friends of order, in painting in such lively colours the unhappy consequences of sectarianism in K- is furnished by the first paragraph of the Memorial; where it is most unadvisedly stated, that the poorest among the peasantry are induced to offer their most valuable property, such as gold, silver, silks, &c., &c. The logical conclusion to be drawn from this is, that Finland, particularly the parish of K-, must be a place of unexampled wealth, when the poorest (mark, the poorest') of the peasantry have gold, silver, &c., to dispose of. What then must the possessions of the rich be?

"The case has already been brought forward, at three extraordinary meetings of the sessions; and although the Memorial, as far as regards the holding of meetings, does not directly apply to the Clergy, yet five of these, besides about one hundred farmers, and several persons of rank, who have either allowed such meetings on their property, or attended them, have been summoned to attend. At whose instance the Clergymen named have been called to appear, remains a profound secret. We have requested to be informed of this, but hitherto without success.

"That the minds of our opponents are in a state of violent fermentation, which shuts their ears, and blinds their eyes, is very evident, when we consider that they, although learned in the law,' have entirely forgotten what the Royal Ordinances of January 12th, 1726, and March 20th, 1735, as also the Clerical Oath and other Government statutes require; (I must not of course refer to the contents of St. Paul's Epistles to Timothy and Titus ;) and now drag Ministers of religion before the temporal Court, because they, in fulfilling their official duties, instruct their hearers on Sabbath-afternoons. The historical records of our country cannot exhibit an instance of a similar proceeding. The case was brought forward again on the 25th of September last, and adjourned sine die. About one hundred witnesses were examined, of whom the greater part had to travel one hundred miles to the sessions, to testify that they had been occasionally present when the Clergyman gave Christian instruction to his flock. O tempora! O mores! During the examination of the witnesses, a charac teristic discovery was made, which awa kened the astonishment even of our ene mies. The witnesses who, with few exceptions, are universally known as incorrigible drunkards, and such like persons, who

"In order, we presume, to cool an excessive zeal, it has been so arranged, that the subordinate Clergymen charged have all been removed from the neighbourhood,-one even to beyond Tornea. The last mentioned has had full oppor tunity to reduce his temperature, (if journeying in the open air can do this,) seeing he was ordered, only three months after his arrival at the far-distant Tornea, to attend the sessions at K-; and had to travel two hundred and eighteen miles Swedish, (nearly fourteen hundred English!) to answer to the charge of encou raging, not drinking and dancing assem blies, but meetings for godly edification. Melancholy, indeed, would be the condition of the Heathen, if the rest of the civilized world took the same view of efforts to send the Gospel to the dark places of the earth, which is taken by our lower authorities. Christians, in other lands, think and act differently. The Lord grant them greater success in their endeavours, than we in our fatherland have met with! The hope of increasing, by our small contributions, the funds of the Swedish Missionary Society, has, for the present at least, vanished."

"THE religious awakening which has, by the blessing of God, taken place in the north of Finland, has, I am told, been reported sub secreto to the Imperial Senate, as entirely of a political character, and the Clergymen connected therewith have been represented as leaders of an association most dangerous to the public weal. The consequence of such misrepresentations may easily be anticipated. But I am too well acquainted with Acts xxiv. 2-8, to allow myself to feel astonishment or alarm at the most raging storms of Satanic wrath.

If God be for us, who can be against us?' General experience testifies, that, when the spirit of darkness is conquered in the theological field, he removes the strife within the political sphere, and fancies he has then reached his proper vantage-ground, in contending against the servants of Christ. The Jews could not obtain the crucifixion of our Saviour as a heretic; but they accomplished their end by charging him with sedition. The case comes on again

at K, the 19th of next month, and the Clergyman, referred to in my last, must anew take his long journey to appear there. He fearlessly continues holding meetings, and collecting for the Missions, to the great surprise of his opponents. May the God of peace strengthen us in our weakness !"

