believingly studied the New Testament, and felt he must confess HIM. His own and his wife's parents were deeply incensed, and compelled him to sign a writ of divorce; his wife herself joining his persecutors, and binding herself by a solemn oath never to live with the apostate again. He remonstrated and resisted for

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a while, but finding all attempts useless, he consented at last to give up even his wife for Christ's sake, and a large and influential body met to receive the divorce from him. He bore a noble testimony before the assembly of his deep conviction that Jesus was the Christ, the Saviour o Israel.

MR. JOHN STRADLEY,

OF WALWORTH.

OUR space has been much in demand, or we had intended ere now giving some of the interesting incidents and memorials of mercy in the life of this good man, as recorded by himself in a manuscript he has left behind him. His earliest days were marked with what we believe those of the greater number of the heirs of eternal life would be found to be distinguished by, if a careful and grateful review were taken of them; viz.,-near escapes from death -or rather, evidently direct providential deliverances therefrom.

It is not the lack of Divine interpositions to preserve from danger or provide in necessity, but the faultiness of memory and neglect to record, that alone prevents every saved sinner's life from being built up into a little "bank of faith."

Our brother has now been rather more than twelve months in his grave,-whither he was carried at the close of a pilgrimage of seventy-three years. The eldest son of a family of ten children, of whom he rejoices to record, that all but one had been baptized in the faith of the Lord Jesus, and says feelingly of that one, "Oh God, in thine infinite mercy, save him: let not my dear brother stand among thine enemies at that day. Oh hear my daily prayer for his salvation." His father and mother were also lovers of the Lord Jesus; and especially of his mother he notes, that she was called savingly to know the Lord early in life, and to make an open profession of his name when only fourteen years old. She lived to be a mother in Israel, and to bring up a large family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

At the age of ten, John was thrown into the society of a large number of depraved boys, working in the laboratory of a factory, and, of course, his mind became more corrupted; and although, he says, he was

kept from using profane language, he believes his heart was above all others desperately wicked. "The sabbath was a weariness to me; reading the bible and family prayers, a task; and the conversation of the people of God most irksome. When I heard any of them expressing their joys and sorrows I thought it must be weakness of mind or hypocrisy. I have actually said to my brother, when I have heard my mother express her sorrow for sin, and her gratitude for pardoning mercy, 'I dare say mother supposes God will think a great deal of her for talking so much about her unworthiness!'

When about eleven years old, he was brought to death's door by a malignant fever, and most violent extreme measures were taken for his cure, if that were possible. God blessed these to his restoration, but they left him in a state of delirium for months, and a cripple for life. Of his recovery he says, "Talk not of chance, or contingency, nor give the credit to second causes; the honour is due to the first cause. Salvation from corporeal death, as well as eternal, belongeth to the Lord,'preserved in Jesus before called, and after. After such a miraculous deliverance from death, I thought it my duty to live a holy life, and resolved to make a beginning on the next New Year's Day. And a miserable beginning it was: the youth soon grows weary, and the young man utterly fails,-and I soon got tired of my religion.

"I have great reason to adore the good power of God in preserving me from outward immorality, although until my heart was subdued by Almighty Grace it was lifted up with pride; for I thought it was by my own discretion that I differed from many around me, and what a secret pleasure have I felt at the applause of others. I was, nevertheless, much drawn aside into vain amusements-became extravagantly fond of music-and now also read with

avidity. But here, again, did my carnal mind manifest its enmity to God, for I could not be persuaded to read any book that was of a decided religious nature. I was afraid to come to the light. But I was withal most unhappy. I wanted happiness, but the world said, 'It is not in me.' dreaded the day of death; I wished I had never been born, or had been a brute, instead of a rational being.

"About this time I was thrown into intercourse with a man who tried to instil atheistical principles into my mind, and to induce me to think the Bible was only a book invented to keep people in fear and subjection. I felt shocked at his bold assertions at first; but as they suited my depraved nature, I began to hope they were true, for, what men wish, they easily believe.'

"But God in mercy kept me from falling into this gulf which has drowned so many in perdition. Not only did the reading of some books recording the goodness of God in his works, prevent my eyes wholly closing to the truth of the visible things of creation declaring his eternal power and Godhead; but a circumstance occurred that convinced me of the fallacy of infidel theories.

"The very man who was endeavouring to instil atheism into my mind met with an accident by which he lost the sight of his eye, and while enduring great agony I heard him declare that if it had not been for the fear of an hereafter he would put an end to his life rather than endure the pain! I thought what poor, sandy principles are these that will not support under present troubles. No, like him he serves, he, too, believes and trembles.

