training, possessed considerable knowledge, and, above all, exhibited an unusual ripeness and maturity of religious experience. Whatever may be thought of such youthful appointments as a whole, there can be no doubt that in his case, it was abundantly justified by the quali fications of the man and the blessed effects that followed. He entered on the duties of his office with a becoming sense of their importance and of his own insufficiency: he writes, "I tremble with fear, I am totally unfit for the work. I might say with the Psalmist, Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence."" He preserved his first class-paper: it contained twelve names when given to him, and four others were added before the close of the first quarter. The most remarkable thing in this class-paper is, the almost unbroken attendance of all the members. We fear it presents a perfect contrast in this respect to many class-books now, and we are not surprised that Mr. Holmes should so frequently lament the inattention of many modern Methodists to class-meetings.

The following year Mr. Holmes was induced to begin to preach; he went forth to make his first attempt in great weakness and fear, but was graciously assisted by the Holy Spirit, and encouraged to persevere. It is evident from his diary that this additional call to duty was used by him as an incentive to greater watchfulness, prayer, study of the Bible, and full consecration to God. His success in this work led some Ministers, and godly people, to think that the "Lord of the harvest" designed him for the Christian ministry; nor was he altogether without conviction and feeling on the subject: but, after much prayerful consideration of the matter, he came to the conclusion that it was not his vocation. No doubt his natural diffidence, and great humility, had much influence in bringing him to this decision; but it was arrived at very conscientiously, and the mature judgment of later life never failed to approve it as right and good. The question about the ministry settled, he took steps towards marriage, and, in June, 1813, was hap pily united to Miss Mary Jowitt, a woman in all respects worthy of him. "She did him good and not evil all the days of her life." Eleven years after their marriage Mr. Holmes had to mourn the death of this excellent woman. In her death he lost a beloved wife, his children an affectionate mother, and he was left in deep sorrow with the care

of a large young family. About this time he entered into business on his own account; so that to the grief of bereavement, and the care of his children, were added the difficulties and anxieties arising from a new business course. This to Mr. Holmes was probably the most severely trying period of his whole life. Most persons have their seasons of special trial, and many carry in their memory, with great distinctness, some one period of peculiar affliction that separates itself from all others, and rises above all others in the measure of its severity. A ship that "behaves nobly in the storm" is well thought of. And so the saint, who passes through the severe trials of life with constancy and patience, is highly esteemed. Mr. Holmes was enabled

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sought the Lord in his distress," and "the Lord remembered him in all his afflictions.' The effect of all was, that his own heart was more fully established with grace," and from his experience he was the better fitted to sympathize with and help afflicted brethren in Christ.

Some years after, Mr. Holmes found a second estimable wife, and kind mother for his children, in his now sorrowing widow. The Almighty was pleased greatly to bless and prosper him in his temporal affairs. He acquired position, influence, and means of usefulness, not only in the church of Christ, but also in the world; and, as far as man can see, he faithfully used all to the glory of God. Religion, with him, was a living power, a blessed reality, and he gave up himself to fulfil its requirements, not of constraint, but of love, and of a ready mind. The grace of God that dwelt in him manifested itself in the purity and elevation of his spirit, and in his blameless and useful life.

In the year 1836 Mr. Holmes had again to suffer bereavement and sorrow. His son Thomas, a dear and lovely lad, in a few days sickened and died. The suddenness of the stroke added much to the severity of it. Still there was hope in his death; and mercy so far mingled with judgment, that the death of one son became the means of spiritual quickening to another: so that, while the godly father felt most keenly the loss of his child, he had joy in sorrow, and enduring consolation springing from his very affliction. Samuel, who was brought to give his heart to God by the

death of his brother Thomas, was at that time pursuing medical studies in Manchester. When he had finished his course of preparation, he commenced practice in Bradford, was early elected one of the Hon. surgeons of the Infirmary, and had the prospect of speedily attaining great distinction in his profession. Few young men in any profession have entered on a course of duty more auspiciously, or with a fairer promise of honour and success. But the beginning was also the end, for in June, 1850, he sank rapidly under fatal disease. He was earnestly_religious, most gifted and amiable. There was everything in him and in his position to make his life desirable, and his death was a great affliction. To his father especially, it was a great disappointment and sorrow. The fond hopes of years were suddenly blighted. A bright morning unexpectedly shrouded gloom,- -a course that opened with so much promise abruptly closed. Divine grace enabled Mr. Holmes, in this great bereavement, to say, "The will of the Lord be done." Still, though he held his peace in sorrowing submission, yet his heart was bowed in grief, and the bitterness of the cup sauk into his very soul. Some months after he wrote in his diary, "I sorrow not as those without hope; still it is a great shock to my mind. I have to complain of too much worldliness; at least I have expected too much from the world. I am thirsting for God. I want to love God with all my heart." Happy the man who, in the midst of such sorrows, is only led more fully to God!

