After enumerating various exercises of mind, which Mr. Barker experienced upon this subject, my predecessor, in a paper before me, says, "He told Mrs. B. that he did not regard what any person might say, he was determined to join the society of Methodists." She, with himself, immediately united in the determination, and they jointly connected themselves with that people, between whom, and the world, a great gulph is fixed.-This circumstance gave the finishing stroke to their profession and dedication. The new creation was soon brought to maturity. Within twenty months, after Mr. Barker found peace with God, he received a larger measure of sanctifying grace, and a man more crucified to the world, to self, and to sin, is seldom to be met with. His humility, meekness, resignation, and love, were obvious to all who had spiritual discern ment. A society was for med at Layton, and a vine brought out of Egypt. God has cast out the heathen, and planted it; the branch he is making strong for himself.-Mr. Barker filled the office of leader in a judicious manner, so long as he had strength. A liver complaint, bowever, soon made the strong man to bow down. Under this dispensation, Mr. Barker had no choice; all was right, which God either said, or sent, or did; joyful in hope, and patient in tribulation, he remained steadfastly built upon the Rock of Ages.-Not a murmuring word, or fretful look, but in calm submission, he set his house in order, withdrew to his room, and in three days sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. His last words were" Happy, happy." This was December 23, 1814.-Reader, may thy last end and mine be like his! J. KERSHAW, OBITUARY. Died, at Sutton Bonington, Nottingbamshire, April 6, 1818, aged 53, Mr. JOHN CROSS. During the early part of bis life, he lived according to the course of this world; although not without religious impressions, and at some times painful anxieties respecting his salvation. It was not, however, till he was about 25 years of age, that he began to be seriously alarmed respecting it. This was in consequence of his hearing the word of God preached by the Methodist preachers, which he was often invited and urged to do by some members of our society, who cared for his soul. Some. times he yielded to their solicitations, and went; and at other times refused. He, however, soon began to be both enlightened and awakened by hearing; and painful sensations took place in his mind, on account of his sinfulness and guilt; and at length his distress became extreme: and then he took an opportunity of opening his mind to a friend, who advised him to seek a sense of the Divine favour, in fervent prayer, without delay. This From the time of his first becoming a member of our society, he never left it; nor was there ever a charge brought against him respecting his moral conduct during the residue of his life. It was not very long after his conversión, that he be gan to exert himself in the public prayer meetings, in establishing, supporting, and attending which, in different parts of the town, he continued to be zealously affected till he died. And though his taleuts were not great, his fervour, bis faith, and his piety, caused him to be much respected; and to many, as well as to myself, in these means he was often made a blessing. In the year 1798, he married Sarah, the respected widow of Mr. Austin Bulstrode, of this place, who also, a little before this time, had sought, and found the Lord in the midst of much "tribulation." They sweetly drew in the same yoke, and were helpers of each others faith and joy for nearly twenty years. Their house became the pilgrims'inn, and was very frequently a place of entertainment for religious strangers: and, of all the private houses I have known, might, with the greatest propriety, be called, "a house of prayer." Very often, when versons called on business, prayer was proposed 'ere they departed; and religious visitants were seldom permitted to leave the house without being asked to pray with them; beside it being their usual custom to have family prayer three times a day. About ten years since he was appointed the leader of a class, an office which he faithfully and zealously sustained, till the affliction, which terminated in his death, prevented him; and his care for, and attention to the members of his class, much endeared him to them, and caused them painfully to feel their loss. He was very faithful in reproving sinners, nor did he spare those professors whom he judged to be lukewarm. This caused him to be feared as well as loved; and, since his death, his friends have said, " There is no John Cross to reprove us now." As I was born in this place, I knew Mr. Cross from the time of my childhood; and, its being eighteen years since I be came a member of the Methodist society here, I have long had opportunity of viewing him in a religious light. In the beginning of my religious course, the advices and prayers of himself, and his respected widow, were very useful to me; and since that time, when I have been in trouble, their house has frequently been the place of healing to my soul. Since the commencement of my