and yet the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus. Relying on those truths, she applied to God for the blessing of salvation, and found redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins. After having obtained a sense of God's favour, she always expressed herself as being perfectly satisfied as to her title to heaven.

During her illness the visits of religious friends were very grateful to her, and she was much disappointed when those she expected did not pay their usual visits. During the latter part of her sickness her sufferings were very great; a severe pain in her side, and a troublesome cough, caused her to spend many sleepless nights, but in all her pain she possessed perfect settled peace of mind, and the hope of being safely landed beyond the reach of pain and sorrow came like the sunshine after the storm to cheer her during her intervals of ease. The day on which she died she sent for two of her most intimate friends; as they entered she said, "You have come for the last time to see me alive." This was truly an affecting scene, and it was good to be there; her pain was severe, but her peace was undisturbed, and during every interval of pain she expressed her utmost confidence in God, and her undoubted prospect of heaven. When somewhat easy she exclaimed with pathos, "Sudden death will be sudden glory;" and turning to her mother she said, "Mother, we have had many weary days and nights together, but we shall have rest in heaven." To her sister, who seemed to be much affected, she said, "Meet me in heaven," and in a very few moments, unobserved, without a struggle, her spirit fled to be with Christ.

Thus died, in the flower of her age, Alice Stawpert, on the 8th of September, 1847, aged nineteen years. The Rev. I. Flather improved her death to a large congregation, from 1 Cor. xv. 56, 57.

E. SMITH.

SARAH MEREMAN Was born at Lye Waste, in the year 1767. Lye Waste was for many years after our sister's birth a dark spot of earth, where the light of the Gospel did not shine; consequently its inhabitants lived in ignorance and darkness. Our sister lived sixty years ignorant of God and salvation, and destitute of peace and happiness. A short time before this the Methodists visited this village, and were made instrumental in the conversion of many precious souls, among whom was

our sister's eldest son, whose pious example and advice led her to attend the preaching of the Gospel, and it was made the power of God to the salvation of her soul. A new era commenced in her old age. She joined in church fellowship, and her deportment proved that she was a new creature in Christ Jesus, Her love to the ministry was exemplified by her liberality and punctuality. She was a pattern to those in better circumstances; and often was she seen on the Sabbath bending her steps to the house of God twenty minutes before the appointed time. She delighted in her class meeting, and on a Sunday morning at seven o'clock she was present, if not detained by affliction. Like another Mary, she sat at the feet of Jesus humble as a little child. Her experience was sound and scriptural. She frequently expressed her thankfulness to God for the great change his grace had effected. Ofttimes did she say, "My time is very short, but I know that when this earthly house of my tabernacle is dissolved I have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

During her affliction she was resigned to the will of God; not a word of impatience escaped her lips. When her leader visited her, he inquired as to the state of her mind, to which she replied, "I am still on the Rock. I know that God is my Father, and I am his child. I do know by happy experience that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin." Says her leader, "At another time she said, I am very weak in body, but am very happy in my soul. I long to be at home; these light afflictions which are but for a moment are working out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' "" When I saw her the last time, she said, "I have nothing to fear; I know in whom I have believed; the sting of death is extracted; the Lord is very good to me, though I am deprived of the means of grace. I have many happy seasons with the Lord; he is faithful to his promise; he will never leave me nor forsake me. I shall not meet with you in class any more, but I trust we shall meet in heaven." A few hours before her death our brother Robins went to visit her; he observed that death was very near. He asked her if she had any doubt of her acceptance with God? She replied, "All is right."

"No condemnation now I dread;""

Her voice failed, she could not repeat the other part of the verse, but brother

On September the 1st, Eliza, the beloved wife of the Rev. J. Bensley. Her affliction was protracted to twenty months, during which long period she had only occasional intervals of ease. While, to cure her complicated disorders baffled the skill of the physician, her sufferings frequently defied the power of medicine to alleviate. But throughout this lingering and painful illness, she was cheered with the presence and smile of her Saviour. The "last enemy," whom she had so long contemplated with calmness, she met with in the

full triumph of faith. With humble confidence, with holy joy, she looked up to heaven as her eternal home; till, at last, freed from her attenuated frame, she ascended to the paradise of God. J. B.

DIED on Thursday, the 7th September, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, Mr. William Posnett, farmer, of Bradburn, near Seven Oaks, Kent. Many years ago he was a very active member in our society at Stanton-by-Dale, in the Nottingham circuit. Throughout he was strongly attached to the Connexion, and his sterling good sense, his christian deportment, and the kindness he manifested to all around him, secured him the esteem of a large circle of friends, who, with his afflicted family, now mourn his loss. RD. SUTTON.

CONNEXIONAL DEPARTMENT.

ON A CONNEXIONAL BENEFIT SOCIETY.

