delible impression on the mind of William, and, in after years, he never referred to Mr. V's conduct without deep emotion and expressions of thankfulness, and considered his introduction to Mr. Vallance as forming an era both in respect of his temporal and spiritual condition.

After he had been taught the trade he became shopman, and, at a subsequent period, held the responsible situation of foreman; and for some time had the almost entire management of a respectable and first-rate business. And it was the intention of his employer to have made over the business to Mr. Henry, on such favourable terms, as could not have failed, with the Divine blessing, to have placed him in a respectable position in society.

During the twelve years which were spent in the service of Mr. V., William succeeded in securing that gentleman's entire confidence; the strictest integrity and truthfulness marked his character; indeed, it is not known that he ever told a lie, even to screen a fault; and Mr. V's liberal intention resulted from the very high esteem in which he held him. It appears, however, that the providence of God had other and higher ends in view in reference to him. He was in the habit of attending the Wesleyan ministry with his master's family, but I have not been able to obtain any correct information as to the precise means by which he was awakened to a sense of his sinfulness, and led to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. The period, however, when this most important event occurred is not left in uncertainty. Upon a slip found amongst his papers, we have the following highly interesting memorandum : On the 18th day of August, 1833, God SAVED my soul. Hallelujah! praise the Lord. W. HENRY.'

It is believed that about the same period he became a member of the Wesleyan Society, and so continued up to the period of the formation of the Wesleyan Methodist Association, when, voluntarily and from conscientious motives, he united with the few who had resolved to make a stand against the usurpations of authority by the Wesleyan Conference. He afterwards was very warmly attached to the discipline and Connexional regulations of the Association.

Brother Henry was employed in various departments of usefulness in the church-as a Sabbath-school teacher, a prayer leader, an exhorter, and local preacher. In the latter capacity he was acceptable to the people, and was active and zealous in his endeavours to do good; frequently, when the weather was favourable, taking his stand, on the Sabbath, in places of public resort, and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. On such occasions he was often accompanied by the late and lamented S. Dibb, jun., a young man of great promise, who was prematurely taken from the militant to the triumphant church, where the friendship of their youth is again renewed.

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It was deeply impressed upon the mind of Mr. Henry, that he was called of God" to preach the Gospel, and that he ought to be wholly given up to that responsible, yet honourable work. On this subject he was most severely 'tried his sensitive mind shrunk from the vast undertaking, while at the same time, his love for souls was as a "fire in his bones." As I was on this subject his confidant, I can bear testimony to the conflict which he frequently endured, and to the deep anxiety of which his fears on the one hand, and his sense of duty on the other, made him the subject.

At the Quarterly Meeting of the Hull Circuit, June, 1841, he was recommended to the Annual Assembly as a fit and proper person for the Itinerant Ministry; and having been examined and approved by the Connexional Committee, was appointed to labour in the Sunderland Circuit. While labouring there, he resided at Houghton-le-Spring.

With reference to his labours in this his first Circuit, I have been favoured with the following particulars: "His sermons were characterized by compactness, neatness, and, particularly by earnest zeal, especially towards the close of his labours here. One who knew him well observes, He was a Christian

indeed, the law of God was in his heart, and on his tongue the law of kindness.' His worth consisted chiefly in his devotedness to God, and to the interests of the Society, the members of which he regarded as the Lord's people. He was emphatically a man of peace, and followed peace with all men; and that he might have peace with all, he endured reproach, and even insult with Christian meekness and forbearance. Such is the character given of him by the most intelligent and pious of those amongst whom he laboured." The lady, in whose house he lodged, has a lively remembrance of his excellencies. She says, "He was kind and attentive to every one about him: we had affliction and death in the family while he lived with us, and he could not have manifested more tender sympathy if he had been my own son; he spent no moments in idleness, but was unceasingly employed in one way or other in doing good. He was a pattern of order and cleanliness in the house, and exceedingly careful not to cause the Circuit any unnecessary expense. His conversation was spiritual, and such as became the Gospel; my house was honoured by his presence, and all who knew him respected and venerated his character, and we parted with him with extreme regret."

