this section of His church. A deep and more than paternal interest was taken in her spiritual welfare by Mr. Joseph Harrison, the Leader of the largest class in the town.

When proposals were made to her to become the wife of a Christian Minister, her keen apprehension of the duties, trials, and responsibilities involved wellnigh overwhelmed her: and not till after months of prayer did she resign herself to what she believed to be the call of God. Henceforth she laid herself out in every way, to occupy her position in the fear of God, and to adorn her Christian profession. If we live in deeds, not years,-if he most lives who thinks most, and acts best,-hers was not a short life. She was accustomed frequently to read Proverbs xxxi. the spirit of that instructive chapter she lived. Of her it might indeed be said, "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

In

Her Christian experience was not, characteristically, of the emotional order. She was never rapturous. A naturally thoughtful mind, reasoning, and seeking a reason, and then acting from conviction, was not violated or overborne by Divine grace. Her apprehension of God's method of justifying a sinner was clear; her trust in the atonement, firm and undeviating. Those scriptures were most familiar to her which set forth the Saviour in His sufferings, death, and all-powerful intercession. And those hymns she sang most which are most explicit on the same grand themes. She would often say, “I know whom I have believed:" "I can question many things; but I cannot doubt my love to the Saviour."

The

Her affliction was long, and often severe. For years a chronic bronchitis defied many and potent appliances. general tone and character of her spirit might be portrayed in numerous extracts from her memoranda and letters. The following short testimonies bear date of about six months before her departure to the better home, the country never invaded by disease or pain:" How easily could our heavenly Father command strength, if such were His will! But it appears not to be. We must bow with submission, and say, Thy will be done.' It is no small mercy to have friends to care for me; but how much greater the blessing to have Christ for our Friend, a Friend that loveth at all times,' and who has all power to assist ! I rejoice that in early

life I made choice of a heavenly Friend: and, although I have been most unfaithful, He has never forsaken me, and He never will. His word declares it." Again: "First, I can praise God for His mercies to you all. I can still look up to Him in hope. I am very gently dealt with; and I know that all things necessary are mine, if I have faith. want the faith of Abraham, which 'staggered not at the promise.' I am praying for it." Again: "All my concerns are in the hands of my Father who is in heaven; and I can say, 'Whatever is, is best.'

'To patient faith the prize is sure,
And all that to the end endure

I

The cross, shall wear the crown." " During the last month of her life, her strength decayed rapidly. "Pray," she said, "for the Lord to call me. It is all right with me: I shall go home. God will take care of you and my dear children.

'Just as I am; without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee;
O Lamb of God, I come.""

The last night she repeated precious promises and expressive hymns :—

"Fix'd on this ground will I remain," &c. "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." Pray that I may have patience to the end." Three hours before the solemn moment of her exit, her husband drew up the window-blind, saying, “My dear, you always enjoy looking upon the early dawn and the growing day.' She said, "I do, I do." He then observed, "The increasing brightness of this morning may be the type and immediate precursor of a bright day for you, the brightest you ever saw. She said, "Do you think so? He said, "It is very probable;" when, with a smile, she intimated how joyous and welcome was the hope. One hour later she questioned her medical friend closely, asking if he thought it was her last day. He remarked, that it was likely; and her countenance beamed with joy, as she blessed God again and again. Often through life had she sung that favourite verse,

99

"Happy, if with my latest breath," &c. The final hour came, and was a perfect calm her evening was tranquil and radiant. With her family, her servant, and a kind friend, one of our female Leaders, kneeling round the bed, her last words were, "Look to Jesus." Thus

MRS. MARY ISAAC, relict of the Rev. Daniel Isaac, was born in York. As she outlived her contemporaries, and destroyed all written records of her life, scarcely anything is known respecting her early history. We are ignorant of the circumstances of her conversion to God, and of those which led to her union with the Wesleyan Methodists, a union of much more than half a century's duration. In the year 1808, she was united in marriage to the Rev. Daniel Isaac; and for twenty-five years was to him a help-meet indeed. In the spheres of labour where they resided, she was held in universal esteem. It is known that Mr. Isaac ended his career in York; so that when she was left "a widow indeed and desolate," she resided in her native city. For some time, she discharged the office of Class-Leader, until increasing infirmities obliged her to relinquish its duties. Those who were thus under her care sincerely and fervently loved her; and, when she could no longer meet with them, the hour was sacredly observed in her "secret chamber." To the last, she always manifested an intense interest in the spiritual prosperity of the class.

