Speaker, Hu Po Mi. He said: "Some people objected to the church meddling with these customs of the people; to which he replied, that Paul spoke pretty plainly to the Corinthian women about the manner of wearing their hair; hence the church has a right to examine into the customs of her members."

Then followed arguments very novel, and certainly very original.

Third Topic. "Christians should noid all idolatrous rites in their funeral and marriage ceremonies." Speaker, Ich Ing Kuang.

Fourth Topic.-"Christians should be diligent in all lawful business, labouring support their families, and give to the church." Speaker, Li Iu Mi. He said: "The heathen say, If your family is in want, then to cheat a little, to lie a Fittle, to deceive a little, or to steal a little, is all right. But, brethren, whatever the heathen in their blindness may io, we, as Christians, must avoid all ech means of gain. Let him that stole, steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

Hu Po Mi arose and said: "Christians must not look to the church for a living: they must depend upon their own strength, they must work."

Tang Iu Kong said: "Christians should work diligently six days, go to church, and keep holy the seventh day, and thus show to the world a good example, and increase the fame and od report of these Christian doctrines."

Many other remarks were made on the various topics, and the meeting closed by singing,

"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing!"

Evening of the Third Day.-Rev. S. L. Baldwin presiding. A Missionary anniversary. This is, probably, the first meeting of the kind ever held in Fuhchau.

First.-Singing,

"From Greenland's icy mountains." Then a report of the amount raised for the support of the Gospel from the several classes, read by the Superintendent. The total amounted to $50 20. The largest amount from any one class was $22, from Tieng Ang Tong. The next was $6 46, from the Ngu Kang class, and so on down.

Second.-"Exhort the brethren to exert themselves, and greatly increase their Missionary subscriptions the com

ing year." Speakers, Rev. O. Gibson and Hu Sing Mi.

After Brother Gibson had spoken to much effect, Brother Sing Mi said: "This is an excellent work, but we are hard-hearted and slow to learn. This good work of grace will show forth the grace we have within; show whether or not we are really children of God. The heathen's beneficence only tends to destroy him, for he does all to gain the praise of men. The love of money is the root of all evil; not the gold and silver, for it can hurt no one, but the love of it. We should freely give, brethren, and avoid this temptation."

Third.-"The church must preach the Gospel to all parts of the country.' Speakers, Rev. R. S. Maclay and Tang Iu Kang.

Brother Maclay said: "I rejoice to see this day. Twenty years ago no such words as these were heard in all this city. And now, brethren, that the cross of Jesus has been borne to you, you must take it up, and bear it to the regions beyond. Jesus said to His disciples, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.' But they waited at Jerusalem; they tarried too long; persecutions arose, and they were scattered abroad, and they went everywhere, preaching the Gospel. So we must go, brethren, to the distant cities, to the far-off regions, or the Lord will compel us to go."

Tang Iu Kong said: "Yes, we must go, not to seek pleasure, but to labour, to work for God and His cause, to save men from perdition, and spread abroad the glorious Gospel."

Hu Iong Mi said: "It is every man's duty to aid the church in this good work. But we hear the reply, I am poor, and have no money to give.' How many of us spend from ten to twenty cash daily for tobacco? Why could we not deny ourselves of this, and give the money to the church? This would give us from three to six dollars a-year to aid this great work."

Again, in reference to preaching the Gospel in distant and difficult regions, he said: "The Emperor orders his soldiers to go and dislodge a large band of armed rebels, who have fortified their position in the mountain-fastnesses. The place is very difficult of approach, and the rebels are well armed. But the obedient soldiers go, not counting on pleasure and ease, but on toil, and even death: they go, and execute the command of their king. So we must go at our Master's bidding, and fight the hosts of Satan."

Hu Po Mi caught the flame, and rising, said:"A few days ago I felt and said that I did not want to go off to any of the distant cities, but would much prefer to labour here in Fuhchau; but to-day I feel as though I wanted to go to all ten of the district cities, and tell of Jesus and His precious word to our poor dark-minded countrymen."

Fourth Day, Sunday.-Sermon by Rev. R. S. Maclay, D.D. Text, Heb. xiii. 7:-"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow." The Doctor spoke beautifully of the noble band who came to this Mission, but are with us here no more; those who were labourers here for a time, and then returned to their native land in feeble health, some of whom are still living and labouring for Jesus there; and others who have ceased from earth's toils, and are now with their Redeemer for ever. His allusions to the departing scenes of Brother Collins, Sisters White, Wiley, Wentworth, and others who have given their lives to the cause of Christ in China, were most affecting. He brought them so clearly before us, when in their last hours they were enabled to triumph over death. The deep impressions of the morning were deepened in the evening while listening to the funeral discourse of Brother Martin, so recently and suddenly taken from our midst. Could you have seen the tears coursing down the cheeks of the native Christians, you would have been led to say, "Behold, how they loved him!"

