TOBAGO.

It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of my Superintendent. Mr. Williams departed this life early on the morning of Wednesday, the 18th instant. When he was aware of his nearness to eternity, he spoke of having unshaken confidence in the Saviour, and a bright hope of an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled. Even while delirious, his mind was engaged in the holy duties to which he had devoted his life. He gave out verses, prayed most fervently, and gave parts of sermons. Those of us who were in the room will never forget how he cried,

"O Jesus, ride on till all are subdued,

Thy mercy make known, and sprinkle Thy blood;

Display Thy salvation, and teach the new song To every nation, and people, and tongue." It was fine to witness the stirrings of a pure and lofty zeal as they were manifested even in the time of his delirium. His death-bed became a pulpit, nay, more, it seemed like a chariot of triumph, from which he spoke in the rich accents of Gospel grace and fervour. O, how our hearts burned within us at the scene! About two hours before he died, one of the Leaders commenced those often-repeated lines,—

"For ever here my rest shall be,

Close to Thy bleeding side;
This all my hope, and all my plea,
For me the Saviour died."

Mr. Williams joined the singing, though with a broken utterance. It was the last act of his life. About three o'clock on Wednesday morning, he ceased to breathe. Mrs. Williams is deeply distressed, yet endeavours to bear her burden of sorrow with holy fortitude. She is now staying at the residence of the Hon. J. H. Keens, who, with his amiable family, is doing all that can be done to alleviate her distress. I cannot forbear saying how much I have admired the noble conduct of Mr. Keens through the late mournful days. While Mr. Williams was sick, he watched him with tenderest care; and, since his death, he has manifested deep sympathy with the widowed one. The Lord reward "the chief man of the island," and Mrs. Keens, and the young ladies, for their great kindness!-Rev. Jabez Marrat, Scarborough, August 24th, 1858.

HONDURAS.

FOR about three months a company of soldiers have been stationed here, to

whom I have preached every Sunday afternoon in the barracks. I have endea

voured, by the help of God, to preach faithfully to them; and I believe the seed has not been sown in vain. Four of them are meeting in class; and more, I expect, will follow their example if they remain here, which is uncertain.

Travelling is difficult in this part; but I have managed to visit and preach to a good number of mahogany-cutters in the New River, Rio Hondo, Rowley's Byght, &c.; and I have always met with the warmest reception from them. They have gladly and attentively listened to the word of God, and wished me soon to repeat my visit. In some gangs there are about fifty men, besides women and children, forming a tolerable congregation in the wilderness. It is seldom an individual neglects to be present, and all behave in the most orderly manner. When these cutters return to Belize, during Christmas, the mass of them never enter a place of worship, but return to the "bush" again without hearing a sermon. When we go to them in the gangs, we get at them, and they seem obliged to listen to Divine things; and who can tell what fruit the seed of the kingdom thus sown will produce? The most able men belonging to Belize are employed in the mahogany-works, some as foremen, captains, book-keepers, carpenters, and labourers; and many of them, when they return to Belize at the end of the year, liberally subscribe to our Mission cause. -Rev. Richard Fletcher, Corosal, near Belize, June 15th, 1858.

OUR numbers are on the increase in the different places, and our prospects are encouraging. In Corosal we have everything to encourage us to persevere; for a good influence is exerted among the Spanish and Indians. Not a year since, masquerading, dancing, slaughtering animals for sale, &c., were the common practices in the public streets on the Sabbath. I am thankful to be able to say that these evils have disappeared, and the Sabbath-day is now more like what it ought to be. Many persons have marked this change in the place. A Government officer, who is also a Churchwarden in Belize, visited Corosal a few weeks ago; and, finding that our Mission was doing good, he called upon me, gave a contribution to help us in our operations, and said that he would acquaint His Excellency with our success. Probably we may yet receive some help from the Government. The Spanish say that the English Christians are better than

they are; for we attend to the worship of God better. To meet the wants of the place, I have been keeping a school for the last five months; and, though the number of scholars is not large, it is a beginning, and we shall make progress. I am applying myself diligently to the study of the Spanish language; and I feel the importance of being well acquainted with it, that may be able to preach the Gospel to a people who need it so much.

