Cantfield, she entered on the married state; and in that village, and during the period of her subsequent life at Witham, she was most exemplary in her deportment, and secured in a high degree, the esteem and affection of all in the circle of her connexions. Naturally amiable, that loveliness was sanctified by the grace of God; and the strength of principle was added to the sweetness of temper, yet she was the last to discern her own excellences. She deeply lamented her deficiencies, mourned in humility of spirit over her sinfulness before God, and found her only solace and her exclusive hope in the all-sufficiency and preciousness of the Redeemer. She loved the whole counsel of God," and delighted to contemplate the character of Christ in all its aspects of grace and holiness, and in all the relations and offices he sustains. But on his CROSS and his LOVE she felt it to be her sweetest happiness to linger in devout meditation, and was enabled to maintain in private communion with God, the strength and purity of her religion. She loved the means of grace, and all the ordinances of Christian fellowship; and they were most refreshing and invigorating to her spirit. She had no unhallowed partialities and prepossessions, and delighted in a full exhibition of the truths of the Gospel in all their spiritual and practical connexions. By all who knew her, she was tenderly loved; and the genuine and sterling worth of her character secured the respect of the world, as well as the esteem and confidence of the church. The frequent experience of personal suffering, and the faithful discharge of domestic duty, necessarily occupied the greater part of her time; she was, however, as far as possible, actively devoted to works of faith and labours of love. Amongst the poor and afflicted she was often a messenger of mercy; and by her kindness and sympathy greatly endeared herself to them; at the same time, in other circles of intercourse, she secured, by her intelligent piety and consistent deportment, their high attachment and esteem.

It pleased the Supreme Disposer of events to afflict her much during the last years of her life, and to deprive her of many social and religious privileges; but the language of impatience never escaped her lips. Her last illness was long and painful; but, from its commencement, her frame of mind was calm and submissive. She realized the fulfilment of that promise, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee!" Often during her affliction she blessed God that "she had not then her religion to seek, and that her memory was stored with the truths and promises of God's word." When her beloved partner was often deeply cast down,

in the anticipation of her departure, she became his comforter; and many of her remarks and observations were eminently adapted to soothe his mind, while they were delightfully illustrative of her spirituality, her habits of reflection, and the solid and tranquillizing confidence of her mind in the prospect of eternity.

"I have leaned," she said to her husband, "on the arm of Jesus, and always found support; and I have no doubt I shall still find him with me."

"It is a mercy I have been kept from murmuring under his chastening hand." "Father! I bless thy gentle hand,

How kind is thy chastising rod !"

"I feel like a ship on a boisterous sea, but I have a good guide, and I can trust him."

"I know that I am a sinful, polluted, ruined creature by sin; but the infinite value of the Redeemer's sacrifice is more than abundant for me, and on that I solely rely as the ground of my hope of eternal life!"

To her mourning husband she said, "I have found it difficult to give you up, and to give up my dear children; but I can do it now!" "You want to learn how to "You live; I am learning how to die!" have often led me to Christ, now you must go to him!"

On one occasion she expressed great solicitude for the conversion of her dear children, seven in number, whom she was about to leave without a mother's fostering care! May their mother's God be their's for ever! When asked what text of Scripture she wished to be the subject of her funeral sermon, she replied, Say nothing of me; but press upon the YOUNG the importance and necessity of personal religion." Just at the last extremity, after enduring most severe paroxysms of pain, her husband said, "You are in the hand of a kind and gracious Father;" she replied, “I feel that I am!"' These were her last words :

"Her God sustained her in the final hour; Her final hour brought glory to her God!" In life and in death she illustrated the reality and the preciousness of that religion she professed and adorned. Her humble, lovely, and blameless deportment through life, and the support which so sweetly sustained her through a long and painful affliction, serve to strengthen the faith of the believer, and prove the all-sufficiency of that Gospel which is the true source of happiness in this world; sheds its heavenly radiance through "the valley of the shadow of death;" and prepares for "glory, honour, and immortality" in the "everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!"

