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IfHO HAVE DIED WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE CONFERENCE OF EASTERN BRITISH AMERICA, >":h: SINCE THE INTRODUCTION Or KETHODTSM INTO THESE COLONIES. BY THE -HI REV. G. O. HUESTia (Member of the Confereace.) HALIFAX, N. S., WILLIAM MACNAB, PRINCE STREET. : 1872. :4 ill . '.1 i i ■ i ''^ 3ZS-0 C( C ri a ti b o G e s PREFACE. For some years past I have thought that brief memorials of our early Missionaries and their suc- cessors, who have been called to the spirit-world from our midst, might prove a blessing to our Church,— especially to youthful ministers. Modern Methodism is largely indebted to the rich treasures of her early biographies. The obitu- ary list, at home and abroad, for more than a cen- tury ,^ — fragrant with sacred memorials of multitudes, both lay and ministerial, — is one of the best proofs of the fact that Methodism is a special work of God for the promotion of holiness in the earth. The remembrance of the holy lives of the happy dead, more numerous than the sainted living, is a constant source of encouragement to the people of God. As a branch of the Church of Christ, we have ever had cause to rejoice in three things : conver- sions , holy lives, and happy deaths. For the benefit of the living, I would place upon I'll t'F IV PREFACE. record a brief outKne of the Christian graces and faithful services of those men of God into whose labors we have entered ; assured that to many, especially to aged ones, the remembrance of their names will be most refreshing. v "Written memorials of those devoted preachers are in the possession of but few of our people, because of the very limited circulation of our official records* Our yearly Minutes of Conference and weekly paper should be found in all our fan^ilies. Perhaps some will be disappointed in not finding in these sketches the names of many truly excellent preachers, who once labored in these Provinces, but have died elsewhere. To inti-oduce all these would be but to enlarge this volume to an undue size. I doubt not but there are some among us who will never forget, with or \vithout written memorials, suph men as the amiable and sainted John Shaw, the faithful and devoted R. H. Crane, the eminently successful William Burt, the eloquent R. Cooney, and the model preacher and pastor, Robert Young. Personal acquaintance with at least twenty-seven of the brethren included in this volume enables me PREFACE. V to speak with confidence respecting their ministerial ability and excellence. As regards the others, I have endeavored to obtain reliable information. To a complete set of the large reports of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and to our official records, I have been much indebted for dates and outlines of character. I trust that these biographical sketches will lead to the preparation of a complete histoiy of the rise, progress, and present position of Methodism in the Maritime Provinces. Praying that the blessing of God may accompany this well-meant effort, I send it forth to perform its silent mission among a people who generally know how to appreciate their relig- ious privileges. G. 0. H. ll if NAMES OF DECEASED MINISTERS. tered Name. Si 1818 Avard, Adam Clarke. 1854 Averv, Bamuel Bamford, Btephen Bennett, WUlIain 180« 1800 1786 Black, William 1828 browncll, John B. 1812 Busbv, liJampHon Chesley, Robert A. 1848 1810 Croscombe, William 1822 DesbriBay, Albert 1870 Duttoii, William 1808 Ellis, William 1861 Gaetz, Thomas 1853 Gaskin, Charles 1856 Holland, Henry 1814 Home, James 1816 Knight, iiichard 1806 Kuowlan, James 1786 Mann, John 1786 Mann, James 1818 Marshall, John 1838 Marshall, William 1861 Martin, Samuel 1829 McDonald, William 1793 McColl, Duncan 1853 McKinnon, William 1836 McMasters, SamuelJ 1828 McNutt, Arthur 1811 Millar, George 1825 Murray, William 1858 Bhenstone, W. S. 1834 Sleep, Peter Smithson, William 1827 1825 Smith, William 1819 Snowball, John 1813 Strong, John B. 1857 Sutcliffe, Joseph Turner, Alfred W. 1860 1827 Webb, William 1836 Wheelock, Jesse 1813 Williams, Richard 1820 Wilbon, William 1866 Winterbotham, John March 15, 1821. October 13, 1861. August 14, 1848. November 6, 1867. September 8, 1834. March 27, 1864. March 31, 1850. November 27, 1856. August 26, 1859. May 24, 1867. September 21, 1837. October 24, 1860. March 10, 1861. December 24, 1861. July 10, 1856. May 23, 1860. March 17, 1845. February 26, 1817. December 25, 1820. July 12, 1864. January 9, 1846. October 28, 1871. March 16, 1834. December 17, 1830. March 26, 1862. October 6, 1842. May 12, 1864. July 14, 1869. January 16, 1840. August 31, 1861. August 8, 1842. May 15, 1866 February 21, 1863. September 13, 1871. May 16, 1870. September 30, 1887. February 27, 1871. July 4, 1847. May 18,1841. August 1, 1856. September 26, 1869. March 21, 1871. 1 V ! M i? !<; ^^ U 4 28 7 77 41 87 67 74 48 61 37 60 37 39 13 |72 49 61 34 29 28 9 32 8 j30 5 ^8 42 |71 43 66 39 73 31 70 33 68 3b 34 7 10 33 5 [76 37 38 9 36 6 68 35 8l' 52 40, 14 241 3 38 7 69 41 62 36 77 52 80 67 65 10 32 10 44 20 29 5 66 44 69! 49 42 14 a ts MEMORIALS. 4 7 41 I w 48 37 37 13 49 34 REV. ADAM CLARK AVARD. The parents of A. C. Avard emigrated to P. E. Island from the Island of Guernsey in 1806, Adam being then about six years of age. They were Methodists of the olden type. Mr. Avard was a Local Preacher, highly respected and beloved for his many Christian excellencies. He lived to a good old age, full of love to God and true zeal for Meth- odism, which he always regarded as the special work of God, and died at last, as only the Christian can die, in the triumph of faith. His son commenced the study of law at Char- lottetown, and was progressing in a most pleasing manner in those studies, to which he was strongly inclined, and for which his talents seemed eminently adapted. But before the term of study had expired, an event took place which completely changed his course of life, and worldly anticipations. The cir- 8 MEMORIAT^ OF !'i cumstances were these. A. young man, one of his most intimate associates, Albert Desbrisay, son of the Rector of the Parish, became deeply convinced of sin, and was earnestly seeking the favor of God ; while in this state of mind, he withdrew from the fellowship of the not immoral, but unconverted and worldly-minded, law student. This judicious and decided action of the penitent seeker of mercy led his former companion to reflect seriously on his own condition before God. In a short time he, as well as his friend, was found laboring under pungent convictions of sin. Both young men were led to Christ by the faithful ministry of the Rev. John Hick, — one to realize a short, the other a long, career of ministerial usefulness. For a short period after his conversion, Avard continued to pursue his legal studies. But power- ful convictions of duty in reference to a more im- portant calling induced him to renounce all for Jesus, and to become what was then regarded as not the most dignified style of man — a Methodist preacher. A year had scarcely elapsed before he delivered his first sermon from the words, " Suffer me to speak," Job xxi 3. Before two years had expired, he was a candidate for the regular ministry. For a part of a year he taught school in Murray Harbor, boarding in tho house with the Rev. Samp- WRST,EYAN MISSIONARIES. 9 his |i of iced |od ; the land pnd led Iwn vAl )nt to Ihn :d )r \y son Busby, whose very efficient ministry Christian sympathy and wise counsels were greatly ulessed to the youthful teacher and preacher. With the usual credentials, he appeared before the l^istrict Meeting held that year at Halifax, — was accepted, and ap- pointed to the Newport Circuit. Many souls were given him as his hii-e on that Circuit, most of whom^ like himself, have gone home to the spirit land. The next year we find him attending and taking part in the first and most remarkable protracted meeting ever held in this Province, — "The great meeting in Wilmot," which lasted several days, and resulted in bringing many to God. A sermon preached by Avard from the text, " I have a mes- sage from God unto thee," was attended with un- usual influence and power. The preachers present on that occasion were Messrs. Bennett, Ansl^y (Baptist), Priestly, Busby, Alder, Avard, and Millar. For a short time Mr. Avard labored at Shelburne, and in the midst of the most interesting intimations of coming prosperity, he was removed (unwisely it was thought by many at the timej, to supply a va- cancy in New Brunswick. He came to Freder- icton in 18f^0, and during that year was appointed by the British Conference to commence a mission at Labrador, among the Esquimaux. But death inter- lil i i m IKf MEMORIAI^ OF vened. In the midst of extensive usefulness, he fiickened, and died on the 15th March, 1821. A marble slab with an appropriate inscription marks his earthb'' resting place in the cemetery at Fred- ericton. But a nobler record is on high. He was eminent for almost every excellence desirable in a Christian minister. Humble, yet dignified ; zealous but cautious ; social yet serious . blending beautifully the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove. Evangelical in doc- trine, earnest in manner, with a pleasing styJ'i; and most benignant countenance, we are not surprised that he was very popular and useful. Many pleas- ing reminiscences, too numerous and lengthy to be inserted in this memorial, were brought before the attention of the writer, in 1866, by the father of our present book-steward, T. Pickard, Esq., at whose house the sainted Avard resided during his minis- terial sojourn in Fredericton. ** I know thou hast gone where thy forehead is starred With the beauty that dwelt in thy soul, Where the light of thy loveliness cannot be marred, Nor the heart be flung back from its goal. I know thou hast drunk of the Lethe that flows Through a land where they do j»ot forget. That sheds over memory only repose. And takes from it only regret." WESLEYAN M18SI0NAK1ES. 11 REV. SAMUEL AVERY. Samuel Avery was a native of Lower Horton, Nova Scotia. Trained up by God-fearing parents, he was religiously inclined from his youth ; yet he felt in early life the necessity of a divine change in order to serve God with acceptance on earth, as well as to fit him for heavenly society hereafter. Living in the midst of evangelical influences, he was led gradually first to Jesus, then to the fold of Metho- dism. For some time he hesitated to enter the ranks of the ministry, fearing that he should run before he was sent. After much deliberate thought, prayer, and consultation with christian Ministers, he was led to conclude that his ^ rovidential path lay in that direction. To equip himself for the arduous work, he deUyed not to seek the literary advantages of the Sackville Institution. There he grew in grace as well as in wisdom, because his studies were all sanc- tified by devotion and prayer. He applied himself diligently, and succeeded admirably. But his com- mendable ambition was somewhat checked by evi- dent indications that the physical constitution was less robust than the mental. He entered upon his -^ 4^1 12 MEMORIALS OF ministerial duties with great devoutness of spirit, tenderness of conscience, ancf holy resolves to be useful in the vineyard. Nor did he live and toil in vain. His pulpit efforts indicated much thought, clear views of biblical truth, and an ardent desire to produce immediate results. His natural amiability, sanctified by grace, rendered him popular and useful in his pastoral work among the people of his charge. Holiness to the Lord was his motto. Natural, ac- quired, and spiritual energies were all expended without regret, in extending the influences of the gospel. While a lover of truth and piety wherever he beheld them, he was ardently' attached to the chTirch of his choice, regarding her as eminently adapted to promote the glory of God, and the best interests of man. During the four years and a-half of his active ministry, his labors were expended chiefly on the Wilmot and Shelburne Ciicuits. In 1861 failing health induced him to seek a supernumerary relation. Shortly after the conference of 1861 he was the subject of an alarming hemorrhage of the lungs, attended with great pain, and agonizing suffering. Yet he bore all with meek acquiescence to the Divine will. His confidence in God remained unshaken during his protracted illness. A short time before his departure, the Lord manifested himself to him in WE3LEYAN MISSIONARIES. IS a glorious and triumphant manner. He exclaimed, " Is this death ? I have had a view of the promised land, — I am going home — going home to die no more, Hallelujah ! Praise the Lord." Thus passed away to the Paradise of God, on the 13th October, 1861, in the twenty-ninth year of his age, and sev- enth of his ministry, the sainted Avery of precious memory. ♦♦ The saints that seem to die, in earth's rude strife, Only win double life ; They have but left our weary ways, To live in memory here, in Heaven by love and praise." ^M REV. STEPHEN BAMFORD. Stephen Bamfoed was born near Nottingham, England, in the year 1770. When quite a youth, he enlisted in the Twenty-Ninth Regiment of Foot. In 1793 we find him with the Duke of York in Holland, where there was much fighting. Sometime after this he was in a naval engagement, and subse- quently in the West Indies at the taking of some of u MEMORIALS OF III I the Islands. It was wliile in one of these Islands that he came very near losing his life by his brav- ery — rather rashness. In the midst of a skirmish, a soldier threw down his musket. Mr. Bamford im- mediately took it up and fired at the enemy, and was shot in the breast in return. The ball, strange to say, passed through his body without taking his life. He was accustomed in after life often to refer to the kind providence of God in preserving his life when hr was utterly unprepared to die. In 1798 h.e assisted in quelling the great rebellion in Ireland. The regiment with which he was con- nected was very successful in saving the lives of many Protestants, and repulsing the cruel rebel leaders. In 1799 he married a very excellent woman, who proved to be an help-meet indeed. He was passionately fond of music, and having some acquaintance with the art, he soon after joining him- self to the army obtained a position in the Band, — the duties of which he discharged with great accept- ance and efficiency during his whole military career. While in Ireland he was arrested by Divine truth while listening to a sermon delivered by a Metho- dist preacher. With a broken heart, he earnestly sought Him who alone can " bind up the broken- hearted.^' Nor did he seek in vain. The conscious pardon was granted, making his soul very happy. Jif' WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 15 He soon began to tell others of the dear Saviour he had found. Thus constrained by the love of Christ, he soon found his way into the local preacher's ranks. Iii 1S02 the Twenty-Ninth Regiment was stationed at Devonport (formerly Plymouth Eock), where he enjoyed the intimate fiiendship of the eminently holy and eloquent Rev. Samuel Bradbum, who greatly encouraged him in his evangelistic efforts, in the army and elsewhere. It was while in this place that a little boy named Burt was Jed by his father to hear the soldier preach, and not to hear in vain. That boy became the holy and useful Rev William Burt, of precious memory in these Provinces, where he often had pleasing interviews with Mr. Bamford. The friend- ship between these two servants of God was like that of David and Jonathan, undying in its nature. About the year 1804, Mr. Bamford came with the regiment to Halifax, where he continued his zealous labours as a local preacher. It was a novel, yet interesting sight, to the worshippers in the Ar- gyle Street Chapel, to see a man in uniform preach- ing the glorious Gospel. To the spiritually-minded at Halifax, it appeared very eviJent that this soldier, full of holy zeal, original thought and pleasing utterance, was designed by the Head of the Church for the full work of the ministry. Accordingly, i ill *»: 16 MEMOllTAI-S OF arrangements were quickly made by which he was honorably discharged from his military engagements In the usual way he sought and obtained admission to the ranks of the ministry, and entered upon the duties of his first circuit in 1806. For twenty- eight years he travelled and preached with great success on many of the most important circuits in the Maritime Provinces. Halifax, St. John (twice)v Charlottetown, Windsor, Horton, Liverpool, Cum- berland, Remsheg (since called Wallace), and An- napolis, enjoyed the benefit of his early and success- ful ministry. His last circuit was Windsor. Having obtained leave of the Missionary Committee in Lon- don, he returned to England, and attended the t'on. ference held in Birmingham in 1836. After visiting | his native place, and finding that the acquaintances of early life had passed away, he felt that his adopted country, where he had so many seals to his ministry^ was more like home than even dear old England. He returned, and, becoming supernumerary, settled for a time among his attached friends at St. John, N, B. Subsequently he removed, and fixed his permanent residence in the beautiful, quiet little town of Digby. Here he rendered very efiicient aid to the cause of Methodism, Avhich was small in those days. By his public labors, as long as he could possibly work, and by the pleasing exhibition of V WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 17 l*i! private virtues, he endeared himself greatly to the people of God. During the united District Meeting at Sackville in 1847, the writer had the first and only interview with this man of God. He referred with emotions of pleasure to the scenes of his early ipinisterial labors on what is now called the Wallace Circuit, and seemed delighted to recognize in the true succession the grandson of one of his most devoted helpers on that circuit. His remarkable prayer at that District Meeting will never be forgot- ten by those who heard it. It was original, quaint, earnest, touching, and sublimely simple. He died as he had lived — happy in the I^ord — on the 14th August, 1848, in the 77th year of his age and the 41st of his ministry. As a preacher he excelled. There was about his , sermons and addresses an unusual degree of origin- ality, raciness, sweetness and unction. Very few of his hearers could remain unmoved under his pathetic and intelligent appeals, and still fewer enjoy a refreshing half hour in gentle slumber. If ever humor was sanctified and employed in the further- ance of the Gospel, it was in the ministry of this Brother. If sometimes, in the eccentric play of his luxuriant imagination, there seemed to be too near an approach to the ridiculous, his naturalness^ sym- pathy, earnestness and holy fervor dissipated the ,1 /I 18 MEMOKIALS OF gathering idea. Occasionally a smile irradiated every face in the congregation, but more frequently penitential tears bedewed the cheeks. His sermons were his own as fully as it is possible for man's dis- courses to be such. No man can preach entirely original sermons, even though he endeavors to prac- tice total abstinence in reference to plagiarism* Many pulpit orations of this age have been moulded and fashioned by nobler brains than those possess who preach them But no preacher among us has ever attempted to copy Brother Bamford's style. His preaching was unique in ingenuity of thought, aptness in illustration and religious quaintness. On one occasion, while preaching on the original trans- gression, when referring to the excuse of Adam in laying the blame on Eve, he intimated that Adam was a great coward ; and with apparent indignation declared, *' Had it been my case, I would not have blamed my Jane." (his wife.) On a marriage occa- sion, while offering prayer on behalf of the newly affianced couple, he intimated that probably causes of anger would arise during the journey of life to- gether, and therefore besought the Hearer of prayer that they might never both get angry at the same time, " Placid and calm on Jt'tius' breast reclining, In swift transition to the realms of bliss, Among God's stars of ^lory ever shining, Thev "'^" nj'^i I.. " ; " WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. n •if REV. WIJ.LIAM BENNETT. . William Bennett was born in England in 1770. After becoming a partaker of saving grace, impelled by a conviction that he was called to preach the everlasting Gospel, he offered himself to the Mis- sionary committee, and was sent out as a Missionary to Nova Scotia in 1800. There were at that time in the whole of British North America only three Wesleyan Methodist preachers besides himself. It was indeed the day of small things. Yet God was with the little band of workers, and gave them large success. Mr. Bennett began his ministerial work with great ardor and simplicity, and for twenty years travelled and preached almost incessantly. The sparse settlements of Cumberland county, with its almost impassable roads, where Methodism origi- nated in the Province, witnessed some of his earliest energetic efforts In the forests of Hants — the valley of Annapolis — along the rocky southern shore — in the Province of New Brunswick, and in our rising towns, he carefully watched over the little flocks that had been gathered into the fold under the ministry of Mr. Black, John and James Mann. — ■'.V i^ .1 ^0 MEMORIALS OF Multitudes were also brought to God, and formed into societies by his faithful ministry. The magni- tude of the labors of this and other veterans of that period would appall maay refined, dyspeptic evan- gelists of our day. Mr. Bennett was an eminently trustworthy min- ister of Christ, a lover of good men, — strongly attached to his brethren, and to the interests of Methodism. He was entrusted for some years with the general oversight of the work of God in the Lower Colonies. The official duties thus involved were faithfully discharged to the best of his ability. Becoming a supernumerary, in consequence of failing health, in 1820, he still continued to mani- fest a deep interest in the cause of God ; preaching frequently for some years in Newport, and after- wards as chaplain of the Provincial Penitentiaiy at Halifax. He was deeply devoted to God — hence remarkable for power or unction in prayer. Many of these outpourings of heart are still remembered with gratitude to God. We gladly record the fact, for the benefit of modern preachers, that in his days of activity and strength, his success in winning souls to Christ was owing quite as much to his pas .