No part of the world needs the Gospel more than Central America; for no part of the world exceeds it in cruelty, murder, and every diabolical practice. We hope the time is not far distant when the Gospel will be preached beyond the limits of British Honduras; and may God in His providence soon open up the way! In Corosal and the neighbouring places, as I have before informed you, we have eight thousand Spanish and Indians; and many of the Indians speak the Spanish language; so that we have an encouraging field before us; and may we have grace and diligence to cultivate it! From this place it is not improbable that the Gospel may be introduced into the Spanish territory, which is about ten miles to the north of us. Thirty or forty miles from hence is Backalah, where most of the Spanish and Indians who are living here come from, and with which place they still trade; and from Backalah, which is the key to the country, access may be had to a great population beyond. Some may laugh at the idea of converting

this people; but the work is God's, who can convert them as well as any other. Therefore we labour in faith; and, trusting in Him, while we use the appointed means, we know that saving results will follow.

P.S. Since writing the above, I have been called upon to visit an aged dying Spaniard. The Priests are not in town; but the friends of the afflicted knew that I was a Protestant Minister, and they wished me to visit their afflicted mother after our own manner. I have just returned: a number of the neighbours were present, besides the members of the family. I saw that she was dying, and at once prayed. While I was engaged in commending the soul to God through the alone merits of Jesus Christ our Lord, it took its flight.

This incident will show you that the people look upon us favourably, and that we may be useful to them. Instead of receiving money from them, like their Priests, I took the opportunity of helping the poor family. You will be glad to know that I have made so much progress with the language as to be able to read and speak it so as to make myself understood. Ibid., Corosal, September 11th, 1858.

THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £10,876. 19s. Id.

MR. and Mrs. William Downing were well known and highly esteemed among the early Methodists of Lambeth. Living near the old chapel, situate in Lambeth Marsh, they were constant worshippers there; and thither they led their children, teaching them, by precept and example, to love the house and the people of God. Mr. Downing was one of the oldest and most valued ClassLeaders in that Society, an active Visiter of the Sunday-school, and ready for every good word and work. MARY, the subject of the present memorial, bore a striking resemblance, both in person and character, to her excellent mother. To these parents MRS. W. CORDEROY was indebted for a strict religious training. "They lost no

opportunity," says one of her surviving sisters, "of instructing us in our most important duty; reminding us of our condition as sinners before God, and of our accountability to Him; and impressing on us that without the atonement of our Saviour we must perish." Such instructions fastened on Mary's youthful heart, and were confirmed by the religious associations into which she was led. When she was about ten years old, the young people of the Sunday-schools on the Surrey side of the Thames were first gathered together on an Easter- Monday. The celebrated Rowland Hill was there; and Mary, having strayed from her companions, came under his especial notice. It appears he gave her a book out of which to

commit something to memory against the next meeting, adding a mysterious threat, "If you do not learn it, woe betides you." This appeared to the child and her younger brothers as something very awful, though they could not make it out. Mary was especially affected by it, and in her childlike way she would repeat it with great seriousness, as a warning of more than human authority.

Not long after this date, these children were taken under catechetical instruction by the late Rev. Jacob Stanley, who met in the old Lambeth chapel a few of the young people from the families of the principal members. At a period still earlier, Mary "was powerfully impressed with the terrors of the Lord;" and when she went to school at Kingston, notwithstanding great gaiety of disposition, (which made her a much-loved companion,) thoughts of eternity deeply affected her. This feeling grew by means of her attendance at the chapel; and once, after singing the hymn,

"Sinners, O why so thoughtless grown?" -she returned to school expressing her anxiety" that all could hear such words of warning;" and adding, "I shall teach this to them at home." She loved the Hymn-Book; and, as a widowed sister testifies, alluding to this period of her life, "never wearied in singing the praises of God." Her favourite hymns were such as the following:

**Lo, He comes with clouds descending," &c.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me," &c. "Jesu, Lover of my soul," &c.

The ministry of the late Rev. William Vipond, which was honoured of God in the conversion of very many in Lambeth, was the means of producing powerful conviction of sin in the heart of Miss Downing. When about fifteen years of age, she became a member of the Methodist Society, and met with the excellent Mrs. Billing. "Remarkably volatile," says her sister, "she was often led away by the exuberance of her spirits. But it was even painful to witness her subsequent compunction; nor could she rest until she had confided to her mother all the sorrows of her mind. By this dear monitress she was directed to confess her sin, and seek forgiveness; and to her mother's praiseworthy patience and gentleness I attribute the decision she formed of uniting herself with the people of God: a resolve from which she never swerved." At what period, or in what circumstances, she passed from death unto life, and

realized the forgiving and regenerating grace of God, is not known to her immediate relatives: but of her possession of true religion-of her saving faith in Christ she repeatedly bore testimony in after-life; while the reality and power of her faith were evidenced by a conversation worthy of the high Christian calling.

