often looked back. Then I thought I would strive to be fit-I would repent of my sins, and try to serve God; but when I tried to repent, I could not-when I tried to pray, I could not -when I tried to do that which was right, something within prevented me. I felt as if there were two minds within me-the one constantly warring against the other." She was ultimately induced to seek an interview with her beloved father (the late Rev. John Adamson), and through conversations with him and one of the members of the church, she found peace to her anxious and troubled soul. She entered into the peace of the Gospel by at length coming, where she ought to have come at firstto the cross of Christ. She was enabled by grace to cast all the burden of her guilt, and all the burden of her pollution, on Jehovah Jesus. As it was through faith in Jesus she first obtained peace, it was the same Jesus which was the burden of her song in all the subsequent period of her history. Thus, in writing to a friend, she says: "At one time I was tempted to think I had no share or part in the Blessed Redeemer, and that the home of the blessed would never be mine; but through faith I was enabled to see Christ as my all in all." In adverting to a sermon which she heard from these words, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," she remarks: "Thus you see it was not because we loved him that God sent his Son to die for us: no, in this God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,' and devised a plan for making us his friends. Oh, dearest, will you not accept the love of God? You see he is offering it to you, and not only to you, but to all. Let not, then, slavish fear prevent you from partaking of the water of life freely. Trust not to frame and feelings. Trust the word of the Lord: 'The Gospel bears my spirit up; A faithful and unchanging God In writing to the same friend on another occasion, she says: "Let me entreat you not to despair. Look with faith and hope to Him who hath said, A bruised reed I will not break, the smoking flax I will not quench.' Yea, has he not given us promise upon promise, to encourage and assist? I would advise you to delay no longer." Having such views of Divine truth, we cannot wonder that she sought for admission into the fellowship of the church. She was admitted on the 5th of August, 1842, being then eighteen years of age; and from that day to the day of her death, she adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour by a walk and conversation becoming the Gospel. She was an attentive hearer and reader of the word of God. She did not hear and read for others, but for herself, and endeavoured to apply the great truths of Divine revelation to her own state of mind and character. She was in the habit of committing her thoughts to paper on the evenings of the Lord's day, and from them I give the following: "This day is the Sabbath. I have been permitted to attend Divine service both morning and afternoon. I often wonder, when I am going to chapel-yes, and while I am there too-how it is my heart is so dull and lifeless. I am sometimes surprised to find the thoughts I most wish to Christ vanish from my mind so suddenly, when any trifle has engaged my attention. Yea, sometimes I feel such a darkness within, that it leads me to inquire, Did I ever see light-the light of the Lord? This day I felt such a striving within, while I was trying to come with pure mind and feeling, and to fling earthly thoughts away. I feel as if these earthly hopes, and worldly fears, and worldly cares, and worldly snares, around my foolish heart so cling, I cannot break the chain." This is only a counterpart to the experience of the Apostle Paul: "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." "I have been reading," she writes on another occasion, "the history of Joseph. I always read it with pleasure. also desire to walk in the same path. For the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man.' Joseph, a slave, and yet prosperous! Joseph in prison, and yet prosperous! Yes, here I am told he was prosperous. Wherever his lot was cast-whether a prisoner or a slave-whether a ruler over the kingdom of Egypt, or a shepherd on the plains of Bethlehem: for the Lord did surely lift up the light of his countenance upon him, and blessed him, and guided him in all the paths which he trod. May the Lord also give me a heart to pray for the Divine directions. May He guide my feet in the way everlasting." The following entry is deeply affecting, when taken in connection with the circumstance that it was written twelvemonths from the day on which her funeral sermon was preached. "This day is the last Sabbath in the year. May I be enabled to spend a portion of it in solemn inquiry as to the state of my own soul. Am I prepared for eternity, and the inheritance which is above, when This cottage of clay Shall have dropped to decay?' The redemption of the soul is precious. Who can know it? How many are there who were last year spending their time in mirth and thoughtlessness, now in eternity! Yes, they have passed the solemn