Her remains were interred in the burialground belonging to the chapel at Witham, on the 15th of December; the deacons and principal members of the church, with a numerous attendance of weeping friends, accompanied the mournful procession; and the Rev. R. Burls, of Maldon, conducted the solemnities of the funeral service. the following day the funeral sermon was delivered in the chapel to a large and deeply-affected auditory, by the Rev. Dr. Fletcher, of Stepney, from John xiv. 1—3. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

REV. STEPHEN JOHNSON.

On

In

As the lives and deaths of the devoted and faithful servants of Jesus Christ, are found to confirm the truth of his word, and his fidelity to his promises; they have been regarded with interest by the Church of God, and have been made the means of edification and profit to individual believers. To surviving relatives and friends, the recollection of their piety and zeal, with all that rendered them beloved and useful, is peculiarly dear; and they cannot but hope, that an acquaintance with the experience of their glorified friends, may encourage the weak, and animate the desponding Christian, and glorify the riches of that grace, which they magnified on earth, and celebrate in heaven. tracing the early operation of that grace upon the subject of this memoir, we find that it resembled the morning dew, whose influence is gentle, but powerful; noiseless, but efficient. Referring to this time, he says, "At a very early period of life, my mind was frequently and deeply impressed with the importance of religion. I would express my unfeigned gratitude to the God of all grace, for the instructions given me by a pious and judicious parent, whose example recommended and enforced his salutary advice." May we not here pause for one moment, and observe this encouragement to parental piety and devotedness, as there is reason to believe that others in that family have had the same cause to bless God for parental instructions, and still continue to remember them with devout gratitude. He continues, speaking of his early life, "My views, however, of Divine things were very confused and obscure, till it pleased the Lord to impart his light and power to my soul. Though I was kept from the commission of those vices which mark and disgrace youth; yet, by painful experience, I learned that my heart was as deeply depraved as others. A consciousness of this humbling fact, often filled me with distress; I was convinced a change was necessary, but how this work was to be effected, I knew not; like others, who are naturally ignorant of the Gospel, I endea

voured to regulate and improve my future conduct; but all these efforts to make myself better, only tended to discover more of my sinfulness and folly. I found, indeed, that I was without righteousness and strength. It was my happiness to dwell among pious relations and friends, but though their conversation was a great blessing, I wanted more than they could impart. The first time the Gospel appeared in its suitableness and glory, was under a discourse preached by the late truly esteemed Rev. S. Pearce, of Birmingham, from Jer. 1. 4, 5, In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.' The word came to my mind with power; the truth as it is in Jesus had never appeared in so interesting a light; my heart was melted down with the discoveries of the compassion and love of God in Christ Jesus; my affections were attracted towards the Saviour of sinners. I embraced that method of salvation revealed in the Gospel, because it was exactly adapted to my circumstances, as a guilty, perishing sinner; and, by resting my soul on the assurance it gives, I have found that satisfaction and peace, which I have sought in vain from any other quarter. Looking

around me in the world I beheld multitudes of my fellow-creatures, blind to their immortal interests; ardent desires after their welfare were excited in my mind, that, were it the will of God, I might be an instrument in his hand of awakening some to a knowledge of their state, and directing them to the Lamb of God. I was induced, at first, to unite with some young friends in teaching in a Sabbath-school, and was sometimes requested to deliver short addresses to the children. After this, I accompanied some pious friends to two or three villages in order to instruct the poor ignorant people in the great truths of the Gospel. In these exercises I found much delight, and was, therefore, encouraged to abound in the work of the Lord. It was, however, a prevailing sentiment in my mind, that if it were the will of God I should serve him in the Gospel of his Son, he would open a way for me in his providence. After many painful exercises of mind, the path of duty was plainly discovered, and on me this rich grace was conferred, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. My first efforts were attended with much fear and trembling; yet, from a considera

tion of the all-sufficiency of Jesus, and the animating declarations of his word, I am still encouraged to persevere in the arduous yet truly honourable employ, and prefer it to all others. I am conscious that many worldly sacrifices must be made, but as far as I am acquainted with my own views and motives, it is my desire to be a faithful servant and imitator of him, who came not to be ministered unto, but to minister; esteeming the honour that attaches to the service of Christ, greater riches than this world is able to confer." He thus gives an account of his views and feelings on entering on that work, to which he devoted himself with all the ardour of a warm and affectionate heart.

