undone for tell me if Yes, Thou follow Thee fully, I shall be ever. Searcher of hearts! mine is not given to Thee. knowest that it is. Christ dwells in my soul, and will dwell there so long as I do His commandments. "March 21st, 1831.-At the prayermeeting my soul was gladdened by the importunity of a young man who was seeking for pardon. O that hundreds more were convinced of their need of pardon,-hundreds who regularly sit under our awfully faithful ministry! Lord, help me to pray, live, and die for this, through Jesus Christ, my Strength and Advocate. Ainen." In December, 1833, she was united in the closest bond of relationship to Mr. S. Booth, married "in the Lord." "We not only loved each other," (says the surviver,) "but helped each other, by prayer and faith. We every day prayed together, and strengthened each other's hands for the conflicts of life. Her delight was to see souls converted; and for this she agonized in prayer daily, not only in her closet, to which she constantly resorted, but at the family altar, and in the public prayer-meetings.' Three years after her marriage, she writes: "Through grace I am preserved in the narrow path. But, O, what cause for deep humiliation on account of my little improvement! Yet, that I am spared, and drawn to love the Saviour with all my heart, excites tears of gratitude to God for His abundant goodness and tender mercy, in and through Jesus Christ." "We knelt together," Mr. Booth records, "every Sunday evening, after tea, to pray that the word of the Lord by His ministers might have free course, and be glorified." The following note, which she sent into the pulpit, shows what was the longing of her soul:"The Rev. W. M. Bunting will greatly oblige a few sincere individuals, by inviting the convinced sinners into the vestry. Have heard persons say, on seeing yourself in the pulpit, 'O that I had had an invitation!"" In January, 1839, she had a severe attack of erysipelas, which continued for one month. The Lord graciously supported her mind; and, when the symptoms were such that her physician gave up all hopes of her recovery, the prayers of God's people at the Intercession-meeting, on Friday morning, the 18th, were heard in heaven, and answered on earth. From that hour, the patient gradually recovered, and was spared to her family for a number of years. September, 1846, she thus writes to her eldest daughter, then a school-girl at Roundhay:-"I should have had much greater pleasure in congratulating you on your birthday, if I knew that you had given your heart to God. He is causing the pestilence to carry off persons very suddenly. This may teach you. O look at what Christ has done for you, and stand prepared." Benevolence was a marked feature in Mrs. Booth's character, of which many instances might be adduced. She thought no sacrifice of personal comfort too great, when made to promote the happiness of those in need; so that, often, the blessing of them that were ready to perish came upon her. She not only gave beyond her means, to the neighbouring poor and needy; but Jews, Italians, Poles, Germans, and multitudes more, received of her deep sympathy; and she sought to provide for them Bibles in their own languages, as well as pecuniary relief. For the last nine or ten years of her life, she suffered not a little from organic disease. In January, 1856, she caught a severe cold while visiting the sick, in behalf of the Benevolent Society; and she had symptoms of bronchitis. In a few days she gradually recovered, but soon returned to her bed. Her mind was graciously sustained, during an affliction of nearly eight months. She often prayed with her husband and children in a spirit of great fervour, and of wrestling for the salvation of all in her household. This appeared to be the burden of her soul. In the latter end of May, it was thought some change of air might recruit the feeble frame; and she removed to Birkby. The last Sabbath but one in July she said, "I think the Lord has laid me aside to test my religious principles, and to examine them closely by the word of eternal truth; that I may not go into eternity with dark or cloudy views." September 11th, she deeply felt her weakness, and the thought of leaving the dear children; so that she shed many tears. But she was enabled to trust them all to the undying Father and Friend. On the Sabbath but one before her death, she asked that the hymn to "The God of Abraham " might be read. After listening to the 3d and 4th verses,"He calls a worm His friend, He calls Himself my God; The beautiful hymn "All ye that pass by, To Jesus draw nigh," &c. was sung throughout; Mrs. Booth joining loudly, so that her voice could be distinctly heard above the rest. Her brother then prayed, and she responded to the petitions. Henceforth she calmly waited for her change. When she knew she was dying, she repeatedly said, "Jesus is precious;" "All things are yours; ""All things are ours." She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, September 17th, 1856. May I die the death of the righteous, and may my last end be like hers! Amen. A tablet, in the Huddersfield cemetery, bears the following inscription : BENJAMIN, son of Josiah and Grace WHULEY, was born at Walsall, September 24th, 1787. His father being called out in the militia, he was early placed under the care