test-they have seen the King of kings and Lord of lords. There have been many instances lately of very sudden deaths. Yes, and who can tell but that mine may be the next youthful head to be laid within that 'Low and grassy bed, That cold and gloomy cell?' Cold and gloomy indeed it appears when viewed by one that is looking forward to future years of happiness upon earth-gloomy to leave the loved ones and the bright prospects before us. Oh, if the golden bowl were broken, or the silver cord were snapped, how would the young heart yearn! This life would be a blank indeed, when the enjoyments of it could not be shared with the dear objects of our brightest hopes. We can love the creature, and we can love the Creator. If the Creator see fit to remove the desire of our eyes, how happy is the portion of those who can kiss the rod, and bow submissively to Him who hath appointed it!" Hers was not a selfish religion. It is always a delightful evidence of a renewed heart, when an individual feels a concern for the eternal welfare of unconverted friends. This was manifested by Mrs. Cooper in no ordinary degree. Her "bowels yearned" with compassion over such. When in conversation, I have seen the tears again and again flow profusely at the thought of their neglecting the great salvation. Her heart was emphatically benevolent, but she especially rejoiced when she saw or heard of the travail of the Redeemer's once sorrowful soul. Often and again did she ask me if I had any new "anxious inquirers" after salvation; and whenever I could say "Yes," tears of joy ran down her cheeks. She wrote many affectionate and touching letters to friends and relations, beseeching them to accept the "great salvation." She followed these epistles with wrestling and agonizing prayer, and often by word and actions said, "Come with me, and I will do thee good, for God hath spoken good concerning Israel." These efforts and prayers were not, blessed be God, altogether unavailing. Within the last few days I have received the following pleasing testimony. This person says, in speaking of her anxieties for the conversion of others, "I have had proof of this. As I am myself a living witness of her success in leading sinners to the foot of the cross. If ever I get to heaven, I shall have to bless God for the way in which I have been led. She was, under God, the means of bringing me to Christ; and I doubt not that when the great day of the Lord will appear, many others shall acknowledge the same influence." Hers was a holy and happy religion. It was especially in the family her virtues shone. "She looked well to the ways of her household, and ate not the bread of idleness." Her husband, to whom she was devotedly attached, and other members of the family, retain vivid recollections of the happiness she often diffused amongst the family circle. Her husband, in her society, was encouraged and refreshed. "She opened her mouth in wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness." His own testimony on this point has been given in few words. "She was," he says, "of the greatest use to me in reproving me, and in such a manner as I believe no other living being could have done; and in soothing me when irritated and chafed by the ills of life; and in exciting me to fresh exertions when labouring under depression." There was one grand trait in her character, and the one which stood out the strongest and most legibly. That trait is love. She carried out that principle in all her actions. Her religion was essentially the religion of love. God seemed to her, indeed, a God of love. She had not that fear of God which some professors have. Did she fear to offend him? It was not lest she should be cast into hell, but because she loved him, and was most perfectly assured of his love to her. And this principle was manifest in all the relations of life. In the family she secured the affections of all who came into contact with her, by her gentleness and unassuming kindness: in the church she secured the love of all the members, by her humble and consistent walk in the world she was respected by all who knew her; and the power of Divine grace in her was admitted and admired. I am led to these remarks, from a firm conviction that one great reason why we effect so little good in the world is, because we do not manifest the power of religion in our hearts, tempers, and lives, as we ought; we do not show forth the religion we profess in its true colours-as a religion of love and we do not let the world see (as we ought to let them see) that our religion makes us happy. It made her happy-happy in all circumstances -in prosperity and in adversity-in sickness and in health-in life and in death-in timeand now, I have not the slightest doubt, in eternity! She took a deep interest in the spiritual prosperity of the church. She was amongst the first to whom I expressed a wish that prayermeetings should be conducted by females themselves. At first her heart was too full for utterance, and then she said, "I shall be so glad.” She gave utterance to a fear that, if commenced, they would