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praise, and by them their reluctance to leave the instructions they enjoy is most clearly manifested. Gardens have been more extensively cultivated than in any former year since I came, though, in consequence of the scarcity of gardenground, and the badness of the soil, they can never contribute much towards their support. Hunting-parties have been sent out regularly, and have usually returned with a good supply of the dried flesh of springboks, samboks, zebras, ostriches, &c., which abound on the plains all around us; and, though not obtained in sufficient quantities to satisfy the cravings of hunger, these have been alleviated, and murmurings repressed. I regret to say, that a few days since, by the bursting of a terrific storm over the place, all their gardens, as well as our own, on which unusual labour had been bestowed, and which were in a beautifully flourishing condition, were annihilated, or nearly so. The hail was as large as marbles, and broke many panes of glass in our house, and would have broken nearly all, if we had not prevented the possibility by throwing the windows open. The thunder and lightning were grand in the extreme; and the floods of rain were such as to deluge the entire place. Rivers of twenty or thirty feet in breadth ploughed up the stony ground on the plain, and poured along in careering waves before and behind the Mission premises, in such a manner as I had never seen before. The thermometer, which was standing at 110° in the shade before the storm began, was in half an hour reduced to 68°. The regret caused by the devastations of the storm is, however, diminished by the hope that, in a week or two, the new grass will furnish more milk for the people than their gardens would have supplied food.

Ever since I became a Missionary, the subject of training young men for usefulness in the church has been to me one of anxious interest; but as we have no Institution into which they can be taken and clothed and fed and watched over as they are on some of our more favoured Mission-stations, my desires and expectations have been, in a great measure, disappointed. The four or five young men on whom my chief hopes were placed have, without exception, proved themselves unworthy of the pains that have been bestowed on them. Notwithstanding this, I have not neglected to give them such instruction as will prepare them for tolerable Schoolmasters at some future period, in case of their moral qua

lifications allowing them to be employed in that capacity. At present their attainments are of a very humble character: they can read the Scriptures tolerably, write a decent hand, do sums in the four fundamental rules of arithmetic; and they have received a little instruction in geography from Mrs. Ridsdale; but this is about the extent of their acquirements. At present, direct theological instruction is out of the question; though, as they are every Sabbath examined as to what they remember of the arrangement and matter of the sermons they hear, they are being indirectly prepared for its more easy comprehension and ready reception, when their conduct shall become such as to allow of its being more directly and thoroughly imparted. But though our young men are sometimes a source of trial and sorrow, yet God does supply us with men, men of years and experience, of sound judgment, of true piety and stability of character, to occupy our most important out-stations; though, if we had them, we might instantly place native Teachers with other whole tribes, who are destitute of instruction. What is chiefly and immediately needed, is at least another Missionary, to be stationed at the farthest extremity of the Circuit, that our native Assistants there may be more thoroughly superintended; and multitudes, too far off to be now visited, but who long for the Gospel, and beg for it with earnest importunity, may be gathered into the fold of Christ.

January 3d, 1847.-Since writing the above, Mr. M'Leod has returned from Cape-Town. He left in July, as I think I stated in a former letter, with the Missionary subscriptions of the Circuit for 1844 and 1845; and the amount obtained on their being sold is as follows:

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the consequent demands on the flocks of our people, in return for the articles of clothing they purchase. Of this amount, £40 for each of the two years will be deducted as quarterage, by way of diminishing the Circuit expenses; which will then leave, as a clear contribution to the Mission Fund, £110. 11s. 9d. I doubt not, this will be as gratifying a proof to you as it is to my self, of the good state of the societies in this Circuit.

Since the sale of the above subscriptions, our Meetings for 1846 have also been completed, and have proved even more productive than either of the former years. The total amount of things promised is,-232 sheep and goats, 22 oxen, 7 cows, 2 heifers, 20 calves, 6 bambooses, 22 pairs of shoe-soles, 13 samboks, 6 skins, and 138 ostrich-feathers; which, I calculate, will bring at the least £140 for the one year 1846.

