Page images
PDF
EPUB

word,) the chief resolved to prevent their doing so. His decision was that they must first observe the usual custom of their forefathers, and especially that they must join in the reed-dance, and that afterwards they might "join the word of God." Moléme and the disciples were opposed to this course as one which virtually obliged them to serve two masters--a thing which, they said, God's word told them no one could do. I need not tell you what would be the result of resistance to the will of the chief in such a town as Montsioe's: the consequent accusations, defences, and general loud talking, in public; the family strifes, the upbraidings, the asseverations, in private. All this was enacted among the Barolong, when the young people resisted the will of their king, and broke off from the customs of their forefathers.

The next cause of offence was the refusal of the Christian young men and inquirers to go to the hunt as usual. This was followed by another "crime," their refusal to join in digging the "garden of rain." This is, as you are aware, a heathen ceremony, and those who take part in it are of course abettors of rain-making. Moléme and Jan, with the other believers and inquirers, refusing to join in digging this "garden of rain," requested that, if the king wished a test of their loyalty, he should appoint them another field, which they would be quite willing to dig at his command. "Do not accuse us of disobedience," said they to the chief: "you are still our father, and in all things belonging to your kingdom we are still your most willing subjects. Only concerning our old customs and the word of God, we have believed the latter, have entered into the word,' and, therefore, may not join in the dark deeds of our forefathers, who had not the knowledge which we possess."

Baffled in these endeavours, Montsioe had recourse to another plan. In the absence of the two chief men among the believers, he gave out the order that on the following Sabbath there should be no meeting in the little chapel--all were to join in the usual singing and dancing by moonlight. In spite of the chief, the believers met as usual, led on and encouraged by two women, who acted in a manner worthy of their Christianity. Finding that his command was unheeded, the chief resolved to scatter the little company by terrifying the females, who animated the rest. Accordingly, while one of the male members of the church

was engaged in prayer, Montsioe appeared at the chapel door, a naked European sword in hand. The services were interrupted, and doubtless many were terrified. Montsioe ordered the worshippers immediately to disperse; but he was answered by one of the two women, that they were doing nothing but what was required of them as "people of God's word," and that they should just go on with the service. Then followed what must have struck terror into many hearts, and what was meant to terrify all. The chief, in a great rage, indignant at being opposed to the face by women, threatened the most dreadful things if they did not at once leave the place. I believe he ultimately succeeded in clearing the chapel; but he was utterly foiled, nevertheless, in his endeavour to put a stop to the regular meetings for worship, which were taking place up to the time of my visit.

The most interesting part of this account remains to be told. Montsioe has a daughter, not more than twenty years of age, who is married to a serious young man, and who herself is a believer. After it had occurred to the chief to crush Christianity among his people, he felt of course that he must "begin at home." Accordingly he forbade his daughter to attend the public worship. He was obeyed in this; but the heads of the church endeavoured to make up to her what loss she might sustain, by regularly sending one of their number to read portions of Scripture which had been read in the meeting, and to mention something of what had been said. Montsioe, finding this out, and learning that she continued to sing and to pray in private, separated her from her hus band, and removed her to his own house. She was forbidden to read or pray, or, in short, to be a Christian. The young disciple evaded part of this injunction by carrying about with her her Sechuana hymn-book, which she read in her secret devotions. This being discovered, she was ordered to doff her European clothing, and to return to heathen attire, which it was supposed would afford her no means of secreting books about her person. However, she was not to be baffled, but, with the assistance of the old women, contrived a plan by which she still carries about with her the Sechuana hymn-book. She pays stolen visits to old Moléme, who encourages her to hold fast her confidence, and who, in giving me this account of her, said, "I fear

not for her; the Spirit of God is strong within her. Being forbidden the company of Christians, she could only remain a few minutes in my company. I am not sure that she was allowed to attend the preaching, which was in the court, and not in the chapel."

