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great breaches in it, it is really declining, by the ceaseless peasant emigration on the one hand, by the growth of intelligence on the other; for the very advance of the people in social position is negativing the intolerance of the priest. What it would be, if it gained a bolder footing in England hard to predict; but the work it has done in half a century should not be ignored by Protestants. It has nearly two thousand four hundred chapels, of which more than two thousand have been built since 1800, at a cost of £3,500,000. In the same period it has established about three hundred convents, monasteries, hospitals, colleges, &c., at a cost of £1,500,000; besides building six hundred parsonage-houses, two thousand nine bandred and ninety school-houses, and seventy Christian brothers' schools, at a further cost of £650,000, and endowing these institutions and others; so that the total expenditure since the century opened cannot be much less than seven million pounds. The maintenance of the twentyeight bishops, two thousand five hundred and twenty-seven parochial and five hundred regular clergy, is estimated at £400,000 a year, the maintenance of the Church at over £100,000; and of hospitals, orphanages, colleges, &c., at £250,000.

So that this Church of four millions, confessedly poor, taxes itself for its annual support at £750,000, besides large contributions to the Pope, the Propagation Society, and various minor missions, and without reckoning the considerable annual outlay upon new buildings. Chapels, indeed, are rising up on all hands, not from increase of worshippers, but to replace older and poorer structures; and where mass was celebrated in some miserable shed, or behind the shelter of a friendly rock, it is now performed under a gothic roof, and the full toues of the organ. In proportion to its numbers, the Romish Church, if these estimates are correct, is certainly not less, and probably more, energetic than its Protestant neighbours.

There is no very definite information of the voluntary contributions of the Established Church; but the Presbyterians are said to have speut nearly a million in their church work since 1800, and they give annually more than £80,000; while some of their number are pointing out that if there were any pressure, their present revenue might be doubled, from the Sunday collections alone; and that the large increase made to many clergymen's incomes within the present year is only an earnest of the undeveloped energies of the body.

BIOGRAPHICAL

Ar Elm-House Academy, near Sittingbourne, died on the 11th of October, 1866, DAVID WESLEY VIPOND. He was the son of the Rev. William Vipond, one of the second generation of Methodist preachers, - man whose early devotedness to God, and earnest improvement of the great talents confided to him, "purchased " for him "a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesns." His high character and faithful services are thus chronicled in the Minutes of Conference for 1809: William Vipond, a man of a most excellent spirit, strong sense, sound judgment, extensive information, and deep piety. His ministerial abilities were great; his manner devout; his language pure, correct, and impressive. He not only spoke the words which became sound doctrine, but he put forth all his strength, both of body and soul, in the work. In every Circuit where he laboured his preaching was highly prized by the wise and judicious, and remarkably useful to all who possessed true religion, or were

SKETCHES.

seriously inquiring after it. For several months previous to his death he suffered much; but he suffered with that fortitude which becomes a man, and that calm resignation which becomes a Christian. At length, worn out with labour and afflictions, he died, as he lived, with unshaken confidence in God, in the thirty-third year of his age, and the eleventh of his itinerancy." In many parts of the country, especially in the Norwich and Oxford Districts, the name of this eminent minister is still gratefully remembered, and his works do follow him.

While the public records of the church preserve the recollection of the virtues of Mr. Vipond's father, the memory of his mother is enshrined still more tenderly in the hearts of those who knew her. Her character was singularly beautiful; cheerfulness and gentleness, kindness and discretion, being combined in a manner unusually winning and attractive; and the loveliness of that character shone out, even to the end of life, from a beautiful

[graphic]

countenance. Many still living can testify how "she opened her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue was the law of kindness."

It was to his mother that the training of David Vipond chiefly fell; for he was only about four years of age when his father died. He was sent to Kingswood School, where he was contemporary with the late Rev. William M. Bunting, and other distinguished ministers, for whom he ever cherished a tender affection. He afterwards settled at Sittingbourne,in Kent, where, in the year 1828, he married the daughter of that eminent servant of God, the late Mr. John Bate. Of this excellent woman, now his sorrowing widow, we will only permit ourselves to say, that "the heart of her husband did safely trust in her;" that "she did him good and not evil all the days of his life; " and that now "she is desolate," she "trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." For several years Mr. Vipond was engaged in business as a draper; but, though he exhibited considerable business talent, his heart was not thoroughly in his employment, and he repeatedly said that he was not in his right place. About the year 1848 circumstances occurred which led to his opening a school for boys. The sphere he had longed for was now found; and from that time his whole soul was given to this congenial work. Childless himself, his love to the boys committed to him was a ruling passion. He delighted in their society, continually shared in their games, and would often visit them in their rooms, and watch them while sleeping with almost a mother's tenderness. His skill as a teacher was very great; and not a few young men will be reminded, as they read these lines, of one whose indomitable patience and unwearied kindness could conquer the most sullen temper, and win the coldest heart.