These very liberal contributions proceed not from a people who are living in abundance; but from one, the greater part of whom, for six months in the year,

are literally in a state of starvation,→→ often subsisting, for two or even for three days together, without anything more substantial than water or gum passing their lips. In the dry season of the year milk can be obtained only in very small quantities; and, as they scarcely ever slaughter, except in cases of extreme necessity, they lead what appears to us, who have no such powers of endurance, a most wretched and hungry life. But is not their conduct worthy of being held up as an example of liberality to the eyes of the Christian world?

When I consider the success of the Gospel amongst this people, the character of the work, the feebleness and inefficiency of the agents by whose instrumentality so large a portion of it is accomplished, and the many decided and practical proofs that are furnished of its genuineness, I am constrained to reiterate the sentiment of the late Mr. Cook: "This is a people eminently prepared of the Lord."

RECENT DEATHS.

Nov. 28th, 1846.-At Ross, Herefordshire, Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. William Jones, aged fifty-one. Her conversion was scriptural, and the whole of her Christian course was marked with decision of character, and for many years she was a valuable member of the Wesleyan society. Her love to Christ and his cause was sincere; and in the face of contumely and danger, she calmly pursued the great object of her holy vocation. For several years she was the Leader of a female class at Weston, near Ross; and, as a Teacher in a Sunday-school, as a Collector for the Bible and Wesleyan Missionary Societies, as a Distributor of tracts, and a Visiter of the sick, her efforts were owned of God. The disease which was permitted to close her life, was protracted and distressing: her sufferings were great; but they were sustained without a murmur. Her end was in accordance with her piety, it was triumphant! The night before her death, in a moment of respite from extreme pain, she exclaimed,

"For me my elder brethren stay;
And angels beckon me away,
And Jesus bids me come."

T. W.

Dec. 14th.-At Kilham, in the Bridlington Circuit, Thomas Smarfit, aged fifty-seven. He was born at Kirklington, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, from whence he removed into Lincolnshire, where, under the ministry of the word, about the year 1810, he was convinced of sin, and obtained pardon through faith in the atonement of our

Lord Jesus Christ. He here united himself with the Wesleyan society, in connexion with which, and in the possession of "the pearl of great price," he continued to the end of his life. He was one of those instances of industry and perseverance, being a man also of very temperate habits, who found godliness was profitable in things relating to this world, as well as those of another. He was appointed a Class-Leader in 1836, and conscientiously discharged the duties thereof. He was warmly attached to the doctrines and discipline of Wesleyanism. He was a man of prayer. The Bible, our hymns, and Mr. Wesley's Sermons, he constantly read. He was rarely absent from the means of grace, and indefatigable in visiting the absent members of his class, the sick in general, or any who solicited the benefit of his counsel or his prayers. It might be said of him, "He went about doing good." His house was at all times open to the Wesleyan Ministers; and in him the cause of Christ ever found a friend, and from him met with encouragement and support. The fever of which he died was accompanied by a troublesome cough, and terminated his life by the rupture of a blood-vessel. The use of his faculties was continued to the last; and he died uttering the words, "This day shall thy soul be with me in paradise." T. E.

March 28th, 1847.-At Carrick-on-Shannon, in the Boyle Circuit, Miss Reilly, aged fifty. In early life she was converted to God, and for many years was a steady and consistent member of the

Wesleyan society. During the last years of her life, she was called to pass through great tribulations, which she endured with Christian fortitude and patience. On the morning of the day on which she died, she said, "I shall be engaged in singing hallelujahs in heaven."

W. B.

March 31st.-At Selby, aged seventy-six, Mr. John Sherwood. In the year 1800 he was brought to the knowledge of the truth, when he united himself to the small society at Barlby; and from that time to the end of his life, he continued to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour in all things. The affliction which terminated his earthly career was attended with extreme pain; yet, in the midst of continued sufferings, his mouth was filled with praise. In answer to a remark by a friend, he said, "Although my sufferings are great, the Lord deals tenderly with me. 'He maketh my cup to run over; he leadeth me beside the still waters."" Such was his uniform experience, until, without a struggle, he fell asleep in Jesus. J. S.

