he could. His last illness was not any particular disease, but a gradual decay, which he patiently endured, frequently longing to be gone. A short time before his death he said, "Now Lord, let thy servant see thy salvation, teach me thy way come Lord Jesus!" After which his happy spirit exchanged time for a glorious immortality. DIED, at Bradford, on the 4th October, 1848, Mrs. Mary Horner, aged 57 years. She was converted at the age of fourteen, under the ministry of Mr. Bramwell, and was about forty-three years a Methodist. For about two years she enjoyed sanctification, and was so much esteemed by the family where she lived in York, that one of the ladies met in band with her. She was truly a most upright, holy, intelligent, humble, liberal, and courageous Christian, A most affectionate mother, an industrious managing wife, and an excellent neighbour. She has left the legacy of a bright example to her children, husband, and friends, who greatly mourn over their loss, which is her infinite gain. Her heart was more liberal than her means to the poor, the cause of God and his ministers; whose visits, prayers, and conversations she greatly enjoyed. Her death came suddenly. The afternoon before, she took tea with an old friend, got home about ten o'clock, went to bed at eleven, and shortly after twelve was seized with apoplexy; she never spoke again; and at a quarter to three, her holy, happy, intelligent spirit took its flight, from a delicate suffering body, and trying world, to Christ in his paradise of glory, with whom she now lives and reigns. J. T. DIED, November 2nd, 1848, at Tallow Hill, Worcester, Mr. John Billington. He was at chapel the previous Sabbath evening, and was sufficiently well to be at his occupation on the early part of Monday; nor was his illness thought likely to be fatal, until late upon Wednesday. He died, however, on the evening of the following day. The deceased had been a member and local preacher for the last ten years; having come as such from another religious body to our own at that date. During the last twenty-four hours of life he was incapable of conversation, but previously to that, and from the time of his illness, he expressed himself in the most satisfactory manner as to his religious experience, and the view with which he contemplated his dissolution. With the utmost confidence it may be said, "His end was peace." NICHOLAS RIPPON. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THE HON. AND REV. BAPTIST W. NOEL. WE have received information, from undoubted authority, that the Hon. and Rev. Baptist Wriothesley Noel has resolved, in a short time, to separate himself from the Established Church. A report to this effect having obtained premature publicity, through the incaution of a confidential friend, rendered immediate further explanation needful. Consequently Mr. Noel, at a meeting of heads of families, members of his congregation,-held on the day but one before that on which we write this,stated, that for some time he had doubted the propriety of the union between the Church and the State; and that, after much prayerful investigation of the question, he had come to the determination of withdrawing from the Establishment. This announcement was received with much regret by many of those who were present; and urgent entreaties were addressed to Mr. Noel, to reconsider his determination. He stated that his purpose was fixed; although it was painful to him to withstand the entreaty of his friends, he must obey the dictates of conscience. He also stated it to be his intention to continue his ministry in the chapel of St. John's (which is rented by him) until midsummer next; after which he purposes to publish his reasons for his withdrawal from the Establishment; and that as to his future course he had not yet determined, but intends, after midsummer, to be silent for some time, and to give himself to the study of God's word. When a short time since we reviewed Mr. Noel's lecture on the Persecutions in the Canton de Vaud, we expressed our opinion, that the sentiments contained therein are opposed to the Establishment principle. We congratulate ourselves, and all other dissenters, on the accession to our ranks of so amiable, highly gifted, and truly valuable minister of Christ. Mr. Noel's present congregation is very numerous and influential. We understand that the average annual amount which it contributes for Christian benevolent purposes is four thousand pounds. LONDON FIRST CIRCUIT. ON Friday, the 27th of October, a very interesting meeting of the friends of Christian Union, was held in the commodious school-room, under the Wesleyan Methodist Association Chapel, Charlotte-street, Caledonian-road, Islington. The Rev. R. Eckett presided, gave out the hymns which were sung, and introduced the other ministers who took a part in the services of the evening. The Rev. J. A. Miller, Independent, read a chapter and offered prayer. The Rev. W. M. Bunting read and expounded a part of the fifth chapter of the first epistle of John. The Rev. O. Clarke, Baptist, read a portion of Scripture and prayed. Prayer was also offered by the Rev. Dr. Hoby, Baptist; and by Mr. Palmer, Scripture reader. A delightful holy feeling pervaded the meeting, and many who were present expressed the delight with which they had enjoyed this opportunity of cultivating and manifesting Christian love. On Sunday, the 12th of November, were preached the anniversary sermons for the Sunday-school belonging to Earlstreet Chapel, London-road. In the morning by the Rev. Robt. Eckett, and in the evening by the Rev. Dr. Alliott, of York-road Chapel. The Doctor's own pulpit was supplied by the Rev. R. Eckett. BIRMINGHAM. ON Sunday, the 22nd of October last, our Chapel Anniversary sermons were preached. The Rev. A. Weston preached in the morning from Matt. xiii. 58; and in the evening from Luke xv. 10. The discourses were excellent, and powerfully set forth the great truths contained in the texts-and a solemn awe pervaded the congregations. The Rev. Dr. Dixon, of the Wesleyan Conference Connexion, preached in the afternoon, and a number of the Conference friends visited us on the occasion. The Dr. took for his text Eph. vi. 24-" Grace be with all them that love Although the weather was very NORTHAMPTON. TO THE EDITOR,-Dear Sir, WE have