health permitted him he continued to discharge his duties faithfully. For many years he was actively engaged in our school, both as a teacher and superintendent. During the past three or four years he suffered much from a bronchial affection. Throughout the whole of his affliction, however, he never murmured, but bore with meekness and resignation the dispensations of Divine Providence. The writer of this memoir and other friends often visited him, and, whilst conversing and praying with him, felt his chamber to be a privileged place. In death he was triumphant. On the morning of his decease his wife said to him, "James, is Christ precious?" He replied, "Yes, precious; very precious!" These were the last words he ever spake; in another hour his happy soul entered the realms of light. He died December 24th, 1860. His death was improved in Portwood Chapel on Sabbath evening, January 6th, 1861, to a large and attentive congregation, by the Rev. A. R. Pearson, from Prov. xiv. "The righteous hath hope in his 32, death."

A.

MR. WILLIAM EMSLEY. OUR brother, the beloved husband of the late Mrs. Rachel Emsley (a notice of whose death may be found in the January number of our Magazine for the present year), departed to his eternal rest February 27th, 1861, in the sixty-first year of his age. They were separated from each other but for the short time of four months. They both suffered, too, the same disease. In walking the valley of the shadow of death they seemed to tread in each other's footsteps. In one respect, however, there was a striking difference between them. Her mind was troubled with doubts and fears at the outset of her illness; but he, from the first, enjoyed a sure trust in Christ, and bright, full-hearted anticipations of celestial blessedness. He seemed to start his death-bed experiences at the point of elevation where she finished her course. He was not long in arriving at the conviction that the time of his departure had come, and that "to die would be gain." He gave himself up at once, and expected his change would come soon. In this respect, however, he was mistaken. His end was not then as near as he thought. His illness was more protracted than either he or his

MR. WILLIAM INSTONE. DIED at Dudley, on the 1st of March, Mr. William Instone, in the 75th year of his age. Our venerable friend was born in the neighbourhood of Madeley. In early life he sat at the feet of Mrs. Fletcher, and received instruction from her sainted lips. Miss Tooth also took deep interest in him, and often contributed to his moral and spiritual improvement.

Privileged with such a religious training, the most gratifying results were produced. He gave himself to God and to Methodism in very early life, and kept his hold of both until called to mingle with the saints in light.

We have rarely known a man of richer Christian experience than brother Instone; and his life harmonized with his profession. He was much attached to both the public and social means of grace, and especially to classmeetings. "For fifty years this hand," said he to the writer of these lines,

never omitted receiving a quarterly ticket from the preachers, except once, and that was when the separation took place in Dudley." What an example! As a leader, for a great number of years, his services were invaluable; and many have been refreshed and assisted on their way to heaven by his wise and pious counsels. But his work is done. He gave up his account with joy. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."

M. Y.

MR. EPHRAIM CURZON,

HANLEY.

THERE is no change to a human being so solemn and important as that of death. And since this great change must happen to all, it ought to be viewed with equal concern by all. Death is impartial in the selection of his victims. The sacredness of office, the claims of churches, the endearments of kindred, the comforts of affluence, the holy bonds of friendship, have no power to shield us from his sudden and fatal shafts. Along he goes with resistless power in the midst of our churches, and before his desolating march our cedars fall, and the forest of our vintage cometh down.

In our church at Bethesda the hand of the spoiler has been severely felt of late. In sad and sudden succession, the great and good have fallen in our midst. Early in December last, as with an electric shock, we heard the announcement that John Ridgway, Esq., was dead. This sudden and unexpected announcement plunged not only our own church and circuit, but the entire Connexion, into the deepest grief; for, notwithstanding he had lived far above the average of human life, every one who saw his firm step, or knew his robust and vigorous frame, looked forward to many more years of usefulness and active service. But no, his work was done; and, when his work was finished, without a moment's detention by sickness or the slightest symptoms of weariness, he went straightway to his eternal resting-place. After joining in a religious meeting at Bethesda schoolroom, the humble-minded Christian and public benefactor returned home in good health and spirits, and seated himself in his chair, reclining backwards, when he softly and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, leaving behind him a name that will be held in grateful and loving remembrance for many years to

come.

