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Winchelsea, a very short distance from Rye. Sometimes her mind was somewhat harassed, in consequence of an affection of the nerves, from which she had suffered from her earliest infancy; but she was careful to live a life of faith in the Son of God, and to cultivate a calm, but firm and steady, decision of character, and was enabled to go on her way rejoicing.

When she reached the age of twenty-one, she was called to pass through an exceedingly severe trial. At that time a union had been agreed upon between herself and Mr. Henry Haddick, the Captain of the Customhouse sloop at Rye. Mr. Haddick was a young man of great promise in the society, and the Wesleyans cherished many hopes of spiritual advantage from his connexion with it. His piety was decided and openly avowed, and his position in society highly respectable. Miss Barnes naturally looked forward to a life of happiness with one who was like-minded with herself, and a member of the same religious community. But all these expectations were suddenly and finally cut off. Mr. Haddick was sailing outside Rye harbour, August 19th, 1783. He was himself reading the Scriptures in his cabin, when notice was given him that there was, at some distance from them, a small vessel of suspicious appearance. He gave orders that his sloop should be directed towards her, and the men made ready their small arms. The vessel was a smuggler, which fired on Captain Haddick's sloop as soon as it was sufficiently near. He ordered his own men not to fire, intending to board the vessel; but they, being probably exasperated by this first attack, neglected his injunctions, and fired their small arms. The smugglers then brought some larger guns to bear on their opponents. Captain Haddick saw what was coming, and directed his men instantly to stoop down to avoid the balls. While in this position a second round was fired; and whether the smugglers had lowered their pieces, or whatever might be the cause, a shot passed through Mr. Haddick's left thigh and body, and passed out from his right arm, so as at once to deprive him of life.*

Captain Haddick had a younger brother, John, on whom the intelligence of his brother's death produced a salutary effect. He saw and felt the uncertainty of life, and began at once to seek the salvation of his soul; and, on the evening of the day of interment, he found peace with God, and continued faithful to the end of his course.

In the course of a few years Miss Barnes was married to Mr. John Haddick. This person had engaged in a large mercantile concern, principally that his means of doing good might be enlarged. He sought to be useful to the bodies and souls of others. He was eminently charitable to the poor, increasing his liberality as his substance increased. His zeal for the cause of religion was evinced by the erection, at his own expense, of a chapel at Rye, with a house adjoining it for the resident Minister. And in all this he found in his partner a sympathizing helper. For some years her life passed on smoothly and happily; but, at length, she was called to sustain a trial yet more painful than the former. In 1798, an East Indiaman had been driven on shore near Rye, and Mr. Haddick, knowing

* A brief account of Mr. Haddick, and of this melancholy event, was inserted in the "Arminian Magazine" for 1786. See vol. ix., p. 162 and 219 EDIT.

how often on such occasions heartless plunderers take the opportunity of increasing the already heavy losses of the shipwrecked sufferers, hastened to the coast to render what assistance he might be able. He exerted himself to the utmost, waded several times into the sea, and, before returning home, changed his wet clothes on the open beach. He became ill soon after he had reached his own house, and, though all that medical skill could suggest was promptly employed, nothing availed to check the progress of the disease. In about three weeks he died, happy in his Saviour, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.*

In 1801 Mrs. Haddick was united to Mr. Holmes, who died in October, 1816. (An account of Mr. Holmes will be found in the "Methodist Magazine," for 1820, p. 597.) Mrs. Holmes remained a "widow indeed" to the end of her life. No events of any particular interest occurred in her history for many years. She maintained her Christian profession with great consistency; and this was the result of the care and diligence with which she sought to maintain her fellowship with God. Her habits were somewhat retiring; but there was nothing cold or formal in her character. It may be truly said of her, that she lived" fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Her conscience was remarkably tender, and especially as to her words. It was her established custom, when she returned from any company, to retire to her room, and carefully to review her own part in the conversation; and if she saw reason to believe that anything she had said was incorrect or mistaken, she would take the earliest opportunity either of explaining her meaning more fully, or of pointing out the error into which she had fallen.

The providence of God permitted her to enjoy "length of days" on the earth; but the longest life has its close, and the time drew near when it was plain that she who had so long, and in so many respects, been a mother in Israel, was about to be removed from the church of which she had so long been a member, a pillar, and an ornament. Her friends could not but observe in her an increasing meetness for the heavenly world. Though very weak, she was able to attend the means of grace till about a fortnight before she died. The last time she was at her class she was exceedingly happy, and broke out in rapturous expressions of praise to God for the bright prospects that opened before her. At the same meeting she told her friends that she thought she should not be with them much longer.

