the divine glory in the salvation of his fellow men. He was a kind husband and an affectionate father, a good neighbour, and a consistent member of the church of Christ. May his decease be sanctified to the everlasting good of all surviving friends. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." His death was improved to an attentive congregation, "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh."

MR. JAMES, OF BRISTOL,

OUR friend in early youth was characterized by an impetuosity of spirit and a daring disposition. His parents were members of the Established Church, and with them he regularly attended its services; but his moral life was unaffected by the precepts of the gospel, or the good example set before him by his parents, who were exemplary in their outward conduct, but strangers to the religion of the heart.

He was distinguished for his great physical strength, which was foolishly employed in various athletic diversions, especially those of ringing, wrestling, and various gymnastics sports. He was often the successful competitor in such exercises, and bore away the prize from the circle in which he exhibited.

He was married to a young woman who had attended the Methodist ministry, and by her persuasion was induced to take a sitting in the chapel. Under the word, he soon became convinced of sin, and discovered that he was both by nature and practice a child of wrath and an heir of hell. He remained in a most wretched condition for a considerable time, until at last he received the spirit of adoption, which enabled him to say, Abba, Father. From this period to his death his conscience was preserved in heavenly peace, the love of God was shed abroad in his heart, and practically exemplified by him in all the relations of life.

His religion was of the most ardent and active character; it glowed in his heart, and appeared in his life and conversation. His was a faith which worked by love, and like that of the patriarch of old, bade him go forward at the command of God, without at all calculating on the dangers, difficulties, or obstacles that might lie in his path.

He became a zealous tract distributor,

Sunday-school teacher, and prayer leader. His attention was more particularly directed to Sunday-schools, as an efficient mode of usefuluess to the rising generation; and through the children, to their parents and other relations. The youths confided to his care experienced his great solicitude for their spiritual instruction and salvation. Oftentimes the great truths of the gospel, the subject of their reading, were expounded, and pressed with peculiar energy and point upon their attention; and the blessing of the Lord was with him, presenting to his sight abundant fruit as the result of his efforts.

He earnestly desired the salvation of all, especially his relations and neighbours, the latter of whom he incessantly invited to accept of Christ as the great atonement; he would expostulate with them, and invite them to unite with him in the service of God, and often with great success.

The doctrine of the atonement, through which he had received his hope of future blessedness, was a theme on which he delighted to dwell, and frequently when engaged in the business of life he would pause in the midst thereof, and from the fulness of his heart, exclaim, "Oh, the atonementthe blessed atonement!"

He continued to labour on until he was seized with a severe disease which proved to be the messenger for his removal from the militant to the church triumphant. His complaint baffled all medical skill, and death advanced rapidly; yet such was the character of the disease, that he was not laid aside altogether from the duties of life, although he had been apprised of its malignant character, and the certainty of its issue being fatal.

While the pious individuals of his family were a cause of great comfort to him, there was one who caused feelings in his dying breast which could not but be a source of great uneasiness. His nephew, who resided with him (a young man of considerable attainments), was sceptical in religious matters, and would frequently grieve his uncle by his sarcastic scoffings at the doctrine of the atonement, causing the good man frequently to remark, "that it placed thorns in his pathway to the grave."

On the day of his death many of his friends called to see him, with whom he conversed most cheerfully (his health being better than usual), dwelling with

great animation on his favourite theme -the atonement, when a sudden change was observed in his countenance; he beckoned to his nephew (before alluded to), who instantly went to his uncle's side, and by whom he was desired to raise him from the chair on which he was sitting. His request was complied with, but he again requested to be raised a little higher; then, placing his right arm around his nephew's neck, and fixing his eyes upon him in the most expressive manner, and with a benignant smile, said, "Ned, Ned,* I can do nothing without the atonement now, all is resting upon it, I am happy-very happy -blessed atonement! Dying, it enables me to find my latest foe under my feet at last." The words being accompanied by stamping one of his feet on the floor, when immediately his eyes closed, his jaw fell-his spirit had taken its flight to God and heaven. He died without a struggle or a groan, leaning his head upon his nephew's shoulder.

His happy spirit had departed to join the hosts above, in ascribing salvation to Him, through the blood of whose atonement he had achieved the victory and won the crown.

