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and the day before that on which she died, tried to sing the old hymn in which are the words :

"A Saviour let creation sing;

A Saviour let all heaven ring!
'Tis God with us, we feel Him ours;
His blessing on our soul He pours:
"Tis almost done; 'tis almost o'er,
We'll join with those who are gone
before,

We soon shall reach the blissful
shore,

We there shall meet to part no more." Her husband helped her to sing it as well as he could; but his fortitude failed, and his voice also, when the fifth line was reached, and she had to get through the remainder of the stanza alone. Her last words were, "Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly." She was conscious almost to the moment that she drew her last breath; and having nodded assent to words of love and comfort which her husband breathed into her ear, the last she was to hear from him in this world, she slept in the arms of Jesus. She ceased at once to be conscious of, to her, the happiest surroundings of earth, to be surrounded by the companionship of heaven. If death could be always like this, then

""Tis better to depart; 'tis better far to die." S. S.

THOMAS WALTON SHIELD was born at St. John's Chapel, Weardale, in the year 1822, and died at Hetton-le-Hole, in the Houghton-le-Spring Circuit, November 29th, 1874. His parents were pious Wesleyans. At a very early age he was left a fatherless child. His educational advantages were small, but he had good natural gifts, which he diligently improved.

His conversion to God took place in the year 1847, at a service conducted by the Rev. John Rattenbury in the city of Durham. From this time his path was as "the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Mr. Shield became a truly pious

and spiritually-minded man. He had deep convictions, and felt the sacredness of duty. His regular and punctual attendance at the means of grace were exemplary. His piety was by no means superficial, but genuine, deep, and earnest.

When converted he gave himself to the work of Sunday-school teaching, in which he found great delight. As a class-leader, an office he sustained for nineteen years, he rendered valuable service, and was highly esteemed. His intimate acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, his clear and happy religious experience, his fervent desire for the welfare of souls, united with his faithfulness and tender sympathy, eminently qualified him for this important office. It was, however, as a Local-preacher that Mr. Shield was most useful. In this hallowed toil his gifts found their proper and legitimate sphere. He was at the utmost distance from any desire to shirk his appointments. He loved the work God had given him to do. Realising its importance, he sought, by careful reading and study of God's holy Word, and of such books as might help him to understand and explain it, to be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." His sermons were sound, clear, and practical expositions of Divine truth, and were delivered with much earnestness, and oftentimes with deep feeling. Under his preaching believers were quickened and blessed. Not unfrequently his heart was cheered by witnessing penitents seeking mercy, and many will be the crown of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. In prayer he prevailed with God. His public intercessions—always reverent and earnest-will not soon be forgotten; whilst the good which resulted from them eternity alone will reveal.

His devotion to Methodism was intelligent, sincere, and ardent; and he continued to the last steadfast in his attachment to the doctrine and discipline of the people of his choice. In

the welfare of the Church he took the greatest interest.

One prominent feature in Mr. Shield's character was his unfeigned humility. While he was ever ready to recognise the gifts and merits of others, he had very humble views of himself. His spirit and conduct beautifully illustrated the words of the Apostle, "In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Another pleasing feature was his brotherly sympathy. He would listen with manifest feeling to those who told him their difficulties and trials. There are many to whom in perplexity he was a wise counsellor, and in trouble a sympathising friend. His compassionate nature will partly account for the fact, that he was often found at the bedside of the sick and dying-speaking of the Divine Saviour, quoting words of promise, and offering the "prayer of faith."

Mr. Shield took great interest in young men, and soon won their affection and esteem. He was always their true friend. In the kindest manner he would point out to them their defects, suggest methods of improve. ment, and endeavour to help and encourage them. By thus exercising a fatherly care and oversight, he was made a blessing to many. Several now engaged in the work of the ministry owe much to his godly advice and counsel.

In social life Mr. Shield was genial, cheerful, and pleasant; but he never indulged in levity. In conversation he often talked upon religious subjects, particularly Christian experience. His real goodness and moral worth won the respect of all who knew him. The beauty of his character was readily seen in his own family circle. He was greatly beloved by those who mourn his loss.

The last few years his health was seriously impaired. Last autumn, it became evident to himself and his friends that his work was done. In his sufferings, which were severe, he

was trustful, happy, resigned. On expressing a sense of his unfaithfulness, he was reminded that the redeemed in heaven ascribed their salvation to the merits of the Saviour. "Yes," said he, "the Atonement is all I trust in ;" and repeated,

"I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me." He continued, "I have a bright hope, a clear sky,

'Not a cloud doth arise to darken the skies,

Or hide for one moment the Lord from my eyes.'"'

It was remarked, that several aged members of the Society had lately gone to heaven. With rapturous feelings he exclaimed, "Yes, from a suffering Church below, to a reigning Church above." He repeated the lines,

"Our conflicts here shall soon be past, And you and I ascend at last,

Triumphant with our Head."

333

On Saturday, the day before he died, one asked, "Is Jesus precious now? He replied, "Never more precious. I am dying; but I have no fear of death: Christ is with me. 'I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him." As the end drew nigh, a friend asked, "Is the Gospel you preached in health as great a support in the dying hour "Yes," as you expected it to be?" he said, "I feel that it gives solid peace peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."" Thus, on Sunday afternoon, his spirit peacefully entered the rest and blessedness of heaven.

J. G.

SARAH ANN, wife of the Rev. John GREENWOOD, late missionary to the Mysore, was born at Mackworth, near Derby, in 1836. As a child she was docile and tractable, and displayed great aptitude for learning. Taken to

assist in the school near home, at which she completed her own education, she was valued for her ability to instruct and control her juniors. Always affectionate and amiable towards her younger sisters, it amazed them to see her mourn for sin. Mrs. Jones, a well-known faithful Christian lady, about this time invited her to her class, and continued to watch over her, while, for a time, unusual influences against Methodist associations were brought to bear upon her.