itinerancy, whenever I visited the vil. lage, and called on him, he always exhorted me to be diligent in my work, and faithful; and, since my appointment to this circuit last August, he did not fail to do the same, both before and during his confinement: and the last time I saw him on his bed of affliction, be, as at other times, though with a very falter ing voice, prayed fervently with, and for me, and, as a dying man, renewed his solemn charge, that " I would not shun to declare all the counsel of God," and dea! faithfully with precious souls, as well as secure the salvation of my own. As he lived in the daily exercise of faith and prayer, his religious enjoyments were considerable, and his mind generally happy, being a comment on these words, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." And no wonder that such was his experience, as I have so frequently heard from him, what I have not often heard from others; so many humiliating chidings of himself, because his every breath was not either praise or prayer to God. On my arrival in this circuit, I was surprised to find him so emaciated, and his constitution so broken, and soon concluded he would not be long an inhabit ant of this world. His complaint baffled medical skill, and increased rapidly upon him; yet he did not think it would terminate in his death till in a very late stage of the affliction. And he seemed to have a great desire to live through this summer; not because he was not prepared, nor because he feared to die: far from it: but because he believed God was about to do a greater work in the neighbourhood than he had yet witnessed, and he desired to see it. This, however, he was not permitted to do; but his pious expectations were in a good measure realized, for there has been such a revival of religion in the neighbourhood as I have not witnessed in so short a time at any place before. His afflictions increased upon him till he became very weak and feeble indeed, and was at length confined about a month to his room and bed; during which time his soul was kept in peace and confort; and his sayings and state of mind afforded the greatest satisfaction to myself and the numerous friends who visited him in his affliction, and were profited by his sayings. On the Sunday following his death, his remains were deposited, by his own desire, in the Methodist chapel, and a sermon was preached, to a numerous and attentive congregation, previous to the interment, from Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace." WM. DALBY. Died, December the 4th, 1818, aged 37, Mrs. MARY MOORE, wife of William Moore, of Dean, in the county of Bedford, after a lingering affliction of twentyfive years. It appears, she lived almost thirty years without God in the world; but, about twenty-seven years ago, she was prevailed upon to attend the ministry of the Methodist preachers, and the first sermon she heard was made the means of enlightening her mind in the knowledge of herself; and from that time she was divested of her prejudices against the people of God, and united with her husband, (whom she had before opposed), in seeking the salvation of her soul, and, March 25, 1792, she obtained a clear sense of pardoning mercy. Mrs. Moore was the subject of great affliction for many years; and, during the last eight years of her life, was deprived of the use of her limbs, which was at. tended with a peculiar nervous affection. Her afflictions, however, were much sanctified, and in her" patience had its perfect work," and, like holy Job, she could say, "All the days of my appointed time will I wait until my change come." To find the time of her dissolution approaching was not matter of grief, but of joy to her. When conversing with her husband on the subject, she said, "You do not know how happy I am; I am all happy!" All glorious within!" And she spoke in similar terms to a female friend who visited her. In this happy state she continued until her spirit took its flight to the world of glory. GEORGE WILSON. February 14, 1819, died at South Shields, aged 25 years, RICHARDSON RoBINSON, a class-leader and local preacher in the Methodist Society in that place. Previous to his conversion, he was strictly moral. But perhaps the most prominent feature of his character at that time was obedience to his parents, to whom it cannot be recollected, he ever made use of an improper expression. When he was about the age of 19, it pleased God to convince him deeply of his lost state as a sinner. The word of God was made a discerner of the thoughts and intents of his heart, and he was constrained to deplore his case, as a depraved, guilty, and helpless creature. He now became earnest in his application to the throne of grace, for the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; and was brought to confide in him alone for pardon and salvation, by which means he obtained a clear sense of his acceptance in the Beloved. From this moment, the blood and righteousness, the merit and mediation of Christ, were all his theme, all his boast, and the constant topic of his conversation. Class-meeting was his delight; and from this means of grace, under God, he