>ral eflfbrts, as to his pulpit utterances. We have in this our day preachers in abundance, whose sermons are equal, yea superior, as regards variety of truths i-iiK' WESLEY AN MISSIONARIES. n rmed [agni- that jvan- logical argument, and earnest appeals, to those of the early Methodist ministers, but I fear they sur- passed us in the wayside and fireside admonition, and solemn entreaty. Let us repent and do the first works. Mr. Bennett was a great sufferer in his last days ; but he patiently endured the trial, assured that all things work together for good to them that love God. Two days before his death, consciousness returned after a long absence. He was thus enabled to give to the superintendent of the Halifax circuit a most delightful assurance of his faith and hope in God. He passed away from loved ones to the better country, on Friday, Nov. 6, 1858, in the 88th year of his age, and 57th of his ministry. " How blest the righteous when he dies 1 When sinks a weary soul to rest. How mildly beam the closing eyes ; How gently heaves the expiring breath I So fades a summer cloud away ; » So sinks the gale when storms are o'er, So gently shuts the eye of day ; So dies a wave along the shore.** m Ai ' I 22 MEMORIAI^ OF REV. WM. BLACK. M William Black was born in Huddersfield, Eng- land, in 1760. In his fourteenth year he emigrated with his parents to Nova Scotia, and settled at Am- herst, in the County of Cumberland. He was awakened and converted to God in 1779, in connec- tion with pr.iyer meetiugs conducted by a few Methodists recently from England. He soon after began to be very useful in exercising his gifts in prayer and exhortation. Remarkable influences of grace attended the services in which he engaged until it became evident that God had called him to the work of an evangelist. He began his labors in the immediate neighborhood of his adopted home, and thence gradually extended them to various lo- calities throughout the Province of Nova Scotia. In every place where sinners were converted, he adopted Mr. Wesley's plan of establishing class meetings, thus organizing Methodism on its proper basis. In M ly, 1783, for the first time, he visited Wind- sor, and during the same month preached in Corn- wallis where he visited a sick woman, who thought . II WE8LKYAN MISUIONAUIKS. 23 she had a great stock of good deeds to build upon. He says, " I endeavored to convince her of the necessity of a new birth, but all in vain ; I offered to pray with her, but she refused." Returning to Windiior, he tarried a short time at Falmouth, where he met some of the converts of the eccentric Henry Allen, called Newlights. Mr. Allen for some time had been travelling through the Province proclaim- ing with energy and marvellous success the neces- sity and importance of experimental religion. Many, doubtless, were converted to God through his in- strumentality. But in many cases, Antinomian errors becoming mingled with Gospel truth, the work he effected was greatly marred. In June Mr. Black reached Halifax, and deliv- ered the Gospel message to a small congregation, some of whom, he observes, " seemed to care for none of those things." Before he left the place, a few were awakened, and two backsliders reclaimed. Some of the meetings were greatly disturbed by the rage and violence of persecutors. In a few weeks after we find him at Annapolis, Horton, and again at Cornwallis, preaching amid thrilling scenes of God's saving power. At Cornwallis he says, " we held our first watch-night at Nathaniel Smith's. Such a meeting as this I never saw before, except at Amherst. O, what a noise and shaking among the dry bones." i ■tl u MEMORIALS OF During the next year (1783) he visited Lunen- burg, Liverpool, and Shelburne, the Lord giving him seals to his ministry in every place. In Shel- burne he narrowly escaped death. " While preach- ing, a man from the skirts of the congregation thiew a stone with great violence, but as I saw it come, I saved my head, and it just passed by my temples." " An apparent gentleman also greatly disturbed the meeting by cursing and swearing, and threatening vengeance on the preacher." He speaks of a great revival at Birch town, near Shelburne, among the colored people. " Upwards of sixty profess to have found the pearl of great price, within six or eight months ; and what is farther remarkable, the chief instrument whom God hath employed in this work is a poor negro, who can neither see, walk, nor stand." Most of those people, about eight years after this revival, were sent by the British Government to Sierre Leone in Africa. And thus Methodism was introduced into that benighted region, where a large harvest of souls has already been realized. Tn October he made his first visit to Chai'lotte- i v^n, P. E. L, but did not see much to encourage him. The people, he observes, " appeared stupid and senseless as stones, altogether ignorant of the nature of true religion." A wonderful change for the better has taken place since. WESLEY AN MISSIONARIES. 25 In September 1784 he visited the United States in order to obtain preachers to assist in carrying on the work of God so auspiciously commenced in the Provinces. Met Dr. Coke and Mr. Asbury in December. Attended the conference, and two men, Garrettson and Cromwell, were appointed to Nova Scotia. At Boston he tarried for nearly three months, preaching incessantly, and not without encouraging results; thus. establishing Methodism in that city before any other Methodist preacher had preached there. Returning to the Provinces he continued travelling, preaching, and forming societies in various directions. In 1791, he visited Newfoundland. It was a providential visit. For twenty-five years the Island had enjoyed the ministrations of a few Methodist preachers. But the cause had not greatly prospered. Serious thoughts of abandoning the mission were now entertained by the Missionary who had charge of the whole Island. But a glorious revival com- menced during Mr. Black's first sermon, which re- sulted in the conversion of hundreds, and gave a new impetus to the cause there, which has been felt ever since. Shortly after this, Mr. Black was appointed, by Dr. Coke, superintendent of the flourishing missions in the West Indies. But he could not be spared >' 'i -4.i M' fl6 MEMORIALS OF i;'iii I. from the work in Nova Scotia. Once only he visited the West Indies. In 1812 his name appears among the supei'numeraries, yet still he travelled and preached as his health permitted, for many years. His labors were, however, chiefly expended at Hali- fax, where the cause greatly prospered. His course on earth terminated in 1834. When the Rev. R. Knight, who attended him in his last moments, on one occasion referred to his long and useful life, he said very impressively, " Leave all that : say no more,, all is well ; all is peace, no fear, no doubt.*' His last words were " give my firewall blessing to your family, and to the society ; and God bless you. All is well." Mr. Knight, in speaking • of the ministerial cha- racter of Mr. Black, observes, " He was well ac- quainted with human nature ; possessed a longing desire for the salvation of souls ; was faithful, aflfec- tionate, and assiduous. In short, he had all those qualifications which never fail to make a minister respected, beloved, and useful." The Minutes of the British Conference for 1835 thus speak of him, " To the work of the ministry he brought a constitution of more than ordinary strength ; a sound, discriminating judgment ; an earnest desire for useful knowledge ; an enlightened zeal for the glory of God, and a fixed purpose of mind to seek and save the souls of men." WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 27 To the Kev. Wm. Black more than to any other man is Nova Scotia indebted for its Methodism. He was evidently a special man for a special purpose. His sermons were always fragrant with evangelical odors of truth, delivered in a very familiar, j'et impressive manner ; and what is most important, accompanied with such an amount of heavenly in- fluence, as to arrest, not only the attention, but to convince the judgment, and move the heart. No record is given of the number of souls converted through his instrumentality during the fifty years of his ministry. It was doubtless very large. To this day we sometimes meet with aged persons, in various branches of the church, who willingly testify that they were awakened and brought to God through his preaching. The influences of Methodism for good are not bounded by its own denominational lines. To God be all the glory. '^ Death cannot claim the immortal mind: Let earth close o'er its sacred trust, Yet goodness dies not in the dust." * ■^nf ■ 'ii S8 MEMORIAIiJ OF REV. JOHN R BROWNELL. While stationed in the city of Fredericton in 1864, some phases of ministerial life, character, and influ- ence came before the mind of the writer, producing^ impressions, convictions, and high moral resolves of a most salutary character, — a supernumerary minis- ter in the furnace of affliction, testing in agony and death the truths he had long preached. Six months of almost uninterrupted physical anguish is a sore trial for humanity. Yet during the whole period the sufferer was divinely enabled to acquiesce in the will of God. Not a murmuring word escaped his lips. Though the fire burned fiercely the gold was not consumed. The refiner of silver purified this son of Levi, until the image of the Master shone distinctly in the servant. In those hallowed inter- views with this afflicted, yet happy brother in Christ, we often felt that u The fountain of joy is fed by tears, And love is lit by the breath of sighs ; The deepest grief and the wildest fears Haue holiest ministries." John B» Brownell, son of the Rev. John Brown- ell, an English missionary, was born in St. Kitts WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 29 We^t Indies, October 29th, 1802. Converted in his fourteenth year, while attending the Eangswood School, he had thoughts of the ministry from that time. He did not, however, enter the work until the year 1826. He labored five years in the West Indies, then in the Island of Malta, where he was very useful. Afterwards, in Canada, the Bermudas, and in these Provinces, he faithfully discharged the important duties of a Wesleyan minister, until the year 1861, when he reluctantly became a supernu- merary. Three years from that period had scarcely elapsed, when, after the severe affliction alluded to, he was called, on Easter morning, March 27, 1864, in the thirty-seventh year of his ministry, " from a suffering church beneath to a reigning chur(^ above." His attainments in scholarship, and general quali- fications for the sacred office, were highly respect- able. His piety was intelligent, mellow, and de- cided. In unfaihng attention to private prayer, devotioaal reading of the Scriptures, the discharge of social and official duties, and in sacredly devoting to religious and charitable objects one-tenth of his income, he was conscientious and faithful. He was a superior preacher, diligent pastor, and good ser» monizer. A score of his manuscript sermons, now in possession of the writer, indicate very careful $ 'h io MEMORIALS OF preparation, logical thinking, singleness of aim,^and an extensive acquaintance with the Word of God. The execution of these manuscripts as regards style, penmanship, orthography, and punctuation, are truly models of excellence rarely to be seen. A few cop- ies of these model sermons will be cheerfully dis- pensed, on application, to those brethren, lay and clerical, whose chirography, grammatical delinquen- cies, and other literaiy deficiencies, infringe seriously upon the precious time of our Editor. Mr. Brownell, like the rest of his brethren, was not free from various infirmities, but no valuable end would be answered by an attempt to exhibit these. The pen of inspiration alone is safe in recording the errors of saints. " We live in deeds, not years — in thoughts, not breaths — In feelings, not in figures on a dial ; We should count tim« by heart-throbs. He nio»t lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, ads the best." I ■ )■ REV. SAMPSON BUSBY. Many persons in Newfoundland, and in these Provinces, remember with grateful emotions, though many years have elapsed since his removal from earth, the name and character of the Rev. S. Busby. He was bom in Rainton, Yorkshire, England, on WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. SI the 16th February, 1790. His parents were mem- bers of the Established Church, and carefully trained their children in the forms and principles of that communion. Early in life these parental instruc- tions were productive of many serious impressions, which, however, did not result in conversion in the case of Sampson, but evidently prepared his mind for clearer views of evangelical truth, which were brought before his attention by the preaching of Methodist ministers. He saw his lost condition as a sinner, and soon found peace with God, through faith in the Lord Jesus. Under the promptings of the new nature, he soon began to exercise his gifts and graces as a prayer leader, exhorter, and local preacher. After reception into the regular work, in the usual manner, he was employed for a few months in the Luton circuit. Having offered himself as a Mis- sionary, he went up to London, and was ordained in 1812 by that eminent man of .God, Dr. Coke. He began his labors in Newfoundland in 1813, where he remained four years. Large success attended his ministry in that Island. P. E. Island also enjoyed his efficient services for a short time. But the greater portion of his ministerial life (29 years) was spent in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He was eminently useful in the Provinces. Many of our Cir- tit 82 MEMORIALS OF " III: ill II cuits to this day retain in their membership the seals of his ministry. A commanding form, pleasing ad- dress, affable manner, good preaching ability, un- flinching integrity, and devout spirit rendered him a general favorite. By a personal interview, when he was stationed at Point De Bute, the writer be- came favorably impressed with the Christian virtues and Methodistic amiability of Mr. Busby. In his last moments he was graciously sustained and comforted by the felt presence of Jesus, and the conscious enjoyment of " perfect love," which " casteth out fear." He passed from " things temporal," to " things eternal," on Easter Sunday, March 81, 1850, in the 61st year of his age, and the 38th of his ministry. ** Simple, grave, sincere; In doctrine uncorrupt; in language plain. And plain in manner; decent, solemn, chaste, And natural in gesture ; mucU impressed Himself, as conscious of his awful charge. And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds May feel it too ; affectionate in look, And tender in address, as well becomes A messenger of grace to guilty man." M! WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 33 is les Led Ithc jich jngs lay, land REV. ROBERT A. CHESLEY. Robert A. Chesley was a native of Granville, Nova Scotia. He was born in the .year 1816, and born again in 1839. Like all truly converted per- sons, he cherished an ardent desire for the salvation of sinners, and, in obedience to the Divine impulse, sought in every possible way to bring them to God. But in addition to this legitimate Christian feeling, he became impressed with the conviction that it was his duty to devote himself wholly to the work of the ministry. This conviction of soul became more in- tense and clear, as he advanced in the Divine life, and endeavored to use, in such exercises as Meth- odism affords to laymen, the grace already be- stowed. A real call to the ministry is ascertained, not so much by waiting as by working in the vine- yard. The Lord drew him and he followed on until he occupied the sacred desk. Here, his efforts at first were not very promising, but his profiting soon appeared to all. He loved the work, and after a time excelled in it. Physically and mentally robust and energetic, he engaged in the duties of the holy calling with uncommon ardor. His piety was MEMORIALS OF li!: .1' I ' ■:l : of the most devoted, ardent, and symmetrical type. This, in connection with diligent study, careful ob- servation, and extensive reading, rendered him an able minister of the New Testament. In his ser- mons he always gave great prominence to the cardi- nal doctrines of the gospel. And while the univer- sal atonement was, in his estimation, the central truth of Christianity, he failed not to exhibit those clusters of Christian graces which flow from it, and form, in each believer, the earthly portion of the glory that follows the sufferings of the God-man. — He loved the institutions of Methodism, and actively endeavored to maintain them in all their efficiency. Especially did he labor to circulate her well ar- ranged hterature. Many useful books were thus scattered through the circuits on which he toiled. As a writer, and defender of evangelical principles, and scriptural practices, his occasional articles in the Wesleyan eihibited mental power, raciness, and argument indicative of a superior mind. But the constant preaching, pastoral duties, and frequent re- movals of Methodist ministers are not favorable to the cultivation of literary talent. Nor is it neces- sary in all cases. The most literary in general are not visibly the most useful. The best written com- position, when read or recited, fails to produce upon WESLEYAN M18810NAK1ES. 35 hearers generally the same effect accomplished by the living orator when delivering similar truths in sentences less beautifully arranged. As preachers, we have more to do in preaching than in writing the Gospel, or in inging it, though that may often be an effective way of presenting it. Our hymns well sung prove this. Mr. Chesley spent most of his ministerial life in New Brunswick. His last circuit, however, was St. John's, Newfoundland. He entered upon the duties of that important charge with enlarged expec- tations, and holy ambition to be as useful as possible ; and during the few months that he spent there, he not only won the esteem and affection of multitudes, but was very successful in accomplishing the objects of the ministry. In consequence of excessive toil and exposure, he took cold, and fever following, he was soon pros- trated. But in the midst of affliction's waves, he was divinely upheld. His mind was kept in peace. He was not afraid of Jordan's sullen stream. One week of suffering, and life's joys and conflicts on earth were ended. This event took place Novem- ber S7th, 1856. Great sorrow was manifested in St. John's when the tidings were circulated that the talented, amiable, and useful R. A. Chesley was 36 MEMORIAI^ OF no more. Sympathy, both mental and material, was shown to his widow and family by the affectionate people among whom he died. ** When life's last pulses wane, Jesus be noar; My sinking heart sustain ; Banish my fear. To Thee my hands shall cling, Of Thee my lips shall sing ; My soul in glory bring Nearer to Thee." ,"l li HI 'I REV. WILLIAM CROSCOMBE. William Croscombe was born at Tiverton, Eng- land^ in 178 <, four years before the death of the Rev. John Wesley. In his twentieth year, having experienced religion, he yielded speedily to his convictions of duty, and began to call sinners to repentance. Accepted as a minister in 1810, and afterwards sent forth as a missionary, he arrived in Nova Scotia in the month of April, 1812. After seven years of very arduous and successful toil in this country, he returned and labored two years in England. 