JAMES PHILLIPS.

Bristol, Jan. 1855.

* His name was Edward, but this was the familiar style in which he always addressed him.

portment from that period to the time of his death. He was very useful in the Sabbath-school, and was greatly beloved by the teachers and friends generally. The circumstances under which he was removed from all things earthly were exceedingly afflictive and painful. Towards the end of October, this town was visited with an outbreak of Asiatic cholera, and for several weeks the disease raged with considerable violence. Our lamented friend was among the number of its victims. At the time his spirit quitted its "earthly tabernacle," his dear partner -labouring under the same diseasewas hanging in the balance between life and death; and shortly after a beloved child fell before the same destroyer, and followed its father to the realms of glory. In another day or two the mother of Mrs. Rea died of the same disease, and several other members of the family were affected with it, more or less. May these dispensations be sanctified to those who survive. Although, owing to the nature of the disease, no joyous utterances escaped the lips of our brother, yet he was sustained under his sufferings, and in the last conflict, by the grace of God, and not a doubt can be entertained as to his eternal safety. Dewsbury.

L. SAXTON.

RECENT DEATHS.

MARY CAVE.

Died at Dewsbury, September 20th, 1854, aged thirty-four years, Mary Cave. She had been a member of our church in this town about five years. The disease which resulted in the removal of our sister from amongst us was typhus fever. During her affliction she enjoyed the support and consolations of the gospel, and, when in possession of her intellectual faculties, was enabled to express strong confidence in God. Her end was peace. Dewsbury. L. SAXTON.

MR. JAMES REA.

Our dear brother left this world for a better on the morning of November 9th, 1854, aged thirty-one years. He joined the church when about fifteen years old, and "adorned his profession of religion by a consistent de

MR. JOHN TILSTON.

Died at Liverpool, January 11th, 1855, Mr. John Tilston, in the fiftysixth year of his age. Brother Tilston had been confined to his room for about four months. His sufferings were great, but borne with exemplary patience and resignation to the will of God. The disease under which he laboured seemed for a season to have abated, and it was hoped by his friends that his valuable life would have been spared. It returned, however, upon him with redoubled force, and on the morning of January 11th he expired without a groan. In his last moments he testified that he felt Christ was precious. His death, though gain to him, will prove a great loss to the circuit. No man was ever more universally beloved and respected.

As an affectionate husband, a tender parent, a generous, sympathizing friend, a useful local preacher, an efficient class teacher, a zealous and active

member, and a staunch supporter of our Connexion, few, if any, ever exceeded our lamented Brother Tilston. His

remains were followed to the grave by a numerous circle of weeping relatives and friends. J. N.

"Voices of many Waters; or Travels in the Lands of the Tiber, the Jordan, and the Nile, with Notices of Asia Minor, Constantinople, Athens, &c." By Rev. T. W. Aveling. London : John Snow.

A severe and protracted illness having incapacitated Mr. Aveling from his public duties as a minister, he was induced by medical advice to seek a change of scenery and occupation for some months, and to pass the winter in a more genial clime than what our northern latitude affords. In the autumn of 1853 he set out, selecting for his temporary sojourn those countries which, in beauty of natural scenery, in architectural monuments, and historical associations, undoubtedly embrace the most interesting spots in our world. The classic waters of the Tiber, the Nile, the Hellespont, and the sacred streams of the Jordan, mark the course of our traveller; and Switzerland, Italy, Malta, Egypt, Palestine, Constantinople, Athens, and Venice dot the scenes which he describes with photographic fidelity, and life-like freshness. In passing over so vast a tract within the brief period of eight months, fulness of detail cannot be expected as the result of personal observation, when the author's attention was divided by the rival claims of objects so numerous and attractive. The wonder is that, within the limits of 500 pages, the outline should be so complete and the sketches so truly graphic and interesting. During the author's sojourn among the descendants of obsolete nations, the fading vestiges of classic story, and the colossal monuments of the sacred records, his powers of observation were quite awake, and he has transferred to the pages of this beautiful volume a vivid and panoramic impression of the diversified scenes that came under his vigilant eye. We like the style of Mr. Aveling; it is free from all stiffness

and affectation; it is clear, expressive, and elegant, and interlaced with a rich poetic vein, and here and there we find a few golden nuggets and sparkling gems of original poetic composition. We most cordially recommend this volume to our readers, assuring them that they will find a treat of instruction and entertainment in perusing its pages.

