Ministers are yet wanted in this land. But let them be indeed Ministers; immovable from their proper work; men of strong mind, and strong body, and of one purpose; men incapable of yielding to the attractions of secular life.-Rev.

Isauc Harding, Geelong, January 10th, 1857.

THE amount of contributions and remittances announced on the Cover of the Notices this month is £1,387. 14s, 5d.

LIFE is a pilgrimage, and we are pilgrims; and to trace the steps of the pious dead is an interesting and advantageous exercise to the living.

Close by the eastern range of the Yorkshire Wolds, in the village of Staxton, lived MR. JOHN FRANKISH, a man of singular devotion to the cause of religion, and a fine specimen of a large-hearted Yorkshire farmer. In person he was tall and stout, with an open, manly face, fresh with health, and lighted with beaming goodness and intelligence. He was born at Staxton, near Scarborough, May 24th, 1795. His mother was a consistent Christian, whose purity of conduct, and fortitude under persecution, exerted a beneficial influence upon his heart. After bearing a clear testimony to the grace of God, and the power of religion to sustain in the relations of life, she died in the full joy of faith. His father, who long resisted the truth, was violent and overbearing; but, humbled by a series of afflictions, he sought, at length, with great earnestness, the forgiveness of sins, and died in peace.

Notwithstanding the holy and beautiful example of his mother, Mr. Frankish was for a long time estranged from God, an enemy" by wicked works." Soon after the death of his father, followed a succession of sicknesses, and other adverse strokes of Providence; till at length, while engaged in the diversion of hunting, of which he was extravagantly fond, he fell from his horse, and was for some minutes apparently in a lifeless state. Soon as he could speak, he said, "O, what a mercy that I have not galloped headlong into hell!" Awakened to a conviction of the precariousness of all earthly things, he now turned to seek for a more stable foundation of happiness. He turned to Jesus, and heard Him say, "Look unto Me, and be saved:" "Be not afraid, only believe; and according to thy faith, so shall it be done unto thee." These were good tidings to him.

This Gospel, preached as by the Saviour Himself, "came not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." Christ was made of God to the believing soul “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

His conversion took place in 1817, while he resided at Helperthorpe. Several years before this memorable date he had married Dinah, the fourth daughter of Mr. Thomas Speck, of Foxholes, who survived her beloved husband, and died greatly esteemed, July 5th, 1854. Of Mrs. Frankish it should be said, that, while meek, modest, and humble, she had a sweet spirit and a holy zeal. Though naturally retiring and unostentatious, she was a great reader, and well versed in the holy Scriptures. She ever strove to promote the comfort of her family, and the prosperity of Christ's cause. She was a true "help meet," and fully sustained her husband in his holy toils. Fragrant is the memory of her Christian life and most precious

For some time Mr. Frankish walked in the clear light of the Divine countenance; the Holy Spirit attested his adoption; and he had the abiding assurance that he pleased God. But, alas! from this state of holy obedience and enjoyment he fell. Providence now frowned, or, rather, sought through afflictive dispensations to restore him to purity and happiness. He soon lost all his property, and was brought low indeed. When he was restored from his backslidings, (for he could not rest as an unhappy wanderer from God,) the tide of prosperity returned; he called his creditors together, paid them their full claims with interest, and thus evidenced the high and manly and Christian principles by which he had resolved, through grace, to regulate his future life.

Religion is expansive and constraining. No sooner was his heart again under the influence of saving truth, than his spirit

yearned for the salvation of men. His soul glowing with love to Christ, and full of pity for perishing sinners, he strove to be useful at home, and became a liberal supporter and effective advocate of Foreign Missions. Mr. Frankish had a heart to do good, and his soul was generous. During the days of his adversity, when he and his beloved wife had but one sixpence, they were applied to for a subscription to the Missions; and, like the widow with her two mites, they gave their all to God, and little is much in His eyes when it forms our all. They solemnly vowed to support that sacred cause when their means should increase; and from that time prosperity revived. Though we ought to give prudently, yet it is to be greatly feared there is too much of selfishness and covetousness commingling with the prudence of many.

When settled on a farm at Staxton, Mr. Frankish became increasingly influential. He had previously been called to warn sinners of the wrath to come; and for upwards of thirty years he was a willing, earnest, acceptable, and useful Local Preacher in the Scarborough Circuit. His preaching was not distinguished by anything brilliant or abstruse, but partook of the character of his mind, which was manly and honest, true and transparent. His eloquence was the eloquence of holy feeling, and his prayers were the strugglings of an earnest soul toward the Infinite for a blessing. He had a very humble estimate of his own powers, and often felt deep anxiety, and an almost overwhelming sense of unfit ness for the Lord's service; but it pleased God to cheer him with tokens of success. The congregations knew him well, and his message was well received. It was homely, but sweet; plain, but interesting and effective. On Missionary platforms the effect of his speaking was often very great, and most hallowed. Mr. Frankish, Mr. Jeremiah Metcalf, Mr. John Brigham, and a few others, were the pillars of the Missionary cause in the Circuit. When the rain prevented a full attendance on one occasion, these worthy men saw grains of gold in the refreshing showers, and gave several extra sovereigns, that the collection might not sutter.

