Transcribed from the 1850 C. Gilpin, R. Y. Clarke, and Co. edition by
David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
NEW SERIES, No 9.
THE ANNUAL MONITOR FOR 1851.
OR
OBITUARY
OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS
In Great Britain and Ireland,
FOR THE YEAR 1850.
LONDON:
SOLD BY C. GILPIN, R. Y. CLARKE, AND CO., DARTON AND CO.,
AND E. MARSH: GEORGE HOPE, YORK.
1850.
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
We have again to present to our friends the Report of the Annual
Mortality in the Society of Friends, in Great Britain and Ireland. It
has frequently been observed, how nearly the number of deaths in each
year has approximated, but we have this year to notice a considerable
diminution in the annual return. We are not disposed, however, to
attribute the diminished numbers, chiefly to any special cause connected
with health, but consider it rather as one of those fluctuations which
are ever found to arise in a series of years, in the mortality of a small
community. The number of the dying, however, may be expected to bear, as
respects the average, a pretty uniform relation to the number of the
living. And if the fact be, as all our late inquiries lead us to believe
it is, that we are, though slowly, a diminishing body, we must expect
that our average number of deaths will also be found gradually to
diminish.
We have often anxiously pondered over the question,--Why the Society of
Friends should be a diminishing body? And we propose to give in this
place a few of the thoughts which have been suggested to us in the course
of our consideration.
In the first place, let us notice the natural causes which tend to the
decrease of our Society. We have formerly shown that the mortality among
our members is less than in the community at large, which so far as it
extends, is of course a reason for the increase rather than the
diminution of our numbers. But then we have, on the other side, the well-
ascertained fact, that whilst in the community at large, the registered
births exceed the deaths, by 45 per cent; in the Society of Friends, the
registered deaths actually exceed the births! The cause of this fact is
to be found, not only in connection with the number who marry out of the
Society, but also in the operation of that prudential check on entering
into the married state, which will always prevail amongst a moral people,
where the means of subsistence cannot easily and with certainty be
obtained. But to whatever we may attribute the cause, the fact itself is
a complete answer to the question--Why we are a diminishing rather than
an increasing people?
It may be said,--Why are not our religious principles aggressive?--Why,
if they be true, do they not find converts among the various Christian
communities of our land?--Why, as in the early times of our Society, are
there not numerous conversions, and fresh bodies of warm-hearted, and
sound-minded believers, added to our numbers?--These are deeply important
and very interesting questions, and we are willing to offer a few
thoughts upon them, with the seriousness and modesty with which it
becomes us to speak on the subject.
We believe, that a mistaken view prevails, in regard to the truest
Christian principle being that which will be accepted by the largest
number of persons. The experience of all the past ages of the Church
contradicts the assumption, and shows clearly that there is in man a deep-
seated opposition to the acceptance of divine truth in its purity and
simplicity. True vital religion has ever called for the service of man's
heart to God, and in every age, this allegiance has been the state of the
_few_, rather than of the _many_. The history of the ancient church is
full of illustrations of this truth. Whilst Moses lingered on the Mount,
whence the children of Israel knew that the law was to be given, and from
whence such evident demonstrations of the divine power had been manifest
to the people, they were employed in making the golden calf to go before
them, and crying "these are thy Gods, O Israel!" And when they had
received the law, written by the finger of God, and were somewhat humbled
under the correction of their sins, how few were there, who carried out
its injunctions in their genuine spirit, and how many were there, who
from time to time, defiled themselves by the idolatrous service of other
gods. Even when brought by a strong hand, and an outstretched arm,
attended by many palpable miracles which were wrought on their behalf,
they were seated in the "Land flowing with milk and honey," which had
been promised to their fathers; how prone were they constantly to desert
even the profession of their faith, and to serve the gods of the nations
which they were sent to destroy; yet in all these times there were a few,
and it was probably comparatively but a _few_, who had not bowed the knee
to Baal.
We have evidence of the same fact in the history of Christianity. The
beautiful example of the Saviour, and the wonderful miracles which he
performed--all for the good of man--failed to attract the high boasted
reason of the Greek, or the Roman, or to soften the obduracy of the blind
and hard Pharisaic hearted Jew: it was still the _few_ who had sympathy
with the character He exhibited, and the truths which He spoke, and who
found Him to be to their souls "the power of God unto salvation." And
even when these few were gathered together, and under the extraordinary
effusion of the Holy Spirit, many were added to them, and "the multitude
of them that believed were of one heart and one soul," they were still
comparatively but a _few_.
The further history of the Christian Church may appear to some to exhibit
a different view, but to us it seems not less clearly to illustrate the
same melancholy truth.
It is certain, that during the life-time of the Apostles, many by their
powerful preaching, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, were brought
to repentance and a living faith in Christ, and we know that not a few
sealed their testimony with their blood, yet the simplicity and the
purity of Christianity were soon more or less spoiled by the still
contracted spirit and notions of many of the Jews, or the false
philosophy, not entirely abandoned, of the pagan converts. We doubt not,
however, that notwithstanding these deteriorating admixtures, there may
be said to have been many--aye, a glorious multitude--who held the truth
in its primitive power, and in a large measure of primitive simplicity.
Still, when these are compared with the whole population of the countries
where the Truth was preached, the real converts must be spoken of as a
_few_, and thus was it evident that there was still an inherent
opposition in man to the restraining and purifying doctrines of the
gospel of Christ.
