point in his history, for which he was accustomed fervently to thank God, as just then, it seems, he had been in danger of yielding to influences, and forming habits which, had they been developed and confirmed, must have wrought his ruin.

About this time, while listening to an earnest sermon delivered in Dalston-street Chapel, by our devoted brother Thomas Coles, he became deeply impressed, this impression being intensified during the prayermeeting to which he was induced to stay. In the course of the meeting Mr. Coles spoke to him, urging the importance of instant decision for God and heaven. This affectionate appeal was enforced by the blessed Spirit, and resulted in his surrendering himself to the Lord, whose saving grace he soon after realised, and which was never afterwards forfeited. From this time to the date of his last illness his life was comparatively eventful.

Soon after his conversion he became a teacher in the Sunday-school, labouring in it with exemplary diligence and devotion, winning the esteem of both teachers and scholars. Being extremely fond of music, he became a member of the choir, and for some years played the harmonium in the public services, not less to the delight and edification of the people than to his own inward satisfaction. Here also his conduct was most exemplary, being characterised by great punctuality and regularity, unvarying steadiness and seriousness, flavoured with a bright, genial piety.

At the age of twenty-four he was united in marriage to Miss Wolstencroft, daughter of the estimable friend whom he already revered as his spiritual father, another step which contributed under God to his establishment in grace; the union being "in the Lord," and so most harmonious and blessed; its blessedness increasing with every revolving year till dissolved by death, to the sorrow of her who survives to mourn his loss.

For two years before his death he was much afflicted, evincing at times great physical weakness, against which, however, he bravely struggled, rarely if ever murmuring; persisting in his attendance at school and the various means of grace, often when his friends felt, and said, that it would have been well had he rested and sheltered himself at home. In August last he went to Blackpool, hoping that complete rest and change of air would revive him. For a little time after his return home this seemed to have been in some degree effectual, but the improvement was of short duration. He managed to attend his much prized sanctuary a few times, but rapidly now disease completed its ravages, compelling him, reluctantly, to stay at home, till it was evident that the end could not be far distant. The last time but one he was at chapel his father-in-law earnestly entreated him to sit in the family pew, and forego his usual work at the harmonium. But he shook his head, saying, "No; I would rather go to my own place amongst the singers ;" and so to the last he did his duty. For seven weeks he was banished from the House of God, his saddest days being the Sabbath, when with the Fsalmist "his soul" longed and fainted for the courts of the Lord's house, while "his heart and flesh cried out for the living God." Though "cast down," however, he was

never "in despair;" and though intensely wishful to recover, as he said, "for the sake of his friends and to do a little more work for God," he was by no means afraid to die.

Before leaving for the sea-side his pastor said to him when bidding him "Good-bye," "God help you, and bring you not only safely home again, but, if it please Him, refreshed and restored." "Yes!" said he, "I should like that; but," he added, with a solemn smile, "if not that, you know, it will be better still." Such was his feeling till well-nigh the last. He knew whom he had believed," and was confident that He in whom he confided was able to keep what had been committed to Him.

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This was his unvarying testimony through these last seven weeks. His faith never wavered. In the darkest, dreariest hour his composure never seemed to be ruffled; while often, in seasons of relief, his spirits were most buoyant. His friends the singers sometimes visited him, to his intense delight, when, though unable vocally to join them as of old, his spirit seemed borne on the wings of melody to the very gate of heaven, whose light appeared to be reflected in his face. One Sunday evening towards the close, when a few friends were round him, though excessively feeble, he started the hymn, "There is a land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign;" when he got thus far he broke down, saying to the rest," Sing it for me," accompanying them in spirit to the close, seemingly in an ecstasy.

On the Wednesday before his death, his friend and fellow-teacher, Mr. Joseph Smith, called upon him, and expressed his sorrow at seeing him so unwell. "Yes!" said he, "I shall be in heaven before morning." He was slightly mistaken, however; God had a little more service for him to perform in the family circle, and so he lingered to Friday, October 3, 1884. About noon he fixed his eyes most wistfully and affectionately on his dear partner, watching her with sorrowful interest as she flitted about the room intent on domestic employment, as though he were anxious that she should be spared the grief of witnessing the final conflict. Having occasion to leave the house for a few minutes, he watched her to the door, when no sooner was her back turned than he seemed to surrender his spirit to the Lord, and softly breathed his last, falling asleep in Jesus, aged 32.

He was a true friend, an exemplary son, an affectionate husband, a loyal adherent of the Temperance cause; a diligent, steady, acceptable Sunday-school teacher. A simple, earnest, devoted follower of Jesus, delighting in His service, and "adorning His doctrine in all things." A large band of friends, fellow-teachers, and Sunday-scholars followed his remains to the grave, around which they paid their last tribute to his memory in song. By these his memory will long be lovingly and gratefully cherished. May God help them to follow him as he followed Christ. Amen.

THOMAS MARSHALL, OF LIVERPOOL, DIED May 23, 1884, in his 38th year. It was his misfortune to be born blind, and when the family removed to Liverpool, in 1862, he was taken to the School for the Blind, where he was taught to make baskets and

other useful articles, as well as to read and write. After he left school he followed his trade until prevented by sickness.