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April 1st.-At West-Bromwich, Nancy, the widow of the late John Spittle, Esq., aged sixtyseven. For upwards of thirty-six years she was a steady member of the Wesleyan society. Her piety was unobtrusive, her religious course steady, and her end peaceful. For a considerable time previous to her death, it pleased the Lord to deprive her of sight. Though this was a heavy stroke, she was frequently heard to praise God for it, and to say that her spiritual light had been greatly increased under it. Her last affliction was protracted and painful; but she bore it with exemplary patience. In the prospect of death, her mind was kept in perfect peace. She exhorted her friends not to weep on account, but to prepare to meet her in heaven. Her oft-repeated language was,

"This all my hope, and all my plea,

For me the Saviour died."

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With this well-grounded hope, she calmly fell asleep in Jesus, and exchanged mortality for life. J. B.

April 1st.-At Abergavenny, Joyce Lewis, aged thirty-nine. For about twenty years she had been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society. She was sincere in her Christian profession, consistent in her Christian conduct, and active according to her ability in the cause of God. She faithfully and affectionately discharged the duties of a Class-Leader, and felt great interest in the spiritual prosperity of her members, and of the church of God at large. Previous to her departure, she was the subject of various assaults from the enemy of souls; but before her death she was completely delivered

from them, and triumphed in the prospect of glory. T. S.

April 2d.-At Holmfirth, Mr. George Moorhouse, aged nineteen. About two years since he was converted to God, and joined the Methodist society. From that period till his death he grew in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. His love to God's word was supreme, to which he appealed as the infallible rule of his faith and practice, and was only satisfied when his experience and conduct were conformable thereto. His piety was deep and genuine. To labour for God was his delight. In the vigour of youth, and with every prospect of a long, happy, and useful life, God, in his providence, suddenly removed him by death to join the assembly above. He walked with God, and was not; for God took him." W. I.

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April 4th.-At Worcester, Myrtilla Williams, aged sixty-eight. She had been a member of the Wesleyan society forty-five years, and never could sympathize with the notions of them that are given to change." She was industrious in her habits, and lived in the warm affection of her own household, and was respected in the church of God. Her regular attendance at the seveno'clock prayer-meeting on the Sabbath morning in all weather, was remarkable; she loved the ordinances of religion. Her death was very sudden; but she assured her sorrowing family that Jesus was precious to her, and that she was departing in peace. W. D. G.

April 5th.-At Boughton, in the Faversham Circuit, aged thirty-two, Sarah, the wife of Mr. Thomas Boorman. In December, 1829, she joined the Wesleyan society, in which she obtained pardon through faith in the blood of Jesus. With great affection she sought to promote the temporal and eternal happiness of all in her house. Although naturally diffident and retiring, she often reproved sin with Christian boldness. In order to advance the spiritual welfare of her children, she occasionally took the elder ones into privacy, to whom she gave instruction, and commended them to God in prayer. Not long before her death, she repeated several appropriate passages of Scripture and verses of hymns. Her husband saying, "Thanks be unto God," she immediately added, with much feeling, "who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; " and then exclaimed, "Victory, victory, victory!" repeating the word many times, and concluding with, "through the blood of the Lamb!"

C. P.

April 6th.-At Welwick, in the Patrington Circuit, Mrs. Ann Wright, aged forty-two. In early life she was the subject of religious impressions, and at a Methodist prayer-meeting in her native village she was awakened to a sense of her danger as a sinner. From this time she became decided for God, and obtained "peace and joy through believing" on the Son of God. For twenty-seven years she was a steady member of the Wesleyan society. Her last illness was severe; but her faith in Christ was unshaken.

H. J. B.

April 7th.-At Thirsk, Ann Leedal, aged forty-four. She was the child of pious parents; and at the age of fourteen she consecrated herself to God and the Wesleyan society. For thirty years she adorned her Christian profession by an upright walk and conversation. Her last affliction was short and severe; but it was endured with Christian patience and resignation. Her confidence in the Atonement was firm and unwavering, which enabled her to say, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" J. E.

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April 8th.-At Skipton, aged eighty-six, Mr. William Windle. He was brought to the knowledge of the truth about the year 1780. conversion was sound, and issued in the entire consecration of himself to God. In the various circumstances of life in which he was placed through his lengthened pilgrimage, he appeared uniformly the Christian. In many and severe afflictions, he glorified God by submission to his will. In the discharge of the duties connected with the offices he sustained in the church, he was faithful. The means of grace were his delight, and the people and Ministers of Jesus Christ his esteemed friends; and, having been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society sixty-six years, and a Class-Leader fifty-eight, he expired in the hope and triumph of the Gospel. R. G.