And when in later years, whole nations and peoples were said to become
Christians, it may well be doubted whether in such times there had not
been as great a reduction of the number of true converts of old standing,
as there was addition of this class amongst the new ones. Christianity
as professed in those days, had thrown off her simple garb, and had
decorated herself to please the corrupt taste of the people--as the sun
and other heavenly bodies were probably the earliest objects of adoration
to mankind, and were used in the first instance as striking symbols of
the light and power of the one Creator and Father, so did the professors
of Christianity, pretty early present to the people, some intermediate
objects of reverence and love, by which those who turned from the simple
affiance to the one Great Redeemer and High Priest, might find a rest
suited to their carnal, or at least imperfectly spiritual conception of
Christianity. And when the temporal church boasted of its universal sway
in Europe, and its entire unity, there were probably a smaller number of
true Christians within its pale, than existed in the midst of pagan
persecutions at the close of the apostolic age.
Let us now look at times nearer to our own, when Huss, and Luther, and
Zwingle, by a power not their own, caused many rays of the glorious light
of Truth to shine upon benighted nations, and disturbed the slumbers of
the corrupted church. Great were, and still are the blessings derived
from the great struggle. Many of the bonds of Satan were broken, and
many a heavy burdened soul found its long desired rest. Yet how soon was
even the brightness of this morning dimmed, and how little progress did
the cause of the Reformation make after the departure of the immediate
instruments in the great movement.
In Switzerland, not inaptly called the cradle of the English Reformation,
the Cantons which, in the first instance received the truth and joined
the Protestant cause, continue still to bear the same name, but not one
which at that time retained the designation of Catholic, has since become
Protestant: and at Geneva, where Calvin taught, and where his doctrines
are still professed, opinions which were not less abhorrent to him than
the worst of the errors of popery, are openly maintained. Those who now
preach the vital truths of the Reformation, are the _few_ not the _many_.
In England, the iron rule of Elizabeth in ecclesiastical matters, and in
particular her requirement of uniformity with respect to the "rags of
Rome," checked the real progress of the Reformation in the English
church, but by a reaction which in the ordering of Divine Wisdom, often
makes the wrath of man to praise him, it appears to have been the means
of raising up an increased antagonism to error, in the persons of men
willing to suffer and to die for the cause of truth. It will perhaps be
admitted that at many periods of the history of what is called the
English church, whilst its nominal members numbered a large proportion of
the whole population, the actual number of the genuine disciples of
Christ within its pale were in small compass. The revival in some
measure, of the spirit of its reformers, even in opposition to the letter
of many of its formularies, has, no doubt, in past times, done much to
increase its living influence and usefulness, but recent events have
shown how large a portion of its clergy instead of going forward in the
work of the Reformation, are rather desirous of retrograde movement, and
of approximating, if not of entirely returning to the errors of Rome.
Such, we ought ever to bear in mind, is the natural tendency of man, and
so prone is he, even when raised by the True Light to a perception of the
things which are most excellent, to sink again into the grovelling habits
of his own dark nature.
We come now to the threshold of our own religious history, and shall
endeavour to answer, in substance at least, the queries with which we
commenced the present inquiry. It was certainly an extraordinary period
of our national religious history, in which the Society of Friends
arose--a time in which old foundations were shaken, and an earnest
inquiry excited in many minds after the way of truth and of real peace to
the soul. We think that it is not assuming, to express our belief, that
a remarkable extension of spiritual light and energy was extended to the
people of England, in that day, when George Fox, and his early
associates, went forth through the length and breadth of the land, and
found so extraordinary a preparation for their service in the hearts of
their fellow-countrymen.
The first preachers knew a being made Christians themselves, before they
went forth to call others to Christ--what a deep sense of sin and of its
hatefulness in the sight of God--what earnestness, or rather agonizing in
prayer--what joy in the sense of the true knowledge of Christ, and of
communion with him in Spirit--what subsequent watchfulness and reliance
upon him in every step of their course--what zeal in making known the
truth which they had found, and what constancy in suffering for it, yea
thinking it all joy that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name
of Christ!--Such were the men who were heralds of our religious Society,
and by whose instrumentality thousands at least, were convinced of the
truth; large numbers of whom gave evidence that they were not only
convinced, but converted to God. Need we then wonder at their success?
though still compared with the numbers to which they preached, the
converts may be said to have been _few_. It was still the _many_, who if
brought to see as it were their face in a glass, went away and
straightway forgot what manner of men they were.
We believe that the number of persons who went under the name of Friends,
in Great Britain and Ireland, at the close of the 17th century, was at
least three times as great as it is at the present time.
It will be in accordance with our object, to endeavour to indicate what
may have been the chief causes of the suspension of those active measures
which we have called aggressive,--though full of love, and which marked
the early periods of our Society. An historian of the church, who was
not insensible of what constitutes true religious energy, has stated,
that extraordinary revivals of this kind, have rarely been maintained in
their primitive vigour more than about forty years. Rather more than
that time elapsed between the commencement of George Fox's labours and
their close, at the time of his death. About eight days previous to that
event, he attended a meeting of ministers, in London, and one of those
who was present says: "I much minded his exhortation to us, encouraging
friends that have gifts to make use of them; mentioning many countries
beyond the seas that wanted visiting, instancing the labours and hard
travels of friends in the beginning of the spreading of truth in our
days, in breaking up of countries, and of the rough ploughing they had in
steeple houses, &c., but that now it was more easy; and he complained,
that there were many Demases and Cains who embraced the present world,
and encumbered themselves with their own business, and neglected the
Lord's, and so were good for nothing; and he said, they that had wives,
should be as though they had none; and who goeth a warfare should not
entangle himself with the things of this world."
This characteristic extract will suggest, probably, to many readers, our
object in quoting it. If there was cause for the reproof conveyed in it
in that day, in which we know the primitive zeal still burned brightly,
what must we say of the subsequent, and of the present state of our
little church!