Well-educated both in mind and heart, and blessed with a joyous temperament which no amount of trial could entirely subdue, blending with grace of manner a most attractive and genial spirit towards the young,-competent to teach, and fitted to guide, Miss Downing sought an engagement as governess in a private family. This she found in the house of Mr. Curteis, whose lady was a niece of Lord Erne. She accordingly left her home in 1816, to sojourn with the family in Ireland. Here she was treated with the greatest kindness, and she had the opportunity of frequent intercourse with persons of rank. Her communion with the Methodists was at this time interrupted, and her religious principles were tested by temptations to gaiety, not very easy to be resisted by one naturally fitted to adorn the attractive circles of fashionable life. Her brother, a Clergyman of the Church of England, writes: "She was much exposed; and although, perhaps, a certain tinge of worldliness might have been contracted, she escaped with her attachment to the service of God rather increased than otherwise." A flattering matrimonial connexion was offered her while in Ireland, presenting many social and other attractions. The principles of the proposer were, however, not in accordance with the religion which she had embraced; and, though unportioned, and relying on her own laborious though honourable exertions, she was firm to her purpose, and set a greater value on her peace of mind, and Christian integrity, than upon all the ease and grandeur of the world. The benevolence of the family with whom she resided gave her many opportunities of doing good: she became the almoner of their bounty to the poor, and took the occasions thus happily afforded to seek the spiritual benefit of many dwellers in the mud-hovels of that district of the sister-country. Failure of health compelled her to leave Ireland after a residence of nearly four years.— Her next engagement was in Westmoreland, in the family of Mr. Upton; and in 1820 she resumed her membership with the Wesleyan Methodists. This engagement was terminated in 1822, when she was called home ou the occasion of her mother's death. Three years she remained

with her father; and then, in 1825, went to reside in a Methodist family at Haverford-West. The Rev. George Taylor, who knew her there, thus writes to her son :

"Thirty-three years have passed away since I had the privilege of acquaintance with your beloved parent. At the time she seemed like some angelic visiter from above among a somewhat rude and primitive people. From her strictly Methodist training, she imbibed an early respect for Methodist Ministers and their families. This led her to seek us out, and we were thereby favoured with a liberal share of her company. None could see her without being greatly interested, and her praises were on the lips of all. Her kindness of heart was an unfailing spring, and the principle of her generosity knew no bounds."

In the latter part of the year 1826, she went to reside in the family of the late Rev. Thomas Roberts, of Bristol. Mr. Roberts valued her highly, testifying a warm interest in her welfare to the time of his death; and his daughters, her former pupils, ever regarded her with deep affection. In the society to which she was now introduced she took great delight. Bristol could then boast of social and religious fellowships such as few cities enjoyed,—including Robert Hall, one of the most eloquent of Preachers, John Foster, one of the profoundest of thinkers; and it was her privilege not unfrequently to enjoy the society of these eminent men, and of others kindredspirited.

It may be remarked here, that, in all her engagements as a governess, the methods of tuition she adopted were highly approved; and her influence was of the best kind, being crowned, by the Divine blessing, with priceless results in the religious decision of some of her beloved charge.

In 1828 she left the home of Mr. Roberts to enter one of her own; for, in the spring of that year, she became the wife of Mr. William Corderoy. Known to each other from childhood, they continued youthful friends; and following years matured into sincere affection the esteem with which they had hitherto regarded each other. Her father, writing to his future son-in-law, truly describes her superior qualifications; and, best of all, bears a parent's testimony to her personal godliness. In 1829 Mr. and Mrs. Corderoy removed to the Hindestreet Circuit. From this time her course of life was known to a multitude of Christian friends.

"For nearly thirty years," says her Sorrowing husband, "she was the joy of my heart and home, rendering, by her Christian deportment, all about her happy. As a wife she was exemplary, and all I could desire; as a mother, most affectionate, yet firm. She was especially anxious that her children should fear God. The early lessons she gave them, followed by a godly example, and accompanied by earnest prayer to the God of all grace, were successful; and she had the happiness to see them members of Christ's church, and living for heaven. Her anxiety for them was constant; at critical periods of their history their case was presented to God in specially earnest supplication; and great indeed was the joy that filled her heart when she saw God had granted her desire."