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April 10th.-At Horreton, in the Kingsbridge Circuit, Mr. Servington Hodder, having been a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society upwards of nineteen years. He was a man of sincere piety, and adorned his Christian profession by an upright walk and conversation. Under circumstances of protracted affliction, he maintained the propriety and excellency of the Christian character, and was enabled firmly to rest his all on the faithfulness of God. He enjoyed much of the comfort of religion, and departed this life in peace. Some of his last words were, "All is well; my lamp is trimmed; to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.""

H. D.

April 10th.-At Warwick, in the Leamington Circuit, Mr. Richard Silvester Wyatt, aged fiftyfive. About thirty-four years ago, he was savingly converted to God, and soon afterward united himself with the Wesleyan Methodists. Until within a few months of his death he resided at Wellesbourne, a village about eight miles from Leamington, where for thirty years he had been an active member of the Wesleyan society. By his diligent labours and fervent prayers the cause of God in that place greatly advanced, and attained a degree of maturity and firmness. He endured much persecution and temporal loss

for the sake of Christ; and at length was driven from his house and farm, because he would not renounce that course which was dearer to him than life itself. For eight or nine years past, he had generally lived in a spiritual and happy frame of mind; and a few days previous to his death, which was sudden, he was heard to express his great confidence in the Lord. He was a warm-hearted, active, and cheerful Christian, respected and beloved by many. His attachment to the house of God was so great, that he used to say, he should like to dwell there. He now inhabits a mansion "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." W. H. C.

April 12th.-At Harpenden, in the Luton Circuit, Hannah Bone. She was rescued by a kind Providence in early life from very indigent circumstances; and about fourteen years ago, in a remarkable manner, became deeply convinced of her sinful state, and fearful danger. She received from "an aged disciple" faithful instruction; and one day, after praying seven times, obtained a sense of God's adopting love, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Since then her experience has been clear and happy, and her life remarkable for uprightness, kindness, and Christian zeal. During a long illness she received many proofs of warm respect from all classes in the community; and, after daily testifying of the loving-kindness of her Saviour, she died in great peace, aged about thirty.

J. C.

April 12th.-At Northallerton, in the Thirsk Circuit, Mr. Thomas Metcalfe. He was converted to God in early life, and gave evidence of the genuineness of the change by a regular attendance at the means of grace, and by a diligent observance of every Christian duty. For several years, till compelled to desist by affliction, he was a useful Local Preacher. His addresses were characterized by perspicuity, point, and originality. As a Sabbath-school Teacher, he was industrious, zealous, and successful. His affliction was long and severe, but borne with patience and resignation to the divine will. He gave himself fully into the hands of his gracious Redeemer, and calmly waited for the hour of his departure. His exit was peaceful and happy, affording a pleasing illustration of that scripture, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.'

J. W.

April 13th.-At Tunstall, Mr. George Brummitt, aged fifty-seven. Few men have raised themselves by their own unaided means into more general confidence and esteem than Mr. Brummitt. He was the first scholar whose name was entered when the Wesleyan Sundayschool was opened at Tunstall, in the year 1799, and has been connected with it ever since. Without any education, but what he received at that institution, he made himself acquainted with the higher rules of arithmetic, algebra, logarithms, &c.; and was esteemed as an accountant, appraiser, and surveyor, &c. The estimation in which he was held for uprightness and integrity was evident from the number of executorships with which he was intrusted. He

joined the society in 1811, and has subsequently held the responsible offices of Trustee, Circuit and Society Steward. His general health was delicate, and his last affliction short; but it found him ready. He repeatedly said, "I find all is right within." J. B. H.

April 18th.-In the Liverpool South Circuit, Mrs. Birtinshaw, aged eighty-one. She was born in the neighbourhood of Leek, in Staffordshire, and in early life was brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. At the age of sixteen she became a member of the WesleyanMethodist society, in connexion with which she continued until the day of her death, a period of sixty-five years. The venerable Founder of Methodism was occasionally a visiter at her father's house, and she has frequently walked five or six miles to hear him preach, at five o'clock in the morning. For the last ten or twelve years she resided in this town, and, by a consistent course of conduct, adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour. Her last affliction was severe, but was endured with Christian resignation. Shortly before her death she exclaimed, "I am coming, I am coming, my Saviour!" E. B.