Mr. Johnson relinquished business, which he had entered with a good prospect of success, and was admitted into Hoxton Academy in the year 1804. From his diary at this time, may be learned the low views he had of himself; his deep self-abasement before God, on account of the remains of indwelling sin; his fervent desires after increase of holiness, and the earnest manner

in which he sought to be prepared for the discharge of every duty, and to be made useful in winning souls to Christ. Nor was he without some pleasing evidence, that the Lord was blessing his labours in the different places where he was called to administer in holy things. In some instances, which he did not hear of till after his residence in Wickhambrook, remarks which he had made at this time, were blessed to the conversion of individuals, who have since openly professed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and adorned their profession by a suitable walk and conversation. There was a peculiar cheerfulness of deportment, and an aptitude to introduce religious and useful conversation, so as to attract the minds, especially of his young friends; and it has been remarked by some who recollect many pleasant hours passed in his society, that, whatever the subject of conversation was, he was sure to draw them all to the great and important truths of religion before they were aware of it.

(To be continued.)

LONDON.

APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES.

WE beg to announce to the friends and supporters of the Evangelical Magazine, that at a late meeting of the Trustees, the following highly respectable individuals were unanimously added to their number:-The Rev. Dr. Payne, of Exeter; the Rev. Dr. Paterson, of Edinburgh; the Rev. John Alexander, A.M., of Edinburgh; the Rev. John Alexander, of Norwich; the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds; the Rev. Thomas Stratten, of Hull; the Rev. H. Roper, of Bristol; the Rev. P. Thomson, of Chatham; the Rev. W. Rooker, of Tavistock; the Rev. R. Elliott, of Devizes; the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, of Nottingham; the Rev. W. H. Stowell, of Rotherham; the Rev. Dr. Urwick, of Dublin; the Rev. T. Craig, of Bocking; the Rev. R. Fletcher, of Manchester; and the Rev. Caleb Morris, of London.

CIRCULATION OF THE EVANGELICAL
MAGAZINE.

Since our February announcement, we are happy to be able to state, that the monthly sale of the Magazine has reached 15,000; we have still, however, to press upon the Christian public at large the duty

of endeavouring to raise it to 20,000, by which 3007. per annum might be added to the annuities now voted to the widows of pious ministers. Let all who read this ask themselves, if they cannot do something towards realizing this truly benevolent object ?

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The Editor would regard it as a singular favour if any of the friends of the Magazine, could furnish him materials for biographical notices for his new work, entitled, "The Fathers and Founders of the London Missionary Society," &c. He is anxious, particularly, for information respecting Dr. Haweis, Mr. Lambert of Hull, Dr. Simpson, Mr. Mends, Mr. Greathead, and Dr. Love. Dr. Morison would take this opportunity of removing an impression which has obtained currency, in certain circles, that his work, the First Part of which is published this day, is in any way intended or fitted to become the rival of his friend Mr. Ellis's forthcoming History of the London Missionary Society. The undertaking has been thought of for more than two years, and will be almost exclusively a work of biography. It is intended that it should be the companion of Mr. Ellis's History, but in no sense of the term its rival.

