in any good work. He laboured in the school as a teacher and superintendent, till by affliction he was obliged to desist. His house was always open to receive the children of God, and to entertain his servants. His experience was always sound, and much to the point. His diligence in the means of grace was remarkable. Class meetings were highly esteemed by him, being convinced from exper ience of their utility in promoting the union and fellowship of the saints, and giving many opportunities for confessing sins to each other, according to God's command, and of comforting, exhorting, instructing, and admonishing one another. In these means our departed brother spoke pointedly and experimentally, and had always something to say which tended to humble the sinner and exalt the Saviour. He had humble views of himself, often complained of his imperfections, and his continual need of the blood of sprinkling. He was careful to walk before his family with a perfect heart. He studied their happiness and prosperity, taught them how to conduct themselves in the affairs of this life, and by his deep unaffected piety, his concern for their salvation, his prayers, tears, advice, and pious exhortation, showed them the way to a better world. He warned them particularly against the spirit of the world, and especially exhorted his children to give themselves to God.

He tasted not the bitter pains of death, and though it was not given him at that moment to bear audible testimony to his personal reliance on the power and grace of that Saviour in whom he had trusted through life, in his case such an oral testimony was not necessary.

Of our late brother, as a genuine Christian and as a member of our church, I shall not say too much if I declare he was one of our brightest ornaments. Not, indeed, one of the most showy and talkative, but a steady and a constant light, shining in all places and at all times. His faith was firm and operative; his love sincere ; his diligence persevering; and his end was peace. Sudden death to him was sudden glory. His pious life was the best guarantee of his safety in death, and of his happiness in eternity, May I and all who read this account be followers of him who, through faith

and patience, now inherit the promises. I shall conclude with a few observations.

1. The Lord has taken to himself nearly all who were the first members of our society. A few more years and all will be gone. Let us, who have risen up in their stead, labour by the grace of God, not only to be as holy and useful as they were, but even to surpass them.

2. What a contrast did our late brother Hatton exhibit to many others. How many, by neglecting to watch and pray-by worldly prosperity and care-by taking offenceby lightness-by not walking as seeing the Invisible-and from other causes, have left the path of understanding, and are now in the world; and where shall the blame be laid? Surely at their own door, seeing that He who kept our brother was able and willing to keep them. Oh may they see their error, and turn from it, and never rest till they again apply to that blood that makes the wounded whole.

3. Our departed brother did not delay till old age to embrace religion, but gave himself to the Lord in the bloom of life, and lamented that he did not do it sooner. His conduct, in this respect, condemns those who spend the best of their days in sin, and instead of seeking the kingdom of God, either do not seek it at all, or defer to do so till late in life. Let young people consider well the folly and sin of such conduct. Let them remember that time once passed cannot be recalled, and that the honour and happiness of having spent it for God will soon be past for ever.

4. Our brother's life affords encou ragement to us to persevere in the way of duty. That God who kept him so long is able to keep us. He that crowned him with mercy and lovingkindness, will do the same for all that confide in him. Let us live by faith in the Lord Jesus, and study to please him; and then may we confidently say, "This God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death."

HENRY MOULD.

THOMAS CHESTER.

THE Society at Grinshill have been called to mourn over the loss of one of their most pious and useful members,

Thomas Chester, who for years felt much for the spiritual welfare of his neighbours, and took an active part in promoting the temporal and spiritual interest of all with whom he came in contact, being ever ready for every good word and work. He was in early life the subject of good impressions, which acted as a check upon him in his youthful days, and greatly assisted him in making a wise and happy choice. Soon after this a Sabbath-school was opened at the Clive, to which young Chester went with cheerful steps, and there a pious man scattered the seed of God's word into the soil of his tender mind, in which it took root, and grew with his growth.

When he had attained the age at which he was to learn the trade of shoemaking, his mind was inclined to God and good things. During his ap→ prenticeship he was removed to a distance in a family where God was feared and his worship performed. In this family young Chester's religious impressions were deepened. We next find him amidst the temptations of the town of Shrewsbury; but the Sabbathschool attracted his attention, and there he sat and pondered the sayings of the Book of Truth, and sweetly sung

"I thank the goodness and the grace
Which on my birth have smil'd,
And made me, in these Christian days,
A happy English child."

