prevailed, and the struggle, once over, never returned. She calmly and systematically prepared to die; attending diligently to all household affairs, but more diligently to all spiritual duties,-especially the care of her class; and often speaking with great cheerfulness of the final issue at hand. In a letter to a friend she says, "My heavenly Father deals so tenderly and gently with me, I would not pray for the removal of pain so much as for patience and strength to 'glorify Him in the fires.""

On the 3d of May, 1863, she lost her mother, between whom and herself, as an only surviving daughter, there had subsisted a peculiar affection. This stroke accelerated the progress of her own illness, and her mind thereby became more familiar with objects unseen and eternal. Again addressing her friend, she says, "I met my class yesterday for the first time during several weeks; and the Lord helped me. I now feel as though my mother were speaking to me from the heavenly land; telling me not to give up working for Christ, but still to do all I can for Him.' Again: "God has now sustained me many weeks. When I have extreme suffering, I have sufficient grace; and I have no disposition to murmur." About four weeks before her death, she believed the final hour had come; but was kept in perfect peace, calmly expecting the summons of her Lord. After commemorating His dying love, by partaking of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, she rejoiced anew in hope of eternal life.

"Christ is mine," she exclaimed. "This is the day I have often looked forward to, with great anxiety; and now there is no fear left, not a cloud; it is all joy!" She still lingered, in the quiet assurance of faith, while her lips delighted to utter night and day,

"I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me,

until the 23d of December, 1863. Almost her last effort was to cry, "Victory, victory!"-calling to her beloved husband, again and again, "Help me to shout, Victory, victory!" So brightly and blessedly passed away a true and lowly follower of Christ.

THOMAS STOKOE.

To record the virtues of the holy dead is a work, doubtless, alike pleasing to God and profitable to men. We hear the voice of Divine inspiration, strongly exhorting us to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit

the promises." But, in order to this, we must first acquaint ourselves with their life and character; we must ascertain the facts of their history; we must learn how they lived, and how they died. Such information concerning many the Holy Bible abundantly supplies. It tells us of the saintly life and triumphant death of not a few of those who have passed away to the realms of light, to be for "ever with the Lord."

And now to the long list of those who had previously found their way to the skies, must be attached the name of the dear friend who is the subject of this memoir; one whose memory those who knew and loved him will ever fondly cherish, and whose Christian example they will do well to imitate.MR. EZRA LABRUM was born at Battlesden, near Hockliffe, in the Dunstable Circuit, in 1818. He was blessed with pious parents, who, when he was yet a child, dedicated him to God to be employed for His glory. During the period of his childhood and youth, they were most diligent and prayerful in their efforts to induce him to seek a personal and saving interest in the precious blood of Jesus. It was not, however, until some time after he had left the parental roof, that the wishes of these devoted parents were realized in their son's conversion to God.

Leaving home, he went to Northampton to reside, as a pupil in a boarding. school, where he pursued his various studies with diligence and success. Not long after his return, he came to live at Dunstable, being then about the age of fourteen. Here he was bound apprentice to the late Mr. Robinson. Soon, by diligent attention to business, amiability of disposition, and uprightness of conduct, he won the esteem and affec tion, not only of his master, but of all others with whom he had then to associate. Though not yet converted to God, yet, feeling anxious to do good, as opportunity offered, he volunteered his services as a teacher in the Sabbathschool; where, during the remainder of his apprenticeship, it was his delight to impart Christian knowledge to "the little ones" committed to his care.

Shortly after entering the school, he joined the church. The following extract from a letter to his beloved friend, Mr. C. Lockhart, recalls the circumstances:" Although, on looking back to the first years of our friendship, I am reminded of many circumstances that would tend to give that friendship a lasting impression; yet there is one

which stands out in bold relief, and, which, I trust, will stamp our intimacy with eternity. It took place on the hallowed morning of a Christian Sabbath, at the close of the morning service, and within the doors of the house of God. Do you remember it? I do; and, I trust, ever shall, with a heart overlowing with gratitude. It was there that you entreated a youth to become decided for God and heaven; and, after much entreaty, he was constrained to cast in his lot, that very evening, with the people of God. That youth was your friend. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.'

Ezra had not long been meeting in class, when he found peace through faith in Jesus Christ, and was enabled "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." At once he began openly to onfess Christ, and to testify to his friends and companions what God had done for his soul. He loved prayer, and soon began to exercise the gift in the domestic, social, and even public circle. At the family altar, in the presence of his master and other members of the household, his voice was often heard uttering fervent supplication, even while he was but a babe in Christ. And so consistent was his conduct, and so upright, that, among those with whom he mingled, none doubted that young Labrum was truly converted to God.

