ter spirit say to her, "We will go with you; for we have heard that God is with

you." All which may God in his infinite mercy grant to her!

We have received the following paper just as we are preparing to go to press, and have, therefore, no time to do more than to commend it to the very serious attention of our readers. Conformity to the letter of the wish expressed in it, will, except in very few instances indeed, be impossible, from the date of our publication; but the spirit of the request confines it to no particular day. -EDIT.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous

man availeth much."-James v. 16.

In a very interesting and able Address, published by the Rev. James Haldane Stewart, inviting the Christian community to united prayer on the 1st of January, 1841, a prominent place is given to the subject of the great enterprise which has lately been undertaken for the extinction of the slave-trade, and for the civilization of Africa.

The whole of that Address must meet with the warmest concurrence of every Christian; but though several impressive appeals have been made on the subject, and extensively responded to, yet there is still space for further attempts to explain the views of those who originated the projected undertaking, and to arouse the feelings of the public.

We have heard of the horrors of the slave-trade from our infancy; and have, perhaps, been ready to turn from the subject in disgust and despair. This would, however, be unworthy of the philanthropist, and still more of the Christian.

The Niger expedition is an effort, another noble effort, made by the Government of our country for the cure of this evil. It is the fixed conviction of men of the greatest knowledge and experience on this subject, that having hitherto failed in our efforts to put down the slave-trade by force, we must try another method; and as we cannot coerce the Europeans, who are the gainers by the dreadful traffic, we must seek to influence the Africans, who are the losers by it, to its abandonment. The Niger expedition is, therefore, sent forth to form treaties with the native Princes; to enlighten their minds upon the impolicy, as well as the wickedness, of their present course; and thus to pave

the way for the introduction of agriculture, commerce, and, above all, far above all, of Christianity, into those desolate regions.

The expedition is to consist of three iron steam-vessels: the "Albert," the "Wilberforce," and the "Soudan." They carry with them surgeons and men of science, botanists, surveyors, geographers, geologists, and agriculturists. They are provided with seeds, implements, medicines, and presents, furnished from private as well as public

sources.

One of the main objects of the expedition, in the minds of its principal promoters, will be to prepare the way for the entrance of Christian Teachers, who will, it is trusted, be poured into Africa from many sections of the church of Christ; above all, from that people so providentially preparing for this work, the emancipated Negroes of our West Indian colonies.

The expedition is appointed to sail in January next.

Let us fervently supplicate the Divine Majesty for a blessing on this noble enterprise. Let part of the 1st of January be dedicated to this purpose. On that day may the heartfelt prayers of hundreds and thousands of Christians ascend to the throne of grace for the success of this undertaking, for the guidance and preservation of its agents, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit of God upon them and upon the wretched millions of Africa, and for the uplifting of the arm of the Most High to the support and deliverance of the captives traversing the desert, or gasping in the holds of slave-ships.

In obedience to this command, and resting on the assurance that "if two of you shall agree together touching anything that ye shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven," let us unite with our fellow-Christians in making the Niger expedition a special object of remembrance before God on Friday, the 1st of January. Throughout the period of its absence, may we continually lift up our hearts to God for His favour, protection, and blessing on this effort, that, under His guidance, it may well and solidly lay the foundation of measures which may issue in the utter extinction of the slave

MARCH 2d, 1840.-At Bath, of consumption, Mary Jane Bell, in the forty-second year of her age. From early life she was led to fear the Lord, and joined the Methodist society in Salisbury about the year 1814, and continued a member during the remainder of her life. For many years she was an efficient and zealous labourer in the various institutions connected with Wesleyan Methodism, until the cares of a numerous family obliged her to withdraw from active exertions. Her last illness continued for about a year; and during the last few weeks, more particularly, she often spoke of the goodness of God to her. On one occasion she spoke to her husband as follows: "I am quite satisfied, that if I was to die, I should go to heaven." Surrounded by her numerous family and friends, she gently breathed her spirit into the hands of her Redeemer.

W. B.

May 5th.-At Melbourne, in the Cambridge Circuit, Samuel Savage, Esq., aged seventyseven. In the early periods of his religious course, he had frequent opportunities of hearing Mr. Wesley; and few have entertained a higher opinion of the wisdom and piety, the zeal and usefulness, of that great and good man. For about thirty years Mr. Savage resided in London, and sustained various offices in connexion with the Hinde-street chapel and society. The state of his health induced him to retire into the country, where, for nearly twenty years, he laboured to promote the spiritual interests of those who lived in the vicinity of his residence. As a ClassLeader and Circuit Steward, he rendered valuable service to the cause which he loved. For many years he was frequently afflicted, and for some time before his death his sufferings became more severe; but he was only confined to his bed a few days. His agonizing pain he bore with exemplary patience; and, placing his entire trust in the atonement of Christ, he was enabled to "rejoice in hope of the glory of God." His words were expressive of inward peace, and entire resignation to the will of God; and thus he continued till his spirit gently left the earthly tabernacle, to enter into the presence of God. Mr. Savage was highly and deservedly respected in the neighbourhood where he lived, and his death is a great loss to the Circuit. J. G.