of an uncle, who was a worthy member of the Independent Church in Walsall. From the pastor, Mr. Grove, the youth received great attention; and it was the good man's desire he should devote himself to the ministry. This he constantly resisted, (to his great discomfort in after life,)-partly on account of timidity, but mostly because he was undecided in his views of the doctrines taught in the Assembly's Catechism. He struggled long with conflicting opinions, and with a sense of sin, though he had many seasons of comfort. He was afterwards apprenticed to Mr. Towers, a Wesleyan Local preacher. In that establishment were four other youths, all serious, who were allowed to hold prayer-meetings in the workshop on Sunday afternoons. One of them became a Travelling preacher, (the Rev. W. He was deeply anxious to extend the cause of God; and was willing to enter any door of usefulness, especially the Sunday-school. Naturally courteous, and apt to teach, he was doubly acceptable. Though mostly self-taught, he excelled in the ordinary elements of learning, as well as in good manners. He energetically, yet modestly, per severed in assisting to establish causes in Aldridge, Walsall-Wood, and Pelsall; and, seeing the deplorable state of the children, opened a Sabbath-school in each place. With other friends, he held prayer-meetings at these neighbourhoods, occasionally delivering an exhortation, or reading one of Mr. Wesley's sermons to the people. A class was formed at Aldridge; of which, for twenty years, he was the faithful, indefatigable leader. His was indeed a labour of love; and God graciously prospered the work of His servants in the stability and increase of the church, which flourished amidst persecution. Many years he denied himself the comforts of home, (often, in the earlier time, satisfying himself with a crust of bread which he ate as he walked in the fields,) to sow the words of eternal life in those barren places which now blossom as the rose. About 1817 he was appointed leader at Walsall. In this office, he was of no ordinary character. His gifts and graces were delightfully blended in counsel, instruction in comfort, reproof, and righteousness. Notwithstanding a natural reserve, he was here one with his friends in Christian communion; and be often "forgot all time, and toil, and care." He strongly inculcated the keeping of the Rules of Society, and frequently read them at the meetings. As an office-bearer in the church of Christ, while faithful in expressing his views, he never appeared to forget the apostolic injunction, "Be courteous." He gave no sorrow, by tartness of speech, but exhibited the charity which St. Paul describes. (1 Cor. xiii.) He tenderly loved the ministers, and cherished them by his sympathy and prayers: he would not allow evil to be spoken of them, but would try to find a reason for anything which seemed open to censure. He was exceedingly fond of singing, and strongly advocated measures for teaching the congregation to sing, especially, the young people. He commenced his superintendency in the Sunday-school, in George-street, about forty years ago; and long did he bear his part in that delightful employment. He truly lived for others. His "speech was with grace, seasoned with salt." From the fluctuations of trade, (a trade by no means lucrative,) he was generally poor; but he supported the cause of God according to his power, not letting his right hand know what his left hand did. He was often brought into difficulties through the maintenance of Christian principle; but he scorned the modes adopted by some to gain riches, preferring to trust in God, and wait for deliverance. This he often experienced, in a remarkable manner. In his house he aimed at walking wisely; helpful, in the highest respect, to the happiness of his wife, and watching over his children with tender anxiety. He held the reins of parental authority in the hand of love, and guarded those under his care, as far as possible, from Association with the ungodly; knowing that "evil communications corrupt good manners." Mr. Whuley enjoyed many years of health. In 1853, however, he found the slow and undermining disease of asthma preying on his constitution; and henceforth, winter after winter, a violent Cough unfitted him for his usual enjoyments and activities. But the Lord graciously kept him in peace, and gave him songs in the night. In the severe winter of 1859 he appeared to resign the world and all its anxieties. Seeing his wife sorrowing, he said, "Fear not, my dear: God will be your shield, and your exceeding great reward." Some time later, he said, "God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." When, in much suffering, he was besought to "look to the Lord," he answered, with a complacent glance, "That has been the business of my life." A friend observed, "Christ is yours." Mr. EDWARD PICK, late of Selby, was born in 1801, at Lennerton, a name given to several scattered houses at one of the extremities of the large parish of Sherburn, Yorkshire. His father was a strict church-goer; and it required no small zeal in his day to travel regularly such a distance over bad roads, to his place of worship. Equal zeal moved some of the Methodists of Sherburn to carry the Gospel to Lennerton.