E.JBY? S. IRISH METHODIST L-^ REMINISCENCES; BEING MAINLY MEMORIALS OF THE LIFE AND LABOURS OF THE REV. S. NICHOLSON. BY EDWAED THOMAS. "The Holy Ghost was upon him." LONDON : J. C. WATTS, 30, FURNIVAL STREET, HOLBORN, B.C. 1889. PREFACE. ^T7 HE reasons for the appearance of this volume are & I fe various. It contains a wife's tribute of affection * to the memory of her sainted husband. He still lives in her heart and every-day life, and she knows " The touch of a vanished hand, And the sound of a voice that is still." When asking us to undertake the compilation of the memorial, Mrs. Nicholson said: "My only motive in desiring Mr. Nicholson's life to be given to the world ia that thereby God may be glorified and good done." This wish agrees with the supreme aim of our departed brother's life on earth, which was to glorify God and save men. And surely even in the glorified strtte, it would be a great joy to Mr. Nicholson to know that the aim of his lite is being promoted by the story of that life. The issue of Christian biographies finds much of its justification in the welcome they receive and the edifi- cation and comfort they confessedly bring to many devout hearts. IV PBEFACE. The history contained in the fourth chapter is not in- tended to revive the controversy of a past age, but to supply what did not exist in connected form an account of the origin, &c., of the Methodist New Connexion in Ireland. It seemed desirable to supply the friends of the Denomination with a reliable account of its inception and early labours. In the preparation of the memorial, we could not forbear casting side-glances at concurrent events and contemporaneous individuals. These glances, we hope, will prove, as they are designed to be, interesting and edifying to Methodist New Connexion ists in general, and more particularly to the descendants of many of the good men and women whose names will be found scattered throughout the following pages. We have written under difficulties, inexperience in this kind of work being not the least of them, and our ordinary duties required unabated attention. If our narrative be the means, under God, of inspiring any mind with a devout thought, a holy purpose or aspiration ; or if it incite anyone to "attempt great things for God, and to expect great things from God ;" or if it be the means of encouraging some souls under con- scious guilt to look to Samuel Nicholson's Saviour, we shall be abundantly rewarded for our toil. It is but due to her to record the fact, that the work would have been impossible had it not been for the material supplied by Mrs. Nicholson, at the cost of much labour. E. T. BROOMHEDOE, LISBURN, Co. ANTRIM, May, 1889. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Mr. Nicholson a Descendant of a Huguenot Family The Linen Trade Sermon on a Lawn Uncle Samuel Nicholson Grandfather's Prayer for an Extension of his Life answered Father Mother Spring Valley " Given to the Lord all the days of his life" Day School Sickness : Whiskey bad Medicine Prefers the Methodists Division in Methodism over the Sacra- ments, &c. Moira Anne Lutton Mothers in Council In the 7th ot Romans " Johnny Armstrong" Con- version. 1 CHAPTER II. Motions of the New Life Sickness : Recovery in Answer to Prayer ; A Vow Christian Worker Taken by Mother to Ordination Services Special Providences Spiritual Succession of Preachers Studies Directed Family Prayer, &c. Manual and Mental Labours Spiritual Growth : " Fightings Within" Bible and Prayer. 21 CHAPTER III. Holiness Movement Made Perfect in Love Divine Impres- sions Evangelistic Tours Magorian a convert from Popery Moved by the Holy Ghost to Preach the Gospel Exhorter and Local Preacher Offered an VI. CONTENTS. PAGE Appointment as a Preacher by the Primitive Wesleyans Examined before the Portadown Wesleyan District Meeting Appointed to the Donegal Mission Brother Robert and Mother die of Fever Resigns the Ministry for a Time Mother's Memoir Remarkable Answer to a Youth's Prayer A Tempest Joins the Methodist New Connexion. 34 CHAPTER IV. Thirty-two Leaders &c. Expelled by the Methodist Confer- ence Address to the Societies by the Expelled : Their Names William Black John McClure: First Irish Metljgdist New Connexion Minister Thomas West Patrick Cunningham James Wright James Halliday James Cherry First Chapel at Priesthill Miss Isa- bella Wright Difficulties Ireland Selected by the Methodist New Connexion as its Field of Missionary Enterprise List of Preaching Places Journals of Mis- sionaries : From Rev. J. Lyons, Mr. J. G. Duff, and Revs. J. Robinson, T. Seymour, J. Seymour, W. McClure Rev. Win. Cooke's Superintendence Mr. Price a Convert from Romanism : Missionary in Irish Language Fruits of the Irish Mission in Canada : Letter from Rev. J. C. Watts, D.D. 58 CHAPTER V. Mr. Nicholson meets Rev. W. Cooke Foundation-stone of a Chapel Laid by Lord Lurgan Fruit after Many Days Lay Representative to the '.Irish M. N. C. Con- ference of 1839 Temperance Pledge Assists on the Smithboro' Mission- -Meditation at the Close of the Ycnr Letter from Rev. W. Cooke: Engaged as a Him] Local Preacher Coghan Letter to Miss Moore Irish MeUiodist New Connexion Conference of 1840 Becomes a Supply Letter to Superintendent Journal : Poteen Adventure in an open Boat Haunted House, &c, Becommended as a Preacher on Trial Letter to the CONTENTS. Vll. PAGE Superintendent Preaches to Roman Catholics Confer- ence of 1841 Presentation to Rev. W. Cooke Labours in Belfast : Journal Reading and Study Dromore Joseph Barker Priesthill Hungers and Thirsts after Righteousness Conference of 1842 Probation Com- mences Priesthill Marriage. 90 CHAPTER VI. Mr. Nicholson's Labours at Priesthill continued Kindness of the Friends to the " Foolish Couple" Resolution of Conference against Young Preachers Marrying during Probation James Richey, one of the thirty-two Memoir of Margaret Carlisle Irish Christian Monitor Memoir of Samuel Hinds Conference of 1843 Ballyclare Domestic Joy : Parental Feelings Chapel- debt Removed Receives a Presentation Memoir of Jane Irwin Letter to the Monitor Sister Margaret Con- ference of 1844 Portglenone Alarming Encounter A Fire Arrested Strange Characters and Experiences " The Lord's Jewel in an Irish Bog" Sickness : " Xearer to Thee" Conference of 1845 Ballyclare again Canadian Mission Letter to Superintendent A Wed- ding Diary Parental Joy A Drunkard and Blasphemer Converted To the Superintendent Studies Poor Girl's Jubilee Offering. 118 CHAPTER VII. Conference of 1846 Ordination Charles Hall one of the Thir- ty-two Smithboro' Mission Broomhedge Memoir of John Meaklim Sanctified Illness To the Mission Secret ary Funeral of J. Martin Girl seized with Cholera dur- ing Preaching Rev.W.McClune's brief earnest Ministry Dalton's Funeral A Five Pound Xote from the Lord Conference of 1847 Newtownards "Potato Blight": Famine Fever Cholera Diary A Woman Expires in an Open-air Service Parental Joy and Thanksgiving Vlll. CONTENTS. PAGE Fruit Conference of 1848 Presentation to Rev. Wm. Baggally To the Superintendent Thirty Penitents Mr. .Nicholson on Open-air Preaching 147 CHAPTER VIII. Conference of 1849 Broomhedge again Journal Memoir of John Jones Conference of 1850 Memoir of Joseph Thompson Mere Assent not Saving Faith Memoir of Robert Anderson Edward McClune A Backslider Restored A Roman Catholic Converted The Remark- able Revival, at Broomhedge, Priesthill, &c., of 1851 Fruit after many Days Conference of 1852 Tracts : Letter from Peter Drummond The Revival in him as well as around him Memoir of Mrs. Collins The Revi- val [breaks out again Memoir ofj Mrs. Dornan Young Men Induced to become Scripture-Readers Temperance "Bunnel Green" Daughter Converted SabbathSchool opened at Magheragall Conference of 1853 Letter from Rev. T. Seymour " The Cause of Ireland's Degra- dation, and the Means of her Recovery " Letter to the Superintendent Conference of 1854 The Venerable John Lyons Retires Lisburn First Ragged School in Lisbtirn James Whitla and Mrs. Nicholson from New York Cholera To the Mission Secretary Domestic Affliction 171 CHAPTER IX. Conference of 1855 Prieethill &c. A Will altered and True Peace obtained Remarkable Answer to Prayer Confer- ence of 1856 Lisburn and Broomhedge Death of Father Conference of 1857 Irish Conference altered to Irish District Meeting Gahvay Prostrate under a Virulent Fever : Mrs. Nicholson's Account 1868. Super- numerary for a Year: Supplies Newtownanls: Much Blessing William Dobbin, jun. Revival of 1859 Three Hundred Converted at Broomhedge in One Week Revs. B. Turnock, and B. B. Turnock, M.A. Mr. Nicholson's CONTEXTS. XI. PAGU5 Labours at Bangor : Revival Scenes ; Stricken Cases &c. Memoir of Rob. Patterson Four Children die in Scarlet Fever Memoir of Caroline M.B.Nicholson Lady from Cork finds Peace through Mr. Nicholson's Instru- mentality 1861, Broomhedge again American War: " Cotton Famine " ; Prodigious Labours and Sacrifices to relieve Widespread Destitution Irish Beneficent Society Ceases Providential Relief 1863, Lisburn Successful Labours Amongst the Poor Fever Death of Rev. T. Seymour (1866) Bernard Jefferson Death of Mr. McCoy ; Samuel and James Atkinson, their Father and Sister Representative to the English Conference of 1867 Emigration of Members Renovation of Chapel Daughters commence Business. 200 CHAPTER X. Mental Characteristics Child of a Special Providence Lover of Nature Cheerfulness and Humour In the Pulpit Newtownards [again : Financial Efforts ; Tem- perance Labours; Misses the Train and Escapes a Disaster ; Love for Souls ; Illness brought on by Over- work Ballyclare again Expansion of Temperance Creed Chapel debt Removed Death of Wm. Connelly and Miss J. Logan 10 from New Zealand Death of ' Nancy McVeigh, aged 92 5000 Tracts Prayer and Revival Drunkard Converted Death of James Scott Fifty years Retrospect Fruits of the Revival Spirit Grocer Converted Self Examination Affliction Super- annuation Resolution of Conference Retires to Lisburn Parental Love Fruit in Old Age Address and Presen- tationLast Hours Peaceful Departure Interment in Bangor Churchyard 230 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. CHAPTER I. PABENTAOE. " 1 call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice ; and I am persuaded that in thee also." Paul. 'AMUEL NICHOLSON was a descendant of a Huguenot family, who, in the days of dire perse- cution, found refuge in Scotland ; whence they afterwards crossed to Ireland, and settled amongst other French refugees near Lisburn. Mr. Nicholson's paternal grandfather, Samuel Nicholson, was able to trace his des- cent from French ancestors. The Burn, a large farm near Dromara, Co. Down, was the property of Mr. Samuel Nicholson, and on it he had his residence. He likewise had a knowledge of the linen-trade, which industry he pursued with success. Miles says, " The settlement in the North of Ireland of many Huguenot families, expelled from France in 1685, exercised a most beneficial influence in this branch of industry (linen)." Popery cursed and expatriated them, but the curse fell upon France re- coiling upon the Papacy, and it was changed into a blessing upon the exiled, and upon the peoples amongst 2 IKISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. whom they found sanctuary. In the days of the senior Samuel Nicholson, the linen-trade was but in its in- fancy. They were the days of the spinning-wheel and the hand-loom, scattered throughout the homes of a rural population. Mr. Nicholson bought the linen in its brown state, had it bleached, and conveyed it to Dublin for sale. Mr. John Richardson, father of the great manu- facturers of Bessbrook & C., said that he had often stood beside Mr. Nicholson on the " cloth stands " in Dublin, when disposing of his linen ; and of the latter' s character Mr. Richardson spoke in most favourable terms. During Mr. Nicholson's trading visits to Dublin, he often heard the Methodist Itinerants preach; and their word was with power. They were savagely attacked by Papist mobs ; but the soldiers of the cross " stood like the brave with their face to the foe," and succeeded in planting their standard in the Irish metropolis. The linen mer- chant was counselled by the preachers in the words of the Apostle : " Buy of Me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich ; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." And the preaching had a peculiar adhesive quality about it which caused it to stick so fast to the devoted man's conscience that he found it well nigh impos- sible to shake it off. But the preachers of those days soon traversed the entire Kingdom. At length they reached the neighbourhood of The JJttrn, and Mr. Nicholson heard them near his own house. One of them named Barber (doubtless Thomas Barber), after preaching one evening, announced that on his next visit he would preach at Mr. Samuel Nicholson's of the Burn. This took Mr. Nicholson by surprise, as he had not been consulted. "However," A SERMOX OX A LAWX. 6 he soliloquised, "it will do no harm for ouce." So Mr. Barber, in due course, returned to preach in the house of the staunch Presbyterian. More people attended than could be accommodated in-doors, and the service had to be held ontside, on the. ample lawn in front of the dwelling. Mr. Nicholson was right, the preaching " did no harm for that once." But the preacher returned again and again, and at length harm was done, but it was to Satan's Kingdom : two sons and three daughters were converted to Q-od ; and a class of about forty members was formed. The good seed sown at the Burn bore ample fruit, which was carried to other parts where it was made a blessing. Mr. Nicholson's son, Samuel, was one of the converts. He proceeded to Edinburgh to study for the Presbyterian ministry, but when the time came, he found himself unable conscientiously to sign the Confession of Faith. He afterwards spent some time in the study of Medicine. Ultimately he settled at the Burn, where for over fifty years he lived a devoted Christian life, preaching the Gospel locally with much success. Two of his sisters were married to men named Carson, brothers, who resided at Rathmullen. The Methodist preachers of the Down- patrick Circuit found preaching places and homes in these good men's houses during their lives. Mr. Nicholson, senior, had a remarkable and precise answer to prayer, which deeply impressed the minds of those who knew of it at the time. He was prostrated with a severe illness, and for a time his life seemed to tremble in the balance. In his extremity, the case of Hezekiah's sickness and restoration, came vividly before his mind. Like the king, he prayed to be spared ; and an impresion was made upon his mind, that he would not then die, but would be spared a certain number of years. When the term 4 IK1SII METHODIST E.EMIKISCENCES. of years promised drew near to a close, he informed one of the preachers, that the added years of his life were nearly gone. Accordingly, in the year predicted, with but little suffering, and, in "sure and certain hope," he "fell on sleep." This good man's son, John, one of the two sons who- were amongst the first converts at the Burn, was the father of the subject of this memorial. John Nicholson, during his father's lifetime, married Elizabeth Whitley, of Whitley's Hill, Co. Armagh. Her forefathers crossed to Ireland with the army of Oliver Cromwell, and remained in the country, taking up farms in the Co., Armagh; and the hill where they located came to beknown as Whitley's Hill. Elizabeth Whitley's parents held sittings in the Presby- terian Church, and were members of the Methodist Society likewise, the preachers visiting and preaching in their house regularly. Elizabeth was an earnest Christian and met in class regularly before her marriage. John Nicholson and his wife, Elizabeth, resided at the Burn for some time after their marriage. It was here their eldest child, the Samuel Nicholson of our narrative, was born, on February 14th, 1811. Soon after this happy event, John Nicholson with his wife and child removed to a farm called Spring Valley, near Aghalee, in the Co. Antrim, the gift of his father. It was here that Samuel Nicholson spent the first twenty-four years of his life, till he was called of God to enter the Methodist ministry. Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholson was stately and handsome in person, and a woman of vigorous mind and of a strong resolute will ; and she had aquired much valuable know- ledge from reading, for which she had a taste. The Bible was her principal study ; she loved it ardently, and with its sacred contents was intelligently familiar. She "HEARD OF GOD." 5 was governed by the highest principles of true Christian motherhood. Her sanctified maternal instincts and the impulses of the new nature within impelled her to aim supremely, and to pray continuously, and to strive earnestly for the salvation of her first-born, as also for that of all the children which God afterward gave her to train for Him. The story of Hannah and her son, Samuel, was much upon her mind. Had not she, too, been " heard of God ? " Had not the Lord given her a son whose appropriate name was Samuel? And had she not vowed to " give him unto the Lord all the days of his life ?" Would not the Lord, therefore, accept the gift ? She believed He would ; and according to her faith it was done unto her. But to her faith and prayer, or rather because of them, she added appropriate works. In his diary, Mr. Nicholson wrote : . At Stonyford aixl l!;il!iinliTry we have large congregations. Our society at Moyrusk has to lament the death of Mr. Nathaniel Dickey, one of the jn-ixms who commenced the Methodist New r. miit'clion in this country. I have no doubt but he lived and ii Christian. A Mr. lira-llmry. who lives near the race-course, NEDDY'S CHILDREN NOT THE PRIEST'S. 83- has opened his house to us. Here we have large congregations We have to lament the death of two of our leaders, G. Carlisle and W. Watson. The former kept a class in his house for forty years ;. the latter was a decided Christian. From the Journal of J. G. Duff, dated Sept. 17th, 1829. This day I read in the parish of Saul, where most of the inhabi- tants are Papists, ten chapters from the Renish Testament. When, the name of His Holiness is affixed, all is well, and the people hear as for eternity. Interview at Bryansford, between a Priest and a woman of the Presbyterian persuasion, who is unfortunately married to a papist. The husband had been repeatedly and publicly reproved for allowing his children to go to meeting with their mother. The Priest, finding his threats of no avail, resolved to try what speaking to the mother would do. He came and told his errand, not knowing that a Bible-reader was present. The woman was much provoked on hearing} him declare that the children were not hers, but his. She replied it was the first time- she ever heard of a priest having children ; at the same time declaring they were Neddy's (that being her husband's name) and not " Father " H 's. He drove off uttering threats : turning round he said he wanted the three eldest, but he cared not where the devil the Methodist fellow went, meaning the youngest, who was piously disposed. Brother Bartley and I held a meeting in Loughgant. Such were the blessed effects of the sermons, chat the congregation fell down upon their* knees in the street. An old woman was brought to God. One woman, on our going away, said, " Oh, sir, when will you be back converting again ?" I smiled and said, " None can convert sinners, but God alone." Messrs. Burke, Bartley, and I held a meeting in Monaghan. The Papists surrounded us on all sides so that our lives seemed in imminent danger. The yelling and shouting were dreadful, The Protestants came to our help, several ascended the cart, saying they would die for us, rather than see us ill-treated. A schoolmaster cried out, " Order, order ! Here is a man who says he is going to pray to the Lord Jesus on your behalf.'' They were immediately silent. We sung and prayed, and addressed them thirty minutes. The magistrates sent their police, who guarded us out of the town, as a mob had determined to waylay us. :84 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. From the Rev. Thof. Robinson, (Superintendent) Belfast, Dec. 8th, 1829. " I requested Mr. Hunter to visit Armagh, and if practicable, to take a room and commence preaching. He did so, and twice delivered the Gospel message to large congregations. Papists opposed ; but the police guarded him. On Sabbath morning, I repaired to the preaching-room, when I found the top part of the door nailed up ! Stooping under to gain an entrance, I saw several of our friends within arguing with the Catholics, who appeared determined to drive us from the place. J addressed myself to the ringleader, who insisted that the place was improper, and that if AVC persevered, we should have cause to repent of it. At the request of one of our friends, the sergeant of the police, with two of his men, came into the place before we commenced worship. Our enemies, finding we were determined to proceed, endeavoured to disturb the order of the service by singing, shouting, etc., during the whole of it. At 5 o'clock p. m., we again repaired to the room, when we found the door nailed up as in the morning ; but Mr. Thompson, the occupier, burst it open, and in a few minutes it was very Avell filled. The police Avere .again in attendance ; but so soon as we commenced singing, the Papists set up such a yell, as I never before heard. They procured long pieces of Avood, and beat against the floor, until I several times thought the boards would spring from their fastenings. Another party stationed themselves behind the partition-Avail in front of me, thumping desparately with their fists, hooting, and crying, ' No surrender, no surrender.' It Avas with difficulty I could speak so as to be heard. The next evening they Avere, if possible, more outrageous than ever. We agreed to accept Mr. Blair's kind offer of his parlour, Avhich Ave have occupied ever since. The man who was our principal opposer, soon after this Affair, Avas found dead in his bed. A woman of the same party has also exchanged worlds.' 1 From the Rev. Th<,f. Seymour, dated Armagh, Dec. nth, 1829. " Nearly two hundred persons assembled (in the market-house, Lougligall). I preached to them a present salvation. Mr. Duff FROM REVS. J. AND T. SEYMOUR. 85- gave an address ; and truly God was present. The silent tear that stole down the cheeks of many, testified their inward feeling. In Portadown also, a town nine miles aside of this city, we held a meeting in the street. The people invited us to come again. In Armagh Mr. Duff and I went into the street and preached, pub- lished for the room, which in the evening was crowded to excess. The power of God fell upon the people. Our congregations have continued large ever since." From the Rev. J. Seymour, dated Ballymena, July 6th, 1830. " In some parts they assure me they never heard of Methodism till I visited them. Travelling over a mountain in this (Cully- backey) district, I saw a large, white house, and knelt down to pray near it. I thought I should be glad to have that house to preach in. Soon after I was called upon to visit the mistress of that house, who had taken ill. It is now one of rny lodging-places- on this station. New Ferry : The servant, a Papist, took a large iron sledge from the corner, and unnecessarily and unaccountably carried it to the loft above me. As I sat by the fire, a board of the loft was disturbed, and an opening effected above my head. In a few minutes the great iron sledge fell, within two or three inches of me. It shattered a dog's leg, and almost killed him. The girl was questioned, but no satisfactory answer obtained." From the Rev. T. Seymour, dated Baltimore, Aug. 6th, 1831. " Our prospects are daily opening before us. I have preached' in two new places ; and have invitations to three more. The wife- and part of the family of a drunken Papist attended preaching among the Methodists, which his soul abhorred. He called his eldest daughter to him, and told her that if she ever again durst go to hear those fellows, the Methodist preachers, might some judgment overtake him, if he would not break, I know not exactly, whether her legs or her neck. He then set off to the- public-house tippled till he became insensible, when, laying, down his head upon a table, he slept to wake no more ! " :86 IKISH METHODIST KEMINISCENCES. From the Rev. Wm. McClure, April 5th, 1833. " On Monday, to Saintfield, nine miles ; on Tuesday, to Ballyna- hinch, four miles ; on Wednesday, to Mr. Kearns', three miles ; and on Thursday, to Belfast, ten miles. One day I was led by a man, over a high hill, to a hovel, the dimensions of which were about 9 feet wide, by 12 feet long, and the side wall about 4 feet high. The smoke from the burning turf was so thick and sharp, I could hardly see or breathe. The inmates assured me I should be better if I sat down, and so I found, as my head was now lower than the top of the door, whence the smoke escaped over our heads. The floor was filthy, the walls and roof were like the inside of an old chimney, and behind the door some large stones were piled to the height of one's knee. Over this was spread a covering of sods, cut off the surface of a grass field, a double row at one end serving the purpose of a bolster ; over this was thrown some loose straw, kept from scattering by a ragged, filthy cloth. On this wretched pallet lay an old man seventy years of age a very long figure his head was very gray, and his whole body filled with a loathsome com- plaint. His anguish from sickness and thirst seemed dreadful, and the complicated maladies of the body appeared to have deadened every feeling of the soul, except anger, malice, hatred, revenge, and impatience. To such a pitch did his bad feelings lead him, that he ground his teeth with rage, and continued to repeat injuries he had received more than thirty years before. Expostulation and prayer seemed to make him worse. I had to leave him." The letters, from which the foregoing extracts are taken, abound with records not less interesting than those transcribed. But we must now hasten to notice the work accomplished during the superintendence of the Rev. Wm. Cooke, (afterwards the celebrated Dr. Cooke) which began in 1836, and extended till 1840. " In the following years,* the earnest co-operation infused into the mission by the intrepid enterprise of the superintendent began to show itself in substantial results. New chapels were built at * Memior of the Rev. Wm. tocke, D.D. p. 39. MISSIONARY IN IRISH LANGUAGE. 87 Belfast, Newtonards, Priesthill, and Dromore. He made an exten- sive tour through the South and West of the Island, inquiring laboriously into the moral and religious condition of the people, gathering information from every' available source, with the view to erect the standard of the cross in the darkest and most neglected districts. Hence missionaries were stationed at Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and the Isles of Arran, where the Gospel was preached in the Irish language. Industrial schools were also established in connection with some of these missions. In addition to the above places, missions were opened in Dublin, Dromore, Galway, Bally- clare, and Lurgan. The number of missionaries employed was increased from nine to eighteen, and the membership rose from 971 to 1401 ; but the numerical increase, tabulated in the reports, was constantly kept down, by the large number of members and hearers who emigrated to Canada and the United States." The Providence which supplied the mission with an agent who could speak the Irish language is remarkable : " On my return from Ireland,* I was accompanied by Mr. Price, our missionary in the Irish language. This brother was brought up in the church of Rome, and when a boy, was one who attended the priest at the altar. He continued a dupe to Papal delusion until grown up to manhood ; but the Lord enlightened his under- standing, and delivered him from bondage in an extraordinary manner. A penance was imposed, which rendered it necessary for him to travel from London to the West of Ireland, a distance by land and sea of about 500 miles, to perform ' stations ' at the Virgin's Well, near Castlebar, his native place. On his way he stopped for a few days at Stone, in Staffordshire, and on the Sabbath, being desirous of attending a Catholic chapel, he was directed by mistake to our little chapel, where he learned, for the first time, that the blood of Christ alone cleanseth from all sin, and that the Saviour was then present waiting to save the worst of sinners. The word was spoken with plainness and affection, and the Spirit of God applied it to his heart. Such was the blessed effect that he at once relied upon the Saviour, and found that * Letter from the Rev. Wm. Oooke to the Mission Secretary, Belfast, Oct. 8th, 1839. Meiltofiist New Connexion Magazine, 1840, p. 38. 88 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. mercy in the humble Methodist chapel,! which he was vainly travelling a journey of 500 miles to obtain. Of course, he then abandoned his journey, renounced his connection with the church of Rome, and became a Methodist. After labouring for a number of years as a local preacher, he was called by the Committee to go as a missionary to preach the Gospel in the Irish language to his poor benighted fellow-countrymen." The blessed rate of progress which the mission attained under the superintendence of the Eev. W. Cooke, was maintained for a long time ; but migration and emigration were, as they continue to be, a constant drain upon the membership, keeping the numbers down. Young people cannot find suitable or sufficient employment in the small or rural districts in Ireland, in which most of the mission Stations are situated. All over the Island, the population has been steadily going down. The Methodist N.C. Canadian Mission proved a great success, and it is noticeable from the denominational records, that the interest of English friends in the Irish Mission in a great degree gave place to the greater attractions of the more successful enterprise beyond the seas. Some of the Irish missionaries were early induced to leave for Canada, and their reports and letters from the " goodly land " attracted many of the Irish members to the Dominion, and these, in their turn, induced others to follow : so that there continued a constant exodus of Irish Methodist New Connexionists to Canada. The Eev. Dr. J. C. Watts, (editor of the "Methodist New Connexion Magazine ") who spent twelve years of his early ministry in the Dominion, in a letter to the writer says: " In one of tin- latt.T ynrs of my Missionary life in Canada, 33 out of \Y,) ministers forming our missionary staff were Irishmen, ninny of tlicni horn in the North of Ireland, and some of them on our I ri.sh Mission Stations. In all parts of Canada with Lorui 1'ivjirlnTs. leaders, Stewards, &C. who had either FROU REV. J. C. WATTS, D.D. 89 themselves been brought to God by our preachers in Ireland, or were the sons or nephews of men who had thus found salvation. Some of the best Christian workers, male and female, in connection with our Societies in Canada had previously been members with us in ' the dear old country.' Their sons and daughters across the seas are at this day active and earnest in the cause of the Lord Jesus. So that for any one to say that our Irish Mission has been a failure is contrary to blessed facts. Many an Irish missionary will be astonished into unspeakable joy when his spiritual offspring in Canada shall be made known." 90 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. CHAPTEE V. EVANGELISM. " And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following/' fiT^TS V A / resident in Lurgan, Mr. Nicholson ex- amined the principles upon which the polity of the Methodist New Connexion is based, and cordially adopted them, as harmonizing with the dictates of reason and the teaching of the New Testament ; and his fidelity to these principles continued till death, though he never made them the subject of disputation. He was a man of peace, and of the broadest catholicity of spirit. It was in Lurgan he first met Dr. Cooke (then the Rev. Wrn. Cooke), and to Mr. Nicholson the meeting was highly important and lasting in its issues ; a friendship was formed and a correspondence began which only ended with the great and good Dr. Cooke's life. Mr. Nicholson says, "I heard Mr. Cooke preach in Dromore first, on The Lamb in the midst of the Throne. The sermon was one of great clearness, eloquence, and force, and delivered with remarkable power, under the influence of the Divine Spirit. The next time I heard Mr. Cooke was in Lurgan, when he preached on TJie General Judgment. The sermon was blessed to many." Mr. Nicholson adds, " Mr. Cooke lectured in Lurgan on Astronomy, using a Magic-Lantern TEMPERANCE PLEDGE. 