July 13th.-At Hevingham, in the Norwich Circuit, David Athowe, in the twentyfirst year of his age. He began to meet in class towards the latter end of 1836, and continued till death a steady and consistent member of the Wesleyan society. Young as he was, his devotion was deep, his zeal ardent, and his endeavours to do as well as to get good, though modest, were constant and acceptable. He gave promise of being a useful member of the church militant; but it pleased God to remove him very early to the church triumphant. Most truly may it be said, that his end was peace.

A. A.

the thirty-fifth year of her age. At the age of fourteen years she became a member of the Methodist society, and was soon after savingly converted to God. Her subsequent walk was such as "becometh the Gospel of Christ." The disease which removed her to a better world was of a painful and protracted character; but she bore it with Christian patience and resignation. Her death was a scene of glory. She said, "I am inexpressibly happy; I shall soon be in heaven now; it will soon be over; I am coming to the last point." She exhorted all around her to meet her in heaven; kissed her children, and bade them farewell; and reproved her friends for weeping. Her husband said, "When you get liberated from the body, and become a bright spirit in heaven, you will sing." "Yes," she immediately replied, "I shall sing,

Far from a world of grief and sin, With God eternally shut in.'"

Thus passed she away from mortality, to inherit eternal life, through the merit of the Saviour God in whom she believed.

E. U.

Oct. 8th.-At Oxwich-Castle, in the Swansea Circuit, Francis Bevan, aged eighty-three. In early life he was deeply convinced of sin, and found mercy with God, in the open field, where, like Jacob, he wrestled with the Lord, and prevailed. He was happy in receiving the Preachers at his house, which was the place where Mr. Wesley slept in his visits to that part of Wales. His body and mind were reduced to great weakness some time before his death, which was sudden and hopeful.

P. O.

Oct. 10th. At Holmfirth, in the thirty-eighth year of his age, Samuel Stephenson, Esq., Solicitor. Fifteen years ago it pleased God, by a severe illness, to bring him to a saving knowledge of the truth; from which time he became a member of the Wesleyan society. His conversion was genuine hence, it was followed by the fruits of righteousness. His natural amiableness of disposition was improved by divine grace, and he became universally beloved. His benevolence was great, without ostentation; and his humility was not the least striking trait in his truly Christian deportment. As a husband, he was a pattern of excellence; and over all his relations he watched with a deep concern for their salvation. He was " diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." From the period of his conversion to the close of his life, it may with truth be said, that, notwithstanding the strict and punctual attention required in his secular concerns, he habitually walked with God. His last illness was short, unremitting, and severe; yet it found him prepared to magnify the Lord, either by life or by death. He was enabled to view the progress of disease, and the appearance of the last messenger, unappalled. It cost nature an effort, and a painful one, to part from his beloved wife; but calm resignation

F

succeeded, and, with plous submission to the will of God, he more than once exclaimed, "I have surrendered all!" His testimony to the last was of the most cheering and consoling kind.

C. S. F.

Oct. 13th.-At Ely, Mr. Amos Walker, aged sixty-three. He joined the Wesleyan society above twenty years ago, and was for some time zealous in the cause of religion; but, in consequence of some dispute, he left the people, and became very unhappy for many years; yet was moral in his conduct. He began to attend the chapel again more than twelve months ago; soon after which he heard a sermon on backsliding, and God in mercy sent the word home to his heart. After the conclusion of the service, on a Sabbath morning, a friend saw him weeping; and on being informed that his mind was affected under the sermon, he advised him to attend a classmeeting, which was then about to be held in the chapel. He complied, and with great agitation and tears related his state; which occasioned much sympathy and feeling in all present. In a few weeks the Lord revealed himself to his soul, and gave him the assurance that he had forgiven his sins, and healed his backslidings. From this time he adorned his profession, till the day of his death. He said, a few days before he expired, that he never felt so happy in his life; so perfectly resigned to the divine will. Resting only on Christ for acceptance with God, he passed triumphantly from the sorrows of time to everlasting happiness in heaven.