not be continued; but, after twelvemonths had passed away, she said "It is a year to-night since you proposed our prayer-meetings-they have been well attended, and I have enjoyed much happy fellowship in them. I hope they will never be given up." Two days before her death she asked a near relative if she had been at the female prayer-meeting, and who were there, and who engaged, and then urged her never to neglect them. to me, The last Sabbath she spent in the house of God was a day of "joy and rejoicing" to her soul. The subject of the discourse was one congenial with her benevolent spirit," The conversion of the world to Christ." The address at the ordinance of the Supper was greatly relished, and she retired, saying she had enjoyed the services much. Her "fellowship had been with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." She spent some hours along with her husband at her father's before going home; and after tea she requested the hymn to be sung which had been sung at the ordinance. The last verse she sung with peculiar emphasis: "Oh! tune our tongues, and set in frame After singing several other hymns, she remarked ""Tis like a little heaven below." The sounds of her voice will no more enliven the domestic circle; but all regrets are hushed by the thought that her voice now swells the song of the redeemed in glory, and aids the triumphant song of Moses and the Lamb. Of her last illness I need say little. Her end was peace. She was made to pass through deep waters. Yet, during her lucid moments, she manifested the utmost submission to the will of her Heavenly Father, and her ruling passion was strong even in death. On the night before she died, with great earnestness she exhorted those around her to prepare for a coming eternity; telling them how happy she had been in the service of Christ, aud in walking in the ways of religion and again and again, amidst feelings of high exultation, she requested and urged their attention to eternal things. She was conscious that she was dying, but there was no fear, no doubt, no misgiving-all was peace, perfect peace, "joy unspeakable and full of glory." She exclaimed several times, "O bless the Lord with me, let us exalt his name together." She gave birth to a little girl in the midst of her accumulated sufferings. It only breathed this world's air for a short period, when its "spirit returned to God who gave it." Her friends feared to tell her, lest it might injure her feeble frame; but on the Friday she asked to see it; and when told it was dead, she received the tidings with the utmost composure, and then said, "I have now one jewel in heaven to adorn the Redeemer's crown, pure and unsullied as it came from his own hands. I shall Boon go to join it. One little pledge in heaven. I shall soon, soon be there too; and oh! I will be so happy-so happy!" She is there now, and, along with her little one, singing "Worthy is the Lamb!" The following lines were written by the deceased after a severe illness; and they are so appropriate, that no apology is needed for introducing them here: "I'll go to my Saviour; Oh! sweet happy thought! Salvation for me with his life-blood he bought: I'll go to be crown'd with the angels on high; For Jesus declares I shall live in the sky. Then farewell to sickness, and farewell to painFor ever farewell; you'll not hurt me again : In those blessed regions all trouble shall cease, And nothing shall bloom but the roses of peace." Mrs. Cooper fell asleep in Jesus on Saturday, the 15th December, 1849, aged twenty-five; and was committed to the grave on the following Wednesday, amidst many tears, but in sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection." R. W. Charlesworth, Derbyshire, Jan. 1850. MR. EDWARD FLEMING. THE late Mr. Edward Fleming, a deacon of the ehurch at Hoxton Academy Chapel, was born at Leytonstone, Essex, on the 29th January, 1786, of pious parents; but his father dying when he was about two years old, he was left to the care of his mother, whose training and con. stant solicitude for his eternal welfare, was, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, much blessed to him in after life, and became the basis of that sincere and unostentatious piety for which he was remarkable. He was educated in the Bluecoat School, first at Hertford, and then in London. In youth, as is too frequently the case, he was of the world worldly, "living without God and without hope in the world.” He was, however, in the habit of constantly attending, with his mother, the ministration of the word at the Tabernacle, up to the time of his marriage. Subsequently he attended Hoxton Academy Chapel, and continued several years a hearer only, without coming to any decision. No doubt the subject pressed itself upon his attention, and was put aside in reserve for a more convenient season. Happily that season came at length. The Holy Spirit, who will not always strive with men, did strive with his spirit of procrastination and indecision, and finally triumphed, by inducing him to "cast in his lot with the people of God." This he did in the