of our own and other communities which continued through life. After a short stay at Leeds he came back to his native place and entered into the business of his master, who gave it up on account of indisposition. They Soon after this he entered into the married state with Ann Eliza Sunley, a member of the same Church. were married at Hull, by the Rev. Thomas Mills, Aug. 18, 1842. And now he began life in earnest, temporally and spiritually. He spared his friends those bitter tears which have often been shed over others whose youth was bright with promise, but whose piety withered wher. it met the cold touch of the world. Our brother did not draw back in liberality and sacrifice because he had difficulties to contend with, and a family to provide for. No; he believed if he honoured God, he should be honoured in return. He set up his family altar; he made his trade as much a part of his religion as reading his Bible. Diligent and clever in his business, courteous and kind in his manners, he established his character as a tradesman. Equally diligent in the discharge of his religious duties, his experience became of a more elevated order. He was called to sustain the office of assistant leader to the class of his much-esteemed master; and soon after his name appeared in our plan as an exhorter, and then as local preacher-offices which he honourably sustained through his life. When he first began to preach, fears were entertained as to his success. There was a tameness in his delivery, and sometimes a difficulty to find words to express his meaning that made it painful to his friends. But he made great improvement; was enabled to speak with freedom and considerable effect; and, then, his uniform character, his unaffected humility, his deep fervent piety, formed a passport to the hearts of the people, and he was well received in all our congregations. And now he stands before us really (for we are not painting) a full-length Christian. "Virtue, not rolling suns, the mind matures." Time had not furrowed his cheek nor silvered his hair, for he was fair and sprightly; his step was firm, and his age was green, for it was hardly mid-day with him; yet, surely, there was as much perfection in his character as we may expect to see on earth. He exhibited those relative virtues which ornament huma nity. He was a model tradesman. As a Christian he would have been an honour and a blessing to any Church. The gravity of age was blended with the pleasantry of youth. He had a most exalted idea of what a Christian should be in all holy conversation and godliness. His aim was to reach the top of the standard, and exhibit all the mind of Christ. His heart was full of Christian charity; and, while he dwelt among his own people, he would pay a visit to other churches, by whom he was held in high estimation. While glowing with love he was firm in his adherence to truth, and, rather than compromise his principles, he would lose a customer. He was a true Protestant dissenter, and most firmly attached to our own distinctive principles. Such was Jonn Cook by the grace of God. Religion had done much for him-had given him an elevation in society he would never have attained without it; and it is for the honour of religion, and the glory of God, that this is recorded. That he had his failings it is true, and no one was more conscieus of them than himself. we meet with so few like him, that we loved him while he was with us, and now he is gone his memory is fragrant as perfume to our minds. But For several years he had enjoyed a general good state of health and outward comfort-nothing particularly painful had crossed his path; but now the scene was about to be reversed, and he had to suffer as well as do the will of God. About three years since his dear wife lost her voice, and all the means used to restore it proved unavailing. (We are happy to state that she has recovered it within the last few months.) In the beginning of winter, the same year, he was appointed to Westwoodside, a distance of fourteen miles-the journey exhausted him, before his pulpit-work began. night there was a large congregation, and a gracious influence was felt. Anxious to do good, he exerted himself more than he had been wont to do. He was seized with a severe pain about the region of the heart, and was compelled to retire from the chapel to an adjoining house, and was there some time before he could retire to his lodgings. He arrived at home the next day very ill. The medical man who was called in, after some weeks attendance, gave his opinion that he must relinquish his trade and preaching D 2 At too, on account of the weak state of his lungs and other organs. Still he and his friends hoped that his youth, and returning spring, with the blessing of God upon other means, would enable him to resume his business, if not to preach. Spring came, and summer, but little alteration for the better appeared. Different medical men were consulted, but they were baffled with his case. Sea air and bathing were recommended, and he spent some weeks with a kind relative at Lynn. While there he felt considerably better; but when he returned home he relapsed again. At the close of the summer he went by sea to London; and, through the kindness of friends, was admitted into one of the best hospitals, and appeared to receive benefit. When he returned home so much better in spirits and appearance, hope began to whisper