My visit to the Barolong has cheered my heart as a Missionary, and especially encourages me to hope and believe that the Bechuanas may yet in many cases, as in the present, force themselves into favourable notice on account of their steadfast simple faith in the Gospel. Especially gratifying will it be to our Wesleyan brethren to hear, as it is to us to publish, that their labours among the Barolong are yet bearing precious fruit, although the field is at present without the oversight of a European Missionary.-Believe me, ever yours JOHN M'KENZIE,

truly,

Rev. Robert Moffat.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

It is a new thing to find a host of "Wesleyans figuring in such columns as the preceding. We have, therefore, taken the pains to inquire into the most startling of these returns; and the Rev. William Illingworth favours us with the information sought. Knutsford and Leeds will, probably, be found to resemble Wakefield.

"West-Parade, Wakefield,
"Nov. 28th, 1862.

"I HAVE seen the Governor of the prison," writes Mr. Illingworth, "I find, in the first place, that there is no 'borough prison;' but it is the West-Riding County Gaol. He said, on having the paper shown, that the return was correct. I insisted that there must be some mistake. He produced the books containing the returns of last January,-85 Wesleyans. He said, that every prisoner was asked, when he arrived there, if he belonged to any religious denomination. I requested him to send for one-any one-who had declared himself a Wesleyan. He said, 'I will send for one who came in yesterday.' The man was sent for. The Governor asked, 'To what religion do you belong?' The man said, 'Wesleyan.' I then asked the man where he had lived. He mentioned some mount in the neighbourhood of Huddersfield. I said, 'There is no Wesleyan cause or Society there.' He said, 'I am a teacher in the school.' What school?' "That school.' I said, 'It is not a Wesleyan school.' He said, 'It is the Reformers'. After a little more, I remarked to the Governor, "This man, you see, is not, and never was, a Wesleyan.'

"I then asked the Governor, under what head he classed the New Connexion, the Primitives, the Association,

[ocr errors][merged small]

to the clerks to put out the word 'Wesleyan,' and put the word 'Methodist' in its place."

[It would be bad enough to find in the list 85 "Methodists," so called, of any and every class. But the reader of this page will, please, reflect that the return includes all who choose to report themselves by that name, however slight the tie that attaches them to a place of worship, or a school, or a homestead, to which it may belong.]

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

DIED, on Thursday, November 15th, 1860, JULIA E. JORDAN, aged twenty, eldest daughter of William Jordan, Esq., of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Miss Jordan was a grandaughter of the late Rev. George M'Elwaine, who died at Blackrock, near Dublin, in 1856. Her conversion and happy death illustrate the promise of the Lord's “righte ousness unto children's children." (Ps. ciii. 17.) Her venerable grandfather, who spent fifty-six years in the ministry,

was

His

a man of remarkable power in prayer. "He was distinguished by good sense, a discriminating judgment, and great simplicity of manner. heart was in the great work of saving souls from death." After his retirement from the regular work, in 1833, he laboured in pastoral visitation, meeting his class, and preaching the word as often as his strength could bear; thus making himself useful to the last. Among God's highest rewards to His faithful servants are the blessings of salvation bestowed upon their children. How many weary journeys our late venerable father in God undertook in behalf of the Mission cause, how many appeals he made, we cannot say. But the conversion of his grandchildren in the Mission-field of North America is a rich and lasting reward. As the departed saint greets first one, then another, of his children and "children's children" in the realms of glory, he cannot but feel how sweet it is to be in debt to Christ,-"Still paying, still to owe."

Miss Jordan was early the subject of deep religious impressions. From a child she knew the holy Scriptures. Yet she felt her need of the blood of Christ as an atonement for her guilt, and the necessity of being born again

It

of the Holy Spirit. Her conversion was proved by the clearest evidences. Among the many interesting things which might be enumerated here, we will select from her memoranda a note relative to her covenant with God. bears date of January 7th, 1859. Her mind had been deeply affected by the service held on the first Sabbath of the year. She was afterwards an invalid, unable to attend the house of prayer; and she wrote out a form of self-dedication to God. Alone in the silent chamber, she renewed her vows to Him who had loved her and given Himself for her. To the record she added the following:-"July 8th, 1860.-Gave myself to the Lord through Christ : believe that He accepted me, and made me clean in my Saviour's blood; and that He will keep me pure through its continued application, and my unwearied looking unto Jesus." In some instances her prayers take the form of a paraphrase of Scripture, as if she had felt the inadequacy of her own language to express her strong desires at the throne of grace. Frequently do we find in her wellmarked Bible, a text in which her devout spirit had found rich consolation. She seems to have taken for her motto, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Indeed, we find inscribed on the title-page of her Bible: "A lamp to light my steps to heaven."

