meetings, and frequently called the people together on the Sabbath, and read to them a portion of God's holy word, and made such remarks from it as he thought necessary to remind them of their obligation to God, and the import ance of preparing to meet him as their judge. On the 10th of September, 1807, Mr. Joseph Daniels was married to Esther, daughter of Marvin and Ruby Lord, of Cornwallis, N. S. who still survives, to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband. Joseph had been convinced of his state as a sinner at an early period of life, but he did not unite with the Methodist Society during his Father's lifetime; and after this it does not appear that there was any Methodist Society in Shepody, for several years; neither were there any Methodist meetings held there of any description. During this time he occasionally attended the Baptist meeting, and on one occasion, while hearing a sermon which was preached by the Rev. Mr. Cleveland, he was more powerfully persuaded than ever to seek reconciliation with God.However, as he did not approve of some of the sentiments which are held by the Baptist denomination, he could not consistently give in his name among them; neither did he, at that time, obtain a satisfying evidence of his interest in Jesus as his Saviour. A few years after this, Shepody was again visited by a Methodist Missionary. This circumstunce was truly pleasing both to Mr. Daniels and his family; and when a Methodist Society was again formed in Shepody, Mr. D. felt it to be his duty to unite with the few who were profes sing to feel a desire to flee from the wrath to come But even then he did not profess to live in the enjoyment of religion, but only testified his desire to obtain that inestimable blessing. From this time, it does not appear that he ever neglected the opportunities afforded him, either of hearing the Methodist preachers, or of attending any other meetings which were held by the Methodists near his place. The preachers were invited to make his house their home, as frequently as their circumstances would permit. During the last summer he was much more engaged than he had been in seeking a present salvation, and frequently lamented that he had not been more zealous in devoting himself fully to God. On the 29th of August, as he had not been baptized, he felt it his duty to submit to that ordinance, and then, in company with a few others, he also partook of the holy sacrament. On this occasion, he spake with confidence of having obtained peace with God, He had but few more opportunities of attending the public ordinances of religion before he was prevented by sickness. It was soon found that his complaint was the jaundice, which was so seated in his constitution that all medical aid which could be obtained proved ineffectual. He was confined to his room for about nine weeks, a great part of which time his sufferings were very great; he continued to exercise an un shaken confidence in Jesus as a present Saviour. He frequently requested one of his children to read to him a portion of the word of God, and was also very thankful when any christian friend would spend a little time with him in prayer. From the commencement of his sickness he had scarcely any expectation of being restored to health. And although he readily made use of every description of medicine which was provided for him, yet I never heard of his expresssing any desire for life; but constantly manifesting the most perfect resignation to the will of his heavenly Father. On the 5th of December, I had an opportunity of spending the evening with him; he was then suffering extremely from an uncommon swelling all over his body; this affected his mouth and tongue so much that it was with dif ficulty he could articulate a single word. He said "I should like to talk with you, but I can hardly speak." He, however, expressed his gratitude to God for that peace of mind with which he had been favoured during his sickness; and for the hope he had of soon being removed from this state of suffering and trouble. to that world of light and glory where sin and sorrow can never come. On Monday the 6th, I took my last farewell of him, about nine o'clock, A. M. He was then perfectly sensible, and so he continued, until about four, P. M. when he quietly fell asleep in Jesus, leaving a blessed testimony for the comfort of his disconsolate widow and weeping family, that he had not followed cunningly devised fables, but that he had embraced that salvation which was purchased by the suffering and death of our blessed Redeemer, and is freely offered to all who will come unto God, by him. P. S. RECENTLY, at Minchinhampton, Gloucester, Deborah Ford, aged 93. She had been a consistent member of to the Society upwards of eighty years. Also Mrs. Mary Broughton, aged 84. She had been a member of Society sixty eight years. POETRY. "BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOM THOU CHASTENEST.” (Psalm xliv. 12.) O SAVIOUR! Whose mercy severe in its kindness, Enchanted with all that was dazzling and fair, I follow'd the rainbow,-I caught at the toy ;- The blossom blush'd bright, but a worm was below ;- So, cur'd of my folly, yet cured but in part, I thought that the course of the pilgrim to heaven I dream'd of celestial rewards and renown, I grasp'd at the triumph which blesses the brave, Subdu'd and instructed, at length, to thy will, My hopes and my longings I fain would resign; There are mansions exempted from sin and from woe, BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN WESLEYAN METHODIST MAGAZINE, FOR MAY, 1842. BIOGRAPHY. MEMOIR OF THE REV. DUNCAN M'COLL, Late of Saint Stephen's, Charlotte County, New Brunswick. (Continued from page 129.) I HAVE seen cause to warn my hearers against fits and s'ar's in religion. It is astonishing to see human inconsistency; sometimes we see them all engaged, running through thick and thin to the place of worship, but by and by they falter and cool away, and then away goes their zeal and religion too. But behold, all are not of this flighty stamp; some are convinced that there is a God, that sin is exceedingly dangerous, and holiness cxceedingly necessary. They truly repent, turn to God, believe in his Son, obtain forgiveness, and an evidence of it. They see the need of