Wimpenny, well show how she was affected by the death of her son John:--"It is evident to me that sister Wimpenny has been more spiritually-minded since the death of her son than she was before. It seems to have aroused her to increased attention to the interests of her soul, and increased diligence in attendance upon the means of grace. In giving her Christian experience in the class, she often expressed her conviction that her stay in this world would be very short, and her desire that she might be ready to meet her son in the

mansions above."

"I

Being present at a band-meeting in Berry Brow, a little more than a week before her death, our departed sister gave her experience with such feeling and power as at once to show that she was loosing hold of earth and taking firmer hold on eternal life. She spoke of her end as at hand, and of her hope as blooming with immortality. have," she observed, "my trials and my difficulties; but when these come upon me, I come and look into the chapel-yard, where my poor bones must soon be laid; and I feel lightened of my load." The friends at that meeting were struck with "the image of the heavenly" upon her, and went to their homes remarking to each other and their friends "that the stay of sister Wimpenny with them would be but short." And so it was. In little more than a week from that time, she was "absent from the body and present with the Lord." Her last affliction was short and severe. But grace was given according to her day; and often, when full of pain, she was heard to say, "My Jesus has done all things well."

Thus peacefully and triumphantly did our late sister Wimpenny, in the sixtyfourth year of her age, exchange earth for heaven, her cross for her crown, and mortality for immortality.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

prove our own. Their imperfections and failings may even be useful to us. That they too often find correspondences in our own character who can doubt? That these have given occasion to the enemies of Christianity to blaspheme is but too painfully true. But in the wise man's estimate and use of character, these blots are turned into an argument for increased self-watchfulness and prayer. This trait of the Christian character was beautifully developed in the individual whose life it is our object now to delineate. William Boys was born July 29th, 1793. His forefathers, for many generations back, had been distinguished for their intelligence, uprightness, and piety; and exhibited in an eminent degree those features, both mental and physical, which distinguished the Anglo-Saxon race from which they descended. For ages they belonged to that class once so numerous in England, who, possessing a little property, and being either respectable farmers or small freeholders, also carried on, in their own dwellings, domestic manufactures; thus being at once both masters and workmen. We believe one member of the family was a celebrated Dissenting minister, named Joseph Boys, who was born in 1646, and died in 1728. He was pastor of a Congregational church in Dublin, and his works were published in two folio volumes. Another ancestor was clergyman in the North Riding of Yorkshire. Another was an active and devoted member of the Moravians, soon after their first settlement in this country. The grandfather of William Boys was the first individual in Pudsey to receive and encourage the Methodists. The devoted and useful John Nelson first visited and preached in his house. William's father, soon after his marriage, became a member of the Methodist society, and for a lengthened period sustained the office of class leader till the introduction of the Methodist New Connexion into Pudsey, which took place about the year 1819. He was the first class leader in the new society, and continued to fill this office till his death, which took place in the year 1830. The subject of this memoir was at that time a farmer, and also carried on the trade of a cloth manufacturer, and was in what may be termed easy circumstances. But fluctuations in business, and the panic caused at that time by war, occasioned him to lose a great portion of his capital.

a

In his early days William applied

himself diligently to the improvement of his mind, and exhibited a remarkable freedom from those vices which frequently characterize boyhood and youth. This difference of conduct did not arise from his possessing a better heart than others, but from the restraining influence of parental example, and the effectual operation of Divine grace.

