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day or two afterwards, "I am fully converted." At the close of the singing by the red brethren, Bishop Roberts made a few appropriate remarks, and we all joined him in singing, at the close of which, from the fulness of his heart, he offered up a fervent prayer. We again joined in singing, and one of the chiefs (Between-the-logs) being called on, prayed in a very feeling manner, while every heart appeared to respond the hearty amen! The meeting was then drawn to a close.

From the various accounts of individuals, as well as from the report laid before the Conference by brother Finley, the Superintendent, the Sandusky Mission appears to be prospering beyond any former example. May the Great Head of the Church hasten the time when "the kingdoms of this world shall be converted and become the kingdoms of our God and his Christ."

I am requested by Bishop M'Kendree, who is now in this town in good health, to inform you that the Methodist Missionary Notice No. 5 came to hand in this place, and was thankfully received.

At our late Annual Conference, the Superintendents present divided the important business between them. The stationing the preachers devolved on Bishop Roberts. The Missionary business it seems was committed to Bishop M-Kendree. He reported a plan to establish a Mission among the Chippeway Indians, about eighty or ninety miles from Detroit. Two Missionaries to be sent to Michigan Territory, to the Rapid of St. Mary's in particular; and another plan to establish a Mission in New-Orleans, was recommended. These, with the reasons which influenced the attempt, the probability of success, the ways and means by which the objects might be accomplished, together with arrangements for the Wyandot Mission, were laid before the Conference, in order to secure its approbation and co-operation. The plan was thought to be judicious, and the preachers resolved to use their influence to support the undertaking.How it will eventuate will be seen hereafter.

From the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine.

WESLEYAN-METHODIST GENERAL CONFERENCE IN SHEFFIELD, THE Eightieth Annual Conference commenced its session in Carver-street Chapel, at Sheffield, on Wednesday, July 30th; and was continued by various adjournments till Monday, August 11th. About three hundred and fifty Preachers, including the Rev. Messrs. WILLIAM STEWART and TOBIAS, as Representatives of the Irish Conference, were in attendance; and were all most hospitably and affectionately entertained at the houses of our members and friends in Sheffield and its immediate vicinity. The Rev. HENRY MOORE was for the second time chosen PRESIDENT; and the Rev. ROBERT NEWTON was re-elected as SECRETARY. The most delightful spirit of piety and brotherly affection prevailed during the whole period. Not even the appearance of unholy contention was exhibited, we believe, on any occasion. The public congregations were gene rally very large; and a blessed influence from God rested upon the people. The two official sermons of the year, those of the PRESIDENT and Ex-PRESIDENT, were preached on Sunday, August 3d; the former (Mr. MOORE's) on Heb. vi. 1; the latter (Dr. CLARKE'S) on John iv. 24. Sixteen preachers, after due probation, and the most satisfactory examinations, were solemnly received into full connexion with the Conference, at two public sittings especially devoted to that work. This service was, as usual, most numerously attended; and was rendered, on this occasion, peculiarly pleasing and edifying by the circumstance, that Mr. SQUANCE and Mr. CLOUGH, from India, and Mr. SMEDLEY, from the West-Indies, were among the number of Preachers examined and admitted, and took the opportunity of giving to the Conference a statement of their Missionary call and proceedings. Their narratives were heard with the deepest attention and gratitude, and called forth many prayers in behalf of the Heathen, and of those of our Brethren who are devoted to the glorious but arduous task of seeking their salvation. Mr. HANNAH, also, who was the only one of the young Preachers who have laboured in England, whom the time would permit to speak at large, gave a highly interesting account of his religious experience, his call to the Christian Ministry, &c. The other Candidates had given equal satisfaction in the more private examinations through which they had previously passed. After the usual

Questions, compiled from the Ordination-Service and the "Large Minutes," had been put to them, and answered, the Resolution for their immediate admission into the Methodist Ministry was moved by the Rev. JAMES WOOD, seconded by the Rev. WALTER GRIFFITH, most cordially passed by the Conference, and then announced to them and to the congregation by the PRESIDENT, in terms exceedingly impressive. Dr. CLARKE delivered the Charge and exhorted them in a manner, and with an unction and power, which those who were present can never forget, to take heed to themselves and to their doctrine, and to continue in those things; that so they might save themselves and those who should hear them. They were earnestly commended to the blessing of God in prayer by the PRESIDENT, and by the Rev. Messrs. GRIFFITH, MARSDEN, REECE, STAMP, WATSON, and NEWTON, in whose. fervent petitions on their behalf, during both the evenings of the solemnity, the whole Conference and congregation most heartily united. Never were brethren admitted into the Body with greater sympathy, more devout prayers, or more entire confidence, than those who have this year been solemnly recognized as our fellow-helpers and companions in the work of

the Lord.