All her friends unite to testify that her character was one of rare excellence; a most attractive example of "the beauty of holiness." Some of them feel that, in speaking of her, strangers might accuse them of partiality and exaggeration; but those who knew her intimately unite in testifying how beautifully and resplendently the graces of the Spirit shone in her. Seldom are we privileged to see a nearer approach to the perfection of a Christian. Among the more prominent traits of her character may be mentioned how blessedly she exemplified the charity described by Paul. She was ever ready to lend a willing ear to tidings of good, either with reference to individuals or religious communities; but she as resolutely turned away from evil surmisings or disparaging remarks about absent persons. Tenderly did she sympathize with the suffering, and aid the distressed. Her benevolence knew no limits but

those which her pecuniary resources imposed. Her interest in the progress of Christ's kingdom was lively and deep; and all respecting it, either in our own country or in distant lands, she delighted to hear. Her sympathies were catholic; but the Methodist church was her home, and, to her dying day, its peace and welfare stirred the best and deepest feelings of her heart. Hers was the priceless "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." When once styled "a dear old saint," "Not saint," she hastily replied, "a sinner saved by grace." It was her oft-repeated prayer, that patience" might have "its perfect work." And that she did not pray in vain for this, was most apparent to all who witnessed her uncomplaining submission under extreme and long-protracted sufferings. How often, in the midst of agony, did she praise God for His sustaining and comforting grace! and though, like her Redeemer, she would pray, " Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me," yet, like Him, she would add, "Not my will, but Thine, be done." Hers was a devout spirit; and often did it breathe joys, in the words of sacred song. She out its desires, or express its heavenly proved, indeed, that "when sickness has slackened the cords of life, the hymn and psalm restore the spirit, and give renewed clearness, by giving consistency to the distracted intellect, and so lead the soul back to its place of rest in the presence of things eternal and unseen. Need we add, that she was a lover of the Bible? Could piety like hers have been nourished and matured otherwise? holy book was her constant companion; and you never entered her sitting-room without seeing the well-worn volume on the table. Daily fellowship with God, and obedience to His perfect law of love, refined her whole spirit, and transformed her into His image.

The

For eight or ten years before her decease, Mrs. Isaac was the subject of severe affliction, suffering most acutely from neuralgia. It was a blessed and inspiring thing to see this "mother in Israel" during this period, and to mark her demeanour and spirit. Though long past the usual term of human life, scarce a wrinkle marked her beautiful countenance; her complexion was as clear and fair as that of a little child, and the whole expression of her face was that of serenity. It was the index of the quietness and heavenliness of her spirit. As one looked at her, daily almost a martyr to pain, yet more concerned to have her

sufferings sanctified than removed, calmly resting in the promises of God, cheerfully acquiescing in the will that appointed her such a lot, and looking away from it to the better land," he could not help feeling how real religion is, and how it can bring "sweetness out of woe." One afternoon in the summer of 1855, she received for the last time, with two or three of her select friends, the memorials of the Saviour's sufferings and death. It was a "season of grace and sweet delight" to us all; and to her humble and happy spirit it was peculiarly refreshing. She seemed to be brought more fully into His presence whom she so ardently and adoringly loved. In that 66 upper room "the chamber of sickness -His hands and side were again, though not by feeble sense, beheld; and the aged, suffering saint seemed to catch His whispered, blessed words, "Peace be unto you!" Shortly after this, a Christian friend, who often came ten miles to enjoy with her the communion of saints, found her one day with her mind so full of heaven, that she thought she must be nearing that world, and that they would not again meet in the flesh.

And, indeed, the days of the venerable sufferer were drawing to an end. She was permitted, as she often prayed, to

"publish with her latest breath His love and guardian care."

On the Sunday previous to her death she remarked to a friend, "I cannot think why the Lord keeps me here so long." It was replied, "Perhaps it is to manifest what the grace of God can accomplish in granting patience to suffer His will." She rejoined, "O, praise God! He does do that.' It was then suggested to her, that, perhaps, her dismissal would be sudden, and that, to her surprise, she would find herself in the presence of Him whom her soul loved. With a heavenly smile beaming on her countenance, she uttered the prayer, "Lord, grant it may be so!" Her friend then said to her," When you are safe landed, you will not forget those who are left behind.' It seemed as if her face were illuminated with heavenly joy as she replied, "Forget? O no!" On the Monday she was as well as usual, and was in her sitting-room all day. She conducted family-worship both morning and evening. After tea, she was informed of the death of the Rev. William Carlton; when she said, looking upwards, "O, what a blessed change for him! First one and then another of my

"One gentle sigh her fetters broke;

We scarce could say, 'She's gone!'
Before her ransom'd spirit took

Its mansion near the throne."

