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dence, and tenderness with which he had discharged the duties of that office. In the Methodist society he was long an active and successful labourer. At an early period of his religious career, his stability and knowledge in divine things pointed him out as well qualified for the important office of Class-Leader, and he at first took the charge of a number of young men who were united in determination to "flee youthful lusts," and to "follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Over these he watched with a solicitude truly paternal, and had no greater joy than to see them "walking in truth;" and the fruit of his prayers, anxieties, and instructions, appeared in the confirmed piety and exemplary usefulness of many of them. Subsequently he sustained the same character among more mature Christians; and the experience of nearly thirty years showed him equally capable of feeding with "strong meat" those who, "by reason of use," had their senses exercised to discern good and evil." In the Sabbath-school he was successively engaged as Teacher, Secretary, and Superintendent, until growing infirmities compelled him to relinquish those delightful toils. His talents for business, his habits of correctness and punctuality, combined with unimpeachable integrity, rendered him peculiarly suitable for the duties of Stewardship; and in this capacity he repeatedly and ably served the interests of the Bolton society and Circuit. On one memorable occasion, when the spirit of religious agitation was rife in the Connexion, a vigorous effort was made to introduce discord into this society by means of a public Meeting, &c.; but through the prompt and judicious measures of Mr. Moscrop and his colleague, Mr. William Walker, that attempt was signally defeated; and while the baneful effects of strife and division were lamentably apparent in the immediate vicinity, by the blessing of God on the exertions of our late friend, and others like-minded with himself, the Circuit was preserved in a degree of peace almost unexampled, and its prosperity steadily advanced. As ChapelSteward, also, Mr. Moscrop greatly contributed to strengthen the interests of Methodism in this town. By his prudence and perseverance serious difficulties were surmounted; and he had the satisfaction of witnessing the desired result of his incessant application to this department of our work, in the greatly-improved state of the Trust committed to his management. Some idea of the estimation in which he was held by his brother-Trustees, may be gathered from the fact, that they considered his continued attention indispensable to the prosperity of their concerns until, by his last affliction, he was disabled from all public duty.

Nor was his conduct less worthy of distinct and especial notice in the bosom of a numerous and rising family. Notwithstanding his various public engagements, and his conscientious punctuality and regularity in their fulfilment, he was equally exemplary in the

discharge of parental responsibilities. Of him it may truly be said, he "commanded his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord." The important duty of training up his children in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord," he never felt himself at liberty to delegate to others; but deemed it incumbent on him as their Prophet to teach them, as well as to intercede for them as Priest, and as King to have them in subjection with all gravity. And these duties were evidently his delight. There was nothing forced or formal in his manner of performing them; but it was his meat and drink thus to do the will of his heavenly Father. At the familyaltar, in particular, he appeared in his proper element. There he had

peculiar freedom of access to the mercy-seat, and power with Him that sitteth thereon. There his soul often took wing, and mounted to the throne of God, bringing down blessings on those associated with him in these hallowed exercises; so that such seasons were indeed "times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." And the blessed effect of his united prayers and pains within the family circle, was manifest in the hearts and lives of his eight children, who, while yet young, began to seek after the God of their father; and, indeed, are now "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Thus our departed friend walked within his house with a perfect heart, while at the same time, by the uniform exhibition of "whatsoever things are pure, lovely, honest, and of good report," in his general deportment, he obtained, even from "them that are without," the established character of "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile."

In this unvarying course of piety and usefulness, he was assailed by fatal disease, which gradually wasted his frame, and afflicted him with strong pain. His sufferings were so acute and continued, that nature often appeared ready to sink under them. But the God to whom he had sacredly devoted the best of his days, and whom he had served with his vigorous and active powers, did not forsake him in the time of "feebleness extreme." While in health, he was seldom a subject of extraordinary elevation or depression, his mind being naturally calm and sober in its temperament; and, in his affliction, its general state was that of settled peace and unwavering confidence ; yet there were seasons when his soul, as if disburdened of its load, had such joyous manifestations of the presence of God, that his chamber, though the scene of suffering, was "quite in the verge of heaven." The circumstance of his inability to hold more than occasional and very limited intercourse with his most attached Christian friends is chiefly to be regretted on account of survivers; as, otherwise, that voice which had instructed many would have been frequently heard in impressive lessons of counsel, consolation, or caution. But enough was said fully to establish the truth, that, while heart and flesh were failing, God was "the strength of his

heart, and his portion for ever." His patience and resignation during his protracted and agonizing pains, could only be accounted for on the ground furnished by the Apostle Paul: "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness." He repeatedly expressed himself as knowing whom he had believed, and as being able to commit all his interests and connexions unto His keeping. It was not, however, without some previous struggles, and a mighty effort of faith, that he relinquished the hold which his family had on his warmest affections; for (to use his own language) he felt it no little thing to leave a wife and eight children bereft of his counsel and care in a world of sorrow, temptation, and sin. But he rested on the truth of Him who hath said, "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me;" (Jer. xlix. 11 ;) and here he found strong consolation.

As the termination of his earthly career approached, Mr. Moscrop became increasingly anxious to promote the spiritual and eternal interests of his family. This was especially manifest on one occasion by his desiring the attendance of as many of his children as possible; and when five of them, in company with their distressed mother, were assembled round his dying bed, and had, by his request, engaged in prayer on his behalf, he addressed them individually in a most impressive manner, gave them his parting benediction, and devoutly commended them to his God and their God.

After this solemn and memorable interview, his mind seemed wholly detached from earth; and, as if he had no longer any interests below, he was absorbed in constant meditation on things above," and ardently longed "to depart and to be with Christ." Still, he was equally enabled to "wait all the days" of his "appointed time;" often exclaiming, with much feeling, "To patient faith the prize is sure," &c.