J. P. S. ON GEOLOGY.

To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. MY DEAR SIR.-Do me the favour of intimating to your readers, that the name of Dr. Mantell was omitted, by the inadvertence and haste of writing, in the letter which you did me the favour of inserting in the last number of your Magazine, page 110. The labours of that distinguished man, and his great success in the promotion of Geological studies, entitle him to a high place in the public esteem. It is a matter of congratulation, that his rich collection will now adorn the British Museum, and thus provide for the instruction of thousands.

I also solicit the correction of two errors of the press, which it would be unjust and mortifying to me to leave without notice.

Page 111, col. 1, line 39, for "important" read" imperfect."

113,

19, for "chrystalline" read crystalline." I am, &c.

To the Editor of the Evangelical Magazine. DEAR MR. EDITOR,-I proceeded from York to the South of Devon, and commenced my tour at Plymouth and Devonport, on Lord's-day, 19th of August, 1838. It was considered a great day in the history of these large towns. The ministers exchanged pulpits, whereby no less than sixteen Missionary Sermons were preached on that day. Such an effort to send the Gospel to the heathen could not be in vain. All this was the result of a well-concerted plan which had been previously arranged by the brethren. Oh when ministers enter warmly into the work of Missions, their beloved flocks will be sure to follow them.

On the evenings of Monday and Tuesday we had public meetings, and on Tuesday morning a public breakfast was held at Plymouth, where a considerable sum was raised. Some gave their 201., and others gave their 107., from which we saw that it

is quite easy to raise a large sum in any town, where a few are prepared to give so handsomely.

ocean.

On the evening of the 23rd, we had a meeting at Cawsand. I stopped there the night. My bed-room was close to the At day-break I opened my windows to enjoy the sea breeze and gaze on the majestic scene before me. A sea view always does me good. About six o'clock I saw a large fishing-boat approaching the shore. I hailed her and found she was going to Plymouth. I inquired, "Will you give me a passage?" "Yes," was the reply, "if you will bear a hand." In ten minutes I was safely on board, and found myself in the midst of a shoal of fish. I said to the captain, "How many passengers have you?" "About seven thousand, Sir, dead and alive. We have taken more herrings to-night than we have had before, any night this season." How wonderfully the Creator provides for the wants of men !

In our voyage to Plymouth we sailed round the beautiful Mount Edgcombe, and passed near the Breakwater. This stupendous work of art is the astonishment of all strangers. One of the directors of this work gave me a plan of it as it now stands, by which I learned that just two millions of tons of stone have been deposited there. How amazing!

On arriving at Plymouth, some dear brethren joined me, and we set off to Beeralston. Here is a silver mine; but we had many difficulties in getting near it. There was a deep river to cross; and we had neither boat, nor bridge, nor horse, and the tide was coming. What was to be done! Oh, a kind farmer saw three men on the opposite side, and he guessed what we needed, and sent a boy and horse to help us over the water. This was a venturous affair too, for the horse had neither bridle nor saddle, but he took us safely. The farmer's wife did another kind act for us. She prepared us some rashers of bacon for our dinner; and here we saw a new thing in the earth. The farmer's son was a preacher, belonging to a band of preachers about twelve in number, all from the congregation of our brother at Beeralston. They have about twenty different houses scattered through the parish, where they hold their meetings. The minister generally accompanies them and superintends the service. This is a fine place for cultivating the gifts and graces of pious young men; and also for evangelizing all the hamlets in the kingdom! I hope some of my readers will take a hint from this, and go and do likewise. Amen.

Saturday, 25th.-Left Beera!ston for Tavistock, where I saw the dear friend to whom

I owe more than to any other man living. Here also I saw a Tee-totaler who gave me 101. for a school in Travancore to be called

"Temperance School." The good man said, "This is an annual subscription. I have saved the money out of the needless expenses of my household, I do not wish to pocket the money, I will give it to the Lord." Was not this noble! If a thousand professors of religion were to do the same, it would make 10,0007.; and if ten thousand were to imitate it, (and why not?) this would make just a hundred thousand pounds per annum. The very sum we are trying to raise, but which we have never done; and yet it could all be done by a mere negative, that is to say, "I am resolved, by the help of God, not to drink wine or strong drink." How easy!

