all adorned the faith; and they have all passed in triumph to the church above.

The precise time and circumstances of William's conversion are not known. He has often remarked that he drank deeply of the "wormwood and the gall." But his repentance was unto life. He trusted in Christ, and received "the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." While anxiously concerned for his soul, he accepted an invitation to a class-meeting, where he received the Christian sympathy and counsel which his case required. This was in 1821. From that date he ever highly prized the privilege of thus speaking often with them that feared the Lord. At different times members of another community expressed a wish to have him with them; but he replied,-"I believe I am in my right place." Yet, while from conviction he was ardently attached to the people of his choice, he was a lover of all good men, and sympathised in the joys and sorrows, the depressions and triumphs, of the universal church. He was wont to be much pained if he heard reflections upon other bodies of Christians, and to say,-"We have our own errors to correct; and all our care is required to be at peace among ourselves."

"Being made free from sin," and having "become the servant of God," he had his "fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." He surrendered his soul to receive the full impression of the Gospel, cherishing its solemn obligations, and giving himself up to exemplify its beauties of holiness. He was in earnest, not only to have the "comfort of the Holy Ghost," but also, and especially, to abound in that "fruit of the Spirit which is in all goodness and righteousness and truth." And truly he let his "light shine before men," that they might "see" his "good works, and glorify" his "Father which is in heaven."

With a view to keep his heart with all diligence, and to be well assured of spiritual advancement, he made occasional private records of his experience. Together with these, he noted down passages of sermons with which he had been particularly impressed, or which he deemed worthy of especial remembrance. His old Bible also-his closet companion-exhibits many references to admonitions which he thought suited to himself; many an Amen written under promises which he wished to appropriate; and many an underlining of emphatic words which he desired to realise. These little circumstances indicate the secret of that strength and growth which others failed not to observe. He received "the sincere milk" and the " strong meat" of the word, that he might "grow thereby." His religion was accordingly intelligent, deep, and stable.

Concerning his intercourse with others, his own testimony may be given. Not long after his conversion he wrote thus: "Since I set out, I have had much opposition from within, and from the enemy of souls; but little from the world. I must acknowledge that this is because I have too much conformed to the world, and have not mani

fested the spirit and temper of my Lord and Saviour." And again :

"I have this day found the enemy of souls trying to destroy my peace, by endeavouring to keep me in the company of worldlyminded people. By yielding to this, I grieve the Spirit of God, and bring my soul into bondage. May the Lord give me grace, that henceforth I may keep from the company of the world as much as possible!" This holy and prayerful vigilance had its reward. He learned to live in this world in the spirit of a stranger and pilgrim, passing to a better country.

In his intercourse with the people of God, he jealously guarded against display and over-statement respecting the hope that was in him. Meantime, although naturally diffident and retiring, he constrained himself to contribute his testimony, as opportunity served, to raise and swell the pleasures of the "communion of saints."

men."

As he had "opportunity," he endeavoured to "do good unto all In the formation of a Tract Society in Lowestoft he took a lively interest. A supply of tracts he kept for distribution, especially among sailors. And such was the kind and courteous manner in which this was done, that he generally received a promise, even from the most careless, that the tracts should be read.-Feeling it his duty not to allow sin in his presence unreproved, he was anxious to discharge this duty in such a manner as not to give unnecessary offence. As a Local Preacher, he was conscientiously punctual in attending his appointments; so that the congregations always went in confidence that he would not fail them. He could not bear the thought of trifling with the interests of immortal souls, assembled to hear the word of God. On returning from appointments which he had felt scarcely vigorous enough to undertake, and for which he had not been able to procure a willing supply, he frequently said, "I am best in the harness; I am no worse for going; the Lord helped me." The same zeal and diligence also marked the discharge of his duties as a Class-Leader.