Sunday; two o'clock, P.M.-Prayermeeting, conducted by the Rev. 0. Gibson.

This hour was appointed for special prayer that God would this year greatly bless the church throughout China, and especially in Fuhchau. Six native helpers led in prayer during the hour with great fervour, and we doubt not

with acceptance before our Father's throne.

Fifth Day, Monday.-Reading the appointments, and administering the Lord's Supper.

Opened with reading the Scriptures, singing, and prayer; after which the appointments were read out for the coming year. Then addressing a few words to the native helpers, the Superintendent made a beautiful allusion to bearing forward the cross. "The foreign Missionaries," he said, “have given up home, and friends, and native land, to bear the cross to you and your city here. You heard yesterday of those of us who laboured and died in bearing to you the cross of Christ. Shall it now rest here, or will you take it up and bear it to your perishing countrymen in the regions beyond?"

Second." On going to your work we would have you go rejoicing, not sorrowing. Go believing, not doubting. With this spirit of joy and faith, you cannot but do good to the people to whom you are sent."

Third.-"You must expect trials and persecutions. The servant is not above his Lord.' Pray for each other, that you may be mutually strengthened for the work before you. It is altogether likely that another annual meeting will find some seat vacant; that some one from this number will have passed away. 'Watch,' and 'be ye also ready.""

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was then administered, and the services closed by singing the parting hymn :

"And let our bodies part,

To different climes repair," &c. Thus closed our annual meeting for 1864. The number of regular helpers is but ten. "Truly the harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest."

without converting grace until he was eighteen years of age, at which period he lost a brother by death, whose calm and happy experience made a deep impression upon him; and at whose earnest and last request he resolved to give himself to God, and to the church. The change he experienced was unquestionable; and, to the close of his life, he was a consistent professor. His experi ence was not marked by highly joyous

emotions, but by a very tender conscience, a habit of severe self-inspection, and a solemn fear of being found wanting at the hour of death.

In September, 1863, he became very nnwell; and the disease made progress, with varying symptoms, till its fatal termination. When it became necessary to inform him of the judgment of his medical advisers, that his affliction must terminate in death, his wife undertook the task. He received the tidings with composure; but, after a little reflection, said, "I do not feel fully ready: my mind is clouded. What shall I do?" In reply, he was reminded of the only refuge, and of the faithfulness of God. At this time he became the subject of fierce temptation. The exercises of his mind were severe; but prayer was made unceasingly for him, and deliverance came. The cloud was dispelled; faith became vigorous; and joyous assurance was imparted. He exclaimed, "He is come! He is come! He is come! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! O, help me to praise Him!" He continued some time in this ecstatic state. At his request a near relative was called into the room, to whom he spoke in most appropriate and affecting terms, urging her to meet him in heaven, and sending by her his dying charge to all his nephews and nieces. Henceforth he was completely weaned from earthly things; and in a very solemn manner he commended his beloved wife to God, expressing the fullest persuasion that He would be her Husband during her sojourn on earth, and ultimately bring her to rejoin him in that blissful society where parting is unknown. In full assurance of hope, he quoted the well-known lines,

"There all the ship's company meet,

Who sail'd with their Saviour beneath; With shouting each other they greet, And triumph o'er trouble and death." He also exclaimed, "I shall soon be one of them. I shall see many whom I have known on earth; they are ready to welcome me home, and that will be home indeed!" The rich grace which he now received from the Lord Jesus enabled him to bear his afffiction with patience. Amidst excruciating pain, not a murmur escaped his lips; but prayer and praisé were his most frequent employment. To a friend who repeated the hymn, "Rock of ages," &c., he said, "Many times, when I have sung that hymn, I have felt a heaven on earth." On being asked if he would like to hear it sung again, he assented; and, when the sound of praise arose, he joined in the strain

with a voice that seemed sweetly attuned for the music of the skies. When it became apparent that he was sinking, his ever-attentive wife and his attendants knelt around his bed, commending his soul to the Redeemer; and, so long as he was able, he kept lifting up his hands, and responding, "Amen, amen." In this devout frame he entered Paradise. J. R.