Some time after the expiration of his apprenticeship, he removed to LeightonBuzzard, and there commenced business. But, not realizing the success he had been led to anticipate, he sought and obtained a more remunerative situation as commercial traveller. It was while he was resident at Leighton, that he united himself in marriage to an excellent lady, whose religious sentiments were in harmony with his own.

He

favoured with more than average ability, and was universally acceptable. Blessed with the gift of utterance, he ever sought to use it, not to extol himself, or gain popularity, but to glorify God, and bless the souls of men. His sermons were well arranged, and suited for general usefulness. In their composition he showed correct taste and mental refinement; and in their delivery he was truly earnest. His last sermon was preached at Sundon, a fortnight before his death, and while he was yet in possession of full health and strength. The text chosen for the occasion was, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And, had he been aware that he would never preach again, he could not have chosen a more appropriate theme, or made a more faithful appeal. The entire service proved a season of grace, not soon to be forgotten.

For many years he also sustained the office of class-leader; and long will the members of his class, at Hockliffe, cherish a grateful remembrance of his admonitions and counsels.

While at Hockliffe, he married a second wife, whom, with four beloved children, he has left behind to the gracious care of that God who has promised to be a Husband to the widow, and a Father to the fatherless.

In 1862 he removed to Dunstable, hoping to improve and extend his business. At length Providence smiled on him; friends multiplied; and all things hopefully prospered. He seemed to have moved into the exact position where God would have him be. Little did he or others think that he would end his days so soon.

About ten days before the Christmas of 1863, he took cold, which brought on asthma, pleurisy, and other suffering. Hope was indulged, that, by medical skill, crowned with the Divine blessing, he would soon be restored to health. But God had otherwise determined. On the morning of the 26th of December, a sudden attack made it evident to all that he could not long survive.

During the entire period of his illness his mind was kept "in perfect peace;" and every word that escaped from his lips was indicative of sweet resignation. But it was more especially during the few hours that immediately preceded his death, that he was enabled most to exemplify the sustaining power of Divine grace. When his dear wife asked him if he was willing to die, he instantly replied, "Yes. I have been

heaven came to earth, it was then. After prayer, he feebly asked for his children and friends; and, as they entered the room, he embraced them tenderly, but was too weak to speak. The gentle pressure of the hand, held by those he loved most on earth, was felt till within a few moments of his departure. So peaceful was his exit, that the exact moment could hardly be told. Thus died Ezra Labrum, on the 26th of December, 1863, "in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection unto eternal life." THOMAS CHOPE.

JUNE 20th, 1864.-At Tipton, in her twenty-fourth year, Sarah Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Round. In 1852 she joined the church. Her piety was active and fruitful. She became a Sunday-school teacher, secretary to the Dorcas Society, and also to the bazaar in aid of the contemplated chapel. While attending the Jubilee Meeting at Tipton, she was seized with illness, which in a few days terminated fatally. When asked if her hope continued bright and clear, she answered in the affirmative, with calmness, but with great confidence. Of refined tastes and cultivated intellect, she truly adorned the Christian profession. A dying testimony of her "sure and certain hope greatly consoles the large circle of friends whom she has left to mourn her early decease. W. B. D.

August 6th.-At Liverpool-Road, Manchester, (Great Bridgewater-Street Circuit,) Mr. John King. He was brought to the enjoyment of religion, at Chesterfield, under the ministry of the Rev. John Hague; and for thirty-three years he walked humbly with God, greatly beloved by persons of all classes for his kindness of spirit, meekness, and consistency. He was the leader of two classes, and sustained various other offices in the church, in all of which he was diligent and faithful. His Christian profession was adorned by a pre-eminently godly life; but he was not permitted to glorify his Master by a triumphant death. As he was quietly crossing the street, near his house, he was struck to the ground by an unprovoked blow from a drunken ruffian, which in a moment deprived him of the power of speech, and apparently of consciousness; until, in a few hours, he was "absent from the body," and "present with the Lord." W. E.

September 16th.-At Seacombe, Sarah Towlson, in her twenty-fifth year. She was a native of Kirton, Lincolnshire, and from early youth attended the Methodist Sundayschool in that village. At fifteen she went to service. Two years afterwards she was deeply impressed by the conversion of her

brother; and subsequently, through the prayers and counsels of one who became her husband, she was enabled to believe on Jesus with her heart unto righteousness. From that time she "walked in the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost." When sickness came, she clung awhile to life but prayer was heard, and grace given her, not only to resign her friends, but to desire "to depart, and be with Christ." She often exclaimed, "Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly!" T. B. B.

October 21st.-At South-Holme, in the Malton Circuit, Mr. Robert Russell. After a brief illness, he was removed from the duties of very active life, in the thirty-first year of his age. On his dying-bed, when questioned respecting his faith and hope, he said, "I am not afraid to die. I have hold of Jesus, and will keep hold of Him."