His views of divine truth becoming now clear, his judgment formed, the choice made-God's people shall be my people, and their God my God, he is supposed to have joined the Wesleyans, or to have been a member of an adult class, instructed by Mr. John Howells, who was especially useful among the young men in that day. Soon after this he removed to Manchester; there also he is found sitting under the late Dr. Newton, of whose ministry he sometimes spoke as being specially profitable.

On his return to his native place to manage his father's business, Methodism not being in the neighbourhood, he at once identified himself with the Independent Church worshipping at the Clive, to which he gave his cheerful labours.

In the year 1835, the preachers of the Methodist New Connexion, from Shrewsbury, went to Grinshill preach the gospel of the kingdom,

to

where they formed a small society. His now sorrowing widow was one of the first who joined. His early sympathies for Methodism were revived, and in 1838 he heartily united with the society, and was appointed the leader, which important office he held until his decease with great acceptance. The temperance question was introduced into the neighbourhood; our brother saw its adaptation to remove the crying sin of the age, and he cheerfully abstained for the sake of his erring brethren. He saw the rising youth around him, freed from the restraints of home, living in sin, and crime, and strong drink completely destroying all the labours bestowed at home and in the Sabbath-school. He felt, wept, and laboured to stay this sweeping torrent; he signed the temperance pledge, and by his example and kind persuasion, induced very many to follow his example: drunkards were reclaimed, and others were prevented from becoming such. Some have reached their home, and welcomed him to that bright abode; others occupy their place in the church, while not a few are still the hearers of the word of God.

In every good word and work brother Chester occupied an active place, with that heartiness which the Bible approves and the blessing of God follows. But he did not limit his efforts to the suppression of intemperance. He aimed at pouring into the youthful mind religious truths. He formed a class of youths and elder persons, teaching them, not only to read, but especially presenting to their understanding the cheering truths of the gospel. The Band of Hope was by him zealously espoused, and he looked upon his youthful charge with tears of joy, and they looked up to him as their kindest friend.

The even tenor of his Christian conduct, from his union with our Connexion to the close of his life, was one course of holy, earnest, humble zeal for the glory of God-the temporal and spiritual well-being of all to whom he had access. While not slothful in business, he was fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. He secured peace with God for himself. He could point to the place where he found, in answer to prayer, a knowledge of pardoning mercy. To honour his God, and benefit his fellow-men, no difficulty was too great to be overcome, or

journey too long for him to perform; and many of his labours were accomplished after others had retired from the labours of the day. Many a sick man was by him visited, into whose ears he poured words of grace; and if a brother erred, he would travel several miles purposely to tell him his faults.

In one instance, knowing that a clergyman, under whose ministry he sat in his early days, and whose ministrations had been blessed to his soul, was pursuing a course of life not in accordance with the high office he sustained, our brother felt it his duty to visit him, performing a journey of several miles; and when there, he faithfully, but most affectionately, pointed out the folly and danger of his course of life. He was thanked for his kindness. Having discharged his duty, he left the event with God.

At one time our brother added to his other business the one of a retail grocer, and among the articles for sale was tobacco. Seeing the use of this weed producing evil, he conceived it his duty to decline that part of his business. He said, "I see some of my neighbours spending their money on that noxious weed while their families are deficient in the common necessaries of life, and I cannot-I will not, be a party to such iniquity."

Through the liberality of the much, and justly respected, late Sir Andrew Corbett and family, a school was erected in the neighbourhood, in which for several years we were kindly allowed to preach on the Sabbath evenings; but through clerical misrepresentations, we were obliged to withdraw. Our brother, in the midst of supposed danger, stood firm to his religious principles; his house was opened as an asylum, where the scattered sheep and congregation were gathered. Soon a way was opened. A gentleman liberally gave the ground on which our present chapel stands.

When the chapel was to be erected, he took a deep interest; he felt, like Nehemiah, it is God's work, and must not be hindered. He gave most liberally, when his limited means are considered. Nor did his ardour abate when the house was finished; for, a short time before his death, he offered to give ten pounds, if the whole debt of fifty were paid off-a princely sum for a man in his circumstances.