The total increase in our Societies this year was reported to be 9,659; viz. 8,006 in Great-Britain, and 1,653 in our various Foreign Missions :-so that upwards of 30,000 have been added to us, and many of that number, we trust, also to the Lord, during the last three years. The increase, this year, has been general, throughout every part of the Connexion, (except Ireland,) and has not been, in any very considerable degree, the result of extraordinary revivals in particular places. We may regard it, therefore, as an encouraging indication of the healthful state of our Societies at large. Indeed, we ought to record it with thankfulness, that, we have among us no agitations, or serious divisions. We believe that those blessed doctrines which God has committed to our trust were never more faithfully preached; that our excellent discipline was never more effectually enforced; and that a deeper concern for the extension of the work of God, both at home and abroad, was never more prevalent. To God, who maketh men to be of one heart, and by whose SPIRIT all good affections and sanctifying graces are given, be the glory and the praise !

In our own country, many new and destitute districts have been of late visited; and the Conference, in taking out additional Preachers, has had especial regard to their employment as much as possible on new ground; so as to answer most effectually the proper character of the Connexion, the whole of which, from the first, has been that of an extensive Home-Mission. The old principle of Methodism, "Go, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most," -is of equal importance at home and abroad. The number of young men for the Home-work, taken out this year, is about twenty.

The regular catechising of our children and youth again formed the subject of conversation at the Conference, and is anew recommended to be carried into full operation. Two Catechisms have been prepared, for this purpose, for children of different ages; and, after careful examination, by a large Committee, have received the sanction of the Conference. They are therefore the Standard Catechisms of the Body; and by the adoption of them, in all Methodist Families and Schools, our system of elementary religious instruction will be uniform throughout the world. The advantage of this will be obvious to every thoughtful mind, which duly appreciates the importance of preserving and perpetuating among us the unadulterated Truth of the Gospel. A Third Catechism on the Evidences of Christianity is wanting to complete the intended series; and will, we trust, be forthwith prepared.

The Conference, wishing to keep up an affectionate intercourse with the American Methodist Connexion, has appointed a Deputation to attend their ensuing General Conference at Baltimore, which is held once every four years. The Rev. R. REECE, accompanied by the Rev. JOHN HANNAH, is designated to this service. They are expected to leave this country in March, and are commended to the special prayers of our people. The object of this intercourse with the Conference of the United States is to maintain, as much as circumstances will allow, a unity of spirit and co-operation in the Methodist Body throughout the world; that as we have the same calling, and were raised up by God for the same great work, we may be cheered and animated in it by the reciprocation of affection, counsel, and prayers. May this end be answered; and in every place may our doctrines, spirit and labours, retain their original character, simplicity, and success!

Obituary.

DEATH OF MRS. ELIZABETH WEBB.

SHE was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, March 9th, 1800. In the eleventh year of her age, she was born of the Spirit, and continued to walk worthy of her calling until her death. June 2nd, 1819, she was married to Dr. Thomas V. Webb, and they were blessed with two children, both which are dead.Soon after the birth of her second child,

it was evident to all her acquaintance, that she could not long continue in this world, as the consumption had made its appearance upon her feeble frame.