For months before, she had closed every prayer at the family-altar with the petition, that all around it might at last join those who had gone before, and who had "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Now, at length, her prayer was answered. the 11th of December, 1855, in the ninety-seventh year of her earthly pilgrimage, after having served her generation according to the will of God, she fell asleep. JOHN HARTLEY.

On

MRS. ANN WARRIS was the beloved wife of Mr. John Warris, of Kimberworth, in the Rotherham Circuit. She lost her father at the age of four years, and was then placed under the care of a pious uncle, belonging to the Independent denomination. At this early age the Spirit of the Lord strove powerfully with her; and she states, in writing, that her distress was so great as to lead her uncle to fear it would prove too much for her young mind. Subsequent circumstances being unfavourable to religion, her impressions wore off: she entered the circles of gaiety and folly, but not to find satisfaction in them. An extract from her diary will exhibit impressively her state of mind :-"O, what pangs of sorrow and remorse do I now feel, when I call to mind the hours I have spent at cards and other amusements! Yet, in my gayest hours, that still small voice' which warns the sinner would often cause me to glance at my early days with a feeling of deep regret." It was at this time, also, that she became intimate with some families belonging to the Romish

Church, and was in considerable danger of becoming a proselyte to that delusive system. It was not till she reached the age of twenty-one that she was again roused by the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit. She was then overtaken by a very severe affliction, which led her to call to mind her long-neglected Saviour. Her sorrow was deep and heavy, and it left a distaste for her former associates, and a resolution to seek the fellowship of the people of God. Under many of the discourses to which she listened, she was deeply affected, often resolving to seek the Lord. Her marriage, in the year 1838, appears to have been a source of great spiritual good. She now became decided, sought admission into the church, and obtained the unspeakable peace of God. She speaks of the great enjoyment she realized in the fellowship and prayers of the people of God.

Amid frequent afflictions, she diligently sought to discharge the various duties of an active piety. Her diary exhibits indubitable evidence of a truly Christian experience, of a sincere endeavour to walk closely with God, of frequent self-examination, and faithful dealing with herself. Her piety was enlightened, and her standard was found in God's holy word. Religion was not a mere impulse: she felt the consistent practice of it to be at once a duty and a privilege. She delighted in God's house, closet prayer, and searching the Scriptures. Perhaps there is nothing in her memoranda more instructive than her touching confessions of manifold weaknesses and failings. She had a tender conscience, a deep sense of imperfection, and of the necessity of maintaining a constant struggle with her own heart. Yet her religion yielded real happiness. By the blessed Spirit's witness, and by means of access to the holiest in prayer, God filled her heart with peace and joy. She was active in the Sundayschool, and in visiting the sick and dying; manifesting an unaffected sympathy, and ready at any time to afford both personal attention and pecuniary aid. In this department of labour she was particularly useful, and highly esteemed. At home her piety was conspicuously manifest. Her family was ordered with great care and regularity; all that affection could do to promote the spiritual interests of her children she did. The same care was extended to her female domestics; and many have had occasion to be thankful that they were placed under her influence. The ability with which she managed all the affairs of a large house

was marked; and great was the cheerfulness with which she hailed the visits of her Pastors, as also her desire to profit both by their public ministry, and her intercourse with them. A short time only before her removal, she had undertaken the formation of a new class; and the success which ensued showed how eminently fitted she was for the discharge of that important duty. She was not an ordinary woman; and, had she been spared, each succeeding year would, doubtless, have found her increasingly useful.

table.

But the ways of God are inscruAt an hour when least expected by her friends and family, she was taken away from them. In the midst of her years, and the throng of her engagements, she was called to meet the Master at His coming. But, though to her friends the event was unexpected, she had been herself led to anticipate and prepare for it. She gave a dying charge, of the most impressive character, to her female servants, her husband, and an aged mother; and died, as she had lived, in peace with God, and in possession of a bright and steadfast hope of immortal joy in the presence of her God and Saviour. died April 14th, 1855, aged forty-two years. JOHN D. JULIAN.