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR.-MY DEAR SIR,-It has afforded me sincere pleasure to peruse the able article in your last Number on Friendly Societies, the writer of which well deserves the thanks of our Connexion for his disinterested labours in this good cause. I hope his efforts will be appreciated and his hopes realized, by the establishment of an efficient and prosperous institution. In the sentiments he has expressed relative to the advantages to be derived I entirely concur. The principles on which it is proposed to found the society, and the rules for conducting its affairs, I think may be modified and improved. On these points, no doubt, diversity of opinion will exist. As, however, the subject is of the deepest interest to every christian philanthropist, I hope you will allow it to be freely discussed in the pages of the Magazine. The necessity for such an institution has long been painfully felt by all who are officially connected with the christian Church. It is lamentable to be acquainted with the amount of distress existing at the present time amongst the poorer members of our society, arising from causes over which they have no control. Had Provident Societies existed some years ago in conjunction with the christian Church, the distress we now witness would have been materially alleviated, if not entirely prevented. Every religious denomination is equally culpable in this matter. A much greater concern ought to have been. manifested in behalf of the temporal interests of the poorer members. For want of a Provident Society many of our young men have united with clubs held at public houses-a step which has led to the gradual loss of their piety, and, in some cases with which I am acquainted, to the loss of character also. A small society in one of our circuits has had to deplore the loss of seven members from this cause within a comparatively short time. The rules of the Friendly Societies in question require the personal attendance of the members at the monthly meetings, when a certain amount has to be spent "for the good of the house," as it is called. The parties referred to were on these occasions brought into association with ungodly men; their religious principles in consequence were gradually undermined, and in the end they became drunkards. To what extent our numbers as a christian community have been diminished by this fearful evil it is impossible to calculate. It is therefore high time that an attempt be made to intercept the progress of our young friends on their way to this precipice. This alone ought to be considered a sufficient reason why every Christian, and especially every christian minister, should heartily promote so important an undertaking.

But another reason for such an association is derived from the fact referred to by your correspondent last month, namely, the failure of so many of the old Benefit Societies, owing to their having been based on unsound principles. There are amongst us at present many worthy individuals, who have long and honourably

sustained the most important offices in the Church, now suffering from this cause. The Benefit Societies with which they were united, and which promised them support when overtaken by the casualties under which it is their misfortune now to be placed, having deserted them, they are dependent on the casual charity of friends. It is to be regretted, that there is no Connexional source from which highly esteemed and worn-out local preachers can receive that assistance their cases deserve. One of the objects of the proposed institution will be to supply this defect, by originating a fund in which our decayed friends will have a right to participate when overtaken by the painful reverses to which so many have lately been subject.

It may be remarked, that the present is the most auspicious time for entering upon the work. The science of Life Assurance was never before so thoroughly understood. The arithmetical difficulties once so formidable are now overcome. The average duration of sickness through the successive links of the chain of life has been at length determined with an approximation to certainty sufficient for all practical purposes. Tables to meet every contingency have been constructed. It may be known to many of your readers, that a society has been established in London, by the indefatigable labours of the Rev. James Sherman, called the Christian Mutual Provident Society. This institution embraces other objects than those usually contemplated by Friendly Societies; such as Deferred Annuities, Life Assurances, and Endowments for Children, &c., up to £200, that being the maximum amount allowed by the Friendly Societies Act. The principles on which this association is founded I consider the best for all purposes, embracing, as they do, all the advantages needed by the persons for whom it was originated. I would therefore propose that the society now contemplated should embrace the same objects. The scale of premiums in the sickness rates adopted by the "Christian Mutual" I consider TOO HIGH, and for that reason prefer the formation of a new society to uniting with the one already established.

It is of the greatest importance to the working man to be able to secure the advantages offered by such institutions at the smallest possible cost, consistent with the security and stability of the society; and I am acquainted with the practical working of a Provident Society, the tables of which have been constructed by Mr. Neison, an authority with government in all matters relating to his profession, and one of the most eminent and popular actuaries in London. I should, therefore, feel no hesitation in recommending a scale of payments at least £10 per cent. below those adopted by the Christian Mutual;" more especially if in doing so I am supported by the authority of Mr. Neison, whom I should strongly recommend as the consulting actuary of our society. The scale of payments proposed by your correspondent last month might be adopted with the most perfect confidence; and if acted upon, would, in my judgment, constitute a guarantee for the safety and stability of the institution; but for the benefits offered, I think lower rates would be amply sufficient. It must, however, be remembered, that a highly prosperous Provident Society can only be secured by numerical strength. In proportion to the number of members will be the success of the undertaking. On this account I would not confine the proposed institution to our own denomination, but allow all who are willing and eligible to participate in its advantages. I would suggest also, that it be strictly a Mutual Society, and that all the profits be periodically and rateably divided amongst the members. The only paid officers to be the secretary and necessary clerks. I would also recommend that the preliminary expenses be defrayed by subscriptions, so that the contributions of the members be preserved entire. The Christian Mutual is governed by a board in London; but local branches exist in the provinces, under the control of independent committees. The funds are invested with the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt, and government allows an advantage in favour of such institutions; so that a higher rate of interest is obtained than could be got from exchequer bills, mortgages, or other modes of investment.