W. E.

Oct. 14th.-At Sheerness, George Lewin, aged fifty-three. In his early life he entered into the army, and was for some time a Serjeant in the twentieth regiment, during the Peninsular war; in which he was wounded by a musket-ball. Leaving the army, he settled at Sheerness, in the occupation of a hair-dresser, and for some years lived in daring rebellion against God. In April, 1839, he was induced to attend the opening of the Wesleyan chapel, Blue-Town; and there, under the preaching of Mr. Dowty, then a student in the Theological Institution, he was deeply convinced of his awful state as a sinner; and the same evening, in a prayer-meeting, obtained a sense of pardoning mercy. He immediately gave pleasing evidence of the change which had taken place. He relinquished all Sunday employment, joined the society, and was a new creature, in spirit, temper, word, and action. He became a Teacher in the Sundayschool, and a frequent visiter of the poor, sick, and dying. The whole of his conduct adorned his profession. He held fast his confidence, and lost not his first love, nor the joy of God's salvation. He died by a rapid consumption. It was truly blessed to visit him in his affliction. His intelligent, humble, pious conversation; his peaceful and happy frame of mind; his joyous triumph over death; and his prospects beyond it, made the duty of pastoral visitation a delightful privilege. Such was the greatness of the change in his whole character, as to engage the respect of multitudes; which was most pleasingly manifested on the occasion of the funeral sermon. The chapel was crowded, it was said, beyond all precedent. J. C.

Oct. 14th-At Staverton, in the Ashburton Circuit, Miss Eliza Bowden, aged twenty-nine years; Oct. 30th, Miss Sarah Bowden, aged nineteen years; and Nov. 6th, Mr. Philip Bowden, aged sixty-six years. For some time Mr. Bowden and his family attended the Wesleyan ministry at Staverton. But with one exception all continued strangers to vital godliness, till about twelve months since, when God graciously poured out his Spirit upon the Circuit, and especially on that part of it. During this visitation from on high, Mr. Bowden and his two daughters, now united with him in the church triumphant, were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and for the short space of their spiritual life adorned the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Bowden's last illness continued several months; the two amiable sisters were suddenly removed from the evil to come; but all of them were enabled to witness a good confession of their saving interest in the Redeemer, and to rejoice in hope of the glory of God. W. B.

Oct. 24th.-At Durham, Mr. John Sowerby, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. In early life he walked "according to the course of this world;" but before he was twenty-one he began to attend the Methodist ministry, by means of which he was deeply convinced of sin. In that state of mind he became a member of the society, and continued steadfast in his profession till death. He was some months under conviction, in sorrow and darkness; but the Lord mercifully delivered his soul, as he prayed in his closet on a certain night, which he had resolved to spend entirely in prayer. Shortly after he had obtained mercy, being duly appointed, he became a Local Preacher and a Class-Leader; and he persevered in his labours till, through age and affliction, his strength failed. He was greatly afflicted for many years; but the Lord who was his support enabled him to possess his soul in patience, and to speak many gracious words to those who visited him. In his last illness he assured Mrs. Sowerby of his happiness; but extreme pain rendered him incapable of conversing much with others. We reflect, however, with satisfaction upon his long religious course, maintained, as it was, in humility, and firmness, and purity; and we are assured that he is gone to be for ever with the Lord. T. C.

Oct. 25th.-Mr. Leonard Clarkson, of HuggateLodge, near Wetwang, in the Driffield Circuit, aged eighty-one. When he was about thirty years of age, he had a clear discovery of his state as a sinner in the sight of God, and began earnestly to seek the salvation of his soul, as the one thing needful. He joined the Methodist society, and by earnest prayer and supplication obtained a sense of God's pardoning mercy. For about fifty years he walked in the light of God's countenance, evidencing, by a holy life and conversation, the reality of the change wrought in his heart by the Holy Spirit. For some time previous to his last affliction, he had solemn impressions that the time of his departure was approaching; and he frequently adverted to this. He was the father of a large family, for whose temporal and eternal welfare he felt a deep concern; and with lively gratitude to the Author of

all his blessings, he saw them all comfortably settled in the world, and had hope that the object which lay still nearer to his heart, their present and eternal salvation, would be realized. On the 12th of October he was seized with paralysis, which deprived him of the use of one side, and partly of the power of speech; yet was he generally sensible, and his mind much engaged with God in prayer, for himself, and his numerous family. T. M.