91 to illustrate his subject. Never have I heard or read as sublime a description of the heavenly bodies. Mr. H., a solicitor, said, ' I would not have missed that Lecture for ten pounds.'" In 1839, during Mr. Nicholson's residence in Lurgan, the erection of Providence Chapel was com- menced. The foundation-stone was laid by Lord Lurgan ; seven Methodist New Connexion ministers were present, including Mr. Cooke, who delivered a very lucid and catholic address on the doctrines and polity of the Denomina- tion. About the time the chapel was opened, Mr. Nicholson held a field-meeting, and preached, as he says, " with great liberty under the felt presence and power of the Holy Ghost." Some time afterwards, a man whom he met said to Mr. Nicholson, " Do you know me ? " " No,'' Mr. N. replied, "I do not." " Well," continued the man, " You remember preaching in field ? To that meeting I went in a careless state, but the Lord there and then, convinced me of sin, and converted my soul. Blessed be His name ! " Mr. Cooke became warmly interested in the young, fresh-looking, guileless local preacher, and invited him to his house, in Belfast. Mr. Nicholson ever after spoke in grateful terms of the counsel Mr. C. gave him, and the kindness he showed him during this visit. Mr. Nicholson's name appears in the Minutes of the Irish Methodist New Connexion Conference for 1839, as lay-representative form Lurgan, the Rev. J. Ogden being ministerial representative. He was after that conference succeeded at Lurgan by Rev. T. Ogden. Mr. Ogden, in a re- port before us, of a remarkable love-feast, held in October, says, ' ' Brother Nicholson had been under a cloud through severe and protracted temptation, and while he spoke the tears could not be restrained ; but soon the cloud was dis- 92 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. sipated, and his soul filled with God." When in Lurgan, the evils of intoxicating drink came painfully under Mr. Nicholson's notice, and the advocates of temperance were beginning to excite attention. Father Matthew's crusade against drink was in full force ; and Dr. Edgar's labours in the North were yielding good results and exciting general attention. Our friend, always ready to obey the truth so soon as discovered, prepared and signed a pledge of his own formation. The very document itself, written forty-nine years ago, lies before the writer : " 1 make the resolution, in the strength of Almighty God and by His help, not to enter a public-house, nor treat any one in the same, except in case of extreme necessity. I am resolved t<> avoid drink, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Samuel Nicholson. Lurgan, May 30th, 1839." Mr. Nicholson was invited to visit Mr. McClune, and to help him for a time upon the Smithboro' Mission. Mr. Nich- olson cheerfully consented. There is just one private record extant, made during this visit, but it is sufficent to show that our devoted friend's constant aim was to " walk with God," and to be used in saving men : " Smithborough, Meditations for the last day of the year, 1839. My soul, devoutly consider the blessings of thy pabt life." After enumerating the experiences and blessings of his life up till this time, he adds, "Oh! my soul, what have I been doing all my past life ! When I think of the active zeal and holiness of such men as Wesley, and Whitfield, and Clarke, and others who moved the world, I feel that I have done nothing. Oh ! Jesus, do give me something of their spirit. I am an unworthy worm. Pardon my failings* Minctify me afresh, and help me to do Thy holy will always' Amen, Amen, Amen." ENGAGED AS A SUPPLY. 93 A supply was required on the Mission, and Mr. Nichol- son received a letter from Mr. Cooke on the subject. The identical letter of over 48 years ago, in Dr. Cooke' s familiar hand writing, is now before us : " February 27th, 1840. " Dear Brother, If you are agreeable, you may be appointed to labour as a hired local preacher until Conference, at the rate of 10s. per week, under the direction of Mr. Ogdeu. This engagement is only until Conference, but, if your services and your diligence be generally approved, I shall have no objection to advocate your admission to a more permanent situation at the next Conference. But in this I speak only as an individual in a private capacity. You will please to attend punctually to Mr. Ogden's directions. Wishing you every blessing, I am, dear Bro., " Yours affectionately, "WILLIAM COOKE." Our devoted friend willingly entered the door thu s opened, and very soon Mr. Ogden sent him to assist the Uev. W. McClune on the Smithboro' Mission, which, " embraced three counties." From this station Mr. Nicholson wrote to Miss Moore, (of whom more anon), and fragments of the letter still survive : " Coghan, Smithborough, 1840. " My Dear Margaret, "Through the mercy of God I am still well, Yesterday I met the class at Mr. Gordon's, and preached at 11 a.m. and 5 in the evening two excellent congregations, the place was crowded in the evening. I have had a hearty welcome from all the friends. . . . May we be kept as in the hollow of Jehovah's hand. ' I am Thine, save me,' is the cry of my heart. Let us pray to God and trust in Him and He will direct all our concerns for His glory and onr good. . . . The country is looking lovely just now, very different from what it did in the depth of winter when I last was here. . . . Journeys long walked 15 miles I am sensible of my own weakness and insufficiency, but the Lord is my strength and my tower, and I wish to give all my days and 94 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. all my powers up to Him. I wonder that I have not more power from on high. ... I have now preached four times in each of the places ; and the Lord has greatly blessed His own word. The unction of the Holy One rests upon me. Ere this reaches you, I shall have been over my longest journey. . . . Sorry I have not helped you more on the heavenly road. May the Lord enable you and me to live only for the salvation of souls. ... I have done nothing for God, compared with what I might have done. . . Your last letter was most welcome. May the Lord lay around and about you His everlasting arms. " I am, my dear love, " Yours till death, " SAMUEL NICHOLSON." Mr. Nicholson, with Rev. W. McClune, represented the Smithboro' Station at the Irish Conference of 1840. They reported an increase of nearly fifty per cent, upon the returns of the former year. At this Conference, Mr. Nicholson was received as a supply, and stationed at Bellaghey on the Portglenone Mission, under the superin- tendence of the Rev. Jno. Lyons, whose " fatherly sym- pathy and counsels" were much valued by the young preacher. Mr. Lyons was every way a big man tall in stature, strong in limb, having a massive head, and a big heart. When brother Janies L , was " out of work," and sorely tried, Mr. Lyons called to see him. Holding out his big, open hand tho preacher said, "James, God has a great big hand." Very many years after James s: dd to the writer, "I never forgot Mr. Lyons's words, and his big open hand." At this time, the preachers kept a journal of their labours, which was regularly forwarded, through the Superintendent of the mission, to the Missionary Committee. In his own reserved copy, Mr. Nicholson added matter for his own private use. The following extracts from his journal at once show the IRISH CONFERENCE OF 1840. 95 humble, earnest, conscientious spirit of the preacher, and illustrate the kind and extent of the labour prosecuted by the heroic missionaries of those days : April 23rd. The Conference of 1840, just ended, was a very happy one, all its deliberations were conducted in the spirit of brotherly love. President and deputation : The Eev. T. Berry-, from Liverpool. On the first day of Conference the Rev. Jas. Sey- mour preached at 7 o'clock, a.m.; the power of God attended the word. My character was approved, and after examination accord- ing to rule, I was received as a Supply. O, my God, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I feel insufficient for these things. The Conference missionary meeting was well attended. Messrs. Berry, Argue, and others spoke. Glory be to God, for Christian missions! Mr. Lyons gave the closing address of Conference. He spoke with power and in tears of the hope of glory in the soul, and of the prospect of the brethren meeting above, should they never again meet on earth. Bellaghey, Co. Derry, May, 1840. To Rev. Wm. Cooke, I sit down with much pleasure to give you an account of my labours upon this Station from Conference til the present time. Came by Randalstown over Toome Bridge to this place. Was received in a Christian manner by Bro. McNeal. In prayer with the family the Lord warmed our hearts with His love. Had a cordial reception from the friends at Gow. Sabbath, May 3rd. Met the class of 7 members. Attended the Presbyterian Meeting House in the forenoon, and preached in Kelly's in the evening to about 50 persons, on Christ all and in all. 4th. Mr. Lyons preached in Bellaghey fair to about 150 people ; many Romanists. Tears rolled down the faces of many and some praised the Lord aloud for the good news of forgiveness through faith in Christ. The people were unwilling to leave. Visited a sick man a mile out in the country, ignorant of his state and of the way of salvation. May I be made the humble instrument of his enlightenment. 6th. To Stathybogus, over three miles. Visited six families and preached at Dixons. Walked home, 9 96 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. miles. Find it difficult to get suitable lodgings. May God direct me in this and in all things. May 8th. Gullyduff : offered a new preaching place. Preached at Mr. Atkinson's on, " This day is salvation come to this house." A blessed time, the Lord was in our midst. May 9th. Study and preparation for the Sabbath. May 10th. Met the class of 9 members held a prayer meeting preached at six in the evening to a goodly company. May 12th. Preached at New Ferry ; a miserable bed. May 13th. Arranged to preach at Mr. Gammon's once a month . Mr. Gammon is Rev. J. Dogherty's father-in-law. Had a most profitable conversation with Mr. Lyons, whom I met at Portglenone. May 17th. Class in the country at 8 o'clock morning prayer-meeting in forenoon, and again at 3 o'clock. Preached in the evening. A good day to my soul. May 19th. To Groggie, but sickness in the family pre- vented me preaching : went three miles further, but did not find a preaching place. 20 22nd. Study visitation of the sick a prayer meeting. 24th. While Brother II. Hegan met the class we felt the unction from above. Preached to a respectable congre- gation, on Rev. xvii., 14. I have seldom enjoyed so much of the hallowing presence of God. Blessed be the name of the Lord ! May 27 29th. Three miles and preached at Griggs ; three miles to Dixon's. Strangers at preaching. S.N. From Mr. Nicholson's journal : J une 1st. Preached in tne fair at Bellaghey ; a magistate was present; about 100 people. September 2Gth. When I came to Bellaghey the cause was very low. The-- - had prejudiced the Rev. G. Ash (Church clergyman) against us. They said we were trying to break down the Established Church were a refrac- tory handful broke off from I called iijioii Mr. Ash, showed him our rules and explained our position and work. I said it was true we were dissenters, but that the others were Dissenters as well. M r. Ash shook me warmly by the hand, and told me to preach anywhere, and as often as I wished. He opened my way and encouraged me. October 1st. Mr. Gooke visited us, and preached in Portglenone and Bellaghey. I informed him of the kindness the Rev. G. Ash had showtime. As we had no service in the fore- POTEEN. 97' noon of Sabbath, Mr. Cooke accompanied me to hear Mr. Ash preach. The text was, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Mr.. Cooke expressed himself as much pleased with the ssrmon. Our large preaching room was full in the evening and a holy fervour rested on the people while Mr. Cooke preached. October 4th. We had the offer from Mr. K of ground upon which to erect a chapel, on favourable terms. October (Sabbath). Held the love- feast at Portglenone ; text, " Casting all your care upon Him." A blessed day to us all. Two penitents at the close. Glory be to God ! ll-14th. Preached in Bellaghey, on "Follow me"; a good time. Preached at Gow on, Peter and the Rock. Had a good col- lection for a poor woman. Had great liberty while speaking from ' Behold the Lamb of God." 15th. Called to see Colonel K about an empty house of his, which, we think, would suit for a preaching and dwelling-house. Was shown over his beautiful garden, and saw his splendid drawing-room. But time will con- sume all. Direct us, O Lord ! in the matter of the house. October 16th. Had a conversation with a Roman Catholic woman. She wept, and invited me to call again. Lord, give her true convic- tion for sin. October 17-19th. Preached at Logan's on, " Many be called, but few chosen." Walked eight miles to Dixon's : a good congregation. Preached at Kelly's. my Lord, show the people their need of a Saviour. Amongst the written miscellanea left by him, Mr. Nicholson often refers to one of Ireland's greatest curses whisky. The following incident occurred about this time : " Two young men volunteered to accompany me to Longlerg,. near Bellaghey, one of my preaching appointments. After preach- ing to a large congregation, I stood prepared lo start for home, . but the people informed me that supper was being prepared. It transpired, however, that there was poteen in the house, just new from a private still, down the water side. I firmly refused to wait for supper. There was snow upon the ground, and we had a journey before us by water, in an open boat. The young men were disappointed, and displeased with me, because I refused to B D8 IEI8H METHODIST EEMINlSCtNCES. Temain for supper (and poteen). When my companions had rowed for a long time, they said that they could not tell where we were. I grasped one of the oars and tried my skill for a time. God guided us. Soon we reached a place where we could safely land. I saw God's hand in this deliverance. Had my companions .got the poteen we likely would have been drowned. It was mid- night when we reached the shore ; and we had to remain at a friend's house till morning. Journal continued : Oct. 24 26th. Accompanied Mr. Lyons to Ballyhey : reviewed our work, all satisfactory. Preached in Mullen's from, " One thing is needful." A blessed time it was. When looking over map of Ireland, was glad to find I could point to so many places in which it had been my privilege to preach the Gospel. May the seed sown bring forth much fruit to the praise of the Redeemer. Oct. 17th. Received a letter from father informing me that sister Margaret lies ill of fever. O Lord, undertake for us, and spare my dear sister for Thy mercy's sake. O Lord, I see my deficiency, enable me to gain more knowledge ; give me wisdom from above ; fill me with the Spirit, and all the fulness of love, to fit me for this great work. Oct. 2'<>v. 4>th. Visited Spring Valley, spent a happy day. Saw some of the old friends with whom I used to take sweet counsrl. Mrs. T. is a kind, happy Christian. Nov. 7th llth. Met the class at (!u\v, not many present. Preached in a room of a vacant house, a Wees ;d time to my soul. Read Clarice, in many things, I think, I 4im like him. Preached in my own room, Mr. II. prayed, a blessed STREET-PREACHING. 9D time to all our souls. Visited the G's, the L's, McB's, and K's : was grieved to see poverty so extreme. Lord relieve them, Amen. Am reading the "Life of Lanktree. Lord, make it a great bless- ing to my soul. Held the Quarterly Meeting at Gullyduff, the people soon gathered ; I had liberty in preaching from, " He which hath begun a good work in you,'' &c.: the people spoke freely : H . exhorted with good effect. The Lord blessed me and H ., as we journeyed by the way and conversed about the things of God. We had a good time at evening preaching. Mr. H . wishes to join our Society. November 12-20th. Clarke's Notes greatly refreshed and stimulated my mind. Visited the house of a friend just deceased ; gave an address, &c.; returned much fatigued and was poorly all the day following. Preached at Dowdel's on, " Ye must be born again ;" surely I felt much of God. Spent day making plan for future work upon the mission. O Lord, give me wisdom and understanding and enable me to conduct all to Thy glory and the good of the people. Attended Mr. Stafford's funeral : felt much at the grave, thinking of my mother and brother, Robert : the Lord blessed me richly in the evening whilst I preached upon victory over death and the grav,; through Christ. The foregoing extracts from Mr. Nicholson's journal are given in detail, that a full idea of the nature and extent of his labours at this time, might appear. We now alter our plan and give selections only : November. Went to the fair; took our stand in the street : about 150 people gathered; Mr. Lyons preached and I assisted. May the good seed spring up a thousand-fold, for Christ's sake. Glory be to God for street-preaching! After my visit to Mr. C 's I came home strong and animated in both body and mind. I see, my duty is, not to heed any evil or foolish reports, but to bear the cross, and shun all appearance of evil. I bless and praise the Lord for the honour put upon me, in my call to declare His truth. Assisted Mr. Lyons at a field-meeting, held at Gullyduff : walked back to town and preached in the evening to a large congregation. 100 IRISH METHODIST BEMINISCENCES. December. We haA r e rented K 's big house and are about to remove to it. We will put up a pulpit in one of the large rooms and preach in it regularly. I am much pleased with Lanktree. He says, " How foolish is it for Methodists to divide about the sacraments." I believe it is right for us to have them. Began a meeting on Sabbath for the reading and study of the Scriptures. I was greatly alarmed dui'ing a gale on the lough. The boat was leaky and took in much water. The wind was very high. A man accustomed to sailing and the management of boats, said that it took all his skill to keep our boat from foundering. Had he not been with us we must have perished. O Lord, I thank Thee for this deliverance. Preached in the street in Randalstown to a goodly company of Romanists. The Lord is opening up my way to this town. 1 was so busy and happy in the work of the Lord, that I forgot all about quarter-day. Two souls were made happy at the love- feast. The number of our members is going steadily up ; and in finance we are improving. K .'s large house which we have taken was called the " Haunted House." It had been a long time without a tenant ; and there was a story of a wife having been poisoned in it many, many years ago, Avhich, it was said, accounted for the strange sights which had been seen and the strange sounds heard, about the dismal dwelling. We let a part of the house to a man and his wife. A young man slept with me the first night I spent in it. Some time after retiring, and when my companion was fast asleep, something knocked loudly at our bedroom door, then seemed to enter and sit down on a large trunk in the room, which seemed to break down under the weight. The noise awoke my bedfellow. I began to sing, " Jesus the name high over all devils fear and fly." Judging from the sound it made the creature left the room and proceeded down the stairs, every step of which seemed to break iimlcr its heavy tread. In a short time my tenant's wife came rushing into my room, exclaiming that some heavy weight had ju>t fallen upon her in bed. For some nights after her husband kept a candle burning all night in their room. But they said, that tli- n- was not a srat they had or pot or pan that was not tossed about every night. They gave up their tenancy and left me alone. I did not hear any unusual noises after the first night. If Satan IN A PRESBYTERIAN PULPIT, 1)1 had anything to do with the strange sounds, his device failed to hurt us ; and the Lord blesses our labours in the house from ti;ne to time. Major Hill was present when I preached in the room, on .the New Birth. It was a blessed time to my own soul. Mr. Nicholson, actuated from the first by th.3 irue missionary spirit, did not confine his labours within prescribed limits, but sought to extend the Kingdom of Christ in every direction. And it always afforded him great delight " to build an house unto the name of the Lord," or even to repair one : "Belfast, December 23th, 1840. ' My dear Brother, " Thanks for your interesting report of your visit to Randalstown. I hope you will be able to succeed in effecting an opening. I think it is not at all unlikely but a little assistance might be rendered to encourage your exertions in reference to thi intended chapel at Bellaghey, at the next Conference. But very much will depend upon the state of our So2iety there and its pros- pects of usefulness. " I am, dear brother, yours affectionately, WILLIAM COOKI<1' To Rev. S. Nicholson. To return to the Journal : 1841, Feb. The Tea Party was a great success. Mr. Lyons, Mr. Atkinson and I spoke ; the paople were well pleased, thank the Lord ! Read in Clarke, and Coke, and Finney. Visited Uncle Nicholson, and attended a service at the Presbyterian Meeting House, Clough. The minister failing to appear, I was asked to preach, which I did, and the Lord gave me great liberty. The Rev. Mr. Stuart said afterwards that he was much pleased I had preached for him. He told Miss M. that I was the only Methodist preacher to whom he would give his pulpit. I was informed that most of his people had baen pleased with my humble sermon. April. The Portglenone Quarterly Meeting has recommended me to the approaching Conference as a preacher on trial, and the resolu- 102 IKISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. tion contains the recommendation that the present year be counted the first of my probation. Mr. Lyons was well pleased with this result. I felt humbled before God and very grateful. My precious Jesus, keep me near to Thee, that I may be a partaker of Thy loving spirit and qualified for Thy service. My one desire is to live to glorify Thy name and save precious souls. Rev. W. Cooke. " Bellaghey, 1841." " Rev. and dear Sir, "I have held field-meetings, and visited from house to house, and thus obtained liberty to preach in houses, in which before I would not be allowed to pray. At the love-feast a young woman, of a very superior mind, found peace with God, and many others, Avho had neA r er been in a place of the kind before, wept, and prayed aloud for mercy. We have kept up preaching at every fair here. A respectable Roman Catholic woman heard preaching, and was convinced of sin. She afterwards invited Mr. Lyons to lodge in her house, and preach the Word of life to herself and her neigh- bours. She said that she did not care for the anger of the priest. Romanists attended family worship every morning in the house where I lodged. The priest has ordered 500 Testaments for his people; whereas his predecessor compelled one of his flock to put away a Testament which he had obtained. I believe God is work- ing upon the minds of the Romish clergy. I took the house* towards the rent of which you promised me 4 a year. During the ]ast four months our congregations have much improved, thank the Lord! We opened the Sabbath School with 26 children; last SiiMwth we had 80, with a good staff of teachers. Mr. Lyons has written to Dublin for books. Several respectable persons have joined us lately, amongst whom is a .Mr. T. Evans, a young man of talent and influence. Last Sabbath at the renewal of tickets, tears started to his eyes while lit; rxpivsscd his thanks for Methodism. We have appointed him snjMTintt'inlent of the Sunday School. "S. NICHOLSON." In his last journal record for the year, Mr. Nicholson refers again to Eandalstown : IRISH CONFERENCE OF 1641. 103- " Mr. Cook wrote to Lord O'Neill's agent, asking libarty for me to preach in the market-house, Randalstown, but the request was denied. I then took to the street. I was permitted to close the first time without any interruption. But on my next visit, as soon as I stood up, a noisy mob surrounded me ; and a fellow had engaged to knock me down. A policeman heard the plot arranged, and when the man made to strike me, the policeman pulled him to the ground. This only enraged the mob the more. I was composed,, and felt no fear. I asked them to give me a hearing, and 1 would relate to them many interesting things respecting Jesus Christ, the Son of the Virgin Mary. At this, they all cried out, ' Hear him hear him! ' and I was allowed to continue to the end without any further interruption. Thank God ! And now we are about to attend the Conference at Belfast. Mr_ Lyons and I have had a blessed year. We proclaimed the glorious tidings of salvation in the street, in fairs and markets, and wher- ever we could find hearers. It is in my mind to build a house unto the Lord, if I be sent back to labour on this circuit for another' year. A plot of ground has been offered me, and subscriptions have been promised." There lie upon the writer's desk the "Minutes of the Annual Conference of the Methodist New Connexion Irisb Mission, held in Belfast, on the 1 7th day of May, &c., &c., 1841. A brief extract or two from this record of nearly fifty years ago, will be read with interest by the friends- of the Mission to-day : Question 1. Who compose the present Conference ? Answer. English Deputation The Eev. T. Scattergood, and Mr. John Backwell. Superintendent. The Rev. William Cooke. Belfast &. Barton, Wm. Gater, Joseph Lee, Alexande r McCurdy. Bangor William McClure. Doivnpatrick William Sorsby, Hugh McClinchy. Dromore William Barker. Dublin James Argue, James Banks. 104 IRISH METUODIST REMIXISCEXCES. Hyde Park fy Ballyclare John Sage, Andrew Blair. Limerick Edward Morris. Lisburn Thomas Seymour, Samuel Sayce. Joshua McKnight, James Boyd. John Carlisle. Lurgan Thomas Ogden, George McMillen. Newtoionards James Seymour, William Wilson. Portfflenone John Lyons, Samuel Nicholson. Armagh and Smithbord 1 William McChme, T. Mollart. Waterford Henry Harrison. Galway, and the Isles of Arran H. Price. Address of the Irish Conference to the English Con- ference, Assembled at Halifax, Yorkshire, 1841. Very Dear Brethren, By the good providence of God, we have ibeen brought together from our respective fields of labour, and from our Annual Conference we address you. There is an aggre- ,gate increase of one hundred and fifty members, and a considerable nnmber who remain on probation. Priesthill has followed the example of Belfast, by undertaking to support itself, independent of any further aid from the general fund. The stations recently formed in the South and West of this country, especially Cork Limerick, and Waterford, present a very cheering prospect of good 'being effected. Mr. Stewart has commenced his labours in (!al- way. Mr. Price, in the Isles of Arran, has met with severe persecution. Signed on behalf of the Conference : THOMAS SCATTKRGOOD, President. In Mr. Nicholson's journal occurs the record of a pre- sentation which was made to Mr. Cooke, on the ere of his removal to England. During the period of his superinten- dence of the Irish Mission, Mr. Cooke won the confidence, esteem and love of the people, and more especially of the missionaries, to whom he was like a father, sympathizing with them in their trials and encouraging and helping 'them in their arduous labours. In the ir annual addresses BELFAST. 105 to the English Conference, during his term of office, they speak of his zeal and brotherliness in the highest terms, Mr. Nicholson says, "The English Conference of 1841 appointed Mr. Cooke to an English circuit, and the Rev. G. Goodall was appointed as his successor in Ireland I attended a soiree in Belfast, which was got up by the Salem congregation and other friends, for Mr. Cooke, ere he left for England. The ministers and his numerous friends presented Mr. Cooke with an address, and a copy of Bagster's Polyglot Bible in ten languages, bearing a suitable inscription. The speeches made on the occasion were excellent, and the tone of the meeting most enthu- siastic. High hopes were expressed of the continued success of the Mission." By the Conference of 1841, Mr. Nicholson was continued as a supply, and appointed to labour in Belfast, that here, in his studies, he might have the guidance and help of the Superintendent. The records made in his journal daily t-how, that he entered upon his labours in Belfast, with diligence, energy, zeal and faith : 1841, July 4th (Sabbath). Met a class in Salem in the morning; preached at Milltown at 3 p.m., and again at Ricbey's Dock at 5.30. Assisted at Salem prayer-meeting at night. 5th. Visited six families, held two classes, and assisted at the Missionary prayer meeting at Salem. (5th. Visited a few families, met a class, but did not fulfil my preaching appointment, on account o* the riots in the town over an election. 8th and 9th. Visited in company with Mr. McClure, distributed tracts ; a man named Kennedy offered me his house for preaching. In all my visiting during the past week I have been well re- ceived, except by a few Romanists. Poor people, who cannot attend a place of worship for want of proper clothing, received me gladly. Many with whom I read and prayed seemed grateful, and asked me to call again. Sabbath, llth. Met the class at Milltown 1U6 IEISH METHODIST EEMINISCE> T CES. for tickets, preached at 3 p.m., at Turnpike-road. 12th. Visited 1 eight families, met two classes, and attended Salem prayer-meet- ing. 13th. Visited twelve families, prayed with a poor man, who- seems on the brink of eternity ; he appeared much in earnest about the salvation of his soul. Felt the presence of the Lord while preaching at Mr. Collin's in the evening. 14th. Visited twelve families and read and prayed with most of them. A poor old c mple in Cromac-street were much affected during prayer, and urged me to call again, loth. Called to see fourteen families and had great liberty while praying with them, and exhorting them to seek the Lord. 16th. A family in E- Street, wish a p; - ayer-meeting in their house. Husband and wife were once happy in the Lord, and the husband was a leader: they are now cut off from all public means of grace. 17th. Spent some hours in study and preparation for the Sabbath ; called with a Roman Catholic and gave him a tract, lie wants a New Testament, and will pay for it, he had had one but it was stolen from him. 18th r (S.ibbath). Class, Salem prayer meeting, preached at Milltown at 3 ;>.m., and at Lindsay's at 5 p.m. Felt the presence of God with me. 19th. Visited ten families, met a class in Townsend Street,, and one in Salem vestry at 8 p.m. two penitents present, a blessed in ;eting. Prayed with a sick woman who has led a very wicked life; also with a dying man who is earnestly seeking salvation* IX) th. Visited six families : preached at Xewtonbreda to an atten- tive congregation, a brother assisted in prayer at the close, all felt it good to wait upon the Lord. 21st. Was told by many that they could not attend God's house for want of clothing ; they were glad of my visits. I trust that the Lord will bless the Word read and hear the prayers offered, and that many precious souls may be saved as the frnit of my humble labours. 22nd. All day after collectors, inviting them to the quarterly ten-meeting. 23rd. Vi-i ted several families and preached at Milltown in the evening Oh, may the Lord bless His own word to the good of the people! 2kh. Reading and study. 2">th (Sabbath). Met two classes preached at Milltown, and held a prayer-meeting at the Planting 2 ith. Visited amongst others, a woman, in Pinkerton's-row, who was living, and delirious. O that sinners would seek the Lord n'lil'' Hi' in/iy lie found! Attended a fellowship meeting of two DROilORE. 107 classes in the evening. May the labours of the day be owned of God ! Amen. 27th. Visited ten families, and held a prayer meeting at 8 p.m. 28th. Called upon eight families, and preached in Salem, at 7 p.m. 29th. House to house most of the day, praying, reading the Scrip- tures and exhorting the people to repent and believe in Jesus, and prepare for Heaven. 30th. Was pleased to find that the people expected my visits ; held a prayer-meeting in the evening ; a happy day. Went to Dromore, on the 31st to supply for Mr. Sayce Called on Saturday to invite the people out for the Sabbath. Spent the week in Dromore, taking up six preaching appointments, and meeting two classes, &c. August 8th (Sabbath). Met two classes, held two prayer-meetings, and preached twice in and near Dromore. 9th. Visited nine families ; attended Mr. J. Me Dade's wike, exhorted the people to prepare for death. 10th. Eeturned to Belfast, visited a few families, and preached at Mr. Collins's. My own soul was blessed, and I trust the people were profited, llth. Visited ten families, and preached in Salem. 12th. Called to see a man who is in distress about his soul. Oh ! that people would see that " Now is the accepted time." 13th-17th. Held three prayer-meetings, met three classes, preached three times, visited, distributed tracts, &c. 18t.h-21st. Was called to Bellaghey on important business ; preached twice, and saw many of the friends. Attended a Leaders' Meeting with Mr. Gordon, and assisted the brethren to form plans for the extension of the work of God on that mission. Returned to Belfast on the Saturday, and spent the evening in reading and study. Sabbath, 22nd. Met two classes, attended the prayer-meeting in Salem, &c. Mr. Nicholson here adds, " Since I came to Belfast I might have visited more, but, I find, that I must read and study, and, by God's help, qualify myself for future and more extensive usefulness. 