Two days after the interment of John Ridgway, Esq., the vaults under Bethesda Chapel were again opened to receive the remains of the Rev. Charles Bootman, which were conveyed from Gloucester, the scene of his last labours and sufferings, the good man having expressed a wish that his bones might be laid to rest amongst the people with whom he had laboured with much acceptance, and spent three of the happiest years of his life. Mr. Boot

man was a devoted and successful minister of Jesus Christ. He was universally beloved in our churches, and his unexpected death was a subject of genuine lamentation.

Scarcely had these and other solemn events passed away, before the last enemy, Death, summoned to the grave the remains of Brother Ephraim Curzon-a man whose many social virtues and Christian excellencies had earned for him the love and respect of a large circle of friends, and entitled him to a place in the obituary of the Denomination he ardently loved, and for whose prosperity he so zealously laboured.

Mr. Curzon was born at Hanley, in the year 1809. He was the first-born of Samuel and Ann Curzon. His parents were in the humble walks of life, but gave their children the best education their limited means enabled them to supply. At an early period in life, Ephraim was sent to the Bethesda Sabbath-school; and to the religious training he received in that institution he was much indebted for the associations and happy experience he enjoyed in riper and more advanced years. When very young, he became the subject of many serious impressions, and, happily for him, they were not of a transient duration; for, amid many opposing influences, they continued to grow with his growth and strengthen with his strength. In fact, so strong were his convictions, and so ardent his desires for the welfare of his soul, that he resolved to consecrate his youthful energies to God and his cause. At this period he was privileged with constant opportunities of religious counsel from that sainted man, the late Joseph Bullock, who took peculiar interest in promoting his early piety, and by whose fostering care his feet were preserved from many of the snares and follies of youth. At twelve years of age he began to meet in class; for several years he was a regular attendant on those means of grace; and during the whole of his minority he evinced many instances of genuine and earnest piety, and of unreserved consecratedness of heart and of life to the advancement of God's cause.

At the age of twenty, he married Mary, the only daughter of Thomas and Mary Beck, who with three, out of seven, children survive, to mourn his removal from their midst. With increased years, his views on the nature of religion expanded; and as his capa

An

bilities of expressing them became visible, he was induced to become a leader and local preacher, and in these offices he laboured with fidelity, zeal, and usefulness for many years. While he was no sectarian or bigot in principle, he was warmly attached to our own denomination, which he evinced by much bodily exertion in its cause, as well as by frequent pecuniary sacrifices which he made on its behalf. Scarcely had our late brother arrived at the prime of manhood before he showed the symptoms of a disease whch eventually ended his days. asthma of more than ordinary malignity set in, mocking every effort to check its progress, and often rendering the latter period of his life labour and sorrow. For fifteen years our departed friend was afflicted, but Divine strength and consolation were given according to his day-indeed, were more than equal to his circumstances; for although he might be regarded as dying daily, he continued to labour with great ardour and zeal, so long as he was capable of performing the least active service in the church or the world. The last two years of Brother Curzon's life were fraught with much bodily sufferings, and yet with much religious enjoyment and profit. When no longer capable of attending to the claims of business or of enduring the slightest exertion, he took his farewell of the world to promote the higher and more important interests of his heavenly calling.

In his retirement so favourable to serious reflection, examination, and prayer-our brother wrote a long piece of poetry, eulogizing the character, talents, and labours of all the preachers on the circuit plan of which he formed one. In his retired moments the suffering saint was neither solitary nor unblest; sweet and precious were the moments of the Divine presence and love to his soul, and welcome the friends who came to visit him. No society was more dear to him than that of the friends of Jesus; with these he lived and loved on earth as those with whom he hoped to live and love in heaven. Few things he more valued than intercourse with our ministers, to whom he invariably showed much respect and kindness. They can testify to his worth-that they found in him a pleasant companion, a wise councillor, and reliable friend. In a letter to the bereaved widow, the Rev. R.