How precious this leaf, soiled by the tear of repentance or joy! The hand which marked that page is cold in the grave, and the eye which dropped that tear is closed; but the soul-the mind -is now reading the will, the works, the glory of her heavenly Father, in fairer lines, and in clearer light.

A change of climate was strongly re

commended; and, in the beginning of the winter of 1859 her mother accompanied her to Bermuda. But consumption had marked her for an early grave. The change was not found to be of any essential benefit. It was a winter of trial. The affliction appeared to be much aggravated, and Mrs. Jordan feared at one time that her daughter would find a grave away from home. "When in Bermuda, I was often surprised," says Mrs. Jordan, "at the cheerfulness of spirit, and entire resignation to the will of God, which she manifested. The wife of one of the judges invited the young ladies of the house, where we were boarding, to a pic-nic. They were in high spirits, anticipating the pleasure. Thinking that my daughter might be contrasting her situation with theirs, I asked her, 'Do you feel any regret that you are not one of the party?' She replied, No, my dear mamma. There is no room in my heart for any feeling but that of gratitude to God for all His gracious dealings with me. I feel that

I can never love Him sufficiently. Think of His mercy in raising me up from the brink of the grave, and of His goodness in saving me from much pain! I can have no feeling but that of thankfulness and love to my heavenly Father.'

On her return from Bermuda, in the spring of 1860, it was a source of great pleasure to her pastor to visit Miss Jordan. A stranger might find her reserved; but to those who were permitted to share her confidence, her candour was as expansive, as her simplicity was beautiful and touching. "I see the necessity of being cleansed from all unrighteousness," she observed on one occasion, "in order that I may grow in grace, and be perfected in love." She comprehended the Scriptural view of entire sanctification; and often expressed herself to the effect, that "the being cleansed from all sin is not the perfection of holiness, but simply its basis." When pain and weariness were most oppressive, she observed, "Patience is the perfection of holiness: perfect love must precede perfect patience. I am patient, because I love Him who hath loved me." Such was her experience of the deep things of God. She was ever remarkable for the amiability of her disposition; and this feature of natural beauty became transfigured on the mount of perfect love. It shone with heavenly lustre. Faith in God directed her to the source of "the beauty of holiness," in the rich gifts of the Holy Ghost. "Pray for perfect

faith," she said at one time. "I want perfect faith, that I may receive perfect love. I know that I ought to be holy as He is holy; but knowledge is a feeble ally of faith. Give me perfect love, with faith; and I can do all things."

On November 12th, alarming symptoms appeared. Death was approaching; and it was also a time of "heaviness through manifold temptations." Nature shrank from dying. She had not known how deep was her attachment to her affectionate parents and beloved sisters and brother, until she heard the sunmons to depart. To her sisters she was a counsellor and instructress in many important matters. To her parents she was not less a companion and friend than a daughter. There was a threefold tie of nature, grace, friendship. "I am not resigned to death as I ought to be," she remarked. 'Ought I to feel this unwillingness to die? I have often prayed that I might have grace to pass through the valley in peace; but now the trial is come, I cannot die!" She felt alarmed, and asked, "Where now is my faith?" Her friend replied, "This is the dying day. I am not surprised at your distress: it is perfectly natural. But Christ has promised to be with you: 'As thy day, so shall thy strength be.' Yet for this 'strength' He will be inquired of."" She rejoined, "Will you not pray that He may spare me a little longer?" "Rather

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

let us pray," said her friend, "that God
may give you the promised grace.'
They united in this prayer; and, shortly
after midnight of the 14th, God gra-
ciously manifested Himself to her
tempted soul. The cloud was dispersed.
He who had been with His child "in
six troubles," left her not comfortless in
the "seventh." She saw Him in His
power to
save to the uttermost," and

sang,

"Jesu, Lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high." She called for her parents, sisters, and little brother, and also for the servants, to whom she addressed memorable words of instruction and consolation with strength and fervency, which astonished the listeners. It was grace triumphing over nature,-

"Most vigorous when the body dies." After lingering in this joyful state the greater part of that day, she departed to be for ever with the Lord.