1 am studying grammar, logic, and theology, and reading Moshehn's Ecclesiastical History." From an entry in a note book before us, made a little earlier, than this, we learn that Mr. N was giving attention to the study and practice of logic, maps, elocution, singing, and sermon writing. Through the resignation of Mr. Sayce, Dromore was ow left without a Preacher, and the Missionary Com- 108 IRISH METHODIST RKMINISCEXCES. mittee requested Mr. Nicholson to proceed to Dromore immediately, and take charge of the Station. August 25th, found him in Dromore earnestly at work. We give, from his journal, a summary of his labours till September 13th. " Found comfortable lodgings in Mr. McDade's. Visited Black- scull, c., stopped at Mr. Spratt's, and felt happy with this Christian family. Heard Mr. Sayce deliver a good sermon in the Preaching House. Preached to the people aesembled at Mr. Gray's trake. I lay in a damp bed in County Derry, and have been unwell ever since. Thank the Lord for a few days rest. I needed it much. Paid a visit to Mr. Goodall ; saw Mr. Barton. Preached at Nelson's, Crockban, and Dromore, and met classes, was powerfully blessed at all these meetings. Preached at G , for Mr. T. Seymour; here I met a man who had found mercy at a meeting I held at J. Watson's several years ago. Felt the Lord's presence with me on Sabbuth all day. Here Mr. Nicholson's labours at Dromore are arrested, and he is called to -supply the Priesthill station, \vhose young preacher had resigned. The English Conference of 1841 expelled Joseph Barker;* but the heresy he had taught found favour in many places, and spread like evil leaven, causing disaffection and schism. Happily the pernicious leaven did not reach the Irish Mission, except in the case of one individual, a ministerial probationer named Samuel B , a young man of ardent, impulsive Soon after his expulsion, Joseph Darker droppe 1 the mai-k : ml avowed himself a Unitarian. The K-v. \V. Cooke, whi n stationed in Newcastle, accepted a chal- lenge to a public discussion with Birker. Mr. Cooke triumphal. tlv exposed ihe Unitarians sophistries, and left Duiker prostrate in xhume. After devious wanderings, many years ufcei wards, the wanderer "came to himself," and he wrote Dr. Cooke avowing his repentance, and faith in Christ. Rev. 8. Hulme, Dr. Cooce's biographer, says: " These doubts (concerning the (sincerity of Barker's repentance) have melted away, and I now rejoice in the belief that Joseph Baiker ' found meicy of the Lord.' " PRIESTHILL. 109 temperament, and thoroughly conscientious, who was led away by Barker's subtle sophistry and apparent disin- terestedness and sincerity. The late Mr. S. Jones informed the writer, that Mr. B. said, when resigning his charge at Priesthill. " I go forth to assist Mr. Barker to couvert the world." It is gratifying to find, that this earnest young man was soon undeceived. And not long since, his name appeared as President of the United Methodist Free Churches. In a letter from Rev. G GroocL all to the Leaders, &c., of Priesthill, dated Belfast, Sept. 15th, 1841, he says, "It was deemed the most prudent course to place Priesthill and Dromore under the experi- enced superintendence of Mr. T. Seymour until Conference, that Mr. Nicholson should remove from Dromore and take up his residence at Priesthill. Mr. Nicholson is a pious, serious young man, and I hope will be a great blessing among you, receive him kiudly and encourage him." Mr. Nicholson, being "in the Lord's hands," felt "quite satisfied" with this change. Now, he enteis upon his labours in that rich and beautiful district, the Maze, to which in after years, he was appointed again and again. In his Journal he accounts for every day from September till Conference. In his turn he occupied the pulpits of the four Chapels, Lisburn, Priesthill, Broomhedge, and Dromore, and his weekly preaching appointments in all numbered five and six. It will interest many friends in different places, to glance over the names of the people at whose hospitable dwellings Mr. Nicholson at this time, preached from month to month Jones, Carlisle, Currie, Miss Wright, Dalton, Topping, Catney, McConnell, Kennedy, Jno. Watson (with whom he lodged), Dugan, Dickey, Faulkner, Gracey, Shaw, Kidd, Menight, McClure, and Nelson. His journal tells of glorious conversions, 110 IRISH METHODIST REMIXISCEXCES. gracious revivals, happy quarterly-meetings, successful -soirees in different places, and zealous efforts in the Sabbath School. For his superintendent, Mr. T. Seymour, Mr. Nicholson expresses the strongest regard and affection, and he recounts many seasons of happy Christian inter- course with brethren beloved in the Lord. Here is one instance, " While visiting at Mr. Seymour's, his baby was baptized by Mr. Harrison. I felt the power of God abundantly resting upon us." Being now but a few miles from his father's, his three brothers visited Mr. Nicholson often, and he found time occasionally to spend a few hours in the dear old homestead. He says, " Found father well, I trust he is living for eternity," and again, " slept at father's, Lord, do keep my brothers in the right way, Amen." " Sister Elizabeth is ill. Lord, spare her, if i fc be Thy will, and if not, prepare her for Heaven." Thus his heart retained all the warmth of filial and fraternal affection enriched by grace. No one will blame us with divulging secrets if we add, that our bachelor friend likewise found time to visit a family where there was an unmarried daughter, a youn.? woman of true piety, but the visits were not strictly pastoral. As a preacher of the Gospel, he read the Epistles to Timothy with care, and endeavoured to yield obedience to their teaching. He read these words, "A bishop must be the husband of one wife." Now who dare find fault if he fefa willing to yield a cheerful otedience to this injunc- tion as well as to the others. But he felt that the posses- sion of " one " wife was necessary to obedience, and he wrote his friend Dr. Cooke upon the subject ; but ultimately saw it to be prudent to postpone the question. A Method- ist preacher's life is full of contrasts, and so we pass on to a rather prosy subject. Mr. Nicholson tells of an " effort " IXXHK LIFE. Ill to remove a small debt which remained on Priesthill Ohapel. After making- an extended domiciliary canvass for subscriptions, he says, " The peoplw upon whom 1 -called were not over liberal. But the gold and silver are the Lord's, and I have found ' He is faithful who hath promised.' I travelled many miles, and returned to my lodgings wet and weary in body, but, t j my joy, I found money waiting for me, left in my absence." Our devoted friend also makes touching reference to death-bed scenes, some happy and others doubtful. Take the following : "I was painfully astonished to find Mr. Evans on a dying bed. I felt greater grief at parting from him than I ever did at leaving any man on earth. may he be fully pre- pared for eternal glory. I had a letter from Mr. Hamil- ton informing me that after I had prayed with his father (during a visit), the Lord revealed His mercy to the dying man, and he passed away in great peace. Praise the Lord for another soul !" None of Mr N.'s labours were gone through in a perfunctory manner ; whatsoever his hand found to do, he did it with his might. The joyful tidings upon his lips gladdened his own heart. AVe come again and again upon notes like this, " This was a grand day t;> my soul. I was so happy that, when night came, I could hardly sleep." Upon every page of his diary are sighs, and cries, and pleadings for blessing upon his labours. "We have the droppings, but, Lord! do send the mighty shower upon the parched ground that souls may be saved, and Thy name glorified." The journal, too, gives clear glimpses into the inner life of God's servant. His walk was close with God. He was ever on the stretch for more holiness and power and love. He searched the Scriptures daily for the food his own soul required, Christian biographies helped him much: "Bead in the 112 IRISH METHODIST R3MINISCEXCES. Life of the Eev. Mr. Eoberts. Lord, I thank Thee for sending such holy men upon the earth. Such a life instructs and stimulates me to be more faithful." His diary abounds with ejaculations for more of the life of Grod in his soul, and al-^o with notes of praise for rich blessings received : " I see more and more the necessity of a full dedication to Grod. Oh ! for more love, faith, zeal, courage, self-denial, and power from on high ! " " My gracious Lord, I am Thine ; I make a fresh dedica- tion of myself to Thee. Though I have done but little for Thee during the past year, yet Thou hast been with me grant me fresh supplies out of Thy fulness, and enable me t > be humble and to lie at Thy feet, and to Thy name 1 will ascribe all the glory. Through Thy grace I now promise to pray three times daily fur a revival of Thy work upon the mission." " My gracious Father, I thank Thee for the power and love which rested upon me and the people. May the influence spread throughout the country ! ' " The Spirit of God came down upon me in the fullest measure, and I had the clear evidence of entire sanctifica- tion. Bless the Lord, my soul ! " It was not, however, nearly all sunshine with our brother. He had his dark days, trials and temptations. He says, " I have been painfully exercised in mind for many days, but the Lord graciously sustained me, and in prayer I received the assurance that all will be well." " I felt much hurt at certain people indulging in evil speaking. for more of the mind of Christ." The Priesthill Circuit Quarterly Meeting was held on March 20th, 184 i, commencing at 10 o'clock, a.m., the Eev. T. Seymour presiding. Mr. Nicholson says, "My Certifi- cate wa? filled up satisfactorily, every question being answered in the affirmative without one dissenting voice. IRISH CONFERENCE OF 1842. 113 My salary was fully paid, and there was left a small balance. Oh how shall I sufficiently thank Thee, my gracious, loving God ! " The Irish Conference of 1842 held its sittings in Belfast, on April 18th, &c. The Rev. William Cooke (General Secretary of Missions) was the English Deputation, and was chosen as President by the Irish brethren. The Eev. T. Seymour was selected as Secretary. Mr. Nicholson was allowed a seat in Conference though not legally entitled to one. In his diary he says, " I had great pleasure in meeting Mr. Cooke and dear old Mr. Lyons. Mr. Goodall was very kind, and most considerate and obliging. I was entertained at Mr. Crawford's a good Methodist family, with whom I felt at home. Salem pulpit was occupied by Mr. Argue on Sabbath morning, and by Mr. Cooke in the evening ; I preached on the street, at the Dock in the afternoon. I was received by Conference as a minister on probation. may I be a faithful labourer in the Lord's Vineyard, and made the instrument of bringing many sin- ners to the feet of Jesus, and glorifying the name of the Redeemer. The Conference proved a trying, sifting time, but, bless the Lord ! I felt His presence through it all." Priesthill had engaged to pay a young minister's full stipend ; and Mr. Nicholson was given the pastoral over- sight of the station. Upon his retnrn from Conference, Mr. Nicholson made a special and unreserved dedication of himself and his all to God, covenanting to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, and earnestly soliciting grace and wisdom, and strength for the work. He again lodged at Mr. J. Watson's, of whom he speaks in terms of affection. At Lisburn was stationed the Eev. Wm. McClure, a man of amiable and cheerful disposition, sterling piety, possessing a vigorous 114 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. mind well stored with a great wealth of varied knowledge, which he most willingly communicated. From him Mr- Nicholson received valuable aid in his studies and work J and many letters amongst his papers, in the clear neat hand of Mr. McClure, attest, that between these two men of God, though widely contrasting in many respects, there arose an attachment which continued till the close of Mr. McClure' s life. The writer has before him the Plan of Lislurn, Priesthitt and Dromore Stations for parts of the years 1841-2. It shows that much work was crowded into each week. The names upon this " plan" will be interestingly familiar to many now living : Names of Preachers. Exhorters. T. SEYMOUR, B. McCLUNE, W. SHIELDS, W. GATER, J. MENIGHT, J. BOYD, S. NiCHOLSOX, J. CUNNINGHAM, J. BREATHWIGHT, E. BAILIE, T. HALL, H. DICKEY, W. SORSBV, J. DICKEY, S. McCONNELL, A. M., A. JOHNSTON, J. McDADE, J. CARLISLE, H. PRICE, S. JONES, W. BOYD, F. MARTIN, W. ARLOW. G. BRADSHAW, We have already divulged the fact, that other thoughts than those immediately connected with this work shared the attention of our friend during his residence at Bellag- hey, &c., and we have given part of a letter to a Miss Moore, whom he addressed as, " My dear Margaret," and " My dear love." Margaret was the second daughter of a respectable farmer named James Moore, of Knockstiken, Co. Down. On a memorable occasion she went on a visit to a friend at Killough, where the Methodist New Con- nection ministers preached monthly. Here she heard the MISS MOORE. 115- Rev. W. Haslam preach a sermon, wliich came with power to her conscience. As the sermon proceeded, she said- inwardly, " If this be all true, I am still on the broad way, and I must decide about it now." That night Miss Moore asked the preacher if he would visit her father's and preach there. He said that he had once preached in the neighbourhood of her father's, but that the only one to offer him a bed was a policeman, and it proved a very hard one, and he had to retire supperless. " Oh," said the young lady, "if you come to father's you will have supper, and a good, soft bed. Knockstiken thereafter became a regular preaching place and home for the Itinerants on their rounds. Miss Muore received the witness of the Spirit in the Methodist New Connexion Chapel, Downpatrick, at a love-feast, in 1837. A class of about ten young people met regularly in her father's for some time ; and a distin- guished Professor, who occupies a high position at the present moment, met in that class in those days. About the year 1839, Mr. Nicholson visited Knockstiken, in quest of Rev. J. Dogherty. The friend who pointed out Mr. Moore's to Mr. Nicholson, added: "There is a good girl lives at that house ; it was she brought the preachers to it." The house was soon found, but not Mr. Dogherty. The young, fresh-looking preacher was invited to remain all night ; and though on his way to his favourite Aunt Carson's, yet the surroundings at Knockstiken were so congenial and the society so agreeable, that he gladly accepted the proffered hospitality. He afterwards paid many other visits to the same cheerful home, but not to see Mr. Dogherty. To young Mr. Nicholson, four years imposed celibacy, under the circumstances, was felt to be almost intolerable. And in truth, the young lady did not think that men had any right to make such laws. Many 116 IEISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. .preachers, during the first four years of their career at any rate, are able to prove to a demonstration that it is a frag- ment of popery for the Church to impose celibacy, even for -a time, on any man. But, these first years over, somehow their views completely change, and they come to defend the law as good and wise and kind. However, no one will blame our young friend for applying to have the law relaxed in his case, as he was of " full age." There lie before the narrator several letters which were written at the time on this subject of perennial interest. A sentence from one of these, from the Rev. T. O^den to Mr. Nichol- son, written on 22nd January, 1841, we quote, as it makes favourable mention of the lady : " I introduced Mr. Cooke to Miss Moore, and he is highly pleased with her ; but he advises you both to defer marriage for at least .another year." In a letter from Rev. W. Sorsby to Miss Moore, dated 21st May, 1841, Mr. Nicholson is spoken of in teims of esteem: "As to Mr. Nicholson's case (at 'Conference), I may say the resolution is just to my mind, and is, I think, right in itself, but I will (again) explain it to you more particularly. I never heard a young man better spoken of, or more respected than he, and, I am sure, there is a disposition to promote him as fully as his improvement will warrant." The union was accordingly postponed. It was expected that the Conference of 1 842 would give Mr. Nicholson permission to marry, and pre- parations were made for the event ; but, it would appear, Conference did not favour the idea. What was he to do ? He proceeded to Knockstiken, and on his way spent a night at Clougher with Mr. Jos. Catney, who long ago, described to the writer, Mr. Nicholson's perplexed state of mind all that night. It was on a bright day, on 12th May, MARRIAGE. 117' that Mr. Nicholson reached his intended. All the con- veniences for a wedding were ready ; and Margaret Moore and Samuel Nicholson were there and then united in holy wedlock; and God smiled upon the union. The- Eev. E. Stuart officiated on the happy occasion. .118 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. CHAPTEE VI. UHE WORK OF THE MINISTRY. " Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride, And even his failings lean'd to virtue's side ; But in his duty prompt at every call, He watch'd and wept, he pray'd and felt for all : And as a bird each fond endearment tries, To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." "^TT HOU hast found me, mine enemy!" exclaimed & I Is our Bridegroom when, with his Bride, he met * the Kev. W. McClure, who had strongly advised the postponement of ihe marriage, and who now was of the number of those who had power to censure the law-breaker. Mr. McClure did not meet the "foolish couple" wilh a frown, but with a emile. As Mrs. Nichol- eon says, " Father McClure icoeived us to his heart and home, gave us much wise counsel, helped us in every way, and his friendship continued till the end of his life." A probationer's stipend, in those days, afforded the reverse of a " fat living," but from memoranda before us covering this period, we learn that the Priesthill friends were most .kind and attentive to their young minister and his wife. KIND FRIENDS. 119 Mrs. Carlisle (a mother in Israel, who had been converted at nine years of age), her son, Mr. Jas. Carlisle, and Mr. A. Stansfield are mentioned in grateful terms, as also the Misses Bradbury, Mrs. Topping, and Mrs. William Hunter, with Messrs. J. Watson, S. Jones, P. Gorman, and many others. The material comfort of our young friends was also practically remembered by the relatives at Knockstiken and Spring Valley, and it continued for years. Jno. Hall Nicholson, who when a child had been rescued from drowning, was tenderly attached and abun- dantly kind to his senior brot he. Thus were drawn ou* and richly displayed some of the best feelings and principles of the human mind. All the year, however, there hung a cloud in the sky of the newly wedded couple. What would Conference say or do ? In the interest of law and order, that supreme court was bound to say something, and so, in 18-13, it passed this resolution : " That, in reference to the marriage of probationers, this Conference resolves to adopt the rule of the English Connexion on the subject, which states, that any preacher marrying during his probation, without the consent of Conference, shall be discontinued." Now, Brother Nicholson, do not attempt to do the like again. And ye probationers, marry if you dare ! Yet notwithstanding all that has been said on the subject of imposed celibacy, Methodist Ministers marry at an earlier age than do other ministers. In memoranda before us, other names occur of persons to whose history special interest attaches. One of these is James Eichey, one of the notable Thirty -two. " He used to take up the collection in Broomhedge Chapel, and as he passed round the plate, it was his custom to repeat some suitable portions of Scripture 'God loveth a cheerful 120 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. giver,' &c. Another memorable name is that of Margaret Carlisle. Turning to the pages of The New Methodist Mag- azine, for 1831, we find an obituary notice of this estimable young woman, from the pen of the Rev. J. Argue, but it is chiefly an autobiography : She says, " My father, Geo. Carlisle, was a man of exemplary piety He was convinced of Sin in his youth, under the preaching of Mr. Wesley, and soon after was truly converted to Grod- He then joined the Methodists, and continued a member of the Old Society till the formation of the New Connexion, when he joined it from principle, and continued with it till taken from earth to heaven. My mother was convinced of sin in the ninth year of her age, and shortly after was changed in heart and life, and became a steady member of the Methodist New Connection." When about 19 years of age Margaret came under powerful conviction of sin, and began to read and fast and weep and pray. She continued in a state bordering on despair for three months. She says, " When I was about to give up all hope, my spiritual Joseph made Himself known to me and spoke peace and joy to my troubled breast." For a time, she continued a happy, growing Christian, rebuking sin, visiting the sick, praying with and for the unsaved around her. But alas ! she began to shun the cross, and to think she was not required to reprove sin, &c., and she lost her " peace and power." At the bedside of her dying father she was fully restored, and her backsliding healed. Now she became an earnest Christian worker and one of the most exemplary of her sex. Many still living, who were members of her "Juvenile Band," bear grateful testimony to the value of her earnest, loving instruction ; and not a few are themselves on the way to heaven and leading others to accompany them, who were in youth induced to start on MEMOIE OF S. HINDS. 121 the heavenly way by Margaret Carlisle. In May, 1829, her brother William, was seized with a fever ; and after- wards Thomas, George, and James caught the infection. Thomas died, Alas ! Margaret was likewise seized with the dire complaint, under which she too sank and died, on the 16th July, 1829. Her last woids, in reply to a question of her dear mother's were, " I am very happy." The precious memory of Margaret Carlisle is still sacredly cherished by those surviving kindred and friends who knew her worth. It was in 1842, the year under review, that the Irish Ch> istian Monitor was commenced. Two volumes of this unpretending serial lie upon the writer's desk. The glimpses which they give into the Connexional life and work of over foity years ago are pleasing and instructive. The articles show that the missionaries of those days were men of considerable mental force and intelligence. Those from the pens of the Revs. Wm. McClure, and James and Thomas Seymour are of a superior order of literary merit. In one of these volumes, over the signature of Mr. Nichol- son, appears the Memoir of Samuel Hinds, dated Priest- hill, 25th November, 1842. This touching account we here reproduce ; it serves to exhibit the piety and diligence and faith of its author. Besides, the name of Hinds has all along held an honourable place in connection with Zion Priesthill : " Samuel Hinds was born in the parish of Blaris, Ccunty Down. He joined the Methodist Society at the age of eighteen, and at that time enjoyed a clear sense of the Divine favour; but at a more advanced age he lost the enjoyment of religion, though he retained the form. During the autumn of 1841, he caught colcl which terminated in consumption. When seriously ill he became alarmed about his immortal concerns, and cried to God for mercy, with all his heart. He attended class-meeting as long as he was able. He urged me to visit him as often as possible, which request 122 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. I attended to, and always found him much in earnest for salva- tion. 1 pointed him to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world, and told him that Christ had immense riches laid up in store for all who ask, seek, and knock at mercy's door- After I prayed with him, he said that his soul was much comforted, and that he would not rest until he could read his title clear to a mansion in the skies. I called to see him a few days hefore his decease, he told me he was much harassed with worldly cares, that to leave his wife and little ones on the rough sea of time without a guide or (human) provider was worse to him than death itself. lie said that the enemy of souls had tried him much with fiery temptations during the past night, but thanked the Lord, he had left him now. The next time I visited him I found him changed in expression and in heart ; he told me that he had found the pearl of great price, that his sins were all removed, and that he could com- mend his wife and children to the care of that God who had said, that he will be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow. As our brother came nearer the Jordan of death, his con- fidence in God increased greatly, and when on the verge of the river which separates the wilderness from the heavenly Canaan, he longed to cross the flood to be with Christ. I visited him on the morning of that day on which he changed time for eternity, and earth for heaven. I said, 'Brother Hind, you will soon be with Jesus,' to which he replied, ' O, yes ! I shall soon be at home in my Father's house, the palace of angels and God ;' and added, ' I have no doubt of my acceptance with God, I can trust in God my Saviour.' A few minutes before his departure he told his friends that Jesus was with him ; and said, ' There, there is my Saviour to take my soul to the kingdom of glory.' After lie had uttered these words the weary wheels of life stoo:l still, and his redeemed spirit quitted the tabernacle of clay, and took its flight to join the celestial throng who have washed their robes and made them while in tin; blood of the Lamb. He died on the 1st September. ]>li'. iiu'eil L'S years. S. NICHOLSON." It is a gratifying fact, that two nephews (cousins) of the foregoing deceased brother are at present engaged in important spheres of work for the Master. One, the Rev. Sa:nuol Hinds is pastor of a Congregational Church ; the REV. JOHX HINDS. 123 other, the Rev. John Hinds, is one of the staff of Me'hodist New Connexion missionaries labouring in China. The details of Mr. Nicholson's work during this, his second year, at Priesthill, very much resembled those of the first ; but now he had a helpmate, who in sympathy and prayer and effort entered heartily with him into his manifold labours for God and souls. She was no hindrance but a help to the diligent man in the prosecution of his studies ; often when he returned home weary, she read to him for hours from tlnse works which required his attention. To this day, she cherishes very pleasing reminiscences of this, the first year, of her experience as a missionary's wife. In notes carefully prepared for this memorial, she tells of very pleasant and profitable journeys to preaching- appointments with her dear husband. The kind enter- tainment of the friends and the happy meeting in the farmer's kitchen have left sunny traces in her memory. For example, she says, "I remember us going to Ballin- derry. to a Mr. Kennedy's, where my husband preached monthly. It was six miles distant from Priesthill ; but we were hospitably entertained for the night, in a home where there was ample means. After the preaching service, a class was held, to which about twenty persons remained. Mr. Kennedy had a niece, named Mrs. Neill, who was long a member of our church at Bangor." At the close of the year Mr. Nicholson's certificate was affirm- atively filled up at the Priesthill Quarterly Meeting, and he was commended to the favourable consideration of Con- ference as a probationer. Mr. James Carlisle, as lay dele- gate, accompanied Mr. Nicholson to Conference. In the Irish Christian Monitor, vol. II, we find a report of the Confer- ence of 1843, which we here transcribe slightly abridged. 124 IKISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. THE METHODIST NEW CONNEXION IRISH CONFERENCE, 1843. The services connected with our Annual Assembly, commenced on Sabbath morning, April 16th, 1843, in Salem Chapel, Belfast. At six o'clock a.m. a prayer meeting was held, and at seven, a luminous and profitable discourse was delivered, on Matt. xvi. 18 by the Rev. Thomas Seymour. At 11 and 7 o'clock the Rev. Win. Ford (deputation from England) preached two admirable dis- courses. Ten sermons were preached in the open air, to crowds, by several ministers, well supported by our friends in the singing. On Monday, at five a.m., a sermon was preached by the Rev. W. Barker, and in the evening the Rev. II. Harrison preached. Ser- mons were also preached on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, by Rev. McClune and M. On Tuesday evening, the public mission- ary meeting was held. On Wednesday evening an Ordination Service was held, when Messrs. McClune, Barker and Sorsby were solemnly devoted to the work of the ministry, by prayer and the imposition of hands. The questions were asked by Rev. G. Goodall^ the ordination prayer was offered by Rev. Thos. Seymour, and the charge was delivered by the Rev. Wm. Ford. The answers of the brethren were satisfactory, and those relating to their early religious impressions very affecting. Conference requested the publication of Mr. Ford's charge in the pages of the Monitor- The business of Conference commenced on Monday morning, in Salem, at six o'clock, when the Rev. Wm. Ford was chosen Presi- dent, and Mr. Joseph Lee, Secretary. The sittings closed about noon, on the 20th. It was by unanimous consent the best Confer- ence remembered. Everything was done in the spirit of perfect brotherly kindness. The spirit of prayer was richly poured out; and there was perfect unanimity ; and, we trust, God directed all- At this Conference Mr. Nicholson was duly examined according to rule, and continued on probation ; and he was appointed to the Ballyclare Station, which had been commenced but a year or two before. Wm. Connolly and his cousin, John Connolly, were the principal agents in originating the interest at Ballyclare. We knew the former brother intimately. He had held an important situation as bleacher at Hyde Park, where, from principle, BALLYCLAEE. 125 he had united with the Methodist New Connexion ; and, having acquired sufficient mean-*, he retired from business, and settled down at Ballyclare, his native place, where as leader and local preacher, he stood by our cause till the end of his life. There are some invertebrate creatures who are the sport of the strongest prevailing cu -rent, but Win. Connolly was not one of these, having a backbone of principle, he remained "faithful amony: the faithless.'' The Eev. Wm. Cooke, in a letter to the Mission Secretary ; in 1840, says. " It will afford you pleasure to learn that the Marquis of Donegal has freely granted us a bite of land for the erection of a new chapel, in Ballyclare." Accord- ingly the Monitor for July, 1842, gives an account of the stone-laying: " On Tuesday, the 31st May, the first stone of a new Chapel was laid at Ballyclare, Co. Antrim. A hymn was sung, and prayer offered by the Rev. Wm- Barker, when Samuel Archibald Esq., of Clareview, laid the stone in the name of the Holy Trinity. Our friends have hitherto worshipped in an incommodious house, and for some time, have contemplated the erection of a chapel." The Monitor for February, 1813, tells of the opening services: "On Sabbath, January 15th, our new Chapel, in Bally- clare, was opened for Divine service. In the afternoon the Eev. G. Groodall preached ; and in the evening the Rev. H. Harrison Collections, about seven pounds. Wm. Smith Esq., Whitepark, Dr. Agnew, and Messrs. S. Arrvhbold, and James Walmsley acted as collectors. More than 70 have already been rai-ed by subscriptions." With hot tears of parting in their eyes, our friends bade adieu to Priesthill, and after a few days at Knockstiken, proceeded to their new sphere of labour. Here they were for a time uncomfortable in the lodgings available, as their sleeping apartment was not wholly private ; and Mrs. 126 IKISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. Nicholson soon went home for a while to her father's, but Mr. Nicholson, having elsewhere " endured hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," put " a cheerful cour- age on," and entered heartily into his work, leaning on the arm of Omnipotence. Early in the year he entered upon a new experience and a new relationship. On Sab- bath 1st July, a daughter was born to him ; and none will be surprised to learn that the happy father reckoned that day as one of great blessing, and that he was early upon the scene on the next day. His mental condition may be inferred from the fact, that his mother-in-law found him at right out in the moonlight, with the baby in his arms, giving it a first lesson in astronomy, bidding it look up at the moon. The good lady, however, quickly gave him a lesson on quite a different subject. The Rev. William McClure baptized the baby, naming her Elizabeth Mary,* after Mr. Nicholson's mother, and Aunt Mary Carson, With a heart brimful of gratitude to God, Mr. Nicholson soon returned to his loved labour. There remained a debt upon the new chapel, and to wipe it off he went to work, his wife's brother helping him in the effort. On their way they called upon Lady Annesley and Lord Roden, each of whom subscribed a pound. A servant of the latter, having slighted our friends, said, " I gave them a snub which will prevent them from returning." But his lord- ship had them brought back, and during the interview, by his request, Mr. Nicholson prayed for the young nobleman, who, with his friends, knelt during prayer. The debt was cleared off, and a soiree held to rejoice over the event. Mr. John Hall Nicholson (now a Belfast merchant), pre- sided, and made his maiden speech. Mrs. Nicholson was * She is now Mrs. K. M. .Madunlay, her husband boing pastor of a Church in Cork. MEMOIR OF JAXE IRWIN. 