and his friends. This he often did in bed. No pain could prevent him. Some of his compositions astonished those that knew him best. His friend who furnishes this account had enjoyed with him many years of fraternal and ministerial intercourse, and although he well knew his solid mind, yet he was not aware of any poetic tendency in his nature; and it was with surprise, therefore, that he read the following acrostic on his own name:

Written in Agony.

"Eternal God, to Thee I flee, Depressed with grief and agony; Wilt thou not lend a pitying ear,

A nd grant an answer to my prayer?

Repress the murmuring thoughts that rise,
Disclose past errors to my eyes,
N or let me mourn an absent God,
E 'en though I feel thy trying rod.

Whether called to live or die,
Thy presence can make sorrow fly;
On thee, O Christ, my all is cast,
N or wilt thou leave my soul at last."

On his return to his own home, indications of his approaching dissolution were very manifest to all. He set his house in order, and calmly waited the summons.

On the

night before his death, one of his deacons sat up with him; on departing, he told the sympathising friend that he wished to leave him, as a token of his love, Newton's Cardiphonia; and to the utmost of his strength, with great cheerfulness, spoke of the excellency of Newton as a writer. His breathing continuing very oppressive. About halfpast five in the morning he said he should like to read a little. He took the New Testament, read the 22nd chap. of Revelation, and then called for his medicine, poured it out with his own hands, drank it, and remarked, "I think I can sleep." He closed his eyes, breathed very quietly for the first time since his illness, and slumbered sweetly for about an hour, when his soul passed away into the new Jerusalem of which he had just read, and to drink of the pure river of water of life as it proceeds from the throne in heaven.

On Thursday, the 1st of February, good men carried him to his long resting-place, in front of the chapel in which he delighted to prepare his hearers for a joyous resurrection at the last day. His funeral was attended by many friends and ministers from the neighbouring towns. The chapel was filled by members of each denomination in the town, who visibly testified their high respect for the deceased. The Rev. Samuel Newth, A.M., of the Western College, gave out the hymn

"Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims." The Rev. E. Jones, of Plymouth, read suitable portions of Scripture, and presented

solemn prayer. The Rev. J. Chater, of Newton, (at the request of his bereaved widow and the deacons of the church,) addressed the assembled mourners; and the Rev. J. Pyer, of Devonport, prayed at the grave. On the following Lord's day evening the Rev. J. Chater preached the funeral sermon to a crowded congregation, from a portion of Holy Scripture which best expressed the ardent desire and hope of our friend in his last days: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness."

MRS. EMMA STANESBY.

J. C.

[The following sketch of this excellent young Christian was given by Dr. Morison, in a funeral sermon preached for her in Trevor Chapel, on the morning of the 4th November, 1849.]

MRS. EMMA STANESBY, the dear sister whose mortal remains we lately committed to the grave, was the wife of Mr. Stanesby, junior, and one of the youngest daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, formerly of Queen's Elm, of whom the former was, until his death in 1843, and the latter yet continues, in the fellowship of this Christian church. Our departed friend was born on the 25th of July, 1821; was early dedicated to God by baptism within these walls; was married also in this place, on the 25th of July, 1844; died on the 17th of October, 1849, having little more than completed her 28th year; and was interred during the following week in the cemetery at Old Brompton.

She was one of the "meek and quiet" spirits of the earth, and, though she was not without marked and decisive features of personal character, her brief sojourn among us was so calm and retiring that few beyond the family circle which now feels her loss were conscious how bright an example of Christian devotedness, integrity, and fortitude, was gliding along noiselessly in their midst, shedding a benign influence upon those around her, and ripening for an early entrance upon the joys of heaven.

I. In looking back upon her brief career, we are reminded of the familiar hymn:

"Happy the child whose youngest years
Receive instruction well."

She was one of the younger members of a
large family, early devoted to God by pious
parents, and it may be emphatically said of
her that her youngest years received instruction
well. A mild and teachable spirit in childhood
laid the foundation for an early enjoyment of
the blessings of piety. Many are here who
have sat as children around our departed
friend, when she was permitted to labour in
our Sabbath-school. Some of you,
dear young

It is pleasant to reflect on,-it is profitable, in the way of example, to remember,- that she who has been taken from our midst presented a pattern of filial obedience and early piety; and to this must be attributed much of the usefulness and happiness of her career in subsequent years.

II. As a second point worthy of remembrance in the character of our departed friend, may be observed her ardent desire to be useful in her day and generation,-a feeling which was coupled with a most humble estimate of her own powers. Encouraged and led forward by friends who perceived her fitness for the interesting labours of the Sabbath-school, she became a teacher (though not, in the first instance, in the schools connected with this place of worship) at so early an age, that, when domestic duties and a delicate state of health constrained her to retire from such labours, at the age of twenty-five, she could look back upon eleven years devoted to the active service of Christ.