said he obtained the greatest help and encouragement. Hence, whatever hindrances appeared to stand in the way of his attendance on it, unless such as were really unsurmountable, he used to say, "I must not absent myself from my class for this; if I do, I shall grieve the Spirit of God, which I would not do on any account whatever." O how necessary it is, for all those who would walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, to imitate his example! His veneration for every thing sacred, was always manifest. He never indulged in vain and trifling conversation, aware that it always leaves behind it a barren mind, and robs the soul of its delightful intercourse with God. Increasing deadness to the world, ardent desire for the salvation of souls, fervent prayer to God for the conversion of his relatives, cordial gratitude for his own mercies, and universal obedience to all the precepts of the gospel, shone forth as so many evidences of the genuineness of his faith, and the sincerity of his profession. The disease by which our dear brother was conducted to the regions of the dead, was a consumption, which in about a month terminated his mortal course. Unhappily, as is not unusual with this disorder, it soon affected his intellects, and thus deprived us of many edifying expressions, which doubtless would otherwise have dropped from his lips. However, there were intervals, during which he was much composed, and exceedingly happy in God his Saviour. At one of these seasons, on being asked, "Have you any doubts of your acceptance with God?" he replied, "O no, no! when I meditate on the condescension, sufferings, and death of Christ, I cannot, I cannot doubt." About three hours before he expired, he called his aged mother to his bed-side, and said, Mother, do not weep for me; for I feel the sting of death drawn; it is not a hard thing for the Christian to die : then about three minutes after he called me by name, and I went to him, and asked him how he felt his mind, and he said, "Very happy; tell them all I am happy," meaning the society. He often repeated these words in his greatest agony, "Bless the Lord O my soul;" these were the last words he was heard to articulate. March 6, 1819. G. HAIR. March 22, 1819, died, at River Terrace, Islington, HARVEY WALKLATE MORTI MER, Esq. in the 66th year of his age He was born April 13, 1753, at Newcastle-under-Line, and brought up by a grand-father, whose memory he greatly honoured. He was very kind to his grandson, but, not being spiritual himself, he could not teach him the way to worship God aright. One day the whole family were ill. Mr. M. was about seven years old; he had never been taught to pray, nor had he ever seen any one in the family bow their knees before God, except when they went to the church. He went into a room alone, and kneeling down, said, "Lord, thou seest what a sad thing it is; we are all ill; we cannot one wait upon another, but thou canst make us well, if you wilt: I wish thou wouldst make me well; then I can wait on my grand father and grand-mother." The Lord in mercy heard the prayer of a little child, he rose from his knees quite well, and to the utmost of his power, waited upon his aged relatives. Often has he with gratitude mentioned this circumstance, as from that time he began to pray in difficulties, and against apprehended dangers. Mr. M.'s mind was strongly influenced with the fear of the Lord, which kept him from many evils, yet he saw nothing of the breadth of the commandment, or how it is that a guilty sinner can be justified before a holy God, till the year 1770; at which time, by the preaching of the word under some of our old preachers, while an apprentice at West Bromwich, he was deeply awakened, and soon after found peace with God, while Mr. John Hilton was preaching from Job, "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace, &c." Soon after this he came to London, and by keeping close to God, and refusing to associate with those that were not religious, he was graciously kept from the multiplied snares with which this great city abounds. Mr. M. was favoured with the confidence and friendship of our late revered and honoured father, who frequently, and for many years together appointed him official places in the society at West-street. His punctuality, and promptitude in despatching business, for which he had a wonderful facility, made our dear father often say to those who either could not, or would not do as Mr. M. did, "I must send you to Harvey Mortimer, that you may get a leaf out of his book." I believe many in London and elsewhere, will long remember Mr. M. as a Trustee and Treasurer at the City Road Chapel. About eight years ago, my dear Mr. M. had a severe and long illness; since that time he never fully recovered his health: but for the two or three last years, was gradually declining, and often talked familiarly of death. Sometimes he enjoyed sweet peace, at others was severely tried: but he was a man of prayer, his bible was his support, and his God his refuge. Often has he come out of his closet with a countenance irradiated with the consolation his mind had been favoured