127 present, also Mr. Nicholson's kind friends, the Misses Crawford, of Belfast, and Mr. L. Brown. The Rev. G. Groodall and others made speeches. And a Family Bible was presented by the Ballyclare friends to their minister. Mr. Nicholson visited the homes of the people in every direction and soon became a general favourite, and his congregation grew apace. The poor, away in back streets, the sick, and especially :he dying commanded his particu- lar attention, and to these his visits were much blessed, as the following case from the pages of the Monitor shows : MEMOIR OF JANE IRWIX. " Jane Irwin, wife of John Irwin, of Ballynure, Co. Antrim, died on July 29th, 1843, aged 38 years. For many years she was a stranger to the sweets of true religion, though a person of good moral character. The affliction which summoned her from this mortal state, was a lingering consumption. Both her parents feared the Lord, and were members of our Church at Bangor. When Mrs. Irwin found herself declining in health, she longed to see one of her own ministers, not being aware there was one so near as Ballyclare. My predecessor, Mr. Barker, was found out, and the afflicted woman received him as a messenger from the Lord. He was requested by her and her husband to establish preaching in their house. Soon a class was formed, which is now very promising. For several days previous to her death she suffered much, but was wonderfully supported by Divine grace ; and with patient resignation she calmly waited the coming of her Lord. She had experiened the Lord's mercy early in her affliction, and He was with her to the last. She had no exceeding joy, but it may be truly said of her, that she died in Jesus. She told her husband that the fear of death was taken away ; and a few minntes before her departure urged him to continue in prayer that her spirit might be received by the Saviour she loved. The deceased was interred on the Sabbath, and in accordance with her request the remains were followed by the minister, leaders and friends, with singing of hymns, to the graveyard. And before the body was covered with the clods of the valley, her death was im- proved by the writer from Rev. xiv. 13. Aug. 16, 1843. S. NICHOLSON." 128 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. In December, Mr. Nicholson sent to the Monitor, a detailed account of his work : " Soon after last Conference, the ministers and leaders engaged to pray to God for a revival of religion upon this station ; and they have reason to bless the Lord that prayer was not offered up in vain. At the lovefeast, held on the second Sabbath in July, the Lord manifested His presence in a powerful manner. During the sermon which was preached upon the occasion, the Lord watered many hearts with the dew of His heavenly grace : and at the penitent meeting which was held at the conclusion, many sinners were brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The meeting lasted several hours and Avas most orderly. It was a time which will be long remembered ; often two at once would rise to declare what God had done for their souls. From this time, an unusual heavenly influence rested upon all our meetings, and our leaders became more anxious for the conversion of sinners. They visited from house to house, inviting strangers to attend our ser- vices, and our congregation, in a short time, greatly increased especially upon the Sabbath evening. We also reclaimed some from the world, Avho are now most promising members of our church. We opened prayer meetings in new places, which were owned of God to the salvation of precious souls. The hallowed feeling which existed was not mere excitement, or a momentary impression, but from what we have since witnessed, we believe the blessings received will be lasting as eternity. The means of grace are regularly attended by all the members, and the Word of God is precious to them ; and their liberality in attending to the wants of their minister, and supporting the Gospel is only bounded by their means. On December 10th, I administered to a good number, the dear memorials of the dying Lord. I selected my text for this occasion from "2 Cor., iv., f>. While I preached the word the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit rested upon the congre- gregation, and mniiy were melted into tears. And the Saviour made Himself known in the breaking of bread. My own soul was unspeakably happy in God. The Rev. G. Goodall preached the Missionary Anniversary Sermons on the 17th inst., the congre- gations were excellent, the people heard with great attention and IRISH CONFERENCE OF 1844. 129 a solemn sense of the Divine presence was experienced. The col- lections exceeded our expectations. The Missionary meeting was a great success. The Rev. G. Goodall presided. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Revs. T. Seymour, W. Sorsby, and S. Nicholson. A delightful missionary spark was kindled amongst the members ; and two females volunteered their services as col- lectors for the mission. I appointed special services for the fol- lowing week, and in eight days, I had twelve preaching appoint- ments. Our congregations are increasing, and God is owning our work. Not unto us, Lord ! not unto us, but unto thy name we ascribe the praise. Amen." Thus with ceaseless activity, in dependence upon God, Mr. Nicholson continued to prosecute his labours, his steady aim being the salvation of souls. Mrs. Nicholson remem- bers to this day, the names of persons who, during this year, became members of the Society, and remained steadfast. In 1844, Mr. Nicholson's brothers, James and Thomas, emigrated to America, and his sister Margaret came to reside with her elder brother ; and she remained with him for six years, when she followed her brothers, who had gained good positions in New York. It is she to whom we refer, in an earlier part, of this memorial, as Mrs. Captain Benson. Benevolence was always a prominent feature in the disposition of our friend, and he was ever ready to encourage and help any godly youth whom he found anxious to work for the Lord. Mrs. Nicholson found him actually sharing his own needed clothing with a poor, but pious young man, whom Mr. Nicholson was afterwards instrumental in introducing into mission work. In addition to his manifold labours our brother had " to give attention to reading," and study, and to prepare for hi-j annual examination at the District Meeting. The Irish Conference of 1844 assembled in S:tlem, Bel- fast, on April 15th. English deputation: Rev. Wm. K 130 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. Baggaly (who was chosen president}, and B. Fowler, Esq. Secretaries : Revs. Thos. Seymour, and Wm. McClure. Sermons were preached at five in the morning. Several of the brethren preached at the Docks. The Mayor of Bel- fast occupied the chair at the missionary meeting. In the address to the English Conference, favourable mention waa made of the retiring superintendent, Rev. G. Goodall. Mr. Nicholson was continued on probation, and was appointed to the Portglenone Station. The Rev. Wm Baggaly was appointed superintendent by the English Conference. Portglenone consisted of one long street of irregular houses, divided by the river Bann. The Chapel, a neat structure, stood at one end of the town. One after another of the sturdy, intrepid missionaries had travelled this station and won many souls for Christ, including Romanists. Extreme poverty prevailed everywhere. In a letter to the Mission Secretary the Rev. Wm. Cooke says, "As a specimen of the people inhabiting the country around Portglenone, I may mention that I saw people whose garments were so patched and party-coloured that I could not ascertain which was the original garment. The Greeks contended about the identity of the Argonautic vessel ; here they would have found many similar subjects of disputation equally difficult to decide." Mr. Nicholson, having travelled a part of this station btfore, knew the people, and they loved him. But now he has no col- league, the second preacher having been withdrawn. Our devoted friends found uncomfortable lodgings in the house of a blacksmith, where they could hear the sounds of the hammers, often mingled with the oaths of the workmen, who refused kind invitations to join the preacher and his family at family worship. Mr. Nicholson found that the Circuit Steward and the Superintendent of the Sabbath AX ALARMING ENCOUNTER. 131 School was like .vise clerk of the Parish Church. There were a few earnest people connected with the cause, including Henry Hamilton, who was "very loyal to the Society." Mrs. and Miss Nicholson took hold of the School, often carrying the baby with them ; and Mr. Nicholson, though doubtful whether his appointment was of the Lard, entered upon his work with true missionary zeal. There were long journeys, some of the monthly preaching places being eight and ten miles distant. On some Sabbaths there were three preaching appointments at as many different places. The friends at Bellaghey highly appre- ciated their former minister's visits, which were much blessed. Catholic in spirit, ' ' the friend of all and the enemy of none," our brother soon became widely known and respected. He was on the most fraternal terms with the Presbyterian ministers, who helped him in many ways. Mrs. Nicholson speaks in very grateful terms of a medical doctor, named Madden, as also of a Mrs. Daly, the mother of a priest. It was necessary, however, to guard constantly against giving offence to the Romanists, as they were treacherously revengeful. There were often faction fights amongst the people, in one of which a young man was killed, during Mr. Nicholson's residence at Portglenome. Returning in winter from a distant appointment, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, and Mr. Hamilton experienced an alarming encounter. They heard behind them the sound of horses' hoofs and men's voices. At length a man on horse back rode up alongside the car, and Mrs. Nicholson observed a gun in his hand. She did not speak, and felt fully able to trust in God for protection. Suddenly, as our friends were passing its entrance, a number of men rushed out of a lan^, shouting loudly. The horse took "132 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. fright, and soon the whole party on the car were thrown into a ditch. Mrs. Nicholson remembers her exertions to protect her child from being dashed against a huge stone, .as she was falling. Soon her husband extiicated mother and child from a perilous position. One of the rowdy men asked Mr. Hamilton who Mr. Nicholson was, and -when informed that he was a "Methodist preacher who would offend nobody," the men took their departure. The destruction of a bonnet was the only material damage experienced. It appeared that they were in quest of a Presbyterian minister, who had been preaching against the Papacy. When Mr. Nicholson preached in the open .air many Romanists stood to listen, and did not molest him. Amongst the more memorable incidents of this year, Mr. Nicholson retained a grateful recollection of a house being saved from destruction by fire through his agency. It was at Bellaghey, where he preached monthly. He occupied a bed-room just above the apartment occupied by his hostess and her children. In the night he smelt wood burning, and soon found that part of the room beneath him was in flarnt s. It appears that the wooden ceiling of the room was low and its boards loose, and part of these were found to be burning. The mother and her children would soon have been suffocated in their sleep had not Mr. Nicholson awoke them. His hostess, with rare presence of mind and vigour, tore down the burning timber and threw it out of the window. Thus were life and property providentially saved. The extreme poverty of the people involved varied experiences, some trying and others ludicrous. Mr. Nicholson visited a house regularly, where in one apart- ment, a family, including several children, a cow, a goat, THE BLOOD OF THE O'NEILLS. 133"- and other animals, eat and slept in strange accord. There- attended the Chapel a man whose apparel was of the " party-coloured" type, and his legs were without stock- ings, but he was truly pious. The Rev. Jno. Lyons had preached in this man's hout>e, and had ridden to it on. horseback ; but the man complained of having to give the horse fodder. He said " If Mr. Lyons can't come to preach without bringing a horse to feed, let him give up< the preaching." The poor man lived in a bog. Mr. Nicholson often told of a cup of tea that was handed him, made of water out of the bog. He found a large water beetle in the cup. He was urged, with sincere hospitality,, to "finish his tea," as he had had "a long journey," which was true enough; but the boiled insect was too much for his appetite. The writer remembers spending a long afternoon at a wedding party, in company with the Revs. D. McAfee and John Lyons ; and it was most interesting to hear related by the then aged ministers many reminiscences of their experiences as Irish itinerants. Mr. Lyons told of a man who lived in a bog (likely the one just alluded to), who had been truly converted, but who had hardly any know- ledge of the Scriptures. He had heard the account of the slaying of Goliath by David, and was not at all satisfied with it. " What," said he to Mr. Lyons, " do you think of that young fellow, David, throwing stones at the other fellow, and cutting his skull open ? It wasn't fair at all, at all ! Why didn't David stand up and fight like a man, instead of being a coward, and slinging stones at the man."" Archy McMagh lived in this bog ; he used to attend the lovefeasts at Portglenone. He was truly pious, but a hasty temper gave him much trouble. He complained of it in very strong terms. But he used to add," 1 have the- 134 IRISH METEODIST REMINISCENCES. blood of the O'Neill's in my veins, and cannot stand in- sult." The Rev. Wm. Baggaly wrote a memoir of Archy's father, Daniel McMagh, which appeared in the Methodist New Connexion Magazine for 1846, of which we give an abridgement. THE LORD'S JEWELS IN AN IRIS-H Boo. Burnquarter is situated on a very extensive bog near Bally- money, Co. Antrim. It is occupied by a number of poor people, who live in small cabins, some of which have actually been cut out of the solid turf. To attempt a delineation of Archy McMagh's cabin would only be to challenge the faith of the most credulous. He rose and offered us the stool on which he had been sitting, but it AVBS scarcely sufficient to accommodate three men, and a lady, as it was not more than twelve inches long. We soon retreated, the best part of Archy's cabin being outside. On the bog at Burnquarter, some of our members and hearers reside. Our indefatigable missionary, Mr. McClune, found them in the year 1842. He crossed their dangerous pits, tracked his way to their cabins, and standing on their worse than earthen floors, preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. A small society was formed . which has been supplied by our worthy brethem, Messrs. W. Barker, S. Nicholson, and J. Baird. In some places the bog is almost impassable, and when the people hear of a fresh preacher being appointed to the Circuit, one of their first inquiries is if he is a good leaper able to jump over the bog holes. The people are seldom absent from the services. If there is moonlight, well ; but if not they provide torches, and crowd the cabin where the meeting is held. Usually, even in winter, the preacher is the only person at the service having his feet shod. But though poor and simple, they have experienced the quickening and comfortiug power of the Gospel ; and many of them rejoice in the knowledge of salvation by the, remission of sins. They left their work at mid-day to hear me preach, and greater attention I have rarely witnessed either in this or any country. A few weeks since, a dreadful fever broke out in this THE EVERLASTING ARMS. 135 place. Several of our little flock were numbered amongst its victims. Old Daniel McMagh and his family did not escape. Daniel had his aged partner, his son, daughter-in-law, and several grand- children around him. Daniel and his wife were seized with the fever, and lay upon one bed, not knowing whether would be called away first. In a short time the poor old woman breathed her last. Daniel, in the worst stage of fever, had to be removed from the side of her lifeless clay. No other bed being available, some straw was laid on the damp floor, and there the old man stretched his fevered limbs, and calmly waited his Heavenly Father's will. On the 14th December, 1845, his happy spirit entered into rest, in the 81st year of his age. A few minutes before the vital spark fled, he said, " I have peace ; I know I am dying, but Christ has done it for Dan ! " Daniel had seen himself as the chief of sinners ; and often did he look back upon 77 years spent in the service of Satan with the deepest sorrow. But he had peace, arising from an inward conviction that Christ had died for him Done it for Dan. Surely by the instrumentality of our missions, the poor have the gospel preached unto them." Salem Manse, Belfast, June, 1846. Mr. Nicholson's diary contains records covering a part of this year. A few extracts will serve to exhibit the inner workings, experiences and principles of the mind of God's servant. Ho prays, " Oh, Thou Eternal Jehovah, guide my pen to honour Thee ; and enable me to walk closer with Thee ; and grant me more of Thy presence, love, and favour. Help me to aim at Thy glory alone." " I have just passed through a severe bilious attack ; but it has been sanctified to my good. The assurance "Underneath are the everlasting arms," was made a great comfort to my mind. I was enabled to exclaim, in the words of the poet : 136 IEISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. " O Love ! Thou bottomless abyss ! My sins are swallowed up in Thee ; Covered is my unrighteousness, Xor spot of guilt remains on me, While Jesu's blood, through earth and skies, Mercy, free, boundless mercy, cries ! " " I experienced a great elevation and reverence of mind while studying a sermon upon the existence of God. " ! the glories of Thy mind Leave all my soaring thoughts behind!" "Felt a trembling sense of God's presence while preaching upon the Divine existence." "Bead with profit a description of ' Jerusalem the city of the Great King,' by Horne." " Studied in Grammar, Ehetoric and Church History." " Visited some families; prayed with a dying penitent ; he is no\v in eternity." I close another day happy in God, filled with His peace and joy. Eead part of Cooke on the Trinity. A wide field of usefulness opens before me, may I be enabled to cultivate it to the glory of God. Lent our Chapel to the Covenanters, and attended the meetings of their Presbytery. Bigotry is dying! Bless the Lord! Prepared for quarterly examination Grammar, Ehetoric, and Home's Divinity. I feel myself but a child in knowledge. Lord ! touch my lips with a live coal from off Thine altar. Preached on the Immortality of the Soui. Eeceived a letter from the Eev. T. Seymour. how lull of marrow aud fatness are the letters of this man of God ! They do me good. Eead Home on Punishment by Crucifixion. ' Lamb of G;d! was ever pain, was ever love like Thine!' Preached my farewell sermon ; my soul was niuih blessed. IRISH CONFERENCE OF 1845. 137 my God ! how many mercies hast Thou made me prove in the last year. I want to be a man full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and thus prepared to enter upon the labours of another year. Mr. Nicholson, during this j'ear, tried to cultivate the entire ground which had engaged the full strength of two missionaries ; but his labours were too widely diffused to be very productive at the central place, or at any point. Hence, though his work was blessed, yet the results did not appear in the accession of members. Early in his ministerial career, our earnest brother bagan to excite attention, and make friends, outride the pale of his own Church. Amongst his attached friends was Mr. Bain, who resided in Holy wood. Mr. Nicholson's intimacy with this gentleman began about 1844-5. Mr. Nicholson baptized two of the children of Mr. Bain, at the latter's urgent request. To a friend, Mr. Bain said, "Mr. Nicholson's visits are as blessed as an angel's." A full report of the Conference of 1845 lies under the writer's eye. It commenced on April 13th, the Rev. W. Baggaly being chosen President, and the Rev. W. McClure, Secretary. Three sermons were preached in Salem ; and though the day was boisterous, attended with heavy rain and hail, yet two services were held in the open air, conducted by the Revs. J. Seymour, Barker, Harrison, Sorsby, and Nicholson. On April 14th, Rev. J. Baird preached at five o'clock in the morning ; and the Conference commenced its sittings at six. The Missionary Meeting was held in the evening, presided over by Andrew Mulholland, Esq f Mayor of Belfast. On the 15th, Brother S. Nicholson preached at five o'clock a.m. ; and in the evening in Salem, Messrs. J. Baird and another were ordained for the ministry by the imposition cf hands. A day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer was appointed. Petitions to both Houses of Parliament against the proposed grant to Maynooth were resolved upon. The number of members showed 138 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. an increase in the Circuits retained the former Conference, and the financial affairs were greatly improved." Mr. Nicholson was continued on probation ; and he was removed from Portglenone back to Baltyclare. It should here be noted that the Canadian Mission was commenced in 1837, the Rev. J. Addyman (first missionary), arriving in that country on August 31st, 1837. Now (1845) there were in the Dominion 33 chapels, 37 ministers. 46 local preachers, and 3460 members. Such marked success justified the English Conference in yielding to the demand for more ministers and money, to enable the Canadian Conference to enter upon necessitous and inviting fields of labour opening in every direction. But the result to the Irish Mission was the resolution to withdraw from the more Popish districts, and to leave them to the willing efforts of "the wealthier Protestant Churches." The change to Ballyclare was most agreeable to Mr. Nicholson and his wife, and the friends received them gladly. This time, comfortable apartments were found in the house of a respectable family. At thii time Arianism and ultra-Calvinism prevailed in and around Ballyclare. Mr. Nicholson did not contend with those who differed from him, but just preached, and tried to live the Gospel, leaving the results with God. From Mr. Xichlxn fo the Superintendent, Uallyclare, Auyust 8th, 1845. My Dear Brother, I feel thankful to God that at the conclusion of another quarter, I liavo to report a gradual progress of the work of the Lord upon this station. The Most High continues to bless us ns a Christian Church, and many of our old members are manifestly growing in grace. There is a growing MUCH BLESSING AT BALLYCLARE. 139 friendly feeling towards us throughout all classes of the com- munity. At our preaching places all over the Circuit, the good work continues to prosper. Our own people are determined to use their best endeavours to extend the Kingdom of Christ. The congregations in the Chapel are good, and a blessed influence frequently prevails. I have adopted the plan of preaching short and pointed sermons, and afterwards conducting a lively prayer- meeting. This method has been greatly owned of God. On June 1st, I administered the sacrament. While I preached from John xii.) 23, both myself and congregation were greatly blessed. The Master made Himself known in the breaking of bread. We had the lovefeast on the first Sabbath in July. On that occasion I preached from Daniel vii, 4. We had about seventy present ; and the speaking continued for some hours. I conducted a penitent meeting at the conclusion. Some of the members, being in distress for sanctincation, wrestled with God in mighty prayer, that He would apply the atoning blood, and cleanse them from all sfti- The meeting continued till nearly six o'clock ; and the evening preaching had to be postponed for an hour. Believers that day received a deepening of the work of God in their souls, and sinners were made happy in the Saviour's love. A few months ago, a man named Keys, left the Presbyterians and joined in church-fellowship with us. His former minister called and told him that he would prove that the doctrines held by Calvin were the only true doctrines of the Word of God. Our friend told the minister that he could not reason much ; but this he could declare, that he was never convinced of sin until he came among the Methodists ; but now he not only knew his danger and lost condition, but that he had the cheering hope of receiving from Christ the clear evidence that he had redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of all sins. The minister then left him saying that Keys had lost his way, and that no man could knotu his sins forgiven. Keys read Wesley's Sermons ; and while in the act of reading, he received power to rely upon Christ as his Saviour, his chains fell off, and the love of God was shed abroad in his heart. He went direct to his wife and told her what God had done for his soul. This took place the week before the love- feast, at which he related his experience with joyous tears. 140 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. On July 20th, the Rev. Wm. Baggnly preached our mission ser- mons ; a solemn sense of the Divine presence was felt at both services. The collections exceeded our expectations. During the summer I appointed field-meetings for different parts of the Cir- cuit. Last Sabbath, we held an open-air service at Hyde Park, about a hundred people were present. I preached from Ezekiel, xxxiii., 11. The power of the Lord rested upon the assembly. We conducted a revival prayer-meeting in a large out-house. Some sinners were greatly broken down, and cried out, " What must we do to be saved ?" My DX'ES. had unusual liberty in delivering the counsel of God. may it bring forth fruit after many days. 6th. Visited the neighbour- hood of Moyrusk, and preached in Mr. Dickey's from Rev. 11, 14. I had unusual liberty, may the message be blessed. 7th. I am to preach to-night at the Mill-hill. This is a new place where there has been a small class formed lately. Sabbath, 9th. Met the class in Miss Wright's; had a truly blessed time. Some wept for joy. Preached in Broomhedge at the usual hour from John iv., 35, 38. The unction of the Spirit rested upon iny own mind while I proclaimed, ' Lift up your eyes, for the fields are white unto harvest.' Oh! may the Church and all Christian ministers now put in the sickle and gather many souls to Christ. 16th. Sabbath. This was a most happy day to both preacher and people. 1 preached in Broomhedge, at eleven, from Gal. vi. 14. I was graciously assisted with light and power from on High. The Sacrament after sermon. Christ made Himself known in the breaking of bread. We sat in heavenly places. 21st. Returned to Broomhedge after spending eight days at the sea-side. I exper- ienced a feeling of discontent, and longed to be again engaged in declaring the glad tidings of great joy. How delightful it is to be constantly employed in the great work of the Redeemer. May I .-pend all my remaining life and strength in winning souls to Christ. 23rd. Sabbath. Preached in the forenoon in Lisburn, from Matt, xvi., "20. Met the minister's class; it was a truly blessed time. One of the members of this class met in my grand- father Nicholson's class, forty years ago. O, how she wept and praised God, when recounting all the mercies of the Lord from that period till the present time. I preached in Zion at night, and baptized a child. Prayed with Brother Martin, who nears the gates of deatli. He is weak in body, but able to rely upon the merits of Christ for salvation. 25th. Yesterday and tliis day vi.-ited about [twenty-six families. This is a blessed employment and profitable to preacher and people. Visited .). Martin; he is \ery low : but continues happy in (iod. I preached near Lisburn la-t night, to ;i congregation of attentive hearers. This night I preached at the Milestone to the largest congregation I have ever had in this place. A blessed feeling pervaded the whole service. CHOLERA. 155 26th. Attended the [Coimexional] Jubilee meeting at Belfast ; it was a profitable time to me. I was pleased to hear of the great liberal- ity of the English friends. I am grieved that I cannot give what I could wifth to this fund. 27th. Preached at Mr. Catney's, Clougher, upon, " What must I do to be saved ?" The people, I believe, heard with a desire to obtain salvation. 28th. I thought J. Martin so ill and weak this night, that ha would not be able to bear preaching in his house ; but he would not give it up, and asked me not to speak as loudly as usual. On Wednesday I found him in a doubting state. lie told me he had lost his hope, and that he felt himself too unworthy to be saved. I read to him, and quoted many precious promises. I also prayed with him, but all in vain. The enemy was now making his last attack before leav- ing the tried one for ever. Our brother continued in a desponding state for nearly two days. This evening I found that his peace had returned. He joyfully exclaimed, ' Christ has done so much for me through life, and having kept me thus far, he will not surely leave me now in sorrow to sink.' He then spoke of having a funeral sermon preached, and hymns sung on the way to the graveyard. I remarked that when that would be going on on earth, his redeemed spirit would be among the blood washed throng before the throne " Oh ! yes," said he, " that will be the case.' 7 30th. Sabbath. M'et my class. Preached at Priesthill, morning and evening, from Acts xvi., 33. and Hebrews xii., 1, 2. The Spirit's influence accompanied the word. I bless the Lord for such happy seasons coming from His presence. 31st. Preached J. Martin's funeral sermon from "Rev. xxiv., 13. The] house was full of people, and many stood outside for want of room. Hymns were sung on the way to the graveyard. Mr. Argue spoke at the grave. Brother Martin " died in the Lord." The foregoing represents the character and amount of work accomplished by Mr. Nicholson monthly till the end of the Connexional year. We add but one or two additional extracts from his journal. Cholera was alarm- ingly prevalent in 1846-7. Mr. Nicholson says, " While preaching at B. Jefferson's, near Lisburn, upon ' the judg- 156 IRI1I METHODIT REMI3TSCEXCE. ments of the Lord on account of sin" the servant girl was seized -with cholera. It was alarming, but the Lord gave- me peace. May the people learn to fear God, and forsake sin." In the Magazine for 1847, from the pen of Mr. Baggaly, appeared a memoir of the Eev. W. Me. Clune. "Mr. Me Clune was born at Whitehouse, in 1817, and was born of the Spirit when a young man. He became a minister of the Methodist New Connexion, and was received into full connexion, in 1843. He died of consumption, in great peace, on Nov. llth, 18-16. 'His career was short: but if life is to be measured by the amount of labour per- formed, and the good that is done, he lived long.' His zeal was quenchless ; his fault was that he attempted too much.' 