the full assurance that all would be gathered in at last.

Her hospitality was almost unbounded. On anniversary occasions, more especially, she kept open house, and was happiest when every room was full. Friends and strangers, rich and poor, were equally welcome, and shared alike her bounty on these occasions. But the objects of her special esteem and kindness were those engaged in the work of the ministry; she delighted to honour the ambassadors of the Lord Jesus; the feet of those who brought good tidings were beautiful to her. She was a ministers' friend of the best stamp; jealously watching over their character, checking unkind criticisms, steadfast in her refusal to believe evil of them, and yet loving them too well not to tell them of their faults when her judgment and conscience satisfied her that there was need for kind expostulation or warning.

Her devotion to that section of the Church with which she was connected was entire and unfaltering. She was a firm upholder of all the peculiarities of Methodist doctrine and discipline. Herself a class-leader for more than thirty years, she had a deep conviction of the great value and usefulness of the class-meeting, and regarded with sorrow and alarm all attempts to depreciate that means of grace. She was never troubled with doubts concerning her position in the Church of God. Though branded by some as a schismatic, she knew that, though a Methodist, she was none the less one with Christ; and she was equally sure that the men who ministered to her spiritual wants, though not episcopally ordained, were nevertheless true ministers, whose Divine call had been demonstrated to her spiritual consciousness by rich grace and blessing realised through their ministrations. "By their fruits" she "knew them." She was a true Methodist, not only clinging to, and rejoicing in, the dis

tinctive principles of the system, but being, at the same time, free from bigotry," the friend of all, the enemy of none." We may, indeed, speak of her as a Methodist of the old school, possessing much of the simplicity, thoroughness, zeal, fervour, and spirituality of mind, which distinguished the first members of the Methodist Society, while these features of character were not marred by any unlovely narrowness or scrupulosity.

When she came to reside at Tansley, the chapel was burdened with a debt of £500, and arrears of interest were owing to the amount of £20; she accepted the management of its finances, and worked steadily on year by year, giving, begging, saving, until, when she died, there was a good prospect of the chapel being soon quite free from debt. Within the last two or three years, also, she saw a new Sabbath-schoolroom built, and the chapel itself repaired and beautified, chiefly through her instrumentality.

Her last illness was short. God was very gracious to her, and during the fortnight she was confined to her bed she was comparatively free from pain. Her faculties were gradually locked up in insensibility. In the short intervals of consciousness she was cheerful, happy, and undisturbed by a single care. It was this very cheerfulness that alarmed her friends, and filled them with gloomy forebodings. In previous attacks of disease, she had been disturbed, depressed, and anxious, not about herself, but about the interests of the cause of God in the village. She wondered who would take her place, do her work, care for the people as she had done; and the thought of leaving them troubled her greatly. But now that she was actually going to leave them, her anxiety was wholly removed, and her perfect trust in God made all things bright and hopeful. The shadow of death was worse than death itself. In her waking moments

there was always the same calm resting on the Saviour, and the same patient waiting for His call. The world was left behind; the Church and Society, for whose welfare she had toiled, and wept, and prayed, during so many years, were scarcely alluded to now; her family, so loved and clung to, was resigned into God's hands; there was not a shadow of care for anything, not a whisper of sorrow, not a murmur of regret. It was so unlike her to be thus wholly free from anxious thought about God's cause, that her friends were forced to see in it a sign that the end was at hand, that she had got too near heaven to care any more about the things of earth.

As she lay on her sick bed, she appeared to be holding communion with the unseen world. While she was scarcely conscious of surrounding human associations, her eyes and ears seemed open to the forms and voices of the dear departed ones: she murmured their names; she talked to them; and in those moments the bright glow on her face was marvellous; her very features seemed to alter, and she looked young again, as though the eternal youth was already coming upon her, touching and beautifying the body through the soul before their separation.

She did not speak much about her religious experience, or her hopes; these were matters looked upon as settled, and not needing to be talked about. There was no special dying testimony for which friends so often inquire, and in the remembrance of which they seem to find such consolation; but the testimony of her life needed no confirmation from the witness of the death-bed. Her living works were better than dying words; the genuine goodness of her renewed character, and the uniform consistency of her deportment and conduct were more trustworthy evidences of her eternal safety than dying raptures.

She fell asleep in Jesus a little after mid-day on Wednesday the 9th of June, 1875, in the sixty-seventh year of her age.