J. W.

November 9th.-George Foord, of Malton, in his seventy-fourth year; having been a member of the church about forty-eight years. He was also a class-leader, and a trustee; and for more than thirty years he took a lively interest in the "Poor and Strangers' Friend Society." For many years he was most regular in his attendance at the seven o'clock prayer-meeting on the Sabbath morning. To him belonged "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit ;" and his peaceful end was in harmony with a peaceful and consistent life.

J. W.

November 9th.-At Peel, Isle of Man, the Rev. Lancelot Railton, in the fifty-third year of his age, and the twenty-seventh of his ministry. Though in early years he attended the Sabbath-school, and the ser vices of the sanctuary, he gave painful proof that he was under the influence of

the carnal mind," which "is enmity against God:" for such was his unsubmissiveness, that he was at one time dismissed from the school, as a warning to others. No one could have anticipated that this stubborn youth would become so changed,

by the grace of God, as to exhibit the humility, modesty, and gentleness which eminently characterized his Christian course. The call to active service for his Master he obeyed so diligently, and so faithfully, that he approved himself as one designated for the ice and work of the Christian ministry. Toward the end of 1838 he embarked, as a Weeran Missionary, for Montserrat, in the West Indies. After nine years' devoted service, failing health compelled his return, and be faithfully ministered in several English Circuits, each of which, by "the Face of God which was with" him, he left in a better state than he had found it. Although there was nothing about him showy, yet his pulpit ministrations and pasteral labours were the more highly apprecisted the longer he remained in a charge. The good old practice of gathering the family three times a day for worship was regularly kept up in his house. His beloved wife, in her visits of mercy, caught typhus fever, and was laid aside on the 30th of October. From her, it is believed, he took the same Case; and his Sabbath services on that day, and the prayer-meeting on the Monday, dased his earthly ministrations. On the 1st November he betook himself to his bed, and he was called to his eternal rest early on the 9th. In lucid intervals, he gave expression te his spiritual joy and confidence in God. Un the evening preceding his death, after fering earnest prayer for the prosperity of the work of God, he looked upward, and with great solemnity said, "I commit to Thy fatherly care, myself, my dear wife, my boys, and Betsy."

G. S.

November 10th.-At Peel, Isle of Man, Margaret, the beloved wife of the Rev. Lancelot Railton,-twenty-one hours his Valow. Born at Edinburgh, on the 10th of October, 1814, she was, before entering her teens, savingly converted to God. Though yang, she began a career of fervent detedness to the glory of God and the conversion of sinners, in which she persevered til she "ceased at once to work and live." When not more than fourteen, she expressed, in a letter to her brother, the Rev. G. Scott, (A,)-a strong desire to labour among the heathen; saying, "I would cheerfully Lrsake country, friends, and all the endearments of home, could I only be instrumental in teaching one negro child to read the Bale. The charge for some years of an Irish school, on the late Lord Bloomfield's estate, formed a near approach to the fulStment of her desire; but, after some time usefully spent with her brother in Stockholm, she was appointed to the Missionschool on the Swedish island of St. Bartholoew, West Indies; where her name is still precious. As the wife of a Missionary, she aided her husband in his labours, with a self-sacrificing zeal, not always kept within the limits which prudence would dictate,

especially in a tropical climate. Her whole frame gave way; and, though a return to her native land prolonged her life, she never fully recovered. Every Circuit to which her husband was appointed in this country will testify how intent she was on the spiritual welfare of those around her. She was distinguished by a simple, strong, God-honouring faith; and many remarkable instances could be given of its triumphs. As she had a more than ordinary share of enthusiasm in her temperament, her love burned with inextinguishable blaze; while she rejoiced in the Lord alway, her life being an almost uninterrupted Hallelujah. Her feelings she embodied in numerous artless lays, most of which found a place in the "Juvenile Offering," though some were given to other periodicals, with the signature "Margaret."In visiting a typhus-fever case, she caught the infection; and, after ten days' illness, mourning friends could sing,

"Her soul hath o'ertaken her mate,

And caught him again in the sky;
Advanced to her happy estate,

November 13th.--At Madeley, Mrs. Sumner, in the sixty-sixth year of her age, the beloved wife of the Rev. Edward Sumner. In early life she was awakened to a sense of her lost condition, and through faith in the atonement she obtained the salvation of her soul; and from that time continued through life to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. In every Circuit where she travelled with her husband, she faithfully discharged those duties devolving upon a minister's wife. Her calm and heavenly mindedness won for her the esteem of all who knew her. She was a Christian indeed, and pre-eminently possessed "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." At the Conference of 1851 Mr. Sumner retired from the full work of the ministry, and settled at Madeley, where he had formerly laboured during six years. Here Mrs. Sumner made herself very useful as a visiter of the sick, as a manager of a Dorcas Society, and as a class-leader. For the last three and a half years of her life her health was feeble. On Sunday, November 13th, she attended Divine service as usual, and remained at the prayer-meeting in the evening. Almost immediately on her return home she was seized with apoplexy, which in about twenty minutes terminated in death. There is no doubt but that she died as she had lived, trusting in Christ. She was interred in Madeley church-yard.