MRS. HARRIET CLEMINSON, wife of Mr. Isaiah Cleminson, of Bishop-Auckland, was born at Ilkestone, Derbyshire, in the year 1816. Her parents were members of the Methodist church, and were distinguished for their decided piety. An obituary notice of her mother, Mrs. Brentnall, who survived her only a few days, appeared in a recent Number of this Magazine. Harriet was one of twelve children, eleven of whom still survive, most of them walking in the way to heaven. According to the testimony of those who have known her history, the inestimable blessing of early religious training was not lost upon her. For several years, as a Sunday scholar, she was marked, not only for punctual attendance and a quick apprehension in learning, but also, though of a very lively and cheerful disposition, by reverence for the Bible, the Sabbath, and the house of God; and, at the age of eighteen, the Holy Spirit wrought savingly on her heart. She was led to make choice of Christ as her portion; and, having decided, she never again hesitated. In this she manifested a decision which characterized her through life.

Having dedicated herself to God, she gave her hand to the church of God, and soon became a teacher in the Sabbath-school; respecting which she used with pleasure to remark, that never was she late at her post, or absent from it. The labour of collecting for the Missions, and for the Bible Society, also employed her time and energies; and her acquaintances of that period remember well the activity and interest she displayed in promoting the erection of the chapel which now adorns her native town.

Her sor

Her marriage took place in 1848; and after that period she resided in BishopAuckland, with the exception of a few years spent at Blackburn. rowing husband mourns the loss of a faithful and affectionate wife, and her children feel the loss of a loving and judicious mother. Of her tender concern for their eternal interests she gave full proof in persevering efforts to

"train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" and it was evident to the last, that her anxiety for their salvation was uppermost, when, a few hours before her departure, she placed her hand upon her first-born, and, charging them all to meet her in heaven, said, with deep solemnity, "When you were born, I dedicated you to God." As a friend, according to the testimony of those who knew her best, she was faithful and true; and, forming her friendships carefully, she maintained them steadfastly. She manifested great sympathy for the poor; and in the distress which has afflicted one portion of the population of our kingdom, having full scope for the play of tender concern for the needy, she became a collector from door to door of money and clothing for their aid. Many in the lower walks of life, and some in the higher, could testify to her readiness to be a friend in need. Her tender regard for her parents manifested itself on all occasions. The command, "Honour thy father and thy mother," was in her case obeyed to the letter. "I speak," says the Rev. John Rhodes, from a somewhat intimate friendship, extended over six years; and I have rarely met with her equal, in the course of my ministry, for intelligence, for piety, and for hearty Methodism."

In the spring of 1863 she began to show signs of failing health; and, though it was hoped her indisposition was but temporary, she gradually declined into greater and greater weakness. Her removal to the Hydropathic Establishment at Matlock inspired an anticipation of recovery, and this was cherished till within eight days of her decease; but all remedial efforts at last proved unavailing. The affliction, from the first, had evidently a sanctifying influence on her mind. The Rev. Samuel Fiddian, her leader, says: "We were much impressed with the last few occasions of her attendance at the class-meeting. The tone, the manner, the sentiment, all intimated, either that she was being prepared for great usefulness, or for a brighter, better world."

She invariably sought to be resigned to the will of God. On one occasion, being asked by her husband as to her spiritual state, she said, "I have had such a manifestation of the Divine presence as I never felt before." At other times, subsequently, she said, "I have no fear of death, yet I do not feel that joy, and that access to the throne of God, which I should like." When all

hope of recovery was discouraged by her medical attendant, she expressed a strong desire to see her children. To give them up appears to have been a great struggle, which somewhat marred her peace and clouded her mind. She had indulged the hope for their sakes, that she should regain her health, loving them as her own life; and now to yield them up into the hands of God required a strong effort of faith and resignation. But she had grace to put forth the effort; and God, who causeth us to triumph, enabled her to give up all. She called her sorrowing husband to her side, and said, "I have given them up." And then, weak as she was, with a countenance radiant as with light from heaven, she lifted her hands, and shouted, Glory, glory, glory! Praise the Lord!" After arranging a few matters, which were noted down in pencil at her wish, she sank fast. Those who listened caught the words of several stanzas of hymns; and, when her voice could be heard but in a low whisper, she still repeated these, or passages of Scripture, and then fell asleep in Jesus, January the 8th, 1864. H. H.

MRS. MARTHA ANN, the beloved wife of Richard Henry HASSELL, was born in the Dutch island of St. Eustatius, on the 17th of December, 1834; and removed to Demerara.