A few words only need be added as to the development of her character in some of the social and domestic relations. It was, indeed, in her home, and in the social circle, that several of the best and most attractive qualities of her true womanhood were manifested. Thoughtful, considerate of others, forbearing, self-sacrificing, and cheerful, with a large fund of quiet humour, she seemed to possess the power of making all around her happy. As a wife, her worth cannot be estimated. "Her price" was "far above rubies. The heart of her husband did safely trust in her," and she did "him good and not evil all the days of her life." So, also, she "opened her mouth with wisdom :" she possessed sound common sense which made her a safe counsellor in other matters. besides those that concerned the management of her own household. So wise and so trustworthy was her advice, that her husband almost invariably followed it, and never had cause to repent doing so.

To her excellence as a mother, the love and devotion of her children are the best witness, while their character illustrates the influence of her exam

ple. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed."

As a friend, she was affectionate, sincere, faithful, unchangeable. But every thing that was good in her we gratefully ascribe, even as she did, to the abounding grace of God in Christ Jesus.

MR. HENRY CUTHBERT was born at. Horncastle, July 18th, 1808, and died at Tattershall Mills, August 12th, 1875, aged sixty-seven years. For nearly fifty years he was an active member of the Wesleyan-Methodist Society in Coningsby; and for the greater part of that time a Local

preacher and leader. Mr. Cuthbert belonged to a family long noted for piety and usefulness, as well as ardent attachment to Wesleyan-Methodism. A sister, Mrs. Eliza Pickworth, who died a few months since, in the full triumph of faith, at Dalston, in the Islington Circuit, and other members of the family who exchanged mortality for life more than a quarter of a century ago, may be truly said to have been among the "excellent of the earth."

It was through the holy life of his eldest sister, Miss Sarah Cuthbert, that Henry was first convinced of sin. His impressions were deepened, while at family prayer, in the house of another sister, Mrs. Mason, when he was sixteen years old. On returning home, he went at once to a classmeeting, and, after the usual probation, was admitted as a member of the Methodist Society; but it was not until four years afterwards, in a prayermeeting at New York, (then in the Spilsby Circuit,) that he obtained a clear assurance of his acceptance with God, and was enabled to rejoice in Christ as his Saviour. This assurance he retained all through life. From this time he devoted himself to the service of the Lord, and was soon placed on the Prayer-leaders' Plan, and shortly afterwards became a Localpreacher. His first sermon was preached at Tumby-Woodside, from the text Matthew xi. 28. Not long after this he was appointed to the important office of class-leader; and at different times, he filled with credit nearly every office in Methodism that can be held by a layman.

On the 19th of February, 1839, Mr. Cuthbert was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Sumner, of Digby, in the Sleaford Circuit, who proved to him a true helpmate through life, and who, surviving him, deeply mourns his loss.

Mr. Cuthbert was a man of pure and unspotted character. His natural

temperament was sanguine and cheerful. His religious experience was very joyous, and wherever he came sunshine seemed to attend his steps. He possessed a devout spirit; and from the time of his conversion to the end of his life, he was remarkable for his power in prayer. They who listened to him in the class-meeting and the prayer-meeting were often reminded of the patriarch whose wrestling faith near the brook Jabbok was crowned with such a glorious victory. Many of his intercessions, in connection with special religious services held more than thirty years ago, are still fresh in the recollection of some who are ready to say that for fluency, fervour, and unction, they equalled any other petitions which they ever heard. His piety, too, was nourished by the devout study of Divine truth. He was a careful reader of the Holy Scriptures, and was well acquainted with Wesleyan theology.

As a preacher, Mr. Cuthbert was earnest and practical. He evidently aimed at the good of his hearers, and there is abundant reason to believe that many will be his "crown of rejoicing" in the day of the Lord. As a leader, he was eminently successful. He possessed qualities which fitted him for becoming a valued spiritual adviser. Naturally amiable, warmhearted, and sympathizing, he drew around him many, especially young people, who are now filling important positions in different Circuits in Methodism. One event in his history specially evinced the esteem in which he was held by those over whom he watched as a leader. In 1837 he had a very serious illness: his life was almost despaired of, "but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him;" and, contrary to human expectation, he was gradually restored to health. On his recovery the members of his class, twenty-five in number, presented him with a large HymnBook as a token of their esteem, and

gratitude to His attach

an expression of their God for his restoration. ment to Methodism was of no doubtful character. He loved its ministers, its doctrines, its institutions, its characteristic ordinances, its class-meetings, band-meetings, prayer-meetings, lovefeasts, and its special religious services. They were to him channels of spiritual blessing, and many can remember his radiant countenance, his fervent "Amen," and his joyful "Praise the Lord." He could truly say with David, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."