"In consequence of an unavoidable journey in another direction, for the performance of official duties, the Clergyman residing at Tornea had it not in his power to be present at the sessions last month. He sent in a Memorial, explaining the reason for his absence, as also containing his defence; but all this was of no avail. The Court, in direct opposition to existing laws, has, de jure, deprived this servant of God of his personal liberty, by ordering that he shall, by legal measures, be brought before the sessions next April. It depends therefore on the Crown Officer of the district, in whose power he is now left, whether or not this Clergyman of the national Church shall, as a prisoner, be conveyed to the next meeting of Court. Only Pastor M has been charged with promulgating erroneous doctrines. Such as personally know M, a man of good common sense, and richly gifted with spiritual knowledge and wisdom, on the one hand; and, on the other, the prosecutor, a man sunk into intemperance, and utterly destitute of literary, much more of religious, culture; cannot but consider his attack on Mas most absurd, and unfortunate for his own object. The Lord, whose ways are unsearchable, has so ordered it, that our enemies have ventured upon a field of contest, where they are by no means a match for us. To help the prosecutor out of the dilemma into which he was thrown by the natural question of M, What are the errors which I am charged with disseminating?' the Court decided that the prosecutor could not state particulars, the general charge being sufficient. Mis there charged with heresy, without being informed as to the doctrines deemed heretical."

"THE action against the Finnish Clergyman was resumed at the K-sessions, and continued for several days. On the evidence of one hundred and fifty witnesses, we had established the fact, that our meetings had no other object than the instruction of the people in Christianity; the promoters of the scheme perceiving that their gatherings from the political mine were by far too meager to support

the wished-for charge of sedition, turned their attention to another course of proceeding, which they hoped would be more successful. A scrutiny was commenced regarding our private and domestic life; and circumstances, having not the most distant connexion with meetings or Missionary-boxes, were inquired into. All that we have said for years gone by, on any subject, so far as the memory of the witness extends, is carefully entered in the minutes of evidence, without any reply being made to our inquiry as to why this is done. The following are among the general interrogations addressed to the witnesses: Have these Clergymen delivered the pure doctrines of the Gospel? Have they been burdensome to their congregations?' 'Have they persuaded any to put money in the Missionary-box? Have you seen what they have in their chests or presses?' 'Have you observed any intolerance in them?' &c., &c. To show whether our doctrine is consistent with the Bible, and the symbols of our Church, and whether our conduct diverges in any respect from that of the multitude, servants are called, and even drunkards from the spirit-shops. Can any one venture to say that the witnesses against us are competent ? Many of them, who are thus examined regarding our orthodoxy, cannot read with any correctness; and they are asked if the defendants are free from erroneous opinions! It would be less surprising if such witnesses as have been present at our meetings, and seen the Missionaryboxes, were allowed to testify to much irrelevant matter; but our amazement knows no bounds when we perceive that many witnesses who have never either the one or the other, are allowed, according to the words of one of our opponents, to make general reflections,' all which are inserted in the minutes, whether connected with the charges or not. One of these reflecting friends was a brother Clergyman. His evidence had no immediate reference to any of the persons charged; but he gladly embraced the opportunity of pouring out a flood of invective against all vital godliness, which he designated enthusiasm. During his extended fulminations, one of the defendants was reminded of the prayer of David, 2 Sam. xv. 31. Nor did he lift his soul to God in vain. The witness, in the heat of his zeal, forgot where he was, and the oath he had taken, departing most grievously from the truth. It turned out so, that he cited a certain document in support of his statements, which, by the marvellous arrangements

seen

of the God of grace, was actually in the possession of one of the defendants; and the production of which in Court convicted the unguarded witness of perjury. This seemed to operate as a check on our persecutors. The case was, however, again adjourned, to give the prosecutor time for producing further evidence.”