Comparatively early in life, Mr. Vipond experienced the converting grace of God, and applied himself with great zeal to the public work of the Church. There was a period, however, when he lost the sense of the Divine favour; and though graciously restored to spiritual peace, the recollection of his unfaithfulness caused him afterwards to keep much retired from public service. His disposition was exceedingly cheerful; his conversation overflowed with good humour; he was generous even to a fault; and exceedingly fond of society, in which he greatly shone. In the latter years of his life, when his naturally exubeant wit was chastened by the grace of God,

it would be difficult to imagine a more delightful companion. Many of our ministers, who in their student life have shared his hospitality, will be prepared to endorse this statement.

Through the whole of his illness, the grace of God was very abundant towards him; inasmuch as his faith never seemed to waver, nor was the enemy permitted to harass him, or a cloud of temptation to pass over his mind. "One afternoon," says his brother-in-law, " as I was standing by his bedside, he said, 'I thought I should have died yesterday morning. I replied, Well, if you had, I believe, through the infinite merit of the Saviour, you would have gone to heaven.' He added, "I believe I should; but my wife, my dear wife, I do not want to part with her yet!' I suggested, 'The Lord's time is the best. Jesus is a loving Saviour, and He loves you!' He replied, 'Yes, He does, and I love Him.' I rejoined, 'The apostle said, He loved me, and gave Himself for me; and you can say the same.' He replied, 'I can."" On one occasion, he said to his faithful nurse, "I am sent for." To which she answered, "But you are ready!" "Yes," he said, "I am on the Rock." At another time he raised both his hands, and said, "Thanks be to God!" Mrs. Vipond added, "Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." He replied, "O yes! He giveth me the victory." During the last fortnight of his life, he often seemed as if unconscious; but even then he would lie with uplifted eyes and clasped hands, as if engaged in prayer. About three days before he died, he exclaimed, "My dear boys! My heart yearns for my dear boys." His last audible words were, "Glory to God!"

His funeral was a memorable one. His pupils were there, sorrowing that they would " see his face no more." Former scholars from London showed by their presence how much his conscientious kindness had touched their hearts. The service at the grave was read by one who for four years lived in his house, and assisted him in his work, and who now desires to lay this humble tribute on his tomb.

F. G.

MRS. PRETTY, the widow of the Rev. Joseph Pretty, was a native of Marton, a village near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. At an early age she was left an orphan, and took God" for the Guide of her youth." She acknowledged Him in all her ways, and He directed her steps from girlhood to

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fatherless and

old age. Her union with the Church, and her marriage to a minister of Christ, as the events have shown, were of God. These relationships brought out her great worth -in affectionate usefulness in her home, and in the Societies among which her husband laboured. Where she was best known, she was most esteemed. To her husband she was a true helpmate; visiting the widows in their afflietion. Her words were always considerately spoken, and with grace. She was wisely cautious, yet not distrustful. She endeavoured to give no offence to the Church of God; and, through grace and heavenly wisdom, she approached near the perfection of not offending in word." In many of the Circuits to which Mr. Pretty was appointed, she formed and met classes, giving wise and faithful

departed this life in Thy faith and fear; beseeching Thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them kingdom." we may be partakers of Thy heavenly

counsel to those who were associated with her in Christian communion. often had great power She in prayer. Her faith was not an opinion expressed in a creed, but a hidden, Divine, active principle. The truth of God lived in her understanding and affections, and was to her "spirit and life." It was translated into intelligible facts: she was a "living epistle, known and read of all men." Those who now call her to mind, remember her uniformity and consistency of life. Her walk and conversation were the Gospel of Christ; " the doctrine of as becometh God our Saviour she "adorned in all things." In her labours and holy living she served her own generation by the will

of God.

The passive graces were called forth by

Such "elders" deserve a long remembrance; yet even those whose death is an unspeakable loss seldom wish to be pictured in print, or eulogized on marble; but retiring, and shrinking from publicity, are con

tent with the esteem of those who knew

them, and with the favour of God. This was the feeling of the subject of these lines. Public mention was not desired by her: praise would have been distasteful. No violation of her wish is likely to be perpetrated. She carefully destroyed all papers relating to her history and experience. Many of the friends who feel a profound respect for her memory think that her course of light and blessing should not be passed over in total silence; yet they however, has left its impress in their can remember but few facts. Her character, thoughts and affections.

the desolateness of widowhood and severe suffering. In patience she possessed her soal: had its "perfect work." By the patience of hope, and the steadfastness of faith, her mind was kept in peace during the illness which preceded her death on December 3d, 1866.