Long after the death of George Fox, there continued to be a large
increase to the numbers of friends; many who had been wise and great in
this world, were made to rejoice in the laying down of their outward
wisdom, and in sitting down in deep humility to learn of Jesus, by the
teaching of the Holy Spirit in the heart. These were prepared boldly to
declare God's controversy with sin, and the means by which it might be
subdued, not omitting to proclaim the alone ground of a sinner's pardon
through the propitiatory sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We believe certainly that it has never been permitted to our Society to
be without its faithful labourers in the gospel, or without many sincere
confessors of its doctrines, who, by life and conversation, have been
true preachers to their brethren, and to the world in general. Yet we
must confess, that whilst as a Society, we continue to profess the same
religious views as were held and promulgated by our early Friends, we
fear we do not come up in practice to that pure standard to which they
attained. The door is open to all the world, yet we sit at ease in our
ceiled houses. Many around us are hungering and thirsting for the
knowledge of God, yet we are occupied with our farms and our merchandise.
Let us not be inquiring, "What shall this man do," or what should the
other have done? but remembering the reproof, "What is that to thee,
follow _thou_ Me," submit ourselves to that humbling, but preparing hand,
which was so signally displayed in the cause of those who were engaged in
the planting and watering of our religious Society. Then might we again
hope to witness an increase of spiritual life and vigour in the body, and
thus become as "a city set upon a hill, that could not be hid."
THE ANNUAL MONITOR. OBITUARY.
Age. Time of Decease.
HANNAH ABBOTT, _Thorley_, _Essex_. 88 11mo. 19 1849
MARTHA ADY, _London_. 81 3mo. 23 1850
ELIZABETH AIREY, _Kendal_. Widow. 81 5mo. 6 1850
WILLIAM ALDERSON, _Winterscale_, _Garsdale_, _Yorkshire_. 69 5mo. 2 1850
REBECCA ALEXANDER, _Goldrood_, _Ipswich_. Widow of Samuel Alexander. 72
12mo. 13 1849
EDWARD ALEXANDER, _Limerick_. Son of the late Edward Alexander. 20 2mo.
1 1850
JOSEPH ALLEN, _Dunmow_, _Essex_. A Minister. 76 9mo. 21 1849
SARAH ALLEN, _Bristol_. A Minister. 77 6mo. 1 1850
ELEANOR ALLEN, _Ballitore_. Wife of Henry Allen. 49 3mo. 4 1850
ANN ALLIS, _Bristol_. Wife of Hagger Allis. 65 8mo. 30 1850
JOHN ALLISON, _Durham_. 57 6mo. 1 1850
ROBERT ALSOP, _Maldon_, _Essex_. A Minister. 72 7mo. 21 1850
SOPHIA APPLETON, _Stoke Newington_. Wife of John Appleton. 49 3mo. 28
1850
WILLIAM ASHBY, _Hounslow_. 61 1mo. 7 1850
HANNAH C. BACKHOUSE, _Polam Hill_, _Darlington_. A Minister. Widow of
Jonathan Backhouse. {2} 63 5mo. 6 1850
GEORGE BAKER, _Askham Field_, _York_. An Elder. 71 1mo. 26 1850
He was one who remembered his Creator in the days of his youth, and who
proved in his own experience, that "the fear of the Lord" is not only
"the beginning of wisdom," but that it is also "a fountain of life
preserving from the snares of death." His earnest desire was to be found
walking acceptably before God; and while a young man, he became greatly
distressed at being overcome by drowsiness in meetings for worship. On
one occasion, when this had been the case, he retired to a secluded spot,
under a hedge, where, with many tears, he poured forth his prayers for
deliverance from this besetment. Many years afterwards, when
accompanying a friend on a religious visit to the families of that
meeting, he pointed out the place, and remarked with expressions of
gratitude, that from that time, he did not remember having been overcome
in the same manner.
He was deeply impressed with the words of his Saviour: "All things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,"
and he so carried this precept out into practice, as to become remarkable
for his uprightness of character, and for his consideration for others.
The following circumstances present instructive examples of the kindly
sympathy of this "good Samaritan:"
On the occurrence of a malignant fever, in one of the eastern dales of
Yorkshire, while he resided in that district, he left his own home for
several weeks, to nurse some of his neighbours who had become affected
with the disease, devoting his whole time to the sick, while dread of
infection rendered it difficult for him to obtain assistance in this
office of mercy.
After his removal into the neighbourhood of York, and at a time when many
persons were returning past his premises from a contested Election, and
some of them so much intoxicated as to be incapable of taking care of
themselves; fearing lest any severe accident should befall them while in
this condition, he took several of them from the highway, and lodged them
in one of his outhouses, dismissing them on the following morning with
suitable but kind admonition. And when numbers of the Irish poor were
driven from their own country by famine, and wandered about in this land
"for lack of bread," he sheltered many of them in his out-buildings and
ministered to their necessities.
George Baker occupied the station of Elder for many years, exercising a
fatherly care in the church, and extending counsel or encouragement, as
he saw occasion, with a simplicity and godly sincerity which gave him
great place amongst his friends. He was often applied to by his
neighbours for counsel, and as a peace-maker; and in serving them was
remarkable for his patience, self-denial, and success. In his latter
years, his powers both of body and mind failed greatly, in consequence of
an accident which he met with, while in the pursuit of his occupation as
a farmer; but having "worked while it was day," he was preserved through
a period which might be spoken of as "a night, in which no man could
work;" so that love, that badge of discipleship with Christ, shone
brightly in his last moments, as from under the margin of a dark cloud,
and a solemn feeling of peace with God, through Jesus Christ, pervaded
his dying hours.
ELIZABETH G. BARCLAY, _Walthamstow_. Daughter of Joseph G. Barclay. 2
8mo. 31 1849
ROBERT BARKER, _Cheadle_, _Manchester_. 62 9mo. 28 1850
THOMAS BAYNES, _Bainbridge_, _Yorkshire_. 70 5mo. 14 1850
THOMAS BEAKBANE, _Liverpool_. 50 4mo. 14 1850
RACHEL BEEBY, _Allonby_. 65 12mo. 15 1849
MARY ANNE BELL, _Belfast_. Daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bell. 39 2mo.