1 hence he went to Gibraltar, where he tj • I 11 WESLBYAN MISSIONAHIBS. 37 spent three years. Again he crossed the Athuitic, and came to Newfoundland. Next we find him in Hahfax, and subsequently in Canada and New Brunswick, filling with great acceptance, fidelity, and efficiency the pulpits of our most important circuits. Most of his time, however, including eight years of supernumerary life, were spent in Nova Scotia. He was emphatically an active disciple of the indus- trious Jesus. Fervent in spirit, earnest in manner, always devoted to his proper work, incessant travel- ling and preaching seemed his delight ; doubtless because he made his "duty his delight." The records of District books testify that the average number of sermons delivered by him weekly ^ as not exceeded by any of his brethren. The writer has often heard the response to the question on this subject from the lips of our departed brother, " Five to six times." Hear it, ye modern workers, who think three times a week very ex- hausting ! How few of us can perform the work of our fathers in the ministry ! Exceedingly attached to his brethren, he loved their society, and ever sought to make ministerial interviews seasons of spiritual profit. Eminently holy, he was eminently successful in winning souls to Jesus. No man could be long in his society 38 MEMORIALS OF "''|i lit |lll. I!li ! ' III! I iifHii • !iii without perceiving that he was a man of one business, completely engrossed with the great work. The total abstinence reform shared largely in his sympa- thic 5 and labors, regarding it as he did as one of the instrumentalities of Christianity to save the world from the curse of intemperance. The writer, pre- vious to his connection with the order of " Sons of Temperance," consulted Father Croscombe on the subject, and, being advised thereto, united with that organization in 1'*'48, — ^nor has he yet had cause to regret the step then taken. In his preaching they were not overpowering bursts of eloquence, rhetori- cal figures, scholastic criticism, sonorous voice, and beauty of diction, that kept the attention of his hearers, — awakened and edified, it was holy earnest- ness, enunciating vital truths in plain words, electrified with the Spirit of God, that produced those ejffects. As a pastor he excelled ; his visits were not, as too oft they are in these drys of pro- gress and refinement, merely fashionable calls, occa- sionally tapered oflf with a few words of general prayer. Children as well as adults felt that, while he was there, a man of God was in the house. If at times, on those occasions, he conversed about worldly things, it was only to prepare the way for the reception of the spiritual message. Nor did he visit the wealthy ten times oftener than the poor. WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. S9 In his character were beautifully blended genu- ine humility and true dignity, perfect love and perfect hatred, firmness and kindness, zeal and prudence. Probably no missionary in these Pro- vinces witnessed so many revivals as did the sainted Croscombe. In almost every part of the Province, fragrant memories gather around the hearts of the older members. of our church, whenever his name is mentioned. Many have said to the writer, " the first Methodist sermon we ever heard was from the lips of the Rev. Mr. Croscombe." By his labors, scores, now on the verge of Jordan, waiting for the word to cross ove?', were first led to Jesus, and to fellowship with His people. His cotempora^y brethren in the ministry have nearly all passed away. None remain that came to the Province as early as he did. One, however, sur- vives who, after laboring two years in England, came to Canada in 1816; and now, while bending be- neath the weight of more than four-score years, still preaches every Sabbath to the inmates of our Pro- vincial Penitentiary. It is probable that Fathers Pope and Croscombe spent more years of ministe- rial toil in Nova Scotia than any other two mission- aries that have sojourned among us. Nor have any others been in labors and successes more abundant. Not until compelled by loss of health did Mr. I. Hiii. 40 MEMORIAIS OF Croscombe become supernumerary. In his case our Methodist phraseology was literally true, " loorn outJ*^ He saw very few days of health during the eight years of his retirement. Wearisome days and nights were appointed him, yet he repined not. All that could be done by a devoted wife, and affec- tionate children, was done to comfort his soul in the midst of intense bodily anguish. His confidence in God remained firm to the end. At length on the 26th August, 1859, in the fiftieth year of his ministry, the tabernacle fell into " ruinous decay," while the happy spirit went to God who gave it. " O, liow sweet it will be in that beautiful land When free from all sorrow and pain, With son^s on our lips, and with harps in our hands, "o meet one another again " REV ALBERT DESBRISAY Albert Dehbrisay was the son of an Episcopal clergyman, for many years Rector of Charlottetown, P. E Island. In the year 1815, under the evan- gelical ministry of the Rev. John Hick he was con- verted to God, and at once connected himself with the Methodist society, convinced that it was his duty 1(1 l!ii WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 41 our orn the and All ffec- i the je in 1 the his cay, It. Lscopal etown, evan- as con- If with His duty to cleave to the people by whose instrumentality he was led into the enjoyment of experimental reUgion This executed resolve of the son was quite distaste- ful to the father, who hesitated not to express sternly his disapprobation. But soon his prejudices were completely overcome by the pleasing external evi- dences of regeneration in the son ; so obvious were the fruits of the Spirit in his conduct, so consistent his walk and converse with his profession, that the father's displeasure was turned into manifest cor- diality. Not long after his conversion his mind became deeply impressed with the conviction that he ought to devote himself to the work of calling sinners to repentance Nor was he disobedient to the heavenly intimation. Had he conferred with flesh and blood, as we fear many young men have done, and are now doing, he would have gone to the farm or merchan- dize in preference to the more arduous and less remunerative work of the ministry among the Wes- leyans. But he was constrained not by the love of ease, honor, or affluence, but by the love of Christ, to engage in the responsible work. Any man who enters the ministry under the influence of any other constraint may have the call of the Church, but he has not the call of God. Hirelings abound ! For more than t^vo years his mental and moral energies ■1 42 MEMORIALS OF were developed and strengthened in discharging with acceptance and great fidelity the duties of a local preacher. In 1822 he was admitted into the itinerant ranks, and commenced in Petitcodiac those public labors which were attended with pleasing success wherever he sojourned. Parrsboro', Shef- field, Bridgetown, St. John, Miramichi, and St. Andrew's circuits shared in his ministerial services. Many seals to his ministry were given him in all these places, where he is still remembered with gratitude to God. Perhaps no minister in these Provinces ever ex- celled brother Desbrisay in ability to introduce and maintain religious conversation in the social and domestic circle. His gentleness made him great. As he respected everybody, everybody respected him. Without affecting " the gentleman," he was a Christian gentleman everywhere. He seemed always to find " the more excellent way " in his efforts to do good. A sound theologian, careful thinker, and impressive speaker, — though not re- garded as a great preacher, — he accomplished more good than many men of superior talent and pulpit oratory. His chief success in winning souls was doubtless due to his remarkable talent and effort as a pastor, in connection with his blameless life and heavenly- mindedness. WESLEY AN MISSIONARIES. 43 of a [o the those Rasing Shef- Id St. rvices. in all with \er ex- Ice and il and great, tpected I he was seemed in his careful I not re- id more pulpit lis was [effort as life and His health began seiiously to fail while engaged in a remarkable revival of religion at Sheffield. The result of physical prostration thus received was a supernumerary relation. During a portion of the eleven years of his retirement from circuit work, he filled, with great credit to himself and decided advantage to many of the youth of our country, the of^ce of chaplain to our Academic Institutions at Sackville. From Sackville he removed to Char- lottetown, the place of his birth, where he finished his earthly course. Almost to the last he was vari- ously employed in doing good to the souls of men. Great affliction, personal and domestic, was his lot ; yet he bore all with a patience and resignation which grace alone can inspire. He realized the full ben- efit of sanctified affliction. He was ready when the Master came, and without fear or hesitation entered through death into rest, on Sabbath morning. May 24, 1857. ** I see a world of spirits bright, Who reap the pleasures tliere; They all are robed in purest white, And conquering palms they bear." ■AMSMMtk liiaMMMUMMMbMWHMlMWlMM 44 MEMORIALS OP REV. WILLIAM DUTTON. hi\\ ; William Button was a native of England. Converted in early life, he gave himself cheerfully to the work of the ministry, and was sent out to labor in Newfoundland Arriving at St. John's early in 1870, he commenced at once to work for God, endearing himself in a short time to all with whom he became acquainted. With cheerfulness he left the city for a remote part of the Island, — the appointed place for his evangelistic efforts. The people gratefully and joyously received the youthful servant of God, who, in a few weeks, by his exem- plary conduct, devoutness of spirit, holy zeal, and Christian activities, enlisted the warmest sympathies and most ardent religious affection of the Christian population. Even those who were not professors of religion began to discover in him that amiability and consistency of character which generally command esteem. Blight pi*ospe3ts of usefulness loomed up before his mental vision, suggested by indications of the most pleasing character already vouchsafed. But his fond hopes were not realized. Instead of active WESLKYAN MISSION A KIKS. 45 before of the . But active service he was speedily summoned to the more dif- ficult task of patient endurance. As the world re- ceded the better country came more distinctly in view. Not long did he buffet with the waves of affliction. The happy release soon came. Amid the tears and prayers of a stricken Church he depart- ed triumphantly to his eternal home. Young men of equal promise with our absent brother are very rare. It is not easy to describe in words the re- markable attractiveness of Mr. Dutton's character. Perhaps rehgious fascination is as good a phrase as can be found to show the influence of this brother in rapidly winning the esteem of his fellow men. A prominent and essential feature, hov/ever, in all such cases is a large share of good, not common sense, for good sense is not very common. He surveyed from the margin the wide harvest field, And began its ripe clusters to gather; *' Tis enough," cried the Master, " come hither, \\\y child. To the home of thy Heavenly Father." 46 MKM0HIAT.3 OF Hji; ' REV. WII.LIAM ELLIS. William Ellis was born in the North of Ireland, County Down, in 1780 He was favored with Me- thodistic influences in early life, yet, though often impressed with the necessity of personal religion, he did not obtain a conscious sense of pardon until he was in his sixteenth year. About two years after this important era in his life, he was called to witness some of the fearful scenes of the Irish rebellion. In connection with one of the many battles fought at this time, his parents with their whole family were concealed as they thought safely ; but the crying of one of the children discovered them to the enemy, who would have speedily put them all to death, hat it not been for the timely arrival of the troops. This providential deliverance strengthened his faith in God, and stimulated him to work for the advance- ment of His cause in the world. Soon as a Class Leader and Local Preacher he found employment in the vineyard. Following on to know and serve so good a Master, he was led by evident indications of Providence to give himself up wholly to the work of preacliing the (iospoi Willing, as all true Me- I: Mil WKSI.EYAN MISSIONARIES. 47 ^land, Me- often )n, he Itil he after dtness n. In ight at tliodist preachers are, to lahor wherever sent, he came as a missionary to Newfoundlaiul in 1808» In this arduous field of toil he cheerfully devoted the remninder of his life, — twenty-nine years nearly, — all of which wore s}>ent in the effective work. His preaching abilities were good. Oftentimes his sermons were deliveied in a very eloquent man- ner. He succeeded well in the difficult art of right- ly " dividing the word of truth " And so will all whom God calls, if they use diligently the means of knowledge and grace within their roach. Mental and moral power will not come to us like the air we breathe, without attention to means. In disposition Mr. Ellis was gentle, peaceful, and humane ; ever ready to exhibit and appreciate the Christian courtesies of domestic and social life. He was intent on doing good ; nor did he labor in vain, or long realize exemption from active service. He was called from Harbor Grace to his Heavenly home on the iilst September, 1837. Although seventy- two years had now elapsed since the first Methodist preacher came to Newfoundland, he was the first to find a grave there. *' His requiem still sing, ye proud waves of the sea, Till Fiternity swallows up time ; At home in a harbur from undertow free, No storms in that beautiful clime." H « »i 48 MKMORIAIiS oK REV. rHOMAS GAETZ. About forty years ago a few families of German descent, Wesleyan Methodists, removed from the beautiful La Have, in Lunenburg County, to the mouth of the Musquodoboit River, Halifax County, — establishing a small settlement, which, in due time, became a regular preaching place for Wesleyan ministers, and is now known in the Minutes of Conference as the Musquodoboit Harbor Circuit. Among the pleasing results of the Methodism thus introduced into that region of country, has been the raising up of three very zealous, talented, and use- ful ministers of the Gospel, — all brothers of the same family. The elder, Thomas, was scarcely twelve years of age when he was led, chiefly through the prayers, teaching and example of pious parents* to the possession and enjoyment of the favor of God. The genuineness of his conversion was manifest in his life from that eventful period in his history. An ardent thirst for knowledge impelled him, amid many discouragements and few advantages, to gather and treasure up in a most capacious and re- WEdLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 49 ten live memo IV, from books and other available >ources, chose materials of thought and action which rendered him, in after years, so effective as a minister. In 1851, in the twentieth year of his age, he became t» candidate for our ministry, and labored in various portions of the Conference with acceptance and success. The few last years of his ministry were signally owned by the Head of the Church in the conversion of sinners. Grand Bank and Perli- can, in Newfoundland, will not soon forget the name of Thomas Gaetz. His preaching talents were above mediocrity, his style argumentative, yet impressive : full of holy zeal, not wildfii^e ; good voice, clear utterance, manly appetirance, and intent on doing good, — it is not matter of surprise that he was both popular and useful. In the pulpit he was sometimes exceed- ingly grave, again overflowing with animation, arousing the minds of his hearers more by solemn thought than by vehemence in action. In disposi- tion he was kind, noble, generous, and affectionate ; 8ti:ongly attached to Methodism, but no bigot. He was a prudent, loving husband, generous-minded brother, and judicious parent. A long career of usefulness was fondly anticipated by his brethren and by the Church generally. But the Providence >\ -"O^NaNW fO MEMORIAT^ OF of God dashed those pleasiii | hopes to the g^round - It is not for us to find fault, who can read but one page of the book of Providence at a time. When the book is opened, and we discover the connection throughout, we shall see clearly what now is veiled in obscurity. Sinners may not live out half their days, but God's faithful child ' never die before their time. *' Our friend haa pfone before, To that celestial shore ; He hath left his mates behind, He hath all the storms outrode t Found the rest we toil to And, Landed m the armi of God." ^1 !■ ifl||l I i BEV. CHARLES GASKIN. Charles Gaskin, a native of Coverdale, New Brunswick, was bom in 1829. Brought to God through the instrumentality of Methodism, he sought in every possible way to extend its influence. Impressed with a strong desire to spread abroad the truths of experimental religion, and convinced that he was called to preach, he offered himself as a can- didate for the Wesleyan ministry, in 1854. Ac- WESLFYAN MISSIONARIES. 61 lad . one Ihen tion jiled Iheir Ifore God , he lence. id the that can- Ac- cepted and sent forth, he labored faithfully in various places in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, till the year 1860, when he was compelled through failing health to become a supernumeraiy. Consumption had marked him as a victim, and, after using for several years every appliance suggested both by wise and unwise physicians, his physical nature yielded to the power of the disease. During portions of these months of affliction, mingled feelings of hope and despondency interrupted somewhat his spiritual en- joyments. But towards the close of the severe struggle between life and death, the mental clouds dispersed, and the Sun of righteousness shone bright- ly on his soul. He was thus enabled to triumph in death. His spirit forsook the clay tabernacle on the 10th March, 1861, in the 3^nd year of his age, and 8th of his ministry. He was an original thinker, very clear in the doc- trines of Methodism, and faithful in expounding and applying them. He preached the truth fearlessly — not anxious about results, whether pleasing or offen- sive. He seemed rather fond of controversy in de- fending the truth, but his aim was to exhibit what he believed, after careful investigation, to be the teaching of the word of God. He was too firm to allow the wish for peace to triumph over the down- fall of truth. Somewhat eccentric in manner, and mmmmmmtm 52 MEMORIALS OF peculiar in disposition, his motives were sometimes misunderstood ; but those who knew him most in- timately loved him best. The working time was brief. The labor ended soon, The Master's voice ended the grief, — His sun went down at noon. -'? 'hv^ ■m:.?;' "Si:' ^ '!'"