In her benefactions she remembered the poor of the household of faith; the heathen who dwell where no vision is; and those

SAMUEL WALKER.

mingham, was born in the year of our Lord 1802. Little is known of the events of her early life; but it is evident that when very young she was brought under the fourteen we find her connected with a influence of religion; for at the age of Christian Church assembling in Oxfordstreet, Birmingham. This connexion was maintained for several years; but after with him to Carr's-lane chapel, where her marriage to Mr. Barnsley she went she was privileged to enjoy the ministry of the justly-venerated John Angell James, of whom she ever retained an affectionate and reverential remembrance. But,

MRS. BARNSLEY, of Islington, Bir

residing in Islington, and the distance to Carr's-lane being considerable, Mr. and Wesleyan-Methodist chapel in their own Mrs. Barnsley were induced to attend the neighbourhood; and, after a brief interval, they both joined the Society, and began

ministers and widows who, like herself and her husband, had enjoyed that small but to meet in class. From that time to the generous tribute of love which gives light in thirty years, Mrs. Barnsley's connexion close of life, a period of more than the evening-tide to the aged minister or his with this branch of the Christian Church

widow, resting from faithful toil in the Church. Her private means were small;

was uninterrupted. This connexion she ever gratefully regarded as supplying her

but out of them she manifested the riches with the means of spiritual edification, and

an

of a true Christian liberality, leaving example worthy of admiration and imita

with opportunities of religious usefulness. It is only just and becoming to say,

tion. For such patterns of departed that to the Church with which she was religious worth, we may very sincerely offer providentially led to identify herself, she the thanksgiving in the prayer for "the became a pillar and an ornament.

Church militant here on earth:

bless Thy holy name for

all Thy servants
39 "We

In attempting a portraiture of the moral and religious character of Mrs.

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Barnsley, we must first mention its beautiful symmetry and completeness. It is lamentably characteristic of too many professors of Christianity, that, while some one quality stands out with commanding prominence, others equally important are either altogether wanting, or exist only in a very imperfect degree, and are obscurely manifested. The very opposite of this was the case with the subject of this sketch. It is not pretended that she was free from infirmities and defects. Of these she was often painfully sensible. She mourned over whatever she discovered to be defective in her religious character and attainments, and carnestly and prayerfully sought the removal of all that was contrary to the mind of Christ. And thus the genuineness of her piety was made manifest. For the sincerity of that religious profession may be justly suspected, which does not prompt us to aspirations after high degrees of spiritual excellence.

Another feature of Mrs. Barnsley's religious character was its robustness and vigour. She was not wanting in feminine gentleness and tenderness; but hers was not a religion of mere sentimental excitement, a short-lived and precarious enjoyment, which can flourish only in summer sunshine, but to which the blasts of adversity and tribulation are speedily fatal. Her Christian graces evinced the workmanship of the Divine Spirit. She did not build, on the only foundation, "wood, hay, and stubble,"-things of small value, and easily liable to destruction; but "gold, silver, and precious stones," -things which were both ornamental and enduring. She did not faint in the hour of trial, although by no means free from painful exercises. She did not shun the cross, but resolutely took it up, however grievous and contrary to natural feeling. Nor did she grow weary in well-doing; but honourably persevered in the path of duty, and in enterprises of usefulness, when discouragements were formidable and co-operation very limited. Unmoved, except with sorrow, by the want of steadfastness in others, she did not allow herself to become tired of religion, because some who professed it acted inconsistently with its obligations and requirements. She set the Lord always before her, and endured, as seeing Him who is invisible." Thus, through all the trials of ordinary life, all the vicissitudes of a protracted religious profession, she exemplified a calm and steady perseverance, being "steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

Another prominent feature in the character of Mrs. Barnsley was her unselfishness and considerate solicitude to promote the happiness of others. This was vario.usly exemplified. Almost from her first connexion with the Methodist Society, she showed her readiness to take part in enterprises of usefulness. Several valuable institutions belonging to the Islington chapel and Society, if they did not absolutely originate with her, were promoted and sustained by her energy and liberality. She was largely instrumental in establishing the Dorcas Society; the day and infant schools; was an energetic and liberal supporter of Missions to the heathen; and administered to the necessities of some poor and needy people every week, supplying them, up to the last few days of her life, both with food and money. She was kindly considerate and prompt in showing attention to young people, who were distant from their friends, and whom, as strangers, she observed at the chapel; and often she invited them to her own house, after the public service on a Sabbath evening, to partake of her hospitality, and to share in the devotions of the household. Such attention could not fail to produce a deep and beneficial impression, and no doubt frequently led to happy religious results. It were to be wished that other persons, similarly circumstanced, would imitate so laudable an example.