recently had our chapel cleaned, and otherwise improved, in consequence of which considerable expense has been incurred. Our anniversary sermons were preached on the 15th of October, by the Rev. Joseph Lea, of Kislingbury. The collections were good, and the private subscriptions, for defraying the cost of the repairs, were very liberal. In this in stance, our dear friends, (though generally poor,) have given pleasing evidence of their attachment to our cause. One individual, a working man,-who was formerly a member of the Conference connexion, but has recently joined the Wesleyan Association-voluntarily and cheerfully contributed a sovereign. Such a noble example is worthy of imitation, and deserves to be placed on permanent record. By the kind aid of our faithful friend Mr. Wilsden, who acts as treasurer, we shall, I trust, be able to go on comfortably. Although, as to our spiritual position and prospects, we cannot greatly exult, yet we have cause of encouragement and gratitude. While we have to mourn over the defection of some who are "unstable as water and cannot excel," we rejoice in the firmness and promise of others, who have lately become members of our society. Within the last few days affliction and death have visited our church: oh! that this visitation may be sanctified to the good of our own souls, and to the glory of God. I am happy to say that cheering tokens of the Divine presence are frequently vouchsafed to us; but we are looking for more signal outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Arise, O God, and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come." T. SWALLOW. HAMBURG. TO THE EDITOR,-DEAR SIB, It is my duty again to address you a few lines; and never did I do so with so much sincere gratitude to Almighty God, for preservation and blessing in the midst of prevailing disease and death. During the last few weeks, that terrible scourge, the cholera, though now much abated, has been making fearful ravages in this wicked city, and it has been my painful duty to minister religious instruction and comfort to many of my countrymen severely suffering from its attacks; and my still more painful lot to perform the last duties of humanity and religious rite over the earthly remains of many, who after a very few hours of painful struggle, have been taken from the midst of their companions and shipmates, to appear before Gol and receive their reward in a world of spirits. It has been deeply affecting to see their brave surviving companions, in solemn silence at the grave side, evince the deep emotions of their hearts by their involuntary tears coursing each other down their weatherbeaten cheeks, and then, in a manner peculiar to the sailor himself, bid final adieu to the remains of those who have successfully aided, in many a storm, to battle the perils of the great deep. Some of the cases have been very affecting. One who has died has left a pious wife and two young children to feel his loss. Another had been mar→ ried only a few weeks when he left England, and had, just before his death, written to his wife, to say that they were about to sail, and that, having been some months from home, he should spend the winter with her. A third was a youth eighteen years old, the only child, the darling son of a widowed mother, whose tender anxiety for him was manifested by her never failing presence on the pier head, whenever the ship in which he sailed was expected to arrive; and, though it might be in the dark and silent hour of midnight, amid torrents of rain, this mother's voice was always the first to salute the returning ship, by calling the name of her son; and her heartfelt satisfaction was to hear the sailor boy respond, 66 I Mother, I am here ! Alas! alas ! the anguish of that mother's heart. May God and the assurances of his love be the solace of her distracted mind. might fill my paper with particularizing the various cases, but I must cut short this tale of woe, and speak of better things. The effect of this visitation has been a restraint on the licentiousness of the wicked, and an awful dread on all minds. Our services have been well attended, and God has blest his word. I hope the impressions made will be lasting, and prove the salvation of many souls. It is my duty to record my sense of the Christian manner in which Mr. Ireland, a Primitive Methodist local preacher from Salford, now sojourning here for a few weeks, has come among us and given us the benefit of his excellent services. He has preached for us several times, and God has blessed him and made him a blessing. On Monday, Oct. 16th, we held our yearly tea-meeting; a meeting which will long be remembered by all that were present. The trays were gratuitously supplied by four ladies belonging to our society, a lady belonging to the Independents, and Capt. a mem ber of the Conference Methodists, and a yearly subscriber of 21. to the Mission. The room and tables were tastefully decorated with a profusion of wreaths and elegant vases, filled with a rich variety of choice flowers, and the whole enlivened with a fine display of brilliant lamps. The attendance was larger than at any former meeting, and, though we had an additional large room, many were not able to get in. Some Germans were present, and among them persons of considerable wealth and influence, who appeared much delighted. After tea, our old and excellent friend Mr. Beckett, of the Independents, was called to the chair, and he delivered a very appropriate address, in which he feelingly alluded to the Sabbath deseeration, licentiousness, practical and avowed infidelity, by which this city is distinguished, and urged on the British subjects to shun those evils, to honour the God of their fathers, and keep his laws. He then called on me to give a report of our operations during the past year. After I had spoken, Mr. Ireland (above mentioned) delivered a warm and exciting speech in a most happy manner. Givan, missionary from the Irish Presbyterian Church to the Jews, followed with a neat and eloquent speech, on the dangers of a seafaring life, and the importance of religion to seamen. Mr. Mr. Graham, a Jewish missionary, from the same Church, recently returned from Palestine, next delivered an address, which for manly and vigorous eloquence has been seldom equalled. He spoke on the character