In after life this truth was ever acknowledged. He could never speak of God's dealings with him, without adoring that mercy which had so signally distinguished and blessed his early years. Trained to habits of industry and economy, he soon manifested singular thoughtfulness, prudence, and caution. Before he had attained the age of nineteen he began to attend the Coloured Cloth Hall, Leeds, and continued regularly to do so till within a few days of his death. Thus in early life he cultivated those sentiments and habits of integrity and self-reliance which ever afterwards characterized his business transactions. The period and circumstances of his conversion are not known. He kept no record of his spiritual experience. Moreover, he was extremely cautious in stating his religious views and feelings. He was afraid lest he should say too much of the progress of religion in his soul. But, in all his statements at the class, he invariably bore testimony to the grace of God, which had early turned him from the love of sin, and drawn him to holiness and virtue. In his life we see the surest and most satisfactory evidence of a Divine change. His unaffected piety at home, his devout attachment to religious ordinances, and the stern integrity of all his worldly transactions, sufficiently indicated the operation and government of grace. Thus did Jesus direct us to seek the true sign of discipleship. By their fruits ye shall know them." Not long after the introduction of the Methodist New Connexion into Pudsey he united with the society, his parents becoming members about the same period. Having for several years worshipped in a small room, which now became too strait to contain those who flocked to hear the Gospel, it was resolved that a larger place should be immediately erected. In the prosecution of this object William could not approve of the inconsiderate zeal of many, who were ready to rush upon heavy responsibilities without due forethought and care. He nevertheless became a trustee, and exerted all his influence to promote the prosperity of the

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cause. Having confidence in his judgment and business habits, the friends elected him to the office of chapel steward, which post he honourably sustained till his Master called him home. Indeed, so completely did he identify himself with the affairs of the society in general, that a full record of his life would be a history of the Methodist New Connexion in Pudsey, from its first commencement to the time of his death.

At the age of thirty years the subject of this memoir entered into the conjugal state with Mary, daughter of Mr. John Robinson, of Rastrick, class leader and local preacher in the Halifax circuit. This union was a source of mutual help and blessing. So fully did his wife prove a partner meet for him, that nothing could induce him to seek relief from this life's care in any society but her's, in the peace and calm of their own fireside. Home had every attraction for him. Nor did he fail to appreciate its joys. No sooner had he completed his business engagements abroad than he repaired to the sanctuary of his own house, where he faithfully discharged all the duties of a husband, father, and master. For a number of years after the death of his parents, which took place in the year 1830, nothing occurred materially to disturb the even tenor of his way. Being diligent in business, and temperate in his habits, he considerably increased his substance. But the panic of 1837 was a severe trial to him. The depreciated value of goods, the general prostration of trade, and the losses common under such circumstances, greatly distressed his mind. He would never speculate beyond his bonâ fide capital. His great study was how he might live honestly in the sight of God and man, and make suitable provision for a rising family. In all these vicissitudes he sought and found consolation in God. His earnest endeavour to maintain a conscience void of offence, both toward God and man, secured to him in all storms a pure and elevated joy. It need scarcely be said that a family with such a head and guide was singularly favoured and happy. Nor was it in the domestic circle alone that his character was appreciated. His manly and Christian virtues commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. As a man he was remarkably temperate in all things. He cordially approved and practised John Wesley's advice on early rising, and by this means strengthened

a tradesman he was upright and straight-forward in all his dealings. Some thought he carried his peculiar notions to an extreme, and that there were seasons in which he might have speculated beyond his means with the most flattering prospects of success. But no temptation, no device, no policy could induce him to take any step that might violate his conscience and injure his fellow-creatures. As a patriot he was warmly attached to his country, and took a lively interest in every movement that was calculated to promote the public good. The measures for securing a better representation of the people, the abolition of colonial slavery, and the establishment of a free commerce with all nations, were questions in which he manifested a deep and practical interest. Temperance and Sabbath school institutions shared his sympathy and help. In short, whatever tended to suppress vice and promote virtue, to put down oppression and promote liberty and right, commanded his entire approbation and support. As an officer of the church, he was unremitting in his application to its welfare. For many years the management of all pecuniary matters devolved principally on himself, and were attended to often at a great sacrifice of personal convenience and feeling. Nor was it in temporal things merely that he magnified his office. In numberless instances has he acted as moderator and peace-maker, when the angry discussions of his brethren have threatened the utter annihilation of all Christian affection and communion. As a Christian, his piety was of the most unostentatious character. We do not say that he was perfect. Such a state, in its most comprehensive idea, belongs not to this world. But we do say, that his entire religious life was characterized by great simplicity and sincerity; and that while he endeavoured to please Christ in all things, he served his generation according to the will of God. No Christian virtues,however, can procurefor their possessor an immunity from death. It is appointed unto all men once to die. The affliction of our departed friend was extremely painful and severe. His

HUGH ROTHWELL died in the Lord, January 19, 1851, aged sixty-two years, forty-two of which had been spent in the service of God.