"I REFERRED in a former letter to a religious awakening in the neighbourhood of N- C, where a young Clergyman, Mr. O, has zealously endeavoured to fulfil his spiritual engagements. He also has been prosecuted before the Court, and I have now the opportunity of stating the result. The charge against him is, that he has, on seven several Sabbath-days, had meetings of the people, to examine them in the Catechism, and promote their Christian improvement. For this, and no other crime, he is fined two hundred and eighty-eight rubles; and inasmuch as the meetings were held on the Lord's day, he is fined one hundred rubles eighty kopecks for SABBATH-BREAKING! O having

presented a memorial to the Court, demonstrating that it was his unavoidable official duty as a public Teacher, thus in season and out of season to instruct his people, he is fined for this act twentyeight rubles eighty kopecks. Of the other persons charged, a farmer is fined three hundred rubles; and the others, some fifty, some thirty. The case is carried to the High Court at W, and the Consistory of A.

"The examinations against us at K were continued and adjourned more than once, to afford time for further evidence.' That we may expect a much more severe sentence than O.

is clear, inasmuch as we have held more numerous meetings. The general opinion is, that we shall, for our meetings and Missionary-boxes, be fined heavily, and deprived of our clerical office. In the midst of all these storms and hinderances, the work of the Lord proceeds gloriously. With heartfelt joy I can assure you, that the God of love has employed these persecutions as a means of awakening not a few to a concern for their souls. Praised be His gracious name for ever! Many young Clergymen in the north and south of Finland have listered to the call of God, seek eternal life for themselves and others, and conduct regularly such meetings as those for holding which we suffer. Among the students in W, many have been quickened by the Spirit of God. The mind which was in Christ

Jesus, is rooted in many directions, and spreads; so that Satan will require much time, labour, and pains, to darken that sun of righteousness, which has arisen, after a glorious dawning, upon a people sitting in darkness. The Lord help and strengthen us now and ever! Amen."

"F. September 18th, 1839. "AT length, the long-continued and oft-adjourned prosecution against us has been brought to a close at the Ksessions. The prosecutor craved a sentence against the Clergymen charged, condemning them to double penalties, and urged that M- D, and L-should be deprived of their office, and banished from the country. The Court, in passing sentence, remitted the whole case, as regards the Clergymen, to the decision of the Consistorial Court in A—. But the farmers and others who had either opened their rooms for, or attended, the so-called illegal meetings, were amerced in fines amounting to a total sum of not less than twelve thousand rix-dollars (about £700). Both prosecutor and defendants complained of the sentence, and appealed to the High Court. One farmer was fined fourteen rubles forty kopecks for the crime of having a Missionary-box in his house. A peasant was fined fourteen rubles forty kopecks, because he had sung one of the songs of Zion,' on a Saturday evening, at home in his own house, and an equal sum for Sabbath-breaking; it being carried that the Sabbath begins at 6 P. M. on Saturday. Various articles which had been contributed to the Mission cause, and the proceeds arising from the sale of which would have been transmitted to the Swedish Missionary Society, were confiscated, and ordered to be sold by publie auction, for the benefit of the poor of the parish of K

"Is it possible that we live in a Christian land, and experience such things? The Teacher is visited with pains and penalties, because he instructs his hearers; the hearers are amerced in unheardof heavy fines, because they listen to the It is instructions of their Teachers! now established in our country, that a Crown Officer can set at nought the Clergy's liberty of teaching,-a liberty secured to our forefathers, by the Kings of Sweden, and solemnly pledged to us by the Emperor of Russia. We need not go further in search of the cause of all this, than the truth, that as in the beginning, so now, he that is born after the flesh persecutes him that is born after the Spirit. The original enmity

between the Seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent continues to operate. But praised be the God of grace, who has counted us worthy to suffer shame for the name of our Lord Jesus. A time of refreshing from the Lord has certainly been sent to our land. We had deeply

interested hearers at the sessions of K

from numerous and far-distant places; for the most part Ministers of the Gospel, burning with zeal to contend manfully against Satan and his hosts. Pray for us, that we may be faithful unto death."