When confined to her room, she said that it was what she had long expected, and that, considering her age and infirmities, it was even desirable now that she should go home. But she resigned herself into the hands of God, only praying that his grace might support her, and that his will might be done. One of her friends called to see her a few days before she died, and had a very pleasing conversation with her. was remarked that she was in good hands" as to medical attendance, but in far higher and better as to all her spiritual necessities. She replied, with much emphasis, "Ah, Sir, that is it: Christ, none but Christ,

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* An account of Mr. John Haddick will be found in vol. xxii., of the "Arminian Magazine" (1799). Some of the dates in it appear to have been inaccurately given, being inconsistent with the account of his brother, in a former volume.-EDIT,

none but Christ. He is my all in all." She joined with her friend in prayer, and her earnest responses expressed the devout feelings of her heart. Two days before she died the writer called to see her, and on approaching her bedside he at first thought that she was too exhausted even to know him. On hearing his voice, she roused herself up, and with much earnestness expressed her peaceful confidence in God." The next day he saw her again. She then said that a sort of cloud seemed, though slightly, to have shadowed her mind; but she directly added, "I suppose this comes from weakness and disease. The Lord knows all about it, and I leave myself in his hands." She was reminded of the goodness of God, and of his faithful promises: her faith took hold of them, and she rejoiced in her Saviour. Her last words were very expressive. They were uttered just before she died, when she was quite sensible. "All is well; all is well! Washed! washed! Jesus, Jesus!" She died April 22d, 1844, in the eighty-second year of her age, having been a member of the Wesleyan society from early youth. To Wesleyan Methodism she was, indeed, strongly attached. During her life she liberally contributed to the funds for the support of its various institutions, and the same attachment was manifested by several bequests in her will.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

20. DIED, April 16th, 1843, at Wilton-grove, in the First Leeds Circuit, Mrs. Mary Mathewman, wife of Mr. George Mathewman, in her seventy-third year. She was of a strictly moral character; but under the faithful ministry of the late Rev. Miles Atkinson, which she and her husband regularly attended, they were both awakened to a sense of their condition as sinners before God. While under these convictions, they were induced to attend one Sunday evening at the old Methodist chapel. The Preacher was the Rev. Alexander Mather; and his discourse was so exactly suited to their case, that they followed him into the vestry, and in the simplicity of their hearts told him all their feelings. He affectionately took them by the hand, clearly pointed out to them the way of salvation, and directed them to a Class-Leader. They joined the Wesleyan society, and were not long before they found the peace which was their solace and consolation in weal and woe for more than half a century. Mrs. Mathewman joined the class of the late Mrs. Dickenson, then a mother in Israel. She continued in the same class as long as she lived, and was, at the time of her death, the only original member surviving, having outlived several Leaders. She was intimately acquainted with many of the old Wesleyan Ministers, and corresponded with several of them. To the ordinances of religion she was devoutly attentive; but in the later years of her life, the state of her health often prevented this during the winter months; but she invariably spent the time at home in private devotion. Mrs. Mathewman was a sincere and cheerful Christian. She brought up a large family in the fear of God, teaching them the great truths of religion, praying with them, and carefully watching over their morals. Though humble and retiring, she was never afraid to reprove sin, nor to direct the sinner to come to the Saviour. There are persons with whom she will have to rejoice in eternity who owe

their first serious impressions, under God, to her mild but effective reproof of their errors. During the sitting of the Leeds Conference in 1837, it pleased God to remove suddenly one of her married daughters. She felt the bereavement deeply; but it was abundantly sanctified to her spiritual profit. She said, "It behoves me to be always ready; for in such an hour as we think not, the Son of Man cometh." Three years afterward, her eldest son was taken from her; and about two years subsequently, her eldest grandaughter, a fine girl of much promise, died suddenly. These repeated bereavements had the effect of drawing her spirit more decidedly heavenward. She meekly said, "They will not return to me; but I shall go to them." About ten days before her own death she had suffered from a cold, but was so much recovered as to be preparing to accompany her eldest daughter and son on a visit to their residence at Lincoln; the 18th of April being the day fixed for their departure. On the evening of the 15th she retired early, cheerfully taking leave of her family for the night, and seeming to be not worse than usual. Some refreshment was soon after taken to her, when she exhorted the servant to give herself decidedly to God; adding, "Whatever you do, the best thing is to prepare for eternity. I am endeavouring to get ready." She talked so sweetly of heaven, that the servant could scarcely leave her. About one o'clock she was seized with spasms, from which she had frequently suffered before. The family were called up, and her medical attendant sent for. The usual remedies, which had often relieved her, were administered, but this time without effect. She felt that she was now called to go hence. In an interval of ease, she said with a firm voice, "God bless you, my dear children; God bless you. I am going to leave you. O meet me at his right hand!" After a short time she gave her hand to her husband, and said affectionately, "This is the last struggle: I am going to leave you." She then prayed calmly, but earnestly, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." These were her last words. She soon after "fell asleep," and entered into rest.