Hers was no fitful or nominal connection with the work. The recollections of many who entered and left that sphere of Christian labour during the years she was devoted to it, and of not a few who are still privileged to continue the work in which she was so long engaged, together with the records of the Trevor Chapel Sabbath-schools, bear testimony to the exemplary regularity, the patient devotedness and perseverance, and the quiet and humble spirit manifested by Emma Johnson during her career as the teacher of one of the junior classes in the girls' school; while many also retain pleasing recollections of the tact and judgment, coupled with a humility sometimes amounting to distrust of herself, evinced during the period, when, after her marriage, the superintendence of that school was placed in the hands of herself and her husb ind. Under circumstances in which many would have lost the sympathy of their fellowteachers, it was her happiness to win at once their affection and their confidence; and deep and general was the feeling of regret manifested when her retirement became inevitable. Respecting her whole career in the Sabbathschool, many can sympathise in the greeting by which her spirit has, ere this, been cheered, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!"

III. A third feature of interest for our contemplation is afforded by the satisfactory characier of the church relationship of our departed

sister.

She was received into the fellowship of this Christian church on the 30th of November, 1838, at the early age of seventeen; and seldom does it fall to the lot of a pastor to commemorate a Christian walk more free from aught that could occasion anxiety or censure than that which, by Divine grace, she was enabled to maintain. Until domestic duties interfered with the regularity of her attendance, none were more constantly present than she at all the Sabbath services of the sanctuary, though delicate health, and the exhausting labours of the Sabbath-school, might have been pleaded in palliation of occasional irregularity. Even when, shortly before her fatal attack, the weakness by which it was long preceded rendered it painful and hazardous to her, she would persevere in the endeavour to fil her accustomed place, and especially to unite in the monthly commemorations of her Saviour's dying love.

In the various institutions connected with the church she felt a deep, and, as far as her opportunities permitted, she took an active interest. In the cause of missions especially she manifested a warm and lively activity.

Meek and retiring as she was, there was much in her calm and consistent conduct-as a church-member to comfort the heart of her pastor, for whom she was in the habit of expressing an almost filial affection, and to present an example worthy of imitation to her fellow-members.

IV. But, if there were features of interest in what may be termed the more public life of her who now rests from her labours, and has been removed from our midst to enjoy the purer fellowships of heaven, all who knew her intimately must feel that it was in the domestic circle that her character appeared most lovely, and that the grace which was given her was most distinctly and fully manifested.

And this is as it should be. Home is the proper sphere for the full development of female character; and if, on the one hand, we must guard against that exclusive devotedness to home duties which may lead to a light estimate of the sanctuary, and a practical renunciation of the duties which a Christian woman owes to the world around her, we must, on the other, remember that no diligence in the labours of the Sabbath-school, no devotedness to the public ordinances of the gospel, no zeal and activity in the service of the Christian and philanthropic associations which are the glory of our land, can compensate for a neglected home and an indifference to relative duties.

Thus felt our beloved sister; and in the hearts of the yet sorrowing circle from which

she has been taken the remembrance will long be fragrant of her sincerity, her faithfulness, and her devoted affection. As a daughter, as a sister, as a wife, as a mother, as an attached friend, it is sweet to them to look back on so much to admire, and so little to regret. While none but he whose loss transcends that of every other member of her attached circle could fully know and appreciate the strength of her affection, her almost stern integrity of principle, her immoveable fidelity, and her unhesitating compliance with anything which she felt to assume the nature of a call of duty,-yet few knew her even for a brief period without forming a deep attachment. From more than one circle of friends among whom it was her lot occasiona:ly to sojourn, the most pleasing evidence has been received of the impression left by the familiar intercourse even of a few days; the general feeling of such as thus enjoyed her society for a season being expressed by one of them, that "it was impossible to know and not to esteem her."

V. And now, having traced our departed sister through a pious childhood, a youth devoted diligently to the service of heaven, and a brief womanhood sanctified by principles which render it alike pleasing to contemplate in connexion with her church and her domestic relations, we may proceed to the touching lesson afforded by her dying bed, and the strong consolation which it is calculated to afford to those who may yet be following her as she followed Christ.

She had long been the subject of debility, which excited the anxiety of friends, yet without showing any decided symptom of threatening disease, when, on the morning of the 5th of April last, she awoke with an alarming discharge of blood from congestion on the lungs. From that moment it was but too evident to all around her that her days were numbered, and dark and desolate indeed, in the first shock of their grief. appeared the future to which they were thus called so unexpectedly to look.