■■ ■ " KEV. HENRY HOLIANl). [ Henry Holland was bom in England, of devoted Wesleyan parents. Early presented to God, in con- nection with the Christian ordinance of baptism, and instructed in Divine things at the earliest possible period, he grew up a thoughtful, seri6us youth. In his fifteenth year, he experienced the great change from a state of nature to a state of grace, which all must realize in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. In 1851 he became a Local preacher in the fifth Manchester circuit, where he labored for some time, giving manifest proof that he was called of God to preach the gospel. In 1856 he came to Nova Scotia, and connected himself with the Conference of Eastern British America. With ardent zeal, ability, and success, he labored on the Middle Musquodoboitj Gagetown, ;i I WE3LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 53 Imes in- ^oted con- I, and isible In lange khall laven- fifth I some id of iected iritish IBS, he town. iand Upham circuits. His affectionate disposition, genuine friendship, and consistent piety, greatly endeared him to the people. Amiable, open- minded, guileless, and generous, we are not surprised that he was greatly beloved. Acceptable in the pulpit, he marred not its influence when out of it. But he excelled as a pastor. And should iiot all excel here ? Not one in ten can be- come a great preacher, but all may be good pastors. If our brother had depended chiefly on his literary attainments, his ministry would have been a failure. However, the ministry of no man is a failure, who is the instrument of bringing sinners to God. ^' He that winneth souls is wise." After the Conference of 1861, Mr. Holland visited the home of his you^h, hoping that a sea voyage and a few months recreation in dear old England would recuperate his failing energies for the ardent work of the ministry, which he loved intensely. But in this he was dis- appointed. Gradually the springs of life relaxed, the physical powers refused to perform their func- tions, until he sank into the arms of death on the 24:th December, 1861, uttering the words, " Christ is precious, — all is well." " How swtet to die like this ! Tlie soul out-breathed as incense on th« breast Of its Redeemer, softly, silently. Love melted in hea/'n flood of His smile." ■i* r- ^\ 54 MEMORIALS OF *,'V,t ; |.,-. '•<-■>: REV. JAMES HOENE. ImiH lii James Horne, of English parentage, was born in 1788. Having obtained the favor of God, he was divinely prompted to work in the vineyard. He was converted in the twenty-sixth year of his age. After admission in the usual way to the ranks of the ministry, he spent four years in the home-work, thence he was transferred as a missionary to the West Indies in 1818. For thirty- three years he labored in word and doctrine in those Western sunny Isles, when he was obliged to become a supernumerary. JJuring the seven years he sus- tained this relation to the work, he was not idle. The cause of God was near his heart, and its extension and consolidation enlisted all his remain- ing energies. He was a faithful man, and feared God above many. An ardent lover of the doctrines of Methodism, he failed not to present them prominently in his pulpit ministrations. He also entertained a high appreciation of the discipline of this branch of the Church, and endeavored every- WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 55 also le of rery- where with firmness and caution to maintain it, intelligently believing it to be quite in accordance with the spirit of the New Testament. He was emphatically a benevolent Christian, ever ready to the extent of his ability to aid in the various enterprises of Christianity, and to relieve the destitute. He greatly rejoiced in the triumph of truth. A lover of good men, he truly regarded them, with the Psalmist, as " the excellent of the earth." Greatly attached to children, his estimate of the value of Sabbath schools was very high. In Bermuda, where his last years were spent, his patriarchal form was often seen among them, im- parting, in a genial manner, salutary counsels. In the 68th year of his age, the messenger came for his removal to another sphere of existence. He was ready. Pleasing assurance of the fact was given to the Minister, and others who visited him in his last moments. His power of utterance failed while attempting to repeat the beautiful verse, — ** There is my house and portion fair, My treasure and my heart are there, And my abiding home;" &c. As he was unable to repeat the whole his brother Minister finished it for him, which awakened a smile of gratitude, both for the delightful sentiment ^6 MEM0RIAT5 OP of the hymn, and for the presence and sympathy of a brother in Christ. In a few hours he entered the " abiding home." Fairer, sweeter, richer, fir, Than India last or West; Naught true happiness to mar, In yonder peaceful rest; Burning heats or hurricanes Disturb not heaven's pure atmosphere ; No more sorrow, death, or pains. Or sin, or gushing tear. m EEV. RICHARD KNIGHT. Richard Knight began his earthly career in Devonshire, England, in the year 1189. His pa- rents were not acquainted with experimental religion. During the days of his youth, until near the peiiod of manhood, he was, like most young persons, thought- less, and given to folly and vain pursuits. But about that time he was led to serious thought, by a dream which powerfully affected his mind. Under the influence of the awakened feelings and convic- tions thus divinely wrought in him, he earnestly sought and obtained that peace of mind and hallowed joy which are ever among the fruits of the Spirit. WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 57 Ihy of Itered er m lis pa- [igion. iriod of )Ugllt- But f, bya fnder lonvic- l-nestly [lowed Spirit. Immediately lie let his light shine. Acting under the unvarying impulse of the new nature, he began to work for the salvation of souls. Nor did he labor long without blessed results. His parents and some members of the family were led through his con- sistent piety and judicious conversation to seek an interest in Jesus, — auspicious commencement for a man of God. Gradually his single-minded earnest efforts were extended to the surrounding country, the Lord graciously accompanying the words of his faithful servant with saving influences. After fill- ing for some time with great acceptability the office of Local preacher, he was accepted by the British Conference as a candidate for missionary work, and was appointed to Newfoundland in 1816. Cheer- fully he bade adieu to " the home and the friends of his youth," and hastened to the rugged shores of that Island, to publish, in connection with remarkable toil and success, " the unsearchable riches of Christ." As a pioneer in many places, he endured hardships and persecutions, happily unknown by personal ex- perience among the servants of God in our day. Full of holy ardor, he shrank not from Herculean labors. In perils by land and sea, in perils from wild beasts and wilder men, he went forward in the path of duty, leaving results with God. Sometimes his powerful physical, as well as mental energies, • ^JH-ULJ 58 MEMORIALS OF '!i i f ^i IH were taxed to the utmost in clearing Satan's agents out of his pathway. On one occasion while con- ducting service, just as he was about beginning his sermon, a man near the door commenced smoking his pipe. Mr. Knight kindly requested him to de- sist, but the request was unheeded. He then ex- postulated with him on the folly and wickedness of such conduct in the house of God, but all to no purpose, — ^the man was stubborn. In vain did the pjreacl^er appeal to some magistrates who were pre- sent to interfere. At length, closing the Bible, Mr. Knight saidi " If no one else will put that man out of the house, I will.'* And he immediately left the pulpit with brave heart and firm step resolved to execute his purpose. But the offender, at that mo- ment struck with conviction of sin, left the place to seek that Saviour hose servant he had insulted. In a few months after, that man became a member of the Methodist church. Throughout Newfoundland, to this day, the memo- ry of Mr. Knight is cherished, with gratitude to God, by hundreds who were led to Christ by his feithful preajching and spiritual pastoral visits. Me- thodism in that portion of our Conference is largely indebted to the energetic, judicious, and persevering efforte of that man of God. Transferred to the Upper Provinces in 1833, he WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 59 memo- tude to by bis . Me- largely levering i33, be still continued to be in labors abundant ; exemplify- ing everywhere tbe fidelity, purity, and power of the Christian religion. He was generally appointed to what are called our most important stations, and always" left his mark. He filled with great credit to himself aL'^ "nfety to the interests involved, the most important olices of our Church. For a loi\g period he occupied the Chair in every district where he resided, and more recently he became by the vote of his brethren co-delegate of Conference. These duties he always discharged with firmness and discretion. The Missionary Committee in London never had occasion to regret that they had reposed great confidence in our beloved brother. For nearly twenty-eight years these Provinces were favored with his active and earnest ministry. The writer vnll not soon forget his interview with Mr. Knight at Charlottetown, in 1845, when he offered himself as a candidate for the ministry. At fir&t he seemed stern and unapproachable, but a slight acquaintance dissipated the incorrect opinion. A kinder heart, with larger sympathies and more brotherly love than dwelt in the stalwart frame of Mr. Knight, is seldom found among the sons of Rarely have we seen God-like severity and men. human tenderness blend more beauteously. ' He was inflexible, but only when he was convinced ^-iatr 60 MEMORIAI^ OF that it would be wrong to yield ; humble, yet dignified, aspiring yet lowly-minded, zealous but cautious. He was an excellent preacher, though not a first-class orator ; well read in theology, sound in the faith, and clear in exposition ; full of courage, mingled with christian gentleness. His discourses were largely freighted with evangelical truth, yet eminently practical. His admirable sermon at the District meeting in Charlottetown in 1845, on glorying in the cross of Christ, is still remembered as a most impressive and eloquent discourse. We remember how the congregation seemed to be thrilled, while he recited in the most solemn and touching manner the following soul-stirring lines of Montgomery : , " I asked the Heavens—* What foe to God hath done This unexampled deed? The Heavens exclaim ■ * 'Twas man ; and we in horror snatched the sun From such a spectacle of guilt and shame 1' I asked the sea, — the sea in fury boiled, And answered with his voice of storms — * 'Twas raan— My waves in panic at his crime recoiled, Disclosed the abyss, and from the centre ran.' i> I asked the earth,— the earth replied aghast, • 'Twas man-^^and such strange pangs my bosom rent, That still I groan and shudder at the past.' ^ — Toman, gay, smiling, thoughtless man I went. And ask'd him next; He turned a scornful eye, *'• i'' Shook his proud head, and deigned me no reply." A man of progressive ideas, he was ever ready to engage in any religious or moral movement calcu- lated to benefit our race. Henco his sympathy with WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 6 yet I but ugh und [age, irses yet the on )ered We be and ies of man— Irent, |ady to calcu- with the temperance reform. Nor was he content with wishing it well, without putting his shoulder to the wheel. By personal example and earnest pleading with his fellow men, in the pulpit and on the plat- form, he endeavored to extend its sound principles and safe practice Associated for years with the ** Sons of Temperance," he gave that useful institu- tion his hearty and prayerful support. Would to God that all ministers would imitate his example in this respect ! In short, if a large measure of good sense, fair education, genuine piety, ready utterance, unflinch- ing fidelity, virtuous sensibility, untiring diligence, and dignified demeanor constitute a good Methodist preacher, the Rev. R. Knight deserved that des- ignation. After spending forty-four years in the ministry, without asking for a supernumerary rela- tion even for one year, ** he ceased at once to work and live." His sudden death was of the most triumphant kind. The hallelujahs of eternity were on his lips e'er he was quite across the waters of Jordan. " Who would not wish to die like those Whom God's own Spirit deigns to bless; To sink into that soft repose, ,, , . Then wake to perfect happiness." , 1 ■ •> « -^jf'"^'.:' ■,\ -s-sae 6ft MEM0RtAI;9 OF REV. JAMES KNOWLAN. James Knowlan was bom in the year 1779. We have failed to learn any particulars respecting the time or circumstances connected with his conver- sion ; but we are assured of the professed fact in that he was recommended by the lay members of the Church, where he lived at the time, as a suitable can- didate for our ministry, examined by men of God, accepted and employed as a minister. After labor- ing in the good work for sixteen years, he was sent out as a missionary to the West Indies, thence to Nova Scotia and Canada, his firs^ oircuit being Mon- treal, where he remained three years. From thence he went to Three Rivers, St. Armand's, and Odell Town, where he discharged the duties of a Metho- dist preacher. For four years in succession he was Chairman of the Canada district, the whole work being comprised in one district at that time. In 1831 he was appointed to Westmoreland, N. B. Soon after this be became supernumerary. In 1834 he took up his residence in Halifax, N. S., where he remained until death. For a short pe- riod he was employed in Nova Scotia as a temper- WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 63 ance lecturer, but failing health induced him to re- tire from all public engagements. He was called to his final home on the 17th October, 1845, in the 66th year of his age, and 39th of his ministry. Mr. Knowlan possessed good natural abilities, which were improved by extensive reading and prayerful study. He understood Wesleyan Theol- ogy well, and was also thoroughly acquainted with the system of Wesleyaa Church Government. When he left Canada, in 1831, there were only nine Wesleyan Methoaist p/eachers in the whole country. Their names were as follows ; Matthew Lang, Richard Pope, Sup'y., Wm. Squire, J. P. Heatheringcon, Thomas Turner, John Hick, James Booth, Richard Williams, William E. Shenstone. Now there are more than 600 there. ft '* Jesus, thy servants bless, Who sent by Thee proclaim The peace and joy and righteousness, Experienced in Thy name." B. pe- [per- ■ ^y- .1 r ' . '^ . m GL MEMORIALS 0¥ m EEV. JOHN MANN. John Mann was born in New York, in 1743. While quite young his father died, leaving him to the care of his over-indulgent mother, who was pained to see him grow up a thoughtless, wicked young man. In his twenty-first year he married in a very respectable family, and commenced business. After a time, becoming embarrassed in trade, he left his family and went to Philadelphia. Here he was awakened to a sense of his lost condition as a sinner, under the preaching of the Rev. Mr. Stringer (Episcopalian), formerly a Methodist preacher in England. He forsook at once his sinful companions, and returned to New York ; and as his mother was a member of the Moravian Church, he sought and obtained fellowship there. But not finding the food his soul desired, and fre- quently hearing the preaching of Captain Webb, who described his case more clearlv, he left the Moravians and joined the Methodist Society. About this time the first preachers sent out by Mr. Wesley arrived at New York. Mr. Mann found peace with God while listening to a sermon preached by one of WESLEYAN MISSI0NAUIE8. 65 743. |m to was Icked ;d ill Iness. left he as a Mr. lodist his and ivian there, fre- 'ebb, h the Lbout 'esley with >ne of these preachers, the Rev. Mr. Boardman. He soon after this became a Class leader and Local preacher, exercising his gifts on Long Island and contiguous places. When the English preachers forsook New York at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, Mr. Mann kept the John Street Church open until a travelling preacher by the name of Spraig was sent from Philadelphia to take charge of it. At the conclusion of the war, he thought it his duty to take refuge within the British lines. Accordingly, with a number of others, he came in a vessel to Shelburne, N. S. At that time Shelburne con- tained a population of 10,000 or 12,000 persons. But it soon became almost depopulated, there being no surrounding country to sustain a town, and no prospect, because of abounding rocks, to make such a country. From his first landing Mr. Mann continued preaching the Gospel for some years, but, becoming straitened in his circumstances, with the advice of Captain Dean and other friends, he removed to Liv- erpool, where he was instrumental in winning many souls to Christ. But the people being either unable or unwilling, — as some are in our day to pay for a free Gospel, — to give him much assistance, he could not support his rising family in the place, and medi- tated a removal elsewhere. Yet in the midst of his 66 MEMORIALS OF worldly trials the Lord blessed hiin with a large measure of the spirit of holiness, especially on one occasion, while on a visit to "Windsor. Shortly- after this (1784), he, in company with his brother James and William Black, went to Philadelphia, where he was ordained both deacon and elder. After an absence of eight weeks, he returned to Liverpool, and thence, in a short time, to Newport, N. S., where he resided till death. Here he was the instrument of a glorious revival of religion, resulting in the formation of a Methodist Society numbering sixty members. Some of these, to the great grief of their pastor and spiritual father, after a time embraced Antinomian principles, and joined the New Lights, while others fell into open sin. The last few years of his life were full of troubles and 'iistresses of a domestic nature, " which some- times seemed to produce in him a degree of impa- tience. The loss of two daughters and a son-in- law, who were cut oit by an untimely stroke, appeared to prey upon his spirits, and in some de- gree to eclipse those bright discoveries of the perfect love of God to his soul with which he had been so highly favored." After he became a supernumerary, he continued to travel and preach in the region round about Newport as long as he could ride on horseback. But f*^" the last two years of hie life he WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 67 lone rtiy kher Ihia, Ider. to ^ort, Iwas ion, ^iety the ifter lined ibles )me- ipa- -in- loke, de- ;rfect jn so [rary, igion le on Ife he was confined to his house. He was visited by many friends during his prot'-acted illness, among others by the Rev. R. Alder, who was stationed in the neighborhood, iJnd who has testified to the unshaken confidence and rejoicing faith of Mr. Mann in his latest hours. 1 o his own son^ at that time a Class leader, he said, just before he died, " I have no fear of death; it is all taken away." Thus, happy in the Lord, died the Rev. John Mann, on the 26th February, 1817, in the 74th year of his age and 31st of his ministry. He had indeed preached the Gos- pel for forty-five years, but only thirty -one since his name appeared on the British Minutes of Con* ference. He was not what is generally called an eloquent preacher, yet he possessed a sound judgment and clear understanding. Sometimes he was very pow- erful, meriting the appellation, " Son of thunder." He was well acquainted with all the doctrines of Methodism, and was a great lover of Mr. Wesley's writings. He studied the Bible well, and thorough- ly understood the plan of salvation, quite as well, it is probable, as we do in this age of advanced Biblical exposition. In his sermons he generally confined himself to the plain doctrines, precepts, promises, and threatenings of the Sacred Volume, more anxious to save souls than to be thought an Intel- 68 MEMORIALS OF lectual preacher. He was a sincere Loyalist, and to the end remained an unflinching friend of the British Constitution. His example in this respect is worthy of our imitation to this day. REV. JAMES MANN. James Mann, a younger brother of the Kev. John Mann, a sketch of whose ministerial life has just been given, was born in 1750. He emigrated to the Province of Nova Scotia in the same year and for the same reasons that his brother did, and for a time taught school in Liverpool. It was while here that he experienced religion, and began to work for God. His talents for usefulness in the vineyard were soon apparent, and, being urged by the people of God, as well as by the Holy Spirit and the intimations of Providence, he gave himself up wholly to the work of the ministry. He was pro- bably the second person converted in Nova Scotia that became a Methodist preacher. He labored in word and doctrine in various parts of the Provinces, but chiefly in Nova Scotia, and \VESLE\AN MISSIONARIES. 