Henshaw thus remarks:-"Your late husband and myself were warm friends for many years. In our boyhood, in our manhood, and in advanced years, we respected each other highly." "For no Christian brother in the Hanley Circuit," writes the Rev. C. D. Ward, "did I cherish a higher regard than for your departed husband. With much joy I look back on the social hours we have spent by his fireside; ever was he deeply interested in all that concerned the Hanley Circuit, and equally so the entire Connexion. His judgment, influenced by a clear conception and a lofty principle, was firm, and seldom at fault; and on many points of difficult duty I have consulted him with singular advantage. But his heart it was which chiefly won one's confidence and love. Delighting as he did in the company of Christians, and especially of ministers, one could not call at the wrong time, nor be with him long without feeling that a true and thorough friend was there, to whom-as unto very few-the heart might be opened without danger, and its experiences be told without fear of betrayal."

The last few weeks of our brother's existence on earth were characterized by much tranquillity and peace. The hope of immortality was firm and vigorous; and, having a prospect bright and clear, he could rise above his fears and sufferings to the blissful assurance of eternal life. If his sufferings were great his submission was exemplary, and it cheered him to think and repeat

"Though painful at present, it will cease before long,

And then, oh, how pleasant the conqueror's song!

one.

On the day of his decease, our brother was visited by the Revs. A. To the latter M'Curdy and J. Stacey. gentleman he had been greatly attached for many years, and the interview, so unexpected, was a solemn and affecting In a fervent and appropriate prayer the dying saint was commended to his Saviour, to which he responded in deep feeling; and then, with mutual benedictions, these two friends bade him farewell until they meet again in heaven. At a later hour of the day he was visited by brother Brookes, who found him sinking, but evidently calm, and waiting his solemn change. He offered up prayer on his behalf, but nature was too far gone to enable him

to articulate. In this exhausted state he continued till eight o'clock in the evening, when he exchanged the sufferings of life for the nobler and purer enjoyments of heaven. He died in his fifty-second year, having been forty years a member, and twenty-six years a local preacher in connexion with Bethesda Society.

Such is a true and simple statement of facts descriptive of the religious history of our late brother, E. Curzon, If looked into more minutely, it would furnish excellencies of Christian character reflecting honour on the memory of the departed, and proving useful, by way of example, to others who remain on earth. A uniform course of Christian conduct for forty years, and many years of passive obedience under severe bodily tribulation, cannot be surveyed without presenting some lessons of moral beauty and instruction.

The Rev. James Stacey thus beautifully epitomizes his character:-"He was a thoroughly godly and zealous man, acceptable as a preacher, powerful in prayer, considerate in council, intelligent in judgment, upright in business, single-minded in everything."

Another good man is gone to heaven in E. Curzon. I cannot regret his translation, but I think of him with a true tenderness and affection. Our beloved friend's removal was improved on Sabbath evening, February 10th, in Bethesda Chapel, by the Rev. A. M'Curdy, who preached an appropriate discourse from the words, "He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."

Thus does friend after friend depart, and we would not recall them from their high and happy state. But while heaven is richer, and the Church poorer by their removal, the great inquiry which should concern us is, who shall take their place? Who, by enlisting in the army of Jesus and swelling his ranks-who, by an augmen. tation of spiritual influence, power, and wealth, by their personal devotedness and sacrificing spirit, will come forward to make up the ranks, and to supply in some measure the loss of their piety and service to the Church militant? There is need in the world for a lofty type of faith and virtue, for an unreserved consecration and devotedness of heart and life, for earnest and united prayer, for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to rest upon his Church. May the mantle of

Living in the same town with Mr. Curzon, we were boys together, and I have known him for a period of near forty years. We both set out to heaven about the same time, and were both under the fostering care of our good friend, Joseph Bullock. We are prepared to say that Ephraim Curzon was a sterling character. Sincere, fervent, laborious, and generous to the full extent of his means, he was felt to be a power in his own sphere, and his death will leave another vacuum in Bethesda. But this is our hope-God, who taketh away his servants by death, can and will raise up others to occupy their places. May the bereaved widow and children follow in the footsteps of the loved one they have lost, and find in his God their consolation and support! W, COOKE.