At the Annual Assembly of 1842, he was appointed to the Worle Circuit, where his labours were highly acceptable, and where he spent two years of great comfort and happiness; and succeeded in a very eminent degree in obtaining the esteem and love of those amongst whom he laboured; and their spiritual good was the great aim of his ministry. That he was held in very high estimation is evidenced by the fact that he was invited to remain in the Circuit a third year; he, however, prudently declined to accept the invitation. The Assembly of 1844 appointed him to the Camelford Circuit. In reference to this appointment, which was not in accordance with his expectation, he made the following entry in his journal-which he commenced keeping about this time. "On receiving intelligence of my appointment, I concluded that it was in the order of Providence; and since I have been here, that belief has been confirmed by the tokens of Divine approval I have received, the kindness of the friends, and the blessing of God upon my labours.'

An intelligent Christian friend at St. Austell, where Mr. Henry resided, testifies, "In his private character Mr. Henry was amiable and modest, always maintaining cheerfulness of temper, and a general spirit of piety appeared to influence all his movements. In his capacity as a minister he always gave satisfaction, and was I believe useful in the church."

The following extracts from his Journal will be read with interest :"November 15. I have been much encouraged by the following circumstances. On the 15th of September last, I preached Anniversary Sermons for the schools at Wadebridge; morning and evening. An infidel, who had only once been in a chapel since his youth, was induced to attend the morning service; his mind was impressed with the word, and in the evening he attended again, when his convictions were deepened; he subsequently took a sitting in the chapel and commenced meeting in class--he attributes his conversion to the sermons above referred to. To God be all the praise. At Lostwithiel, the Lord has given me tokens of his approval, I have been informed of a man who had received a sense of God's favour, through my instrumentality. Glory be to God!

"November 21. During this week I have had to mourn over my unworthiness and inability to act always to God's glory. I believe it is possible to do so, but I find it difficult; my mind wanders from God, and without constant watchfulness I should lose all spirituality. May God enable me to be more watchful.

"November 29. Since my last record, I have been the subject of almost constant depression of spirits, arising from the consideration of my inability, to perform in such a way as I wish the duties devolving upon me; it seems I cannot preach so well as I used to do; at least, I preach with less satisfaction

to myself; the more I read and know, the less capable I feel to engage in the work of preaching the Gospel. I wish to live to God and for the good of souls. O may God fully qualify me for doing all his will."

After having assisted in conducting a week's protracted services at Lostwithiel, where several had been converted, he thus writes-“Jan. 11. Returned to St. Austell, feeling thankful to God for the exhibition of his mercy, love, and power during the past week, I resolved by grace to live near to him. I wish to be useful, and to act with respect to God's glory in all my works, but how difficult I find it. O thou great eternal Being, help me so to do. Amen!"

"April 26. My experience is various, sometimes rejoicing, sometimes sad. At present I feel deeply my unworthiness. I come far short of the glory of God; my soul is humbled before God. I do wish to please God. O Lord help thy servant. My mind is frequently harassed with regard to the future, but I wish to commit my way entirely to the Lord. I am now resolved to give myself fully to God.

66 June 26. Have this day returned from a tour of three weeks in the Camelford and Wadebridge part of the circuit. I have been prevented from studying: I think these changes are not beneficial." Shortly after the date of the last extract, he was summoned to Liverpool, to undergo examination by the Connexional Committee, previous to being received into full Connexion as an Itinerant minister. He had been, for a considerable period, deeply anxious in reference to this most important matter; and, as the period approached, his anxiety increased; he was enabled, however, to resign himself into the hands of God, and to confide in him with respect to his future course, whatever that might be. His state of mind is indicated by the following entry in his journal

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July 23. Attended the Committee at Liverpool, this morning, for examination; my feelings, when I entered the vestry, were inexpressible, but the Lord was better to me than my fears. The examination was not at all satisfactory to my own mind, but I believe that the Lord interposed. I attribute my passing entirely to the providence of God, and view it as an additional evidence of my call to the ministry." On the 28th July, he was publicly received into full Connexion, and solemnly set apart to the work of the Christian ministry.