69 |t, and )f the )ect is Rev. [fe has [grated le year fcr did, lit was began in the jged by krit and self up [is pro- Scotia IS parts bia, and especially in Liverpool, Shelburne, and Barrington. The results of his efforts are seen to this day in the number and inlluence of the adherents of Methodism these places. When the writer began his in itinerancy in these regions in 1846, there were largs communities where three-fourths of the people were Methodists. Mr. Mann performed more journeys on foot than perhaps any other Methodist preacher ever did in the Province of Nova Scotia. His principal home for the last few years of his life was Shelburne ; but as he was never married, and realized not the influ- ence of family ties, he felt at home wherever he was made welcome, even though the fare and fur- niture were of the plainest possible kind. There used to be an air of comfort and contentment in the log-house kitchen, with its smiling open fire, in those days of yore, that seldom finds its way into the richly-furnished parlor. I believe that if some of us had for one year to experience the hardships and exposure that brother Mann realized for a score of years, we would be able to write some very sen- sational articles for the Wesleyan. For thirty-three years he diligently and success- fully discharged the duties devolving upon a preacher of the Gospel. All his ministerial life was spent in the active duties of the ministry except one year 70 MEMORIALS OF His name appears on the Minutes for 1819 as a su- pernumerary, but he continued working till death. His oft-expressed desire was granted : ** O, that without a lingering groan I may the welcome word receive; My body with mj' charge lay down, And cease at once to work and live." He died in the vineyai'd, — not in the hospital. On Christmas-day, 1820, he conducted Divine Service in the morning, baptized some children, married a couple, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and crossed over Jordan's stream to the heavenly shore. A glorious termin- ation to a ministerial career ! This event took place at North East Harbor, about twenty miles from Shelburne. His mortal remains were,\however, conveyed to the last named place, and interred beneath the pulpit that is still occupied by Wesleyan Ministers. As a preacher Mr. Mann excelled. Being a fair scholar and of studious habits. He was well versed in theology. In the pulpit he was grave, devout, earnest and impressive. A rich vein of evangelical truth was discernible in all his sermons. Intent on bringing souls to God, he ever kept this in view in all his discourses. He had many opportunities for fire-side preaching, and they w ere well-improved. The necessity for similar work still remains. Alas, it is not always improved to the WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 71 su- ;ath. ll. divine idren, iment rdan's Irmln- best advantage ! He preserved to the end an un- blemished reputation, yet he had many a severe strug- gle with self and sin, for his natural temper was irritable ; but grace triumphed. He was apparently severe in denouncing what was wrong, — so was the Apostle John. We are in danger, in this age ofre- iinement, of going to the other extreme. Very few now attempt to persuade men as St. Paul did, by "the terror's of the Lord.^'* *' A Caeftar'g title less my envy moves, Than to be styled the man whom Jesus loves; What charms, what beauties in his face did shine Keilected ever from the face Divine 1 " REV. JOHN MARSHALL. John Marshall, a native of Peterborough, Eng- land, was born in 1787. He was a Methodist by second birth, — a Methodist minister by the will of God. He was sent out to the West Indies as a missionary in 1818, in the thirty-first year of his age. He temained but a short time there, in conse- quence of failing health. He came to Nova Scotia in 1820, where he spent thegreater portion of his min- 72 MEMORIALS OF isteiial life. Pie occupiecl some of ouv p'incipal cir- cuits in Ne-w Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. He was no! physically robust, yet capable for many years of performing well the duties of a true servant of God in connection with the ministry. Exceedingly grave in deportment, the result of a serious mind; he was gentle in disposition, but earnest in spirit. His tender- ness of conscience and open susceptibility ren- dered it difficult to avoid mental friction, when ass(. dating with brethren of impetuous tempera- ment and rougher piety ; but his deep devotion to God, and eminent heavenly-mindedness, enabled him to overcome this mental rather than morJ infirmity. He resented not even impertinence. Anger seemed to have no place in his soul. He reproved sinners when occasion required, but even the severest words were permeated with love. Very few men, lay or ministerial, were more worthy of the desirable designation, " Beloved disciple." Those circuits which were favored with his minis- trations delight lo speak of his eminent piety, holy ardor, and prayerful efforts to bring sinners to God, and to lead believers into the possession of scriptural holiness. His abilities as a preacher were above the ordinary. But it was the special unction from above that rendered his public and private WESLEYAN MtSSlONARIES. n m:^ fA ll cir- tland, )bust, \\ the with Iment, tie in ;nder- ren- when ipera- lion to labled morJ inence. He It even Very irthy of sciple." minis - ^ holy God, riptural above lunCtion private ministrations so edifying to the church. His sermon at the District meeting in Charlottetown in 1845, on sinners repenting and angels rejoicing, was much admired for its scriptural character, spiritual power, and Methodistic simplicity. No abler sermon was preached at that gathering. In 1848, the writer was placed under his super- intendence on the Newport and Maitland circuits, — • a wide range of country embracing now the greater portion oijive circuits. Our first interview in the study of the Mission house at Meander was hal- lowed by mutual prayer suggested by the Super- intendent. For t\yo years our ministerial inter- course was of the most happy, harmonious, and profitable character. He never neglected the good old Methodist custom of praying with his colleague, when about to separate. The recollection of those solemn and refreshing interviews awakens pleasing emotions to this day. Many years afterwards, when he became supernumerary, and the young man Superintendent of the Truro circuit, our religious fellowship was renewed. We then found him, though in feebleness extreme, the same devout, serious, and prayerful man of God. Unable to preach, yet he Uved not in vain. His holy life and fervent prayers were of great service to the cause of God. The former influenced his fellow men, the 4 74 MEM01UAI.8 OF latter brought down blessings from the gieat Mediator. Naturally timid and unobtrusive he was not forward in speaking of his own religious attain- ments or labors, yet never hesitated, when Christian prudence dictated, to glorify the Master in that way* *' I have constant peace with God," was his calm utterance at a love feast in Halifax, From the experience thus beautifully intimated we learn the principal secret of his power with God in prayer, and with men when in the pulpit. He was empha- tically a man of one book and one work. He lived to honor God, extend the Redeemer's kingdom, and do good to his fellow men, and by the grace of God accomplished them to a larger extent than is usual. Few men that we have known had so little of earthliness and so much of heaven as Mr. Marshall. He had his trials, but he bore them like a Christian. He had his infirmities, but they were not so prominent as to mar the symmetry of his spiritual character. We would not glory in men, but we would magnify the grace of God in giving us such men. His last illness was protracted and severe, yet he murmured not. Indeed, the whole of his supernumerary career, 13 years, was one of severe trial, because of inability for most of the time to take any part in ministrations of the sanctuary. Acquiescing in the will of God, he WESLEYAN MISSION ARIEH. 75 I eat ^as |\in- lian ray. ilm the the Iyer, >ha- lived lorn, le of m is little Mr. them they •y of ry in )d in lacted the was lost of )f the Id, he could ever say, ** For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." That gain he has been realizing since the 12th July, 1864. He peacefully departed in the 77th year of his age and the 46th of his min- istry. The writer has often read, >vith emotions known only to ministers, the suggestive and appro- priate inscription, " In Christ," on the marble head- stone of the grave at Lunenburg, where lie the mor- tal remains of the sainted John Marshall. ** G(k1 gives us ministers of love, Which we regard not, being near; Death takes them from us, then we feel TImt sinjjels havi) been with us here-'' 76 MEMORIALS OP REV. WILLIAM MARSHALL. William Makshall, a native of England, was bom in the year 1811. The particulars of his con- version we have not learned. He entered the min- istry in 1838, and was sent out as a missionary to Newfoundland in 1839. Appointed a visiting mis- sionary to the Western shore of that Island, he was made a great blessing to the destitute people. In many places religious pnvileges were unknown. The inhabitants were perishing for lack of knowledge. Many for the first time beheld in Mr. Maishall a minister of the Gospel. As a pioneer he was emi- nently successful in preparing the way of the Lord, as subsequent prosperity testifies. The privations he endured, and the exposure to wet and cold asso- ciated with boating, were too great for his physical ability. The seeds of early dissolution thus sown grew and matured. At Green Bay he also labored with great success. Multitudes were turned to God through his instru- mentality. Eminently holy, he could not be otherwise than useful. WR8I.EYAN MISSIONARIES. 77 was con- min- [ry to mis- was In 10 wn. [edge. lall a emi- .ovd, itions asso- lysical sown iccess. istru- A Christian of the noblest type, humble in dis- position, fervent in spirit, and active in the vineyard, we wonder not that he was greatly beloved of God and man. A popularity obtained by deep devotion to God, ardent love for souls, and unwavering at- tachment to truth, may be safely coveted by any minister. Brother Marshall enjoyed that popularity in a high degree. His memory is yet enshrined in the affections of the '^ple where he toiled. Sound and clear in the d" s of Methodism, and faithful in expounding ana <*pplying them ; firm, yet cau- tious, in defending them ; and, above all, daily interweaving them in the thread of life, we are led to conclude that Mr. Marshall was a model preacher. But holiness is no defence against physical weak- ness, especially if pure zeal constrains us to tax un- wisely the power God has given us. His career of usefulness soon ended He officiated at the watch- night service vvhich ushered in the year 1846, and in nine days after, in the 35th year of his age, and 8th of his ministry, he departed to be with Jesus, Twillingate graveyard contains the dust of this holj man. than 78 MEM0R1AT<8 OF REV. SAMUEL B. MARTIN. Samuel B. Martin, a native of Cornwall, Eng- land, came to this country when quite youtig. He experienced the convertinj^- grace of God in Char- lottetown, P. E. I., during the great revival which took place under the ministry of the Rev. F. Small- wood. After this, he soon began to work for his Lord and Master, impelled by the strongest of moral influences, — the love of Christ. For a time he discharged the duties of a hired local preacher on the Lunenburg circuit. From that circuit he was, in 1861, recommended to the Conference as a suita- ble candidate for the Wesleyan ministry. He pursued with zeal, energy, and success the important vocation on two circuits before his ordi- nation, — Musquodoboit Harbor and New Germany, —where he won the affections of the people, and accomplished much good. After his reception into the full work of the ministry, at the close of a year spent in the theological institution at Sackville, he occupied successively the followipg circuits : Nash- waak, N. B., Middle Musquodoboit, and Port Mou- ton. While at the last-named place, where he was being vejy successful in doing good, he was sad- WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 79 He lar- lich lalU his ioral he on [was, luita- the lordi- Uny, I, and into year Icj he lash- klou- was sud- denly prostrated hy affliction. Though short, it was very severe. But, in the midst of all, he was en- abled to say " Father, Thy will >)e done." The grace of God alone can enable the human being, in the prime of life, in the midst of usefulness, sur- rounded by a loving people, a devoted wife and children, to say with composure, " Farewell earth- welcome eternity." Brother Martin was a faithful worker in the cause of God. The honored instru- ment of bringing many sinners to Christ, he was greatly beloved wherever he labored. His success was the result of earnest, persevering toil, rather than of the exercise of brilliant talents. He was more remarkable i'or heart excellencies than for intellectual possessions. Yet he was not Avanting in any of those faculties of mind which, when governed by good sense and sound moral principle, fit a man for use- fulness in the Gospel vineyard. He was called to his heavenly home on the 28th October, 1871, in the tenth year of his ministry. His early death is admonitory to our youthful Conference. More than half the number of our efficient ministers now (1872) were not in our ranks when our departed brother b3came a member of the Conference. •• Forever from the hand that takes One blessing from us, others tall ; And soon or late our Father makes His perfect recompense for all." 80 MEMORIALS OF ■,!■: REV. WILLIAM McDONALD. William McDonald, of Scotch parentage, was born in the year 1801. Careless in youth respecting the things of God, he grew up to manhood before he sought an interest in Jesus' blood. He was first awakened by Divine truth under a sermon preached ai Quebec, on shipboard, by the now aged and ven- erable Father Pope, who lingers among us to preach the Gospel, and to interest his brethren by marvel- lous ministerial reminiscences, reaching back fifty- eight years. After many days and weeks of pun- gent conviction of sin, and earnest wrestling for mercy, he was visited by the light of God's coun- tenance, and became a rejoicing believer. As usual after conversion, he began to work for the Master, and exhibiting talents eminently adapted for useful- ness, he was providentially led into the ministry. It was manifest to all that he was in his right place in the Church of Christ. Coming to Nova Scotia in 1830, he travelled only three circuits until his work was done. Liverpool, where he was .greatly esteemed and beloved, was his last circuit. Here his health failed, and death severed the union be- tween body and spirit on the 16th March, 1834. WE3LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 81 was Icting lefore first iched ven- ireach irvel- fifty- pun- [g ^or Icoun- usual [aster, liseful- pstry. place I Scotia Itil his greatly Here )n be- 1834. Great disappointment was felt in all the churches at his early dea1:h, for he gave unusual promise of re- markable usefulness. His preaching talents were of the first order. Naturally eloquent, full of well- balanced zeal, and intent on saving' sinners, his short ministry was not in vain. With a commanding ap- pearance, capacious, pleasing voice, large intellect, and warm heart, he was eminently adapted, not only to win popular applause, but to accomplish much good. But the Master thought best to remove him from the midst of earthly admirers, and to allow the work to be carried forward by other hands and hearts. We are slow to believe, and perhaps disinclined to think of, the fact that God can do without us. And, in all probability, could we see the future as God sees it, we would say oftener than we do, ^' Taken from the evil to come." Some very talented minis- ters have lived to pass through such scenes of temp- tation and personal trial, as doubtless often to wish that they had been called to the l^eavenly home, at an early period in their ministerial career, i ,h :' Waiting the Master's calling, To hence remove or stay, J ;\'. v " Come now," was not appalling; He gladly went away ; , ... Happy on earth in preacliing, The wondrous lore of God; ' .; :^ .! Still happier on retching. • ' His Father's bright abode. . t'lte-' *'• ■• ' '^w Vj?»f v'- • ■ By most diligent attention to study he became v/ell acquainted not only with theology, but with various branche s of scientific enquiry, especially geology. Some of his published articles on this latter subject were quite respectable productions. His attainments in divinity were pleasingly exhi- bited in a small volume of sketches of sermons. They were, however, very limited in their circula- tion. Writings of that kind, unless displaying J 88 MEM0R1AI.S OF remarkable genius or eccentricity, will not be popular in this age of the world. The writer had an opportunity of examining, in manuscript, a commentary on the Book of Revelation, which he contemplated publishing. Though well rrranged, and displaying much thought and care, it would probably have been about as useless and unpopular as more than half the writings of divines on that prophetic portion of the New Testament. The Providence of God is the best expounder of that book. Mr. McKinnon's piety was of the most earnest type. His preaching was argumentative, persuasive, forcible, and evangelical. He crowded into the nine years of his ministry an unusual amount of work for the blessed Master. His mind was frequently so absorbed with the great themes of the Christian ministry that he seemed almost to lose sight of the outer world Often in the family and social circle he was somewhat absent-minded, but never so when the congenial th^imes of experimental religion were topics of conversation. His labors were expended chiefly on the Guysboro', Bedeque, Middle Mus- quodoboit, and Shelburne circuits. On the last named he sank into the arms of death ; a prey to consumption. Full of fidth and the Holy Ghost, he cJieerfuUy bade adieu to a beloved wife and two WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 89 be Ihad a he ced, huld ular that Tlie that children, assured that to die would be gain. The " home of the soul " was reached on the 26th March, 186!ii. Mingling with the saints in glory, Pondering o'er redemption's story, Adding to his mental store; Adoration his employment. Seeing Jesus his enjoyment; Safe and happy evermore. EEV. SAMUEL McMASTERS. Samuel McM asters was born in Nova Scotia in 1806. He entered the itinerant ranks in 1836, and commenced with great earnestness of mind and phy- sical vigor the work of a Methodisl preaclier. His early eftbrts awakened in the minds of Viis bretlireu pleasing anticipations of usefulness for a long period. A few years only v as he permitted to pursue the heavenly calling. On the Petitcodiac and Sussex Vale circuits he gave proof that he had not run before he was sent by the Divine Master. After is*- V A 90 MEMORIALH OF this he was appointed assistant preacher at Frederic- ton, undeV the superintendence? of the Rev. S. Busby. His labors were confined chiefly to the country parts, especially Nashwaak, where his earthly career terminated. He had been laboring very hard, and while travelling took a sevei*e cold which, ere he had reached his home, resulted in a violent fever He was completely prostrated at once During his illness, which was not protracted, he gave to Mr. Busby and others comforting evidence of the posses- sion of that grace which enables the believer to look death in the face without dismay. When visited by Mr. Rice (now Dr. Rice of Ontario), he informed him that he had been flivored Avith a delightful revelation of the love of God, so that for some time he lay exulting in the manifestations of the Divine fa>or. With composure he conversed with his wife, — to whom he had been married but one year — respecting his speedy departure, and in reference to his worldly matters. Not many hours before his death he said to Mr. Busby, " The love of God to me is inexpressible, it is like the rain coming down from heaven to my soul." To the last he exhorted his friends to press onward in the way of holiness. On Thursday, October 6, 1842, in the 36th year of his age and sixth of his ministry, he departed to be " forever with the Lord." WE8LEYAN MISSlONAl^IKS. 91 lic- h- vy ler Ind Ihe rer Ihis Ar. |;es- |)ok '>y ked Iful ime dne his ir — to his to )wn irted ICSS. ir of be Mr. McMasters was a faithful dispenser of God's "Word. He loved the work, hence threw into it all the energies of his strong nature. Though brief, his ministry was not in vain. His crown will not be starless. In a funeral sermon by the Rev. G. Johnson, occasioned by the death of two ministers within two months — the Rev. P. Sleep and the bro- ther of whom we write — his remarks on the minis- terial character of each are worthy of implicit confi- dence, because of his acquaintance with them. In using his words I give the singular instead of the plural number : ; " • "Mr. McMasters as a mn7i possessed a sound, healthy constitution, vigorous mind, simplicity of manners and inflexible integrity. As a Ohi'lsticnif his conversion was clear and spiritual, his piety deep and unassuming, and his liie was one of devotion and consecration to the service of God. As a min- ister he was called of God to preach the Gospel, was well acquainted with the great fundamental doctrines of the Bible ; delivered the truth as it is in Jesus, with clearness, zeal, ability and success ; was emi- nently owned of God, and ceased at once to work and live. As a fellow-laborer, he was kind and obliging, ever laboring with his colleagues as mem- bers of one great family, whose? business it was to contribute to the peace, order, and happiness of the whole." -r . ^ ,z-.:- The less of this devoted servant of God from the MTM .o.7*^>^^|. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) /. €/., V ^ .^ >° WJ'.. ,**' .'^<' . /,. 7 ^e. %. t ». Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 1 ip< 92 MEMORIALS OF New Brunswick District was severely felt at the time, owing to the scarcity of ministers. But the Lord removes from and calls into the harvest according to His own will, which is always right. It is ours to submit, not to murmur. Thy gifts if we may not detiiin, Abide with us Life-giver : Our brethren we shall meet again Beyond time's flowing river; There shall the " whole family" remain** In joy and peace forever. 1i: REV. ARTHUR McNUTT. Arthur McNutt was born at Shelburne, Nova Scotia, in the year 1795. He experienced religion in his twelfth year, but afterwards declined some- what from the path of duty, and lost his first love. He remained for some years in this lukewarm con- dition, until, during a gracious revival of religion in Liverpool, he realized a large baptism of the Holy Spirit, which constrained him to begin at once to exhort his fellow sinners to repent and seek salva- tion The Lord graciously owned his labors, caus- m WESLEIAN MISSIONARIES. 9S the It the rvest right. iNova ligion some- love, con- ion in Holy ice to Isalva- caus- ing him to rejoice in the conversion of many souls through his instrumentality. It thus became evi- dent to all who were interested in the cause of God that the ministry was his proper calling. After ex- ercising his gifts, for some considerable time, as an itinerating local preacher, he was duly received into the ranks of the regular ministry, and appointed to a circuit in 1828. He was among the earliest na- tive preachers, if not the first, in this 'Province. Nearly all our first preachers were from Great Bri- tain. But Methodism, in its operations, is always successful in obtaining a supply for the ministry from its members, class leaders and exhorters. So largely is this case that at present our Conference is chie% composed of men born in these Colonies, when the writer entered the work in 1846, a large majority of our ministers were from the Mother Country. It is not so at present; only a few of these veterans remain. Mr. McXutt entered upon his ministeral duties with humbling views of his abilities for the great work. His aim was to glorify God in being an instrument in His hands for the salvation of sinners, assured, from the teaching of the Divine Word, that efforts, however humble, put forth in Jesus* name, would be crowned with success, and that success be made known to the planter and the 94 MEMORIALS OF II m waterer, in such a manner as to cause them to feel that their labor was not in vain i the Lord. Multitudes in various portions of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, still lingering on the shores of time, have cause to bless the Lord that they ever heai'd the voice, and greeted the noble form of Arthur McNutt. Truly, he had souls for his hire ; and in some places not much else. But a genuine Gospel minister would rather have the souls with scanty fare, than abundance without them. Both are desirable. And when the Chui-ch does its duty, as promptly as God does his, both will contribute to the faithful minister's enjoyment. There was about this brother a Christian manli- ness and frankness that greatly endeared him to all who were favored with his acquaintance. His deep- toned voice, ardent piety, powerful prayers, and scripture quotations rendered his public services and discourses awakening, impressive, and comforting. As he desii-ed and sought after practical results, his sermons were permeated with evangelical truth. 7 [ere full of plain experimental ideas than of pro- fovmd metaphysical thought, he was more anxious to do good than to become an adept at splitting theolo- gical hairs. High toned in moral principle, he ab- horred evil in all its forms. Nor was he slow to reprove and exhort when occasion required. Oir- iVESLKYA N MISSIONARIES. 95 feel 5Cotia Ires of ever im of Ihire ; luine with I Both jduty, ite to lanli- to all Ideep- I, and Is and Irting. js, his truth, pro- ms to lieolo- le ab- low to Cir- cumspect, cautious, noble-minded, conscientious, and deeply devoted to God, we are not surprised that he was eminently useful. During the five years of his supernumerary life, he was not inactive, but endea- vored in every possible way to advance the cause of Christ. He died, as he lived, happy in the Lord. Just before his departure, he exclaimed, '' The star of Bethlehem shines on me now." Thus he passed away in the 68th year of his age, and 35th year of his ministry, May 12th, 1864. His mortal remains rests in the cemetery at Halifax, awaiting the resur- rection of the just. " Tl)o real nobility of birth To pge, maturity, or youth, The very crown of creature worth, Is easy, guileless, open truth." REV. GEORGE MILLAR George Millar was born in Ireland, in 1788, of parents who were descendants of the Palp^-aes, German Protestants, who settled in the county of Limerick in 1709. Many of these people were converted to God under the preaching of the Rev. John Wesley, in connection with his early visits to mi- If 96 MEMORIALS OP iH Ireland. Some of them emigrated from Ireland to New York in 1766, and were instrumental in estab* lishing the Methodist Church in America. Mr. Millar's father was among the first to receive Mr. Wesley and his coadjutors into his house. The Lord blessed with spiritual prosperity the families which thus, in the face of vi olent persecution, ad- mitted to their circles these eminent preachers of the Gospel. Brother Millar early in life experienced that change of heart, and witness of adoption into the family of God, without which no man is ever called by the Holy Ghost into the work and office of the ministry. The influence of the grace thus received urged him to work for his Divine Master, first as a class leader, then as a Local preacher, — the ordinary curriculum of study and preparation in those days for a Methodist preacher. Admirable prepai'ation — just as necessary now as it was then. True, it affixed no A. B. or D. D. to the name ; but the honor of greatest importance was always realized by the faithful servants of Christ, even the honor that Cometh from God. When a Local preacher, Mr. Millar emigrated to Nova Scotia, an'd shortly after, in 1817, entered the itinerant ranks. In those days ministers were truly itinerants. Some circuits embraced scores of miles, scattered settlements and bad roads, not suitable for id to 4tab' ^elve The lilies nd- If the Uced into ever ice of jived as a [inary days Ion — le, it onor the that led to jdthe truly dies, ile for "WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 97 carriage travelling, and if they had been so, there were in many places neither carriages nor horses. Mr. Millar, fearless of danger or toil, girded on the armor, and went forth throughout these Provinces, proclaiming with energy, fidelity, and less or more success, the everlasting Gospel. He possessed a superior mind, — • this, with a retentive memory well exercised, made him familiar with truth and error from a variety of sources. His sermons were well arranged, and carefully studied and pre- pared. Hence they abounded with Ic^cal argu ments, earnest appeals, and striking illustrations frequently drawn from the sublime science of astro nomy. He did not bring " unbeaten oil " into the sanctuary. And he was too diligent and high-toned in moral principle to be a servile plagiarist. If he borrowed thought from others, as all ministers do, he expressed it in language of his own, which all preachers do not. The central truth of the Christian system, the atonement, always had due prominence given it in his preaching. His published sermon on that subject, in the Provincial Magazine for 1842, indicates great grasp of thought, and sound theological views. It is also elevated in its style, felicitous in its illustrations, and adapted to do good. He rightly divided the word of truth. After becoming a supernumerary he endeared himself to many friends at Bridgetown by his social 6 * % m MBltfORIAtS Ot' and domestic virtues. Deeply interested in Zion*i» welfare, he not only prayed, but to the utmost of his strength labored for its prosperity. No bigot, he" rejoiced in the progress of truth outside the circle of his beloved Methddism.^ In fa«t he was too good ai^ Methodist to be a bigot.' As age advanced, infirmi- ties increased, until the last affliction came. But this did not shake his confidence in God, or dry up the fountain of joy. " I have a house above," were among his last words. In a joyous state of mind he crossed " the narrow stream of death," on the 14th July, 1869, in the 81st year of his age, and 5^nd of his ministry. When the tabernacle fell into rttinous (Jecay, The longing spirit hastened gladly from the house of clay To the more congenial clime, where the spirits of the just Watt in never finding prttne tor the unforgotteh dust. i' il lit M '3T"t ■MA I REV. WILLIAM MURRAY. William Murray, a native of Barnard Castle, England, was born in the year 1800. He became a subject of saving grace in early life, and devoted himself to the work of preaching. He came to this country and entered the ministry in 1825. His first circuit, according to the stations in the Missionary Report, was Westmoreland and Petitcodiac, under the superintendence of the Rev. S. Bamford. After WESl.KVA'S nV. ilONATlIES. 99 lon'sf his I, he- le of rmi- IBut up rere lind the? and lay lust ili istle, jame roted this first ^nary Inder iter tins he occupied in regular succession the following circuits: — Annapolis, Digby, St. Stephen, Sussex Vale, Petitcodiac again, Bathurst, and Sheffield. In 1834 Newfoundland became the scene of his laborR. He had, however, travelled only two circuits there, when his health «o failed as to obHge ham to desist from the work. From his last station. Port de Grave, he sought a restoration of his health by returning to the place of his birth, and from thence to the West Indies — but all in vain. His energies were pros- trated and cotild not he rejuvenated. His name appears among the supernumeraries at St. John, N. B., from the year 1837 until his death in 1840. He was a man of great watchfulness and prayer ; •ever intent on doing good, a lover of truth and right, jealous for the honor of God, and anxious to extend the influences of MethoiHsna, believing it to be a special work of God for the salvation of men. His afflictions were protracted and severe. In the midst of great physical suffering he was called to endure intense mental grief in the death of his beloved wife. But he was graciously sustained. To several of his biaethren he gave most satisfactory evidence of a well grounded hope in the Divine Redeemer. His trials were exchanged for the en- joyments of Paradise on the 16th January, 1840. " I.et cares like a wild deluge coiriye, And storms of sorrow foU^ JMay -l but safely reach iiiy home. My CtOii, my Ilenven, my All." 100 MRMORIAIJ or !!' l^ ^ fe EE\. WILLIAM S. SHENSTONK Among the forty-three ministers who have died within the bounds of our Conference since 1816, the mcst youthful in years and ministerial standing was the Rev William S. Shenstone. He was born at Three Rivers, Canada East, in the year 1838, and was the son of one of our early missionaries, who still lingers on the shores of time, waiting with patience, among his brethren in Newfoundland, for the welcome word to call him away to the enjoy- ments and employment of his sainted son in the heavenly countiy. Few men have had a son more amiable and pro- mising. Seriously inclined from his youth, yet he needed " the washing of regeneration, and renew- ing of the Holy Ghost." This he realized in his sixteenth yeai', and in four years after entered our ministerial enclosure. Well equipped he went forth as a soldier of the cross, to do service for Jesus in this revolted Province of the Most High. The labors of his third circuit had only commenced, when he was called to exchange the delightful yet aiduous work of the Gospel vineyard for the furnace of afflic- tion. But he found, according to the Divine word, " grace to help in time of need." His sickness was brief, — not more than three weeks in duration. T'he WESLEYAM MISSIONARIES. 101 IE. died 1816, inding born >8, and }, who with id, for I enjoy- in the |d pro- ret he j-enew- lin his bd our It forth psus in The ,when |:duous afflic- , word> Iss was 'Ihe loving presence of God was with him to the end, enabling him to rejoice even in the " swellings of Jordan." He went home in the triumphs of faith, from the shores of Newfoundland, on the Slst August, 1861, in the 25th year of his age, and 4th of his ministry. His well-developed natural abilities rendered his services as a preacher very acceptable. The circuits of Bonavista and Carbonear testify to this effect He was greatly beloved by the people, and fond hopes were cherished that he would make an ex- ceedingly useful minister of Christ. Thoughtful and studious, he was not content to survey merely the surface of truth, but sought to penetrate the inner world of human thought, that he might bring out of the treasury, in accordance with the will of the Master, " things new and old.*' No book fs so full of useful and profound thought as the Bible, and no man so fit to explore it as the devout Chris- tian. The pleasing anticipations of the parents were not fully realized in reference to this young man s earthly career. But they with him were enabled to say, " the will of the Lord be done." '' Blest hour when righteous souls shall meet. Shall meet to part no more ; And with celestial welcome greet, On an iiuinortal shore : Each tender tie dissolved with pain With endless bliss is crowned, All that was dead revives again, All that was lost is found.** lOS MEMORIALS OF !■• REV. PE lER SLEEP. Pbtbr Sleep was born in England in 1804. He experienced religion there, and for some time dis- charged the duties of a Local preacher. Shortly after he came to this country he entered the itin- erant work, which he performed as diligently and earnestly as his not robust constitution would allow* His first circuit (1835) was St. Stephen and St. David,— both places were then embraced in one circuit. Next year we find his name on the minutes for Bathurst. rhe next and three following years he was at Bridgetown and Aylesford, under the super- intendence of the Rev. William Temple. In 1840 he became a visiting missionaiy for the New Bruns- wick District. His next circuit was Sussex Vale. His labors closed while on the Petitcodiac station. His last illness was short,, but very painful. In its midst he realized largely the consolations of Divine grace. A day or two before his death he dictated the following letter to a brother minister : — " Dbar Brother Woop>— I am now lingering on my beJ of suffering, the effects of acute inflammation in the 8ton>aek ; and in a few hours I ex- pect to be an inhabitant of another world 1 was favored yesterday morning u'ith sueh a proof of my interest in Jesus that leads me to hope that I shall soon be witli Him." He departed peacefully from a dilapidated house to the " building not made with hauds^" on the Bxh WESLETAM MIS8IONAU1E8. 108 He Idis- rtly Itin- and low* St. one lutes rshe per- 1840 luns- ale. tion. its Ivine ited day of August. 184^, in the d8th year of his age^ and eighth of his ministry. Mr. Sleep was a ve^.^ holy man. Not famed as a profound thinker, or very eloquent preacher ; yet he was the means of bringing many sinners to God. An unusual amount of awakening and sanctifying power attended his pulpit ministrations. He took an active part in some of the first protracted meet- ings in the Provinces. The living fruits of his devout ministry are still found among us, though the greater number, like himself, have gone to try the realities of eternity. All along the valley of Anna- polis the name of Poster Sleep, among the more aged members of our church, is still fragrant with sacred memories of times of refreshing connected with his ministry. It is also probably the same wherever he labored, but we speak that which we know. — •• Can that man be dead Whose spirilual influence is upon his kind? He lives in glory ; and his speaking dust Has more of life than half its breathing moulds." its of 11 ex- Ivor eti IJcsus to use 8tU REV. WILLIAM SMITHSON. William Smithson was a native of Yorkshire, England, and began his earthly career in 1797, He sought and obtained the fovor of God when nine- teen years of age. Shortly afterwards he began to 104 MEMORIALS OP M m pr-'i- exhort sinners to seek the Lord. Having given satisfactory proof of his call to the ministry while exercising his talents as a Local preacher, he was in 1825 received as a candidate into the ranks of the itinerants. After laboring fcT a time in the Shet- land Islands, he was sent out as a Missionary to New Brunswick. From that time, 1827, to the end of life on earth, he discharged with great efficiency the duties of a Methodist preacher in these colonies. Most of his ministerial life was spent in New Bruns- wick* He occupied successively at least ten circuits in what was then the New Brunswick District ; some of them the second time. Hie last circuit was New- port, N. S. He became a supernumeraiy in 1865> and took up his residence at Fredericton. He still toiled in the vineyard to the utmost of his ability. Activity was more congenial to his mind than rest. He was employed in the work he loved so well until his latest hour. His last public exercises were at a prayer meeting in the Wesleyan church. He had just closed the service in the usual way, and, while in the act of put .ing on his overcoat, was seized with paralysis, never spake again, and died the next morrmg. Thus gloriously went home to God, the amiable, earnest, pious, and useful William Smith- son, in the 69th year of his age, and 4 1st of his ministry. The minutes of Conference for 1866, in a brief WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 106 iveh rhile in the ghet- to end mcy Inies. [uns- Icuits jome [ew- I865i still fility. rest. I until at a had rhile with next [, the lith- >f his brief record respecting his ministerial character, state that f* He was eminently distinguished for catholicity of spirit, for great singleness of purpose, and for un- wearied zeal in the cause of God." His energetic mind influenced not only his speech, but all his movements. He was full of Methodistic, Yorkshire fire, yet gentle, sympathizing, and Christ-like. A good specimen of Christian cheerfulness ; morose- ness and grumbling found no place within the circle of his soul's genial influence. He was not puflSsd up, but conscious of many imperfections, as his utterances at Conference Love feasts testiiftcd ; but he was more intent on looking to Jesus than in look- ing at himself. The popularity of some of his brethren did not awaken feelings of jealousy in his mind. He rejoiced in the conversion of sinners, and the edification of behevers, thi'ough any instru- mentality ; regarding ever the instrument as of less import mce than the work effected. His sermons, though not remarkable for enchant- ing displays of rhetoric, or profound intellectual creations of thought, were rich in experimental and practical ideas, well adapted to promote the objects contemplated by every Gospel minister. They were not mere skeletons, but well clothed with meat, and, when digested, were found to abound with the mar- row of the Gospel. He attended well to the interests of his circuits, 106 MEMORIAIiS OF and sometimes, when officials neglected their duty in gathering the tithes, he