'Honest and candid, he was without guile'." Mr. Nicholson says, " I visited Eev. W. Me. Clune, whose health f tiled in Dublin, and he came to rest a few days at Mrs. Crook's. Oh ! how emaciated the dear man is! "I (S.N.) preached this day (15th Sept.) friend Dalton'fl funeral sermon : endeavoured to describe the happy death of the righteous. The house was not sufficient to accommodate all the people who wished to be present. Sep. 26th. The Lord sent me a five-pound note, through my brother-in-law, just at the moment of urgent need. Hitherto the Lord's promises have not failed 'shall supply all your need.' My dear wife has gone with her brother to spend a short time at her father's. May her health be restored, and she long spared to me." By the Conference of 1847 (Rev. P. T. Gilton, President), Mr. Nicholson was removed to the Newtownards station, wh> re he laboured two yeais. The Eev. Juo. Me Clure visited Newtownards in 1799, engaged a preaching-room in Movilla St., where he soon formed a class. In 1801 James Davidson was walking the- XEWTOWXAKDS FAMIXE. 157 streets in great soul-trouble, when he saw the members of the class wending their Avay to their meeting-place. He followed them, "forced his way in," and that evening found salvation. He afterwards became and remained till death one of the principal office bearers and main supporters of the cause. A lady from Bangor, being on a visit in New- townards, attended the preaching in Movilla St where she was convinced of sin, and "soundly converted to God." She joined the Methodist New Connexion, -was a great friend to its ministers, and at her death, bequeathed a legacy to the Bangor and Newtownards Stations. In 1820. a small chapel was erected in Mary Street, Newtownards, on ground left to the Society by Mrs. Chambers. In 1838^ the small chapel, grown uncomfortable, was sold, and through the prodigious exertions of the Rev. Thomas Sey- mour, sufficient funds were raised, and a new commodious sightly chapel was erecied. Dr. Cooke preached " power- ful opening sermons." The years 1816 till 1849 in Ireland were years of famine and disease following upon the "potato blight," wh* j n thousand-* of sufferers perished. Newtownards suffered from the "famine" more than .any other town in the North. In private memoranda left by him, Mr. Nicholson says. " At the Conference of 1847, there was a preacher for whom it was difficult to find an appointment. As he would not have been agreeably re- ceived at Newtownards, I was removed to that town, and he was appointed to Broomhedge, where the friends seldom complained of their ministerial appointment. 1847 was one of the years of thu great famine. During the entire year I toiled amongst the starving poor, the d} T ing, and even the dead required my attention. I have always been of a nervous temperament, and afraid of infectious 158 IRISH METHODIST RFMINISCENCES. diseases ; but, at this time, the Lord strengthened me and qualified me for the work of mercy and charity. I visited scores of fever cases throughout the town. I also visited the Poor's House, and the Fever Hospital, when it and the temporary sheds contained from six to eight hundred patients. I visited a family, members of our Society, regularly, who had fever iu their house for twenty weeks. At this time I suffered from a slight attack of fever, which rendered me unable to preach for several weeks. Through it all, however, I was able to visit a little every day." Mrs. Nicholson adds. " The other ministers of the town avoided the infected houses and localities as much as possible ; but my husband visited indiscriminately. He carried with him certificates for the admission of fever cases into the hospital. He had double work, in finding- out the sufferers, and then getting the doctor to certify. Oh ! the scenes of filth and wretchedness, hunger, nakedness and disease which my dear husband witnessed and tried to relieve. Hundreds had no bed-clothes what- ever, and but an excuse for a bed or none at all ; and they covered themselves at night with the scant garments which they wore during the day. I can never forget many individual cases which came under our special notice. A poor man came for a ' line ' to get his wife into the hospital. The poor woman was ' down in fever,' and had a baby just six weeks old. The man said he ' dooted they wad both d'e, but he added ' a dinna care for 'am caught mysel'.' They were all admitted to the hospital : the poor fellow himself was the only one that succumbed. We had meal to give out to the starving ones ; and of a morn- ing above a hundred poor creatures would be gathered about our door. One day a poor woman fainted in the crush. The patients iu the hospital were dying daily SANITARY REFORMS. 159 An old woman, who had a horse and rough cart, was em- ployed to cart the pauper dead in their miserable coffins to the graveyard. One day she was proceeding with her load of death, the coffins piled one upon another and secured with a rope. Suddenly the rope broke, and her ghastly load fell in a confused heap upon the street. There was established a public soup-kitchen; and several wretched creatures hung about the place, waiting for soup, till they sickened and died on the street. Thank God ! many of the people, seeing the judgment of God, fled to Christ for re- fuge and were saved." We have just perused the copy of a long letter written in earnest, vigorous terms, which Mr. Nicholson prepared in June, 1847, and addressed to the " Magistrates, and Guardians of the Union of Newtownards." It appeared in the public papers. The letter called attention to the abounding filth of the streets and houses, the unseemliness of the woman undertaker arid her cart, the unsanitary con- dition of the graveyard, &c. The appearance of this letter raised a commotion amongst the "authorities," and aroused the ire of certain official individuals, whose neglect it unintentionally exposed ; and counter letters appeared in the public prints. But very soon the graveyard was attended to, a hearse and male driver took the place of the old woman and her cart, scavengers appeared in the streets, and sanitary inspectors paid domiciliary visits. Well done, Brother Nicholson, you were always the friend of the poor, and yours was true Christly benevolence. The friends of the Connexion in England formed a Committee to raise funds for the famine-stricken in Ireland ; and to the extent of their means and even beyond, they forwarded monetary and material help through the ministers in Ireland. A large printed "plan" of the Newtownards Circuit, 160 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. covering six months of the year 1847-48, lies before u. It gives the names of seventeen places where preaching services or prayer meetings were held regularly, including Portaferry, Greyabbey, and Kirkcubbin. Upon the plan also appear the names of J. Me. Coruiick, W. Dobbin, J. Mooney. F. Fowles, D. McMillan, A. Bittle, N. Davidson, J. McKee, and G. Walker. A few extracts from Mr. Nicholson's diary will give some idea of his evangelistic labours at this time : 1847. July llth. While I was preaching in the open air, from, "We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ," a woman near me dropped down and expired. Oh ! how awfully uncertain is this mortal life. KHh. Addressed about seA r enty in the open air, in East Street. Street preaching brings the tidings of salvation to many perishing souls who are never inside a place of worship. At night much fatigued, but it is sweet to spend my whole strength for God and souls. 18th. Sabbath. Thirteen present at the morning class. Glory be to God, for class-meeting ! In addition to the ordinary services, I preached in the open-air in (ireyabb \v at three o'clock, a large number heard with greatest attention. 'J4th. Since the last entry in my journal, visited thirty-seven families, conducted a prayer-meeting, held a leaders' meeting, and attended three preaching appointments To-morrow we are to hold a camp-meeting. Called to see Brother McMillan, who is ill of fever. Found him happy in God. The lives of our numbers hitherto have been preserved by our dear Lord from tin- raging fever. 2">. Sabbath. A grand time at the camp-meeting. In tin- evening Mr. T. S -ymour preached in Zion upon the General Juili/nu-iit. The people were greatly moved and some cried aloud for mercy. Two found peace. 30th. Held a me 'ting in Brother W. Dobbin's wareroom. August 1st. - Sabbath. Preached to about 14(1 children from I'mv. iv., 1. fth. Another daughter born to us this day. Thank d would grant their requests, and on their way to the meetings, they were sometimes able to name some of the individuals who should find salvation. The ministers on the Lisburn circuit were the Revs. T. Seymour (Lisburn), J. Shuttle- worth (Priesthill), and S. Nicholson (Broomhedge). We shall give the thrilling account of this gracious visitation, as nearly as possible, in the words of the brethren whose joy it was to gather in the sheaves. While the civilized world had its attention centred on the Great Exhibition of 1851, as the harbinger of peace amongst the nations, in the quiet, rural seclusion of the Maze, God was giving His servants to witness the power of that Gospel which alone pacifies and regenerates individuals and nations. The following extracts are from the Missionary notices for 1851. " For some time past, a blessed work of God 1ms been going for- ward here (Broomhedge). On Sabbath, July 20th, wt> hud a revival prayer-meeting at seven a.m., when about forty attended. At " A GREAT BAIN." 181 eleven o'clock, I preached ; the Lord gave me unusual liberty, and the Holy Ghost rested on the people. At two o'clock we held a camp meeting about two miles from the chapel. About three hundred persons were present ; three sermons were preached on the occasion. I spoke from, ' These shall go away into everlasting punishment.' I did my best to show the wicked the very torments of the damned, and that place of punishment prepared for the devil and his angels. One young man was cut to the heart, and shortly afterwards found peace with God. At night, Brother Gordon preached an admirable sermon. We afterwards held a prayer-meeting, and God poured down His Spirit upon the people. On Sabbath, July 27th, we commenced a week of special services, and had a good prayer-meeting in the morning. At eleven o'clock Brother Shuttleworth preached from ' Why sit we here until we die.' The Spirit of God applied the Word to many hearts. At the evening meeting, several penitents came forward and found mercy. On Monday evening, Mr. Seymour addressed the people on the Gospel plan of salvation, and a sense of the Divine {presence was experienced. The meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday nights were most precious. On Thursday, Brother James Carlisle ad- dressed the people, and the presence of the Lord was powerfully felt. Several came forward in distress, and some found mercy, and testified that God, for Christ's sake, had pardoned their sins. On Friday, the chapel was crowded We continued in prayer with the penitents till eleven o'clock, and several entered into the liberty of God's children. Here, the week-night services ceased at Broom- hedge. But the next week the work broke out still more gloriously at Priesthill ; and many, who did not find peace at the former, have been set at liberty at the latter "place. 1 cannot state the precise number that have been converted to God during these services ; but I trust that fifty souls will be added to the Broom- hedge Society." * " We betook ourselves to prayer and renewed exertions. The leaders had one night for prayer and spiritual counsel. For many weeks we had a great struggle with the enemy. One Sabbath evening, as I returned home much depressed, the devil said, ' It's no use ; the Lord will not revive His work.' I had not, however, * Rev. S. Nicholson. 182 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. been long at home, when Brother James Carlisle came in and said ' Good news, good news, God has saved a soul to-night ! ' I replied ' Brother, that is the best news you ever brought me.' On August 3rd, at the Lord's Supper, God set another soul at liberty. In the evening many were brought into great distress, a few came forward as penitents seeking mercy, and some obtained peace with God.On my way home, ! called at Mrs. Carlisle's, and there 1 found a number of persons, who had been at the meeting, in great anxiety about their spiritual state. We went to prayer, and before we parted, God spoke peace to their souls. At the same time, Brother Larmour was engaged in prayer with a number who had called at his house in distress. The next night was the regular monthly meeting of the temperance society. The meeting was large, and soon resolved itself into a meeting for penitents. The form for the anxious was soon crowded. Before the meeting broke up, to many the Spirit said, ' Go in peace and sin no more." From that night, the revival continued to increase in extent and power. God seemed to have touched the hearts of the people in almost every house- They flocked in hundreds every night to the house of prayer' About the hour for commencing the service, the people would be seen running from all directions that they might be in time to get inside. It is calculated that often there were from six to seven hundred inside and around the chapel. But how shall we describe the effects of the power of God which fell upon the people ? There were no mockers. The proud unbelievers trembled in the presence of the Lord of Hosts. The groans and agonizing cries of many anxious ones no pen or tongue could describe. Some struggled in agony for hours, and would not give up. When God lifted the light of His countenance on these souls the effects were over- whelming. Brothers and sisters and friends would embrace them, and praise God aloud. This glorious work has not been confined to any age or class. The educated and the illiterate, the moralist and the notorious sinner, the strong man and the delicate maiden, were all bowed down before God. We were compelled to continue the meetings till a late hour, as the penitents were unwilling to leave without comfort. There is found in almost every house in the neighbourhood of Priesthill one or more converts. Our great- est difficulty now is, the want of accommodation for the people. NOT ROOM TO RECEIVE THE BLESSING. 183 Our walls have become too strait for us, and the cry has gone forth Arise and build." * " In Lisburn, there is a good work going on. In ordinary times it would have been a great work. Many have sought the Lord with strong cries and tears, and between twenty and thirty have been converted to God." t " This is the twentieth night we have had special revival services in Broomhedge Chapel and Priesthill. Many souls are brought to God even children, old sinners and profligates ! The work com- menced in Broomhedge, and is extending to every part of the Circuit. I have had some blessed times of revival in every place where I have travelled, and such a mighty display of God's power / never witnessed before. We formed a Total Abstinence Society, and about 500 united in this cause. Many were then led to hear the Word, and conviction rested on their minds. God shall have all the praise." J " Such a revival has taken place (at Broomhedge, &c.) as was never known on this Mission. Night after night there have been twenty and upwards converted to God. In the day-time two groups of people have assembled in the different fields around, to seek the Lord. The business of the district has been half suspended, during the last fortnight. A camp meeting was arranged to be held on Sabbath last, in the open ground around Priesthill Chapel, but nearly half the congregation appeared to consist of penitents, so that no one could preach, but all the people joined in prayer. The earnestness and agony of the awakened were extraordinary. One whole family, notorious for wickedness, and for fighting amongst themselves, have been converted. Many wicked people have come with the crowds, from curiosity, who have been convinced of sin, broken down in godly sorrow, and professed to have received peace with God. To describe the thrilling scenes, the intense excitement, the many affecting incidents and \voncler- f ul conversions which mark this revival, would be difficult indeed. The work appears to be all of God, in answer to prayer. Three brethren made a covenant together to meet on each Thursday evening at the chapel (Priesthill), to pray for a revival ; and for * Rev. Jno. Shuttleworth. t Rev. T. Seymour, j Rev. S. Nicholson. 184 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. several months they met and prayed accordingly. God has heard prayer ; and the work is now going on." * " There are now at [least one hundred members added to the three societies. The good work is still going on. At Broomhedge the revival is now (September) nearly equal to what it was at Priesthill, when at the highest. In Lisburn, nearly thirty profess to have found peace. On Sabbath week, I spoke in Smithfield market place, and one man, an entire stranger, was converted. He immediately went home and brought his wife to the penitent form." t " The good work began at Booomhedge in July, continued and progressed in September with still greater power. Our chapel* which was closed for years on Sabbath evenings, had to be opened for evening services, which was conducted by the leaders. Crowds attended; souls were deeply convicted of sin, bowed at the peni- tent form, and found redemption in Christ's blood. When we resumed the revival services on August 29th, it was the middle of harvest ; but the hardy sons of toil attended week after week at these meetings. Our Broomhedge Chapel was open for five weeks* and nearly every night we had a meeting. On Sabbath, Aug. 31st' we had about sixty at the early morning prayer-meeting ; and at night, fifteen souls found peace. On this day I opened a class of about thirty-five young converts, and Mrs. Nicholson met about twenty females in the parlour. To give you anything like a full description of the manifestation of saving power, which we have had from the presence of Jehovah, would be out of my power. One old man, hardly able to walk, came to the meetings, was deeply convicted, and attended night after night till he found peace. At the fellowship meeting on September 14th, he was the first to declare his sins forgiven, through the blood of the Lamb. At this meeting about one hundred were present During these meetings, not less than eiijhiii persons professed to find mercy, or purity of heart. I thank God, the work has not ceased. Last night .(\ovember I (It ID we luid eight penitents. One man, who stood out through all the revival, was brought into deep distress for pardon, and at near ten o'clock, he was enabled to lay hold Rev. Tbos. Mill', Superintendent of the Mission, t Rev. T. Seymour. CONVEETS I THOS. CARLISLE. 185 on Christ. Eternal glory to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ! ! " * . Individual cases of conversion of extraordinary interest occurred during this revival, one of which was that of a Roman Catholic. His anxiety was intense, and his search after the knowledge of salvation through the re- mission of his sins importunate and agonising. He attended the meetings nightly ; and indifferent to appear- ance, he would press forward, fall down upon his knees at the minister's feet and look up in his face imploringly. He was pointed away from man to the Great High Priest of our profession, by faith in whose blood the poor fellow at length found the blessing he sought. "We cannot forbear recording the names of a few of the converts of 1851, and adding a sentence or two about some of them: Thos. Moore and Thos. Carlyle were amongst the boy-converts. They, with other youths of like spirit, began a juvenile prayer meeting in Samuel McLatchy's, and out of that meeting there went a " band of men, whose hearts God had touched." Thomas Moore is at present a clergyman of the Established Church in England. Thos. Carlyle was but twelve years of age when he was converted, and soon was known as " the boy preacher." He had flaxen hair, a fair complexion, a bright countenance, and a soft, gentle voice. There was. offered to him a lucrative situation, but to Mr. Nicholson he said, " I should not care, if the firm proposed to make me proprietor of all their business, I would not accept it, if there be any hope of my being called to the ministry of of the Lord Jesus Christ." When Mr. Nicholson took young Carlisle with him to the Conference (1856) as a candidate for the probationary ministry, the Rev. Win. * Eev. S. Nicholson 186 IRISH METHODIST KEMINISCENCES. Baggally said, "Brother Nicholson, what induced you to bring that boy here ? " Very soon, Thos. Carlisle was found amongst the most beloved and popular young ministers in England ; and God blessed his labours abun- dantly. Alas ! his ministry continued but fourteen years, when he passed to the higher service above. Win. Jno. Robinson has been for decades of years a leader and local preacher ; and is at present a successful business man and an earnest, liberal supporter of Salem, Lisburn. Robert McLatchy has long been one of the main pillars of a Primitive Methodist Church in Glasgow. Sarah Bradbury, now Mrs. D. Carlisle, is at this moment a faithful worker for Christ in Lisburn. James Robinson has been chiefly instrumental in forming a Wesleyan Society and erecting a Chapel at Bessbrook. Mary and Agnes Gorman, the former of whom is now the devoted wife of W. J. Robinson. We can but men- tion the names of Wm. and A. Bell, Wm. Gordon, James Larmour, Jane and John Donaldson, and Thos. Dornan. Wm. Jno. Anderson's name merits special notice. For many years he was one of the steadiest, most loyal, earnest, self-sacrificing office-bearer's Broomhedge Circuit ever had. Under sermons preached by Mr. Nicholson and Mr. J. Gordon, in the open air, he decided for Christ. A memoir of Mr. Anderson, from the pen of Rev. T. G. Seymour, appeared in the Magazine for Nov. 1869. Another notable case was that of Robert Boyd, who came to the Maze a drivelling drunkard, often suffering from delirium, tremens. He was convinced of sin under a a sermon in James Carlisle's field. He had acquired ultra-Calvinistic views, but Jno. iii., 16 was applied by the Holy Ghost to his distressed conscience, and the word "whosoever" dispelled his fears, while God's mighty ROBERT BOYD. 187 love, seen in the gift of His Son, broke the penitent's heart for sin and from sin, and his soul was set at liberty. He became an ardent total abstainer, a Sunday School teacher, a leader, etc., and was instrumental in the con- version of souls. He remained steady till death, which occurred a few weeks ago. The writer knew him for over twenty years ; on his death-bed Brother Boyd left the request that we should preach his funeral sermon from Jno. iii., 16, which we had pleasure in doing to a crowded congregation in Zion, Priesthill. Shortly after his con- version friend Boyd heard Mr. Nicholson preach on the duty of restitution. Boyd remembered that he owed a publican one shilling. He would not sleep till the debt was paid ; he reached Crumlin about midnight, awoke the astonished publican, paid her the debt aud immediately started for his distant home. The Conference of 1852 had for President the Eev. Jno. Hudston, a very amiable and highly cultured man, and a good minister of Jesus Christ. It was found that two hundred and twenty-six members had been added to the Mission during the previous year, but sixty had removed. The Kev. Jno. Taylor was appointed Superintendent by the English Conference. In the Missionary Report for 1852 it is stated that, " our Chapel* at Priesthill has been enlarged by the erection of an additional wing, which is more than half the size of the original building ; and it is so crowded, that it will likely have to be enlarged again soon. At Broomhedge we had three classes which me^ * The first place of worship at Prietthill was not as now, a structure of stone but was built of mud and thatched with straw. The congregation was systematically arranged into a complete separation of the men and women, who sat on humble forms ranged on opposite sides of "the house." Ihe singing was slow and solemn . . . The worship was earnest, the piety sincere and the morality pui e.' ' Memoir of Rev. T. Carfyle. 188 IEISH METHODIST KEM1NISCENCES. regularly, and a fourth which met occasionally, now we have eight good classes meeting regularly. Since the returns were made to the Irish Conference, we learn that the revival has not ceased, but has broken forth again with undiminished power, the meetings being crowded at the three principal chapels, and sinners being cut to the heart and crying to God for mercy." Mr. Nicholson was fully alive to the importance of inducing the young, especially the juvenile converts, to seek after general, as well as Biblical knowledge. Hence, he established Sunday School Libraries ; and he was in frequent communication with the great Tract Depots. In his journal he says, " I obtained a grant of tracts, value two pounds, from the London Tract Society. We have a good library for the young at Broomhedge, containing one hundred prime religious works." Peter Drummond appreciated our in- defatigable friend's labours, and generally favoured his application for tracts. Here is a first letter from the pen of this celebrated publisher : " Stirling, April 28th, 1852. My Dear Sir, I had the pleasure of receiving your refreshing letter of the 22nd inst., and we are putting up for you a small grant of our tracts say 1246, chiefly short ones. I see from your letter and enclosures, that you have had and still have a wide field for all such efforts. Please see what sort you would prefer After you get acquainted with the tracts, and if spared and able, I shall always send you what you want. O let us be earnest that the Lord would give us grace for our day. It will not be long' SOULS are precious and KTKKNITY is at hand. Rouse up to prayer on behalf of our Tract Work. Yours, PETER DRUMMOND." Mr. Nicholson had never reason to exclaim, " They HALLELUJAH TO GOD AND THE LAMB ! 189 made me the keeper of the vineyards ; but mine own vineyard have I not kept." The revival was in him as well as around hiin ; in his own experience he verified the truth of the proverb "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." His work for God and souls powerfully reacted upou his own mind, aroused into activity and in- creased in strength every sanctified faculty and holy principle within him. The Spirit who spoke peace to the conscience of the believing penitent at his side, at the s ame instant, shed richer light upon our brother's under standing and deepened his conviction in the Divinity and power of the Gospel. His principal knowledge of Divine things was acquired in the school of experience and Christian labour. A sentence or two, from many of like sentiment occurring in his diary, will exhibit the reverence ? and adoring gratitude and love which often swelled his breast: " Oh! how my soul was melted, blessed and comforted ; my eyes filled with tears ; I bowed down and sobbed out my adoring thanksgivings and praises to my God. The eternal Spirit has assured my heart, that the vision of approaching blessing which I have had, will surely come to pass. Hallelujah to God and the Lamb ! " In the Magazine for June, 1852, appeared another obituary notice, contributed by Mr. Nicholson, of a woman who had been brought to God through his instrumentality. He says, " On January 14th, 1852, our dear sister Collins departed this life. Her father, Mr. Wm. Green, received our ministers into his house about twenty years ago. In the year 1830, Mrs. Collins was born of the Spirit at a revival prayer-meeting, whilst the writer was engaged in prayer. She was early|left a widow. Her leader, Mr. Dickey, admired her growing piety, and devotion to God. She suffered much during her last illness, which was protracted. I visited her often and found her happy in Jesus. On the night b ef ore she died, she gathered her sisters and friends around her, 190 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. a nd in the most fervent and feeling manner, exhorted them each and all to dedicate themselves unreservedly to the Lord. Just be- fore she expired, she said, ' I bless the Lord ! I praise the Lord ! Victory ! " Meanwhile the revival continued and " broke out" again and again in increased strength. Life begat life. Youths who had caught the holy fire, banded together in prayer and Christian effort for others ; thus the work spread. In a lettter to the Superintendent, dated September, 1852, ..Mr. Nicholson says, " Instead of a falling off last quarter, as was feared, we had an increase on the conference returns at Broomhedge. Our congregations are larga, and a few only of the converts are unsteady. I attended a new prayer meeting lately, where three brothers all led in prayer during the proceedings. A short time since, the whole family were unconverted ; now, as the fruit of our revival, six of them are saved by the blood of Christ ; to Grod be all the praise ! We are about to hold revival meetings again at Broomhedge. I find that my strength is in the Word of God, prayer and faith." Our earnest friend's revivalistic efforts did not lessen his pastoral and domiciliary labours ; he lived amongst the people, and his visits were not perfunctory, he felt a real interest in the welfare of the people. Often he passed from the bed-side of the dying straight to a revival prayer meeting. It was only occasionally that he published accounts of the triumphant death-bed scenes which it was his joy to witness frequently. Mrs. Dornan of^Moyruck, commanded much of his attention and sympathy during her l,i>t illness. In an obituary notice, dated December 1852, he says : I have been highly favoured of the Lord in being called to wit- ness about a doxm happy 'deaths on this Circuit. We have bright A DAY OF THANKSGIVING. 191 evidence amidst the gloom that surrounds us, that there are some children of light who have not denied their garments, and they shall walk with Christ because they are worthy. Their presence strengthens our faith. It was the privilege of Mrs. Dornan to hear the Gospel preached in her father's house by our first mission- aries : the Revs. Scott, Lyons, Donaldson, Livingstone, Brothers &.C., who opened their commission in the north of Ireland. Their unwieldy Circuit then took in about six counties. Her son ha s shown me some of his dear mother's quarterly tickets bearing the date of 1810. Mrs. Dornan lost her husband very suddenly, his fatal illness lasting but a few hours. After long continued prayer on their behalf, she had the joy of seeing all her children converted to God during the recent revival. During her last ill- ness a class met in her house. To Brother Eobinson, her leader, she said : ' When this affliction kept me at home, the Lord was so kind as to meet my case, and send His servants to my house.' Her whole experience is summed up in the following statement from her lips : ' I have no fear of death, nor of falling away from God. I feel prepared to die ; all slavish fear is removed. I was very ill last night, but- 1 had mighty comfort, and I was so happy, I should have been glad to depart to be with Jesus in heaven.' Her last words were ' Dear Saviour.' " God's servants were allowed to retain as members but a proportion of their converts, and many of these were soon thinned off by emigration, etc., as time advanced ; yet, with rare fortitude, the good men toiled bravely on. In the Missionary notice for December 1852, it is stated, 'Four of our most promising young men (at Priesthill) have been taken out by the Church of England, as scripture-readers ; some others have left the home of their childhood, to seek rest in a strange land Though these things have somewhat depressed us, yet our cry is 'Onward,' our faith and hope are in God." " On October 28th, we had a whole day of thanksgiving to Almighty God, for what He has wrought in this Circuit. At Broomhedge, God is still magnifying the power of his 192 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. grace in the conversion of sinners." Yes, God was still working, and His servant, being a partaker of the divine nature, was a co-worker with God. Catholic in spirit, Mr. Nicholson williugly co-operated with Christians of various denominations in work for bod ; and men, of varying ecclesiastical sentiments, were sometimes found at his meetings. His diary (1852) contains an account of a total- abstinence meeting, held in Broomhedge chapel, at which sixty persons signed the pledge ; and on the plat- form were two clergymen of the Established Church, one of whom was the Eev. H. Hudson (afterwards a Canon), a man well known for his kindness of heart. A man named "Bunnel" Green, who had been a notorious drunkard, signed the pledge at this meeting and became a changed man ; he often afterwards said to our friend, " Mr. Nicholson, if it had not been for you under God, I would have been in hell long ago." It was a great joy to our brothers's heart to find his own eldest child amongst the converts during the revival ; and his emotions of gratitude were irrepressible when she presented herself as a communicant at the Lord's Table, and received from her father's hand, the m emorials of her Saviour's broken body and shed blood. As schools were scarce, and children growing up around him in ignorance and idleness, Mr. Nicholson, early in 1853, rented a house in Magheragall, and gathered a Sunday School, which began with fifty children. The effort cost much labour, as he had to collect funds to meet all liabilities, including clothes for some of the poorer children- He likewise held special services at Miss Wright's, Mr. W. Bennett's, and at Megabbery, the fruit of which is seen to this day. About this time, in mid- winter, Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Edward McClune nearly perished in a CO-WORKERS. 