and claims of British seamen, and on the scene of his late labours on behalf of the outcasts of Israel. Mr. Smith, Independent minister, succeeded him, briefly but impressively, on the necessity of continued and vigorous exertion in support of the cause of Christian missions; and Dr. Craig, missionary to the Jews, from the Presbyterians, concluded with just such a speech as became him and the occasion. It was full of divine sentiment, and of pious and earnest exhortation. The meeting was closed a little before ten o'clock, and the universal feeling was, that for a meeting of such interest and importance the time was too short. One of its most interesting features was the presence and appearance of about forty English captains, who made sure of their seats by being present at an early hour. While we had much to enliven we had much also to raise the tone of pious feeling in our hearts, and stimulate us to holy, zealous enterprise. May God give us long to see the fruit of it here, and realize its consummation in a better world. While devoutly recording our hearty thanks for the past, we confidently trust in his grace for the future. Nov. 2, 1848. W. MIDDLETON. REDDITCH. TO THE EDITOR, DEAR SIR, It is with pleasurable emotions and grateful feelings, that I now forward you a brief account of the progress of this circuit. For some time past we have been visited with precious and delightful outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Our congregations have gradually continued to increase; sinners have been brought beneath the sound of the word, their fears have been excited, their consciences alarmed, and their hearts deeply affected, and, being burthened and heavy laden, they have come to Christ for rest. The song of praise and joy has ascended to God and the Lamb, over poor repenting prodigals returning to their Father's house. I am also happy to have to state that believers are quickened, are seeking a deeper work of grace, and groaning for full redemption. The greatest unity and Christian affection exists amongst us, we have peace in our borders, and are unitedly engaged in besieging the throne of grace in behalf of a more extensive revival of religion. During the last fortnight we have been holding a series of protracted services. The arrangement of which has been as follows:--A prayer meeting each morning at six o'clock. Divine service in the Chapel on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. The preaching services have been conducted by the following persons:-The Rev. Mr. Owen, Primitive Methodist; Messrs. Fowker and Laughter, local preachers in connexion with the Conference Wesleyans; and Mr. W. Dyson, and Robt. H. Dignum. On Friday evening, the 20th, we held a love feast in the chapel; many were present, and some of the young converts got up and told what God had done for their souls. It was indeed a "refreshing season from the presence of the Lord," and "great grace" rested upon us. All the special services have been well attended, and a precious, aweing, and overwhelming influence has been experienced. We are intending to continue our special meetings another week, or probably for a longer period. For what has been done, we feel truly grateful, and ascribe all the glory to God and the Lamb. Earnestly praying, and ardently desiring, that the showers of Divine grace may continue to fall upon us, that the tide of salvation may rise higher and higher, and that the number of the sacred may continue to swell, till the universe be deluged with the glory of God. October, 1848. ROBT. H. DIGNUM. WHITBY. Ir will be interesting to the lovers of Zion to hear that, after a long and gloomy night of painful and severe trial, the day is beginning to dawn on our church at Whitby. It has gone through a painful ordeal, but we hope that we have seen the worst, and that He who causes the wrath of man to praise Him and brings good out of evil, will over-rule all past events to the advancement of His own glory. In coming to this place, I felt deeply my need of wisdom and unction from above; and after making known my wants to God by prayer, I felt encouraged by the promise in Isaiah, "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it to bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall ac complish that which I please and shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it." Hence, I began to sow in hope. On the four first Sabbaths I preached on the Pier at five o'clock in the evening, to very large and attentive congre gations, and then invited them to the chapel. Many were induced to attend. And hence our congregations soon very much improved; and they still continue to increase. We have let more than fifty additional sittings; and those who hanged their harps on the willows, in the times of depression, are now taking them down and tuning them to praise God. But what is still better, the Lord favours us with almost overwhelming influences in his house. Many are under serious religious impressions, and a number have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. Mrs. Heywood has begun a new classsix have already joined, four of whom have found mercy. There are others who had left us who are returning. Our finances are much improving, and our friends are exerting themselves in collecting for the Mission Fund. By the blessing of God, we bid fair to nearly pay our own way this year. Thus we feel much to encourage us. The friends seem all willing to do what they can to help in the cause. We hope that the friends in other parts of the Connexion will remember us at the throne of grace; and then, no doubt, we shall see better days. The tide is now pleasingly turned, and we hope it will continue to flow; and that the children we shall have, shall say again in our ears, the place is too straight for us, give place to us that we may dwell. Amen. E. HEYWOOD. October, 1848. POETRY. ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE YEAR. MOMENTS, days, and years, how fleeting! And never hear sweet mercy's call. Where prayer and weeping will be vain Mid'st ruined souls which deeper fall. But we may reach that world of light,That home of pure unsullied bliss, Leeds. - Where our full joy will know no blight, A land through which life's river rolls T. C. JOHNS, Wine Office Court, Fleet Street. R. K. SMITH. |