"The Ecclesiastical Principles and Polity of the Wesleyan Methodists; being a full and impartial account of the entire Political and Ecclesiastical Economy of the Connexion." By William Peirce. London: Hamilton and Adams.

This comprehensive volume is not a mere reprint of Warren or Grindrod, but a work entirely free from all party bias, and presents a larger amount of well-authenticated information relating to the Discipline and General Economy of Wesleyan-Methodism, than has ever before been collected. The work is printed on superfine paper, with new type, and is executed in a superior and costly manner. It contains a brief sketch of the birth, life, labours, and death of the great Founder of Methodism, an attested copy of his Will,the Deed of Declaration,-Plan of Pacification,-Trust Deeds, and every other connexional document of importance.

Also a full and interesting account of the origin, design, and mode of conducting all the private and public Devotional Meetings and Means of Grace, together with the whole of the laws which have, from time to time, been enacted, relating to the Discipline, Officers, Institutions, and Ecclesiastical arrangements; the powers, constitution, and functions of all the Local Courts, District Meetings, and the Conference; with every circumstance of interest and importance connected with the rise and progress of Methodism, from the earliest period to the present day, carefully compiled and classified from Mr. Wesley's Journals and the

Minutes of Conference; with copious extracts from Drs. Beecham, Bunting, Coke, Whitehead, Warren; the Rev. Messrs. Entwisle, Grindrod, Garrett, Moore, Myles, Thomas Jackson, Treffry, Watson, and others. The whole authenticated by marginal notes, referring to the title and page of the work from which each extract has been made, with parallel notations indicating the subject matter throughout the entire work. Those who desire to have a full and correct knowledge of Wesleyanism, what it is, and how it has grown to its present elaborate economy, will here find the information desired; and some important and curious matter, suppressed or withheld in Warren, Grindrod, and others, is here faithfully supplied.

"The Science of Arithmetic; a Systematic Course of Numerical Reasoning and Computation, with very numerous Exercises." By James Cornwell, Ph.D. and Joshua G. Fitch, M. A. London: Simpkin, Marshall, and Co., Hamilton and Adams, &c.

The plan of this work on Arithmetic is admirable. It contains the philosophy of numbers, and renders that philosophy as simple as the easiest elements of learning. It gives a reason for every rule and explains the mode and result of its application by appropriate illustrations, conducting the learner step after step, by the most simple and rational process, from the lowest grade to the higher attainments in arithmetical computation. We have hitherto seen no work of the kind which we regard as equal to this.

"The Wesleyan Pulpit," January, 1855. Sermons by Rev. William Arthur and Rev. John Hartley. London: Partridge and Oakey.

This is the commencement of a new series of discourses by Wesleyan ministers, to be published monthly. The discourse by Mr. Arthur is remarkably plain and simple, but fraught with evangelical sentiment, and well adapted to instruct and edify the Christian. The discourse of Mr. Hartley is not completed in the present number, but so far as it is published, it is a faithful and luminous exposition of the sublime morality and evangelical obedience enforced by the gospel of Christ.

"The Prison Opened and the Captive Loosed; or the Life and Death

of a Thief as seen in the Death of a Penitent." By Josiah Viney. London: John Snow.

This is a narrative of thrilling interest. The confessions of a poor dying penitent, who began his career as a petty thief. and pursued his downward course of dishonesty and vice until the horrors of imprisonment and transportation were followed by destruction of health and premature death as the reward of his evil doings. But through the zealous labours of Christian philanthropists he was brought to penitence and salvation, and expired in humble dependence on Him who said to the expiring thief, "This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." Truly this is a brand plucked from the fire. rescue of this poor wanderer speaks volumes in favour of the domiciliary visitation and labours of the London City Mission.

The

"The Punishment of Death." By John Rippon. London: W. and F.

Cash.

Mr. Rippon has furnished a calm and dispassionate argument against capital punishment. If we cannot see eye to eye with the author, we admire his candid temper and reasoning power. It is the production of no ordinary mind, and his arguments are worthy of sober consideration.