In early life he was an object of the compassionate solicitude of R. Greenhalgh, one of our first leaders, who availed himself of every opportunity to show our late brother the evil of sin, and to bring him to the house of God. The Lord blessed the efforts of the pious man; his mind was enlightened, his perceptions of the evil nature and dreadful consequences of sin became very clear and alarming; and though he remained under its power some time, he felt in each act of transgression that it was an evil and a bitter thing to sin against God. His consciousness of guilt and depravity became so intense, that he often feared the infinitely holy God would no longer endure such a depraved creature in his sight; but that he would in righteous displeasure command the earth to open and swallow him up. He ventured to pray, and, contrary to expectation, he was not driven from the throne, but encouraged to hope for mercy. carried his burden many days, and often bowed before the Almighty deploring his sinful and miserable condition, and craving divine mercy. In this state of mind he retired one evening into a field in the neighbourhood of the town, to pray. There, in the presence of the Almighty, he felt overwhelmed with guilt and condemnation. He wept and prayed, he pondered on the mercy of God as manifested to sinners in the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; and, lifting up his eyes to the cross, he cast his soul on the atonement and was accepted. He became conscious of the pardoning mercy of God, and the chains and misery of the slave were exchanged for the freedom and joy of a child of God.

He

RECENT DEATHS.

JANUARY 27th, aged fifty-two, Mrs. Bartram, of Nottingham. She was brought up to attend the Established Church, but joined our Society at Parliament Street about the year 1833. The Rev. W. Baggaly was then labouring in the Circuit, and she was first brought to the chapel, through the invitation of a friend, to hear him preach. The word came with power to her mind, and she became concerned about the salvation of her soul. Her convictions were not of that overwhelming kind which some experience, but her repentance was genuine, and unto life. Her experience in the main was that of a steady Christian, rejoicing in the clear sense of the pardoning love of Christ. During her last illness she suffered much through weakness and pain, but her mind was calmly stayed upon God, and she stood in no doubt of her final acceptance. In answer to a question from her leader, whether she felt Christ to be her Saviour at that moment, she said, "Yes, I feel he saves me now, I shall soon be in heaven."

joiced in tribulation, and could be content in whatever state she was. Her last illness was very painful, but the grace of Christ was sufficient for her, and oft she would say, "she was ready to depart, or if it were the Lord's will, to stay and suffer."

DIED, at Lenton Villa, near Nottingham, on February 7th, in her eightieth year, Mrs. Manlove, relict of our late warm-hearted friend, Mr. T. Manlove, and eldest sister of the Rev. S. Woodhouse. Mrs. M. was one of the few now remaining who joined the Methodist society before the division in 1797; and from that time until her last affliction, was a regular attendant upon the ministry of the New Connexion. After the loss of her affectionate partner she took his place in subscribing to the Connexional Funds, and continued to open her house to receive the messengers of the churches, when the Conference was held at Nottingham. Having sought the Lord in the days of her youth, he did not forsake her in her old age, nor cast her off when her strength failed. During a long and trying affliction she was enabled to trust in him, and not be afraid. I saw her a few days before her death, and found her placing all her reliance on the allefficacious sacrifice of the cross, looking by faith, "for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto eternal life."