in

Mr. Holmes found ample room in the church of Christ for the exercise of his varied and valuable gifts. As a Local preacher, he was highly acceptable in his own Circuit, and in districts beyond. As a leader, he was equally honoured and useful. He raised a second class soon after his appointment to the office; and to the end of his life he was an intelligent and faithful teacher and guide of the people placed under his care. He considerably aided the erection of many chapels in Bradford and the neighbourhood, and had great influence in the management of their various trusts. For many years he held the office of treasurer to the Kirkgate chapel-trust, and, by his orderly business habits, his faithfulness, his personal attention and liberality, he greatly served the interests of that estate. Society or Circuit steward, his love for

As

the Ministers and their families, his sympathy towards the poor or afflicted members of Society, and his zealous interest in the cause of God, in all its departments, were fully brought out and sanctified to the highest ends. His love to the house of God was fixed and ardent. It was not a little thing that would keep him from public worship. He was exemplary in this duty through life; and in the close of his course, when "in age and feebleness extreme," he said one Sabbath morning, "I will go to chapel, for I can say with David, 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house ;' he was not able, however, to remain through the service, and never but once after that was he found within the walls of that loved sanctuary.

In July, 1862, it became painfully manifest to the numerous friends of Mr. Holmes, that his strength was failing, and that he would soon depart hence. There is reason to believe that he was also conscious of his approaching dissolution; but it did not occasion him any alarm, his soul was calm, trusting in the Lord. At the last sacramental service that he attended, he privately requested the Minister to give out the 547th hymn, and during the singing of that hymn he seemed to be unspeakably happy in God. It was hoped that a sojourn at Harrogate might renew his failing strength, and prolong his valuable life; he therefore went to that place in August. For a while he appeared to improve in health, and hopes were entertained that he might recover some portion of his former vigour; but an attack of bronchitis came on, and in a few days brought him down to the grave. In his last days, as might be expected, he was eminently peaceful and happy. On the Friday before his death he said, "I should like to pass away." Referring to his unprofitableness, he repeated,

"In my hand no price I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling."

The day following, several hymns seemed to be much in his mind, especially those that relate to the death of Christ. He repeated some verses of them, such as,

"Jesus, my great High-Priest, Offer'd His blood and died; My guilty conscience seeks No sacrifice beside: His powerful blood did once atone, And now it pleads before the throne. ** Also,

"What shall I do my God to love,

My loving God to praise ?"

In answer to a question, he said, "All is well!" To his son, who entered his room on a visit to him, he said, "The Lord bless you, and do you good, and cause His face to shine upon you." Through the Sabbath he was restless and greatly afflicted. In the morning he said, "I cannot go to chapel, but the Lord will come to me." He also affectionately remembered his class, and sent his love to them, saying in the close, "I shall never meet them again." Many precious memories crowded in on his soul, but he had little power to speak. On the Monday his remaining strength failed rapidly, and it was obvious that the end was near. His mind was calm, and his spirit rejoiced in "God his Saviour." Mrs. Holmes repeated to him Pope's ode, "Vital spark." After the words, "O grave where is thy victory? O death where is thy sting?" she added, "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory.” His face beamed with joy, he waved his hand, and emphatically said, "Yes." One of the Ministers from Bradford visited him during the day, and though he was conscious and very joyous, he tried in vain to tell the feelings of his heart all that could be understood was

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"precious promises." The following morning, August 19th, 1862, he entered into rest, aged seventy-two years.

The intelligence of his death spread a general regret through the town of Bradford. Few inen, for so long a period, in one place, have maintained so high a character, or have been so universally lamented. Newspapers, in announcing his death, spoke of him as a "steady and warmly attached Wesleyan Methodist; a man of singleness of aim, and devotedness to the cause of humanity and religion: thoughtful and earnest in his religious life, orderly and upright in his business transactions; of good understanding, high principles, benevolent to the poor; and in all thoroughly godly; an ornament to the church of his choice, and indeed to the Christian profession." Ministers and friends hastened by letter to bear testimony to his great worth. The Rev. W. Smith Mr. says, "Religion with Holmes was a reality and a life; he knew what he had felt, handled, and

tasted of the good things of God, and lived on what he knew. He was full of faith, rich in experimental piety, of deep and sincere devotion, and of great purity of life." The Rev. Dr. Hannah says, "Mr. Holmes was indeed a man of eminent and consistent Christian goodness, of high firm principles, of sound judgment, and of unimpeachable purity of motive. The influence which he had acquired was great, but it was due to the blessing of God on his own blameless walk and uniform adherence to the law of Christ." These characteristic notices are as just as they are beautiful, and if it were necessary it would be easy to add to them many similar extracts from the numerous letters called forth by his death. While "devout men carried" him "to his burial, and made great lamentation over him," his townsmen, in large numbers, gathered in respectful sorrow around his grave; and the ungodly, yea even the openly profane, said, "That was a good man.' Seldom has religion been more honoured than in him.