"I now seriously thought there must be in real religion something truly worth seeking for. My music and reading did not fill the aching void, and those only appeared happy who served God. These words seemed impressed on my mind, 'Seek, and you shall find.' I then set to work in right earnest, as I thought, but in my own strength; and I soon found that it is not of him that willeth or runneth; I did not obtain, and wherefore? Because I sought it not by faith. So blind and ignorant was I, that I thought I was laying God under obligations to bestow what I knew I was not in possession of.

"I attended punctually all public services and read many religious books, and became more earnest than ever in hearing sermons, but felt myself far from happiness; yea, even more wretched. I began to think

I was what is termed Gospel hardened, and reasoned thus with myself; ‘if I had never heard the gospel preached, very likely it would affect my mind, but now it is impossible;' for I knew not the Scriptures or the power of God, and I began to relapse into a most reckless state of mind.

"I was now eighteen years of age, and on one occasion of festivity amongst my companions acted foolishly (though out of kindness to one of them), which brought disgraceful imputations upon me. Next

day my mother (always to me a faithful monitor) heard of my conduct, and watched the opportunity when alone to kindly expostulate with me, telling me her distress on my account. I begged her to say

no more, for I felt truly ashamed and grieved. Oh mothers, take encouragement in meekness to instruct those that oppose themselves; if, peradventure, God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil.' I longed for an opportunity of secreting myself to try to pray; this I did, but when on my knees, for some time could not utter a word. I fell down before God as the creator of my immortal spirit; as the God of infinite holiness and justice! I was completely sunk in self-abasement --loathsome in my own sight; my mouth was stopped in guilt before him as the searcher of hearts; and how he could save me, I knew not, so strangely ignorant was I of the way of salvation, although I had been brought up under the sound of the Gospel. I could only groan and sigh. Nevertheless, before I arose from my knees one glimmer of hope flashed into my breast -that there was forgiveness with God, that he might be feared. I then began searching the scriptures as one searching for hid treasure; yea, for the very bread of life. Early and late I searched, and thought it time lost to read anything but the gracious words that proceeded out of the mouth of Jesus. I firmly believed Ezekiel's awful description of man's lost, helpless state by nature (chap. xvi), for I felt it true. David's prayer (Ps. li), The publican's cry, Esther's resolve, were all mine, and I knew, in some measure, the meaning of the words, 'Strive to enter in at the strait gate.'

"I felt great encouragement from the invitations of the Lord Jesus; they were sweeter than honey-more precious than gold. John iii, 16, has kept me from despair many times. Most carnestly also did I pray that the precepts might be stamped

on my heart, that I might not sin against so good and gracious a God. I now experienced what I never did before. It had been some years since I shed a tear of sorrow, never before one of joy; but

'Grace taught my soul to pray,
And made my eyes o'er-flow."

Truly as the heart alone knoweth its own bitterness, so a stranger intermeddleth not with his joys.

"The company and conversation that had been my delight was now disgusting to me. I was soon reproached as proud;

trust I was just then taught humility. I had just begun to learn what I now rejoice in with all my heart and soul, 'The haughtiness of man shall be bowed down and the Lord alone exalted.' And he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.'" (Isa. ii, 11-17), (1 Cor. i, 31.) (To be continued.)

MR. ROBERT TURNER. MR. ROBERT TURNER was born in 1792, of humble God-fearing parents, in the village of Yeldham, Essex, who endeavoured to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. At an early age he removed from home to the neighbourhood of London. Here he experienced many providential trials, and had much difficulty in getting a livelihood. He was at this time a careless, pleasure seeking youth, a stranger to religion in the heart. After he had been in London a short time, his brother who was apprenticed to a painter, etc., died, and he took his place. The early death of his brother made a great impression on his mind, and was the means of leading him to think seriously for himself. On one occasion, the thought suddenly occurred to him, "if I were to die this night, what would become of me?" This may be reckoned as the turning point in his life, for it was the time of his conversion to God. He remained in soul trouble for a considerable period, till at length he was removed in providence to the west end of London. Here one of his first thoughts was to enquire for a place where he could hear the gospel. He was recommended by an old lady to Blandford-street, where then laboured that eminent servant of God, JOHN KEEBLE. He heard Mr. Keeble gladly, and his ministrations were much blessed to his soul. On one occasion, when much cast down in mind, his attention was arrested by a conversation between two ladies, one of whom