⚫ When Edward was eighteen years of age, his father died; and his mother immediately after joined the Society in the hamlet. About that time there was a gracious awakening in the neighbourhood, and many realized saving results; Mrs. Pick among the rest,-who never wavered in her choice of the service of Christ. She was of Methodist descent; well-read, for a woman of her station in life; and of considerable ability. Into religious duties she entered with a praiseworthy zeal. Not unfrequently, when the little company, assembled in her own or a neighbour's house for worship, had no one among them to raise the tune, she would commence at the appointed time, sing with energy, and call on some one to engage in prayer. She also attended diligently to the affairs of her farm and household, with equal punctuality and understanding; "not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Her son does not seem at this time to have become religiously disposed; but, under the control of such a mother, he was preserved from the too common immoralities of youth. He was always kind and affectionate to her, and a great comfort, especially in the decline of her life. Being much secluded from the bustle and time-wasting gaieties of the town world, he addicted himself to reading and intellectual pursuits. In these he was much stimulated by an acquaintance, a medical student, at Cawood. This youth was the son of religious parents, and, though not a member of Society, was attached to the doctrine and discipline in which he had been reared. It is much to be lamented that no one of those who rejoiced over such a friendship had influence enough to lead the two young men to join to the people of God. The medical student died early in life, March, 1825. This bereavement increased Mr. Pick's seriousness, and confirmed his preference for the society of the pious. He freely used his pen in composing sketches and outlines Scripture passages; though, at a later date, in his review of this period, he pronounced himself unconverted. on In 1829, on returning from a visit to London, he became dangerously ill. He became alarmed, and wept much under the rebukes of a faithful Christian moni tor. He bewailed the folly of his indecision, and shuddered at the peril of his soul. On his recovery, he immediately joined the little Society, to which his mother belonged; and, what was still better, he gave earnest heed to work out his own salvation. Years of familiarity with Scripture truth had served to show him, that saving faith is the gift of God; and in some unrecorded hour he embraced "the witness of God" concerning His beloved Son. Thenceforward his faith grew in strength and fruitfulness. Those about him rejoiced to behold the beauty thus thrown, by the Holy Spirit, around the walk and converse of a well-conducted and intelligent man; and recognised the providence that had sheltered and preserved him for usefulness. The old leader would have gladly resigned to him his place of responsibility; but of this his fond mother would not hear. She had no idea of suddenly promoting novices; and, when it was proposed, she at once said, "Boys must keep their places.' After eighteen months, the church called him to devote his talents to proclaim "the reconciling word." He preached his first sermon at the neighbouring village of Hillam, on the text, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." The advantages of his years of mental training were at once apparent. As a preacher, he was fond of expatiating upon the blessedness of true religion. The Scriptural titles of the Saviour, as suggestive of the glory of His person, were among his frequent topics. But he could also declare the terrors of a broken law, as motives to that godly fear which is essential to true repentance. All who heard him were taught; believers were edified; and many were saved through his labours. Our beautiful hymns were thoroughly familiar to him; and few could use them better, in enforcing cr illustrating his subjects. As he never sought a supply for his appointments, and could thus be relied upon in the country places, he always had good congregations, and he was nowhere better received than in his own immediate neighbourhood. He was punctual in commencing the worship of God; hearty, while engaged in it; and, when his work was done for the day, no company could detain him beyond his time for returning to his family. When he ceased to be a farmer, and no longer kept a horse, he often walked many miles to fulfil his Sabbath duties, and that, to his physical injury, as the event showed. For some years he rendered much service to the cause of Missions; few village meetings in the Selby Circuit being held without his assistance. Having a retentive memory stored with Missionary information, and being natu rally witty and active in mind, he was often truly valuable, and always welcome. As a man of business, he was true to all appointments, and upright in all his transactions. When be gave counsel, it was in a few judicious words, without ostentation, or parade of superiority. His own motto was, "Let your moderation be known unto all men." masters have had such a character from Few their servants. Many of those who lived with him were led, by his advice and example, to seek personal religion. He was a class-leader twenty-five years, and was beloved and respected in this capacity. As