month of January, 1815, when he and his dear partner were added to the church in that place. It does not appear VOL. VII. that the decision then manifested was the result of any particular sermon, or circumstance, or sudden impulse, but was rather the gradual yet progressive growth of the principles of Divine truth implanted in his heart; but when or how those principles were so implanted, there is no evidence to prove. The Lord of the vineyard has said, "By their fruits ye shall know them," and by this text our friend must stand or fall. As a son, he was eminently dutiful and affectionate-as a husband and a father he was most devoted in promoting the happiness and welfare, temporal and spiritual, of those so near and dear to him-and as a Christian, he was humble, sincere, and progressive. "His delight was in the law of the Lord, and in his law did he meditate day and night." He loved all the ordinances of religion, and always hailed the approach of the Sabbath, that he might "go with the multitude that keep holyday," with feelings of unaffected joy. The eternal salvation of his children was a matter he desired with earnest and unremitting solicitude. It was the burden of many a fervent prayer at the footstool of Divine Mercy, and his children know not how much they are indebted to him for those intercessions at a throne of grace-" for the fervent and effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much." It is a pleasing fact, that of the thirteen children which God gave him, four are now in heaven, having died in infancy, and six are at this present time members of Christian churches, and, it is to be hoped, "adorning the doctrine of God their Saviour." Our dear friend cultivated very much the habit of private devotion. In the morning he used to rise a long while before any other member of the family; and in the evening he would retire from the family circle, that in the quiet solitude of his own closet he might hold intercourse with heaven. This passing encomium is not intended to hide the fact that our dear friend was a sinner before God-" for all have sinned"-but no one knew better or more deeply deplored the wickedness of his own heart than he did. Nevertheless, he had peace with God, through faith in the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ. About eighteen years ago, our dear friend was elected deacon of the church, and many know what his going in and out had been among them. He dearly loved the people of Hoxton; and was ever ready to sympathize with all in their experience of either joy or sorrow. For several years he had been afflicted with asthma. Rather more than two years ago he had a severe attack, which it was thought would have terminated in death. He was, however, raised up again; and on removing to West Ham, the scene of his early childhood, he renovated so surprisingly, that hopes were fondly cherished that his life might be spared for some years. He passed through the winter of 1848 favourably; but on the approach of the present winter, it being more severe, his health declined, and he was obliged to remain at home. He became much worse, and his case was almost hopeless. But on a favourable change in the weather, he again revived and returned to business on the 26th February last, after an absence of about ten weeks. His return to business, together with the very favourable indications of returning health, excited in the mind of his family many pleasing expectations; but He P 'whose thoughts are not as our thoughts," was pleased speedily to destroy them all. In eight days from that time our dear friend was advised by his medical man to discontinue his visits to the City for a day or two. He reluctantly assented. Unfavourable symptoms supervened; still there was no cause for alarm until the morning of the day in which he died, when, about two o'clock, his dear wife was awoke by him moving. She perceived a strange peculiarity in the respiration, and a violent convulsive agitation of the chest, which much alarmed her. A light was instantly procured, and then it became too evident that Death had begun his sad work. The faculties of sight and speech, and the power to swallow, were entirely gone. The medical man was then sent for, who lost no time in coming, but he came too late, for the case was past recovery. Those of his children who were living at a distance were immediately summoned, and they had the mournful satisfaction of meeting all together around his bed previous to his departure. He was conscious of their presence, and could hear and understand what they said, by the signs he made at their request. He suffered no pain, nor any mental disquietude. All was calm and composed, excepting difficult respiration; and he entered Jordan" evidently fearing no evil. Towards the last he sunk rapidly; and without a sigh or groan our dear departed friend "fell asleep in Jesus" on the 8th March, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. For the consolation and encouragement of those who have yet the valley of the shadow of death before them, but whose spirits quail under the