1. DIED, October 28th, 1838, at Morton, in the Bingley Circuit, Robert Swindlehurst, aged twenty-four years. He was born in the neighbourhood of Garstang, and at an early age was sent to the Wesleyan Sunday-school in his native village. He was very attentive to the instructions which he received; and these, under the blessing of God, produced great seriousress in him, and led him to avoid the company of those who did not fear God. His parents removing to Morton, he became a Teacher in the Sunday-school, and was not less diligent in instructing, than he had been in receiving instruction. He was likewise a zealous and successful Collector for the Wesleyan Missionary Society. He had, while quite young, joined the Methodist society, and his behaviour corresponded with his profession. He was careful to improve what leisure time he had; and when his earnings were but small, he contrived to purchase Mr. Wesley's Sermons and Journals, Dr. Clarke's Commentary, the Wesleyan Magazine, the Youth's Instructer, and a good collection of other useful books. When his health began to fail, he went for some time to his native village; but the change of air produced no beneficial effect. It was evident that he was in a rapid consumption, and he returned home very much reduced in strength. His spirits, too, were much depressed, and his religious enjoyments low. He seemed to look so much at the greatness and holiness of God, as to be hindered in the exercise of childlike confidence. His Christian friends, who visited him, directed his particular attention to Christ, and he soon entered into a clearer liberty, and was filled with all joy and peace through believing. He contemplated the approach of death with great calmness; divided his books among his brothers and sisters; and often administered consolation to his sorrowing mother, by reminding her how brief would be the period of separation, and how joyful the

2. Died, December 6th, at Hedley, in the Gateshead Circuit, Thomas Phillipson, aged forty-one years. He was from an early period of his life a subject of the strivings of the Holy Spirit; but not until he was twenty-six years of age did he fully yield to them, and become a subject of God's saving grace. At this time, the death of his beloved grandfather was sanctified to the conversion of his soul. He was by this event led to see the depravity of his own heart, and his guilty and dangerous condition. He sought deliverance from his intolerable load by applying to the Lord Jesus Christ. In doing this, he had such a sight given him of the ability and willingness of the Saviour, that he was enabled to cast his soul, by simple faith, at the foot of the cross, and was at once blessed with a consciousness of the divine favour. He immediately joined the Wesleyan society; saying, in the language of Scripture, "This people shall be my people; and their God, my God." For several years, he filled the office of Local Preacher with great acceptance. He was also ready for every good word and work. He was especially diligent in visiting the sick; to many of whom his visits were much blessed. Through the greatest part of his life, he had to pass through painful afflictions; but after his conversion to God he found them all sanctified. His last illness, an enlargement of the heart, was exceedingly severe; but through the whole period he manifested the utmost resignation to the divine will. Many were the pious counsels and edifying words which dropped from his lips, and great the support which he received from on high.

Sometimes, in the midst of his sufferings, he would exclaim,

"The rougher the way, thejshorter the stay, The troubles that rise,

Shall gloriously hurry our souls to the skies."

On the Wednesday evening previous to his death, a friend visiting him, inquired, after prayer, the state of his mind. He said, "O how I mourn over my shortcomings and omissions! yet I feel I am on the Rock of Ages, the Rock which has borne thousands and never given way." His friend then directed him to Christ, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Immediately he exclaimed, in a burst of holy joy, "Bless the Lord! Hallelujah, for a precious Intercessor ! He continued in this state of holy peace and triumph until the next evening, when, without a struggle, he entered into the "rest which remaineth for the people of God."

WILLIAM BOND.

RECENT DEATHS.

OCT. 14th, 1839.-At Stewton, in the Louth Circuit, Mr. John Babington, aged seventy-three. For more than twenty years he was a useful and esteemed Class-Leader. He died praying for his family, and rejoicing in God. H. P.