She possessed an affectionate disposi tion, which endeared her to all her acquaintance; and she did not omit to be a friend to the poor. While young she gave her heart to God; and became a member of the Methodist church. Divine grace adorned her with a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Her hand was sought in marriage by her cousin, above-named; and they were united by the Rev. Theophilus Gregory, on the 27th of April, 1864. Faithfully and affectionately she performed the duties of this new and untried relationship. Not only was she a devoted wife, but a wise counsellor.

In an illness of only eight days, and after a marriage of two short months, she was taken away. Fever and ague, very common in that land, assailed her constitution; but such a result as death was not apprehended by either her medical attendant or her relatives. Inflammation was insidiously sapping the foundation of life; and, when told of her approaching decease, she replied, "Well, I am happy!" To Mr. Gregory's inquiries, as to her spiritual state

and prospects, she gave the most clear and satisfactory replies. She expressed her unwavering trust in Jesus, and felt His unspeakable preciousness; knowing her adoption into the family of God, and assured that, if faithful to the end, she would find heaven her final home. Strong filial piety marked her conduct.

RECENT

June 12th, 1864.- At West-Auckland, in her twentieth year, Elizabeth Margaret Thompson. Although cut down in the spring-time of life, she was ripe for the prner. She was converted about the age of sixteen, and from that time devoted herself truly to God. Amiable and retiring, she had zeal and intelligence beyond her years. Consumption marked her for its victim. During a long and trying illness she was never heard to murmur, but often to praise God; and at last, in almost overwhelming pain, she could rejoice in the earnest of her heaven. To a dear friend she said, "This will be my last Sabbath on earth; the next I shall be wearing the white robe." At about eleven o'clock the same night pain left her, and it was evident her dissolution was near. Her distressed mother repeating the text, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," &c., she replied, "O yes, my dear mother, I am in the valley, but Jesus is with me. "My Jesus to know, and feel His blood fow

At

She could proceed no further, but on recovering her breath was heard to whisper, "But what must it be to be there?" length, she breathed out the words, "Pretions Jesus!" and then that loving Jesus took her to Himself. H. H.

September 28th.- The Rev. William Powell (#), in the forty-eighth year of his age, and the twenty-third of his ministry. At fifteen he was converted during a revival at Harrowon-the-Hill, his native place. Forthwith he joined the Methodist church; and in Sabbathschool tuition, and other spheres of evangelical exertion, he found scope for his now consecrated ardour and activity. In his eighteenth year he was employed as an exhorter in the smaller places of the Hammersmith Circuit. In 1841 he was accepted as a candidate for the ministry; and its duties he fulfilled with acceptance and success, until laid aside from active service. Ten days later, quite unexpectedly to those around, who saw in him the proof of growth in holiness, and calculated on years of happy and holy toil, he was summoned by the Master from labour in the vineyard to the rest and recompense of immortality.

W. W. (c). November 1st.-Near Spennymoor, in the

Bishop-Auckland Circuit, Mary Ann Wright, aged twenty-nine; an earnest, humble Christian. Her inner life was supported by constant prayer; and in the performance of public duties she presented an example worthy of imitation. Though frail in health, and often distant from a place of worship, her seat in the sanctuary was rarely empty; and her leader's-book records fifty attendances during the four quarters of a single year. After the example of primitive times, her house was the meeting-place of a little church; most of the attendants being of her seeking and finding. Throughout her last long illness she was assiduously nursed by one who through her instrumentality had been converted at her own fireside. Christ's constraining love often gave her the tongue of the learned, to speak a word in season to them that were reckless, as well as to them that were weary. One of her last messages

was sent to the members of her class. For herself she had no regrets, no fears, no commendations. She felt herself an unprofitable servant, who had simply done what she could. Forgetful of all earthly ties, her heart still beat for those with whom she had knelt in prayer, and walked to the house of God in company. "Tell them," said she, "to live to God, to live to God; and to be not conformed to the spirit of this world." The lesson of her life is not difficult to read. It was not by spasmodic efforts after holiness, and intermittent bursts of zeal, that she glorified God in the day of visitation, and sung in death,—

"I wrestle not now, but trample on sin." W. S. C.

At

November 9th.-At Bow-Brickhill, in the Newport-Pagnell Circuit, aged seventy-two, Elizabeth, widow of Mr. William Britten, whom she survived only seven months. the early age of eleven her Christian character was formed; for she had then so far yielded to the influence of the Spirit, as to represent in her own experience the transforming power of religion. Her piety was sincere and elevated. With God, and His people, she delighted to hold communion. Sixty-one years she was a consistent member of the Methodist church, and long a useful class-leader. During a great part of her life, she was the subject of bodily affliction and nervous depression; but her sufferings were borne with exemplary patience. In her