The kindly welcome to his house will

live while memory holds its seat by those brethren who visited Grinshill to preach the gospel of the grace of God. All shared alike his kindness; and no theme to him so sweet to dwell upon as Christ and his love. While he called upon God, often have we felt his faith taking hold upon the promise, and realizing the present blessing. As a prince, he had power with God, and prevailed. Those of our ministers who have travelled in this circuit can bear their testimony to the excellency of his spirit and general conduct. One testimony shall suffice-the Rev. H. Watts:

"Mr. Chester is gone! Dear man, I loved him much-a man of God, a Christian, genuine, stable, and vitally united to Christ Jesus. His whole nature was transformed into the divine likeness. His graces were of the gentle kind; like the diffusive light-like the warm sunbeams. He made no great noise like the rolling cataract, but he moved onwards toward the ocean like a clear pellucid stream, diffusing and spreading gladness throughout its gentle course. How firm his faith-how genial his love-how steadfast his purpose-how meek his spirit-how true and faithful his attachment-how conciliatory his spirit! Strife could not exist where he was, (a good man,) and he will have a sure reward. Who, knowing him, could help loving him? and saying, now he is gone, Alas! my brother.' The house where he dwelt was a hallowed spot; I always felt it so when I went to it. There is a

majesty about goodness! What Christian could know Chester and not feel this? His devotions, fed from heaven, told on all who came in contact with him."

The sickness which terminated in his death was of short duration, and to all unexpected; but he was calm and undisturbed, for all was well. No fears; when questioned by a brother who visited him his face brightening up, he replied, "I have no fear about the future: all is well." In this composed and happy state he lingered a few days longer, when his released spirit took its flight to glory-he was not, for God took him. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

His death was improved on Sunday, June 24th, by our respected brother Icke, to a large and deeply affected congregation, many having come from

considerable distances; the chapel not being capable of containing them, some were unable to hear. On the Sabbath following, the respected minister of the Clive Chapel (his former pastor) improved the occasion by preaching a funeral sermon to a large congregation, on which occasion the preacher said, "Brother Chester was a good man; many hearts bear testimony to the excellency of his character and life, but his works follow him. We mourn his loss to the church and the world, but rejoice that God hath committed such treasures to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God."

It is true we have not given you figures showing how many have been brought to God through his instrumentality, but the fruit does appear, and the record is on high; and though he only occupied the humble walk of life, he was a great man, and honourable, for God was with him.

R. M.

BROTHER THOMAS SOUTHALL.

THE subject of this memoir was born at Lye Waste, in the year 1810. At that time Christianity was but little known, and still less appreciated in this part of the country. No Sabbath-schools, no institutions whatever were then in operation for the improvement of the young. The means for moral or religious culture were never afforded our brother in youth. Consequently his mind was totally dark, both as regards book learning and the plan of salvation. In this state our brother continued until he entered into the teens of years, when it pleased the Almighty to send forth the gospel into this part of the country. Though he had no earthly friends who interested themselves in his welfare, the Spirit of God led him to the place where Divine truths were held forth, and he heard words that made a deep and lasting impression on his mind, and in after years he frequently adverted to that time with feelings of gratitude. Although a subject of deep conviction, he did not identify himself with the people of God until he was twentythree years of age, when he became a member of our late brother Edward Farmer's class. Not long, however, did he continue a member, the class being broken up, and he did not feel disposed to join any other. In this

state he seemed utterly miserable, and no wonder, for he opened his house for the purpose of traffic on the Lord's day.

Sometime after this he resumed his seat in the house of God, and one Sabbath day, whilst the preacher was dwelling particularly on the necessity of deciding for God, our brother fully resolved to do as the man of God had told him. He immediately returned to his room, and throwing himself in a very strange position, he pleaded earnestly with heaven for the pardon of his sins; he then received an answer to prayer, and rejoiced in a sense of God's forgiving love. He then hesitated not to reunite himself with the people of God. At this time our highly esteemed minister, Mr. Gilton, being in this circuit, and at a leader's meeting, brother Robins was appointed to take charge of a class. Our late brother resolved to become one of its first members, and he never wilfully neglected that class to the time of his death, being a period of about seventeen years. Whoever was absent Thomas was present. The tenor of his religious career was now consistent, his disposition was mild, and his demeanour affable. The prominent features in his character were humility, affection, and stability. He manifested a becoming regularity in attending the various means of grace, and always manifested submission to the will of his Heavenly Father. His qualifications for usefulness were limited compared to those of others, but his aim was to do good. Possessing his one talent, he did not bury that talent because it was only one, but he would employ it in his humble way for the promotion of God's glory. When appealed to for assistance to forward the cause of God he was always ready. No murmurings, no consultations with flesh and blood, but he cheerfully responded to the calls made upon him.