Though not personally acquainted with the deceased in the early part of her life, yet I am assured from those that were, that her example of piety is every way worthy of imitation, in all the relations of life which she sustained. My acquaintance with her commenced after her confinement with her last sick ness; and it was truly a lesson of instruction to behold her sweet resignation to the Hand that smote her, and no less consoling to witness her vivid prospects of future glory. I had the pleasure of visiting her often. At one time, labouring under great depression of spirit, we joined in prayer to God for her deliverance, when, to our inexpressible satisfaction, she proclaimed aloud the victories of redeeming love, professing the enjoyment of perfect love, which she no doubt felt. From this happy moment, her confidence in God remained unshaken. Calling each of her friends who were present by name, she said, "Now I give up all my babe" (the last then living "only meet me in heaven, where I feel I am going, and

all will be well."

the utmost composure, a smile of serene joy on her pallid countenance, she fell asleep in Jesus, about 12 o'clock. O may my last hours be like hers.

GEORGE A. BAIN.

DEATH OF MRS. ELIZABETH RUSE.

MRS. RUSE was not favoured with a

religious education in her youth. In the year 1822,* her husband experienced religion, and through his means his wife was brought under serious concern for her soul, and she sought and found redemption in the blood of Christ. They both joined the Methodist E. Church.

From that time till her death she maintained the character of a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. During her sickness, when near her end, her Father, who still remained impenitent, coming to see her, she earnestly and affectionately warned him of his imminent danger, beI am," said she, "on the borders of seeching him to be reconciled to God. another and a better world; but my Father, I have never heard you pray to God in my life. O my Father! Forsake your sins and return unto God."

soul increased in faith, and her confiAs her bodily strength diminished, her blessedness, were more and more condence in God, and her hope of future

firmed.

overwhelmed with a sense of the preIndeed at times she seemed sence of God. In this frame of mind, she spoke much of the goodness of God, and exhorted all who came to see her to prepare to meet her in heaven. To her sorrowful husband, she expressed

her thankfulness for his kind attentions

After re

A few hours previous to her trium- to her, and pressed him to stedfastness phant entrance into glory, at her request in his religious profession. the Lord's Supper was administered to questing that, for the benefit of others, her, hy the Rev. Jesse Nicholson and an account of her death might be inmyself. This was a time of refreshing she was in the habit of reading, she serted in the Methodist Magazine, which to us all. To an uncle who set near her, she said, "Uncle, if you are faith- sweetly fell asleep in the sure and cerful, we shall soon be in heaven togeth- tain hope of everlasting life. She has Between the hours of 9 and 10, left a widowed husband and two small P. M. I approached her bed-side, and children, to mourn their loss; but they finding her nearly gone, I expressed a mourn in hope-in hope of meeting her wish to know if she then felt an assuin a better world. rance of peace and joy, and a firm hope of immortal happiness, to which she replied distinctly in the affirmative, while she cast a look on all present, and with

er."

*The writer of this memoir has neglected to the exact time of her death, a serious defect in mention the age of the subject of it, as well as such accounts.-Ed.

Poetry.

From the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine.
SIGHS OF AN AFFECTIONATE HEART.
Oh! is it true, that I no longer see
Affection's eye benignly beut on me?
Is there no heart to sympathize, to feel

Cares which disquiet.—pleasures which may heal?
No!-Solitude and Silence are my own,-
And my heart tells me, I am all alone!
My Mother! can I e'er recall that name
So dear to infancy, (and still the same.)
Without reverting to those peaceful hours
When we, thy children, sported midst the flowers,
Led by thy hand, and innocently gay
Bloom' in thy eyes as fresh and fair as they?
Yes!-thou wert childhood's best and earliest
friend,

And oft would'st kindly on our steps attend
To breathe th' invigorating morning-air,
And taste the balmy sweets which revell'd there?
And, as we mov'd along the quiet shade,
Would'st lead our minds to Him who all things
made;

And as th' extensive prospect open'd fair, Would'st show how light and shade were soften'd there;

Or guide the little hand which strove to trace
The varied beauties of my native place;
And as the rude-sketch'd landscape rose to view,
Would'st praise the painting, and the Painter too!

O, I shall ne'er forget those lucid beams!
They fell so calmly on my infant dreams,
And bade me hope, that morning's lovely ray
Would cheer and brighten life's meridian day!
Childhood! how dear thy recollections are!
And all collected form a beauteous star,
Which I will gaze on with increas'd delight,
Till Time's horizon hides it from my sight;
And (each memorial wip'd from mem'ry's page)
I fall unconcious on the lap of age,
No tear of tenderness to melt my eye,
And all forgetting,-all forgot,-I die!
Ye social pleasures which delight to fly
Round the dear spot where all my treasures lie;
Ah! for one moment hither bend your way,
And breathe their sweetness among whom ye
stray.