April 18th.-At Saltash, in the sixty-eighth year of her age, Mrs. Jane Carpenter, relict of the late Samuel Carpenter, Esq., and sister of the late Stephen Drew, Esq., of Jamaica. For thirty-three years she was an eminently consistent member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society, and for some time a valuable Class-Leader. Her conversion to God was clear, and her subsequent spiritual experience mature. She had a vigorous and well-cultured mind, and a kind and sympathizing disposition. With true catholicity of spirit, she communed with the Ministers and members of other churches; yet maintained a strong and steady attachment to the people of her choice. Her house was for many years the hospitable home of her Ministers: she highly prized their company and counsels, and greatly rejoiced in their comfort and usefulness. Her health, which was generally infirm, was perceptibly worse only a few hours before her death. To an affectionate relative who, when she was fast sinking into the arms of death, said to her, "Perhaps you are not able at this moment to fix your soul steadily on the Lord Jesus," she answered, with a smile, "O yes, I can ;" adding, with even more than her wonted energy and feeling,

"Jesus, thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress: 'Midst flaming worlds, in these array'd, With joy shall I lift up my head;"

and shortly afterwards fell asleep. The sick and needy have lost in Mrs. Carpenter an unwearied friend, and Methodism a liberal supporter. A memoir of this excellent lady may be expected to appear in the Magazine in due course.

J. R.

April 20th.-At Ringwood, in Hampshire, Mrs. Hunt, who, at the age of twenty-three, joined the Methodist society. This step occa

sioned her much trouble, her friends refusing to give their sanction to the choice she had made, and in consequence she was compelled to leave the paternal roof. But she joyfully suffered the loss of all things for Christ. The mental endowments of Mrs. Hunt were superior. She brought an anxious, inquiring, and prayerful mind to bear upon an examination of the Scriptures, and became well-instructed in the truths of revelation. Her piety was unquestionable. She bore her last illness with patience and resignation, supported, as she was, by a clear sense of the divine favour and presence. Never, in health, did she express herself in doubtful terms upon the subject of her acceptance with God; but in her illness she was able more abundantly to testify to the grace of God, and her confidence and hope were satisfactory. Her end was calm and peaceful; a triumphant manifestation of the truth and power of Christianity. J. G.

April 20th.- At Rudston, in the Bridlington Circuit, James Raywood, in the seventyfirst year of his age, after a tedious and painful illness, which he bore with great patience and resignation to the will of God. About the year 1811, his mind received a deep impression in reference to eternal things, which issued in the conversion of his soul to God. He was a member of the Wesleyan society about forty years, and for the greater part of that time, to the close of his life, a useful Class-Leader. He was a Trustee for several chapels; the duties of which office he discharged with exemplary fidelity and success. He was warmly attached to Wesleyan Methodism, and rejoiced in its prosperity. For many years the Wesleyan Ministers have been kindly received and entertained at his house; and having frequent opportunities of seeing him during his last affliction, when suffering much from pain, witnessed the calm and peaceful state of his mind. To a friend a short time before his death, he expressed his entire reliance upon the atonement of Christ for salvation, and concluded by saying,

"This all my hope, and all my plea,
For me the Saviour died."

T. E.

April 22d.-At Bidford, in the Evesham Circuit, Mrs. Alfred Hall, eldest daughter of Mr. Muddeman, of Warwick, aged twenty-eight. She was favoured with a religious education; and about the year 1839, while attending a Missionary Meeting at Birmingham, she was powerfully awakened to a sense of her guilt and danger; and for some time sought with great earnestness the pardoning mercy of God. While attending a class-meeting, she was enabled to receive Christ as her Saviour. She was a woman of genuine piety, and of great activity in the cause of Christ. During her affliction, which was severe, though short, she gave evidence of the sincerity of her profession; and, fully relying upon the sacrificial death of Christ, she fell asleep in Jesus. W. P.

April 23d.-At Sutton-Bridge, in the Wisbeach Circuit, Mrs. Mary Leech, who was born of pious parents, in Newfoundland; her father

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