thought of passing through it, it is pleasing to remark, although our dear friend had been all his lifetime more or less in bondage through fear of death, yet when death came he appeared to have literally no fear. So true is it that dying grace is given for dying need. As our departed friend spoke but little during his illness, and then chiefly in reply to the questions of others, little is known absolutely of his views and feelings on approaching near to the eternal world. But what is known is quite satisfactory. On one occasion his youngest daughter had been conversing with him respecting his illness and the probable issue, and expressed a desire to be present at his departure. He said, "Mary, I should like all my children to be with me at that time; but should you or any of them be absent, be assured I shall go to heaven, not for my righteousness, but through the righteousness of my Redeemer." He had the privilege, at his decease, of having all his children with him-his faith was steadfast to the last-all around him was the serenity of peace, and he died "knowing in whom he had believed." April 8, 1850. Wives and Mothers. HINTS TO WIVES.* But if WE should like to know who this Mother is. We rather question the sex. the writer be in very deed a Mother, she is worth knowing; and, should she ever sink into poverty,-for we presume at present she has enough and to spare,she will far better deserve a pension than Bessy Moore." This is a really business book-a thing thoroughly English throughout. Every paragraph has an object. There is no trifling, no writing for mere writing's sake. It starts with the Wedding-day, descanting on Personal Piety-The Importance of Female Character in Married Life-and then sets forth the General Duties of a Wife -Duties of Wives in various Situations of Life-Conduct to Family Connections -Domestic Management-The Mistress -Society and Recreations - Outward Circumstances-ending with Widowhood. We need hardly say that the span of this little "bow in the cloud" of woman's history is interspersed with a vast variety of light and shadow. We consider it, indeed, an exceedingly valuable performance. There are not many books which may more properly be presented to a young wife; for should she have sense enough to take it, and not skim it and throw it aside, but read it chapter by chapter, page by page, and read it again and again, thoroughly conning it, till its main principles become inworked with her instincts, the book may turn out a blessing to her and hers, such as it were difficult, impossible to describe. Where all is good, selection is difficult; but Chapter V. is one of special value. Classes of wives are there selected for a lecture; and first comes the Gentleman's Wife-then the Professional Man's Wife -next, the Minister's Wife-and lastly, the Wife of the Tradesman. The importance of a class very mainly depends, after all allowance is made for position, upon its number; we shall therefore extract the last : THE TRADESMAN'S WIFE. It is the duty of every married woman to conform herself to the calling and circumstances of her husband; and in every way in her power to promote his interests, which are indeed identified with her own: Nothing can be more ridiculous than a woman who is ashamed of her husband's trade; and nothing can present a more fearful presage of approaching ruin. A "The Young Wife; or, Hints to Married Daughters. By A MOTHER." Tract Society. sensible young woman, before she enters into a matrimonial engagement, will satisfy herself that the individual is worthy of her esteem and affection; and that his circumstances and engagements in life are such as she can conform to, and with which she can make herself contented. Having done so, she must never admit a murmuring or contemptuous thought, but remember that she is wedded to her own choice, and endeavour, in every possible way, to concur in the plans and endeavours of her husband. If the business is of such a kind as to render her personal assistance, or superintendence, constantly or occasionally useful, it will be much to her honour to qualify herself to render such services, especially in the absence of her husband. No woman degrades herself by being seen behind the counter, or in the work-room, from which the support of herself and family is expected to be derived; and nothing tends more to secure credit and confidence among customers, and fidelity and propriety of behaviour among persons employed, than the mistress being prompt, attentive, and intelligent in receiving orders, or giving directions, and in exercising proper vigilance in the absence of the master of the establishment. Two young tradesmen started about the same time, in the same line of business, and with equal prospects. Seven years afterwards, the same newspaper contained advertisements, and the same walls were placarded with handbills, one stating that on such a day would be sold by auction, the stock-in-trade, household furniture, and other effects of A. B., a bankrupt; and another, returning to the numerous friends and customers of C. D. his grateful thanks