H. HAYWOOD.

21. Died, April 25th, in the Patrington Circuit, aged eighty-three, Mr. Robert Briglin. He was born at Owthorpe, in that Circuit, and resided there between seventy and eighty years. In his younger days, though a stranger to the saving truths of the Gospel, he was upright and harmless, and manifested a greater regard for the Sabbath, and the services of the parish church, than most of those among whom he lived; so that he had no idea of his own guilt and sinfulness, and thought that all was right between God and his soul. In 1782, chiefly through the instrumentality of the late Thomas Thompson, Esq., of Hull, Methodism was first introduced into Owthorpe. The relígious services were for some time conducted in a private house; but a house and small plot of ground, being offered for sale, were purchased by Mr. Thompson, and the house was fitted up as a place of worship. To this preaching-room, Mr. Briglin, then in his twenty-second year, went with others. He was much impressed by the hymns, as well as by the earnest address of the Preachers, and gradually perceived the great truths which were the subjects of the various discourses delivered there. By this light he came to see that, notwithstanding his fancied uprightness, he was a lost sinner; and his convictions became so

deep, that he felt that he could not rest without a personal experience of the blessings which were set before him as his privilege, and to seek which he was exhorted as an imperative duty. On one occasion, having retired for private prayer, he was enabled with the heart to believe unto righteousness, and received the end of his faith, the salvation of his soul. He joined the little band of the despised followers of Christ, and for more than sixty years supported his profession by a consistent life. For some time the number of members was small; but they were faithful to each other, and zealous in seeking to promote the cause of their common Saviour and Lord. In these days, the Methodists in many places had not those conveniences for hearing the word of God which are now possessed: Mr. Briglin frequently walked in the morning to Hull, a distance of seventeen miles, to enjoy the privileges of Sabbath worship. His domestic affairs were also conducted on Christian principles; and though he was not married, yet all who formed his household were expected to attend at proper times while the word of God was read, and prayer and praise were offered up at the family altar. Shortly after the commencement of the present century, a Wesleyan chapel was erected at Owthorpe. This village, from the time that Mr. Thompson had first preached in it, had been a favourite place with him. The writer has heard a gentleman closely. connected with Methodism in Hull, call it "the pet place of Banker Thompson." Through his influence, a piece of ground was offered by Mr. William Gibson, a respectable farmer in the village, and was gratefully accepted. Mr. Briglin was one of the first to subscribe towards the required expense, and actively engaged in collecting subscriptions from others. When the chapel was ready for worship, the opening services were conducted by the Rev. William Bramwell, who attended for the purpose. From this time Mr. Briglin became more fully devoted to the interests of religion even than before, identifying them with his own. He greatly profited by the opportunities he now possessed, of sitting regularly under the ministry of the truly eminent men who were stationed in the Hull Circuit, (in which Owthorpe was then included,) such as Messrs. Benson, Griffith, Entwisle, Sutcliffe, &c. Some time afterward, Methodism was extended to Holmton, a village about four miles from Owthorpe: he was appointed the Leader of the small class that was formed there, and discharged the duties of the office with fidelity. He thus passed on his way for many years, continually seeking to obtain and communicate good, no particular incident occurring to vary the uniformity of his course. When he reached his seventy-fourth year, it was evident to his friends that his health had begun to decline, and that his memory was much impaired. He was therefore induced to settle his temporal affairs, and eventually to remove from his native place, where he had so long and usefully resided, to his nephew's, Mr. James Briglin, at Ottringham, with whom he continued the remainder of his life. His mental powers decayed more rapidly than his physical faculties, so that very soon he was unable to remember the names of persons with whom he had lived on the most friendly terms. He was able, however, to walk into the village, attend his class, and the ministry of the word of God, nearly to the close of his life. When he had lost almost all recollection of worldly affairs, he could converse easily and with pleasure on spiritual and divine subjects. One of the Circuit Ministers being introduced

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