23 1850
MARY BENINGTON, _Wakefield_. A Minister. Wife of George Benington. 55
6mo. 8 1850
ELIZABETH BENNIS, _Clonmel_. Daughter of the late William Bennis of
Limerick. 16 2mo. 24 1850
PHOEBE BENT, _Sutton-in-Ashfield_, _Nottinghamshire_. Widow of Joseph
Bent of Stockport. 85 8mo. 15 1850
ELIZABETH BENTLEY, _Ipswich_. Daughter of Thomas F. and Maria Bentley.
16 11mo. 28 1849
MARY BENWELL, _Sidcot_. 50 1mo. 13 1850
ELIZABETH BEWLEY, _Rockville_, _Dublin_. Daughter of Thomas and Rebecca
Bewley. 3 1mo. 16 1850
WILLIAM BINNS, _Poole_. An Elder. 81 4mo. 10 1850
We have often had to observe, that many of our friends, who have lived to
a good old age, and who have been loved and honoured in their respective
stations, as upright pillars in the church, have left but few written
memorials of their course for the instruction of others; whilst
encompassed with infirmities, and looking for the help of the Lord's
Spirit to resist their manifold temptations and easily besetting sins,
they have been enabled to pursue the even tenor of their way, seeking
through divine grace to fulfil the day's work, in the day time, and
hoping to hear at last the call of mercy into one of the many mansions
prepared by Him, who has loved them and died for them. We love to dwell
upon this class of our departed friends, and without undervaluing those
whose gifts have been more prominent, or whom circumstances have rendered
more conspicuous in our pages, we sincerely desire that these more
hidden, but not less valuable parts of the spiritual building, may ever
be honoured amongst us. Such an one was our late friend, William Binns.
It was during his apprenticeship that, under the ministry of two women
friends, engaged in a family visit, he was powerfully awakened to the
eternal interests of his soul, and through divine grace, the impression
made, was of so decided a character, that putting his hand to the
Christian plough, he looked not back.
He was greatly concerned for the true welfare of our religious Society,
and in the district in which he resided was eminently useful; caring for
the flock over which the good Shepherd had made him an overseer.
Sterling integrity and uprightness marked his character; his judgment was
clear and sound, and was frequently given in comprehensive and pertinent
language, free from all superfluous expression.
He took a very low estimate of his own attainments, and was humbled under
a sense of his shortcomings; as the shadows of evening were closing
around him, he frequently and feelingly intimated, that there was for
him, but one ground of faith and hope, the free mercy of God in Jesus
Christ his Saviour; such was the subject of his frequent expression to
his friends, and they rejoice in the belief that having in his long
pilgrimage taken up his cross, and sought above all things to follow
Christ, so in the end he was prepared to enter into the eternal joys of
his Lord.
GEORGE BINNS, _Bradford_. 52 8mo. 26 1850
EMMA BINNS, _Sunderland_. Daughter of Henry Binns. 6 8mo. 22 1850
WILLIAM BLACK, _Cockermouth_. 71 9mo. 20 1849
JOSEPH BLACK, _Lisburn_. 22 5mo. 23 1850
THOMAS BOWRY, _Stepney_. 67 4mo. 27 1850
ROBERT WM. BRIGHTWEN, _Newcastle-on-Tyne_. Son of Charles Brightwen. 4
3mo. 6 1850
THOMAS BROWN, _Cirencester_. A Minister. 84 10mo. 13 1849
AMELIA BROWN, _Luton_. A Minister. Wife of Richard Marks Brown. 62
12mo. 7 1849
This beloved friend was privileged beyond many in the pious care
exercised in her religious training. She became early acquainted with
the teachings of divine grace, and from childhood, appears highly to have
valued the holy scriptures. It was frequently her practice to set apart
some portion of the day for private retirement and meditation, and in
thus seeking to wait upon the Lord for the renewal of her spiritual
strength, she was favoured to know "times of refreshing," and a growth in
"pure and undefiled religion."
She loved the truth in sincerity, and her mind was enriched in the
instructive contemplation of its order, excellence and beauty, and the
benign and salutary influence it has on those who obey its requisitions:
fervently she craved for an increase of faith and strength, that she
might be found among the "called, and chosen, and faithful." "I felt,"
she remarks on one occasion, "as if I could make any sacrifice called
for; the language of my mind is almost continually, what shall I render
unto the Lord for all his benefits."
Under the apprehension that it would be required of her publicly to bear
testimony to the power and sufficiency of divine grace, her mind was
greatly humbled, and under the pressure of religious exercise, she thus
records her feelings: "Sweetly tendered in my room, and craved for
strength, fully and unreservedly, to yield all to Him, who still in mercy
visits me; if consistent with divine goodness, may my mind be more
illuminated, that I may more clearly distinguish between my own will and
the Lord's requirings." She was recorded a minister in 1823; and on this
important event she observes: "Feeling some quietude, humble desires are
prevalent that I may indeed be watchful. Dearest Lord! be pleased to
hear my feeble though sincere aspirations after increasing strength and
wisdom. Thou knowest that I feel awfully fearful lest I should bring any
shade on thy blessed cause."
Her connection in married life, introduced her into a large family, the
duties of which she cheerfully performed with maternal solicitude, and
she became closely united in bonds of affection to the several branches
of the domestic circle, anxiously promoting their religious and moral
welfare.