His complete readiness for his final change he thus illustrated by simile to a Christian friend visiting him: "I have prepared for dying as for some important journey; and now, all things being ready, I am only waiting the signal for starting." That welcome signal was given, January 8th, 1838, when, without any apparent pain or convulsive struggle, his happy spirit gently quitted the pain-worn body, and took its departure to "see the King in his beauty, and to behold the land that is very far off." (Isaiah xxxiii. 17.)

The following characteristic notices are furnished by the Rev. Barnard Slater, who for three years enjoyed an intimate and uninterrupted acquaintance with the late Mr. Moscrop:-

"1. His piety was deep, fervent, and unaffected.-Savingly converted to God in early life, he retained a sense of the divine favour to the close of an unblemished Christian career; and as he loved God 'with a pure heart fervently, so he loved the cause and people

of God, and neglected nothing in his power to promote the prosperity of Zion. His simplicity was primitive and genuine; in his spirit there was no guile; but he was a pattern of frankness and uprightness in all his transactions, whether in the church or in the world.

"2. His zeal in the cause of Christ was ardent and unremitting. -With a surprising facility he passed through much business; so that, in addition to his very satisfactory management of the affairs of the town,* he found leisure for various important church engagements. Besides his exemplary regularity in attendance on public worship, he was the Leader of two classes, was rarely absent from the Leaders' Meeting, was repeatedly Steward of the society and of the Circuit, with admirable ability managed the affairs of our chapels, and was ever ready to employ his judgment and moderation in adjusting any difference existing among the members of the society. In a word, he was unwearied in his labours of love.

"3. He was of an eminently peaceable and loving disposition.He gave earnest heed unto the apostolic direction: As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.' Still he was never disposed to compromise principle for the sake of peace; but was foremost in contending for the truth with meekness of wisdom.' And he was not less kind, tender-hearted, ready to forgive, even as God for Christ's sake had forgiven him.

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“4. His character discovered the very decided evidences of genuine humility. Of him it may be said, he was 'clothed with humility. It was not occasionally assumed, but seated in the inner man,' and thence diffused itself through his whole deportment. It was this which invariably led him to esteem others better than himself, and to be disposed to take the lowest seat,' until invited, nay, urged, to come up higher.' In proof of the practical influence of these views of his own self, it ought to be stated, that, fearing the occasion of his decease might give rise to some notice of his character more favourable than was accordant with his humble estimate of himself, he was resolute in imposing upon his family a strict injunction to use their utmost influence to prevent any funeral-sermon being preached on his account.

"5. His attachment to Wesleyan Methodism was firm and cordial, -He had carefully studied Methodism in its doctrines and discipline, as well as in its experience. Hence, his attachment to it was as wise as it was warm, as enlightened as enthusiastic. He loved our doctrines, because of his persuasion that they were in accordance with scriptural truth; and he valued our discipline, from a conscientious conviction of its apostolical simplicity and adaptation to promote the health and purity of the body of Christ."

• Referring to his overseership of the poor.

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST. (No. LXXXVII.)

WESLEYAN BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLICATIONS.

(Continued from page 750.)

(To the Editor of the Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine.)

THE third of the four classes in be, from the effect, the Chriswhich it is intended to distribute tian church derives more than one the Wesleyan biographical publica- form of advantage. On the influtions, and to which the attention of ence of woman upon society, it is the reader will, in the present paper, not necessary here to dilate; it is be directed, is an exceedingly valua- sufficient to advert to it; and the ble one, consisting of the Memoirs direction and power which it will of excellent females, differing in receive from Christian devotedness, their ages and circumstances in life; will at once be suggested. But there and though furnishing the evidences is a fact included in this general of a very decided agreement as to reference, which must not be disthe essential points of Christian ex- missed with it. Much as is said perience and character, yet present- upon education,-and too much caning, likewise, some most instructive not easily be said, it should never diversities, diversities harmonizing be forgotten, and the remembrance well both with each other, and with of the fact should always recognise those principles and feelings which its deep importance, that the first are the basis of personal religion, education of a child (often so far the whatever modifications may be occa- principal, as that its effects continue sioned by the providential circum- throughout life) is from the mother. stances which operate on them dur- Can there be a more urgent necessity ing the progress of their develope- than this, that she who has to deal with the human mind in its first tenderness, and in its earliest movements, should especially be acquainted with the interior operations of religion; that she should well know the voice of God, who has to answer the repeated inquiries of the youthful Samuel?

ment.

It is a remarkable circumstance, that, in almost all ages, some of the best records which we possess of what is comprised in the frequently used (and, indeed, scriptural) term, "religious experience," have been furnished by pious females. Of religious activity and enterprise, man, living the more public life, furnishes (it may be said, as a matter of course) the larger number of specimens the usually more secluded sphere in which woman moves, seems not only more completely to allow, but even to direct, attention to the inward exercises of individual piety. In the former case, we may find more frequent reference to the work of God in the church and in the world; in the latter, to the work of God in the heart. Results are usually brought before us in the one case; processes, in the other.

But, whatever the cause may

Such reasons as these are given, not as exhausting the subject, but as showing its importance; and thus leading us to the value of the biography of pious females. In this department, Wesleyan Methodism is highly favoured. It is neither said, nor insinuated, indeed, that it is peculiarly so. Very willingly is the acknowledgment recorded, that other branches of the Christian church have likewise their memoirs of pious and devoted females, who, being dead, yet speak in these records to their successors, presenting bright examples of Christian excellence, and, at the same time, uniformly