its interests. During his last illness, which continued several weeks, his mind was kept in great peace, stayed upon God; and, when called hence, he was found ready. He died, as he had lived, in the faith and hope of the Gospel ; having been a member of the Wesleyan Society about twenty-five years. E. M. August 14th.-At Calne, in the Melksham Circuit, aged twenty-nine, Mr. James Cocks, late of Beaminster, Dorset. From his youth he had been a member of Society, and for many years an acceptable and useful Local Preacher. His end was peace. W. V. August 20th.-At Leeds, Susannah Ruth, the beloved wife of the Rev. James Methley, aged fifty-four. When very young, she was truly converted to God: her penitential sorrow was deep; and the change, effected by the operation of the Holy Spirit, unquestionable. From this day-dawn of spiritual life to the close of her pil grimage, her course was one of undeviating consistency, and of devotedness to God. Her character was one of great moral beauty and excellence. She was prudent in counsel, and inexhaustibly affectionate in domestic relations. Through the whole of her life she was distinguished by a sincere love of her Bible, and was anxious to read it over once a year. The secret and public means of grace she scrupulously observed. As a Minister's wife, she commanded much respect. In the early part of the present year, there were indications of her declining health. Hope shed its light tremblingly upon the louring cloud which gathered fast round a happy domestic hearth. She was meanwhile kept in peace, resting on the atonement of Christ for present and final salvation, and prayerfully committing her soul to God in Christ Jesus. On Tuesday the 20th of August, after her husband had been conversing and praying with her, there was a sudden rupture of a bloodvessel, and in a few minutes she expired in her daughter's arms. Her loss is greatly deplored by numerous friends, as well as by her bereaved family. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." J. M. Sept. 1st.-At Camberwell, in the Fifth London Circuit, Mr. Elias Fassett, aged forty-nine. He became united to the Wesleyan-Methodist Society in 1831; and thence to the end of life adorned his religious profession. He was cordially attached to the doctrines and discipline of this community. For many years he was a diligent and useful visiter in connexion with the Strangers' Friend Society; and, by the kindness of his demeanour, and his evident desire to do good, he greatly endeared himself to the poor and destitute. He was diffident and retiring, possessed of a meek and quiet spirit; and, by his general deportment in the church and in the world, he gained the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He departed in great peace. L. T. Sept. 14th.-At Maltby, in the Alford Circuit, aged eighty-six, Mr. B. Wilson, having been a member of the Wesleyan Society more than sixty years, and more than fifty a Class Leader. His Christian character was exemplary; and he was careful to train up his children in the fear of the Lord. He delighted in the services of the sanctuary; and, on the Sabbath preceding his last illness, he attended a lovefeast, and spoke with deep feeling of the good the Lord had done to him for many years; adding that, now he was about to enter the valley of the shadow of death, there was light in the valley. His last affliction was short, but painful. He was graciously supported through the conflict; and he passed, with holy triumph, "From a suffering church beneath, To a reigning church above." T. A. Sept. 15th.-At Plymouth, aged seventy-three, Mrs. Agnes Clark, for fifty-three years a consistent member of Society. In early life she had the advantage of Christian instruction from pious parents; her devoted father having been one of seven persons who, seventy years ago, formed the Methodist Society in Plymouth. When about nineteen years of age, she became truly decided, and earnestly sought, in believing prayer, the forgiveness of her sins and the renewal of her heart in righteousness. Having joyfully realised this blessing, she gave proof of its possession by a holy demeanour, in all things adorning the doctrine of Christ. She delighted in the services of the sanctuary, especially in attending her class-meeting, and the table of her dying Lord. For several years she suffered much affliction, which she bore with Christian resignation. Her confidence in her Saviour was, to the last, firm and unwavering. Her example in life was a blessing; and her memory is now grateful to her family and friends. She died in the Lord. J. M. Sept. 16th.-At Burrisokane, in the Cloughjordan Circuit, Margaret, the beloved wife of Mr. George Salter. When about nineteen years of age, she was made the happy partaker of the saving grace of God through the instrumentality of Methodism; and from that time she walked "in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost;""adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour," as a wife, a mother, and a church-member. During her illness she spoke much of the goodness of God to her, and of her prospects beyond the grave. "Precious Jesus!" she said: "O how precious to me! What a mercy I have not religion to seek now! Blessed be God, all is well: yes, thank God, all is well! " Her adorning through life had been, in a very high degree, that enjoined by St. Peter,-" even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." This endeared her to all who knew her, but especially to her own family, who now mourn their sad loss. "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." J. M. Sept. 28th.