In ministry, this dear friend was pertinent and edifying, at times close
and searching; in the exercise of her gift, she travelled at different
intervals in several of the English counties. In the summer of 1848 her
health began to decline; her demeanour under pain and suffering evinced
her humble dependence upon the Lord, and the language of her soul was,
"not my will, but thine, oh Father, be done!" Some alleviation was
permitted, and she so far recovered as to be able to assemble with her
friends for divine worship; on these occasions, her communications
evinced her undiminished interest in the cause of truth and
righteousness. In the last meeting she attended, she bowed the knee in
solemn supplication, craving for herself and those present, the
attainment of perfect purity and holiness, and that this might be the
chief concern of their lives. A few days after, she was seized with
paralysis, and although consciousness was not entirely effaced, she said
but little; she retained a grateful sense of her many mercies, and a
fervent affection towards her husband and near connections. Gradually
declining, she passed away as falling into a sweet sleep, and we cannot
doubt exchanged the tribulations of time, for the blissful joys of
eternity.
JOSEPH STANDIN BROWN, _Hitchin_. 60 6mo. 27 1850
SARAH BROWN, _Preston Crowmarsh_, _Oxon_. Wife of Richard M. Brown,
junior. 36 3mo. 31 1850
GEORGE BRUMELL, _Scotby_. 72 2mo. 23 1850
ASH BUDGE, _Camborne_, _Redruth_. Wife of John Budge. 53 4mo. 10 1850
In an unexpected hour, and in the enjoyment of usual health, it pleased
our heavenly Father to lay his hand of affliction upon this dear friend,
and after a severe illness of about four weeks, to gather her, as we
reverently believe, into "the rest which remaineth for the people of
God."
It appears, that in early life, "the grace which bringeth salvation,"
wrought effectually in her heart, so that her surviving relatives cannot
recall the time when the fear of God did not influence her conduct; her
pious mother, who for many years filled the station of Elder in our
Society; was deeply interested in the religious welfare of her children,
and earnestly sought, in the morning of their day, to imbue their minds
with the principles and precepts of the gospel of Christ, and her labours
of love in reference to this beloved daughter were graciously owned. From
her childhood, she was more than commonly dutiful and affectionate to her
parents, rarely giving them any cause for uneasiness; an aged grandmother
also, who resided for many years with them, she waited on with such
tender care, as to call forth the expression of her belief, that a
blessing would rest on her on that account.
Great meekness, tenderness, and humility clothed her mind, not only
throughout the season of her affliction, but for a long course of
previous years, binding her in very tender bonds to her husband and
children, as well as to her other endeared relatives and friends.
It appears, from the first day on which her illness assumed a more
serious character, that an impression pervaded her mind, that it would be
unto death, and accompanying this impression, a deep and earnest desire
for entire resignation to the divine will; and this desire was graciously
answered; for during the period of her illness, her resignation, and
consequent tranquillity, were indeed remarkable; attended by a precious
measure of "the peace of God which passeth all understanding." So fully
was this the case, and so little of the appearance of death accompanied
her illness, that a lively hope of her restoration to health, was, even
to the last day of her life, earnestly cherished by those around her, and
in addition to this, such was the nature of her disease, that great
stillness and uninterrupted rest were considered necessary; thus
circumstanced, whilst both her mind, and their minds, were abundantly
satisfied with the precious evidence of the love of God in Christ Jesus,
shed abroad in her heart, they were not anxious for much expression, or
careful to commit to writing what, from season to season, fell from her
lips; feeling that her mind "wore thanksgiving to her Maker."
She evinced, throughout her married life, a deep interest in the well-
being of her tenderly beloved children, making it her frequent practice
to spend some portion of her time in retirement with them, in reading the
holy scriptures and in prayer; and this interest increasingly appeared as
she lay on the bed of affliction, having them daily in her chamber, and
again and again, in tender affection, impressing on their minds the
importance of divine and eternal things, urging them to walk in the way
of God's commandments, and to regard his favour and approbation as the
one thing, beyond all other things, necessary both to their present peace
and everlasting salvation: similar counsel was also extended to the other
members of her household and family, to the friends who kindly visited
her, to her medical attendants, and to her neighbours. More might be
said in reference to the Christian graces which marked the character of
this beloved friend, but the object is not to magnify the creature, but
to set forth the excellency and sufficiency of the "grace which is from
God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ," and by the effectual
operation of which, she was what she was. The last words she addressed
to her tenderly beloved husband were: "All is well:" and again, shortly
before the final close: "My foundation is on the Rock;" that Rock, we
undoubtingly believe, which "no tempest overthrows."
REBECCA CANDLER, _East Hill_, _Colchester_. 55 5mo. 8 1850
SARAH CARSON, _Liverpool_. Wife of William Carson. 59 2mo. 21 1850
HANNAH CARTER, _Preston_. Daughter of Thomas and Mary Carter. 4 7mo. 12
1850
HANNAH CASSON, _Hull_. Daughter of Benjamin Casson. 14 8mo. 22 1850
HANNAH CATLIN, _London_. Died at York. 62 3mo. 26 1850
WILLIAM CHANTLER, _Lewes_. 78 2mo. 15 1850
DANIEL CHAPMAN, _Reeth_. 24 12mo. 29 1849
WILLIAM CHESELDEN, _Ipswich_. 85 12mo. 17 1849
JOHN CHRISTMAS, _Colne near Earith_. 87 7mo. 7 1850
MARY CHRISTY, _Woodbank_, _Lurgan_. Daughter of the late John Christy,
of Stramore. 33 1mo. 23 1850
THOMAS CLARK, _Bridgewater_. A Minister. 91 6mo. 16 1850
SAMUEL CLARK, _Lower Grange_, _Ireland_. 68 12mo. 28 1849
JOSEPH CLARK, _Southampton_. An Elder. 85 5mo. 25 1850
SUSAN CLEMES, _Ackworth_. Daughter of Samuel and Jane Clemes. 1 4mo. 1
1850
JOHN BARCLAY CLIBBORN, _Duner Mills_, _Clonmel_. 80 3mo. 22 1850
JOSHUA COLEBY, _Alton_. An Elder. 73 3mo. 25 1850
MARY COOKE, _Liverpool_. Widow of John Cooke. 68 12mo. 9 1849
MARY COOPER, _Brighouse_. A Minister. Widow of Thomas Cooper. 79 4mo.