cheering things; but, alas! new sorrows and sufferings awaited him. His eldest boy, about eight years of age, getting up to dress himself by the new-made fire, his night-gown caught the blaze, and he was so severely burnt that, after lingering many weeks, he sunk under his sufferings to the grave. The same hour they returned from the funeral his youngest child died in convulsions. These days and nights of watching and anxiety with his suffering family, coupled with other circumstances of a painful nature, were too much for a frame like his, already enfeebled by disease. It soon became evident to us all there was no hope, and that in a short time he would leave us. During his protracted and heavy afflictions, the mind of our dear brother was generally peaceful, rather than joyous. His natural temperament was cool and calm, and the peculiar character of his disease was unfavourable to the exercise of those rapturous emotions which some have possessed. But he had a firm trust in God, and was enabled to walk through the valley of death without fear. It is true, for a long time, he felt anxious to recover, and used a variety of means to effect his desire; and because he did so, some supposed he was afraid to die. But was it surprising he should wish to recover. Life had not exhausted all its charms. Living in unbroken harmony with the object of his early choice, a band of little ones clustering like olive branches round about his table, his earthly prospects just beginging to brighten; happy in his con nection with the Church, in whose bosom he had been nursed almost from infancy, sharing largely the confidence and love of his brethren, placed in such circumstances and surrounded by such scenes, he felt a wish to live for others more than himself. Conversing with him on the subject he assured me such was the case, and if his family could go with him to heaven he could willingly go any moment. But grace triumphed over these feelings of nature, and he sunk with sweet submissiveness into the divine will, and could say with Job, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Every attention was given, and a great amount of sympathy was manifested towards our suffering brother by the members of the Church. This he had a right to expect, for he had done all he could for others as long as he was able. Our beloved ministers, Messrs. Curtis and Reynolds, manifested great kindness, and his heart rejoiced when he saw them, and blessed them when they departed. Generally at the close of every service in the chapel, a little band would repair to his dwelling; and oh, what precious seasons have we felt around his dying bed. He would ask the friends to sing (for he loved singing), a verse or two of some favourite hymn. was often this "There is a land of pure delight." While thus engaged in praise and prayer, his pale face would gather brightness, and he would lift up his withered arms as if to grasp the palm of victory he knew awaited him. It Once or twice he had a severe attack from the enemy. He was ready to doubt the reality of his religion, and was much distressed. He sent for Brother P. Thorpe, his beloved master. To him he opened his mind, and after conversing and praying together, his mind became settled and his confidence was restored. He now longed for such a measure of assurance as should dispel every doubt, and raise him above everything he felt and feared. And God gave him the desire of his heart. Whether asleep or awake, he hardly knew, but he thought he was sailing in a large vessel with many others, over a broad expanse of water. Anon they neared a most delightful country, the whole landscape appeared to be one scene of light and beauty. He saw many of its inhabitants who appeared very happy. They stood upon the shore beckoning them to land, and he wanted to go. But the captain said he must wait a little. He could Q not land him just then, but he should go-only wait a little. The impression made upon his mind was never forgotten. It seemed like a dissolving view, so far as earthly hopes and ties were concerned. If those ties were not broken, they were so far relaxed that his spirit was free and ready to depart, and he lay like Bunyan's Pilgrim on the banks of the river, waiting for his call. It came at last. On the 18th of April, 1852, just as the Sabbath morn was breaking, he fell asleep. We knew a professed infidel, aged 33 years, after he had buried a daughter who had entertained very different views from her father, thus accost his neighbour, a local preacher: "My good and holy man-if there be a place called heaven, then my Sarah has gone to that heaven." Praise God, there is a heaven-we firmly believe it. And we as firmly believe that our departed brother is gone there. May we meet him there. Amen. ANNE MARIA HAMMOND. OUR late Sister Hammond, was the daughter of John and Rachel Hammond, of Boothen Lane, Cobridge, Staffordshire, and was born September 17th, 1827. When quite a child she was sent to our Providence Sabbath School, Cobridge, and while very young she manifested a serious mind, was very attentive to her teacher's advice and instruction, and never absent from school if it was possible for her to attend. About August, 1841, she became deeply impressed and concerned for her soul's eternal welfare, and was requested by a kind friend to attend a class and unite herself to the Church and people of God. She willingly consented, along