submitted reluctantly to perform the work himself. This is an imposition on any minister. Yet many must do it, or suffer serious inconvenience. There was much truth as well as humor, and also useful lessons for some of our people, in an anecdote that went the rounds of religious papers not long since. A minister in the States, whose people inti- mated to him that they were about to raise his salary from four hundred to five hundred dollars, objected to the proposal, giving as his reason that, as he was in the habit of collecting his own salary, judging from past difficulties in so doing, he feaied that to collect an additional hundred dollars would kill hiLi outright. *' Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, The Christian's native air, His watchword at the gates of deaths He enterg Heaven with prayer." i !»; REV. WILLIAM SMITH. William Smith was born in Bingham, Notting- hamshire, England, in 1801. In early life fatherless, yet he was cared for by a truly excellent mother, who not only sought after his physical and intellec- tual welfare, but endeavored to instil into his open - *ng mind the great truths of the Bible bearing on WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 107 self-respect, virtuous thought, and religious fidelity. Nor were her prayerful efforts m vain. She expect- ed and realized the fulfilment of the gracious prom- ise of Jehovah to faithful parents, " I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy off- spring." While yet in the years of boyhood he was brought into fellowship with the Redeemer, and with the Wesleyan branch of His Church. Very studi- ous and successful in acquiring knowledge, he began to exercise his gifts, in connection with the church of his choice, to the profit and satisfaction of those who came within the range of his influence. In the usual way accepted as a candidate for the min- istry, and willing to be employed wherever sent, he was appointed as a missionary to Nova Scotia in 1827. In these Provinces for 36 years he travelled some of our most important circuits, and filled our pulpits with acceptance and spiritual profit. He was a profound thinker ; most extensive, yet careful reader, and an able theologian. At first sight to a stranger there was nothing about him very prepos- sessing as regards outward appearance, but even a slight acquaintance would impress the mind of an intelligent man with the fact that his mental nature was of a superior order, and that his attainments in general knowledge were more than ordinary. "We have rarely met with any who excelled him in quot- ing correctly the words of Scripture. Though con- 108 MEMORlATii OF I, ! m i 1 ■Ki; versant with many books, he was, as every preacher should be, more familiar with the Bible. His ser- mons, well studied, were good specimens of evan- gelical preaching, not brilliant oratorical flourishes and sentimental phrases, out luminous with rays of truth from the Sun of Righteousness. And yet, be- cause of a somewhat defective delivery, they were not as attractive or popular as those of some men of smaller mental calibre, but more abundant words. At the United District Meeting at Sackville, in 1847, Mr. Smith preached before many of his brethren, in a large room of the Academy, a powerful sermon from the text " For God hath not appointed us to wrath, &c." That sermon was blessed, we had rea- son to believe, to the conversion of at least one soul, — a rare occurrence (I regret to say) at our minis- terial convocations. Some men have the faculty of exhibiting their mental possessions to the best advantage ; they shine with a very little light, their knowledge comes very rapidly from even the depths of their natures, as it has but a 6hort distance to travel. They are speed- ily known and read of all men. Soon exhaused, the supply is kept up by careless plagiarism, or wearisome repetition. Mr. Smith was not one of this kind ; in him there was more hidden than revealed. He was well acquainted with human nature, and with experimental godliness. His WESLEY AN MISSIONARIES. 109 3her ser- fcvan- bshes lysof t,be- Iwere men lords. l847, fn, in rmon IS to rea- I soul, linis- prayers indicated his fellowship with God. Many of these remarkable outpourings of soul will long be remembered with gratitude to God. Some men probably accomplish more upon their kiiees than in any other attitude. These, however, do not gen- erally receive on earth thhip and «ure incident on long journeys was too much for his not robust constitution. He was compelled to become a supernumerary, and before the year had closed his earthly career was ended. In the pulpit brother SutclifFe was not as ener- getic as some preachers, but his sermons were freighted with sound Methodist doctrine, quite in accordance with New Testament theology. He was rather a good sermonizer, — more practical than the- oretical, — ^more pointed than welcome sometimes, — more substance than fancy, he aimed to please God, not to tickle the ears of his hearers with witty say- ings. In fine, there was too much of the old Metho- dist style in his sermons to elicit popular applause in our day. Less fond of complaining than some who have less cause to do so, he persued the even tenor of his way amid many discouragements. His last illness was very painful and protracted. But in all u© acquiesced in the Divine will, and a short time be- fore his death, intimated that he was happy in the love of God. He passed away to the " land of rest," on Sept. 30th, 1867, in the 55th year of his age, and tenth cf his ministry. ** Earth's pleasures and sorrows forever farewell* I hasten vrith Jeeus and angels to dvecU. ' LPO 118 MBMORlAT.fi OF m >||«B IB ■ fl^^^pl If WSm REV. ALFRED W. TURNER Alfred W. Tuhner, son of the Rev. George Turner of England, was born in the year 1838. His parents being Wesleyanc he was given early to God in baptism, nnd by subsequent training devoted to His blessed service. When quite youthful his ardent thirst fur knowledge was largely gratified by the superior advantages of Woodhouse Grove school, where he studied for seven years, the last year of the 8ev<^n being gra.itcd because of the high moral position be attained, and for diligence and success in literary studies. The beneficial results of the wise training there received were pleasingly manifested duiing the whole period of his life on earth. Hav- ing tasted that the Lord is gracious, he was divinely prompted to publish that grace to his fellow men. Recommended to thio Conference by the Ne\vfound- land district, he became a candidate for our work in the 22nd year of his age. Having honorably passed through the probationary years, he was ordained at Sackville in 1864. He discharged the onerous and responsible duties of the ministry with great accept- ance in Trinity, Exploits, and St. John's, Newfound- land, when he was appointed to Halifax, South. Here it soon became evident to all that he was a WRSLETAN MISSICNARIE3. 119 jorge [838. [ly to roted ilhis jdbv [hool, ;ar of loral jss in wise fested Hav- ^inely voten. >und- )rk ill )assed bed at IS and jcept- [bund- Eouth. was a worlcman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word ,of truth. To the Sabbath school he devoted special and prayerful attention, ever impressed with the import- ance of that department of chiistian effort. His addresses there, as well as sermons generally, were models of neatness, beautiful in diction, well steeped in prayer, and pei'n^eated with Gospel truth. They were remarkable, not for startling out-bursts of elo- quence, but for their vehement simplicity. One regret only was felt in listening to his well arranged thoughts and unctuous sentences, — the evident weakness of his vocal powers,. The tax necessarily laid upon his voice by the large churches of Halifax was too much for his consumptive nature. He soon fell a victim to pulmonary disease. Brother Turner possessed an unusually well- balanced and fertile mind, stored with various know- ledge of nature and human nature. Yet he was very unassuming and docile. Great minds, well cultured, generally make less noise and preten- sions to greatness than those of superficial attain- ments. In order to know and appreciate the vari- ous excellencies of his mental and moral nature, intimate acquaintance was necessary. His domestic enclosure was a happy place, because of the con- stant and pervading influence of a high-toned piety. No acidity of temper soured the sweetness of the m 120 MEMORlA}^ OP m home circle. The voice of his actions, nerer im- paired by serious defect, proclaimed more loudly than his voice in the pulpit the power of saving gmce. Like his sermons, his whole character was beautifully symmetrical. For the last eighteen months of his life he suffered much, but was kept in perfect peace. He died as he lived, in the favor of God, a sinner saved by grace, in the 33rd year of his age ana eleventh of his ministry. Too fragile for the autumnal blast) Or piercing cold of winter ; Beyond the climes of earth he passed, The heavenly home to enter. Not sickly there, robust and strong, With spiritual endowments ; Few louder sing redemption's song, Or drink in more enjoyments. REV. WILLIAM WEBB. William Webb, from England, in early life experienced the converting grace of God. Under the influence of the Spirit, which he received when adopted into the family of God, he was not only enabled tocry, Abbi, Father, but powerfully convinced that he ought to cry to the fallen race of man, ** Come to the living waters, come," he found his way, not by nature, but by impelling grace to thti sacred desk. He was sent out as a Missionary tlr WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 121 life ider lived not rally le of )und je to Inary to Nova Scotia in 1827, and attended to his minis- terial duties with commendable zeal and encourag- ing success. He travelled many circuits in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, and P. E. Island, and often witnessed great revivals in the course of his ministry, — the best evidence, doubtless, of being in the line of apostolical succession. " The seal of mine apostle- ship are ye in the Lord." Perhaps in no place where he travelled was there a more genuine and extensive work of God than on the Lunenburg cir- cuit in 1841 and 1842. The results of that glo- rious revival are still seen in the membership of our church in that region of country. Many, however, have gone to the heavenly home to greet once more the instrument of their salvation. His name is still dear to many in that circuit. His faithful ministry extended over a period of twenty years, when he was stricken down with disease, while yet in the possession of all the energies of manhood. This occurrec^; while he occupied the Charlottetown cir- cuit. Happy in *the prospect of death, he was enabled to say with unwavering confidence, " I am standing on the rock ; I have not believed in cun- ningly devised fables ; but I feel the power of the Lord." This testimony he gave in the presence of a clergyman of the Church of England, his iVIetho- dist brethren being absent, attending a United Dis- trict Meeting at Sackville, N. B. While his dear 6 # 122 MEMORIAl^ or i ■ ones and pious friends were in prayer commending him to God, he gently fell asleep in Jesus. This occurred July 4th, 1847, in the 44th year of his age, and 20th of his ministry. His moral excellencies were many, — not without, but in connection with the exercise of living faith in the Divine Redeemer. There are no morals like those which spring from faith in Jesus. He was a true friend, cheerful Christian, kind husband, affec- tionate father, devoted pastor, and an excellent preacher, as the writer can testify from experience. Memory yet retains with distinctness the leading truths embodied in a sermon he preached at Amherst, on Paul's reasoning before Felix. It was a most impressive, searching, and earnest discourse. Preach- ing like that cannot be in vain. It is not often we behold, even in the ministry, a man of so many in- tellectual ttnd official virtues. Affiible in conversa- tion, with a genial disposition, serious manner, and intent on doing good, we are not surprised to learn that he was greatly beloved by his .own people, and highly esteemed as a man and a Christian minister by other denominations. He intelligently sought to advance the interests of Methodism, assured that it was the work of God in the earth, pre-eminently adapted to spread scriptural holiness over the land. He strongly denounced those Antinomian errors that ive still doing much mischief in the churches. '1 he WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 123 necessity of continuance in sin is heard in many pulpits in our day. Our departed brother dehghted in presenting before his hearers the truthful doctrine of a present^ free, and full salvation. EEV JESSE WHEELOCK. Je^«se Wheelock was a native of Nova Scotia, and born in Annapolis county on the 15th Septr., 1811. Having lost his father when quite young, he was carefully watched over with tender sohcitude by a kind mother. In his seventeenth ye ir he left home to reside with a brother at Bridgetown. Shortly after he became a teacher in the Wesleyan Sabbath-school. It was in connection with the duties of that office that he became solemnly im- pressed with the necessity of experimental religion. Soon were his footsteps directed to a class meeting, where he found that others had been influenced as he was, with a sense of sin and an ardent desire for salvation. For months he continued a seeker. But in 1832, while at Aylesford, he obtained a clear evidence of his acceptance with God. Following the leadings of the Divine Spirit, he began to assist lU MEMORIALS OF in holding meetings for prayer and exhortation. While thus engaged his convictions became strong and abiding that the Head of the Church desired him to give himself wholly to the work of the min- istry. In 1836 he was led providentially to Liver- pool, N. S., and became associated with that devoted man of God, the Rev. Matthew Cranswick. He had not been long preaching when, becoming con- vinced that the doctrine of entire sanctification, as preached by the Methodists, was the doctrine of the New Testament, he earnestly sought, and by faith obtained, this pearl of great price. After this, in Shubenacadie and Truro, he pursued with great diligence and success the work he loved more than life. But soon his health began to fail, and his friendt advised him to try for a time a residence in a tropical climate. Accordingly he embarked at Halifax for Grenada on the 27th December, 1838. He reached the Island after a prosperous voyage, and remained there until the 10th April following, when he returned to his native land. His health had so much improved that it was thought he might again enter upon circuit work. He was forthwith appointed to the beautiful ana flourishing town of Yarmouth. But on commencing his labors he soon found that he was utterly unable to continue in the vineyard,, and with great reluctance, with the WESLETAN MISSIONARIES. 126 rtation. 1 strong hesired le min- Liver- levoted He ig con- Ion, as lof the faith lis, in great le than triendo ice in ted at 1838. >yage> )wing, lealth [might Ihwith iwn of :s he luc in the advice of his brethren, left the circuit and spent a few weeks with his dear friends in Liverpool. As winter approached he resolved to try again the climate of the West Indies. He sailed from Liver- pool on the 9th November, 1839, and arrived at Antigua on the 4th December of the same year. After five months' sojourn among Methodist fiiends on the Island he sailed for Londonderry, Ireland. His tarrying there was short, for rapidly declining health urged him to hasten home to die. On the 7th September, 1840, he arrived once more at Bridgetown. Still anxious, if possible, to regain health, he spent the winter in Boston, but was ob- liged to return in May to his friends in Nova Scotia, where he continued to live in weakness and much suffering until May, 1841, when, after uttering the Saviour's consoling declaration, " I will come again and receive you," &c., he gently fell asleep in Jesus. Mr. Wheelock was eminent for true devotion to God, ardent love for souls, tenderness of conscience, amiability of disposition, and the grace of humility. In his spirit and life, religion appeared in its loveliest character. His brief ministry, mingled with much physical infirmity, was not in vain. The writer has often heard, on the Maitland and Truro circuits, most delightful testimonies respecting the remarkable heavenly-mindedness, and fervent devotion of brother Wheelock. He was too lovely ii'i- {14 V;; |;i BB: 126 MEMORIAIil OF and fragile for the storms and turmoil of earth. The Lord took him to a more beauteous and healthy clime. *' Asleep in Jesus! 0, how sweet To be for such a slumber meet! With holy confidence to sing, That death hath lost its cruel sting." REV. RICHARD WILLIAMS. Richard Williams, a native of England, wa» born in the year 1789. Baptized in infancy, nur- tured and educated in connection with the Esta- blished Church, he always esteemed and loved that branch of the Church of Christ. Nor did he ab^ jure its creed in becoming a Methodist. But he felt it his duty to connect himself with the people under whose ministry he was brought to God. — This event took place in his sixteenth year. No parental or scholastic training produces an effect upon the mind of man equal to that of the con- verting grace of God. Grace in its operations is stronger than nature. Yes, if one or the other must go, the child of God says, let me have Jesus if my deai'est earthly friend must go. Those who feel this grace marvel not that the whole course rhe ime. WE8LB7AM HlfiSIONARIES. U7 r^' I was Lur- ■sta- Ithat at>- he )ple L« No tffect Icon- is is ither (esus wlio» lurs.e of life is often changed by its influence. It was so in Mr. Williams' case. Gradually drawn into the work as a prayer and class leader, it became evident to the church that he was adapted to the ministry. For a few years he exercised his gifts as a Local preacher. But in the year 1813, under the direction of the sainted Jonathan Udmondson, then chairman of the Portsmouth district, he was introduced into the regular ministry. In 1815, having offered himself as a missionary, he was sent out to Quebec. He was the second preacher sent out by the British Conference to Canada. There were, besides himself, only two other preachers in Canada acting under the direction of the English Conference at that time, — ^the Kev. John B. Strong, Montreal, and the Rev. John DePutron, French Missionary. But the Episcopal Methodists had twelve ministers in the field, — seven in the Upper Canada district, and five in Lower Canada. After spending ten yeai'S in Canada, Mr. Wil- liams was appointed to St. John, N. B. A firm and judicious man* was just then required there to build up the cause, which had been recently almost shattered to pieces by the serious defection of one of our ministers. The society under Mr. Williams' superintendence soon realized prosperity, and a fresh impetus was given to Methodism in that city, which has scarcely waned since that period. " Let him y: ICS MEMORIALS OV that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he Ml." Total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks would have saved many a minister from dishonor and eternal infamy ! Feeling, as ministers must feel at times, a strong desire to see the land of his birth, and the friends of early days ; Mr. W. returned home, and spent two years in the Cornwall district. Twenty-seven years had greatly changed the aspect of society, so that he preferred the mission field to the home work. His first circuit on his return was Fredericton, N. B. Thence he was sent to St. John's, Newfoundland, where he discharged the duties of chairman of the district for a few years. The same office he had filled previously in New Brunswick. He became a supernumerary in 1852, and resided in Bridgetown until his death He was thoroughly English, and Methodistic in his predilections. " Unmoved by threatening or re- ward," decision sat upon his brow. Neither the face of clay, nor the presence of the devil, could divest him from his purpose OT change his mind when he thought he was right. And though at times his brethren considered him unyielding and stern, they afterwards saw that he was right. Suffice it to say of his preaching that it was Methodistic in sentiment, expository in style, and generally attend- ed with the unctiou from above. He constantly I WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. 