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quoted the text "this poor man cried and the Lord heard him and delivered him from all his fears." These words were sent home to his soul and set him at liberty. He was baptized by Mr. Keeble in the year 1819, and was united with the church under his care. After the death of Mr. Keeble,

circumstances arose which led to his leaving Blandford-street, and after a short time he joined the church at Meard's Court, then under the care of Mr. Stevens, whose ministry he much enjoyed. He was in a short time chosen a deacon, which office he honourably sustained for many years at Meard's Court, and afterwards, to the time of his death at Keppel-street, to which church he with others removed a few years after Mr. Stevens' death. He was a most regular attendant at the house of God, the door being seldom opened for worship but he was found in his place. In this respect he was truly an example worthy of imitation. Although he lived at a considerable distance, he never suffered weather or business to keep him from the prayer meetings, or week evening services. For the last three or four years his health has been breaking, but not until the last winter did he become irregular in his attendance; and frequently went against the wishes of his friends, and the remonstrance of his medical attendant. In the spring of 1865 he had an attack of bronchitis, which prostrated him very much, and although he seemed occasionally revived he gradually got weaker until September, when all his powers seemed to fail. On one occasion, when he was able to leave his room after being confined to it for two or three days, he burst out with the verse,

"Oh bless the Lord my soul !
Nor let his mercies lie,
Forgotten in unthankfulnes,
And without praises die."

On another occasion, when he was able to walk out, he saw a poor old man who had been a nobleman's servant, but had been cast off in his old age; this brought the tears in his eyes and led him to express his gratitude that his God did not cast off his servants when they were old and good for nothing. He very much enjoyed a sermon preached about three years before his death from the words, "I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." This text was a comfort to him all through his affliction. During the last week or two of his life his mind wandered very much, but when spoken to on the best things he seemed right directly. A few days before

he died a friend called in, but the family thought he hardly knew him; when, however, the friend rose to go he would not let him until he had engaged in prayer. Thus he retained to the last one of the most prominent characteristics of his life, his fondness for prayer. When he was well, if left alone for a short time, he was generally to be heard pacing the room and pouring out his soul in supplications unto God for himself and for his family; and these prayers were answered, for he was spared to see his three children, together with their partners in life, united with christian churches, and walking in the ordinances of God's house. On Sunday, October 1st, he seemed more calm and collected, but very weak. In the afternoon he expressed a wish to lie down, saying, he was easier lying down, and so he continued until the next morning, when he passed away as if in sleep; and thus was fulfilled his oft repeated prayer, that when God was pleased to remove him he would do so gently. He was buried on October 9th, at Kensal Green Cemetery, his beloved pastor, Mr. Milner, speaking over his remains.

So lived and so died one who, though not without his faults, was spared for many years to be an ornament to the christian profession, through the Grace of God that dwelt in him. May the Lord in his infinite goodness raise up many more such to fill the vacant places in the church below. HENRY R. PARKER.

THOMAS THOMPSON, ESQ. THOMAS THOMPSON, ESQ., of Bath, the last surviving founder of the Sunday School Union, a man of the most devoted

"THE WELL IS DEEP." JOHN iv.

THE Well is deep.

zeal in extending the knowledge of Jesus at home and abroad,-who through a very long life has seemed to live pre-eminently for that object,- -was suddenly called to his rest on December 8th, having seen more than four score years.

That same morning he wrote several letters, and then, feeling poorly, rung the bell. His breath was impeded with sharp pain at the chest. Some remedies were applied, but produced no effect. He said to Mrs. Thompson, "There will be none of this in heaven, with Jesus!" A few minutes after, he turned and smiled upon his affectionate wife, who had been a long faithful co-worker in his schemes of christian benevolence,-kissed her, and then "his large and loving heart stood still."

Mr. Thompson was, a few years since, the first mover for, and most earnest labourer in, providing a million New Testaments for China; and the "pet purposes" on which he was engaged when called to rest were the issue of the Book Society's penny edition of the Pilgrim's Progress (200,000 copies of which have already been sold), and the publication of a penny edition of the entire New Testament, in the prospect of the completion of which he said, not a fortnight before his death, " I shall then sing Simeon's Song in a second edition." Bible circulation, Mission work, and Sunday School teaching were the chief objects of his labour and generosity.

It has been truly said of him,-he seemed to be a man made to be loved; the very sight of him always filled children with confidence and affection; and though "he followed not with us," shall we withhold the tribute of our admiration? No; for we hope to meet him in glory.

Look back into the purposes of God
And scan Eternity. Trace to their source
His wisdom, and His power; fathom, if thou canst,
His everlasting mercy; should thy brain
Grow dizzy, and refuse to sound such depths,
Confess thy feebleness, and meekly say-
The well is deep.

