers had always found a hearty welcome at her house; and when a piece of ground was required for a Wesleyan chapel in the village, she readily gave a portion of her sinall inheritance, on which to erect a tabernacle for God. For a short period previous to her death, she had been reduced to a state of very great debility, and therefore no testimony could be borne in her last hours to the power and the grace of Christ; but previous to this imbecility, she was a happy, cheerful, and consistent Christian, who "loved the habitation of God's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth." J. W.

March 13th.-At Southfleet, aged twenty-eight, Elizabeth Bailey, who cheerfully joined the little class formed at that place on Good-Friday, 1843. She had for years been the subject of deep and painful conviction of sin, but knew not the way of salvation. In her distress she went to the then Rector, (now a Bishop,) and falling, in her ignorance and simplicity, before him, clasped his knees, and begged him to tell her what she must do to be saved. The Rector seemed alarmed; and, raising her up, told her she must go home, and keep herself quiet, for she was a very good girl. On the 28th of May, 1843, she found peace with God, while a zealous Local Preacher was showing God's readiness to forgive; on which occasion she felt, as she afterwards said, enabled to believe that God had, for Christ's sake, pardoned her sins; and she could, in consequence, look up to God as her reconciled

Father in Christ. In November her affliction confined her to the house; and, though much distressed in body, and in great poverty, she was cheerfully resigned. Her happiness was constant; and, when deprived of sleep by the violence of her cough, she would say, "I have had no sleep, for my cough; but I have had a sense of God's love which I cannot describe; and my time has passed in praising and blessing him, for bringing me and others here out of darkness. If I had strength, I could sing aloud of his goodness." G. S.

March 13th.-At Peasinhall, in the Framlingham Circuit, Mr. Samuel Cocknell, aged sixtyseven. He had been a member of the Wesleyan society nearly fifty years, loving its doctrines and its discipline. He was awakened to a sense of his danger in the year 1795; and, seeking redemption in the blood of Christ, he obtained what he sought, and for many years lived in the enjoyment of a sense of his acceptance with God, During his last affliction, his confidence in the atonement, as availing for himself personally, was unshaken. He felt that all was right. He had no fear of death; and looked forward, even with pleasure, to the solemn moment when he should depart, to be for ever with his Lord. His end was peace. J. B.

March 15th.-At Coleorton, in the Ashby-dela-Zouch Circuit, aged fifty-nine, Mr. Richard Doman. He was brought to seek salvation by the means mentioned in Job xxxiii. 14-18; and after enduring great distress of mind, he was enabled to cast himself on the Lord Jesus Christ, and found joy and peace through believing. As yet he was a stranger to an evangelical ministry; but, being induced to go to the Methodist chapel, he rejoiced to hear those truths which agreed with what he had so happily experienced. He immediately joined the society, and for thirtyone years (twenty-eight of which he was a ClassLeader) continued a consistent and useful member. His last affliction was long and painful; but patience had her perfect work. A more peaceful and delightful close of life has seldom been witnessed. When he found himself dying, he desired to be raised up in his bed, and with a countenance full of joy, he exclaimed, "Praise for ever! Glory!" and immediately expired.

T. S.

March 19th.-At Sandiacre, in the Ilchester Circuit, Mr. Edward Coxon, aged sixty-five. He was brought to God about forty years ago, joined the Wesleyan society, and from that time was an ornament to his profession. He was a diligent and useful Teacher and assistant in the Wesleyan Sabbath-school, for many years, and lived to see the desire of his heart, in the erection of a good chapel, and the conversion of all his family, who likewise joined the society to which he himself belonged. His affliction was short; but we have good reason to believe he was fully prepared. Some of his last words, to his Leader, a little before his death, were, "The Lord is with me." W. B.

March 20th.-At West-Ashby, in the Horncastle Circuit, in his eighty-eighth year, Abra

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March 22d.-In the Eighth London Circuit, (whither he had recently gone for improvement in his business,) Henry Ranson, the oldest son of the Rev. Henry Ranson. He was brought to God while a pupil in the school at Woodhouse Grove, joined the Wesleyan church when only ten years of age, and was enabled to maintain a steady Christian course till the time of his sudden decease. The grace of God acting upon a mild and amiable disposition, endeared him to all with whom he had to associate. During his short, but severe, affliction, which only continued two days, he manifested an entire acquiescence in the will of his heavenly Father; only desiring that consolation which the word of God, applied by the Holy Spirit, can furnish. He departed in peace, in the twenty-second year of his age. G. B.