Waft on your wings a mother's gentle sigh,
One look of fondness from a father's eye,
The tender breathings of fraternal love,—
And Solitude an Eden then would prove!
Ah, ye refuse me!-I will ask the aid

Of Contemplation,-heaven-descended maid.
Hers is the power to raise the soul from earth; *
She points its heavenly origin and birth,
Displays its nature, energies, and shows
Its end to be the fountain whence it flows,
Creative Love! Thy goodness I adore,
And, bumbled, weep at thy decrees no more.
Thy hand hath brought me here. O, let me be
Life,-Spirit,-Soul,-devoted all to thee!

P. M.

For the Methodist Magazine.
Reflections on passing an old. Burying ground on
the Bank of the River Thames, Connecticut.
I pluck'd the rose of pallid hue
Upon a lonely spot it grew,
Where stopp'd a stranger, pleas'd to view
The silent grave.

Long have the relics moulder'd there,
The many moss-grown stones declare,
That long have felt the changing air,
Which none can save.

A sacred spot enclos'd around,
With careful hands the burying ground,
Where once the bell with solemn sound,
Toll'd for the bier.

There now ascends the circling vine,
Which sweetly round the tombs entwine,
As if to save from wasting time,

Remains so dear.

Not far from here the rápid tide,
Of lovely Thames is seen to glide,
And bursting from the mountain side,
With awful foam;

The mighty rocks of pond'rous size,
Ascend as if to reach the skies,
And strike with awe the stranger's eyes,
Which loves to roam.

The setting sun had left the skies,
And nought was heard but zephyrs sigbs
As with me to sympathize,
At silent eve.

An hour congenial to my mind,
Well pleas'd to view the world behind,
To meditate on joys refin'd,

And shadows leave.

The grass grown graves of verdure bright,
Which drink the dewy tears of night,
Give to my soul such chaste delight,
Ás none can tell.

I think how soon I too shall rest;
My aching head no more distress'd,
And sleep upon my Saviour's breast,
Where pleasures dwell.

I could the solemn requiem sing,
And touch with joy the trembling string,
Which should eternal transports bring
To me on high.

My minstrel now should breathe the air,
And my departing hour declare,
And tell what heav'nly raptures there,
When blest I die.

ERRATA.

Page 348, line 3 from top, read spectacle for spectacles.

MIRANDA

-23

consequence for consequences.

THE

Methodist Magazine,

FOR DECEMBER, 1823.

Divinity.

66

EXTRACTS FROM A SERMON

Preached in the Cathedral Church of Cashel, Sept. 26, 1822, at the Primary
Visitation of the ARCHBISHOP OF CASHEL:"

BY ARCHDEACON JEBB.

[THE Sermon, from which these Extracts are taken, has not been printed for sale; but having been favoured by a friend with the perusal of a Copy, we have selected the following passages, which, we think, may be read with advantage by Ministers of all denominations. The text is, 1 Tim. iv. 15.-EDITOR.]

"

"THE words of our text, when examined, as all detached portions of scripture ought to be examined, with reference to their original context, afford a two-fold division. In the twelfth verse, St. Paul exhorts his son Timothy to be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity; here are all the personal virtues of a Christian Minister. In the thirteenth verse, the apostle enjoins the Bishop, to give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine;' here are the learning, the studies, the professional employments of a Christian Minister. In the fifteenth verse, that which I have chosen for my text, the sacred writer enforces, by a two-fold reference, his preceding exhortations; Meditate upon these things; give thyself. wholly to them;' that is, Meditate on the virtues of a Christian. Man; give thyself wholly to the studies and duties of a Christian Minister. He then urges the moral necessity for this meditation, and for this devotedness, in words more correctly rendered in the margin, than in the text, of our English Bible: that thy proficiency may be manifest in all things;' in all the requisites of a Christian Pastor; in every quality of personal goodness, and in every branch of ministerial usefulness. And, as it were, to fix the two-fold bearing of this weighty precept, the Apostle yet more VOL. VI.

56

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