She

MR. HUMPHREY PODD was born in the parish of East Bergholt, county of Suffolk, in the year 1766. The earlier part of his life he spent in the capacity of a gentleman's servant; and while in service at Bentley-Hall, he was deeply convinced of his state as a sinner, under a sermon preached by a Minister of the Established Church, and became the subject of severe mental anguish. For some weeks his distress was so great that it could not be concealed; and his mistress, ascertaining the cause of his dejection, sent for a Clergyman to instruct him in the method of salvation, and to minister to him the consolations of the Gospel. But that gentleman, not having experience of spiritual things, did not understand the case, and his teaching was of no avail. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Podd left his situation, and took up his abode in Manningtree, where he heard the message of mercy proclaimed by the Wesleyan Ministers; and one night, after praying earnestly for hours in a wood, he found peace with God through believing in Jesus Christ. He then joined the Methodists, and remained with them a consistent and useful member until the day of his death. In the year 1799 he was appointed to the office

of Class-Leader, which he sustained with great fidelity, and advantage to the church. Rich in Christian experience, and knowledge of the Scriptures, he was able to instruct those committed to his charge in the things which belonged to their peace. He had a deep conviction of the importance and necessity of attending to the preceptive parts of God's holy word, as well as to the promises; and therefore, while he constantly reposed on the atoning sacrifice of the great High Priest of our profession, it was his delight to obey the Divine injunctions, John v. 39; Matt. vi. 6; Heb. x. 25; xii. 14. His regular attendance on the means of grace evinced his high appreciation of the ministry of the sacred word, of united prayer, and of the fellowship of saints. He always entertained most humiliating views of himself, and of anything he did in the cause of God. He was retiring in his habits; but the sincerity and fervour of his piety, and the rectitude of his conduct, did not allow him to be hid. His character impressed the minds of those who knew him, and his counsels and prayers were frequently solicited by persons in perplexity and trouble. There is reason to believe that he was made signally useful to many when they were passing through sorrow, sickness, and death.

Mr. Podd was permitted to remain longer in the wilderness than the ordinary period of man's life: but, as he approached its verge, his strength rapidly decayed, and the way-weary pilgrim longed to cross Jordan, and enter the promised inheritance. The affliction which terminated his life was most distressing; and, though he was graciously supported, his patience and resignation were severely tested. In the intervals of agony, he was glad to have the visits and prayers of his Ministers and Christian friends their fellowship he experienced to be delightfully refreshing; and his heart glowed with gratitude and joy when he spoke of his approaching release from the burden of the flesh. When one of his Ministers spoke to him of the condescension, love, and sympathy of God our Saviour, he exclaimed, " Wonderful! wonderful!"-His speech almost entirely failed, and for three days he was heard to say but little. But what could be heard, showed that his soul was resting on the one sure and immovable foundation, Christ Jesus; and that he was truly happy in God. Two days before his death, he whispered, "All peace all peace-all bright!" Again, the day

DIED, September 21st, 1855, at Claremont, in the Wynberg Circuit, Cape of Good Hope, MRS. ANN MATHEW, in the seventy-sixth year of her age. She was born in Loudon, on the 4th of December, 1779; but many of the best years of her life were allowed to pass away before she came to the decision of choosing the Lord for her God. This important step was not taken till the year 1815, when she, and her husband also, began seriously to inquire after Divine truth. In this state

but

of mind, they found the Gospel, as explained and enforced in the Wesleyan chapel, Globe-Road, unspeakably precious; and, after prayerful consideration, they gave themselves to Christ and His church, thus becoming at the same time "heirs together of the grace of life." For fifteen years after this happy change they walked together "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost," when the husband was removed to a better world. Subsequently to that painful bereavement, she was called to suffer the loss of two adult daughters,— both of whom, however, died rejoicing in hope. At a later period of her history, having changed her residence, she became united with the Methodists at WildernessRow, in the First London Circuit; in August, 1842, left England, to join some of her family at the Cape of Good Hope. There, almost immediately after her arrival, she became identified with our Mission, and remained a member, first in Cape-Town, and subsequently in Wynberg, to the time of her death. Her religion was unostentatious, cheerful, and decided. Her ever-watchful anxiety on behalf of her numerous offspring was beyond all praise. Such were the exactness and regularity of her attendance on religious ordinances, as to become quite proverbial. On many a dark and threatening night, when it was scarcely prudent for one of her age to venture to such a distance, she was found in the sanctuary, as was her wont, for some time before either the Minister or the people had arrived. With reference to Zion, the sentiment of her heart was, "All my