The Sabbath was to him, eminently, "a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable." His eager study was to secure as much as possible of its precious time for religious exercises, both public and private. He was at first tempted by powerful inducements to violate its sanctity,-inducements the more powerful, because others in the same business with himself felt no such scruples; but he could not be brought to yield. His spirit and manner served, however, to make it evident that, to oblige his neighbour, he was willing to make any sacrifice which would not infringe "the law of his God." And he had no cause to regret his fidelity. Many years' experience convinced him, that gain, in every respect, was its natural tendency as well as its actual result. In keeping this commandment he found great reward.

Attention to his business he regarded as an appointed way of "serving the Lord." Religion, in this application, brought forth in him habitual truth and uprightness, which engaged unlimited and unhesitating confidence. It relieved him, moreover, of that anxiety which commonly attends business-affairs, and impairs spiritual peace

and prosperity. It shed upon every-day life the sacred pleasures of devotion. The goodness of God, in this regard, he gratefully acknowledged by cheerful offerings in support of His cause, and by ministering to the wants of the poor. In the exercise of a pure and unostentatious liberality, he made many a heart glad, and brought upon himself the blessing of many.

The interests of Methodism were dear to his heart, and were supported by him in every possible way. Greatly did he rejoice in the Centenary movement. When presenting bis grateful offerings to the God of his people, in behalf of himself, his wife, and his three children, he devoutly prayed that the latter might become better men than their father. With solemn joy, which cannot be forgotten, he heard, a few months before his death, that one of these-a pupil in the academy at Soham-had chosen his father's God as the Guide of his youth.

With a calmly fervent zeal he was ever intent on the advancement of Christ's kingdom,—

"While all his trophies, all his spoils,

He hung upon the Cross."

His was the true wakeful life of a Christian, so aptly described by a recent writer: "A thing of intensity and depth. It carried about with it the air of calm and restful dignity; of inward power and greatness. It was fervent, but not feverish; energetic, but not excited; speedy in its doings, but not hasty; prudent, but not timid or selfish; resolute and fearless, but not rash; unobtrusive and sometimes silent, yet making all around to feel its influence; full of joy and peace, yet without parade or noise; overflowing in tenderness and love, yet, at the same time, faithful and true."

His piety increased with his years. It became deeper in tone, more diffusive in operation, and more powerful in influence. His daily engagements not allowing regular seasons of retirement, his habit was to seize and improve opportunities as they occurred. But, before he went from home on any business, his practice was to retire and pray for God's counsel and blessing. Thus he rendered his most ordinary duties both safe and sacred. This was observed even by his younger children; of which affecting illustrations occurred after his death. In truth he was "instant in prayer." The daily attitude and exercise of his soul was a following hard after God. He "walked with God;" and he "had this testimony, that he pleased Him."

Mr. Beecroft's mortal illness was short. His last active Sabbath was spent in preaching the word of God; when he solemnly pressed the exhortation, "Grow in grace." The next evening he attended the prayer-meeting, and met his class. On the Wednesday following, he was confined by influenza; and, the Wednesday after, he was received into his final home. The religion which had so adorned his life, failed not to shed its precious blessings on life's closing scene. calmly resigned himself to the issue. The joy of the Lord was his strength. On the day before his death he said to his wife, "I have

He

been thinking of that passage, The end is not yet.' But," he added, "it will be by and by. I have had such views of the fulfilment of the promises and of eternal things! All appear in a new light. The glory which was revealed by the Father to the Son has been revealed, in a lesser degree, to a poor, weak man. I would not arrogate anything to myself; but I have had a glimpse of the glory." God was with him; and to Him he solemnly and believingly committed his weeping children and their mother. When asked what should be said to the eldest, who was at school, he said, "Tell him to look only to God, and cast all his care upon Him; and tell them all so." At the near advance of death, he exclaimed, Precious blood of Christ! Glory! glory! Praise the Lord!" A friend said, "You are passing through the valley." "Yes," he replied; "but I have got my staff. 'I know that my Redeemer liveth.'" With countenance lighted up with more than earthly brightness, he had prayer already turned into praise. "I'll praise my Maker,'" he exclaimed, "while I have breath!' I see! I see! I'm coming! Land me safe in heaven!" Thus did he "pass through death triumphant home."