March 25th.-At Macclesfield, Mr. Joshua Thorley, one of the most active and useful officers of the society. His health had been declining for some weeks. A few days before his death, he was seized with apoplexy, which deprived him of the power of speech, and of all consciousness until he breathed his last. How transitory are all earthly enjoyments! Scarcely have seven months passed away, since he followed his excellent wife to the grave. "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death not" long "divided." And now they, who, little more than twelve months ago, were in the enjoyment of their usual health, and whose abode was a centre of attraction to a large circle of friends, are

"Sleeping in one common grave."

While he could speak he expressed his unshaken confidence in the merits of his Redeemer. A further account of this zealous and liberal friend of Methodism may be anticipated. R. J.

March 27th.-In the Stockport North Circuit, Mrs. Nelstrop, the beloved wife of Mr. John Nelstrop, aged thirty-seven. She was born of pious Methodist parents, who endeavoured to train up their children in the way in which they should go. When about seventeen years of age, she joined the Methodist society; and soon afterwards obtained a clear sense of the pardoning love of God through faith in the great Atonement. From that period to her death she adorned her profession, walked with God, and exhibited the fruits of the Spirit. From the papers left behind, her spirit appears to have been eminently devout and heavenly. She was

distinguished for humility, and love to the holy Scriptures, which for years she had read upon her knees. In November last she was deprived by death of a lovely child, the loss of which was greatly sanctified to her soul, evinced by increased spirituality and deeper experience. Her death was somewhat unexpected; but it was remarkably peaceful and happy. Her dying language expressed the fullest confidence in the mercy and love of God through the infinite merits of Christ. In a calm and tranquil manner, she ceased to breathe, and her happy spirit passed into the paradise of God. J. K.

March 27th.-At Massingham, in the Swaffham Circuit, Mr. Edmund Kenney, aged fiftynine. He had been a steady member of the Methodist society for twenty-three years, kindly entertained the Ministers at his house, and faithfully discharged the important duties of ClassLeader, Trustee, and Chapel-Steward. For nearly three years he suffered severe affliction; but it was with Christian resignation to the divine will; and, through the consolation which he received from above, he rejoiced in anticipation of everlasting rest. His character, as a professor of religion, was unstained to the hour of dissolution. He died in great peace.

W. E.

March 28th.-At Scarborough, Mr. James Cagar, Comptroller of Her Majesty's Customs, (formerly of Ross, Ireland,) aged fifty-five. His death was sudden, but safe. He had just concluded exercising in the public prayer-meeting on the evening preceding, when he was seized with apoplexy, which deprived him of consciousness and of life. He was brought to the knowledge of God by the instrumentality of the Wesleyan Ministers at Milltown, and joined the society in 1808. He was a man of deep piety, and ardent attachment to the cause of the Redeemer. Hospitable, generous, and single-minded, few men were more deservedly loved. Although a comparative stranger in Scarborough, his funeral was attended by a large concourse of persons. A widow and three children feel and lament their loss. J. W.

March 28th.-At North Shields, after a protracted affliction, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, Mr. Richard Beal, builder. In early life he was converted to God, joined the Wesleyan society, and for half a century continued zealously devoted to the prosperity of this section of the church of Christ. At the age of nineteen, he was appointed to the offices of Class-Leader and Local Preacher, and in the discharge of the duties connected with them, he was made extensively useful. He also filled, with much credit, nearly all the responsible offices in the society to which he belonged, and was a liberal contributor to its funds. To the appeals of those in sorrow or want, his ear was always open, and his hand was ready; but he rests "from his labours, and his works do follow him." S. W.

March 28th.--At Cambridge, Jane, the wife of Mr. Charles Vinter, and sister of the Rev. William Jackson, Wesleyan Minister, aged thirtyfive. She feared the Lord from her youth, hav

ing been a member of the Methodist society twenty-two years. To great sweetness of disposition, was added genuine and uniform piety. She manifested a lively concern for the salvation of others, and, for several years, was usefully employed as a Sunday-school Teacher and Missionary Collector. Her affliction was severe and protracted; but she was sustained by divine grace. Several weeks before her dissolution, she obtained, in answer to prayer, a signal baptism of the Holy Ghost, the savour of which she never lost. She said to her husband, "I have not the slightest fear of death," remarking how wonderfully the Lord had been her support. R. M.

March 31st.-At Alston, Cumberland, aged nineteen, James, the third son of the Rev. B. Hudson. When twelve years of age, he was seriously impressed under a sermon from Jer. viii. 20. From that time he earnestly sought the Lord, and obtained the knowledge of salvation. He maintained a uniform and consistent character to the end. He sustained a protracted affliction with exemplary patience; and as long as he had the power of utterance he testified his confidence in the Saviour. B. H.