-At Glasbury, in the Brecon Circuit, (drowned, with four other persons, în crossing the river Wye,) James Bynon, aged forty-seven years. From a child he gave "attendance to reading," and was led by the Holy Spirit to give his heart to God, and himself to the church by the will of God. His entire life from that time was a sacritice to God. As a Leader, he was esteemed and honoured; as a Local Preacher, he was acceptable, laborious, and useful. If he escaped the "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you," and was hid from the scourge of the tongue," it was because, when a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." James Bynon was "meek and lowly in heart:" he loved his God, and the people of his God, and "meddled not with them who are given to change." His death was sudden; but there is no doubt that he has entered into the joy of his Lord. P. O. Sept. 29th.-At Winterbourne, in the Downend Circuit, Mr. William Pearse. From an early period he was in the habit of reading the sacred Scriptures, and committing many portions of them to memory. This produced good impressions on his mind; but he did not for several years become altogether a Christian. When Mr. Wesley visited his neighbourhood, Mr. Pearse heard him preach on the text, "Come, for all things are now ready." By the blessing of God, that sermon produced a great and lasting effect. Receiving an invitation, for which he had waited some time, Mr. Pearse joined the Society about the year 1794. In 1800 he became a Leader, and, shortly after, a Local Preacher. These offices he continued to fulfil, to the profit of many, until his death. During the whole of his Christian course he manifested consistency of conduct, and an eminently meek and charitable spirit. All the means of grace he highly prized; and, up to his last illness, he was among the most regular in attending the Sunday-morning prayer-meeting. His dying testimony was, "All is right. My work is done." J. M. Sept. 29th.-At Chester, Mr. William Edwards, aged sixty-three. He was a descendant of a highly respected family in Flintshire, and his mother was for many years an esteemed and useful member of the Wesleyan Society. In the year 1813, under the faithful and awakening ministry of the Rev. John Braithwaite, those early religious impressions which had become nearly obliterated amidst gay and trifling associates, were powerfully revived: he sought peace in the exercise of private prayer, and in fellowship with the people of God; and, after a brief season of sincere repentance, he realised the assurance of forgiveness while partaking of the holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The vigour of his religious principles was evinced in the immediate abandonment of a large portion of business which required-what he now felt to be indefensible-occupation on the Sabbath. He fulfilled, with conscientious integrity and great acceptance, the duties of Class-Leader and Local Preacher; and at different periods acted as Steward of the Society and Circuit-Steward. --He was attached to Wesleyan Methodism, and held its peculiar institutions in high esteem. Of its Ministers, especially the honoured men who have borne the heat and burden of the day, he ever spoke with warm affection. He was generally beloved by the Wesleyan families through. out the Circuit, and was greatly respected by all who knew him as a faithful citizen, and an upright man of business. His religious enjoyments, during his last long affliction, were much affected by the state of his health; his mind became enfeebled, and his spirit was occasionally depressed; but his confidence in the one Atonement was unshaken, and no murmur escaped his lips. He was "in the love of God," and was "looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." J. K. T. Oct. 1st.-At Lytham, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, Mr. George Burton, late of Cheetham Hill, Manchester First Circuit, and formerly of Rhodes, near Middleton. For the long period of fifty-five years he was a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society, and maintained a high and uniform Christian character to the end of his days. Loving God with all his heart, he loved his neighbour as himself; and demonstrated his deep concern for the spiritual welfare of others by the zealous discharge of the duties of Local Preacher, Class-Leader, Trustee of various chapels, Circuit-Steward, SocietySteward, Treasurer of the Missionary and Tract Societies, &c., &c. The grace that enabled him cheerfully to do the will of God during health, also enabled him patiently to suffer it throughout a severe and protracted affliction. The peace and confidence of the mature Christian were conspicuous in his last moments, and, at the bidding and welcome of his Divine Master, this good and faithful servant entered into the joy of his Lord. W. H. Oct. 3d.