JOHN BREWSTER.

JUNE 2d, 1862. - -At Ely, Mrs. Mary Topping, aged sixty-nine. Her consistency, usefulness, and happiness proved beyond doubt the genuineness of her piety. Early industry and care, on her own part, and on that of her bereaved husband, enabled her in the autumn of life to devote much of her substance and time to the work of the Lord. She was ever ready at the call of need to rise at midnight, in order to minister friendly aid to any who sought it. She cherished the warmest love to the ministers of Christ, and to all whom she knew as heirs together with her of the grace of life. The junior ministers of the Ely Circuit for many years found not only a lodging, but a home, under her roof. To them she was "a mother in Israel." Her earthly tabernacle was for some time dissolving; but her soul was girt about, and her lamp burning. When the Bridegroom came, somewhat unexpectedly, she was found ready to go forth to meet Him. She answered His call with calm resignation, and her latest utterances indicated a blessed hope of being for ever in her Father's house on high. She will be remembered with affection many years to come as one who "adorned the doctrine of God her Saviour in all things," and who "showed forth out of a good conversation her works with meekness of wisdom." W. D. W.

June 8th. -At Barnsbury, in her ninetieth year, Harriet, relict of the Rev. Charles Atmore, and only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick, of "The Lane," near Huddersfield. At the age of fifteen she was converted to God, under a sermon preached by the late Rev. Joseph Entwisle; and henceforth her determination was, in the strength of Divine grace, to spend a lifetime, long or short, in the service of her Master. Her religious life was marked by little outward demonstration; for, although she strove to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without," she allowed the silence of a consistent, godly deportment to speak the genuineness of her professions. She had a loving disposition, and a sound mind; albeit she knew by varied experiences the bitterness of trial, vicissitude, and bereavement. She survived her husband thirty-six years, and her daughter, Jane Eliza Sundius, three years and ten months. R. B. W.

July 8th.-At Leek, Mr. James Wardle, who as a member of the church for nearly seventy years, and filling the responsible offices of Circuit-steward, class-leader, and Local preacher, sustained a high and unblemished reputation. He was extensively known as a devoted friend of Methodism, a kind and generous benefactor of the poor, and a friend to every good work. Besides many other acts of munificence, he erected, at an expense o £4,000, the Brunswick

chapel, in Leek. After a long career of unostentatious piety, of extraordinary benevolence, and of great usefulness, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. J. W. T.

Aug. 24th.-At Rakefoot, in the Bacup Circuit, Henry Hargreaves, in his sixtyninth year. For more than a half a century, both as a private and an official member of the church, he maintained an unblemished reputation, and "walked with God." By singleness of eye, purity of intention, devoutness of conversation, and unwearied activity in various departments of Christian toil, he gained for himself a good renown. He was blessed with a meek and quiet spirit. As a class-leader, for full forty years, he was wise to win souls. His memory is precious. "Devout men carried” him "to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." J. P.

Aug. 25th.-At Halifax, Sarah Milner, aged thirty-eight. Having given her heart to God, she became a member of the Methodist Society in her nineteenth year. Scarcely had she commenced her Christian course, when it pleased the Lord to afflict her; and for nearly twenty years she was tried in the furnace. Here she beautifully exemplified the passive graces. Although suffering acute and constant pain, she cherished a holy watchfulness against any disposition to murmur. She mourned the loss of the public means of grace, but rejoiced in assurance of the presence of her Saviour. When perfectly helpless, and unable to take any food, she frequently said, "I verify the word Scripture, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."" A day or two before her death she was tempted to think, "I should not have been allowed to suffer so severely, had I been a child of God." But she remembered, "Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth;" and clinging by faith to the words of Christ, "No man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand," she obtained victory. Her countenance was once more lighted with joy, as she said,

"My Saviour in distresses past

Will not now His servant leave,
But bring me through at last."
H. L. C.

of

Aug. 28th. -At Cavendish-Terrace, Stanwix, Carlisle, Mr. Edward James, for nearly

forty years a member of the Wesleyan Society. He was converted to God in 1824, and from that time maintained a firm and close adherence to the church of his early attachment, while filling many of its important offices. In the midst of business

« PreviousContinue »