Society and Circuit steward, he was also valued by his ministers and brethren. There was no remission of his labours until the end of 1859. His family, however, had for some time observed in him an abstractedness, and a growing meetness for heaven. His peaceful soul had long welcomed and cherished the solemn reflection, that eternity was not far distant. When confined to his chamber by incipient sickness, he at once set about arranging his papers, and completing his duties in connexion with chapel and circuit affairs; and, having given over his books to a friend, he seemed as one who had done with earth, and who indulged not the slightest expectation or desire to recover. His remaining days and nights were weary; but God was glorified by the cheerful manner in which His servant awaited the day of release. During the last afternoon of his life, he seemed in a dying state for about an hour, but was quite sensible. On his reviving a little, his wife remarked, "You have been very near your eternal home." He replied, "How delightful!" On her asking, "Have you no doubt or fear? is all calm within?"-with great animation he said, "Don't doubt or fear: I am longing to depart, and to be with Christ." Atlength the bonds were loosed, and his happy spirit escaped to the rest of the people of God, March 20th, 1860. S. P. H. On THE year 1861 was marked by a succession of terrible disasters to the steam-ships sailing from the port of Hull. It commenced ominously. the last night of 1860, a fearful storm swept over the North Sea; and three large steamers, then on their homeward voyage, were engulfed in the remorseless deep. Of one of these vessels, the "Wesley," belonging to Messrs. Z. C. Pearson & Co., the captain was MR. SAMUEL HERON; who had been a member of the Methodist Society from his youth, and who, for several years past, had been recognized as one of the most devout and godly captains connected with the port. It He was naturally modest and retiring; and, consequently, when on shore, he was reluctant to speak or pray in any public religious service. On shipboard, however, his character as a Christian shone out most conspicuously. He felt the responsibility of having immortal souls under his care, and laboured incessantly to promote their spiritual good. should be noted, too, that, when in the port of a foreign land, he who in Christian England was chiefly remarkable for his humility and diffidence was bold as a lion. In acknowledgment of the eminent services he rendered to the cause of Christ among sailors, the "Port of Hull Society for the Religious Instruction of Seamen" presented him with a Bethel flag; and this he was accustomed to hoist every Sabbath-day, and occasionally, when opportunity served, during the week. Other pious captains would sometimes assist him in conducting public worship; and in such cases he was always ready to yield to them the more prominent place. But, whether sustained by the presence and help of other Christian men or not, Captain Heron uniformly maintained a faithful witness for Christ. During the late war with Russia, he was called to serve as a pilot, on one of Her Majesty's ships of war in the Baltic. In this position, the genuineness of the man, and of the religion he professed, was remarkably displayed. His first care was to take on board with him a large supply of tracts; and, after earnestly seeking direction and blessing from above, he commenced his evangelical labours by distributing them. At first he experienced some opposition; but by exhibiting the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and by prayer to God, he overcame it. Gradually, as his character became known, he found himself at liberty to extend his efforts. Not a boat now left the ship without carrying tracts to other vessels of the fleet; and, to show how this was appreciated, it is right to add, that there were occasions when boats came to the vessel for the express purpose of obtaining tracts. No chaplain being on board, he visited the sick in their berths; read and prayed with such of the men as were not on duty; and, before he left, on the Sabbath-day the "cockpit" was more than once crowded with men, who listened most eagerly, many of them with streaming eyes, while he read God's blessed Book, or some appropriate tract; or while he told them of the love of Jesus, and the happiness of religion, and the glories of the better land. In short, so entirely did he win the love and confidence of all on board, that, when he left the ship to return home, he received publicly the thanks of the officers and men for the good he had done. On the 28th of December, 1860, Captain Heron left Copenhagen, hoping, as winter was now closing the navigation of the Baltic, to have the joy of spending a few months with his wife and children. He was a man of warm affections, and dearly loved his home. But that home he never reached. Those months which he had hoped to spend in the bosom of his family, were spent by them in the agony of suspense; for, until the return of spring, the hope that he and the crew might have taken to their boats, and found refuge in some place inaccessible during winter, would not die away. But at length, the last spark was relinquished; and it became certain that he had found his last resting-place under the billows of the mighty ocean. |