The Rev. John Farrar ably improved his death to an overflowing congregation in the Kirkgate chapel; and many retired from that service, thinking, or saying, "We shall never see his like again." The writer of this memoir will never forget calling on Mr. Holmes on the evening of the 25th of February, 1862. The venerable saint was filled with "joy unspeakable, and full of glory." With a countenance beaming with brightness, and a heart glowing with grateful love, he said, "It is fifty-five years to-day since God spoke peace to my soul." There was 80 much of the purity, love, and bliss of heaven in his spirit, while he rejoiced in the goodness of God, lo, these many years, that he seemed but one remove from the beauty and glory of another world. The writer can only desire for himself and others more of the Divine grace that bore such mellow fruit, and shone forth with so much heavenly brightness, in this "old disciple." Let us "mark the perfect man, and behold the upright," for our own admonition and good: and let us "be followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises!"

W. J.

DECEMBER 15th, 1863.-Isaac G. Merkman was born in the island of St. Eustatius; and he died there. In his parentage and early training he was not without religious advantages, and he received such an education as the island afforded. A good moral character was acquired and established; and he obtained favour of most persons who knew him. At the age of sixteen, his friend the Colonial Secretary died, and he removed to Demerara, where he was employed in a mercantile establishment. This situation he occupied with the approval of his employers until his health failed, in September, 1863; when, for a change of climate, he returned to his native place. This change was not followed by permanent benefit. His complaint rapidly progressed; and it was soon apparent that his dissolution was drawing near. On the death of his father some years ago, the care of his mother and three sisters had devolved upon him. This charge he supported with the most affectionate concern, and to the utmost of his ability. In the last days of his illness, he became fully aware of his approaching end, and gave much satisfactory evidence of his preparedness for heaven. He had not in vain believed, nor fruitlessly cultivated the religious life in the Methodist class-meeting. writer paid him frequent visits; and always felt satisfied with his statements of spiritual experience, and with the certainty of his hope of eternal life. W. F.

The

March 11th, 1864.-At Halton-lea-gate, in the Alston Circuit, Rachel Bell, aged seventy-three. She commenced meeting in class about fifty years since. At that time there were but few Methodists at Coanwood, where she resided. For some time she had not a clear sense of her acceptance with God. But she did not rest satisfied until she had obtained a knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins; and she afterwards lived in the enjoyment of that perfect love which casteth out fear. At one time her house was opened for the ministry of the word of life. During her last illness, her sufferings were very great, but she bore them with exemplary patience and resignation. When asked the state of her mind, she generally replied, "All is well. The will of the Lord be done." Her characteristic composure continued to the last. She died in great peace.

*

*

March 26th. At Halton-lea-gate, William Bell, fifteen days after the death of his pious wife, aged seventy-five. He regularly attended the Wesleyan chapel, and was for years under good impressions; but he did not feel himself to be a sinner until about fifteen months before his death. Under a sermon preached by Mr. Samuel Hazlewood, he was awakened to a sense of his lost estate, and led to seek forgiveness. This he happily found by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. He then joined the Society, and brought forth the fruit of good living. death was occasioned by an attack of paralysis, which completely shattered his frame.

His

But he held fast his confidence in God, and retained his hope of heaven, until he fell asleep in Jesus.

March 26th.-At Nest, Joseph Hutchinson, aged thirty-three. In 1844 a remarkable revival of religion took place in the neighbourhood where he then resided. He was brought under its influence, and obtained a sense of pardon. He at once joined the Methodist Society, and continued a member of it until his death. During the first two or three weeks of his last affliction, there was nothing apparently to excite alarm in the minds of his friends; yet from the beginning he felt assured he should not recover, and was exceedingly happy. All fear of death was gone, and he was continually praising God his Saviour. A little before the final moment came, when asked by a friend how he felt in the prospect of dying, he replied,"My soul, through my Redeemer's care,

Saved from the second death I feel,
My eyes from tears of dark despair,
My feet from falling into hell."

His departure was eminently peaceful.

Her

April 10th.-At Tynehead, Barbara Millican, aged twenty-eight. She was a member of the Wesleyan Society upwards of five years, during which period she was a true follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. affliction, which terminated in death, was very severe, but borne with calm resignation. The first time her class-leader spoke to her of the solemn event which was evidently drawing nigh, she replied, "I fear not death, with Jesus in my heart." On another oecasion, whilst her father was supporting her in his arms, she manifested a transport of joy, repeating several times the name of "Jesus." Her death was one of holy

triumph.