The Well is deep take for thy longest line
The cords of Vanity-the rope of sins
Unnumbered. Choose then the heaviest weight,
Take thee thine own poor hardened heart of stone.
Now plumb the depths of God's unbounded love;
Thy lead seems light-thy lengthened line run out;

Even with such instruments thou hast but plunged
Beneath the surface of the tide. Below,
Far, far below, in depths unfathomable,
Springs undisturbed the ceaseless flow of love,
Embosomed in Eternity: there rest,
And humbly bend the knee, and own again,
The well is deep.

The Well is deep: mark now the wounded side
Of Him that hung upon the tree; haste thee
To hide within that cleft, and as the springs
Of living water from the riven rock
Gush freely forth, ponder the depths of woe
From whence they rise. Behold that broken heart!
Say, canst thou find the measure of his grief?
Hear that loud bitter cry from off the Cross,
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me:"
Think of those awful words "I thirst," when He,

The mighty God, tasted the serpent's food,
And ate the dust of death: search these His depths
Of woes profound, and worship and exclaim,
The Well is deep.

Thus bursts the well of life from these three springs:
God's infinite decree, His boundless love,
And all those deep unuttered woes of Christ.
Drink, stranger, drink, and quench thy thirsty soul
From out of depths which ceaselessly abound.
The more thy need, the fuller still the fount;
The more thy thirst, the deeper still the spring;
No sealed fountain this, no spring shut up;
But flowing forth to every child of want,
It cries, "Come unto me and drink"-invites
The heavy laden to repose-cleanses

Whilst giving life, and gladdens whilst it heals.

The thoughtless sinner, who at Jacob's well
Tasted the living waters fresh from God,
Has yet to learn through all eternity
The truth of words she ignorantly spake
Touching Samaria's failing earthly spring-
The Well is deep.

CHRIST ALL AND IN ALL.

S.W.

I THINK I hear the worlding say,
"I've had enough of Christ to day :"
But turn the picture, then you'll see
There's none but Christ will do for me.
In secret prayer I often cry,

Oh! give me Christ, or I shall die."

Tho' He slay me, yet will I trust;
Tho' but a worm and naught but dust,
In Him I feel I do abound,

From Him I know my fruit is found,
In secret sighs of bliss divine,

I say "This precious Christ is mine."
Oh, for a bright celestial ray,
To chase all gloomy doubts away;
And look to that auspicious day
When I shall hear my Saviour say,
"Arise my love, and come away;'

'Till then, I'll with the ransomed cry, "Oh! give me Christ, or I shall die." JOHN BUNYAN M'CURE.

Sydney.

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Henceforth there is, through Him who waits to bless,

"Laid up for me a crown of righteousness; "Nor for me only, but for all my race

"Who His appearing love, and seek His face."
Oh, reader! doth thy light resemble Paul's?
Or art thou still in darkness such as Saul's?
If this, no crown" may e'er be gained by thee:
If that, thy portion it will surely be.
Transcendant grace! that doth the vilest bless,
And gives to rebels "crowns of righteousness!"

S. E.

LITTLE BENJAMIN'S HAPPY
DEATH.

FOR the truth of the following little narrative I can vouch. The child's parents are among the most honourable of our church, and from the bereaved mother I received the touching incidents.

Little Benjamin was a quick, lively boy, and great delight was taken in him; but he was only lent for a little while, and soon passed away. He left earth for heaven on the 16th of October last, aged only five years.

For some time before he became ill there was an earnest, serious, enquiring mind observed in him that surprised his mother. They had a book with fine pictures on scriptural subjects, which he not only constantly amused himself by looking over, but asked most thoughtful questions about them. He was very fond of the hymn,-

"Tis Religion that can give Sweetest pleasure while we live ;" And wanted his mother to explain religion to him. He was always pleased to hear

her read and talk upon the Scriptures; and particularly when the miracles of Christ were read he would say, "He was God as well as man, or else he could not have done that, could he, ma?"

He had been taught to use a short form of prayer before going to bed; but now it was more than a form with him. One evening, while his brother (who had been brought home ill from school) was taking medicine, he said, while on his knees, “Ma', shall I ask God to make John better? The medicine won't if God don't make it, will it, ma'?" Then he said, in all reverend simplicity, "Do, O Lord, make my brother better, if you please." This prayer of a little child was soon answered; his brother began to mend. Still he continued this little prayer for several nights. But when he found his brother was really better, he said, "I ought to thank God for making my brother better, ma'; what shall I say?" "What you please, darling," was the reply. With great seriousness he then said, "I thank thee, O Lord, for making my brother John better; and, rising from his knees, he said, "You told us, ma', that Jesus could make little boys