watching unto prayer and continuing thereunto, whatever their feelings may be. Nay should their feelings continue good and encouraging, so much the better, but should they change for the worse, they are viewed as a temptation and not as a guide, therefore their duty and pursuit continueth the same. The conduct of the former sheweth the want of principle. They are governed by the frame of their own feelings. The latter is governed by a principle founded on Scripture and reason, enlightened by the grace of God. There is no doubt that God doth sometimes manifest his power by stirring up men's minds more than at others, yet his will, his com. mands, and our duty in general continue the same. Nothing ought to be considered as a reformation but that which proceeds from the heart, -as a principle founded on scripture and reason, enlightened by the VOL. II. First Series. MAY 1842. power of God. Man may indeed, as he is a free agent, suppress his conviction, although founded on scripture and reason, and aided by grace; yet he need not-he may endure faithful unto death; but fits and starts in so important a thing as religion, shews a mind uninstructed and unreformed. Ministers ought to be careful in such times (of what is called reformation) so as to discriminate between the chaff and the wheat. Because iniquity abounds the love of many waxes cold; but he that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved-but not irresistibly. Saturday, I felt weak, and therefore did not go to Milltown. In the evening I had a farther proof of my own inconsistency and liableness to fall. Surely a deeper work of grace must take place in me before I am fit for glory. O Lord, my whole hope is in thee, thy merits are my only plea at the throne of grace. Here Lord I hang on thy mercy. Repeated proofs have I of my whole dependance on thee. Sunday, January 16, 1820, I preached twice at the chapel, but felt very feeble. I strove to preach plain doctrine; it is well if all were satisfied. I saw two or three get up and go away in the time of my application. I have reflected on what I have often observed in the conduct of some who profess to be zealous for the cause of religion, and yet appear to to have self at the bottom of all they do. They love to be caressed, applauded, and in all the good that is done they want to have the name. There must always be great attention paid to them, or nothing is right. Such is a sure proof of a little mind, which doth but little good in the church of God. Cunning craftiness is often used by such to promote their intentions; selfishness or a party spirit is the foundation of all these things, and not grace. O how contrary to the views of a true Minister of Jesus Christ, who is on all occasions ready to say, "The good that is done on the earth the Lord doeth it himself, and if Christ be preached, I therein rejoice," if good be done let God have all the praise, and let my soul partake of the benefits? Undissembled truth is all the faithful aim at, and in their mouth there is no guile. Mr. I. Young gave me some further insight of the designs of TA— and his party. He and S― D- went about St. David, and elsewhere among the unstable, both within and without this Church, seeking whom he might draw into his measures. He unbosomed himself to Mr. Young through his advocate, Mr. D, in this way, saying, "It is high time to put a stop to Mr. M'Coll; he has had sway long enough; let others take the lead. The new chapel ought to be given to Mr. A-, he is well worthy of it." Mrs. Young was a member, and Mr. Young, although not a member, believed the work which had been carried on by my ministry to be of God; and although he at first gave place to some of their talk, when he found out what they were at, he got afraid, saying within himself, "Lord what can all this mean. We for many years believed that Mr. M'Coll was much engaged in the cause of God, and the instrument of great good throughout the country. What then must be this? On whose crrand must these men be?" He immediately saw the hand, and the snare, and escaped, and now gave me the information, which I very well understood from the beginning. But the poor man soon spent all his influence had but few to hear him; and left the country, having done much harm. Sunday, January 30, my mind felt penetrated with a view of the depravity of man. I cried aloud, and did not spare. I feel like a man alone in the world. I commenced the work alone, God only was with me. I have had my trials, first from one sect, and then from another; sometimes from men of no profession but sin, also from the Church of England men, from Baptists, and lately from pretended Methodists. Although I wish well to all the friends of Jesus, yet I have been a gazing stock for many who looked for my fall. My wish is to give no cause of offence to any, but to do and preach up the truth without fear of men or sects. Blessed be God for he supports me, yea and he will support me, provided I serve him faithfully, as I have endeavoured to do. Tuesday, March 7, Mrs. B- from St. David, gave me an account of her conversion, which she dated from the day we buried Sister Thompson, at St. David, October 12, 1817. It was rather visionary, yet the woman seemed to aim at what was good. I would rather hear people speak of their conviction of sin, repentance, faith and holiness, than of seeing sights, &c. It is grace that opens our eyes to see our deplorable state by nature and practice. It is the same that shews us the salvation that is in Christ for us, and it is his power and free mercy which changes our hearts from sin to holiness. As for other sights they may be given by God, but they are of little use only so far as they lead to repentance, faith and holiness. Yet it is clear that remarkable things have been seen, heard, and felt, which proved much to the glory of God and the good of souls. But it is equally true, that many have been dreadfully deceived by such things; for the enemy is often transformed into an angel of light; but he can never produce either repentance, faith, nor holiness of life and conversation. God only does such things. (Matt. v. 3, 11.) (Gal. v. 22, 23.) (Ephes. v. 9. 10.) (James iii. 17.) These are the effects of true grace which Satan cannnot counterfeit. My plan is, continually |