He was remarkably attached to the young; and was unwearied in his endeavours to promote their welfare. He took great interest in the Sundayschool, and, as far as practicable, devoted to it his time and his support. One of the most prominent features in his character was a remarkably liberal disposition. He was a cheerful giver. His kindness and generosity were especially displayed in the hospitality accorded to the ministers, to whom his house was always open, and to large numbers of friends on anniversary occasions. As a husband and father, he was tender and affectionate. His home was a charmed spot. His estimable wife and children were all earnest workers in the same branch of the Church of God.

In December, 1871, Mr. Cuthbert's health began to decline, and from that time he gave up preaching, and only occasionally led his class. In the first week of January, 1875, his affliction assumed a more serious form. During the weary months which followed, his state of mind was generally one of holy serenity and peaceful hope. The members of his family were greatly cheered by his many testimonies to the sustaining power of A life of sixty-seven

Divine grace.

years, the greater part of which was adorned with Christian graces, and spent in active Christian service, would have furnished sufficient attestation to the sincerity and consistency of his profession, even had his friends been deprived, by a sudden removal, of that solemn seal which was affixed to it by a hope as supporting in death as it had been purifying in life. It would seem to be desirable, that they who have borne a living, should also be enabled to bear a dying, testimony to the truth and excellence of the Gospel. This, however, is not necessary to our confidence in the happiness of departed saints: they are as safe when removed by sudden death, so that no opportunity is given for a last testimony, as after a lingering affliction, whereby full opportunity for such testimony is afforded. But "parting words," which surviving friends may treasure up in their memories and their hearts, and repeat with mournful delight to each other, are very fragrant to the drooping soul. This privilege was granted to the friends of Mr. Cuthbert. His last affliction was protracted, and of such a nature as to leave him leisure, and the full possession of his faculties, to think of the spiritual world to which he was hastening. For several months he saw the king of terrors advancing, step by step; but he felt no alarm; he was fully equipped for the conflict; and while a solemn voice seemed to say to him, "Thou shalt die, and not live," he cheerfully replied, "I am ready to be offered: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day."

It is true that, during the early part of the final sickness, there was a clinging to life, and a fear as to the process of dying. Frequently he said, "I shrink from the act of dying. I

know I am on the Rock; but nature does shrink." And yet, for months before his death, all fear was taken away. When danger was first apprehended, he said to his medical adviser, "Tell me what you think; I am not afraid to die." After this many were the triumphant expressions which fell from his lips. Among them we may place on record his calm declaration : "Death is only like going into another room; I shall say 'Good night' to my friends here, and ‘Good morning' to my friends above."

During the last fortnight his sufferings were very severe, and he endured great prostration; but no murmuring word ever escaped his lips. His natural cheerfulness never forsook him. When, on one occasion, his medical attendant, calling to see him, said, “You always greet me with a smile; I think you will do so to the last," he immediately replied, "Why should I not smile?" To the writer he said, "I am going to die; but it is all right." To a brother Local-preacher, who entered the room when it was thought that the power of recognition was gone, he said, "Pray and work as long as you can." To his wife, who said to him, "I think you will soon leave us," he replied, "All is well."

On another occasion, when, after

some moments of apparent unconsciousness, the power of speech returned, his first words were, "I am rich; I am rich; I have had a glimpse of heaven, and I thought I was going to enter;" and then he added with regret, "I am still here."

When his strength was fast ebbing he said, "I should like to shout my Saviour's praises once more." When too weak to speak, except in a whisper, he could be heard repeating, "Glory, glory;"“ Praise God;”“ Hallelujah !”

Testimony to the esteem in which Mr. Cuthbert was held, was borne by the numbers who attended his funeral, and the large congregation which assembled to hear his funeral sermon. On each occasion many persons came from every part of the Circuit.

It would be ungrateful in the writer were he not to acknowledge his own obligations to Mr. Cuthbert as the person whom God mercifully used to make a deep and lasting impression on his youthful heart, so as to prepare the way for his conversion; as the spiritual guide of his early religious life; and as the chief instrument, under God, of his entrance into the Christian ministry, in which he has held a place for more than a quarter of a century.

J. P.