She found peace with God, being justified by faith in Christ, while at prayer in her own chamber; and the witness by the Holy Spirit was so clear, that it was thenceforward as the lifting up of a standard in her soul to recall that memorable hour. Leaving home at twenty years of age, to act as a teacher of youth, she at once took a decided position as a Wesleyan, by sincere choice and at some cost. God blessed her in her calling. Whether the pupils were girls or boys she was equally successful with them, in winning and ruling them for their good. Some of her scholars, now become men, speak with deep affection of her gentle, just, Christian management. Promotion came in due course. Called by Divine Providence to become a missionary's wife, she sailed for India, signal mercies attending her embarcation, voyage, and tedious journey up the country to Shemoga. Her husband, as an itinerant preacher in the vernacular, was obliged very often to leave her among natives, whose language she only imperfectly knew. Their first-born had to be buried in their own garden. She felt these trials keenly, but bore up bravely under them, and never once attempted to restrain missionary pioneering by any suggestion of her own claims. Afterwards, in the city of Mysore, she served faithfully in the care of the girls' schools, and for the comfort of younger ministers lodged under her roof. The Rev. S. Dalzell and his wife, say, "Her amiability,

unselfishness, and natural refinement, sanctified by Divine grace, could not but call forth the respect of all. The Mission ladies held her in high esteem. She will be very long remembered by native Christian women who have been under her influence, and by Hindu girls, whom she tried to lead to the Saviour."

in it

It is a marvel how, amid these onerous duties, Mrs. Greenwood found time to write home many interesting letters to her various friends: full of incident, fresh from the field, they served to stir many a ladies' sewingmeeting to renewed zeal, for the females of heathen lands. Of course she was over-done by what her heart led her to attempt. Few records remain of her inward life; but one fragment shows she was constantly aiming at entire sanctification, as taught in our standards she speaks of having lost it through unwatchfulness; but better information convinced her that this in reality was through temptation upon a debilitated system, without the advantages of lively Christian society. However, she kept this blessing constantly in view, as the state to fit her for her sphere, and to be a help to her husband. Some of her notes to her children show that she watched for grace in them, and early solicited their love to her Father in heaven.

Obliged to return home through the state of her husband's health, she addressed herself to the work of English Circuits, and removed from Clifton to the Isle of Man in 1874. She immediately won the affections of all who came in contact with her : they recognised in her traits of a highsouled Christian, living "the consistent life of a child of God." But her work was done. Indian fever lurking in her constitution, developed after her confinement, and then consumption hurried her away, notwithstanding the laborious attentions and earnest prayers of some who loved her as their own sister, and who

pitied the family so threatened with bereavement. As far as weakness, alternating with delirium, allowed, her words were full of holy love, and faith, and heaven; till she fell asleep in

RECENT

MAY 30th, 1875.-At Canterbury, Mr. William Warman, who was brought to God through the instrumentality of the late Dr. Harvard. He had the privilege of a pious mother, and was early placed with his brothers in the Wesleyan Sunday-school. In 1839, he became a Local-preacher, and afterwards a class-leader. At various times he filled the office of Circuit and Society steward. Testimony is borne to the universal esteem in which he was held in this city and neighbourhood, and to his uniform consistency. Under painful bereavement he was mercifully sustained, and was never known to murmur, nor to "charge God foolishly." In his last illness he had perfect peace. In reply to a friend who said to him, "If all is well, and your prospect is bright, hold up your hand," he, with a happy smile, immediately held it up. The day before his departure, the fourteenth chapter of John was read to him. When asked, "Have you any trouble?" he answered, "No: I believe in God. In my Father's house are many mansions,' and Jesus has 'prepared a place for me.'"

W. B. D.

August 13th.-At Bramley, Leeds, aged sixty-six, Jane Powell, the beloved wife of the Rev. John Rossell. In early life she was drawn by the cords of Love to seek the salvation of her soul, and by" repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," obtained a blessed assurance of Divine adopting love and renewing grace. The reality of this important change was evidenced by the consistency of her life, and by her zealous endeavours to be useful to others. Although at times

Christ, April 7th, 1875, at Douglas, where she was interred, amidst the tears and sympathy of multitudes. STEPHEN P. HARVARD.

DEATHS.

subject to peculiar and painful mental affliction, her confidence in the Atonement of Christ never wavered. Her last affliction was of only six days' duration, during which time she cheerfully acquiesced in the Divine will, yet desiring, as the end drew near, "to depart, and to be with Christ." She assured her sorrowing family that, as to herself, "all was well." Quoting the lines

"Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all in Thee I find," she triumphed over death; falling asleep in Jesus. R.

September 21st.-Mr. Henry North, late of the Wesleyan Mission House, Bishopsgate Street Within, was born in London, in 1806. Early in life he joined the Methodist Society, and in the course of a long and useful career filled the offices of Local-preacher, trustee, chapel-steward, class-leader, etc. In 1826 he entered the Society's service at the old Mission House in Hatton Garden, and held the office of accountant for many years. On August 20th he left London to spend a short time with his son at Stratford-on-Avon, and soon afterwards was seized with paralysis. In a few days it was evident that his end was at hand. He expressed himself as having peace, but not ecstasy. His desire was to live a few years longer; "but," said he, "the Lord's will be done." Shortly before he passed away, he requested that the forty-sixth Psalm should be read to him. He was in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and the fiftieth of the Society's service. He was interred at Highgate cemetery. T. H.

LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM NICHOLS, HOXTON SQUARE.

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