with, and his family can testify, the effects were felt on all around him. As to the relative duties, it is impossible to do him justice. Mr. M. excelled most, if not all I have known, as a husband, a father, a master, &c. &c. About a month before his death, Mr. Pearson, Dr. Hamilton, and Mr. Jones, expressed their tears as to the result of present symptoms. He received their report with perfect calmness, and often said to me, "You may do so, or so, after I am gone." But as he had been in habits of speaking thus long before, I did not apprehend the awful hour of my present bereavement was so near. On Sunday the 21st, after the family were gone to chapel, I said what shall I read to you? He fixed on one of Mr. Eyton's sermons on "What shall I do to be saved? Be lieve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." He enjoyed it much, and wept tears of affectionate love and gratitude. On Monday morning he prayed with his family; one expression has struck me much, since his removal; he thanked God in these words, "Goodness and mercy have followed us all our lives long, they still follow us, let them follow us to all eternity." He seemed rather better than usual, was cheerful, placid, and particularly affectionate; eat his victuals as usual, and walked twice round the garden. About seven in the evening, while sitting in his chair, he put out his hand, and said, "Help me, help me." I immediately went to afford him all the assistance in my power, but it was too late, he only said, "Let me go to bed." We laid him on the sofa, he spoke no more, but at half past nine, without a struggle or a groan, his spirit took its flight to the regions of light, and left us like persons in a dream: for though I had long anticipated the painful hour, it came so suddenly at last, that all I could do was, to say, Lord help me. Thou hast mixed this bitter cup: sanctify it to my future good, and help me to get fully ready to follow those, that are now before the throue. Amen! Amen! ELIZ, MORTIMER. MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. CEYLON. Letters have recently been received from the brethren Squance, M Kenny, Carver, Osborn, and Fox, which bring intelligence down to the ed of November. With the exception of the continued ill health of Messrs. Harvard and Clough, the above Letters are pleasing and encouraging. The following are extracts from the fourth Number of the Quarterly Correspondence, continued from our last month's Magazine. From Mr. W. M. HARVARD, Columbo Station, dated July, 1818. The two converted priests, Don Adrian' de Silva, and Don Andries de Silva, maintain the consistency of their conduct, and afford us much satisfaction. The former, from his talent and knowledge of the na tive practice of medicine, has become quite a noted and respected person in the village where he resides, and has been made very useful to many families during the late sickly season, among the natives. He always carries his Saviour and Master with him wherever he goes; and, by reading the Scriptures and exhortation, he administers to the souls of his patients, as well as to their bodies. This is a pleasing reflection. We have in the last quarter appointed Don Andries to be a schoolmaster. They both meet regularly in class, in the Pettah, and likewise at Colpetty. The juvenile class at Colpetty still goes on well. In our next I hope we shall be able to give you an interesting account of a similar class, which has been established in connexion with another of the schools. After giving it a little further trial, we shall feel greater confidence in relating to you the particulars. To sum up the whole of our spiritual affairs, I think we may say, with safety, that that part of the great vineyard which has been allotted to us blossoms most pleasingly, and promises real fruit. We have already begun to taste some of the first fruits; some of which have been taken (as it were a specimen) to the court of heaven! Happy and honoured will those be who shall be here when the vintage arrives! On Whit-Monday last, according to our usual custom at the festivals, we had service in English and Cingalese, for children and young people. children, and some of their parents, from Many of the the country schools, expressed a desire to attend, and were permitted; several of them undertaking considerable journeys for that purpose, and appeared much interested. The Mission-House was crowded VOL. XLII, May, 1819. at an early hour. To hear them repeat the Kandian limits. On Cornelius visiting the place, he quainted with a very populous part of By his journey Cornelius became aethe country, totally without the means of Christian knowledge; and a young man from the Colombo seminary, a native of that district, having applied to us master, we directed him to bring us a list to appoint him to the office of a schoolof scholars for a school at Pepiliyans, about half way to the heathen village. school-house is erecting, in the centre of The list has been brought, and the place; but trust to give some satisfactory three villages. I have not yet seen the account of it in our next communica tion. Cornelius goes on as usual, on week *2Y* 1 |