April 1st.-At Rotherham, Mr. Andrew Crawshaw, aged sixty-five. So sudden was his death, that he could scarcely be aware of the arrival of his mortal hour, until it was past. Happily he was ready. For several months past, his friends had observed his advance in heavenly mindedness; and on the morning before he died, he said, "I was never more happy in all my life." It is about forty-six years since he first entered the Wesleyan society; and for many years he has creditably filled the offices of Trustee, ClassLeader, and Superintendent of the Sundayschool. R. W. K.

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year of her age, Hannah Blagbrough. For forty-seven years she was a member of the Methodist society. Her piety was sincere and uniform, yielding the fruits of settled peace and frequent joy. She was happy during the very few days she was confined to her room previous to her departure. Some of the expressions of her triumph over the last enemy, were, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness," &c. ; and, "Not a cloud doth arise To darken the skies," &c.

G. T.

April 8th.-At Type-Street, in the First London Circuit, aged forty-eight, Jane, the beloved wife of Mr. J. G. Wilson. Her father, Mr. J. Margesson, was a devoted Methodist; and, at the early age of thirteen, Mrs. Wilson was led to seek for herself the spiritual blessedness of which parental instruction had not failed to remind her. Obtaining "the peace of God which passeth all understanding," she joined the Wesleyan society, and for thirty-five years adorned her profession by her conduct and character. Her last illness was of long continuance, and extremely painful; but she found that as was her day, so was her strength. He who chastened, likewise supported her. Not long before she died, while her sorrowing family were surrounding her bed, she expressed her unshaken confidence in her blessed Saviour. "Do not weep, do not weep," she said to them: "meet me in heaven." While they were kneeling, and each silently commending her to God, her happy spirit was delivered from the burden of the flesh, and entered, through Christ, into joy and felicity. G. S.

April 17th.-At Selby, Mrs. Liversidge, aged seventy-seven. She had been a member of the Methodist society about fifty years, and a ClassLeader twenty-one. In all the relations of life she was exemplary, aiming in all things to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. Placid and cheerful in spirit, she passed her religious life in the enjoyment of a large measure of happiness, Up to the last twelve months, when she became disabled by affliction, she especially delighted to join in the public services of the sanctuary. During the last few months of her life, she suffered from a spasmodic affection, which was sometimes most painfully acute; but she endured it with much patience, and, assured of her interest in Christ, desired to depart and be with him. She died in great peace. T. A.

CHRISTIAN OBSERVATIONS ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

As our object in these monthly observations is not so much the communication of intelligence, that will have been obtained from other sources,-as the assertion and illustration of principle, it may sometimes be necessary to restrict

them to a single occurrence, for the purpose of a more particular investigation of its character and tendencies. We write not for those who have given their adhesion to party, whatever that party may be; but we confess that we have a

strong desire to bring our Wesleyan readers, as far as possible, to a distinct and operative perception of the great scriptural truth, that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men;" and that, therefore, the acknowledgment of that rule by those who are the subjects of it, is a duty, the violation of which will assuredly be followed by some form or other of punishment. What is called Wesleyanism, occupies a position of rapidly growing importance; and greatly should we rejoice to see all who are connected with it, faithful in the maintenance of a testimony, which, as borne by them, refers equally to the great principles of Christian freedom and Christian order. In the testimony of others, these may so far be separated, as that it shall have for its principal object only one of them; but our steadfast belief is, that the testimony of Wesleyanism is providentially called to include both, and so to include them as that each shall always be declared and seen to be inseparably connected with the other. Few would really undertake the advocacy of either in a state of avowed separation; but practically, the favourite one is thus advocated. Christian order is often defended by arguments which overlook Christian freedom, and Christian freedom by arguments which overlook Christian order. When pressed on the subject, these one-sided advocates allow that each always should be connected with the other; but the mischief is, that, in speaking and debating, that other is always taken as mere surplusage; and the case is argued and decided in reference to one alone. No just conclusions can ever be established, unless each is considered in its true and visible connexion with the other. It will not do to say, We mean such freedom as is connected with order, or such order as is connected with freedom: we must likewise say so; and let it be evidently seen that our investigations do honestly and intentionally refer to both.

The occurrence to which we wish to direct the reader's attention, is one that necessarily involves the acceptance or the rejection of the providential rule of the

Most High in the kingdom of men, and calls for a practical reply to those two most important questions: Does the law of God furnish a sufficient rule for legisla tive guidance? And does the providence of God furnish a sufficient ground for confidence that obedience, although productive of present inconvenience, shall finally, not only issue in no danger, but in certain and manifold advantage?