To some of these periods her son refers with deep feeling :-" Before I could read writing, her numerous letters to me (when from home) always contained earnest appeals to my conscience. When I could read, she made me promise to read six verses daily in a New Testament she had presented; and, finding I became lax in performing this engagement, she repeated the request with many entreaties, and finally arranged with a godly schoolfellow, that he should note down every evening my faithful or unfaithful conduct in this respect." He goes on to speak of his mother's rising from her bed to pray with him, when he awoke trembling with fear of endless misery and, referring to a later period, when he became really in earnest for salvation, he tells of the "most loving proofs of her interest in him;" such as "staying throughout protracted services to encourage and comfort him, and at home enforcing the need of conduct consistent with sorrow so publicly manifested." The same deep anxiety was evidenced in behalf of her beloved daughter. Ever ready with her pen, while her child was infantile, she would scribe sweet little notes for her in letters formed like printing, that the messages of a mother's love might be more easily read. When her child was at school, frequent were the letters of warning, entreaty, and encouragement; and after she became her home-companion, the same maternal anxiety was breathed on any occasion of absence. One specimen may suffice:"Hail, natal day! trust, my dearest Mary, that at this anniversary of your birth, you will rejoice with unspeakable joy. I hope you will admit to your confiding heart your Saviour, who has so long sought to win

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your whole heart. There are nɔne so lovely-so charming; He is lovelier than ten thousand. O, say, 'I yield, I yield.' It is a mistake to say, that deep piety causes gloom: it will chase away all your fears. I wish you year upon year of unspeakable bliss. ....There is no mercy, no favour, no preservation, which is not secured to us through the sacrifice of Christ. All we enjoy is by the side of the Cross."

When Mr. and Mrs. Corderoy became members of our Society in Hinde-street, both joined the same class; and, the former becoming the Leader, the latter continued her membership, and remained in her husband's class until her decease. Their son and daughter also met with them; and for years the names of father, mother, and children found record in the same Class-Book.-But Mrs. Corderoy was not satisfied with membership in the church. Her active spirit sought to work in the Divine service. Interested from childhood in the British and Foreign Bible Society, she hailed with pleasure the revival of the PortmanSquare Ladies' Association, and in 1837 became its Secretary. This office she sustained most usefully, until failing health led her to resign. When a former Rector of Marylebone declared "he would have no such sectarian thing as the Bible Society in his parish," the Secretary, with great discretion and commendable perseverance, encouraged the Collectors by going with those whose districts presented the most difficulty: and thus, though deprived of a patronage they would gladly have obtained, they placed in the homes of the poor many hundred copies of the holy Scriptures. Mrs. Corderoy was accustomed to go with new Collectors a few times, to give them confidence in their work, and show them how to pursue it. Writing to her brother, she thus referred to her engagements in this great cause :-" My Bible Association is tolerably flourishing. have great difficulty in getting labourers : people like honourable mention..........I met a woman one hundred and ten years eld in one of our districts-a woman who neither regarded the book of God nor the Son of God! How melancholy to have lived more than a century in vain! This case has certainly roused me, and I am earnestly seeking to live very near to God, having an increased love to the truth and its messengers."

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The cause of Christian Missions engaged her warmest sympathies. Seventeen years she was Treasurer of the

Ladies' Missionary Society connected with Hinde-street chapel. She was also Secretary to a company of her friends engaged in one of those quiet but most serviceable modes of helping the cause, and the families of its agents, a Missionary basket. Her companions in this good work have expressed, in a communication to the family, "their very deep sorrow at the death of their beloved Secretary."

Her love to the Methodist Ministers was warm and constant. She cherished especial sympathy, also, for the students of the Theological Institution; not a few of whom she cheered and encouraged by her kindly attentions. Young men away from their friends, and cast on the wide world of London, when known to possess religious character, or to come from a pious home, always found, on being introduced to her, a wise, considerate, and valuable friend. From Ministers, old and young, from young men who in London were almost friendless until they knew her, from ladies, married and unmarried, whose spiritual good she sought, there have poured in floods of communications, all breathing sincere and respectful affection, grateful acknowledgments of her hospitality, reminiscences of her endearing manner, her rich and attractive conversation, her genuine and unostentatious piety, her sympathy with suffering and grief, of all, in fact, that makes a true woman and a practical Christian. The difficulty of extracting would be in selection: they all tell that life on earth was made happier and better to the writers, because they enjoyed her companionship and friendly regard. Her correspondence was extensive, and highly prized. The Rev. William Arthur truly says: "Many, many friends will cordially partake of your sorrow. Mrs. Corderoy will be mourned not only by a large circle at home, but also in many a part of the wide Mission field."

For years she suffered greatly from delicacy of constitution. She had frequent attacks of inflammation of the lungs, confining her to her house for months together; and other afflictions involving exquisite pain. Many, many nights she could not obtain a half-hour's continuous rest: so that she was, literally," in watchings often," "in weariness and painfulness." Yet, as is faithfully testified, her usual flow of spirits was so great, that after a night of suffering she would so enter on her ordinary duties, that an unobservant person would