DIED, at Willow Cottage, on Monday afternoon, January 20th, 1851, aged sixty-eight years, Hannah Robinson, mother of Mr. G. L. Robinson. A long and painful affliction resulted, a few weeks before her death, in paralysis. For some time hope was entertained of her partial recovery. During this period I frequently visited her, and invariably found her mind in perfect peace. Her reason was clear, her trust in Jesus steadfast, her patience exemplary, and her prospect into another world without a cloud-calm, and bright, and blissful. At length she became insensible, and remained so, with a slight exception, a little more than a week, until the close of life. On one occasion, for a minute or two, she was conscious that her son was speaking to her, and she gave an affirmative response when he inquired if she felt Christ precious. In Jesus she fell asleep, and her happy spirit is now before the throne.

P. J. W.

We are happy to find that the Connexional "Declaration" on the Papal Aggression, signed by all the Members of the Annual Committee, has been presented to Lord John Russell, her Majesty's Prime Minister, accompanied by the following note:

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Hockley-street, Birmingham, "Feb. 12th, 1851.

"My Lord, I have great pleasure in transmitting to your lordship the enclosed Declaration' on the Papal question. And your lordship may rest assured that the ministers and friends of the community we have the honour to represent, fully concur in the sentiments therein expressed. Trusting they will meet your lordship's approbation, and that wisdom from above may guide all your counsels, and that truth and righteousness may more abundantly flourish in the land,

"I am, my Lord, "Yours, most sincerely and respectfully, "WILLIAM BAGGALY, "President of the Methodist New Connexion."

"To Lord John Russell, First

Lord of the Treasury."

Next day the following acknowledgment was addressed to the President, by which the friends of the Connexion will perceive that the Declaration was most favourably received:

"Downing-street,

"13th Feb., 1851. "Sir-I am desired by Lord John Russell to acknowledge the receipt of the Declaration of the President and Annual Committee of the Methodist New Connexion, which you have forwarded with your letter of the 12th inst. "I am, Sir,

"Your obedient servant,
"ARTHUR RUSSELL"

"Rev. W. Baggaly," &c.

Charles Hindley, Esq., M.P. for Ashton-under-Lyne, has engaged to present our petitions to the House of Commons, and will support their prayer. They should be addressed to him: "Dartmouth House, Westminster, London. They will go "FREE" if open at each end, and the word "Petition" be written on the wrapper. It is very desirable to have them all in Mr. Hindley's hands by the 1st of March.

W. BAGGALY, President,
Feb. 19th, 1851.

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

MR. EDITOR,-I perceive that Mr. Gilton has noticed my article respecting the Chapel Fund, inserted in your January Number. It is due to myself and the Chapel Committee, at whose desire the paper was written, that I request your readers carefully and impartially to look over for themselves the remarks contained in my communication; and, as intelligent and observant friends of the Connexion, let them form their own judgment how far any occasion was given for either the matter or manner of his four paragraphs in your last Magazine.

First paragraph of Mr. Gilton.-What is here meant is, perhaps, exclusively known to himself. But if the statements apply to any one, as he does not either supply the instances or give the name of the intended party, he certainly falls under his own censure.

To his second paragraph my reply is this: No comparisons of one fund with another have ever been made by the Chapel Committee or its Secretary, but with the design of promoting the welfare of all; and showing, as in my last, that efforts in support of the whole of our institutions are not opposing, but confluent streams of piety and benevolence, tending to the common good. To compare our funds, so as to understand both their separate and relative importance, and that we may render to all their due, will generally be deemed wise and Connexional; although Mr. Gilton states that he "feels strongly opposed" to such comparisons. But as he regards "all to be important," and promises them his "cordial support," there is, as to these views, really no disagreement betwixt us; and he might have spared this most uncalledfor paragraph.

His third paragraph, although giving a colour of his own to what he says I assume, yet contains only one point which I think is entitled to notice. I had said that while the writer of the Conference Address properly adverted to other Connexional departments of labour and usefulness, he omitted all reference to the Chapel Fund and Committee. That there was this omission is not disputed; but umbrage is taken at the manner of stating the fact. Writer of the address,' were my