Lord Ashley has for some time perseveringly devoted himself in the House of Commons to what may be called cases of social distress, as arising out of the present condition of society. These he has sought to remedy, so far as legislation can remedy them, by enactments founded on the principle of protection. Among these cases, his attention has been espe cially directed to the employment of children in factories. Below a certain age, he would not have them employed at all; and from that age to the close of the period of childhood, he proposes that the daily duration of their labour should be limited, that so it may be proportioned to their strength. In a bill for factory regulations, brought forward by Sir James Graham, the period of actual labour for children was restricted to twelve hours. Lord Ashley proposed that it should be ten. This amendment was carried by a majority of nine. Sir James Graham refused to yield; and a few nights afterwards the question was again contested. The result was perhaps unprecedented in parliamentary history. On the proposition, that the time should be twelve hours, Government was defeated by a majority of three; but when it was proposed that the time should be ten hours, Lord Ashley in his turn, was defeated by a majority of seven. Both propositions, therefore, were negatived. Sir James Graham refused to give way in the least, and the entire question was withdrawn in order that it might be proposed anew. A new Bill was subsequently introduced, in which the time of actual labour is proposed to be twelve hours. What the issue of the debate will be, of course, we know not.

We have already said that the Wesleyan Magazine is not only not designed

to be the organ of party politics, but not of politics at all, merely considered as such. We only refer to public affairs as they appear to be connected with the moral aspects of society, and the developement of the purposes of divine Providence, as we believe them to be declared in holy Scripture. With fiscal

regulations, therefore, we have scarcely ever interfered; nor should we refer to the present measure, but that it appears to us to involve some most important principles. Lord Ashley defended his proposition on the ground of its Christian justice and humanity. Sir James Graham opposed it,—for to this, all his arguments came,—as inconsistent with that freedom of action in commercial matters which is required by political economy. He allowed the existence of the evils which Lord Ashley sought to remove; but he contended that they arose from the condition of society, and could not be remedied by legal enactments without producing still greater mischief. He contended that there were other cases which equally required interference; and argued upon the loss that would be sustained by capitalists in the diminution of profits, and by workmen in the reduction of wages, if labour to the amount of two hours daily, in all those cases to which the measure referred, should be legally annihilated.

The case, we acknowledge, is connected with many-we have no objection to say, with great-difficulties. And we will likewise say, that looking at it merely as worldly politicians, Sir James Graham appeared to have the best of the argument. In the abstract, they who contend for unrestricted freedom in all commercial matters, occupy a position from which we again say by arguments in the abstract-it is not easy to dislodge them. But, while Sir James Graham stated what the House would have to do, to be consistent with itself, should Lord Ashley's proposal be adopted, he altogether omitted to show what a similar consistency would require, should his own opposition be successful. That opposition, though directed against a particular case, struck, likewise, at a general

principle. Sir James Graham's arguments attacked, what may be called, the ten hours' limitation; but they were only valid, so far as they successfully opposed the doctrine of protection. If it be wrong to interfere with labour, lest wages should be reduced, it is wrong to interfere with commodities, lest prices should be increased. If it be right to look at the agriculturist and manufacturer, as related to the existing circumstances of British society, rather than to those of the world at large, which is the principle of protection, it cannot be wrong to extend the same principle a little more widely, and to consider the case of unprotected childhood, if adequate reason for the extension can be shown.

What, then, are the reasons advanced by Lord Ashley, and opposed by Sir James Graham? Simply those of Christian humanity and justice. He says that great physical and moral mischiefs result from allowing the unlimited employment of children. Sir James Graham does not deny it; but contends that great commercial mischiefs will result from the proposed limitation. In looking at the case as it now stands, we do not propose to interfere between those who assert, and those who oppose, the principle of protection; and we avoid this interference, not only because of the difficulties connected with a question where the weight of abstract argument certainly preponderates on one side, and the force of evidence supplied by facts and experience, as certainly preponderates on the other; but also because such questions do not generally come within the limits prescribed for these observations. Assuming, however, that the principle of protection is a proper one, and as Sir James Graham is one of its most strenuous advocates in some other forms, in any question argued between himself and Lord Ashley, we have a right to make this assumption,-the whole controversy appears to us to resolve itself into the inquiry, What rules should direct and limit the application of a principle, which, as a principle, is admitted on both sides ? After attending as closely as we could to he different speeches of Sir James Gra

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