-At Whittle-le-woods, in the Preston Circuit, in the forty-eighth year of her age, Sarah, wife of Mr. E. Leece, jun. At the age of eighteen she gave herself to the Lord, and became united to His people. Her subsequent life was an illustration of the reality of her dedication. Though delicate in health, and able to command but little leisure, she soon became a visiter of the sick, a Tract-Distributer, and a Sabbath-school Teacher. Her devotedness and intelligence marked her out for a yet higher duty, and she consented to take charge of a female class. This she conducted for about twelve years. To the great regret of her members, she had to resign her office, her husband's duties requiring their removal from Preston. The poor and the sick in her new sphere gained largely by this event. She was a woman of a most amiable, sympathising, and generous spirit. For the last six years she endured severe affliction, and was seldom able to attend the public means of grace, which she highly valued. Her Bible and Hymn-book became more than ever her companions, and yielded to her more than ever of profit and delight. Toward the close of life her sufferings were exceedingly great. She bore them, however, with lamb-like patience," and experienced much Divine support. On being told, in answer to her inquiry, that she would not live more than two or three days, she was overjoyed, saying, "Praise the Lord I am so near heaven!" J. P. MISSIONARY NOTICES. In this concluding Number for the year 1850, we are induced by the great importance and urgency of the subjoined CIRCULAR, to give precedence to that document before the other interesting articles which will follow it; hoping thereby to gain for it the particular and immediate attention of the officers and members of Auxiliary and Branch Societies in town and country. CIRCULAR. TO TREASURERS AND SECRETARIES OF AUXILIARY AND BRANCH SOCIETIES, TO WESLEYAN MINISTERS, AND TO OTHER SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS OF THE WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Wesleyan Mission-House, London, November, 1850. DEAR FRIENDS,-We are induced to address you by special Circular at this time, in consequence of the peculiar circumstances of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, which, though not materially different from the circumstances in which the Society was found at this time last year, are not, therefore, the less cause of anxiety, but are rather, on account of their annual recurrence, the occasion of increased solicitude. The expenditure of the Society for the year 1850 has now been almost wholly incurred; and, as far as we can yet judge, it will vary little from the amount of expenditure last year; while more than one-half of the income to meet that expenditure has yet to be collected and received. The consequence is, that the officers and the Committee of the Society have to claim the kind consideration of their friends to the statement to which they now beg to call your attention. It may not be generally understood, that in some respects the Wesleyan Missionary Society very materially differs in its circumstances and operations from some other kindred Societies which have the same great object in view. It differs from the Church Missionary Society, inasmuch as that very respectable body has been furnished by its friends with a Capital Fund, which obviates the necessity of borrowing money in advance of the year's income; while, on the contrary, the Treasurers of the Wesleyan Missionary Society have been under the necessity this year, as in former years, of borrowing on interest very large sums of money, which they shall not be able to repay until they receive the closing balances of the year from the various Circuits and Districts of the Connexion. The Wesleyan Missionary Society differs also from some other great Missionary Societies in the larger extent of the field it attempts to cultivate, and consequently in the greater amount of responsibility which it assumes. It is at once an Irish Society, a Continental Society, a Colonial Missionary Society, and a Society for Missions in heathen lands. Each of these departments might with propriety claim a separate interest, and a distinct Committee and Executive, as is the case in other departments of the church of Christ in this country. But it has been the aim of the Conference not to multiply interests and responsibilities, but, on the contrary, rather to concentrate and harmonise the whole of these large interests and responsibilities under one economical management and direction. The result is, that the Wesleyan Missionary Committee has a vast amount of labour to perform in the superintendence of the Missions, and has a widespread responsibility from which there is no immediate escape, and by which they are stimulated to this method of bringing their present circumstances under your notice. The Committee have completed their annual review of the state and expenditure of the Missions under their care; and they are confirmed in their often-expressed persuasion, that no very material reduction can be made in the cost at which the several Missions are now carried on indeed, in many cases very important Missions are crippled in their operations, and are less abundant in their precious fruit, in consequence of the economical arrangements which the Committee have felt themselves bound, by their limited resources, to recommend for adoption in the Foreign Districts. It becomes, therefore, a matter of grave inquiry, whether the Missions are to be carried on in full and extensive operation, as at present; and whether the liberality and good faith of the Connexion will sustain the Committee in their labours and responsibilities? Are we, in the humble exercise of faith and