20 1850
MARTHA COOPER, _Lockwood_, _Huddersfield_. Widow of John Cooper, of
Brighouse. 65 9mo. 14 1849
JOSEPH COVENTRY, _Stoke Newington_. 70 2mo. 17 1850
ELIZABETH CRAPP, _Truro_. 64 1mo. 22 1850
MARY CRAWE, _Norwich_. Widow of Spicer Crawe. 77 3mo. 8 1850
TABITHA CROSLAND, _Bradford_. Wife of Robert Crosland. 45 10mo. 29 1849
RACHEL CURCHIN, _Ipswich_. Died at York. 50 1mo. 20 1850
WILLIAM CURTIS, _Alton_. 79 10mo. 13 1849
FRANCIS DARBY, _Sunniside_, _Coalbrookdale_. 67 3mo. 20 1850
SAMUEL DAVIS, _Aldershaw_, _Garsdale_, _Yorkshire_. 81 5mo. 30 1850
EDWIN DAWES, _Stoke Newington_. 38 10mo. 27 1849
ANNA MARIA DAY, _Saffron Walden_. 68 11mo. 8 1849
GULIELMA DEANE, _Reigate_. Daughter of James and Sarah Deane. 18 11mo.
4 1849
SARAH (_Sally_) DEAVES, _Eglantine_, _Cork_. Daughter of Reuben and
Sarah Deaves. 22 10mo. 3 1849
The sudden death, by Cholera, of this dear young friend, caused at the
time a very lively emotion among a wide circle of friends. She was the
only and much beloved child of her bereaved parents;--naturally of a most
amiable disposition, and of that lively temperament which gives a
peculiar zest to life and all its passing enjoyments, she diffused around
her somewhat of the buoyancy and sunshine which seemed ever to attend her
own steps. Thus attractive and admired, and drinking largely of the cup
of present pleasures, the thoughts of the future appear to have had but
little place in her mind. In a state of excellent health, she had gone
to Mountmelick to pass a few weeks with some near relatives, when she was
seized with the disorder which, in a few hours, closed her life. Those
hours were passed in much bodily suffering, but sorer still were the
conflicts of her mind. The scales which had prevented her from seeing
the real worth of life and the awful realities of the future, at once
fell from her eyes, and she saw or rather felt with indescribable
clearness, that the great truths which appertain to the welfare of the
soul belong alike to the young and the healthy, to the sick and the
dying. She saw that she had been living to herself and not to God, and
this, whatever particulars she might lament, was the heavy burden of her
awakened spirit. In the depths of contrition, and in the earnestness of
faith, she was enabled to pray to her heavenly Father, and Saviour, to
draw near and to have mercy upon her.
Thus passed some hours never to be forgotten. The rapid progress of her
disease hardly allowed time for much further mental exercise or
expression. She sank into a state of quietude of body and of mind. And
when all was over, the sorrowing parents were condoled in the hope, that
the prayers of their beloved child had been heard, through the mercy of
Him who never turned away his ear from the truly repentant suppliant.
What lessons does this brief narrative offer to survivors. Awfully does
it speak to the children of pleasure, of the inestimable value of the
soul--of the importance of time--of the folly of living in forgetfulness
of God, and unmindful of their high destiny as immortal beings. What a
light does it throw on the responsibility of parents; and whilst
affording no encouragement to delay in the hope of a death-bed
repentance, what a view does it open of the infinite mercy of our
heavenly Father in Christ Jesus.
MARTHA DELL, _Birmingham_. Widow of Joseph H. Dell, of Earls Colne. 78
4mo. 30 1850
SAMUEL DICKINSON, _Denbydale_, _Highflatts_, _Yorkshire_. 79 2mo. 19
1850
EDWARD DOUBLEDAY, _Harrington Square_, _Westminster_. 38 11mo. 14 1849
ISABELLA DOWBIGGIN, _Preston_. Widow. 75 7mo. 26 1850
JOSEPH DOYLE, _Calledon_, _Kilconnor_. 60 7mo. 6 1850
THOMAS DUNBABBIN, _Chorlton-on-Medlock_. 68 3mo. 29 1850
CHARLOTTE EDMUNDSON, _Kingstown_, _Dublin_. Widow of Joshua Edmundson.
76 10mo. 18 1849
JANE EUSTACE, _Hampstead_, _Dublin_. 56 12mo. 10 1849
ROBERT FARR, _Birmingham_. Died at Worcester. 36 3mo. 10 1850
ANNE FAYLE, _Enniscorthy_. Widow of Josiah Fayle. 54 1mo. 18 1850
ELEANOR FELL, _Uxbridge_. Wife of John Fell. 41 10mo. 15 1849
SUSANNAH FERN, _Rochdale_. Widow of Joseph Fern. 76 7mo. 24 1850
SUSANNA FINCH, _Reading_. 78 12mo. 6 1849
SUSANNAH FINCHER, _Evesham_. Widow of John Fincher. 78 12mo. 16 1849
SARAH MARIA FISHER, _Newport_, _Tipperary_. Daughter of Benjamin C. and
Mary Fisher. 18 4mo. 16 1850
SARAH FOWLER, _Higher Broughton_, _Manchester_. Widow of William Fowler.