Oct. 26th-At Batcombe, in the Sherborne Circuit, aged twenty-seven, Miss Elizabeth Critchell. From her childhood she was graclously drawn to delight in the things of God; and exemplified, in growing up, a seriousness of behaviour that marked her out as possessing a mind different from that of most young persons. But residing in a remote village, which offered few helps to an inquirer after the way of salvation, she remained a stranger to the power of godliness, till providentially led to attend the Wesleyan ministry. When the Preachers visited Batcombe, she was prepared to hear and receive their message; and whilst listening to a discourse on Matt. xiv. 31, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" she was enabled to cast her soul on the Lord Jesus Christ for pardon and salvation. Guilt was removed from her conscience, the Spirit of adoption was sent forth into her heart, and she felt a heaven of peace, and joy, and love in believing. She was now a new creature; and its fruits were seen through her subsequent days, in the holiness of her conversation, and the usefulness of her life. During the few months of sickness which brought her to the grave, she was blessedly supported; and her death-bed scene was most pleasing and edifying. Her last words were, "Precious Jesus! Glory! glory!" J. R.

Oct. 30th.-Mrs. Armett, the wife of the Rev. Thomas Armett, Wesleyan Minister, of Monmouth. For some months past she had been a subject of severe sufferings; but whilst her frame grew weaker, her mind was sustained by the grace which she sought and enjoyed in health. Towards the close of life, she greatly exulted in the mercy of her Saviour; and a short time before her departure, whilst her husband was engaged in prayer, she joyfully exclaimed,—

""Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me!"

She has left three children to lament their irreparable loss. Between them and herself subsisted an affection the most endearing, which rendered the separation painfully severe. To the care, however, of her husband, and the protection of her heavenly Father, she willingly submitted them, and calmly fell asleep in her Redeemer.

T. B.

Nov. 1st.-At Hyde, Mary Walker, of the Birstal Circuit, in the eighty-first year of her age. For more than fifty years she was a member of the Methodist society, and gave a most edifying exhibition of practical piety through the whole of her religious course. She stood unmoved in her attachment to the religious body among whom she had been brought from dark

ness to light; and though in deep poverty, nothing could induce her to abate her usual contributions to the support of the work of God. She had Imbibed a large measure of the spirit of her heavenly Master; and in sickness, age, and poverty, was not only never heard to murmur, but always found rejoicing. She died as she had lived, praising and blessing God her Saviour, and in sure and certain hope of eternal life. She was the grandaughter, by the mother's side, of the constable by whom John Nelson was apprehended, when, at the instigation of the Clergyman of Birstal, he was taken to be a soldier.

Oldland-Common,

A. H.

in the

Νον. 1st.-At Downend Circuit, Mrs. Mary Willington, relict of the late Mr. J. H. Willington, in the fortyfifth year of her age. She was a member of the Wesleyan society twenty-seven years, for several of which, with diligence and fidelity, she filled the office of a Class-Leader. During the last five years of her life, she endured accumulated trials and afflictions, which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation. The affliction that ended her life was of short duration. At its commencement she said to a friend, "Whenever I have been afflicted before, I could always weep for my children; but now the Lord has taken that away from me. If I die, God will take care of them. My soul is on the Rock." To her mo ther, on the day before she died, she said, "My soul is on the Rock! In the year 1814, I ob tained the pardon of my sins; and if ever I have grieved the Holy Spirit since that time, I could never rest till I wrestled in prayer for a sense of the divine acceptance again. Calmly I sit on tumult's wheel." In this happy state of mind she fell asleep in Jesus, leaving two orphan children, and a large circle of friends, to lament her loss. W. G.

Nov. 3d.-At Gedling-House, in the Notting. ham Circuit, the residence of William Elliott Elliott, Esq., Anne Fearfield, aged thirty-seven years. She had been a resident in the family nine years, first as lady's maid, and afterwards as housekeeper. Her first serious impressions were received under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Hannah, by a sermon preached on the death of Mrs. Anne Sophia Gregory, of Nottingham, July 25th, 1824. She began to meet in class, and continued an humble, pious member of the Wesleyan body, until the day of her death. The affliction which terminated her life was short, but severe. She expressed strong confidence in God; and even when in a state of delirium, Jesus was the subject of her conversation. R. A.

Nov. 8th.-At Kintbury, in the Newbury Circuit, Mr. Richard Brunsdon, aged sixty-four. His death was remarkably sudden. The writer of this notice had returned with him from the afternoon service, held at the Wesleyan chapel in the village. Their conversation by the way had been on the importance of a Gospel ministry, by which sinners are directed to Christ for salvation; and on the high advantage of living in the enjoyment of such salvation. In the house of his daughter and son-in-law, where