with another young female, who had received an invitation at the same time, and from that time she sought earnestly for pardon and reconciliation with her offended God. The Holy Spirit having enlightened her mind, she felt that she was a sinner, and needed pardon-guilty and polluted, and needed holiness-and by the exercise of faith in Christ, as her only Saviour, she was enabled to say "My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear; She now became fully decided for God, and determined to live for his glory, and show to the world that the religion she had embraced was a reality-a something to be enjoyeda peace which passeth all understanding. After she became a member of the Church of God, she honoured it by a steady walk and a becoming deportment. Her greatest delight was to associate with the children of God, both in the public and private means of grace. When the time arrived for worship, neither unfavourable weather, the enticement of friends, nor a little affliction, would induce our departed sister to stay from the house of God, the Sabbath school, or the class meeting. About March, 1845, she engaged to teach a class of infant girls, on whom she bestowed much labour and care; and, a few years back, she was requested to take a Bible class of interesting girls, whom she regarded very much, and who, in return, loved and respected their teacher for the kind attention she paid to their moral and religious welfare. Being very constant and punctual herself, her scholars followed her example. Fervent love to God, and a firm trust in Christ, as her all-sufficient Saviour, were the subjects on which she often spoke in the class. Her attachment to the cause of God and the Church of Christ was strong and unwavering. She did not grow indifferent and half-hearted when the love of others waxed cold and lifeless. She did not keep away from the Church when it was low and feeble, but would encourage her leader by punctuality at the means of grace and by a consistent walk. Her leader never had to grieve at her misconduct and neglect of duty, and seldom entered the class-room but Anne was seated there. About Midsummer, 1852, she began to show symptoms of disease, and it was soon seen, by the flush on her cheek, and her wasting flesh, that consumption, though slow, was gradually wasting away the material frame. Being compelled, through weakness, to keep from the assembly of God's people, she was very frequently visited by her Christian friends, whom she received with a smiling countenance and a loving heart. For some time it was thought that with care and attention her life would be prolonged, and she would again be able to follow her employment and unite with her Christian friends in the house of God. But the Divine Being had ordered it otherwise; the earthly tenement, day after day, became more feeble and fading, till her dearest friends were obliged to give up all thought of her restoration. In her affliction, she was frequently asked what were her views and feelings, and her answers showed that her confidence in God and his promise was firm; her language was, "God is my comfort and strength-Jesus is my all-sufficient Redeemer and Saviour." An intimate friend and old teacher, when visiting her on several occasions, spoke of seasons gone by-the seasons of heavenly influence they had enjoyed together, observing though now they should have to part, it would only be for a little while, as they would soon meet again where congregations never break up-where Sabbaths never end. The tears of affection and holy joy flowed. She praised the Lord, who, by the influence of his Holy Spirit, had enlightened her mind, and led her to Christ, the sinner's friend, in the days of her youth. She remarked "What should I do without religion now? What could yield me comfort, peace, and happiness now? Nothing on earth. Religion, and religion only, can impart true pleasures while we live, and give a title to mansions of glory when we die." There was one tie on earth which caused our departed sister some grief. To leave a widowed mother behind was a trial, and caused the tear of affection to flow. She lifted up her supplications to heaven for grace and resignation to the will of God, and was enabled to leave her dear parent in the keeping of Him, who is a husband to the widow, and a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. On the morning of the last day she lived her friends perceived that life was drawing to a close, and the immortal spirit about to take its flight to another world, she spoke a few words about her funeral, requested that the female teachers of the Sabbath School would attend her remains to the grave. While her friends were weeping, she said, "Do not weep for me! If the Lord should spare me I could do you no good. Your loss will be my gain." Blessing her friends, she softly fell asleep in Jesus, June 21st, 1853. On Sunday evening, July 24th, 1853, her death was improved by the Rev. MR. EDWARD JONES. OUR venerable and truly estimable friend, Mr. Edward Jones, of Neathfield Road, North Everton, died very suddenly on the 2nd ult. He was a native of North Wales, but came to reside in Liverpool in the year 1800. Here he entered into business, and a nice competency for support, and comfort in the decline of life, was the reward of his diligence and activity, Probably much of his success in life, and still more of his domestic and social