87 6mo. 28 1850
CATHERINE FOX, _Rushmere_, _Ipswich_. An Elder. Wife of Thomas Fox. 62
10mo. 6 1849
ELIZABETH FREELOVE, _London_. Wife of James Freelove. 40 12mo. 17 1849
LUCY FREETH, _Birmingham_. 53 1mo. 19 1850
ANN FULLER, _Yarmouth_. Widow of John Fuller. 77 5mo. 20 1850
ANNE GALE, _Racketstown_, _Ballynakill_, _Ireland_. Widow. 73 6mo. 10
1850
JOHN GAUNTLEY, _Bakewell_. 72 7mo. 28 1850
MARY COOKE GELDART, _Norwich_. Wife of Joseph Geldart. 55 5mo. 24 1850
ROBERT GOSWELL GILES, _Oldford_, _Middlesex_. An Elder. 80 8mo. 23 1849
JOSEPH GILLETT, _Banbury_. Son of Joseph A. and Martha Gillett. 21 3mo.
2 1850
THOMAS GOODYEAR, _Adderbury_. 75 8mo. 14 1850
BENJAMIN GOOUCH, _Greenville_, _county Kilkenny_. 84 5mo. 2 1850
ISABELLA GRACE, _Bristol_. Daughter of Josiah and Mary Grace. 9 9mo. 28
1850
ELIZABETH GREEN, _Trummery_, _Ballinderry_. Widow of Thomas Green. 96
4mo. 8 1850
ELLEN GREEN, _Gildersome_, _Yorkshire_. Widow of David Green. 70 4mo.
25 1850
MARY GREENWOOD, _Stones_, _Todmorden_. 72 11mo. 12 1849
JAMES GREENWOOD, _Plaistow_. 79 5mo. 9 1850
THOMAS GRIMES, _Chelsea_. 52 5mo. 20 1850
ABRAHAM GRUBB, _Merlin_, _Clonmel_. 73 11mo. 7 1849
JOHN GULSON, _Leicester_. 89 5mo. 26 1850
THOMAS HAGGER, _Hoddesdon_. 85 7mo. 11 1850
RACHEL HALL, _Greysouthen_, _Cumberland_. 69 1mo. 30 1850
MARY HARKER, _Bristol_. Widow of John Harker. 81 11mo. 5 1849
ADAM HARKER, _Darlington_. 76 4mo. 3 1850
MARGARET HARKER, _Cowgill, Dent_, _Yorkshire_. Wife of Thomas Harker. 63
2mo. 23 1850
MARY HARRIS, _Peckham Rye_. Wife of John Harris. 61 10mo. 7 1849
JOHN HARRISON, _Poole_, _Dorset_. Son of Samuel and Sarah Harrison. 3
9mo. 29 1849
ELIZABETH HARRISON, _Southgate_, _Middlesex_. 60 3mo. 26 1850
MARY HARTAS, _Sinnington Grange_, _near Kirby_, _Yorkshire_. A Minister.
Widow of Thomas Hartas. 74 3mo. 2 1850
JOHN HARTAS, _Westerdale_, _Castleton_, _Yorkshire_. 49 9mo. 26 1850
WILLIAM HARTLEY, _Dunfermline_, _near Edinburgh_. 43 4mo. 23 1850
JOHN HASLEM, _Rosenalis_, _Mountmelick_. 81 1mo. 5 1850
MARY HAWKSWORTH, _Thorne_. Wife of John Hawksworth. 64 1mo. 5 1850
ELLEN HAWORTH, _Todmorden_. Wife of William Haworth. 57 12mo. 10 1849
BENJAMIN HAYLLAR, _Dorking_. 83 10mo. 6 1849
HANNAH HAYTON, _Penrith_. 70 3mo. 24 1850
MARY ANN HEAD, _Ipswich_. 33 4mo. 18 1850
ANN HERBERT, _Tottenham_. 72 9mo. 24 1849
ISAAC HEWITSON, _Penrith_. 82 8mo. 28 1850
ELIZABETH HILL, _Hillsborough_, _Ireland_. 87 9mo. 18 1849
RICHARD IVEY HOCKING, _Truro_. 49 10mo. 5 1849
MARY HODGKIN, _Shipston-on-Stour_. 78 12mo. 8 1849
JAMES HOGG, _Portadown Grange_, _Ireland_. 51 1mo. 2 1850
ANN HOLMES, _Huddersfield_. 31 5mo. 21 1850
SARAH HOOWE, _Edenderry_. 67 8mo. 30 1850
MARTHA HORNE, _Tottenham_. An Elder. 85 9mo. 2 1850
ELIZABETH HORSFALL, _Leeds_. 50 1mo. 17 1850
RICHARD HORSNAILL, _Dover_. 48 7mo. 23 1850
In endeavouring to pursue faithfully the path of manifested duty, we
believe it was peculiarly the aim of this dear friend, "to do justly, to
love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God." He was of a very diffident
disposition, and cautious in giving expression to his religious feelings,
lest he should thereby make a profession beyond what he thought his
attainments warranted.
For many years he laboured under a disease, which was attended with much
suffering; but this proved a means of weaning him from the world and its
pursuits, and of inducing him more earnestly to "seek first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness," with the unshaken belief that all things
necessary would be added.
He manifested a deep interest in the prosperity of our religious Society,
and according to his measure, especially in the latter part of his life,
willingly devoted himself to its service. He likewise took great delight
in promoting the best interests of the juvenile portion of the population
in the neighbourhood in which he resided; and the counsel he gave to
those of this class, often gained their good will and respectful
attention. He also exhibited a very humane disposition toward the animal
creation, and rarely allowed a case of ill-treatment or oppression to
pass without attempting to redress the wrongs inflicted. For some years,
he took great interest in supplying the crews of foreign vessels,
resorting to the port of Dover, with copies of the holy Scriptures and
religious tracts; and from his kind and unassuming manners, his efforts
were almost universally well received.
His last illness, of four months' duration, was attended with extreme
bodily suffering; but the nature of his complaint being very obscure, he
entertained a hope that he might be restored to his former state of
health, and expressed some anxiety for length of days, in order that he
might be more useful to his fellow-creatures. But as his strength
declined, this desire gave way to quiet submission to the will of his
God; and it was evident, that his soul was anchored upon that Rock, which
alone can support in the hour of trial.