About the year 1864 Thomas Marshall became a member of the society at Park-place, and for many years rendered valuable service as a teacher in the Sunday-school. His sound and clear judgment was of great service in the various business meetings. He was a gentle, lovable man, and his sincerity impressed itself upon all who knew him. He had a remarkable memory, and could recall sermons he had heard many years before. He is greatly missed at Park-place, for all who knew him loved him. G. P.

JOHN WEIGHTMAN, OF SCOTSWOOD, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE CIRCUIT.

To the list of departed Connexional worthies must be added the name given above. He was truly a good man, an exemplary Christian, and a most loyal and liberal member of our community. No man more than he would have less desired this recognition; no one deserves it more.

Of his early life and conversion we have little information. Goodness generosity, and industry, however, were his life-long characteristics. When only six years old he was left an orphan, and, as a consequence, was then compelled to earn his daily bread. Yet when he might have played he worked, in order to sustain and educate younger members of his family. Throughout life he seems to have been "fervent in spirit, diligent in business, serving the Lord."

In commercial life he was confessedly an upright man. No one was afraid of him taking an unfair advantage. Hence one firm writes: “As a bright and shining light of business rectitude, we don't know where you will find his equal. We all mourn his loss." Another: "The uprightness and justice he showed in his dealings made it impossible for any dispute or unpleasantness to arise." These are unexpected and unsolicited testimonies of business people. And I am glad to be able to give the testimonies of merchants as well as ministers. Principle was more with him than profit. His character and conduct were blameless. This is the testimony of those who had every facility to form a correct estimate of him. The Rev. D. Round, writing on the authority of intimate acquaintance, says: "He was alive to God. His religion was seen in his shop. He was consistent in all the relationships of life, in business, in the family, and in the church."

For 22 years he was a member of our church. He had filled almost every office. At the time of his death he was circuit steward, and had been the leader of a large and prosperous class for upwards of 14 years; and his devotion to his church duties and privileges was most marked and exemplary. He loved God's house, and delighted to be amongst the people of God. Nothing except sickness was known to have kept him from his class, which met on a Sabbath afternoon.

Mr. Weightman was a peace-loving man. Personally, he was most careful to avoid saying anything that might tend to create unpleasantness. He thought this to be a greatly neglected religious duty. Yet he loved right. If peace could be kept by a little policy-well. But he would not

sacrifice principle for policy. He had always the courage of his convictions. He fought for the right, strove for peace, and respected the upright. A man of principle in humble circumstances was more to him than an unprincipled man in an exalted position. Of him we can say,

"Behold the upright man," "Blessed are the peacemakers; "—he was one of them. He was, characteristically, a heavenly-minded man. A conversation on spiritual things never seemed unwelcome or out of place. Heaven was in his heart. Heaven was the burden of his conversation and counsel. Earthly trials and troubles, personal suffering and sacrifice, were lessened by the thoughts of heaven. He lived in the atmosphere of the Divine Presence. During the last few days and hours of his earthly life, amidst the most severe suffering, the spirituality of his mind was manifest. Any that visited him will not forget his glad look of welcome, and grateful smile. Amidst the storm of suffering, and the anxiety of separation from a beloved wife and family, the thoughts of Christ and heaven were uppermost. During the momentary pauses of shocks of pain he was frequently heard to exclaim, "Precious Jesus!" And so he passed away on June 8, 1884, aged 63 years. He lived for God and Heaven; he is now with Christ in Heaven.

Death

The following extract from a letter by the Rev. W. F. Newsam may here be inserted:-"I had learned to love him deeply, because of his consistency, his Christian kindness, and his unchanging faithfulness. It might be said of his whole life that his conversation was in heaven; especially was it true of the last weeks of his life. What a privilege it was to see him-how near Jesus seemed in the sick room! would be just the intensifying of an experience he had felt for weeks." A life like his, so blameless in itself, and so blessed in its influence, so simple and so stainless, so humble and so heavenly, so exemplary of goodness and genercsity, of industry and integrity, is well worthy of our imitation. No one can be surprised to learn that John Weightman had gained the affection and esteem of the whole Circuit. The Quarterly Meeting marked its high appreciation of his character and services, by sending a suitable address on vellum to his sorrowing wife and family. His funeral sermon was preached by myself to a crowded congregation. HENRY HOPE.

MR. BENJAMIN JOHNSON, of London Second Circuit, died January 11, in his 89th year.

ME. STEPHEN EVANS, of Wolverhampton, passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 13, 1884, aged 77 years.

News and Notes.

BIRMINGHAM FIRST CIRCUIT THE New Year's offering at Unettstreet Chapel amounted to £19 6s. This, with a grant of £10 generously voted by the trustees, will enable the society to begin the year with a clean sheet.

A bazaar has just been held at

Smethwick, on behalf of the proposed new chapel. The people there are very poor, and trade is very bad, but after paying all expenses, we shall be able to add £130 to the Building Fund. This brings the total amount promised or raised to £440.