WILLIAM HOMES. WILLIAM HOMES was born at Winlaton, Gateshead Circuit, December, 1835. At a very early period of life he lost his father by death, but the Lord was a Father to him. His mind was early impressed with divine truth. At the age of nine years, his kind mother being very ill at night, he was awakened by the noise, and immediately he sat up in bed and prayed to God for his mother, in his simple way. He at tended the Sabbath-school in our chapel, and when about the age of sixteen his name was enrolled in the church book. He became a teacher in the Sabbath-school, but his worldly employment interfered with his regular attendance both at the school and the means of grace; yet, though absent in body, he was present in spirit. For some time he held the office of steward of the church, and lately became a trustee of the chapel. He took considerable interest in the special services held in our chapel towards the close of 1859, and attended them all. The influence of these services upon his heart and conduct was very gracious. He seemed rapidly to grow in religious experience, and became much more stable and attentive to duty, manifesting more of that mind that was in our dear Saviour, and was thus, no doubt, pre

pared for the great change that came so suddenly upon him. He attended the services of the chapel on Lord's day, March 28th, 1860, and on the following day a female prayer-meeting in the afternoon. He engaged in prayer, and gave out for singing the

verse,

"O God, our help in ages past," &c. He then went home, got ready, and went to his work at six o'clock in the evening, and before the sun next morning lit up the hills with his golden beams, the boiler of which he had the charge exploded, scattering property and human life all around. Our brother was standing upon the boiler at the time the accident occurred, and was blown into the air a considerable height, and fell to the ground a lifeless corpse. How mysterious are the ways of Providence! Often clouds and darkness are round about His throne, but we are assured that truth and righteousness form a part of the Divine proceedings with regard to man. A few hours only had elapsed, and he worshipped with the Church on earth-his fingers swept the strings of his instrument with joy and gladness; but his hand has forgot its cunning, and no doubt he is now employed in swelling the chorus of redeeming love before the throne of God,

The prominent features of our brother's character were humility and cheerfulness. He had low views of himself, was not puffed up, not easily provoked, did not push himself forward, but required bringing out, and was always ready to do what he could in all things relating to the cause of God cheerfully. His was not a religion of gloom. Being naturally of a joyous disposition, religion sanctified it.

He took delight in innocent joy and pleasure, was fond of the company of young people, and entered into their pastimes with zeal and delight; and especially was he fond of music. Our friend for many years played the bass violin in our chapel.

In his general deportment he was consistent, steady, not given to change, but firm, even, always the same, ever cheerful, ever joyous, ever hopeful, ever kind and loving.

Though we have no death-bed utterances to present as to his state of mind when he died, we have that of his life. He enjoyed religion, and was not ashamed to own his Lord and Master. He felt his need of a Saviour, and found

that Jesus was an able one-to Him he clung.

The death of our brother was improved by the Rev. Thomas Whitehouse, on which occasion hundreds could not obtain admittance. Winlaton, April 20th, 1861.

THE REV. A. LYNN.

OUR Connexion has just lost another of its most beloved as well as most devoted and useful ministers. On Friday, May 10, Rev. A. Lynn exchanged mortality for life. He had for some months past been laid aside from ministerial labours by a disease of the liver, but hopes were entertained that his valuable life would still be mercifully prolonged. Towards the close of April, however, symptoms of dropsy were perceived, and these being shortly followed by a disorder of the bladder, his sufferings became most violent, and shortly terminated his earthly career.

His death was like his life. His closing days were marked by the same humble clinging to the Atonement, by the same joy and peace in believing, the same prayerfulness and gratitude, the same genial tenderness and warmth of spirit which had so long characterized him.

The funeral services, on Tuesday, May 14, were of the most impressive character. Letters had been received by the family from several of our ministers, expressing regret that the near approach of Conference, and the remote position of Boston, prevented their attendance; but this lack was to some extent supplied by the ministers of the town, most of whom had frequently visited Mr. Lynn in his affliction, and gave all the expressions of affection and sympathy which could have been expected from the most attached Connexional friends. Nearly all the Nonconformist ministers of the town walked in front of the hearse, which was followed by a long procession of mourners on foot, beside others occupying several coaches and cabs. Many shops were partially or wholly closed, and the funeral is said to have been more largely attended than any remembered in Boston, except that of the late unfortunate Mr. Ingram, M.P.

On arriving at the chapel, the coffin was placed in front of the pulpit, formerly occupied by the deceased, and the service was opened by singing the 143rd Hymn, and prayer by the Rev. Mr.