On the 12th August, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Moore, of Hull, who had for many years been a pious and consistent member of the Association; the union was eminently a happy one, and gave fair promise of many years continuance. How uncertain are all our earthly engagements, the affectionate husband and father has been taken to heaven, and the lonely widow and orphan child are left behind. For their consolation, it is written that "the Lord is a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow." At the Annual Assembly of 1845, Mr. Henry was appointed a second year to Camelford, to reside at Bodmin; thither, therefore, with Mrs. Henry, he repaired, resolving "to live to God, and labour for souls." It appears that, on their arrival at Bodmin, religion was found to be in a low state.

Aug. 29, he thus writes-"O how my soul regrets the low state of religion in this place. I feel resolved to strive all I can to raise the cause and convert sinners; my own soul is alive to God." He continued to labour through the year with acceptance and usefulness, and at the succeeding Assembly was re-appointed to the same sphere of labour; where he continued faithfully to discharge his duties, gaining the esteem and confidence of the friends, and making full proof of his ministry. While here, himself and his partner were called to endure a severe trial in the death of their firstborn. He was, however, able fully to concur in the painful dispensation, and to say, “I am satisfied that it is all for the best."

At the Annual Assembly of 1847, he was appointed to the Launceston

and Stratton Circuit, where he arrived on the 18th August, and again had to express regret and sorrow at finding the Society in a low state. Little did his excellent wife, and the kind friends at Launceston think, when they saw the glow of health upon his cheek, that they should so soon have to perform the melancholy duty of consigning his remains to the tomb.

Nothing occurred during the brief period which he spent in the Launceston Circuit calling for special notice; he continued to pursue the even tenor of his way, labouring to promote the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

This account of our departed friend cannot be more appropriately closed than by recording the statements of persons upon the spot, and who hail opportunities for observation. Mr. Hodge of Launceston, in a letter to Mr. Rosevear, says- "His last services (on the 20th February) in our chapel, were marked by uncommon fervour and faithfulness; particularly the sermon on the Sunday evening, though at that time he was very unwell. I particularly remarked to my family after the service that night, that it had been a blessed meeting; little did I think that it was the last time I should hear him preach. He is now gone to be for ever with the Lord; the patience, faith, love, humility, and resignation of this dear man of God, as exhibited in his life and death, will, I trust, lead us as a church, in this place, to walk henceforth worthy of our high vocation,--for though we are separated for a little while, we hope to meet again."

(

With reference to the state of his mind immediately preceding his lamented decease, Mr. W. Castine of Launceston, has kindly favoured me with the following valuable particulars-"I have not much to communicate, but what did drop from his lips, from the commencement of his illness to the period of his lamented decease, was highly satisfactory, and is consolatory to his weeping friends. It having been observed to his young and sorrowing widow, that it must be cheering to recall the gracious words which he uttered when on the verge of eternity, she replied, If he had said nothing, I should not have had the least doubt of his eternal safety, for I know how he lived ' When asked by his wife, a few days before his death, if he had any desire to live or to die he replied, If the Lord were to refer it to myself, I would refer it back to him again, and say, 'thou shalt choose my inheritance for me;' not my will but thine be done.' On another occasion, when he was suffering intensely, he said, 'I find it harder work to suffer than to do the will of God.' To his nurse he observed, 'neglect not your soul's interests until a dying hour, if I had now my religion to seek, what should I do :' but, he added, 'the great work is done.' He was very fond of these lines of the poet

་

'My body with my charge lay down,

And cease at once to work and live.'

