another world. She then told him that she was not afraid to die-she felt assured, that if she was called hence, she should go to heaven. On the Monday and Tuesday before her departure she was much easier. On Tuesday she was able to read, whilst seated in bed, the whole of a small good book, entitled the "Scottish Wanderer." In the evening she was able to sit up, and said, I had intended reading much in the Bible to-night, but I feel that I cannot. She expressed an expectation that she should go to Brunswick chapel again; the Wesleyan Association Chapel in Bury, is called Brunswick chapel. When she was easier, there appeared something of the love of life, accompanied with perfect resignation to the Divine will. On the Wednesday before her death, her bodily state was much worse, but her soul was very happy. For some time, she, and those about her, thought that she was going to depart; but, on having taken a little gruel, she revived. She then said, "Mother! mother! you should not have given me this, for I thought we were doing nicely, and that I was going!" She was then helped to turn on her side, and said, "Press forward, press forward, the prize is in view; A crown of bright glory is waiting for you,”— and for me, she added emphatically. She then prayed the Lord to give her faith and patience during the short time she had to stay. She then repeated the following verse — "O what a joyful meeting there, in robes of white arrayed: Palms in our hands we then shall bear, and crowns upon our head." She then exclaimed, "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through the blood of the Lamb! all through Jesus! all through Jesus!" Then she shouted "Glory! glory! glory," till she was quite exhausted. On Friday she said, "I wish all the world were as happy as I am." She repeated the verse on her last quarterly ticket: "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," and added, "If I had the Bible I could show you a great number of precious promises." In the evening she became much worse in body, and her affectionate parents were then brought to relinquish all hopes of her recovery. About eleven o'clock, her mother being beside her in bed, praying in a low tone, Mary Ann said, "Mother come nearer, I cannot hear you." She then kissed her, and began to praise the Lord; after which she said, "Mother, you are good, but you are not so good as God. God is better than you. Religion is good to live with, I am sure it will be good to die with." She thanked God that she had ever been led to a Sunday-school. For an hour or more she continued to express herself in such a rapturous strain of praise as was truly astonishing. Her mother desired her to speak with less vehemence, or she would be so exhausted as not to be able to get any sleep. She replied, "Mother, I don't think I shall sleep any to-night; I can praise the Lord all night." Shortly after, she seemed to be praying, after which she motioned to her mother to look at the top of the room, and said, "Angels beckon me away, And Jesus bids me come." During the night she repeated the following, with two or three verses more of the same hymn "Praise God for what He's done for me; Once I was blind, but now I see. I on the brink of ruin fell, Glory to God, I'm not in hell." On the day of her departure she spoke very little. In the evening she rose out of bed, which she accomplished without help. Whilst seated, and leaning on her mother's arm, a change was perceived to take place; she was then placed in bed; she then sobbed slightly twice, the wheels of life ceased to move, and her redeemed spirit entered into the joy of her Lord. She died about half-past 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, the 10th of September, 1850, in the 17th year of her age. CHRISTMAS MISSIONARY OFFERINGS. I WISH now to address a few words to the forty thousand Sunday-school scholars, belonging to the Wesleyan Methodist Association. I understand that the Rev. Joseph Townend has consented to leave home and friends for the cause of Christ; exchange old England, and all it endearments, for Australia,-that continent, peopled with souls crying aloud for spiritual help; he is willing to devote health and strength to save poor mortals from the eternal burning. When such a man is willing to make such a noble sacrifice, the friends of missions, with one voice and effort should applaud his resolve, not by word only, but deeds. Mere verbal sympathy is a very worthless thing. Well, there is now an opportunity of following up vigorously the step now determined, namely, sending a missionary to Australia. All should try, but I especially rely on the exertions of our 40,000 Sunday-scholars. Christmas will shortly be here. What a time for visiting and rejoicing; what pleasing associations in Christmas cheer! What a flow of benevolence. How instinctively the hand drops to the pocket to bestow the Christmas gift. Keen calculation closes at such a time. Christmas is just the time for the Sunday-scholar to be awake-up and doing something in the good cause. Then this Christmas, remember the Missions. If each scholar upon an average will raise twopence, by either giving or begging, this month, we shall be able to present to our Treasurer above £300 as a New Year's gift. This surely is a very small sum for each individual to raise. To work at once! Call your Committees together. Issue cards for collecting to the scholars. Where no Juvenile Committee exists, form one at once! Not a moment must be lost. Your enthusiasm will soon be caught by those around you. Show that you are in earnest, and you are sure to have help. Teachers address the scholars previous to their commencing the work; keep it before their minds by stirring anecdotes on Missions and other encouragements. And let the climax of your endeavours be a Missionary Meeting, either on Christmas-day or Sunday afternoon. Teachers! Sundayscholars! in London! Rochdale, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, &c., arouse yourselves! From Edinburgh to Penzance let there be a loud, a hearty response, and in one month the sum will be raised. Hitherto most of you have been asleep; the missionary cause has had a small share of your sympathy. But this is the time for shaking off lethargy. This is the time for prosperity to the mission cause. Take the tide at the flood. Sunday-scholars, let your young blood glow with enthusiasm in this noble cause; let your energies he exerted to their full power. Gladden the heart of your Australian Missionary, by this strenuous crowning effort. Teachers! direct their zeal; let your perseverance and support show you enter heartily into the scheme, and by such united effort you will promote the happiness of immortal souls, and bring glory to God. W. H. RINDER. ANECDOTE ON APPARITIONS. DR. FOWLER, bishop of Gloucester, in the early part of the eighteenth century, was a believer in apparitions. The following conversation of the bishop with Judge Powel is recorded: "Since I saw you," said the Lawyer, "I have had ocular demonstration of the existence of noctural apparitions." "I am glad you are become a convert to truth; but do you say actual ocular demonstration? Let me know the particulars of the story." "My Lord, I will. It was, let me see, last Thursday night, between the hours of eleven and twelve, but nearer the latter than the former, as I lay sleeping in my bed, I was suddenly awakened by an uncommon noise, and heard something coming up stairs and stalking directly toward my room; the door flying open, I drew back my curtain, and saw a faint, glimmering light enter my chamber. " "Of a blue colour, no doubt ? " "The light was of a pale blue, my lord, and followed by a tall, meagre personage, his locks hoary with age, and clothed in a long loose gown, a leathern girdle was about his loins, his beard thick and grizly, a large fur cap on his head, and a long staff in his hand. Struck with astonishment, I remained some time motionless and silent: the figure advanced, staring me full in the face: I then said, "Whence, and what art thou?" "What was the answer-tell me what was the answer?" "The following was the answer I received: "I am watch man of the night, please your honour; and made bold to come up stairs to inform the family of their street door being open, and that if it was not soon shut, they would probably be robbed before morning.' POETRY. CHRISTIAN MISSIONS. AN ADDRESS TO SABBATH SCHOLARS. MY DEAR CHILDREN,— I oft have meant to write to you, Benighted Heathens to befriend. |