193 snowstorm near the River Lagan on their way home from Priesthill ; it was midnight ere they reached home, utterly exhausted. No wonder, that his health broke down, under labours so prodigious, requiring him to take rest for a time. In his diary he makes favourable mention of Messrs. W. J. Anderson, R. Richey, It. Jefferson, J. Turtle and other Christian workers, who assisted him in his meetings. He likewise records help rendered him by Mr. W. Smyth, and Mr. Jas. Megarry. In those days, Mrs. Nicholson had a baby to nurse, and she tells of how she used to rock the cradle and pray for the meeting proceeding in the chapel adjoining the Manse ; she would leave her sleeping infant, go to the chapel door for a little while, speak to some care- less or anxious ones near, and then return to her charge. In its address to the English Conference, the Irish Conference, of 1853 (Rev. L. Stoney, President), says > " The spirit of revival is still in operation, particularly at Priesthill and Broomhedge." Returning from Conference, his heart aglow with fervent gratitude for past success, and inspired with high hopes for the future, Mr. Nicholson entered on a fifth year's labours at Broomhedge, and the wave of revival flowed with him throughout the year. It will be appropriate here to notice the mutual sym- pathy and brotherly love which prevailed amongst the Irish Missionaries of those days, as numerous letters, found amongst Mr. Nicholson's papers, testify. Here is one from the pen of a minister, who for many years was the con- temporary of our friend, and often his colleague in labour : " 11, Aungier St., Dublin, June 25th, 1853. "Dear Brother, I received your very kind letter this morning, enclosing me half-a-pound note (a subscription), which you ought O 194 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. not to have done as, no doubt, you have your own pecuniary difficulties. We all felt for your kind brother* I mean all the Connexion, for he was a firm friend. When I was in England, some of our brethren, who have been Superintendents, asked most anxiously and affectionately after him. Well, perhaps these heavy calamities may be sanctified to his future, yea, to his eternal wel- fare. I am glad to know that Mr. Taylor has received even a temporary assistant in the person of Mr. Henn ; and also that the glorious work of revival is returning to your circuit. Poor Dublin has been the most murdered place I ever knew We have a regular battle. On our side, it is plain preaching, faith and prayer : on the other side, misrepresentation, falsehood, envy, malice, &c., &c. God will stand by the right. It is adding a few gray hairs to my head, but I doubt not as to the issue. Dear Brother, eternity is at hand : I almost hear the trumpet sounding, and see the Saviour coming. Oh how will unfaithful, time-serving shepherds appear before Him ! Brother, let men say what they will, clear your skirts of the blood of souls. May God help you. With kind regards to Mrs. Nicholson, from Mrs. Seymour and myself, Yours most affectionately, in the Lord Jesus, T. SEYMOUR. Rev. S. Nicholson." Labouring, as he did, in the South, Mr. Seymour acquired a deep insight into Popery, the chief instrument of Ireland's woes. The Magazine for March, 1854, which lies before us, contains an article by Mr. Seymour on, "The Cause of Ireland's Degradation and the Means of Her Eecovery." In this paper he says : " We could show, by a comparison of the last census with the Poor Law Report, and Criminal statistics, that, just in proportion as Romanism prevails in any country or district, in the same ratio are ignorance, destitution and crime found : and that, on tho contrary, education, morality, and social happiness keep pace Mr. J. II. Nicholson, who had suffered nuiuu- losses in buMuess, He wa& however, able to meet all his liabilitie' . POPEEY A HYBRID. 195 with the prevalence of Protestantism in Ireland. Popery, like a millstone, lies heavy on the heart of the nation. All other systems of error have been laid under contribution to make Popery a masterpiece of Satanic ingenuity for the ruin of souls. ' Here, for instance, you have Pharisaism contributing its outward purifica- tions and traditions. Here you have celibacy and monastic austerities, borrowed from the Gnostics, who thought matter the source of evil, and the flesh the source of sin. And here, above all, you have Paganism baptized in the name of Jesus, with Peter for Jupiter ; Mary, the Papists' queen of Heaven, for Juno, the Pagan's, and saints and angels for gods and demigods. Aye, and so shame- less has been the plagiarism, that purgatory is accurately described in Virgil's JSneid; the present statue of Peter at Rome is the identical statue of Jupiter Capitolinus : even the Pope's chair is said to have been pilfered from the Mussulman ; and Eomulus and Remus are worshipped as the two holy bishops, under the names of Romulo and Remigio,' It is a mistake to regard Popery as merely a corrupt form of Christianity ; it is not Christianity at all, it is against Christ. Heaven's own remedy for Ireland's chief woe is the Gospel of the Son of God." Writing to the Superintendent, on March 1st, 1854, Mr. Nicholson says : " I have good news to send you. The Lord is with us on this station, and has been through the year. In July last, we had our Field Meeting, at which the attendance was large. At night several found peace. A backslider was reclaimed. One who had been prejudiced against penitent meetings, and who stood out against them through all the revival ofj 1851, came forward in great agony. Two of us had to hold him at times. After the meeting in the chapel he came into my house, and while Mrs. Nicholson, myself and a leader were engaged in prayer, his soul was set at liberty, and filled with love. In Magheragall district before the revival, I have preached to six persons, but last summer we had a hundred. Sixty children attend the new Sunday School here. We have now worship in the School room every Lord's day at three o'clock. The immense labour I have gone through the last few years has greatly impaired my health. I have been on this station now nearly five years, and what have I seen? Not less 196 IBISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. than twenty happy death-beds ! The congregations have increased threefold ; and our Sabbath collections have more than doubled . Our classes have increased from three to eleven. Our annual in- come has more than doubled. In my first year we had only forty members who met in class, but at our last October quarter we stood 110 and 13 on trial. What hath God wrought ! Another of our friends died happy yesterday. Mrs. Xicholson is just out visiting a little girl of thirteen, who is departing happy in Christ. May the Lord find me a place next year where I shall see sinners brought to Christ. Yea, He will I have faith." To the Conference of 1854, the Eev. P. T. Gilton was the English Deputation, and according to cuatom, was chosen President by the Irish brethren. At this Conference the venerable John Lyons retired wholly from mission work, and his parting words were deeply affecting. When in his prime, he bore some resemblance to the lion in physical strength and courage. One morning, when performing his ablutions outside the farm house, in which he had preached the night before, he saw a furious man, whom two men were trying to hold back, coming, as the man said, to "thrash the preacher for exposing his character before all the people, in the sermon the night previous." Mr. Lyons, taking in the situation, began to roll up his shirt sleeves, and shouted to the men, "Let him come forward." At the sight of the big strong man, in the attitude of self-defence, the angry man altered his mind as to the purpose of his visit, and after mutual explanations, Lyons and he be- came quite friendly. On another occasion, a threatening mob was approaching the Eev. T. Seymour, who was preaching on the street ; Mr. Lyons took his stand beside his weaker brother, cautioned the rowdies, and assumed an attitude of defence. The preacher was not molested. FIRST BAGGED SCHOOL IN LISBURN. 197 While the " Third Readings " of Conference were being prepared, Mr. Nicholson, as was his wont, put the question of his circuit appointment into the Master's hand, and when he found himself " down for Lisburn," he accepted the appointment as from the Lord. The Eev. John Taylor had established " Eagged Schools," in Belfast, into which hundreds of poor children were gathered, some of whom had to receive food and clothing as well as a free education. Mr. Taylor raised the funds, paid the teachers, and superintended the schools. He held public examinations of the pupils, and his work attracted general attention, and was favourably noticed by the press. This new de- parture antedated those greater educational schemes, which, ere long, brought a possible education within reach of every Irish child. Very soon " Eagged Schools " were started all over the Mission. Mr. Nicholson started the first Ragged School in Lisburn. From old circulars before us we learn, that the Messrs. Eichardson, and W, Cordner, J. Bolton, and W. Gregg, Esqs., Miss Stuart, Mrs. Nicholson, and others of the wealthier class, were amongst the subscribers. In certain quarters, however, jealousy arose, as the following from the Mis- sionary notice (Oct., 1854) shews: "Lisburn is reviving. Mr. Nicholson has commenced a ragged school, with about 70 children. It is the first in Lisburn. The friends of another denomination have offered him 10 to give it up to them, and because he refuses, are about to open an opposition one within twelve yards of his. The congre- gation in Lisburn is much improved." Early in this year Mr. Nicholson received very welcome visitors from New York his brother, James Whitla Nicholson, who, with his wife, had come home on a visit 198 IRISH METHODIST KEMINISCEXCES, principally in quest of health. Cholera was very rife in Lisburn at the time. This good brother set to work immediately, with the view of relieving the suffering. He bought medicine, and, with his clerical brother, visited every case of cholera of which they heard, and all to whom they gave the medicine got better. It was a great joy to Mr. Nicholson and his family to have the daily society, for a time, of wealthy friends so nearly related to them- And it was a cause of mutual gratification to the visitors and visited, and praise to the Lord, that the brothers were enabled to carry relief to many who otherwise might have perished. The favourite steamer, by which these kind friends from New York purposed re-crossing the Atlantic, they found, upon reaching her starting place, could not supply them with berths. That steamer perished, and when Mr. Nicholson and his wife reached New York, they found the churches draped in black for many loved ones in their watery graves. Mr. Nicholson reports effort and success thus : " This Circuit was in a very low condition last Conference. I began to preach in the open air both on the Sabbath and on the week nights. We also established a Tract Society, and by some ten distributors had several hundred tracts changed every Sabbath. The cholera was made a blessing to many in arousing them to seek the Lord. We have had seven weeks of special protracted meet, ings, which were well attended, and some came to the penitent form, and found mercy through the blood of Christ. We had also several temperance meetings in the chapel, which did good in making some sober who had never attended the sanctuary of the Lord. So many of our people were ill we had fears about our missionary meeting. Early on that evening I preached in the open air, to a weeping congregation, who seemed to feel the power of God while I proclaimed, ' Come, for all things are now ready.' Oh ! how the people thanked me for bringing the message of mercy to them in the day of their calamity. Cholera had been raging in DOMESTIC AFFLICTION. 199 a lane near where I stood, and a corpse was removed a few minutes before I began my sermon. At the conclusion of the ser- vice I hastened to the chapel to hold the missionary meeting, which proved a great success. We have realized above 10 this quarter for the mission. Our congregations are double. Our day school has 100 scholars. To God alone be all praise and glory ! Amen ! " Mrs. Nicholson made soup daily for the poor childi en of the School, and supplemented the labours of the day school teacher, by holding an evening school for girls in her own kitchen, which met twice weekly, and at which sewing and knitting, as well as reading, etc., were taught. Our friends were occasionally made familiar with domestic affliction. In March, 1855, their eldest child was seized with a fever, having taken the infection, it was believed, from some of the ragged children, that came daily for eoup. Thus, they who would lift up the fallen must, in a sense, bear their sickness. 200 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. CHAPTER IX. "Oh, Lord, I must get nearer to thee. Bring me, Oh ! I beseech Thee, bring me into closer fellowship with Thee, and if it be need- ful to this end, that J pass through fiery tribulations, Lord, let them come without delay." Rev. W. N. Hall. Conference of 1855 met as usual in Belfast, in April. The Rev. T. W. Ridley and Dr. Teale were the English Deputation, and the former was called to the Presidential chair. The Address to the English Conference says : "The past year will long be remembered, as the annals of Europe do not present a record of events more important to the church and the world, than those that have been recently transpiring. The [Russian] war has attracted every eye, and its present influence is painful and disastrous. The poor of this country have in many ways felt its direful effects. Thousands have been unable to obtain employment. In Autumn, the cholera raged terrifically in some of the localities where your missionaries are stationed/' Mr. Nicholson was removed to the Priesthill circuit, whoso minister had to give part of his labours to Lurgan and Saintfield. At the latter place Mr. Nicholson called REMARKABLE ANSWER TO PRAYER. 201 to see a Mr. McD., who had not lived very agreeably with his wife. He had sent for Mr. Nicholson, who found him seriously ill, and professing to enjoy the peace of the Gospel, but yet joyless, and uncertain as to his acceptance with God. Mr. Nicholson spent a few days with the sick man. whose fears did not subside. " Is there anything on your conscience, anything wrong between you and God, that you are unwilling to put right ? " asked the preacher. It appeared that though Mr. Me D. had received a fortune with his wife, he had made a will leaving her but a trifle of what was justly hers. "It won't do," said the honest preacher, who believed that, while " God would save penitent sinners, he would not whitewash scoundrels." Mr. Me D. made another, an honest will ; and soon after found true peace, and died happy. In the Missionary re- port, Mr Nicholson says : "I have not witnessed all the good effected during the past year my soul could have desired, but, blessed be God, we have not been left without some fruit. We have conducted some protracted meetings that were greatly owned of God in the salvation of im- mortal sonls. During the summer, we held seven field meetings. We have commenced three new classes, and opened several new preaching places. The congregations have been larger, the night congregations crowded to overflowing ; and we have added forty- one new members, with twenty-six on trial. The Sabbath School is doing well, and the committee have resolved, if possible, to establish a lending library for the young. We have held monthly temperance meetings, and have distributed about six thousand tracts. The circuit is about twenty miles in length. I never felt more the weight of immortal souls." As elsewhere, so here, Mrs. Nicholson gave unwearied help to the various interests of the church. Mr. Arthur Stansfield, of Hillsboro, tells of a very remarkable answer to prayer, which Mr. Nicholson ha 202 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. about this period. He called at the house near Hillsboro, of a gentleman who lay seriously ill. Mr. Nicholson was told that he could not be allowed to speak to the sufferer, as the doctors had given strict orders that no stranger should be allowed to enter the sick chamber. He, however, asked liberty just to look at the sick man, in silence, from a distance, which request was granted. The patient asked his wife who the visitor was, and being informed, he said, "Mr. Nicholson, come in." Mr. Nicholson softly approached the bedside, whispered words of comfort and help to the sufferer, and read and prayed with him, in tones calculated to soothe and quiet, rather than excite or hurt. After this visit, as they walked along together, the friend who accompanied Mr. Nicholson noticed, that he seemed absorbed in deep thought, and did not speak for some time. Suddenly he stood still, his face beamed with the expression of joyous satisfaction, and in tones of strongest confidence he exclaimed. " As sure as there is a God in heaven, that man (just visited) shall not die, for God has heard my prayer just now, and given me the assurance that he will recover." To the surprise of the doctors the sick man did recover, and for man}' years thereafter, lived a godly consistent life. And he always attributed his recovery to Mr. Nicholson's prayers. As our narrative advances, the evidence accumulates to shew that prayer was the chief force in Mr. Nicholson's life. About this time, Mr. Nicholson took part in services, held in Dr. Munro's Barn, which were much blessed, the Doctor's own daughter being one of a large number who found peace in Christ. The Conference of 1856 met at the usual time and place, and had for President the Rev. W. Baggally, who was accompanied by Benjamin Fowler, Esq., the Lay Eepre" DEATH OF MR. NICHOLSON'S FATHER. ^03 sentative, from England. We learn from the " Minutes" of this Conference that Mr. Nicholson was appointed to take charge of the Lisburn and Broomhedge Stations, as successor to Mr. Silas Henn, who had laboured acceptably as a Supply on these Stations, the previous year. Our sanguine brother entered upon his arduous labours, trusting in God for strength. Of the year's labours he had just discharged, he wrote, " If I had any laziness in my bones I have surely lost it the past year. I feel that if I have to work as hard for the next few years, I shall not be long an inhabitant of this world." In November of this year, he received intelligence of his aged father's death. Some time after his sons left him, Mr. Nicholson, Senior, had to dispose of his farm ; and he was thankful to be able to discharge to the last farthing every claim against him. He found a comfortable home for the re- mainder of life uoder the kind care of Mr. Turtle of Aghalee. " Lisburn, Nov. 17, 1856. " My Dear Brother, My aged father died at 2 o'clock p.m. on Thurs- day last. The tidings reached me at Mr. Bennet's, where I was preaching. He died in Christ. The last time I visited him was about a fortnight since, when I found him happy in God. He said, ' Tears of joy mine eyes o'erflow that I have any hope of Heaven. Amongst other verses of hymns, he repeated the first verse of one of Watt's ' I'll praise my Maker while I've breath ; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers,' &c. The Wesleyan Preacher visited him, also Rev. Mr. Hill (Episco- palian), who said that he had never met a person so clear in his experience of the love of Christ. I mourn the loss of my fathen but to him it is infinite gain. . . He had left the request that the Rev. Jno. Armstrong should preach his funeral sermon, which 204 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. request was complied with on Saturday. Mr. Armstrong preached a most feeling and appropriate discourse. ' may we triumph so when all our warfare's past.' The Lord is blessing us here, we had a number of penitents for- ward on Sabbath week. On the same Sabbath they had a glorious time at Broomhedge, almost equal to the great revival. Glory be to God ! We unite in love to all. Yours affectionately, S. NICHOLSON. To Rev. T. Seymour." The Missionary Report makes favourable meation of Mr. Nicholson's labours of this year. But he had much exceeded his strength, and laid the foundation of a severe illness. After careful deliberation, the English Conference, of 1857, recorded the following resolutions : " That the Irish Conference be discontinued, and that an Annual Meeting of the representatives of the stations comprising the Irish Mission shall be held . . . to be constituted after the model of the English District Meetings. That the Chairman of the Annual Meeting shall be appointed by the English Conference ; [and] shall represent [the Irish Mission] at the English Conference, and that another person be appointed [by the Irish District Meeting] to attend the Conference, to represent the Irish Mission, viz., a preacher and layman alternately, when practicable." The Galway Mission was Mr. Nicholson's next appoint- ment ; and here we give, in substance, Mrs. Nicholson's account. She writes, "At the Conference of 1857 it was said that Mr. Nicholson was just the man for Q-alway, as he would conciliate the people, and not offend their pre- judices. We were not prepared for such a journey, as our funds, never high, were exceptionally low at this time, and we had just been dofrauded;,of six pounds by a man in whom Mr. Nicholson had unwisely confided. We had an aged woman as servant who persisted in going with us, and it GALWAY. 205 was a mercy she did, as the sequel will show. On our way to the 5 p.m. train for Dublin, Mr. D. providentially put into my hand two pounds as a loan. On our arrival at the hotel in Dublin, my first care was to examine the sleeping accommodation. Such beds I never had seen, old carpets for quilts, etc. Our bill next morning- was fourteen shillings. Fifty-five shillings were required to pay for our tickets to Gralway, including half a ticket for our youngest child. My poor dear husband was unutterably distressed when he found our stock of cash, ten shillings short of this amount. He decided to send five of us on by the train then about to start, while he and our eldest daughter remained and went in search of our minister in Dublin. The ticket collector demanded full fare for our youngest girl, as he insisted she was over six years old, whereas she was under that age. We were all turned out upon the platform. But two gentlemen interposed threat- ening to report the ticket collector if he did not allow us to proceed. Their threat prevailed. The morning was bright, many obj ects of interest came quickly into view, including the Bog of Allen, which stretched its vast expanse away out to the distant horizon, and the children were delighted with what they saw ; but I was unable to share their pleasure. In my confusion and distress, I had neglected to get the address of the person who had charge of the key of Galway Manse. It occurred to me to enquire upon our arrival, for a man whose name appeared on a bill in the railway carriage. The Manse was half a mile from the station, and we had no money to pay a cab, but a porter helped us to carry the luggage. I left my old woman and the children seated on the door step of the Manse, and, silently asking the Lord to protect them, I went in search of the key. I found the 206 IRISH METHODIST REATIXISCEXCES. gentleman whose name I had seen on the bill, and he was able to instruct me where I should find the key. A young man, a Catholic, helped me, and engaged to meet Mr. Nicholson upon his arrival at midnight. A man in Dublin proposed to accompany my dear husband and daughter to Mr. Shuttleworth's. When they had gone a long distance, Mr. Nicholson, under a sudden impulse, asked a gentlemen who was passing for the address he sought, and then found, that their guide, doubt- less from some ill design, was leading them in the wrong direction. The gentleman called a cab, put them in it, and they soon reached a brother minister's hospitable home. Our first morning in Galway found us without food or money to procure it. There was no steward ready to help us, and we did not know the members. We bowed together and spread our wants before our Heavenly Father, feeling confident that He would supply them all. We had the names of the people with whom Mr. Nicholson's prede- cessor had done business, and I resolved to apply to one of these for a loan, but Oh ! how hard I felt it to do so ! It was a baker, a Catholic, to whom I applied. He said, such a request was unusual, yet he seemed to take a real pleasure in complying. Afterwards, we found very kind people amongst the members. From the beginning, our cause had suffered continuous opposition from the low Romanists, all manner of petty insult and persecution had been offered, with the view to drive us out of the town ; and on our first Sabbath, during worship, a lot of dirty things were tied to the knocker of our door. Alas ! in a few days, my dear husband was seized with a dangerous fever. He and I were out in search of mem- bers who lived at a distance. When we came to a bridge, PEOSTEATE IN FEVER. 207 he felt so weak, that he had to sit down. A policeman noticed him, and proposed to call a cab ; but after resting a little, he was able to walk home. That was the last" journey he took for a long time. The truth is, he had overworked himself before he left for Galway, and a burn- ing fever was the result. Dr. Cologlin was very kind ; he said, " My dear, good woman, I fear, it is a bad fever he has ; but don't be distressed, we will do all we can for him." He said a nurse was absolutely necessary. " Doctor," said I. " we are unable to pay one, and with God's help, I will nurse him myself." He said, I could not do it, and added that he would pay ten shillings per week of her cost. He warned me not to go near my husband, as the fever was one of the worst kind, and had carried off thousands. I prostrated myself before God, and besought Him to take charge of us all, and I felt persuaded that He would ; I do not remember ever having such a nearness to God in prayer as then. He seemed to say, "Ask, and receive, that your joy maybe full." I refused to supply the nurse with whisky, but she used over a pound and half of tea weekly. A gentleman not far from us had had fever, and one night, whilst his two nurses lay drunk, he arose in his delirium, climbed through the window, and his dead body was soon after found lying on the street pavement. This case made me so anxious about my dear sufferer, that I could hardly sltep. One night, he did get out of bed and was proceeding towards the window, but we soon got him back to bed. The doctor was very attentive, visiting him three and four times daily. In his delirium, my dear husband's mind was full of the truth so dear to his heart. He preached and prayed, and instructed imaginary penitents. He talked about the river that proceeds from the throne of God and of the Lamb, the tree of life, and the Lamb slain from the foun- 208 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. dation of the world. The Catholic nurse had to hear it all, and often tears started to her eyes. She said that she had nursed her own clergy, but never had heard so much about God and Jesus, and heaven, before. The doctor was a highly skilled physician, who usually was paid two guineas for his advice ; but he charged us but a small sum. I trust the Lord rewarded him. Friends far and near, hearing of our affliction, were very kind. The Rev. Mr. Baggally and his wife (Wesleyans) called several times to sympathise and pray with us, but wisely did not enter the sick room. One Sabbath, the Wesleyan congregation prayed specially for the recovery of the dear sufferer, and one of the members called the next day, to tell me he was sure God had heard prayer, and that my husband would be spared. Letters from the North reached me nearly every day, some of which con- tained much needed cash, of the latter was one from Miss Wright. One day a gentleman from near Hillsboro' accompanied by a friend, called, and put in my hand three pounds, sent by Mr. Hart,* of Hillsboro'. I praised the Lord for the timely help, as just then our need had reached a point of extremity. One day a genteel servant brought me six chicken, a bottle of wine, and some tea and sugar, but I never knew whence she came. Of course, our Heavenly Father had put it into the sender's heart to help us. It was a great pain to me to witness the struggle with disease of my dear husband, who lay unconscious for a longtime. I found relief in crying continually to Him, whose e.yes are ever over the righteous and His ears always open to their cry. One day, Mr. Nicholson called for cold water, but our water was bad. I applied to a gentleman Father of Sir Robert Hart, who gave us 50 toward the erection of Priestbill Schoolroom. E.T. THK CRISIS PASSED. 209 near to us, who had a well of good spring water, but he roughly refused to give me any of it. There was a well of good water outside the town, which three of our children found, and from which they carried supplies daily. At length, the unconscious sufferer's delirium began to abate. It was a glad sound to my ears to hear him ask in his natural tone of voice, 'Margaret, what is my watch hung up there for ? ' He sa* the watch suspended out of its usual place. Now the doctor ordered him every possible nourishment, including a glass of wine every third hour, but, I believe, the wine injured him and retarded his re- covery. If it did him no harm, the nurse one night got hold of the bottle, and soon lay incapable. Mary McConnell our old servant's help was invaluable. But she began to feel unwell, and the nurse said it was the fever she was taking, and that she would have to go to the hospital, which greatly distressed the old lady. I as- sured her that she should never leave my house for the hospital. She had a slight attack, which passed off soon and safely. I should mention the kindness of the Rev. Mr. Lewis (Independent), and the Rev.Mr.Adair (Presbyterian). The latter had had the fever, having caught the infection by contagion. His two sisters were specially kind in send- us fresh eggs. They were natives of Kilbride, Co. Antrim. On the twenty-fifth day, when my husband reached the crisis, we thought he was dying, and I raised the children from their beds, to bid him farewell and receive his parting counsel, should he be able to speak. And Oh ! with what agony of entreaty we called upon God for help. Praise the Lord ! the crisis was passed safely, and the sufferer began to amend slowly. I soon found that the wine and the nurse could not get on well together in the same house, so I parted with the latter. It was at the time when there 210 IRISH METHODIST KEMINISCENCES. was most danger from contagion ; but I trusted in theLoid and he preserved us. Truly God hears prayer. Mrs. Daly, whose husband was a Church clergyman in a high position, called to see us, and made me a present of wine and money, saying we were but stewards of God's good gifts and that she felt it a privilege to assist the Lord's people. She was not afraid to enter the sick chamber as- she had put herself, she said, in God's hands ere she left her home. The Catholic lady, who resided next door to us r enquired for Mr. Nicholson every morning, and sent him many delicacies, such as jellies. She asked for a Bible in- stead of the book we offered her as a present, when we were leaving Galway. On June 24th, early in my husband's convalescence,! noticed men collecting fuel opposite our door which, I was told, was for a great bonfire. I was alarmed, and applied to the police to have the fire prevented. The Sergeant said it would be difficult to prevent the demon- stration, but promised to see what could be done. He succeeded in having the fuel removed. And he sent two of his men to pace up and down before our house till mid- night. A few friends raised as much as paid our part of what the professional nurse cost us, and sent it by Eey. Mr- Baggaly. When my husband was able we went, by the doctor's orders, to the seaside, where we dropped tracts on the sand: we saw a lady picking one up and tearing it to pieces. The fever had made great ravages in Galway. We were told, that houses in which the bodies of people who had died in fever lay, whom no one dared to carry to the grave- yard, were burned to the ground, the dead being consumed in them. During Mr. Nicholson's illness it was decided to abandon the Galway miss-ion, and that he should return as soon as able, and occupy the Manse at Broomhedge. It CONVALESCENT. 