And it may be said, that he realised the sentiments they express. I have known many amiable and pious men, but one more amiable and pious than dear Mr. Henry I never knew. In a conversation with his friend the Rev. John Lockwood, a short time before his decease, he said that his greatest concern was to do good, and he grieved that he had not seen more fruit of his labours. This anxious feeling for the salvation of souls pressed heavily upon his mind."

He departed this life, in the full hope of a glorious resurrection, on the 11th March, 1848, in the 29th year of his age, and the seventh of his ministry. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Horsey, Independent Minister, who kindly visited him daily during his affliction. A funeral sermon was preached, on the first sabbath after his interment, to a crowded and deeply interested congregation, by the Rev. John Lockwood, Independent Minister of Tavistock, who was an old friend and fellow townsman of Mr. Henry's. The rev. gentleman took for his text, Hebrews xiii, 7, 8, and delivered an eloquent and highly appropriate discourse.

The writer has received a great number of communications, from circuits in which the deceased had laboured, all uniting in giving him a very high character. With a few short extracts this account must be brought to a close. The Rev. James Sayer says, "I highly esteemed him as a colleague, because of his amiability of disposition, and constant cheerfulness. I believe him to have been truly pious, and eminently spiritual; to have had the prosperity of the work of God deeply at heart, and indefatigable in his efforts to promote it: he was greatly beloved. and deservedly so." The Rev. W. R. Brown thus writes "I formed a very high opinion of his piety, discreetness, and devotedness to his work; he was unquestionably useful; he was greatly esteemed; an enemy he could hardly have." The Rev. J. Steele observes, "I travelled with him three years in Cornwall, and I always found him a cheerful, warm-hearted friend. I believe, in his public and private labours, he was actuated by a sincere desire to glorify God in the salvation of souls. He gave his hearty cooperation to the Temperance movement, to the Evangelical Alliance, and was ready for every good work." Another friend remarks, that, "In every place he is spoken of as 'dear Mr. Henry;' his labours were much blessed in the awakening and conversion of sinners.'

As a man and a Christian the character of our departed brother is sufficiently indicated in the preceding statements; as a preacher he was plain, practical, and clear; his talents were of a respectable order; and to those who were acquainted with his early years, it was matter of surprise that he succeeded so well in his pulpit labours; his aim was to affect the heart, to convert the soul, and to administer consolation to the tempted, the afflicted, and the distressed; and for this last part of ministerial duty he was peculiarly qualified. He was diligent as a pastor, visiting the sick and poor, pouring into their wounded spirits the consolations of the Gospel of Christ. His premature removal is one of those mysterious movements of providence which eternity must explain. "What we know not now, we shall know hereafter." memory of the just is blessed.”

"The

OBITUARY.

DIED, at Bradford, on the 6th September, 1848, Mrs. Hannah Deighton, aged 67 years. She was a Methodist twenty-nine years, and a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Association from its first formation in Bradford. She was a great lover of closet and family prayer, and had a good word for all, rich and poor, who entered her dwelling. "Her works praised her in the gates." Her end was not only peaceful but triumphant, for she died praising God.

DIED at Bradford, on the 19th September, 1848, Mr. William Marshall, aged 69 years. Our late brother was converted when he was only eight years old, at Pately Bridge, Yorkshire, by the instructions of a female. His father was one of the founders of Methodism at that place. He was sixty-one years an honest, upright, steady, persevering Christian, and his end was peace.

DIED, at Bradford, on the 26th September, 1848, Mr. George Harker, aged 75 years. Our late brother had the advantages of early religious instruction from his pious parents, who were Members of the Conference Methodists at Pately Bridge, Yorkshire. His father's house was occasionally the preacher's home. His views of church government were so opposed to Conference Methodism, that he never could be persuaded to join that body. In 1835, when the Wesleyan Methodist Association was formed, he declared himself an admirer of its principles, and on the opening of Bridge-street Chapel, Bradford, he became a seat-holder, and continued to attend as long as he was able. On Christmas morning 1840, he obtained the pardon of his sins and peace with God. He made himself useful in the Sunday school, and in any way