Oct. 234.-At Short-Grove Cottage, Clifton, in the Bristol North Circuit, Mr. Samuel Williams, aged sixty-one. When about twenty years of age, he was convinced of sin, and converted to God, by means of the simple, but effectual, ministrations of the well-known Mr. James Bundy, who afterwards became his fatherin-law. Deep and influential piety, unswerving devotedness to God, untiring zeal in his cause, and extensive benevolence, were some of the most prominent features of his character. For many years he filled the office of Class-Leader with great fidelity and usefulness. His attachment to "Methodism as it is," his admiration of its discipline, and his interest in its prosperity, were of the highest order. It is conceived, the disease which brought him to his end was principally induced by the rupture of a blood-vessel, while exerting himself in public speaking at a Centenary Meeting. During a protracted illness, he manifested the highest Christian principle, and exemplified the virtues of religion. Death was stripped of all its terrors to him; and he calmly waited for his change, with an unshaken faith in the atonement, and with an unwavering hope of heaven. Suddenly (from the rupture of another artery) his prepared spirit entered upon its eternal rest. W. R. W.

Oct. 27th.-At the Long-Sight Crescent, near Manchester, Sarah E. Robinson, in the twentyeighth year of her age. She adorned her Christian profession by a life of uniform and consistent piety, Humility was a prominent feature in her character: she ever accounted herself less than

the least of all saints. Love seemed to dictato her every word and action. Throughout her last affliction she manifested the greatest patience, and the most entire resignation to the will of God. It was hoped by her friends that a change of air would prove beneficial; but the effect was unfavourable, and she returned to die. When asked if she did not feel impatient to be gone, she replied, "O, no. The Lord knows when it will be best to take me." Her ripeness for the eternal world was apparent to all; and she knew that to die would be gain. E. B.

Oct. 31st.-At North-Cotes, in the Louth Circuit, Theophilus Stubbs, aged sixty-five. He was converted to God in the year 1819, and was for ten years a faithful Class-Leader. He was a man of a meek and quiet spirit, "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile." His end was triumphant. H. P.

Nov. 3d.-At Loddon, in the Bungay Circuit, aged seventy-two, Mr. William Leman. For fifty-one years he had been a member of the Wesleyan society, and nearly thirty a useful Class-Leader. The Lord had blessed him in his worldly circumstances; but he exercised a godly jealousy over his own heart, lest it should be corrupted by prosperity. His last illness was severe, and at times he suffered much from " the enemy; but he held fast his confidence in God his Saviour. To the last he witnessed that Christ was precious to him. He died in great peace, leaving none to speak evil of him.

W. G., sen.

Nov. 7th.-At Wollaston, in the Wellingborough Circuit, Mrs. Jane Hurry. When only eight years of age, she felt the importance of religion, and frequently retired into secret for the purpose of prayer. About twelve years ago she joined the Methodist society, and was soon made a happy subject of true religion; which was a source of comfort and joy to her in affliction and death. A few days before she died, she requested that her children should be brought to her bed-side. In behalf of each of them, she offered an appropriate prayer to God. Many were the sentences which dropped from her lips, expressive of the peaceful state of her mind; some of which were: "I want to depart, to praise God." "Surely God never showed such kindness to any of his creatures, as he does to me. He deals with me in mercy and love. I could clap my hands for joy." After commending her soul to God in prayer, she fell asleep in Jesus, W. P.

Nov. 12th.-At Burnley, Mrs. Pollard, relict of Mr. John Pollard, and daughter of the late Mr. William Hopwood. Thirty years ago she obtained vital religion, and became united with the Methodist society; of which she continued a consistent member to the day of her death. Through the last eighteen months of her life she - was a subject of much affliction, but was enabled, with Christian resignation and fortitude, to suffer the will of her heavenly Father. She expressed an increasing confidence in the atonement, as her end approached. Not long before she died, when apparently agonized with pain, a