211 was a most expensive time, and though we had received much help, yet when about to leave, we found it necessary to sell a part of our books and what furniture we had, that we might pay all claims against us, and have sufficient to pay our travelling expenses. We felt it a great hardship to have to sacrifice the books at a fraction of their cost. The journey to Lisburn was almost too much for Mr. Nicholson. The doctor said it would be years before he fully recovered his former strength. Oh ! with what gratitude, and praises, and thanksgivings, we acknowledged the kind- ness and care of our Heavenly Father in providing for us, and checking the fever, preventing it from spreading amongst us, and bringing us safely to our friends again. Mr. Nicholson's visit to Galway seemed fruitless ; but the God of our life had His own gracious purpose in His deal- ings with us at that sad time. One thing we know, Mr. Nicholson would not have received equal medical skilled attention at like cost,* in any other place known to us. And our love to God, and faith in Him, received an increase of strength, which remained with us ever after. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ! Amen." As Broomhedge,at this time, was but a part of the Lisburn Circuit, it had no resident minister ; Mr. Nicholson, there- fore, was requested to take up his residence in the vacant Manse. He had now to learn that, " They also serve who only stand and wait." The District Meeting of 1858 placed him as a supernumerary for that year, with a small allowance. His financial condition was trying, and his family felt the pinch. But soon, we find him at Newton- ardf, that station having been "left without a preacher," * The Doctor accepted a part of his bill afterward". E.T. 212 IKISH METHODIST 11EMINISCENCES. but his family remained at Brooinhedge. At the end of the ecclesiastical year he wrote : "On my arrival here about June la?t, I found the church in the lowest state of depression ; no Sabbath evening preaching in the chapel, and the Sunday school had been closed for a year. I first tried to engage the friends to unite in prayer to God for the des- cent of the Holj' Spirit. I circulated 4,000 tracts, opened new prayer-meetings, etc., and preached in the open air as often as my strength would allow. The Sunday school soon numbered 170 children. In July we issued 1,000 bills announcing special ser- vices. One night 17 came forward to be prayed for. The work rolled on gloriously for twelve weeks, and the number of penitents rose to a hundred. The Sunday collections have doubled. 1 have had over two hundred of a congregation in the chapel. Some- times there are 200 children in the Sabbath School. Two nights in the week we have a free night school ; about forty attend. A young man who was taught in our school, sent us one pound for our funds from India. He sent 20 for his widowed mother and sisters. The friends promise to raise 50 next year.'' In a meeting held by Mr. Nicholson at the close of tin's year, a young man named Wm. Dobbin was converted, who should have special notice here. He was the Mr. Wm. Dobbin, who had long been a devoted "Wm. Dobbin, Jun., lived only a few years after conversion; but if the length of his life Iwmeasiui the magnitude and extent of its holy influence, then lived long. A memoir of him was issued, in pamphlet form, written by Ihe Eev. Thos. Hill. Win. Dobbin, Jun., was born on October 2nd, 1842, born of Ihe Spirit on ihe first Sabbath in [June, 1859, and died in the J . ord, July 2nd, 1804. His zenl resembled, and was fully eqml to, that of Thos. Carlisle. lie superintended the Sabbath School ; and he went like a flame of holy fire through the prayer ar.d other meetings. In him the Kev. J. Chadwick had an efficient helper in open-air work, arid WILLIAM DOBBIX, JUXR. 213 the youth's wor.ls of exhortation were tippsd with fire. He and Mr. Chad wick went into a room, where a number \vn, and persons of all classe* visited him during his last lingering illness. Amongst the visitors came an officer of the Army, who in the sick-r.iom began to talk about a splendid estate that was then in litigation. The dying saint ^interrupted the conversation by saying, " I have 110 estate in this world ; I don't need any. If I had one, I should iu>w have to leave it. But I have an estate, yes ! ' Blcsse 1 be the Grod and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, ha^h begotten ins again unto a lively hope by the re- surrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, undented, and that fadeth not away! ' Yes, I have an estate, the lease of which will not expire with the lives of two or three individuals, but the tenure of which will last as long as eternity." Mr. Chadwick write?, ' Occasionally the picture may be overdrawn, but in our dear brother Dobbin's case, the fear is of our saying too little. In this instance, it would tax the most skilful limner to d> justice to the original." Surely the preacher, under who.-se ministry Wm. Dobbin caught the holy fire, merits a iasting memorial. From a letter to Mr. Nicholson from his wife, dated September, 1858, we learn, that a youth named John Bailey, was drowned in the Canal, whilst his parents were at worship in Broomhedge Chapel. With companions in .sin, he had gono out upon a raft to fish, and through the raft overturning, was drowned. The Revival of 1&69 furnishes a stirring chapter in the 214 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. history of God's work in Ulster. Dr. Lynn is correct when he says : "The majority of the ministers of that day ( irior to the revival) did not believe in sudden conversions, and much less in the assurance of salvation previous to the hour of death."* But the dead churches, in 1859, received a quickening which has deepened and increased ever since. Mr. Nicholson had long been a student of Finney and his passion for saving souls grew with his years, so that 1859 found him ready for the work. The District Meeting of 1859 appointed him to Bangor, but ere he entered upon this new sphere of labour, he had the joy of seeing the revival in full operation at Broomhedge. At the invitation of Brother W. J. Robinson, Mr. Alex. Ma gee visited Broom - hedge, and stood up in the [chapel to tell a crowd of earnest hearers about the revival in Ballymacoy. But soon a boy gave a piercing shriek, and fell upon the floor "stricken," and immediately about thirty others fell in like manner. W. J. Robinson exhorted the crowd outside from the door of the chapel, till his voice utterly failed. The work soon spread in every direction. Mr. Nicholson wrote : " Within seven nights, before 1 came to Bangor, I witnessed three hundred turned to Jesus, in Broomhedge." Many of the converts of this period, at Broomhedge, were known to us. There were William Mooney and his earnest family. William, a short time before his death, said to the writer : "If it be the Lord's will, I should not like to suffer long at the last." He was in his usual health on the mor/iing of the day he quitted earth for heaven. Francis Bailey is working for God to-day, and roaring a godly family. Samuel Buchanan is preaching amongst the Wesleyans in New Zealand, and his brother William is in Canada. Robert Tinsley still lives, and " Methodii-m on the Armagh Circuit." REVIVAL OF 1859. 215 often tells us of " the work in 59." Thomas McClune, a few years ago, died in the Lord. Daring his last illness, he said to his doctor, " You need not be afraid to let me know if I am going to die. for I am prepared, thank the Xiord." There also still live, Wm. H. Totten, a leader, Thos. McCarthy, and Elizabeth A. Dickey. If space allowed, a host of others might be named. It should here be stated, that the Eev. B. Turnock, was Superintendent of the Mission, during the years of the great revival. He look full advantage of the general awakening, and reaped a, glorious harvest of souls for the Master. Under his earnest leadership, the Mission acquired a great increase of strength. His son, the Eev. B. B. Turnock, M.A., studied in Q. C., and in Belfast was converted to God. He went as a missionary to China, but returned in a few years utterly broken down in health. After a few years feeble labour at home, he was called to his eternal rest. He was a young man of humble mind, amiable disposition, scholarly tastes and habits, and high Christian culture. Had he lived and regained strength, he would have proved a polished shaft in the Divine quiver. Mr. Nicholson carried the revival with him to Bangor, coming out of a fire he was aflame with zeal, and inspired with faith for an unprecedented awakening. The people were nearly as hard as the cold rocks of Bangor' s coast, but our brother smote the rocks, in the name of Lord, and tears of repentance began to flow. A man who heard him pray in a house where was a wake, said: "Mr. Nicholson has stirred up the whole of Bangor." Mr. Nicholson reported his work thus : " I came to Bangor with fear and trembling. On my arrival, I prepared, and preached in the chapel in the evening, and one soul "was led to Christ, who has since united with us in class. I held 216 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. open-air services every Sabbath, in various parts of the town. On Saturday, Aug. 6th, I visited Mrs. Oliver, who had been striken down in her own house, and found her full of peace, through faith in the blood of Christ. Also visited about seventeen other like casss. Aug. 7th. Preached in Newtonards, and was delighted to see a large number of young converts, many of whom I had met at the penitent form, last year. Preached in the open-air in Bangor, in the afternoon. Mr. Hamilton, Primitive, also preached. Just as we had finished, a womam was stricken down, and carried into her own house under deep conviction. After the service in the chapel at night, I went to visit penitents in Church Street. J. Wright Crawford, Esq., accompanied me. His grandfather was James Wright, of Moyrusk, one of the old pillars of our Church at Broomhedge. God is making young Mr. Crawford a great blessing to the converts. He is the worthy son of a worthy father, Mr. A. Crawford, Mount Prospect, Belfast. Visitation went on half the night. Aug. llth. As I wns closing my sermon a young woman tried to get out of the chapel, but fell stricken down near the door. Two Presbyterian ministers gave out psalms outside, and began to sing, thus attracting the people. The ministers preached for an hour. Aug. 19th. We had a service outside, and immediately after, a prayer-meeting inside the chapel. Three were stricken. It was one o'clock when I retired to rest. Sabbath, Aug. 20th. Preached on the street; some were afraid to approach me lest they should be stricken down. We have, at this date, of those brought to the Lord at Bangor or its vicinity, about one hundred persons. Sabbath, 28th. Had only spoken a few words in the morning, when a man sunk down in the pew. I saw him after; he is happy in Christ. This day we had some cases that were painful to look upon. They wrought convulsed for hours. They were, at times, deaf, dumb, and blind. Mr. M and Miss J would, at times, have destroyed themselves, had they not been prevented. The holy deport incut, and manifest joy of the young converts. ]iro\e the work to be of (iod. This is the fifth \\rek of services in I In- chapel, and the interest is deepening and widening e\< TV day. A Koinan Catholic, from Armagh, related her experience at one of our meet ings. Hercin isa priest. We haveopcned tlieTemperanre Hull for daily mid-day meetings. The working people come in for one hour. 1 am assisted in this service by the Ke\ . -Mr. M'CulIougli, BEREAVEMENT. 217 Presbyterian. One poor woman was convinced of sin at the mid- day prayer meeting to-day. We hardly pass one day without hearing of conversions. Thus, God is working, and who shall let Him." Amongst the phenomena of the revival of 1859 were the "visions," \\hich some of the converts had. They sank into a state of somnolency, in which they saw or thought they saw, the spiritual world heaven, hell, saints, angels, but above all, Jesus. But a fraction of the number converted at Bangor through Mr. Nicholson's agency joined the Society. The revivalistic work of our earnest brother did not lessen his pastoral labours. Nine members died during the year, and these had had his unwearied attention during their last illness. Under the writer's eye lies in manuscript, a memoir of Robert Patterson, one of the nine deceased. Mr. Nicholson says that this aged pilgrim had joined the Society at Bangor in 1817, and held in turn, nearly every office in the Cnurch. He was loyal to the principles of the Connexion ; and wa.< held in esteem by all classes. He had a brother in the Wesleyan ministry. Kobert Patterson, died in great peace, on February 13th, 1861. During his second year at Bangor, sickness invaded Mr. Nicholson's home, and four of his children were taken from him. One died at the very hour her father was commencing the service on the Sabbath, and another passed away on the Saturday following. A friend at Bangor, who remembers the particulars of this sad bereavement says, that a feeling of great sympathy moved the congregation when they saw Mr. Nicholson in the pulpit whilst one of his children lay at home a corpse, and another was at the point of death. 218 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. Yet he would persist in his work. Mrs. Nicholson wrote a memoir of one of these dear children which we here insert. CAROLINE MATILDA BAGGALY NICHOLSON. SHE was the eldest of four children, who were carried to an early grave by scarlet fever. She was born in Newtonards, Co. Down, on oth Aug., 1847, and was dedicated to God at her birth by her parents. She was baptized by the Rev. Win. Baggaly, when we presented her afresh to the Lord. At an early age she learned to read ; her first reading lesson was from the sacred page the birth of Jesus Christ. A dear friend from Downpatrick visited us, who was in the habit of praying over the open Bible. After she left us, I went into the bed-room, and found the child on her knees, and the Bible open before her. I said, "My dear, why have you the Biblo, and you cannot read it properly ?" She said, " This is what Miss H. does, and, Oh! it is so nice to feel God will love me, mamma." Being early taught to read, a Testament was given her as a reward for her progress. It was her constant companion. It might be said of her, as of Timothy, that from a child she knew the Scriptures, which, I trust, made her wise unto salvation. One trait in her character worth noticing was truth. In all cases I could depend on her word, even when it implicated herself in a fault. Many were the questions she asked, and pointed out difficult passages of Scripture she wished explained. It gave me great pleasure to try to sow the seed of the Divine word upon the soil of a tender heart uncontaminated by the things of the world. Thus she grew up, adding each day to her stock of Bible know- ledge. She had premiums for merit from the superintendents of the Broomhedge Sabbath School, when only seven and eight years old; lso iii Lisburn, she had a handsome Bible given her at an exam- ination there in January, 18f)7, which she prized highly, and which WHS her companion in her bedroom every day. When at school In TCI mi pun ions were select. After we removed to Bangor, I sent her and her sister to what I thought a select school, as I was careful about their morals. She COXVEKSIOX. 219 often said, " Indeed, mamma, I wish I had not to go, for the girls are so rude.; will you allow me to lend them some good books ? it might make them better." She became, however, fond of dress ; that was the only thing on which I had to put a restraint. She was backward in speaking in the class, and in course of time she became lukewarm, and lost the ardour of her first love. During the revival of July, 1859, at Broomhedge, for seven nights before we left it, the mighty power of the Holy Spirit's influence was felt by old and young ; it was estimated that nearly 400 found peace with God through believing. I had the happiness of seeing nearly all my Bible-class made happy in God ; she, too, on 3rd July, while her sister talked with her, saw her need of a Saviour ; and when her father gave an invitation to the anxious to come to be prayed for, she went forward, and for three hours .she wrestled with God, until she found peace. She was so weakened that she became unconscious, and was laid on my bed. Her countenance was so changed that her sister did not know her; when she heard her voice, she clasped her arms round her neck, saying, " Lizzy, dear, 1 saw my crown, and I will be very sure no one shall wear it but myself." She told all around her what a dear Saviour she had found, and invited another sister to come .and love Jesus now. During the summer of 18GO, we had revival services in our chapel at Bangor. Many of our dear friends from Lisburn, Broom- hedge, and the Maze visited us, and assisted in the above services. Messrs. J. and D. Carlisle spoke often on the necessity and advantages of serving the Lord in youth. On the last Sabbath in September her father spoke on Luke xv. 7, and the Lord sent the word home to her heart, so that she cried out to me, " Oh, mamma, pray for me." The arrow of conviction had come home to the hearts of two more a sea captain's wife, and an old sailor. The prayer-meeting was resumed at half-past nine o'clock ; my dear Caroline Matilda received the witness of the Holy Spirit that she was a child of God. The other two were able to testify that Jesus Christ had power on earth to forgive sins. Often did my dear child say that work was light, and her mind happy, since the Lord healed her backslidings. A friend asked her to come and stop in his house for a time. She was there for a month ; she made herself useful in his shop, 220 HUSH METHODIST 1CEMIXI8CENCK8. and she lamented over the shop girl, that she would not give her heart to God. She had sold an article at a fraction less than the price, and she asked me if a mistake would be counted sin with God. 1 explained, that sin was the transgression of a known law. She pitied the poor, and would part with her pence to procure comforts for the sick. Xever had a mother more comfort with a child than I had with her from .the time she found the Saviour, Grace overcame her naturally hasty temper. She accompanied her father to most of his preaching appointments, and could have repeated the substance of his sermons. It was her joy to make her father and me happy, and to sit by me in God's house. On Sabbath nights she would take care of the other children, to let me go to meeting. She could not sleep at night without a token of love. On two occasions when I said she had forfeited her kiss, she retired to bed, but came down again weeping, saying, ' Do forgive me, mamma, as I cannot sleep ; and I will never vex you again.' "On Feb. 19th, she was quite prostrate in scarlatina; she asked me to pray with her, as her mind hail become clouded. While I read Isa. liii. and prayed, she experienced faith, and felt that Jesus was still her Saviour. The fever was so severe she began to wan- der on the third day, but talked of the love of Christ. When I remarked to her she might die, she said, ' Oh, mamma, I cannot leave you yet, for I have not been as good to you as I might have been, and I have done nothing for Jesus. In twelve days another sister was taken ill, and carried to the bosom of Jesus. Matilda seemed better. She went into the room wherj two mori sisters lay ill. I said we should h m- pr.iyor toother, for tlu L >r I had spared her, though hs had taken her two sisters. We prayed to- gether, that was her last day on her feet. The swelling increased round her heart. A second doctor was called in ; but dropsy set in, and so rapid was its progress, t hat on March ^Ath, both medical men had given her up. On that day our third child and only son j> i-- -.I aw. iy to Ilim who ga\ him, in the short space of twenty- twodiiys. We thought, our cup was full to running over, and while my dear husband, having just commended her to (iod in pr.iyt.T, stood by Matilda's b -dside weeping, her head being sup- posed by tin- niir-e, th. dying child said ' Don't weep t'.ir me, papa; Iain going to Jesus.' After a pause she added, ' Will you THE XEW JERUSALEM IX VIEW. 221 All meet me in heaven ? ' But God, who is full of compassion, and lays on us no more than we can bear, gave her back from the .grave for a month longer, for which we will ever praise Him, When she saw me grieving for the dear little ones who were gone, she would cheer me by saying, ' Sure, mamma, you often prayed that we might be a whole family in heaven ; God is answering your prayers, and you should not fret.' " Several times she said to me, ' It would be better for her to die now, when she was prepared, than to live and perhaps forget God and lose her soul.' She loved prayer so much, that her father prayed two or three times a day with her ; and if I did not, she reminded me. " One of her school companions came to visit her. She said, 4 Fanny, 1 am going to die, I know I am ; will you meet me in heaven ? Lovd God, and get your sins pardoned. I am not afraid to die, because Jesus died to save me.' An old woman who came to wash, she often asked to sit by her, pleading with her to for- sake sin and love the Saviour. Oft did the poor old woman leave her in tears, and promising to follow her advice. Having some money of her own, sli3 asked to be allowed to give a piece of silver to the old woman ; that was her last gift, and only two hours before she departed. " For six weeks she was not able to lay her head down on the pillow, yet no murmur ever escaped her lips. Six blisters in suc- cession were put on her heart and side, which were very painful. Her sister said, ' How do you bear them, Matilda ? ' ' 1 pray to Jesus,' said she, ' and He helps me ; you know He suffered more for me.' "I went into her room, and her tears were falling; I inquired the cause, with alarm. She said, ' I only want Lizzy to live, to love Jesus more, and be kind to father and you when I am gone, and lo meet me in heaven.' Once when I thought she was asleep, she said, ' Oh, mamma, that is a beautiful description of the New Jerusalem, in Rev. xxi. : won't it be delightful to be there, and all the little children, too ? ' It seemed to loosen all the affection that bound her to earth. Two nights before her death she played two tunes on the concertina, and sang to them. She loved music. " Rock of age?, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." was a favourite with her ; and 222 IKISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. " There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immunuel's veins," &c. She could see from her window the church and cemetery where her two sisters and brother were laid ; and she contemplated their rising first and flying up to meet the Lord in the air, to be for ever with the Lord. The last night was a restless one. She suffered much, and told her sister she was near her latter end, but did not wish to talk of it, as it grieved father and me. She urged her to live near to God, that they might be re-united in heaven. She slept little, but dreamed she had recovered, and that I was dead . and she felt disappointed at her recovery, as she had purposed being in heaven first, and being able to meet me on my arrival there, to welcome me. At eleven o'clock she sent for me, saying she felt weak, and she asked me to talk to her of Jesus. I asked her if she was still able to hold the promise. "Yes," she said; Jesus will be with me in the valley.'' I pointed her again to the Lamb of God. She had of ten said she would like to be a witness for Jesus, and be able to spsak of Him to the last. God gave her the desire of her heart, and she said aloud " Jesus, my Lord, I know his name ; His name is all my boast : Nor will He put my soul to shame, Xor let my hope be lost." Bless the Lord ! her pain was gone ; she laid her head on my bosom, and passed away ; without a sigh she fell asleep in Jesus r aged thirteen years and a half. April 25th, 1861. During Mr. Nicholson's term in Baugor, a wealthy lady from Cork, attra"ted by his earnestness, became one of las regular hearers while she remained in Bangor. She found peace through his instrumentality. For many years after, she sent him subscriptions annually for the poor and other benevolent objects. The Summer of 1861 found Mr. Nicholson stationed again at his loved Broomhedge, where he continued another period of two years. Though keenly feeling the anguish of bereavement, yet he entered with all his might into the COTTON FAMINE. 223 Lord's work ; and at the end of the first year twenty-one new names were added to the roll of members. Through- out the second year (1862-3), the "cotton famine" cast its dark shadow over the weaving 1 district of the Maze and Broomhedge. The American Campaign began in the spring of 1861, and very soon the five million acres of American Sail, that were under the cotton crop, were isolat- ed from Europe. Hundreds of cotton weavers, scattered over Mr. Nicholson's area of labour, were thrown out of employment, and reduced to the point of starvation. Benevolence was one of our brother's most prominent characteristics, and he often indulged it at the expense of his own and his family's needs. On his way to the railway station he was known to give his last shilling to a needy case, leaving himself without a penny to purchase his ticket. During the cotton famine his benevolence found the fullest active expression. An influential " Relief Committee," to raise funds for the relief of the sufferers of the whole district, composed of gentlemen in and around Lisburn, was formed, and thousands of pounds were raised and carefully disbursed. A. T. Steward, one of New York's millionaires, was a native of the Maze ; he did not forget his countrymen in their time of need. In addition to large monetary help, he chartered a ship, and sent a cargo of corn, flour, and bacon. In addition to disbursing regularly the supplies from the Committee, which involved enormous labour, Mr. Nicholson raised funds and got help from various other sources. Mrs. Nicholson, too, toiled unceasingly amongst the poor, go- ing from house to house and preparing detailed lists for the information of the Committee. She likewise got ladies to help her with their needles, whilst she cut 224 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. out garments for the naked. Here is a clipping from the public press : " The Rev. S. Xicliolson, Broomhedge, has received 63 yards of broadcloth, value for about 12, from F. M Fox, Esq., Mirfield, England, through the Rev. J. Livingstone,* Brighouse. The cloth is being made up for the poor of the district." Also amongst Mr. Nicholson's memoranda we find a note of thirty blankets received for the poor." Referring to this work the Rev. B. Turnock wrote, "I can bear my testimony to the zeal and energy displayed by Mr. Nicho'son in relieving the poor; his labours are very praiseworthy." Over thirty members left Broom- hedge station this year in quest of employment, ten of whom were leaders. About this time, the Irish Beneficent Society ceased, and its balance of cash was divided amongst the remaining annuitants, Mr. Nicholson, being the junior member, receiving the smallest share. The offer to incorporate their society with the wealthy English one had been re- fused by all the Irish brethren, except Mr. Nicholson, and he was ineligible, being alone. As another proof that our brother and his family were in the care of a special Providence, it should be recorded, that during these years of scarcity, their felt wants were often supplied in a wonderful manner. One day, Mrs. Nicholson was in tearful need of fifteen shillings ; Miss Wright, without being aware of the need, called ani left just this sum. An incident of this period, illustrating the effect of Mr. Nicholson's pointed preaching, should here be noted. Bro. R. Tinsley purposed, after morning preaching, spending the remainder of the Sabbath amongst worldly friends at a distance. But Mr. An ]r.-hmai . LISBUHX FEVER. 225 Nicholson's sermon stopped the devoted man and sent him. home again. Lisburn was Mr. Nicholson's next appointment, where he had laboured so successfully in previous years. This time his incum- bency continued six years, till 1869. We shall here give extracts from his published reports of those years, and shall add facts from other sources. " In last June (1863), we had only two places for week-night preaching ;' now we have seven, besides two weekly prayer-meetings and a Bible class for young men. We have also raised one new class. In these labours God has greatly blessed my own soul. We have had several conversions. A women was led to Christ through reading our tracts, and has since died in peace. One young man was brought to God, and has been made a great blessing since. Providence has blessed him with means, enabling him to devote his whole time to study and the visitation of the poor, etc. We have effected improvements upon the chapel at a cost of 15." The "cotton famine" still prevailed in Lishurn, and bundles of printed circulars, before us, show that our benevolent brother's labours to relieve the unemployed were prodigious. " For nine months past (1864-5) this town has suffered much from fever. Several of our families have been broken up by afflic- tion and death. One and another of our old members have been taken from us by death, but our loss is their infinite gain. We held services for seven weeks, every night but Saturday. One of the converts is now in the consumptive hospital. We have 1,200 tracts in circulation." "In the autumn (1865), we held six weeks of revival services. The Kev. D. Round, superintendent, preached for us at [one of these services. A young man one night was attracted by the singing, came in,'andjwas converted to God. Soon after he sickened and died, but his end was peace. We return an increase of four members, and fifteen on trial. Glory, glory be to God ! One of the little ones (scholars) who often sung ' I want to be angel,' has gone, through the merits of the Saviour, to the angels' home. Xot unto us, O Lord, but unto Thy name be the glory!" Q 226 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. On 17th January, 1866, the Rev. Thos. Seymour entered into his eternal rest. He was a man of a very superior mind, an orderly, impressive preacher and a very faithful pastor ; and was much beloved and esteemed all over the Mission. " During the past year (1866-7) two families have left us, one for Belfast, the other for Canada. Mr. B. Jefferson, the head of the latter family, was for twenty years a leader here, and our minis- ters preached monthly in his house, and that of his father, for more than fifty years. Three of our members have died during the year. Mr. McCoy was ninety-five years of age. He had our ministers to preach in his house for above forty years. Mrs. McConnell also had received quarterly tickets for more than fifty years. Brother Samuel Atkinson, a promising young man, an exhorter and leader, also died. His illness was short, but his anchor was cast within the vail. In January, I was laid aside by severe illness, which continued six weeks. The Lord raised me up from the borders of the grave. May it be to show forth His glory mere and more." We remember Mr. B. Jefferson mentioned in the fore- going extract. He was a quiet brother till 1859, when he received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost, and ever after he spoke and prayed with marvellous power. When praying he would sometimes unconsciously move upon his knees along the floor, and his fellow-suppliants would have to shift out of their place to allow him to pass. A few years ago, from Danville, Kuox County, Ohio, U.S.A., he wrote a letter to Brother James Carlisle, or rather began the letter, for he was " called home" on 7th December, 1883, before he had finished it: it was oncluded by his daughter. We give an extract from it: " My eldest son died of typhoid fever. Thomas, the youngest, has just c m;>leted his medical studies and obtained his Diploma. My daughter, S. J., is the wife of Dr. Balmer, who has a fine practice and acquired a rich REPRESENTATIVE TO ENGLISH CONFERENCE, 1867 227 property. They are both members of the M.E.C. ; they teach in the Sabbath School, and my daughter presides at the organ." In the Magazine, March, 1868, from the pen of Mr. Nicholson, appeared a memoir of Samuel Atkinson, to whom reference is made in the above extract ; also by the same writer, in the Magazine for October of the same year, a memoir is given of James Atkinson, a brother of Samuel's. In the latter touching biography, Mr. Nicholson says, " It was a painful scene to visit the family. The father trying to make himself strong for duties he was not able to perform ; the elder brother passing away in consumption, and poor James as weak as a child." The father alluded to produced oil paintings of high artistic merit. He was an humble, devoted man of God. Mrs. Hunter, his daughter, who had been bereaved of her husband, resided with the afflicted ones. In a brief space the four of them passed away in consump- tion. Mr. Nicholson was to the dying ones like a ministering angel, yea more, for there flowed from his heart human sympathy and a Christian brother's love and condolence. Mr. Nicholson attended the Huddersfield Conference of 1867 as Irish Representative, and his devoted wife accom- panied him to England. High Street Chapel, where the Conference held its sittings, for capacity, cheerfulness, and richness of architectural design, stood unrivalled amongst the sanctuaries of Huddersfield. Upwards of eighty religious services had been arranged for, in con- nection with this Conference. The Rev. John Taylor was President. A new costly chapel, very little inferior to the one just described, had recently been opened at Lindley. Here Mr. Nicholson preached on the first Sabbath of Conference, and the large congregation gave 228 * IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. ample proof that they greatly enjoyed the earnest, fluent, eloquent sermon of the Irish missionary. They acknow- ledged that God was in the preacher, and the Holy Ghost in his word. At the Conference Missionary Meeting our brother had the privilege of relating some of his ex- periences as an Irish missionary, and his narrative was well received by the vast assembly. The Rev. John Stokoe, wlio spoke immediately before him, humorously referred to Mr. Nicholson as ' the wild Irishman ; ' but his words met with marked disfavour generally. Upon his return Mr. Nicholson took delight in describing to his Irish friends the wealth, liberality, earnest piety and ungrudging hospitality of Huddersfield Methodism. " We have this year (1867-8), as usual, to report several removals. One of our young women, an earnest worker, emigrated to New York, where she is at present employed as a Bible-reader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. We held special services in the chapel, also open-air services in different places." Mr. Nicholson's last year (1868-9) at Lisburn was one of excessive toil. A scheme to renovate and reconstruct the Chapel was entered upon, at a cost of about 150, and the labour of raising the money fell principally upon the minister. He was no stranger to this kind of work, and feeling it was for the Lord, he pursued it as prayerfully as he did the most spiritual labour, and he always attributed his great suc- cess in raising funds to the immediate help of God. He succeeded in effecting the improvements, and in raising nearly the whole of the money. He continued to preach occasionally at Broomhedge. One day on his way thither, he took a seat in a cart, at the request of the driver. Soon the horse ran off, and the cart was overturned* covering Mr. Nicholson in a ditch. The Lord preserved his servant from injury." About this time, with their father's sanction, and under the wise oversight of their mother, two of Mr. Nicholson's daughters opened a business at Lisburn, which they diligently pursued for a few years. Miss Nicholson from FRIENDS. 