"The Census of Sunday Schools." An Appeal addressed to the Conductors of Schools, by the Committee of the Sunday School Union.

The national census of 1851 has greatly stimulated inquiry and benevolent effort. In the little work before us, we have a digest of the facts and figures furnished respecting the effects of Sabbath-school operations. It appears that out of a population of 3,681,522 children of the working classes, not less than 2,407,642 are actually on the books as Sabbath-scholars under the care of 318,135 teachers; showing that every fifty-sixth person in England and Wales is a Sundayschool teacher, and supplying one teacher for every seven and a half scholars. While these facts are encouraging and highly honourable to the voluntary principle, there are others which loudly call for additional effort. This little work should be studied by Christians of all denominations.

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"What is a Christian?" Second edition. London: Jackson and Walford. A very good little book-faithful, earnest, evangelical, and practical. "The Band of Hope Review for 1854." Partridge and Oakey.

anec

This volume, so full of dote, fact, and pictorial illustration, is well fitted to amuse, instruct, and profit young people promoting habits of temperance, obedience, and piety.

DEATH OF DR. BEAUMONT.-Just before we go to press with the last sheet of this number, the melancholy intelligence of the sudden death of this devoted, eloquent, and useful minister of the gospel has reached us. A correspondent who was present at the scene of his death writes us

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"6, Wright-street, Hull, January 21, 1855. "DEAR MR. EDITOR-Sudden death to the children of God is sudden glory. We know not the hour when the Son of Man shall come. How happy the lot of

those who are prepared for their change! To-day the school sermons were to be preached in Waltham-street Wesleyan chapel here. The excellent Dr. Beaumont was to preach in the morning, and the Rev. J. Lomas in the evening. I and a friend went to hear Dr. Beaumont. That pious, noble-minded, and useful minister was engaged in opening the service with that beautiful hymn

'Eternal Power, whose high abode.'

He gave out

"Thee, while the first Archangel sings, He hides his face behind his wings.' "The organ had just began, when, in a moment, this blessed man fell down in the pulpit. Friends went to his aid-he was carried into the vestry; and in six or seven minutes it was announced to the congregation that he was no more. The people were deeply affected, many weeping aloud. The service was aban

doned, and the people retired from the chapel with a heavy heart at the thought of their sudden loss. The sight of a dear wife and children clinging around him was very affecting.

"Thus has ended the useful life of this man of God. He resided in the street in which I am staying, and his dead body was borne up from the chapel to his house by loving friends, surrounded by a large part of the congregation-an affecting sight. He has indeed 'ceased at once to work and live.'

"May we apply our hearts to heavenly wisdom.

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THE BURNETT TREATISES.-The decision of the great literary prizes-one of £1,800, and another of £600-to the authors of the two best treatises on the being and attributes of God," has just been announced. The successful competitors were found to be-for the first prize, the Rev. Robert Anchor Thompson, A. M., of Louth; and for the second, the Rev. John Tullock, principal of St. Mary's College, St. Andrew's, Scotland. There were 208 treatises lodged. The judges were Professors Baden Powell, Henry Rodgers, and Mr. Isaac Taylor; and in their report they speak somewhat disparagingly even of the successful treatises.

THE WAR IN THE CRIMEA.-The allied armies continue to advance their ramparts nearer to Sebastopol, but no assault has yet been attempted. Our soldiers have suffered much from cold, hunger, and severe duty by night and day, and, as the result, an awful amount of sickness and mortality has prevailed, an average of 100 each day being carried either to the hospital or the grave. Every mind possessing a spark of humanity must earnestly wish that this sanguinary conflict were at an end, and the fierce Demon of Battle were for ever banished from the habitations of men. The present war will, we think, make many converts to the principles of the Peace Society.

THE PRINCIPALITIES.-The following official intelligence has been telegraphed from Vienna:-" During the night of the 7th inst. a Russian detachment crossed the Danube, and advanced as far as Babadagh. The Russians captured eighty-three Turks and one flag. After this exploit the whole Russian detachment returned to Ismail, in Bessarabia. The Turks had a few men killed, and the Russians also suffered a small loss."