W. A.

November 20th.-Isabel Smithson, of Broughton, near Malton, in her twentysixth year. It was on the Sabbath that she entered the rest of heaven; and exactly three years before, on that day, she had sought and obtained mercy. On her return home, at that time, she said to her motherin-law, who had met her at the door, "I have found the pearl of great price :" when they knelt together, and gave thanks to God for His great goodness. Her subsequent conduct was consistent, and during her affliction it was something wonderful to see grace triumphing amid the wastings of disease. Her last utterance was a recognition of her Saviour's presence, as she repeated His words, "It is I; be not afraid." J. W.

November 25th.-At Northampton, in her sixty-fifth year, Mrs. Elizabeth Bond, widow of the late Rev. John Bond. When quite young she consecrated herself fully to Christ, and in her fifteenth year became a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist church. Her early religious course was marked by vigour and extensive usefulness. In the Circuits in which she lived, during her husband's itinerancy, she proved a true "help meet; "a zealous and well-trained fellow-worker. Her religion was practical, ardent, and intelligent. In the church she was a pattern of devotion, and at home an example of the Christian wife and mother. Through more than twenty years of widowhood, she was called to deep suffering. Occasionally her faith seemed to waver; but ordinarily she reposed with calm confidence in the merits of her Redeemer. Toward the close, worn down both in mind and body, she anticipated eagerly the hour of her release. Though not impatient, her spirit found appropriate expression in the language, "Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better." A third stroke of paralysis deprived her of consciousness; and, after lingering three days, she slept in Jesus. J. B.

December 8th. At Moorside, in the Yeadon Circuit, the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, and the forty-first of his ministry. At the early age of ten, when a scholar at Kingswood, he became the subject of saving grace. During the days of his youth he maintained his piety, evincing also an ardent thirst for mental improvement. At twenty-five, after a very painful struggle of mind, he yielded to the call of God, and gave himself to the work of the Christian ministry. His preaching was richly evangelical and practical. His sermons indicated careful preparation, deep thought, classical accuracy, and fervent zeal. In the care of Circuits he was orderly and exact; no department escaping his oversight. In all matters of duty he led the way, by an example worthy to be followed. In all meetings for the transaction of business, his judgment, firmness, and kindness were equally conspicuous. Mild and amiable in natural disposition, he was pre-eminently

a man of peace and love. In brief, he was "an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." He carried his religion into everything, and lived as one who had habitual communion with God. In social life he was truly genial; faithful in friendship, wise in counsel, and much beloved by his colleagues, as also by a large circle of Christian friends. In the bosom of his own family, he was tender, affectionate, cheerful His death was sudden. He had just given out the lines,—

"He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm,"when, during the singing of the latter line, he quietly sank in the pulpit, breathed a few times, and then peacefully passed away to his eternal rest. G. A. P.

December 29th.-At St. John's Wood, in the forty-sixth year of her age, Anne Maria, the beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Cotman Barnett. In early life she was a scholar in Sloane-terrace Sunday-school, Chelsea, and was often deeply impressed with the im portance of eternal things. She frequently felt Divinely drawn to follow Jesus, and resolved to do so; but Satan suggested "There is time enough yet;" and with this and other temptations succeeded for a while in keeping her from "the way of peace." The Holy Spirit still continued His gracious strivings, convincing her of her sinfulness, causing her to "sorrow after a godly sort," and revealing Christ as the all-sufficient Saviour. At this time (October, 1834) she joined the Wesleyan-Methodist Society, and shortly afterwards found " peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." She now went on her way rejoicing, and continued a faithful and consistent Methodist to the end of her life, a period of thirty years. She was for several years a zealous and devoted Sunday-school teacher; and was always ready, when health permitted, for every good work. As a wife and mother she was exemplary, "looking well to the ways of her household," and making it her anxious care to bring up her children "in the nur ture and admonition of the Lord." Although for some time past her health had been in a delicate state, her early removal to another world was not at all anticipated. She was cheerful and happy up to the moment of the fatal attack, which was one of paralysis, depriving her of speech and consciousness, in which distressing condition she lingered from Friday, December 23d, till the time of her decease. Thus suddenly called away, no dying testimony could be borne by her, no words of comfort or counsel could she speak to her sorrowing husband and chil dren; but they have the satisfaction of knowing that she lived to Christ, and are fully assured that death to her was eternal gain. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." T. C. B.