More than fifteen hundred people joined his funeral procession, while most of the shops in the town were closed. The Rev. Francis Cunningham, M.A., Vicar of Lowestoft, after having finished the reading of the appointed service, addressed the large congregation in the following words :-"I have known the late Mr. Beecroft during the eighteen years of my residence in Lowestoft; and I have always remarked his unvaried course of humble, holy, and useful conduct. Called, as I understand he was, at an early age to feel the power of religious truth, he was enabled to adorn his profession, and to exhibit it continually for the benefit of his fellow-townsmen. I have often contemplated him as more perfectly fulfilling all the duties of life than almost any person I know. He was exemplary in his habit of reading the Scriptures three or four times a day, in his solicitude and strictness as a parent, in his tenderness as a relation, in his faithfulness as a friend, and in his unusual benevolence and kindness to all around him. God did in his case seem remarkably to bless the habitation of the just.' As Treasurer of the Bible Association, the Committee of that institution have frequently remarked the exceeding accuracy and carefulness with which he fulfilled all the duties of that office, his zeal in preparing for the country-meetings, and the great interest he felt in circulating the Word of life. He was truly an example as a Christian tradesman. I have been much struck with the strong principle which pervaded his soul, and unceasingly constrained his conduct in all his dealings. There was in him the absence of everything which partook of a party-spirit. As a Wesleyan, he had his own peculiar views; but he did not interfere with the feelings and principles of others."

DIVINITY.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE DUTY OF RELIGIOUS ΤΟ AVOID GRIEVING THE HOLY

CAREFULNESS

SPIRIT.

AMONG all who believe the scriptural and catholic doctrine of the Trinity, the divinity and personality of the Holy Spirit are held as undoubted truths; but, notwithstanding this, there does sometimes seem to be a greater vagueness of conception on this subject than exists in reference to the Son. Perhaps one cause of this may be found in the fact that whereas the Son is always presented to our minds in connexion with His assumption of our nature, and, by virtue of His incarnation, capable of being known, as it were, visibly and sensibly, so that even by those who have never seen Him, a true and definite idea can be formed concerning Him: not so with the Spirit; for though once given in association with a visible appearance, yet, as given to the church, and dwelling in it and with it, His presence, real as it is, and productive of effects decidedly cognisable, is the invisible presence of invisible Deity. The reality and the necessity of His operations are fully acknowledged, and the deep feelings with which this acknowledgment is in many persons connected, are frequently embodied in the most earnest prayers that these operations may enter largely into personal experience. Still, these references to presence and operation appear to rest, in some degree, in the idea of power, without a sufficient association of power with personal agency. And yet, Scripture language carries us beyond this. It is the power of a living person, clothed with personal attributes, and possessing the life of emotive personality. Mystery veils the subject from the same fulness and clearness of perception with which we regard creatures like ourselves. The interior life of the Godhead must ever be to man mysterious; but the fact, nevertheless, should be strongly realised. We have a companion and friend with whom we have frequent intercourse. His wisdom guides us, His power protects us, and imparts power to ourselves, His riches and benevolence open stores from which our wants are supplied. But His character is fixed and decided. Desiring our true welfare, He is sensible to all that relates to it. We may be careless and negligent. He is grieved. All this we can easily understand; and, thinking and speaking with sacred and humble reverence, all this we must take to assist us in thinking of the Holy Spirit. In Him, the weaknesses and disturbances of human passion have no place. But speaking after the manner of men, as we at present must speak even when referring to the deep things of God, till in the light of eternity we see Him face to face, He who dwells in us, our Comforter and Guide, the Sustainer of our spiritual life, though He works with power, is not a mere power, but a real person, possessing, if we may say so, personal feelings; and