for their liberal support, and announcing his removal to commodious premises, in the most eligible part of the town, where he hoped to enjoy a continuance of their favours. The principal cause assigned for this difference of success, under circumstances very similar, was the different disposition and conduct of the two tradesmen's wives. The wife of A. B. was above her station; she fancied herself degraded by her connection with trade. She was never on any account seen behind the counter; and when passing through the shop, which, for the lack of a private door, she was obliged to do, she drew herself up with a scornful air, and hastened on without condescending to notice the customers, and as if she really imagined herself polluted or disgraced by having anything to do with the vulgarity of trade. She was, however, willing enough to be supported by the profits of trade; but her pride and extravagance rose to such a height, that they soon proved inadequate: besides that, some of the best customers took offence at her haughty manners, or at the neglect they experienced, because in case of the master's absence they saw only an apprentice-boy. The workmen, too, when their master was necessarily absent, as they were perfectly secure from being overlooked by their mistress, found plenty of opportunities of wasting time, and embezzling or wastefully consuming materials; and thus, by little and little, a really deserving tradesman was brought to ruin. The wife of C. D., on the other hand, considered it her duty, and made it her pleasure, in every possible way to be useful to her husband. Some parts of the business came regularly within the female department; of these she soon qualified herself to take the entire superin tendence, and by so doing effected a great saving both of material and time, and sent out the work performed in a superior manner, and to the satisfaction of the customers. Each morning it was a part of the breakfast-table engagements, to inquire of her husband who was likely to call, and what answer was to be given in case of his absence. This was carefully noted down, and crossed out when attended to. According to her husband's movements she regulated her own: if he was out, she made a point of being at home, and either in the shop, or within a moment's call of it. She frequently assisted in keeping the books; and on one occasion, for several weeks, entirely managed the concern, during the illness of her husband; and all this, without neglecting her domestic duties as a wife, a mother, and a mistress. It is true, she was sometimes almost overdone with fatigue ; but a clear plan and orderly method vastly facilitated the accomplishment of work. She found her energies rise with the occasion; and, encouraged by the success of her endeavours, by the approbation of the customers, by the composure of mind and freedom from anxiety, which greatly promoted the recovery of her husband, especially sustained by an approving conscience, and by that strength from on high which is never withheld from those who honestly and humbly exert themselves in dependence on it, she persevered until she received an ample reward. Young married females in similar circumstances, go and do likewise. The tradesman's wife should accommodate herself to her husband's circumstances and resources, both in expenditure and appearances. The former should be so regulated as not to cramp him in his business, still less to expose him to embarrassment; the latter, so as not to excite invidious remark, as though she attempted to vie with those in a higher station. The dashing, high-flying wife of a tradesman, even if all her expenses were sustained by her own resources, would do him incalculable injury by the very appearance of the thing. Many a good customer has been offended and driven away by the conclusion, however just or otherwise, that he was taxed to support the pride and extravagance he witnessed. It is right and wise to attend, not only to such things as are just and honest, but to such also as are suitable, becoming, lovely, and of good report. Trade is always fluctuating, and the young woman who marries a tradesman should calculate accordingly, and prepare her mind to meet reverses. By the blessing of Providence on diligence, discretion, and integrity, there is a prospect of their rising, which they may lawfully cherish; but which they ought not to act upon, or calculate upon, until it is fairly realized. Their scale of expense and expectation should be rather below than above their actual gains for the first year of starting; and, even when matters are promising, they had better rather delay than hasten to let their success appear in their expenditure. But success does not uniformly attend the best endeavours; there is a possibility of disappointment; and a wife ought to stand prepared, without murmuring or reproach, to descend with her husband to a lower sphere, if such should be their lot. She should patiently submit even to many privations, and endeavour to soothe, encourage, and assist her husband by her affectionate solace and discreet |