Other details remain to be explained, which your limits will not now permit; I will therefore send you a paper for future publication, "On the Origin and Subsequent History of Benefit Societies," pointing out the erroneous principles on which the generality of existing Benefit Societies are founded, and the advantages to be derived from an institution established on a sound and comprehensive basis. I remain, dear Sir, yours truly,

1, Grange Road, Dalston, London.

J. BATES.

Tea Meeting.—STOCKPORT CIRCUIT.—On the 23rd of August, the friends of this circuit held their annual tea meeting in our school room at Portwood, when upwards of three hundred sat down to partake of the "cheering cup." After tea, D. Oldham, Esq., of Macclesfield, was called upon to preside, which he did with his usual ability. During the evening, addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Revs. T. Rowland, (Wesleyan,) J. Thornton, (Independent,) P. T. Gilton, L. Hudston, J. Henshaw, W. Hall, W. Wilshaw, W. Makinson, Esq., Mr. E. W. Makinson, B. A., and Mr. Jenkinson, of Manchester. The speeches were of a highly interesting and spiritual character. There was a variety of subjects introduced, which were illustrated in a clear and beautiful manner, and applied with great power. All seemed to converge to one object-the glory of God and the good of souls.

The object of the meeting was to assist in meeting the general expenses of the circuit, and by subscriptions and the proceeds of the evening the handsome sum of £91 14s. 8d. was realized. This was pleasing and unexpected; for considering the severe losses the circuit has of late sustained in the death of some of its warmest and ablest supporters, our friends were ready to "hang their harps on the willows," thinking the sum that would be raised would be much less than the preceding year; but a gracious Providence has vouchsafed his blessing, and the amount is much greater than on any former occasion. "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." The savour of the meeting it is hoped will long be felt, and the liberality and spirituality of our friends are harbingers of brighter and better days. The work is the Lord's-to him we ascribe the glory, and pray, O Lord, send now prosperity!"

Portwood.

W. W.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF A NEW CHAPEL AT CLAY CROSS-NOTTINGHAM CIRCUIT.-Clay Cross is about thirty-five miles from Nottingham, by the railway. It is a thriving village, owing to its valuable coal and iron-stone mines, and is fast rising into an important town. We have had a church there for about forty years. The present chapel, which has an end gallery, was erected some twenty years since. We have several other chapels in neighbouring villages. For some time our present chapel has been much too small, and our friends have been long intending to build a new one. Land at a nominal rent has been granted to us, by the Coal Company, on a lease of nearly three hundred years; and George Stephenson, Esq., the celebrated engineer, has promised us £50. On Monday, July 24th, the foundation stone was laid. The service was commenced by the Revs. T. Mills and J. Wilson, jun. The Rev. T. Mills then delivered an introductory address, after which the ceremony was performed by C. Binns, Esq. Addresses were then delivered by the Revs. T. Mills, J. Wilson, and Jas. Wright. The service was concluded by Mr. Wright with prayer.

In the evening, a large and respectable tea meeting was held in the school-room belonging to the company. The chair was occupied by Mr. Binns, and the meeting appeared to be deeply interested by the speeches delivered by the Rers. T. Mills, J. Wilson, and J. Wright, and by Mr. Thelwall, who is an esteemed and valuable local preacher.

The building will be thirty-eight feet by thirty-three. It will be partially pewed on the ground floor, and contain a good gallery on three sides. There will be a good burial ground in front, consisting of our own freehold land, and also behind the chapel. A very neat and beautiful lithographic engraving of the chapel has been executed by Messrs. Dilk, Hart, and Co., of Nottingham. The chapel is expected to be opened early in the winter. Our prospects of usefulness, are very encouraging.

STAFFORD, LONGTON CIRCUIT.-The society and friends of our interest in Stafford spent a most agreeable evening together on Tuesday, June 13th. The leaders' meeting had, at the request of the society, invited the Rev. John Orme to join them at tea, when the following resolution was proposed by the oldest local preacher and leader, (Mr. Lawley,) and passed unanimously: "That this meeting desires to express to the Rev. John Orme its high sense of his abilities as a minister of Jesus Christ, and the delight they have experienced under his ministry during the past year; further assuring him that his labours have not been in vain in the Lord, and that he will ever have an interest in their prayers, and live in their affectionate remembrance. They sincerely trust that a kind and gracious Provi