The previous evening had been spent, in fulfilment of a long-cherished desire, in the society of a few of the dear young friends whom she had loved in the Sabbath-school. They had, at her request, and in company with herself, sang many of those sweet songs by which the minds of the young are led upward to the contemplation of Divine things. The echo of their gladsome voices yet seemed to linger on the ear,-but she who had called them together, and entered so heartily into their enjoyments, was laid prostrate, never more to join in such refreshing associations on earth.

To be so suddenly and so hopelessly cut down in the very prime of life, and in the midst of everything which can render l.fe

dear, can hardly fail to occasion some heartsinkings, some emotions of regret. Yet in the case of our dear sister, nothing of this kind could be at any time detected. Now and then, but even this, throughout her prolonged affliction, (extending over more than six months,) was a rare occurrence, the starting tear would indicate the depth of emotion, when the desolate lot of her hu-band and her child was presented to her mind; but she could, and did, with perfect, peaceful trust, commend them to Him who is able to wipe all tears from their eyes. For herself, so far as those who were in constant attendance upon her could observe, she never shed a tear, or expressed, even in the most indirect way, any feeling akin to regret or repining.

For some weeks after her first attack, her extreme debility precluded either movement or conversation; but subsequently, during the flattering intervals in which the malady was apparently checked for a time, she addressed herself with the utmost calmness and composure to arrangements for the future comfort of those whom she felt she should so soon be called to leave. Her whole demeanour manifested peace within,-great peace, “peace which passeth understanding," and thus her case afforded a beautiful illustration of the value of personal religion in the hour of deepest need.

During the whole period which elapsed from her first attack, until her spirit was received into the mansions of light, this peace and calmness, a calmness rising above mere resignation, was the distinguishing feature of her spiritual state. There were indeed times, but they were few and brief, when a painful inability to realise the full assurance of her interest in Christ disturbed her usual tranquillity; but it became evident, even to herself, that physical causes, and especially the effect of medicines which it became necessary to administer, had much to do with these transient clouds, which were, after all, insufficient materially to obscure the calm light that was shed on her path to the tomb.

Towards the last, her intervals of perfect consciousness were much abridged. and her bodily sufferings became such as to preclude conversation; yet it was evident that her peace was steadily ripening into joy, her hope into confidence, the calm light of the Divine presence into the more glowing sunshine of the Father's love. During delirium and slumber, in the midst of the most incoherent wanderings, the sweet evidence of the happiness that reigned within would often break forth, while never, on any occasion, did an expression escape her lips indicating doubt or fear.

Within a few days of her departure she broke out with the encouraging assurance, delivered with touching emphasis, "I shall

yet praise him who is the health of my countenance, and my God!" At another time, while actually struggling for breath, the ruling sentiment found expression in the beautiful lines of Watts, rendered peculiarly appropriate by her suffering state

"I'll praise him while he lends me breath,
And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my nobler powers;
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
While life, or thought, or being last,

Or immortality endures!"

On another occasion, while asleep, she was found singing, with a sweetness and vigour which appeared rather to belong to the heaven of which she so evidently enjoyed a foretaste than to the scene of suffering she was about to quit, the words of Addison,

"When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love, and praise."

Such were the evidences of joy and peace in believing afforded in the last hours of our now glorified friend. With brief interruptions, her consciousness continued to the last; and even within a few minutes of her departure she made known her desire to hear again, and manifested pleasure in listening to portions of the 14th chapter of the Gospel of

John, and of the glorious revelations concerning the resurrection of the body in the first epistle to the Corinthians. She then, surrounded by those whom she loved, and showing her perfect consciousness of the immediate approach of death, and an unruffled calmness in meeting it, peacefully breathed her last without a struggle.

Who is not ready, in contemplating such a scene, to exclaim, "Let me die the death of the righteous; and let my last end be like hers?" Who, even of those who most keenly feel her loss, is not ready to say with the poet, in the words which she loved long before it was thought how soon they might be applied to herself

"Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not deplore thee,

Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb.

The Saviour has passed through its portal before

thee,

And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom.

Thou art gone to the grave! and, its mansion forsaking,

Perhaps thy weak spirit in fear lingered long; But the sunshine of Paradise beamed on thy waking,

And the sound which thou heardst was the seraphim's song."

NOTICE TO TOWN AND COUNTRY TRUSTEES OF THE EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE.

THE Christmas half-yearly distribution of profits, arising from the sale of the Evangelical Magazine, to the widows of pious ministers, will take place (D.v.) at Baker's Coffee House, Change Alley, Cornhill, on Wednesday, the 9th January, 1850, at eleven o'clock precisely, when the trustees in London and the country are respectfully invited to attend.

NOTICE TO WIDOWS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM THE MAGAZINE FUND.

ALL widows' applications must be made to the Editor, at the publishers', on or before Christmas Day. No grant can be voted to any widow, unless an application has been made by herself, or some friend on her behalf.