hope, to maintain before the church at large, and before the world, that eminent position we have been led to take in the work of the evangelisation of the human race? Are we prepared, in dependence on the good providence of God, to continue and increase the supplies required for the prosecution of the work now so extensive, and this not only for the honour of Methodism, which is deeply involved, but also for Christ's sake,-in love and gratitude to Him to whom we are debtors beyond what we can ever repay, and in compassion to the souls of men whom we have no means of calling out of darkness into light, except by Missionary agency? Or, shall we be swayed by considerations of ordinary worldly prudence, and of cautious economy, so as to set about a reduction of our extensive and useful Missions, in order to a reduction of the expense? The Committee repeat that, taking the Missions in detail, no very material or lasting reduction can be effected. Each Mission will continue to require the full amount of support it now receives: if, therefore, a reduction must be made, the only alternative is, that some large section of the field must be abandoned. To that very weighty consideration we now address ourselves; only observing, that the outline of operations above indicated suggests an order in which the painful subject may be conveniently arranged and considered. Shall we give up the Missions in Ireland? The Missions and Schools in Ireland, which are auxiliary to the regular work of the Irish Conference, cost £4,607. 2s. 7d. in the year 1849. Can we afford to put our patriotism and our Protestantism to the blush, by deliberating whether we shall save this large sum by withdrawing our aid from the sister kingdom, afflicted, as she is, with a dominant and tyrannical Popery? And let it further be considered, whether, if we cease to incur the cost of the Missions and Schools in Ireland, we could, honestly or decorously, continue to receive the contributions which are raised for the support of Missions in that country, amounting annually to nearly £5,000? Should the Irish contributions be given up, with the abandonment of the Irish Missions, it is clearly apparent that the Society would greatly suffer in usefulness, and character, and revenue. Shall we withdraw our Missions from the continent of Europe? This section of our work cost the funds about £5,000 in the last year; or, in exact figures, £4,876. 3s. 7d. The Mission in Germany supported itself, except a balance of £55. 19s. Shall we grudge that payment for the employment of sixty agents, and the edification of one thousand members in our Societies; and for the opportunity of promoting a revival of evangelical Christianity in the country whence we derived the glorious light of the Reformation from Popery? And if we take the work in all its details throughout France and Gibraltar, -all the active agencies at work, all the precious fruit now ripening to be gathered in, all the local charities and aids to the operations of the Society called forth into benevolent and useful activity;-shall we not be appalled at the idea of annihilating so much good, both in existence and in hope, as must necessarily be brought to destruction if we withdraw our Missions from the continent of Europe? Shall we cease to labour as a Missionary Society in the extensive colonies of the British Empire? In the colonies we are evangelising our own countrymen. We are strengthening, by a spiritual fellowship, the bond of union with our countrymen in Australia and in British North America, which is already acknowledged in the ties of kindred and common origin. While professing a desire to do good unto all men, shall we make a special exception in the case of those who have interests and affections and language in common with ourselves? It is granted that the Colonial Missions cost a large sum annually,—in the year 1849 they cost £15,008. 8s. 4d. But the suggestion we ventured to make in the case of Ireland, is almost equally applicable to the colonies; for, besides the vast amount of Christian effort in connexion with the Missions which is awakened throughout the colonies, and sustained without any assistance from the Society, the Missions themselves are to a great extent supported by ordinary Society-contributions, namely, class-money, quarterage, &c.; and the balance of their cost, as reported above, is more than half met by their Auxiliary contributions to the Mission-fund. The contributions from the Colonial Mission-stations to the funds of the Society in 1849 amounted to £6,141. 14s.; and the Colonial Grants, to £2,322. 16s. 6d.; making a total of £8,464. 10s. 6d. which sums are included in the reported income of the Society for 1849. These contributions we must necessarily give up as income, when we cease to incur expenditure on account of Colonial Missions. It is not to be concealed that the Committee would be saved much labour and responsibility by being relieved of the management of these Colonial Missions; but the most rigid economist will be satisfied, that there would be no saving of money sufficiently large to compensate for the loss both of moral weight and pecuniary contributions which the Society would incur by immediately cutting off the Missions in the colonies. The Societies in the colonies may possibly at some time become independent of support from home; but it is surely not desirable that any separation which |