comforts, were attributable to his pious wife, who died in the Lord some years ago. They regularly attended what is now familiarly called "Old Zion," of which Mrs. Jones was a bright and distinguished ornament. Those days and privileges lingered to the very last in our aged friend's recollections; and we have often heard him speak, with no ordinary glee, of such men as Driver, Wall, Manners, Jackson, and others, whose ministrations were deeply interesting, and whose names are still fragrant "as ointment poured forth." When Zion was sold, Mr. Jones connected himself with the friends at the north end of the town, and was always one of the most liberal supporters of our cause there. In the erection of Bevington Hill Chapel, he contributed freely and cheerfully; and, after that, he handsomely gave £300 to reduce the debt which remained on the premises. Distant residence, and a severe asthmatic affection, frequently kept him from the house of God, especially in the winter; but, when practicable, he was generally there. Of late he has evinced a deep and growing anxiety for salvation. Always oppressed by a sense of his unworthiness, the burden of his prayer was "God be merciful to me a sinner." Fletcher's "Address to the Earnest Seekers of Salvation" being put into his hands, did him much good. Its appeals and counsels appeared to cheer and relieve his mind. As the season of the year so unfavourable to his complaint approached, his friends could not but be aware there was some danger; but yet no serious apprehensions were entertained until a day or two before he died. Even then RECENT DEATHS. ANN HINCHLOFFE died October 21st, 1853, in the 26th year of her age. The means of her conversion was a sermon preached by the Rev. T. W. Ridley, from Matthew xxiii. 37. She wept in penitence before God, sought by prayer the divine mercy, and that night obtained a "knowledge of salvation by the remission of her sins." She joined our church in Mossley, sought to be useful, lived consistently, and was generally beloved. Her sufferings were borne with patience. Under her afflictions she experienced the consolations of religion; and, just before she expired, she lifted up both hands and shouted, "GLORY, I am going to glory. HALLELUJAH!" MARY HAIGH fell asleep in Jesus on November 5, 1853, in the 26th year of her age. She joined our church in Mossley about two years ago, and was induced to take this step, and give herself to God, through a conversation held with the writer of this account. After this she lived as "becometh the Gospel" until the day of her death. Meek, unassuming, and holy, she ornamented her Christian profession, and was useful in life, happy in her affliction, and peaceful in death. Just before she died, she assured her mother that she was happy in God, and had no fear of death. These two sisters in Christ were of the same age, joined the church about the same time, were members of the same community, began to be afflicted about the same period, were both happy, and died of the same diseaseconsumption-within a fortnight of each other. Their death was improved in our large chapel at Mossley to a literally crowded and deeply affected congregation, by the superintendent of the circuit, the instrument of their salvation, from 1 Cor. DIED, on Sunday, the 11th instant, in the 21st year of her age, ANGELINA HOBSON, of Staleybridge. At an early age she became a disciple of Jesus, and continued faithful unto death. She bore a protracted affliction with patience and Christian fortitude, and found the Saviour precious in the last conflict. J. R. DIED, on Oct. 22, 1853, NICHOLAS DE JERSEY. He was for years a member, a prayer-leader, and class-leader in our church. He was beloved of many, and beloved of God. His death was quite unexpected. He went to meet his son, Mr. Noel, in London. On the Sabbath he was afflicted with diarrhoea, returned home on the Tuesday, and on the Saturday, in the same week, died. His death was improved in our chapel in a discourse from Isaiah Ixiv. 6: "We all do fade as a leaf." "The memory of the just is blessed." H. W. DIED, NOV. 1, 1853, SAMUEL Unkur. He was beloved by all who knew him. He was a most useful agent in our church, a zealous Christian, and very effective local preacher. His death was sudden: on the Monday evening he was seized with faintness, and at four o'clock the next morning he died. His removal was improved in our chapel in a discourse from Acts xi. 24: "He was a good man." Guernsey, Nov. 17. H. W. DIED, at Derby, November 9th, 1853, Mr. JAMES DOUGLAS, aged 47 years. Our departed brother had, for ten years, been a consistent and muchesteemed member of our society. His end was sudden and unexpected; but in his last moments he had a sweet and settled peace of mind. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. J. W. DIED, at Gateshead, on Wednesday, September 14th, our esteemed brother, JAMES GRIGG, one of our oldest leaders, in connexion with Bethesda Chapel: he had been a member ever since the formation of the New Connexion in Gateshead (1834). A more orderly, consistent, and pious man I do not remember having met with. As a society, by his removal, we have sustained a great loss. His end was sudden he was brought home from his employ on the Tuesday afternoon, being seized with cholera (then raging in Gateshead), and died the next morning. He retained his reasoning powers until the last. His ex was |