Soon after he was taken ill, he remarked in allusion to his business,
that he had thought it right in one instance, to decline the execution of
an order, where more display of taste was required, than he could feel
satisfied with; and this sacrifice, with some others of a similar kind,
had afforded him peace: adding, "I do want to come clean out of Babylon."
He said, the language had been much upon his mind: "Purge me with hyssop,
and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow:" and also
the words of our Saviour,--"If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with
me."
Being in great pain, he said,--"You must pray for me, that my patience
may hold out; I have indeed need of your prayers, for my sufferings are
very great; but, bye and bye, perhaps I may be able to say, I have not
had one pang too many." At another time, he supplicated thus: "Merciful
Father, be pleased to grant me a little ease, O! Thou that makest the
storm a calm, and sayest to the waves, Peace be still." Soon after which
he lay quiet; and whilst tears of gratitude flowed down his cheeks, he
said, "Do not disturb me; all is stillness,--what a mercy!"
On one occasion, when feeling exceedingly depressed, he remarked, that
the vessels he had visited, and the poor sailors were brought mentally to
view, one after another, with much sweetness, and whilst he took no merit
to himself, he desired to encourage others to do what they could for the
good of the poor. At another time, after giving instructions to one of
his sisters, to make some selection of tracts for the sailors on board a
German vessel, then lying in the harbour, he observed: "Oh, what a field
of labour there is! how I do wish that some one would take this up, for I
feel as though I should be able to do very little more in it."
His mind, during his illness, seemed filled with love and gratitude. He
remarked, "I never felt so much love before, both to my family and
friends; I do believe this illness will bind us more closely together
than ever." And again: "Oh, how kind you are to wait upon me so; the
Lord will reward you!" At another time, he said, "I had not thought to
have been taken at this time of my life, but I am in such a critical
state, that life hangs on a thread;--the pains of the body are what I
seem most to dread."
On inquiring one day, where that line was to be found, "At ease in his
possessions," he remarked, "I do not think I have been at ease in mine, I
have endeavoured to live loose to them." A hope being expressed that his
illness would be sanctified to him, he quickly replied, "Yes, and not to
me only, but to all of you." He gave some directions, in the event of
his death, with much composure, observing: "It seems an awful thing for
me to say thus much, but a great favour to be so free from anxiety." In
the night he was heard to say: "No merit of mine, it is all of mercy,
free unmerited mercy!" On a young man in his employment coming to assist
him, previous to going to his own place of worship, when about to leave
the room, he thus addressed him: "Mind and make a good use of the time,
and do not be afraid of looking into thy own heart, but suffer the
witness to come in and speak, whether it be in the language of
encouragement or reproof. Many persons go to their places of worship,
where much of the time is spent in singing and in music, which please the
outward ear, but this is not religion! It is when we are brought to see
ourselves as we really are, sinners in the sight of a holy God, that we
are led to seek a Saviour, and to cry, in sincerity, 'A Saviour, or I
die! A Redeemer, or I perish for ever!'"
On its being remarked to him, that it was consolingly believed, he was
one of those who had endeavoured to occupy with his talent, which, if
only one, it was hoped, had gained an increase, he replied,--"That will
only be known at the great day of account, when weighed in the balance."
On Seventh-day evening preceding his decease, he remarked to a beloved
relative, that it seemed the safest for him to say but little in regard
to his own attainments, adding,--"My desire is, for a continuance of kind
preservation." And on the day before his death, he remarked with
gratitude, that his intellects had been preserved clear throughout his
illness. During the night, he was much engaged in prayer; his bodily
powers were fast sinking, but his mind appeared preserved in peaceful
serenity. In the morning, he expressed a desire that his sister would
remain by him, affectionately inquired for his father, and soon after, we
reverently believe, exchanged a state of suffering for one of
never-ending rest and joy, in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.
ALBERT GEORGE HORSNAILL, _Rochester_. Son of George and Maria Horsnaill.
4 5mo. 22 1850
JAMES HOTHAM, _Leeds_. 44 2mo. 7 1850
JOHN HULL, _Ramsgate_. Died at Cheltenham. 55 6mo. 3 1850
MARY HUNT, _Almondsbury_. A Minister. Widow of James Hunt. 79 12mo. 7
1849
DAVID HURST, _West Houghton_, _Lancashire_. 35 2mo. 19 1850
HANNAH IRWIN, _Deptford_. Wife of Thomas Irwin. 55 2mo. 9 1850
JOHN CLARK ISAAC, _Studminster_, _Newton_, _Marnhull_. 67 2mo. 12 1850
ELIZABETH PIM JACOB, _Newlands_, _Dublin_. Daughter of the late Joseph
Jacob. 17 10mo. 30 1849
ELIZABETH JACOBS, _Folkstone_. Widow of Jacob Jacobs. 76 6mo. 9 1850
CAROLINE JACOBS, _Maidstone_. Daughter of Jacob and Lydia Jacobs. 6
8mo. 15 1850
MARY ANN JEFFERIES, _Melksham_. Daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferies.
38 12mo. 14 1849
EMMA JEFFREY, _Folkstone_. Daughter of the late John and Eliza Jeffrey.
11 10mo. 6 1849
SARAH JEPHCOTT, _Coventry_. Wife of Enoch Jephcott. 72 3mo. 26 1850
SAMUEL JONES, _Hoxton_. 39 5mo. 10 1850
SARAH JONES, _Hereford_. Daughter of Joseph Jones. 22 7mo. 17 1850
JUDITH KING, _Castle Donington_. 86 8mo. 11 1850
JOHN LESLIE, _Wells_, _Norfolk_. 66 10mo. 14 1849