There was a building erected in front of the chapel a few years ago which every one knew was placed there out of ill feeling towards the house of God, and all must confess that it was a nuisance to the sanctuary on account of the obstruction of its light, and also blocking up the road. Divine Providence seemed to frown upon the undertaking, for the houses were seldom let, and, when they were, no rent was ever paid; and therefore

their owner was reduced to the neces sity of offering them for sale. Our friend Mr. Herrin, embracing the opportunity, purchased the building. In the attempt to raise money to pull down the unsightly structure, our late brother gave liberally himself, and exerted himself in getting subscriptions for the same. In conducting his earthly affairs, he obtained the greatest respect amongst a large circle of friends. Tears were copiously poured forth at his grave by those who had known and dealt with him for years, and who declared that a more straightforward man was not to be found in the world. In all the transactions of business he seemed to adhere to that excellent rule laid down by Mr. Wesley,-"Not to use many words in buying and selling ;" and those arts of trickery in business, which are practised too generally, our brother was never known to be guilty of in the slightest degree.

To say that he had no faults would be saying too much; but these were best known to himself, and to Him that searcheth the heart. It is true he would mourn over the hardness of his own heart, and lament his defects; but never was his indignation hurled against anything so forcibly as against sin. Mildness and fortitude were features prominent in his character. When called to sustain the loss of a beloved wife a few years ago, together with that of a dear infant, he bowed with submission to the will of God, and bore up with the greatest fortitude. Sometimes he met with a serious loss in his worldly circumstances; but he would say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;" and a familiar expression of his was, The Lord is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind.' Seldom was he elated by feelings of ecstacy, and never dejected by feelings of melancholy. His religious experience was generally related with simplicity; but it was firm and satisfactory. His habits were peaceable. He was never known to create the least discord or contention, either in the church or in the world. Seldom would he engage in prayer but he would pray for the church, for his family, and more especially for his aged parents.

In drawing near the close of life, and during his last affliction, he manifested no anxiety-no distress of

mind. He was perfectly at rest when he knew that his affairs were settled according to his own wish; and when visited by his friends, he said, "My work is done." When reminded that the battle was nearly fought, "Yes," he replied, "and the victory nearly gained." In the presence of his leader he tried to sing about Jesus, but it was only in broken sentences. Seeing his end was near, he called his son to his side, and said, "Will you be good!" At length the son exclaimed, “I will, father-I will." At length death struck the fatal blow, and his happy spirit took its flight to realms of bliss, January 19th, 1856, aged 45 years.

His death was improved by the writer to an overflowing and deeply affected congregation, and never whilst memory holds its seat, shall I forget the scene. Many wept audibly during a great part of the service, and almost the whole assembly seemed to stand on the verge of eternity.

SAMUEL HAMBLETT.

RECENT DEATHS. Or late the great destroyer has made fearful ravages within the circle of our friends. Pillar after pillar has fallen, and ornament after ornament has been removed from our temples. Scarcely has the grave closed on the remains of the venerable William Bailey, Esq., before it is opened afresh for others, whose names are familiar to us as household words, and whose virtues shed a rich fragrance on their memories, Our beloved brother the Rev. Thos. Allin has been called to mourn over the loss of his truly excellent partner, endeared to him by her Christian virtues and a union extending over nearly half a century. venerable and beloved brother has our cordial sympathy under the painful stroke, and we are sure the whole Connexion, and numbers throughout a sphere extending far beyond its pale, will feel the same, and unite with us in the prayer that the God of all grace and consolation may support the mind of his aged servant, and cause the comforts and hopes of the covenant to abide richly with him during the remainder of his days.

Our