Lord's-day, 26th.-Preached in the morning at Tavistock, and in the evening at Launceston; at which place we had a public meeting on Monday. It was taken into the Devonshire route, though a Cornish town; and the delightful scenes we witnessed there was a fair specimen of what we afterwards had through the county. That I reserve till my next.

Tuesday, 28.-Okehampton. Good meeting in the Town Hall. A pious attorney in the chair! Oh, I like to see doctors, and lawyers, and bankers taking an active part in the cause of God. They are increasing. Hallelujah! Heard of a dark village in the neighbourhood, where eighteen years ago, I helped to form a Sunday-school, by giving a friend half-a-guinea. Now they have a flourishing Infant-school. What an encouragement to go on. May all who read this, and have the means of helping, be encouraged to attempt greater things than

ever.

29th.-Preached at Ashburton. Lived with a kind family named Evans. The Evans's are remarkable people. There are more pious people of that name than any other that I know. The famous John Flavell died in the house, and in the arms of Mr. Evans's great grandfather; and his own father died in Flavel's chapel, and was buried in Flavel's grave. The same stone covered the ashes of both of them.

30th.-Preached at Kingsbridge. Good congregation. A Methodist brother commenced, and a Baptist brother concluded.

31st.-Left kind friends at Kingsbridge, and set off in a wagon for Dartmouth. The Rev. Mr. Stenner and his people showed great kindness to dear brother Williams and his party when the Camden touched here. They speak with great delight of the visit. I find it universally the case that people are pleased after they have done a good thing. Thus God gives them a reward in this world; and promises that even

a cup of cold water given to one of his servants shall not lose its reward.

Lord's-day, Sept. 2nd.-Preached in the morning at Dartmouth; at Paignton in the afternoon, and at Totness in the evening. Hard work.-Solemn congregation. The results will be seen in eternity.

Monday, 3rd.-Public meeting at Totness. Fine attendance. Many pleasing associations at Totness. Here Walter Venning, the philanthropist, and his family were born. Here I saw more decided good, connected with the cholera, than I saw either in India or in Russia.

Tuesday. 4th.-Public meeting at Newton Abbot. Very encouraging. Lived with a friend, whose brother showed me kindness at Plymouth, and whose brother-in-law showed me kindness at Norwich. I shall soon be in debt to all the nation. What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me!

Wednesday, 5th.-Good meeting at Chudleigh. This chapter was full of adventures, but no accidents. Never had such a setout before. At last a good miller helped us out of our difficulties, by sending us on, and by sending us home.

6th.-Preached at Dawlish, and on the 7th at Shaldon. Took up my abode with a dear Yorkshire friend.

At Torquay, a brother pressed me hard for a sovereign for his Sunday-schools, which I promised to give him as soon as I had one to spare. After which we both breakfasted with a physician, who asked me to act as chaplain for his family that morning, which I did; and when we rose from our knees, he said, "Farewell,-I must go to my patients;" and in the act of shaking hands, he left a sovereign in mine, and went off. So, without putting the sovereign into my purse, I took my brother by the arm, and said, "Here is the money." So the Lord gratified me and satisfied him.

Lord's-day, 9th.- Preached at Teignmouth in the morning, King's Stanton in the afternoon, and Torquay in the evening. Large congregations all day. The afternoon was novel and peculiarly cheering. On my arrival the chapel was overflowing, while a crowd was standing about the door. We commenced by singing; when the people on the outside exclaimed, "We cannot hear, but we came to hear. Do come out." We obeyed; and had service in the open air. It was the most solemn out-door service I ever attended. Lord have mercy on the villagers.-Amen.

Now, Mr. Editor, farewell. I hope you will soon hear from me from the Land's End.

Your very obedient, RICHARD KNILL. Warminster, March 12, 1839.