June 14th.-At Alston, Margaret Slack, aged eighty-four. She was born at Burnhope, Weardale, in the county of Durham. In her sixty-fourth year, she decided on giving her heart to God, and her hand to His people. From that time to the close of life she possessed a good hope, through grace, of everlasting life. She was a steady attendant on the public means of grace, until worn down by the infirmities of age. bore her last illness with much Christian fortitude and patience, holding fast her confidence in God. Greatly esteemed by the members of her church, she was often visited by them in her affliction, to whom she gave full evidence of the blessed hope she felt until she exchanged the "earthly house of this tabernacle," for a house "not made with hands."

She

June 16th. -At Halton-lea - gate, Mrs. Mary Birkett, aged seventy-nine. She lived in utter disregard of the things of God until she had attained her fortieth year. About that time she was seized with typhus fever, which led her to think seriously of her state as a sinner. Soon after this, the Holy Spirit

was poured out in a very remarkable manner on the neighbourhood of Coanwood, where she then resided. She and her husband at that time opened their house for the preaching of the Gospel by the Wesleyan Methodists. The Lord wrought powerfully on the mind of Mrs. Birkett, and she began to seek Him with all her heart. One day, whilst attending to her business in the field alone, the anguish of her spirit was so great that she cried vehemently to God for mercy, when she seemed to hear a voice saying to her, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." At that moment, she felt she could believe. Her burden was now gone; so great was the change produced in her soul, that she shouted aloud for joy. In this happy frame of mind she continued for some time, and could say,

"Not a cloud doth arise, to darken the skies, Or hide for a moment my Lord from my eyes."

But, being the mother of a large family, trials erelong set in from various quarters, and damped the ardour of her joy: yet, notwithstanding all she was called to pass through, she regularly attended both the public and private means of For several years grace. before her death, she became a subject of general debility. Yet even in this feeble state, though not living near a place of worship, she met in class as long as she was able, and often repeated the words, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." For two years prior to her departure, she was unable to walk without assistance; but she bore the affliction with perfect resignation to the will of God, wishing to be found ready when the Bridegroom should come. On being asked whether "she felt Jesus precious," she replied, "O yes!" When articulation failed, a smile sat on her countenance, and her lips were often seen to move, as if in converse with God. In her last moments she gave evidence by signs, that all was well.

In

June 21st. At Kellah, Mary Dayson, aged seventeen. She was brought to God during a gracious revival of religion, with which the neighbourhood was favoured about fifteen months prior to her death. During her brief Christian career, she walked in the light of God's countenance, and was happy in the enjoyment of His love. relating her experience at the class-meeting, she was frank and open. No trifling thing could keep her from the sanctuary of God during the hour of worship. She was the fifth child the Lord was pleased to take from her afflicted mother in the short space of eighteen months. Her illness was not of long duration, but it was very severe, though she bore it with much resignation. She had no wish to recover except for the sake of her On one mother, whom she tenderly loved. occasion, when visited by her leader, she begged him to repeat some verses she had

July 30th.-At Coanwood, Miss Tamar Bell. She was of an amiable disposition, and, when her health admitted, attended the Wesleyan ministry; but she did not enjoy personal religion until about a year and a half previous to her death. At that time the Society was visited with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Many were at that period brought to a knowledge of "the truth as it is in Jesus," who still promise to be "pillars in the temple of our God, to go no more out." Miss Bell, though at the time afflicted, went to the chapel, and became awakened to a sense of her danger as a sinner. soon entered into the glorious liberty of the children of God, in which she stood fast to the end. Two nights before her departure, she was unspeakably happy, and strongly urged her nurse to seek salvation. The nurse asked her whether she would "rather live or die." She replied, with great calmness, "O, I would rather die, and be with Jesus!'

She

Thus dying she entered into life, in the thirtieth year of her age.

he did not receive Christ as his Saviour until the year 1859, when he united himself to the Wesleyan Society. From that time to the end of his course, he maintained a steady Christian profession. His last affliction was borne with great resignation. Two days before his death, he was favoured with a remarkable manifestation of the presence and power of God. After this he remained speechless until he entered into the joy of his Lord.

December 28th.-In the Pontefract Circuit, Mrs. Wilcock, who was born at Newton, September 21st, 1835. Her parents were members of the Methodist church. Very early in life God the Holy Ghost worked powerfully upon her mind; but not until her seventeenth year did she obtain the forgiveness of sin. She was brought to God by the instrumentality of Mr. W. Pearson, of Scarborough. In her father's house the Circuit Ministers have ever found hospitable entertainment; and their prayers and counsels, together with the instruction and care of her parents, greatly assisted her rapid