May 27th.-At Alford, Mr. Robert Abbott, in his seventy-ninth year. In early life, when associated with irreligious and gay companions, he frequently felt the reproving and restraining operations of the Spirit of God. In the evening, after the fatigues of business, it was his practice to retire into the fields, for the purpose of serious meditation. He was conscious that he was unprepared for death. His anxiety of mind was in some instances so great, as to cause him to envy even the cattle which were peacefully grazing around him; and he would secretly wish that he were a sheep or an innocent bird. "A wounded spirit who can bear?" None at that time" expounded unto him the way of God;" and there. fore he long remained a stranger to evangelical mercy and peace. It was his purpose to commence business in London; and every arrangement was made for his departure from his native county to the metropolis. But an ever-watchful Providence overruled and changed his plans, and directed him to the fruitful marshes of Lincolnshire. In this retired situation the Almighty richly provided both for his temporal and spiritual wants. He who "gave to the sea his decree, that the water should not pass his commandment," had for the benefit of his young servant turned a portion of it "into dry land;' embankment and purchase of which was the occasion of his future prosperity. To meet his spiritual necessities, the Wesleyan Ministers were sent into these parts to announce to him "glad tidings of great joy;" and he was eventually made a partaker of the Christian salvation. After due deliberation he united himself to the Methodist society, of which he continued a member to the close of life; comprising a period of more than forty years; during a considerable portion of which time he sustained the office of ClassLeader and of Circuit-Steward. In those active scenes of life to which he was providentially called, he ever manifested an uncompromising and decided attachment to the precepts of the Gospel. He felt sincere respect for many who he had to regret were strangers to evangelical motives and views; and he had a pleasure, too, in being associated with them for the purpose of settling matters of public business; but he would never allow them to draw him into sinful com the pliances. At the close of the last Sabbath which he spent on earth he expressed his entire approbation of all that he had heard from the pulpit during the day; and referred to the refreshment which he had experienced in the means of grace. On the Monday following he dined with his son at Thurlby-Grange; from whence (in consequence of the infirmities of age) he had seldom for some time returned without intimating that he was probably leaving for the last time. The next day he had been seated at the dinner-table with a party of friends only for a short time, when he was evidently much worse. The aid of two Surgeons was instantly obtained; but in a few minutes, without the least distortion of countenance, or any indication of pain whatever, he was gently and tenderly conveyed from the midst of this circle of sympathizing friends, and from the tears and affectionate embraces of his beloved family, to "the bosom of his Father and his R. A. God." and has left a blessed testimony of her confidence in God, and hope of eternal life. W. H. He May 30th.-At Scarborough, Matthew Smith, Esq., in the seventy-sixth year of his age. He was a member of the Wesleyan-Methodist society thirty six years, and for many years filled the offices of Trustee and Society-Steward. He was much esteemed by the society, and respected by all classes of men; being an affectionate husband, a tender parent, and a faithful friend. In commercial life he was a man of integrity; and in priVate life equally valued. As he had the ability, so he had the heart, to do good; and many people in this town can testify of his acts of charity. was a liberal supporter of Christian Missions, Supernumerary Preachers, widows, and orphan children; a kind benefactor to the Kingswood and Woodhouse-Grove Schools, and the Wesleyan Chapel-Fund. His Christian experience was genuine, his hope of heaven scriptural; and his only reliance for salvation placed upon the Mediator. He lived well, and his end was peace. In addition to his other charities, he has given £100 to the Methodist chapel in Scarborough; and £110 to the Sunday-school belonging to the Methodists in this town. "The memory of the just is blessed." A. F. June 2d. At Altrincham, in the Fourth Manchester Circuit, Mr. John Goulden, aged seventynine years. He was admitted into the Methodist society in August, 1790, by the Rev. W. Jenkins, at St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire, being at that time in the army. His convictions of sin were deep, and he sought the Lord earnestly until the 20th of March, 1791; when, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, he obtained the knowledge of salvation by the remission of sins; which blessing he retained to the day of his death. "He was a good man," and greatly esteemed by all who knew him. Humility was a distinguishing trait in his character; and he ever esteemed himself as "less than the least of all saints." His love to the house of God was never surpassed; and his diligent attendance on the means of grace, until within a few days of his death, affords a reproving example to many who are young and healthy. He esteemed the Ministers of Christ "very highly in love for their work's sake;" and was a cheerful supporter of the cause of God. He delighted to do good; and his liberality was only limited by his means.-As a Class-Leader, he was sympathizing and faithful; and will long live in the affectionate remembrance of the people who were under his care. death was rather sudden, but he was prepared. His reliance upon the atonement of Christ was entire. Some of his last words were, "Other refuge have I none, "I the chief of sinners am, His In him the poor have lost a friend, and the church one of its most consistent and valuable members. "He had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself." W. O. B. June 2d. At Bridlington-Quay, James Coates, aged sixty-eight. Of him it may be truly said, "He was a good man." He was a member of the Methodist society upwards of thirty years. For many years he was an esteemed and useful ClassLeader and Local Preacher. His diligence in attending on all the means of grace was very exemplary; and he was especially useful in attending prayer-meetings. His end was peaceful and blessed. W. H. June 5th.-At Hayle, aged thirty-six years, Mrs. Hill, the wife of the Rev. William Hill, Superintendent of the Hayle Circuit. She was a woman of exemplary piety, and very highly esteemed by the friends in the various Circuits in which her lot was cast; and she died in great peace. J. E June 5th.-At Great-Grimsby, after a long and painful affliction, in the eighteenth year of his age, John R. Derry, second son the Rev. Francis Derry. About ten weeks since, after deep and anxious concern for the salvation of his soul, the Lord was graciously pleased to pity the distress June 9th-At Lincoln, Anne, the wife of Mr. June 13th.-At Bedlington, in the Morpeth Circuit, Mr. George Pearson, aged thirty-seven. In His early life he was blessed with the fear of God: and June 17th.-At Bungay, Jemima Scarlett, aged POETRY. DEPARTURE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT.* Broken clouds, In long and wavering companies, o'erhung A murmur rises from a gather'd throng Thus, as with measured strength the living tide Rolls its long masses on, the man of God, In solemn grace and mien majestic, stands And views, with tranquil glance, the' impressive scene. Onward, still on they move: the weary eye A voice, as of command, through the deep air, We haste from these borders where now the wail The cries of the first-born in death we hear, We go, though the journey be long and sad, He will guide us onward, whose mighty hand |