ARE WE BETTER THAN OUR FATHERS? ALAS! I fear no thoughtful Christian can answer this in the affirmative. We ought to be better, for we have far greater advantages than they enjoyed; but they were doers of God's will as well as hearers, and in the present day there is a sad lack of practical Christianity: and before the evil can be remedied we must know where it lies.

Professing Christian parent! suffer the word of exhortation, examine, and see if you walk wisely before your household.

How is it now, when the young are, in ge neral, so well-informed as to Scripture history, there is such a neglect of practice in the duties there laid down?

This, I think, may be answered in two

Some practical lesson should be taught from every historical fact related.

Second, Instead of being taught to prize the privileges he enjoys, the child thinks himself wiser and better than others, and often takes a vain delight in displaying his knowledge; but "actions speak louder than words," and they do, indeed, condemn his knowledge, for you will find such a child disobedient to his parents, rude to his companions, self-satisfied, and anything but what a Christian child should be.

I may seem severe, but would be truthful; and have now in my mind two characters who do, indeed, fully illustrate the reality of what I have said.

One parent, when speaking of his son, said, "He is well acquainted with all the leading facts of Scripture history." Another, "My daughter is well informed in Scripture truth: indeed, I never knew a girl understand doctrinal points as she does." These statements were not exaggerated: they knew the truth; but as to the practice of that truth-it was a new doctrine. Obedience they could not understand; I have noticed the conduct of these two children: it is, indeed, anything but what we can admire, and if they go on in their present course they will ere long be a source of sorrow to their parents; for now that it is the fashion, even of the worldly, to belong to some sect or party of the Christian church, there is much danger;-formal piety seems to take the place of true godliness, and we much fear that, in the present day, we (that is the Christian church) are suffering much from the sad effects of this formality. Children are not taught to keep God's commandments by doing them; no, the knowledge of them is to suffice-a dangerous error indeed.

O, stay, Christian parent! consider your responsibility! you have received the command from God: "Train up a child in the way he should go" (not know). Look into Scripture, read over the book of Exodus, see how varied were the commands Moses received from God concerning the tabernacle, and how he attended to all: not content with preparing the materials, "he set it up." Ex. xxxix. 6. "As the Lord commanded Moses;" and notice how this is repeated to show us how Moses did all according to the Divine command. In Ex. xxxix. it is repeated eight times (verses 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42,) and in ch. xl. eight times (verses 16, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31.) God showed himself well pleased with his obedience by descending in a cloud and abiding on the tabernacle.

In reading this we should be ready at once to exclaim, It would indeed have been sad if, after knowing so exactly how all was to fit together, Moses had not set up the tabernacle. Let us admire his obedience and follow his example.

VOL. XXVII,

We know there is a rich provision in the gospel for our souls; but if we go not out to gather the spiritual manna, we may starve in the midst of plenty.

This year will soon pass away. O, let us all earnestly seek to do God's will as well as to know it; to be living and working Christians, that our light may so shine before men, that they may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. Earnestly, then, would I entreat Christian parents to teach their children to keep God's commands as well as to know them: if you do, God will descend and bless you now, and make your children blessings to the church and the world.

D. P.

THE YOUNG AND THE OLD MINISTRY. "I also will shew mine opinion."-ELIHU. "THE young ministry"-" the rising ministry," have become somewhat popular phrases. They are a class to which too much importance cannot be attached. They exist for extensive good or extensive evil. On their character and pursuits are suspended the prosperity of the church, and, in no small degree, the happiness of the world. To describe them by any one specific designation may be difficult, perhaps impossible. But it is certain that indiscriminate censure on the one hand, or commendation on the other, is alike untenable. The characteristics of one individual in the sacred office may be widely different from those of another. Having had, during the last five years, some opportunities of judging, and some facilities of coming to a correct estimate, I beg to offer my opinion. How far that opinion may coincide with that of wiser heads, and more accurate observers, it is not for me to determine. But speaking generally, "my opinion" is, that the rising ministry are deserving of commendation, rather than of censure. In hearing very many, with a view of obtaining temporary assistance, and ultimately a successor in the pastorate, I have found, with scarcely an exception, a desire to exhibit the great doctrines of Divine truth, and to preach what may be emphatically called the Gospel. If in some cases we have heard a phraseology to which older ears are unaccustomed, and if, in the first efforts of pulpit-exercises, there has been the effervescence of academic complacency, it has only excited a smile, accompanied by the assurance that a little experience, especially of disappointed expectation, would bring down the language employed to a simplicity and power more becoming the dignity of the subject. In every instance where the heart is right, we hesitate not to affirm that such will be the result. But to every young minister we would say, Take care so to conduct your ministry, even from the beginning, that you

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