Without the slightest tinge of bigotry, and with earnest desires for the prosperity of other religious communities, Mrs. Barnsley was warmly attached to her own denomination. Its institutions and ministrations had afforded her, through a long succession of years, the means of spiritual improvement and comfort, and opportunities of varied and extended usefulness. She was attached to the classmeeting, and exemplary in her attendance on it, believing that, when properly used, it is a most valuable means of promoting spiritual growth. The Methodist ministers she loved and honoured. They were always welcomed to her house, and had in her a sincere and warm friend. Ministers coming to Birmingham on public occasions found under her roof an agreeable abode, and were most cordially admitted to share in the generous, although unostentatious, hospitalities of her domestic circle.

What Mrs. Barnsley was in her own family may be easily conjectured. In the treatment of her children, she combined tenderness with wise counsel and

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salutary discipline. Hers was not the
weak fondness which would connive at
sin, or compromise the obligations of
duty. She not only prayed for, but
with, her children. While she did not

deny them suitable liberty and indulgence, yet she did not deem it compatible with the requirements of her materual relation and Christian profession to patronise what she believed was likely to lead to worldliness and dissipation. She was intensely anxious for their conversion; and had the happiness of seeing all her five children become members of the Church to which she herself belonged, and her two sons occupying the positions of leaders, stewards, and trustees.

We have not the means of tracing minutely the inner workings of that hidden life which was the source of Mrs. Barnsley's outward excellencies. If she kept a diary, it is not at present accessible; neither has the opportunity been afforded of perusing the somewhat voluminous correspondence which she carried on with various persons. That the spiritual life was active in her cannot be doubted, seeing the effects which it produced. We estimate the interior life of a tree by the vigour of its growth, the loftiness of its stature, the spread and strength of its branches, the luxuriance of its foliage, and

exalting faith to the disparagement and
neglect of those "good works" by which
its genuineness is to be tested. She was no
Pharisaic legalist, attempting to establish
a righteousness of her own, and making
the atonement of Jesus superfluous. Both
in her views and conduct she was equally
remote from these erroneous and perilous
extremes. Her dependence for salvation
and eternal life upon the crucified
Redeemer was entire and absolute. She
was anxious to adorn the doctrine of the
Gospel in all things. And in the
have hazarded life itself.
fulfilment of ascertained duty she would

But we must now hasten to the closing scene. For several years before her death Mrs. Barnsley's health had been sensibly declining, and her strength failing. It

was no inconsiderable trial to her that

was

she was compelled to withdraw-not altogether, indeed, but to a great extentwhich she had so long pervaded with her from that sphere of activity and usefulness influence. Gradually, but not without some struggles, she acquiesce in the arrangement which reenabled to moved her from the position which she had hitherto occupied to one of comparative seclusion. In her retirement meekly to submit to infirmity and suffershe was sustained by the conviction, that honourable to religion, than to serve ing is not less glorifying to God, and Him in a course of active usefulness; con- and that the principles and resources of our Divine religion are never displayed more attractively and refulgently, than in the dark night of tribulation and approaching death. Mrs. Barnsley could earthly pilgrimage was near. hardly fail to be aware that the end of her She intimated this to several of her children. The prospect of the death-struggle, and of the lonely and silent grave, she felt to be solemn; but faith enabled her to survey with exultation the glorious scenes beyond. Several days before her death, she conversed at some length, and with evident sprung. satisfaction, on the all-sufficiency of the Saviour's atonement, as the imperishable Rock on which the soul may securely rest when every thing else fails; thus realizing in her own experience the words of the

the abundance of its fruit. In like manner, we form our judgment of the internal religions life by its exterior manifestations; and when we see religious sistency maintained through a long course, and amidst every variety of circumstances; when we see "the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God," exhibited in their season, and that in increasing maturity; when we see, in habitual and vigorous exercise, the faith that looks beyond the boundaries of this world, and realizes spiritual and eternal things, the fervent charity that shows itself superior to selfishness and provocation, we ought not to doubt the vigour of that inuer life from which these beautiful results So it was with Mrs. Barnsley. She walked with God, maintained unbroken fellowship with the Saviour, and lived within sight of eternity and heaven.

than by the harmony which subsisted

By nothing was she more distinguished psalmist: "My flesh and my heart failbetween the exercise of a simple, entire, and and my portion for ever." Notwithself-renouncing faith in Christ, and the standing her increasing weakness, no

eth: but God is the strength of my heart,

solemn conviction which she entertained

of the imperativeness of duty, and the when suddenly the moment of departure

immediate danger had been apprehended,

indispensable necessity of personal holi

ness. She was no antinomian professor, summoned to her bed-side, but tl. power

and release came. Her husband was

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