229 1861 till her marriage was teacher of a Day School at Lissue. J. N. Eichordson, Esq., supported the school. He and his amiable daughter were most kind to Miss Nicholson, whose labours were highly appreciated. 230 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. CHAPTEE X. MEET FOR THE INHERITANCE. " Less, less of self each day, less of the -world and sin : More of Thy Son I pray, more of Thyself within. More moulded to Thy will in all things I would be : Higher and higher still, liker and liker Thee. Riper and riper now, each hour let me become, More fit to serve below, more meet for heaven above." Sonar. W are able to speak of the subject of these memorials from personal knowledge, having had fraternal intercourse with him from 1865 onward. The terms "peculiar" and "eccentric" were applied to him; and, no doubt, in some respects, he was not as other men are. It would seem that his nervous system was not in a state of normal strength ; and perhaps on this account he had not always a due measure of control over his mental states and general deportment. He was liable, too, to act upon sudden impulses ; and he was easily imposed upon. His nervous, restless, temperament made him impatient of the self-restraint which close attention to the details of any business required. Mathematical problems to him SPECIAL GRACE BEFORE TRIAL. 231 would have been an agony. At the Annual District Meeting, he was required to read a schedule, giving a statistical account of members and of his Circuit's financial transactions during the year, and the effort seemed always to excite his brain unduly. The bare enumeration of so many members deceased or removed or added to the Church did not satisfy him. As he read, revival scenes would rise before his mind, painful partings, or triumphant deaths would recur to his memory ; and he would lay aside the " dry figures," and describe he visions of his mind and the emotions of his heart. Indeed, we have seen him lay aside his schedule half read and deliver a stirring address on the work of God generally. But if in some respects he was weak, in all virtue and goodness and purity of aim he was eminen ly strong. He was " an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guide;" and he was, all through life, the^' simple child of a special Providence. The hand of God was specially seen in giving our brother a wife who was fully able and willing to help her husband, just where he specially needed human help. As God gave him one of the wisest and best of mothers, so He gave him one of the most suitable and devoted of wives. " A guardian angel o'er his life presiding. Doubling his pleasures, and his cares dividing." Mrs. Nicholson says that she, and her husband too, noticed that immediately before any special trial came upon them, God seemed to prepare His servant for it, by giving him a special manifestation of His favour and Spirit. For example, before their great bereavement in Bangor, Mr. Nicholson had a vision of his Saviour's glory, which filled him with wonder, love, and praise. Under the weight of glory he fell prostrate before God, and seemed 232 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. for a time in a trance. The glory of this visitation re- mained with him, supporting his mind throughout the terrible affliction. Our brother was one of Nature's most ardent lovers. " Tis born with all : the love of Nature's works Is an ingredient in the compound Man, Infused at the creation of the kind." We have seen him rejoicing in the sun, and gazing wi h rapture upon the summer landscape. We have heard him describe with delight the peaceful seasons of rest and enjoyment he had had in the seclusion of his own garden, amongst the bees and butterflies and flowers. Gentle Nature often threw her rich mantle o'er him, quieting his agitation, and reminding him of the rest in the Eden above. In his Diary, his allusions to the seasons are frequent. He noted the appearance of the flowers of spring, and of the swallow. He recorded^the date of the cookoo's advent. " Thrice welcome, darling of tha Spring ! Even yet thou art to me, No bird : but an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery." It was his delight to gather his children around him, and tell them of Nature's works and wonders. In this way, he found agreeable lessons for them upon the character of the Creator. " Receive Thanks, blessings, love, for these, Thy lavish boons, And most of all, their heavenward influences, O Thou that gav'dt us flowers ! " The briefest sketch of our brother would be defective which failed to mention his cheerfulness and humour. On a soiree platform ho was a favourite, as he genera 1 'v NEVER USH.D A CONCORDANCE. 233 tad a cheerful word for all, and a healthy humorous allusion for the young. Amongst his children, he could be as mirthful as they. Indeed the more sedate mamma, who sometimes took a more sombre view as to Christian propriety, felt it her duty, at times, to remonstrate with father and children with reference to their excessive mirthfulness. Dr. Clarke said that with him it was an axiom, that the sermon which did good was a good sermon. Judged by this test, Mr. Nicholson preached good sermons. The preacher himself was an influential part of the sermon. His matter was severely evangelical; of the "down grade " Theology, he had a perfect horror. Like Gideon Ouseley, he knew the "Disease and the Remedy ;" and his sermons were mainly an exposure of the disease and an exposition and recommendation of the remedy. A certain erratic newspaper correspondent wrote, that Mr. Nicholson dwelt much upon "the blue blazes of dark damnation." This was as false as it was offensive and profane. He never used the language quoted. Sad to relate, he who wrote the scurrilous criticism died intoxicated in a public house a short time since. Mr. Nicholson, be- lieving that an endless hell was no myth, warned his hearers with tearful earnestness to flee from the wrath to come. But the burden of his sermons was the love of God in the redemption of the world by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We have heard him preach with glouing fervour from John iii. 16, his own heart all aflame with the love he was eloquently describing. He loved his Bible and knew it well. To jUs he once said, "I never use a concordance." He did not suffer "atrophy" of either brain or heart. To him the whole Bible was God's Word. Of this he had the witness in 234 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. himself. His faith begat faith in his hearers. On the wings of faith, he soared aloft quite beyond the region of human philosophies. To his faith's interior eye. ''the in- visible appeared in sight, and Gr< d was seen by mortal eye.'' He loved the pulpit, and greatly enjoyed his own sermons. To him the holy excitement of the sacred desk was an exhilaration and inspiration. He loved the souls of men, and while striving to attract them to the cross, he- was himself drawn nearer to Christ ; and all his sanctified faculties were stimulated and strengthened in the exercise. We have him at this moment before our mental vision. It is the occasion of a united love-feast, representing the three circuits Lisburn, Priesthill, and Broomhedge, the- service being at the last place. The people nearly fill the chapel, and still they come. Mr. Nicholson stands erect in the pulpit ; he was born of the Spirit in a love- feast, and now his whole being is in full sympathy with the occasion ; his chin rests calmly enough on the full folds of his white cravat ; he seems calm and self-possessed,, but looking more closely, we detect in the preacher, strong indications of deep emotion. He has been on his knees many times since the dawn of the hallowed day, and there rests upon him a divine unction, but he expects a yet richer induement. He knows every individual before him ; and a." the later comers from a distance enter the sacred edifice, his heart goes out to them in fraternal greeting. We detect a nervous huskiness in his voice, as he reads out the words of the hymn, " And are we yet alive," &.c His eye kindles. About his features, there is a perceptible muscular excitement. His inspirations deepen ; his breast heaves with emotion. Now the whole congregation prostrate themselves on their knees before God, and the- IN THE PULPIT. 235 pent up emotions of the preacher find vent in fervent prayer. Many a hearty " Amen ! " is heard all around. " Heaven comes down their souls to greet, And glory crowns the mercy-seat." Prayer has strengthened the preacher, and now he announces his text. The sermon has cost him much prayerful thought, and the voice within has said to him " Surely I will be with thee." It is a true prophet that now speaks, moved and enlightened by the Holy Ghost. The preacher "begins low, proceeds slow, rises higher, strikes fire ; ' ' but the fire is from off the Divine altar. The Gospel from his lips comes not ' ' in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." If the sermon is not constructed strictly after any distinct homiletic standard, or if the illustrations are not all relevant to the subject, the preacher's appeals to the conscience and heart are none the less powerful and persuasive on that account And the people enjoy the Word, and in the love-feast gratefully testify to the help and comfort derived from it. It may here be appropriate to say, that to us Mr. Nicholson once said, alluding to himself, " You know, Brother Thomas, God is able to strike a straight blow with a crooked stick." In 1869, Mr. Nicholson was again appointed to Newton - ards, where he laboured till 1874. He found the Chapel in need of extensive repairs, and with a heavy and in- creasing debt upon it. He never was the man to shirk a duty because it was difficult and unpleasant ; and so, trusting in God, he resolved that the repairs should bo effected and the debt removed. Both objects were ac- complished, but the effort nearly cost him his life. The ordinary annual income of the Society had reached the low figure of about forty-five pounds, under our friend's 236 IBISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. incumbency it reached the average of over sixty-nine. He received eighty -five members ; but soon his returns showed one hundred and twenty, with over twenty on trial. In the five years, he raised towards repairs and debt about ,200. The Rev. J. Innocent visited Newton- ards in 1869, and lectured on China, in the Town Hall ; Mr. Nicholson, of course, attended to all details, in- cluding the collection for the China Mission. His financial efforts did not arrest his direct, spiritual, and philanthropic labours. He kept two thousand tracts in constant circulation, held special services regularly, in the open air as well as indoors. He likewise laboured incessantly in the interests of total abstinence, allying himself with the Temperance League, and the Good Templars in the crusade against liquordom. In 1871, application was made for a spirit licence for a shop near the Methodist New Connexion Church. Mr. Nicholson was mainly instrumental in getting up two petitions to the magistrates, who presided at the Quarter Sessions, against the granting of the licence. One of the petitions measured about three yards in length. He was cautioned that he would be in danger of bodily hurt if he persisted in this work, but our intrepid brother feared God only ; and he succeeded with the magistrates, they refusing the licence. About this time another striking evidence of the Divine care was experienced by Mr. Nicholson. He left home for the District Meeting, but unexpectedly missed the train. Soon after the tidings reached him, that the train, which he regretted missing had run off the rails, and two passengers lost their lives. The writer, being unable for full work, resided a year (1872-3) in Newtownards, and saw his zealous friend at EXPANSION OF TEMPERANCE CREED. 237 work. It was evident to all that Mr. Nicholson's supreme aim was the salvation of souls. Give souls to me, dear Lord, 1 cry, Souls redeemed at greatest cost. See lowly at Thy feet I lie ; Send me to seek and save the lost. He often had the joy of seeing souls saved at the prayer meeting, after the service on Sabbath evenings. It was necessary to remonstrate with him about the undue extent of his benevolence. He lived not for himself : his was " A heart at leisure from itself To soothe and sympathise." He laboured beyond his strength, and thus brought on serious attacks of sickness. For many weeks, in 1874, he lay on a sick bed, his life trembling in the balance, the cause of his illness being exhaustion from over-work. But he said the affliction was to him a special means of grace. If he did not " learn in suffering what he taught in song," he ranked with those who did so learn, but in a lower degree, and in a different department of service. Ballyclare, where he had been stationed twice before, was Mr. Nicholson's final appointment, in 1874. The records of his labours here till 1886 are before us. They exhibit, in increased measure, the chief features which all slong characterised this life-long worker for God : his loyalty to truth, unbounded benevolence, unwearied industry, evangelistic zeal, ingenuity and versatility of methods plainly appear. The expansion of his Tem- perance creed kept pace with the increase of knowledge upon the injurious effects of alcohol. He came to see that the use of inebriating drinks finds no favour in the Word of God. He likewise learned that a beverage 238 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. which was unfit for his own table was out of place upon the Lord's Table. And his confidence in the medicinal use of intoxicants broke down altogether. Ballyclare abounded in public houses, and our earnest Temperance reformer laboured incessantly to correct their baneful influence. We shall here transcribe extracts from Mr. Nicholson's published reports and private journal, giving the year in brackets : (1874-5) " We formed a Band of Hope, which has been a success. The Chapel has been made comfortable, and an old debt of over ten pounds paid off. Mrs. Connelly suddenly fell asleep in Jesus ; her life was one grand testimony of her intense love to God. (1875-6) " A spirit of controversy \vas promoted by an Antinomian on the subject of immersion. I feel it a duty to note the more than brotherly kindness of the Rev. R. C. Turner in help- ing us in the Chapel and Manse affairs," (1876-7) "We have to record the happy death of a young man, who passed away rejoic- ing in a knowledge of his acceptance with God. Open-air services were held. The Sabbath School continues to prosper." (1877-8) " We have had deaths, one of whom was Win. Connelly, one of the founders of our church here. He exercised a holy influence, and was much beloved. As a local preacher he was intelligent and acceptable. He lived to a good old age." (1878-9) Trade has been much depressed. The out-door services and special meetings held in the chapel have been owned of God. We have improved the chapel at a cost of about 12." (1879-80) " We have spent 6 in new lamps, &c., for the chapel. We have lost two members by death, one of whom was Miss Logan, who attended our services regularly, although she resided two-and-half miles from the chapel. Amongst her last words were, 'Christ is near, Christ is precious." A memoir of Miss J. A. Logan from Mr. Nicholson's pen, appeared in the Magazine for July, 1880. She was an earnest Christian worker. (1880-1) " During the winter we held special services for three weeks, nml the Church experienced a great quickening- The training of the young has been attended with good results. Our open-air Jimd rottage services have been well .attended." "Our eldest daughter is with us on a visit for health STRIKING CONVERSIONS. 239 I prayed much to the Lor,i for her recovery, during her recent dangerous illness, and, bless His name, He heard the distressed father's cry. To preach the Gospel has always been to me a delight, yet God could easily do without me. He has hitherto supplied all our temporal need. 10 have just come to us from New Zealand. I am often unwell now, but the Lord supports me and often fills me with Himself, and gives me to taste the sweet- ness of His Word. I am now sixty-nine years of age, and have been preaching the Gospel forty-four years. Oh ! the goodness of God to me." (1881-2) " Our oldest member, Nancy McVeigh, has passed on to her home in the skies, aged 92. Six new windows have been put in the chapel. I beg to record the uniform kind- ness of Rev. J. W. Williams, in helping us in many ways. I earnestly desire that the few remaining days of my life may be spent in seeking to save my beloved countrymen." (1882-3) " We circulated about five thousand Temperance tracts. Large numbers enrolled themselves as members of the Total Abstinence Army. A few earnest Christians united in daily supplication for an out- pouring of the Spirit. On Nov. 5, the Rev. J. W. Williams preached three sermons, when several young people were deeply impressed. At the close of the third service, and before all the people had retired, a dear girl suddenly knelt upon the mat at the door of the chapel, unable to leave the place till consciously forgiven. The cottage meetings became too crowded, and the chapel had to be opened, and meetings were held nightly for about five months, God's power was richly experienced, and the conversions were numerous. To give an adequate description of the meetings would be impossible. The work seemed like a repetition of the revival of '59. About forty were 'gathered out of the world. Some of the conversions are specially interesting." One was that of Andrew McL , a drunkard. He was seen early on Sunday morning mad in drink, with an axe over his shoulder, threatening his wife. Mrs. Nicholson courageously faced the furious man, and induced him to return to his bed. By service time, he was nearly sober and out again, when Mr. Nicholson warned him in terms which increased the miserable man's horror of mind from a dream he had had during the interval from the scene of early morning. He found his way to the chapel, where prayer was being made for him, and there became a new creature in Christ Jesus. He ha 240 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. remained steady ever since. This glorious revival extended to the Wesleyan chapel, and it was reckoned that about three hundred persons in all professed conversion. (1883-4) " Thank God, the work of last year has proved its genuineness by its permanence. Two of our old members and leaders died during the year, one suddenly, and the other, Mr. Jas. Scott, was ill for some weeks, but was very happy and died in the- Lord. Mr. Jas. Williams preached for me occasionally. May th& Lord make him a useful, if not a brilliant man. [Mr. J. \V. is now in the ministry.] It greatly rejoices my spirit to see the steadiness- of Mr. Logan's three sons who were converted in the recent revival, I am now in my seventy-third year. Oh ! how short is life. How feeble seem all my past efforts ; yet for fifty years my aim has bjen to exalt Christ." (1884-5) " The fruit of the Revival of '83- appears at the present in town and country. John Millar, one of the converts, is now a local preacher. This young man a few years since, became an agent of the Blue Ribb>n Army, and his labours have been much blessed. (1885-6) "About the end of October I caught a severe cold, which brought me near to the gates of death. The Rev. E. Hall visited us and preached to our people. He also sent good supplies to fill the pulpit during my illness. James Dixon, a retired soldier, who was converted at Aldershot, and who- lost an arm at the battle of Tel-el-keber, returned to Ballyclare r his native place, and began to work for the Lord. He conducted meetings amongst our people, and through his instrumentality souls have been converted to God." Mr. Nicholson took a deep, practical interest in this Dixon. He was taken up by the Wesleyans, and has been now, for some years, a successful agent in connection with their Tent Mission over the country. About this year a man opened a new shop in Ballyclare, for the sale of spirits as well as groceries. He attended Bethel one night and heard Mr. Nicholson preach from Exodus xii., 30. The preacher denounced intoxicants as having injured nearly every family in the land ; and his words against the liquor traffic were most scathing. A cautious "friend" RIGOROUS SELF-EXAMINATION. 241 complained that the liquor seller would " never enter Bethel again." But the man abandoned the immoral traffic, gave his heart to God, and settled down as a worshipper at Bethel. A scrap from our venerable brother's occasional memoranda will serve to exhibit the rigour with which he examined his heart and life in the presence of a holy Gk>d. It is dated November 15th, 1885, and is in part a summary of inditements against himself. He writes, " (1) I have read other books to the neglect of the Bible. (2) I have often talked to no good purpose, and thus grieved the Spirit. (3) I fear I have been worldly in little things, which have engaged too much of my thoughts and time. (4) I have grieved the Spirit by neglecting my health. (5) My will, at times, has not been wholly the Lord's. (6) To the newspaper I have given too much precious time. (7) I should have devoted more time to prayer and praise." Here our con- scientious brother turns to the brighter side and adds, "(1) Yet, I can say, "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth me from all sin." And I have had glorious manifestations of God to my soul all through my life. (2) It has been my highest joy for fifty years to hold up Jesus Christ and Him crucified before perishing men ; and while doing so I have felt the power of the Holy Ghost. (3) At this moment Jesus to me is all and in all. ' Fixed on this ground will I remain,' etc." " Father Nicholson's " last sermon in the open air was delivered in the summer of 1885, in a field, to a large audience. The sermon exhibited much of the fervour and power of former days, and the preacher's voice seemed as strong as ever. But afterwards exhaustion ensued ; and soon followed feebleness, depression and disease. For R 242 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. many months of the year lie was a great sufferer; agonising pain wrecked his body, and it was thought at times he could not survive. In the Spring of 1886, he par- tially recovered; but he had to write to the District Meeting, asking to be relieved from the regular wort.- Resolution lson's delight to the last to disseminate wholesome literature. Ha highly valued Dr. Cooke's works, and was the means of introducing them into many fimilies. He occasionally attended the mid- week meetings of the Society of Friends and spoke as the Spirit inclined him, and his visits were well received. Early in the year, he published an oaruest tract on "The Revival of Religion." The following is transcribed from The Northern Whig : ADDRESS AND PRESENTATION TO THE REV. SAMUEL NICHOLSOX, LISBURN. Dear Sir, A few friends.havinglearnedthat you had retired from the active work of the ministry, consider the present a most suit- able time to mark in some way the high esteem in which you are held, and the endearing relationship you sustain to the Church of the Lord Jesus. Fifty years of faithful and earnest toil have given to your labours an almost Apostolic character, and, now that you are no longer able to engage in the arduous duties of ministerial life, we pray the great Head of the Church to spare you long, and to bestow upon you and your worthy help- mate, " a mother in Israel," all the blessings needful for the present 244 IRISH METHODIST REMINISCENCES. life, and finally may an abundant entrance be ministered unto you into the everlasting kingdom. We beg your acceptance of this small sum of money for present needs, and, on behalf of the Sub- scribers, we are yours faithfully, SAMUEL M'CONNELL. THOS. A. FULLERTON. 8th December, 1886. EEPLY. MR. CHAIBMAN AND DEAR FRIENDS, It is hard for me to find words to express my gratitude to you on this occasion. When I at first entered upon the work of the ministry I did not expect such honour would be conferred upon me when 1 should retire from active service in the Church of Christ. I was early dedicated to Christ by a pious mother, and converted to God when only eleven years old. I have now been sustained for nearly fifty years in this great work of preaching Christ and Him crucified. In hearing of your kind testimonial to me I felt under a sense of very great unworthiness. I desire to give the Lord all the glory of His grace in me. You speak of my labours for Christ. Well, we had toil at the first in the Mission work that few have to endure now. Often we were out every night in the month from house to house, never at home for weeks, as at that time we lived much amongst the people, and many young preachers had not any settled lodgings. We travelled many miles in the week in all kinds of weather, and in barns and private houses we proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ, and hitherto hath the Lord helped us. I do feel grateful in my heart of hearts for the kind expressions of your respects for us, and for your valuable cheque to me, handed to me by our worthy friend, Mr. M'Connell, in the chair. It also cheers me much to learn from you that the members of other Christian Churches have lent their willing aid, and also did this with expres- sions of goodwill to me and respect and love. It is also most gratifying to find Mr. Thomas Fullerton, who is first in every good cause, as one of the leading men on the com- mittee, acting with energy and zeal to get up this Testimonial to me, although a local preacher in the Wesleyan Church. All the LAST HOURS. 245 above facts point, to the signs of the times, when Ephrahm shall not vex Judah, nor Judah, Ephraim, but names and sects and parties fall, and Thou, O Christ, be all in all. I must again thank you from the [bottom of my heart for this kindness, and it surely must lead me closer to the people of the Lord and to Jesus, the great Master ; I must still work for His .glory as ability will enable me to the end of life. S. NICHOLSON. The following account of our venerable brother's last hours is in substance that of his faithful wife. She says, 4t On the Saturday prior to his death, my dear husband took seriously ill at our daughter's, Mrs. Bailey's. She sent him home in a carriage. . He suffered intensely from acute pain, but slept a few hours during the night, and in the morning was somewhat better. Mr. Robinson held the prayer meeting in our house. His visit was much enjoyed by the afflicted onei Mrs. Bailey visited her father in the evening, which proved her last visit. He asked her who had spoken at the meeting (Friends) that day, and what had been the subject of Mr. Pirn's address. "Well, my dear, 1 ' he enquired, "do you ever speak for God?" "I do," she replied, "privately, but not publicly." " You should," he added, " embrace every suitable opportunity to testify of God's goodness to you. You are the child of many prayers, and God has done great things for you." He then asked her to pray with him, and as the child poured out her heart in intercession for the dying father, Heaven seemed to fill the chamber. On Monday, the dear sufferer seemed no worse, and was able to lead in prayer at family worship, our daughter, Isabella, reading the 91st Psalm at his request. On Tuesday morning, being the day before the Queen's Jubilee Day, he prayed earnestly for Her 246 IRISH METHODIST REMIXISCEXCES. Majesty's highest well-being In the evening, the doctor, whom I called in, thought niy husband would be better in a day or two. But during the night, the pain from which he suffered increased in severity. On "Wednesday, at 7 a.m., Mr. Neill, at my request by a messenger, hurried out to see the dear, and as it proved, the dying sufferer, whose whispered testimonies were, " Christ is precious," "I shall soon be at home," "Jesus will never leave me or forsake me." During Mr. Neill's earnest prayer, he whispered hearty responses. Mr. Neill noticed that the hand which grasped his was as " cold as death." I too was struck with the coldness of my dear one's hands, and I wrapped them in a warm shawl. Up to this time, I did not know he was dying, but now the truth flashed upon me. I said, "Father, you have comforted many a one in death." He said, "Jesus is mine and I am his; He will nover leave me nor forsake me." I repeated to him the words of the hymn : " Jeslis, lover of my soul," etc, and he seemed mentally to repeat them with me. At length, he cast a last look at me and then closed his eyes, and im- mediately there reposed on his countenance the stillness of death ; suddenly, a ray of light beamed through the window and shone upon the departed one's placid face. Oh ! it was beautiful ! His face shone with the bright- ness. Mr. Nicholson's earthly life thus closed on June 22nd, 1887. The funeral took place on June 25th. A short service was held in the house before the coffin was removed, when the Rev. J. Shone read a suitable chapter, and the Rev. E. Thomas delivered a short address. AS the coffin passed to the hearse, the Rev. Canon Pounden, of the Cathedral, Lisburn, placed a wreath upon the coffin lid. Several clergymen and ministers formed part of the INTERMENT. 247 funeral cortege, as it passed through the town. J. N. Richardson, Esq. (Society of Friends) was also at the funeral, likewise Lawson Brown, Esq., of Belfast. Mr. Nicholson's remains were interred in Bangor Churchyard, beside those of his four children. The Kev. S. Black (Episcopalian), of Ballyclare, was present at the grave. The Eevs. E. Hall, T. Porteus, and M. M. Todd, officiated at the interment. Mrs. Bailey also spoke at her father's grave. " Marble will moulder, monuments decay, Time sweep memorials from the earth away ; But lasting records are of good men given ; The date, eternity ; the archives, heaven. There living tablets, with their worth engraved, Stand forth for ever, in the souls they saved." Ann Lutton. J. E. MHELL, PBINTEH, 2SA, PATERNOSTER SQUARE, LONDON, E.G. [Rtt ABV THIS BC University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 001 024 157 8