129 gave great prominence to the important doctrines of total depravity, justification by faith, and scrip- tural holiness. He was intimately acquainted with the whole system of Methodism, both in reference to doctrine and discipline. And while not ignorant of, or unwilling to acknowledge the excellencies of other theological systems, he greatly preferred Me- thodism. In life he often expressed a desire to labor as long as he lived, — the desire was granted He preached on Sabbath, near Bridgetown, on July 27, 1856, and on the following Friday, August 1st, in the 67th year of his age, and the 44th of his minis- try, he ceased to live on earth. The morningr came and the noontide bright, And the twilight grey of even ; He soar'd from earth, 'midst the shades of night, To the ceaseless day of hearen. REV. WILLIAM WILSON. William Wilson was bom in London, England, in 1799. In his sixteenth year he was brought to the knowledge of the truth through the instrumen- tality of Methodist preaching. Though baptized and confirmed in the English Church, he at once connect- ed himself with the people who had been the means ISO MKM0R1AIA OF of bringing him to Jesus. It is not always ond and the same thing to be in fellowship with the Church, and to be united by faith to the Lord Jesus. For some time after his conversion he enjoyed the privilege of meeting in a class led by that model class leader. Father Reeves, whose interesting memoir many in this conference have read. After giving satisfactory proofs of the possession of grace, gifts, and fruit, he was accepted as a minis- ter by the British Conference, and sent out as a missionary to Newfoundland in 1820. Diligently, and with encouraging success, he toiled for fourteen years in that island. Capable of much endurance, his energies were all taxed in that rugged mission field. In 1834 he came to the Upper Provinces, where the remainder of his days were spent. Healthful in appearance, buoyant in spirits, his elastic step indicated the superior elasticity of his mind. Ambitious to excel, he carefully observed the important advice of the wise man, " Buy the truth and sell it not." Having separated himself, at the call of Jesus, from all merely secular pursuits, he sought, " and intermeddled with all wisdom." At home in theology, well read in astronomy, acquaint- ed with the science of music, a respectable linguist, clear thinker, and ready writer, it is not matter of t7onder that he excelled in imparting instruction to others. I WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. 131 His sermons were well arranged, full of instruc- tive matter, and, though largely illustrated by historical and scientific references, always contained a considerable portion of the marrow of the Gospel. Notwithstanding the absence of a sonorous voice, his preaching was attractive, because of the unusual amount of important truth in every sermon. Some preachers would become exceedingly popular with half the amount of useful knowledge Mr. Wilson possessed. He used words, not merely as ornaments to his discourses, but as vehicles of thought. His varied attainments (chiefly by self-effort) and readi- ness to communicate knowledge rendered him ex- ceedingly useful to young men having the ministry in view. Not a few of • preachers are ready with the writer to express tl ' indebtedness to our de- parted brother. He abhorred intensely all new-fengled notions in religion, and ever kept close to the standards of Methodism in doctrine and discipline. He loved Methodism because he believed it to be primitive Christianity. He was usefu} everywhere in check- ing error and in establishing truth. The people under his charge were well indoctrinated. Very clear, because well-informed, on the much disputed subject of baptism, he was instrumental in convin- ing many and confirming them in the truth that immersion is not es^^utial to Christian baptism. 132 MEMORIATJS OF He was very useful in preparing the soil, sowing the seed and plucking up the weeds, — but not as suc- cessful as some others in realizing the increase. Of his immediate successors it could be said with special applicf-'.tion, " Other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors," By his fertile pen he also tjndeavored to edify the Church and defend the truth. His controversial writings exhibit much research, logical power, and careful preparation. Some of his other writings indicate more than ordinary ability in presenting his- torical facts and gospel themes. Intimate acquaint- ance with Mr. Wilson for twenty-three years enables the writer to speak of him with confidence. A warm- hearted Methodist, with strong social instincts, full of kindness, geniai, pleasant, and affable, it is not cause of marvel that he was the life of the social circle. If at times he seemed to approach very near the line that divides the serious from the trifling, we have but to remember that all men have their fail- ings. And let us also bear in mind that some men, because of their natural disposition, seem very seri- ous with but little grace ; while others with more grace seem almost triflers. **But why dost thou judge thy brother ? " In the fiftieth year of his ministry he seemed not to lose that activity for which he had been remark- able from his youth. As cheerful and punctual to WESLEY AN MISSIONARIES. 133 )f Ith re ;s his appointments as ever, he was found on the Sab- bath of his death, at his post, proclaiming the glori- ous Gospel. After preaching in the afternoon four miles from home, and while returning alone in his carriage, the heavenly messengers came, and wafted his spirit home to God. The unusual position of the body in the carriage attracted the attention of some living near the road, who, on coming to ascer- tain the cause, found that the spirit was gone. Thus suddenly was he removed from earth — in the seventieth year of his age, and fiftieth of his ministry. It is worthy of record, as a very unusual occur- rence, that during the half century of his ministerial cai'eer not a Sabb.^th was lost by illness ! Few men sojourn on earth three score years and ten so com- pletely exempt from physical infirmity. *♦ How beautiful it is for man to die : Upon the walls of Zion to be called, Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel, To put his armor oflf and rest in heaven." fi- re REV. JOHN WINTERBOTHAM. John Winterbotham was born at Nottingham, England, May 14th, 1828. In very early life the prayers and counsels of a pious mother were so blest to 134 MEMORIALS OF his soul that he sought and found the favor of God be- fore he was ten years of age. In a journal which he kept through life, he informs us that his connec- tion with Sunday Schools commenced when he was eight years old. In his twelfth year he began to meet in Class. Here he obtained the aid and com- fort his mind required. He ever after through life highly appreciated Class Meetings. Cottage prayer meetings are frequent in the villages and rural dis- tricts of England. They are generally conducted by a band of praying men, especially young men, who attend to the work under the direction of the Superintendent Minister, according to a written or printed plan. On one of these plans the name of Mr. Winterbotham was found e'er he had reached his fourteenth year. Even then he began to exhort and preach, but his name was not put on the Local preacher's plan until he was eighteen. At this early age he, with other young men, was made the happy instrument of leading sinners to Jesus. As a class leader. Local preacher, teacher of a Bible class and temperance advocate, he zealously toiled in the vineyard for ten years, not only sowing in tears, but oft bringing his sheaves with him. Fully convinced that it was his duty to give him- self up wholly to the blessed work of preaching Christ, while pondering on the subject, he received a pressing invitation to enter the work in these Pro WE3LEYAN MISflONAKIES. 135 t ll Is le Ls le d In ^d vinces. He immediately made up his mind to come. He arrived at Halifax, Oct. 23, 1856. At the en- suing Conference he became a probationer for the ministry V He was ordained at Fredericton in 1860, and for eleven years afterwards labored diligently and with good success in various portions of this Conference. His last circuit was Pownall, P. E. I. But his period of ministerial toil was of brief dura- tion there. In the midst of his days, and sur- rounded by an affectionate people greatly attached to- their pastor, he was stricken down by the hand of death. Full of ardor, he was enthusiastic in all he under- took. Fluent in speech, with a lively imagination aijd poetic thought, he generally enlisted the atten- tion of his audience ; especially the young. Among these he loved to mingle, and to lead their tender hearts to the Divine Master. Sabbath school effort was his delight. Exceedinr^ly fond of music, and capable of its production, both vocal and instrumen- tal, he greatly interested both young and old in the social circle, and in the sabbath-school room. A genuine teetotaller, he hesitated not to identify him- self with those organizations which he deemed calcu- lated to extend temperance principles. Some of his temperance addresses were remarkable orations, ex- hibiting wide range of thought, sound argument, sublime eloquence. His descriptive powers were 136 MEMORIAI-S OF of a high order. His last affliction was very painful. But he found grace to help in time* of need. He exchanged worlds on the 21st March, 1871. Burdens of age ne'er pressed liis mind, Or made his locks look hoary, He found the rest we toil to find. While yet a youth— in Glory. WE8LETAN MISSIONARIES. 1S7 il. [e A TRUE MINISTER. A sinner bom, but bom again, Bom of the Spirit from above ; His inmost nature felt the pain Of guilt, and then the pardoning love ; The Spirit's witness in his breast Lulled all his guilty fears to rest. Henceforth to aspiration given, A royal diadem he sought ; Nor would a starless croMTi in Heaven, Compose wdthin the struggling thought The Spirit's promptings now compel The story of the Cross to tell , Temptation's rugged battle-ground. With cautious feet he firmly trod ; Malignant hosts of hell around Harassed the suffering child of God, Till victory came, by Jesus given. Scattering the coward foes of Heaven. I saw him now, with conquering faith, Defy the powers of earth and hell, Discerning clearly duty's path. All obstacles before him fell. Onward pursued the narrow road, Intent on bringing souls to God. His zeal, by reason gently swayed. Despised not help of human kind, For full efficiency delayed Scholastic stores of truth to find, 5sa 1 188 MEMOEIALfl OF Nor lost 'mid college scenes the grace First tasted in his early days. Began the message to unfold Before the pulpit steps were pressed ; Ardent, but not unseemly bold, The truth proclaimed, his hope confessed, By deeds of ?ove, and warning voice. Allured to everlasting joys. I saw him in the sacred desk, Seraphic thoughts rolled from his tongue,- Not schoolboy-like repeating task. Nor whiningly the Gospel sung ; But sin mth fearlessness portrayed. And sweetly Gospel grace displayed. His living thoughts, and words of flame, Attention claimed, and moved the heart ; The guilty, awed by Jesus' name. Wept as they felt conviction's dart, — Their way to Calvary pursued To test the all-atoning blood. Earnestness sparkled in his eye, Was seen in every feature too ; His smile, more serious than a sigh From those who worldly things pursue. Beckoned the sons of men away From gloomy earth to endless day. Yet some the message disobeyed, Eefused persuasive voice to hear, By fearful threatenings undismayed. They hastened on in sin's career ; His warning words, wdth tears bedewed. Arrested not the multitude. t¥ESLBYAN MISSIONARIES. I saw him when the lightning's flash Parted the cloud and rent the sky ; I heard the awful thunder crash, And thought of Judgment thunders nigh ; Unmoved he sang, and talked, and prayed, While thunders rolled and lightnings played. I saw him gathering sermons next ; From house to house he gladly strayed. And while the Bible gave the text. Old men and children, wfe and maid, Supplied the illustrative part, Racy and artless, from the heart. Nature he read on mount and vale. In forest grand and fruitful field ; Refused not the historic tale, Philosophy its mite must yield ,- Treasures from earth, and sea, and lieaven. Solicited, were freely given. I saw him in his study too, — I frequently beheld him there, — Arranging thoughts, both old and new. And permeating all with prayer ; Henceforth, it was not hard to guess The secret of his large success. The widow's heart was lone and sad. Earth's troubles came in close array ; His visit made the household glad. Sorrow and tears hastened away ; The pastor's presence healed the smax-tj And wakened music in her heart. 13S Again I saw where brethren met In earnest mood for discipline. 140 MEMORIALS OP He seemed not ever to forget The sinner, while he frowned on sin ; The pruning-knife with caution used, Where Gilead's balm had been refused. I saw him in domestic life, A father, husband, gentle, true, Devoted to his loving wife, Attentive to his children too ; His Christian graces, all in bloom, Rendered that house a happy home. I saw him in affliction's hour, — His first-born on the bed of death, — I heard him ask sustaining power. Beheld his struggling, conquering faith,- " Take to Thyself, or spare my son, Father, Thy righteous will be done." 1 saw him in a dreary house. Where ragged, pining children stayed ; The husband's early plighted vows AVere by intemperance worthless made ; The pastor's counsel, prayers, and tears Shed rays of light 'midst gloomy fears. I saw him with a pleasant throng Imparting elements of truth. Approving right, denouncing wrong, Anxious to save unfolding youth ; Intent their vigorous powers to employ In checking vice and spreading joy. I saw him oft M'ith noble band Of philanthropic men employed. To bind " the foe that rules our land,'' Dire enemv of man and God, — I 1 WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES. Discouraged, yet at duty's post To help the weak and save the lost. I saw him at a festive scene, Performing solemn marriage rites ; No gloomy feelings lived within, His presence spoiled no true delights; Not formal, stiff, austere, and sad. But cheerful, pleasant, social, glad. I saw a beggar at his door. The tale pathetic was rehearsed. He gave out of his scanty store. And, while his bounty he disbursed, A kindly word of counsel given Pointed the poor to wealth in Heaven. I saw him by a pilgrim's side, When nature hourly grew more faint ; Abundant sympathy supplied Fresh courage to the dying saint, Who seemed all ready to remove To scenes of everlasting love. At last I saw the pastor stand On Jordan's brink with solemn pause, He saw by faith the " better land," Nor seemed disturbed the stream to cross. Into its depths he calmly trod ; saw no more, — he went to God ! 141 142 MEMORIALS OF - A MODEl, PEOPLE. A busy scene ; the parsonage Is full of life and energy ; --» Delightful thoughts their minds engage. Who come to welcome cheerfully _ • The pastor sent by Conference, Guided, doubtless, by Providence. Aged and youth in concert join To cheer the preacher's family ; Neatness and cleanliness combine, With ardent love and sympathy, To give a welcome, true and good. Unto the coming man of God. Beneatl), its load the table groans, — Plain food and ornamental cake ; No mouldy bread and meatless bones A disappointed feeling wake ; Abundance, mingled with sweet smiles, A pleasant hour or two beguiles. Approaches now a wearied throng To meet a cheerful company. They feel their weariness not long. While joy dispels anxiety ; This earliest, cheerful interview 4 Presages good the service through. After repast and converse sweet, Music and prayer, they separate, Expecting soon again to meet, WE3LEYAN MISSIONARIES. On Habbath inorn, at Zion's gate. Meanwhile, each one reHolves to pray For copiouH blcHsingn on that day. The holy day, the day of rest, Anticipated all the week, Once more rejoice.-* man and beast ; God'8 people now his blessing seek ; The preaching, singing, praise, and prayer, All testified that (xod was there. ' US fir I No rending rock, or trembling mount, Or wind, or flame, man's nature stirred, But hastening tears from nature's fount Proclaimed " the still small voice " was heard. Believers found abundant grace, While sinners thoughtful left the place. (A few more critical than wdse. Less fond of truth than eloquence. Unwilling faithfulness to prize, Displayed their lack of common sense By criticisms heartless, rash ; To them the sermon was but trash.) Henceforth a genial welcome greets The pastor in his daily rounds. Where'er one of the flock he meets. The hearty mutual joy abounds ; Cooperation's influence felt. Makes valleys rise and mountains melt. The rising race is not forgot, The future Church he loves to greet ; Next to the consecrated spot, He loves in Sabbath-school to meet ; There numerous lessons, simply given. Prepare the young for crowns in Heaven 144 MEMORIAL OK i Tojuihcrs arc there, oft parentH too, And strangerH glad to nee the young ; Choice books and papers are not few, Nor drawlingly the hymns are sung, But all with energy proceed. Whether to pray, or sing, or read. No broken gates or tottering fence, ^ bout the premises are seen ; C )rt is there, (not elegance), xieigning without, blessing within ; The just resolve is plainly seen, " With preachers we will not be mean." The needed quarterage, scarcely duo, Is by the faithfid steward brought, The very pleasing interview Brings more than money to the spot,- Affection lingers with the cash, Without it sovereigns are but trash. A 'ding as kind Providence prospered us in earthly good. We will with cheerfulness dispense ; Our pastor shall not want for food ; His numerous cares shall not increase By scenes of family distress. We say not, as too oft is said, — And sometimes by professors too, — Parsons too well must not be fed. Much of the world will never do ; To make them lowly, keep them down Something like paupers on the town. We cherish not the impious thought Suggested by the enemy ; WEBLlfTAN MISSIONARIES. 146 Kemcm boring that in life our lot Improves roiclNt Chriwtianity ; Justice eompols, with gratitude, To care for mini.iters of 0;)d. Sorrow unto the pursoiiage Without a note of warning came, — One of the flock, of tender age, Now felt the burning fever's flaino ; Parental grief wan eased to see The beauteous stream of sympathy. Offences came ; a rippling wave Of mind and thought disturbed repose ; The church from billows fierce to save, The minister must interpose ; He meets the parties face to face, The rising storm to calm gives place. Whene'er the breath of malice rose, But few were found to waft the breeze, — Aware that slander never grows When early checked by men of peace ; Believers all as one agreed To frown it down by word and deed. Temperance and Missionary schemes, All means to elevate the race, Were patronized, but not as dreams Of phrenzied minds, devoid of grace ; Consonant with the Bible, they Engaged the efforts of the day. A weekly message from the press. The organ of the church conveyed ; Lessons the femily to bless, And feed the soid with heavenly bread ; 146 MEMORIALS OF ifc«.>i '«.»>' If o paper such a welcome finds Among mature and youthful minds. Abundant irons in the fire, All vigor and activity ; The ploughboy and the honest squire From labor find no liberty ; No spunging dandies there you meet. For those alone who work shall eat. A warm and cherished love for home, And fidl of patriotic zeal ; Not anxious o'er the earth to roam, Content 'neath Britain's flag to dwell ; The Custom due cheerfully paid. No righteous Kw is disobeyed. Models of neatness, dames and maids. No trailing dresses in the dust ; Aiding their husbands at their trades. No sighing for the upper crust, Content 'midst virtue's smiles to live In pleasures riches can not give. The gambling and licentious crew Find f^^vor in no family ; Their plots of hell are brought to view By wise ones ere maturity ; Portals of vice are watched with care, While warning notes attend each snare. In manners good, in morals pure, Without the vain and giddy dance, Life's object mortals may secure In every stage of life's advance. Without the ball-room's vvild display Of tiresome, sensuous revelry. 11; WE8LEYAN MISSIONARIES. Yet recreations rational For bod^ and for mind abound, Not comic or theatrical, But those whose principles are sound, No'j interfering with the soul ; Even these do not the mind control. Grateful for mercies daily given. And yet disposed to kiss the rod ; While on the earth, living for Heaven,— Aspiring to the Throne of God ; Seady, whene'er the Master sends, To join above their dearest friends. 147