Mr. Frankish felt it right, in compassion to the soul of a neighbour, to abstain from all intoxicating liquors. For a time that neighbour was influenced by his example; but, not seeking the grace of God, he relapsed. His benevolent friend was, meanwhile, free from asperity and uncharitableness in relation to those who

differed from him; for he was generous in spirit, as well as in deeds of benefi

cence.

The spirit of Mr. Frankish was remarkably even: he was never seen by his intimate friends to be in a passion; but he was remarkable for a really noble independence, while considerate and courteous to all. As his judgment was known to be good, his advice was often sought in matters of agricultural and general business; and to such appeals he was always ready to reply with appropriate counsel, even at the risk of damaging his own interests. A gentleman who knew him thoroughly observes on this subject: "He was the most disinterested man in business I ever knew, or expect ever to know." How valuable, in a large family, is such an example! It is an inheritance more precious than gold, and more to be desired than fine gold. Mr. Frankish left behind him two sons and three daughters, who are all members of Society, and the husbands of the three daughters are all employed as Local Preachers. Both sons have honourably borne the office of Circuit-Steward. It is a comfort to the friends of the family, and to the lovers of Zion, to see the children's children, as they rise into life, embracing the religion of their revered forefather. May these budding plants blossom into full beauty, and yield rich and abundant fruit!

Mr. Frankish illustrated England's character for noble-hearted hospitality. His house was open to all the pilgrims of Zion, and there many were refreshed and invigorated. A truly healthy piety gave him great influence in the social means of grace, while the beauty of his character has left its indelible impression on his children and friends. His sterling excellencies secured the confidence of his brethren, and he bore with great fidelity various offices in the church.

On November 18th, 1849, in the midst of his usefulness, at the age of fifty-four, he was seized with fever; and he died on the 20th. His state of "suffering did not allow much conversation; but he gave many assurances of his peace and joy. Amid pain and exhaustion, he gathered his beloved family around him, and said to one of his children, "I am going to leave you: it has been impressed on my mind to call you all around me, and give you my dying blessing." And as they stood sorrowing around his bed, his wife, his sons, and daughters, he shook hands with each of them, and said, " May the Lord bless you all! I have too often put Jesus last, you put Him first

Thence he wrote to a friend: "When in the great, busy town, my heart has been estranged from God. I might assign various causes; but I would not seek to lessen the guilt of my unfaithfulness. I have looked too much to feeling, too little to principle and to CHRIST. My mind has been very much exercised lately with doubts and fears."_ Is not this the case with many? Leaving the scene of their conversion and early religious associations, mingling with new companions, and afraid to confess Christ, they imbibe the spirit of prevailing frivolity. A state of doubt is induced. They cast away their " confidence, which hath great recompense of reward," and then become enslaved to the worst of fears, an apprehension, namely, that they have for ever forfeited the Divine favour. "I have read and pondered two or three passages of Scripture," writes James, "until I have been on the brink of despair. I refer to Hebrews vi. 4-6; x. 26; 2 Peter ii. 20. I have felt such a dreadful apathy, that I seemed neither to dread hell nor death. At times I have felt deeply penitent, have entertained earnest hope, and have been somewhat comforted; then I began to reason and to doubt, and was as far off as ever.

I

have been, and am still, earnestly seeking God. I believe and hope I am not far from the kingdom." - It is well, in such circumstances, to open the mind to some wise and faithful friend. In this instance, James's correspondent, replying, endeavoured to cheer his mind by collating the opinions of standard divines on the awful passages just named; adding some observations of his own, adapted to the peculiarities of the case. He dwelt on the infinitude of Divine mercy, the omnipotent efficacy of the atonement, the mighty energy of the Spirit of holiness; and quoted some of the precious promises addressed to backsliders, such as Jer. iii. 12-19; Hosea xiv. 1-7; 1 John ii. 1, 2. About a month after, his afflicted friend rejoined: "I am happy to say that nearly all my doubts are removed. I have ransacked Wesley, Fletcher, Sutcliffe, and other authors in my possession, for their views on the subject of my disquietude. The remarks of Watson, and especially those of Fletcher, gave me strong encourrgement. It occurred to me, as you state in your letter, that I was looking too little nay, scarcely at all at the promises, and too much at these threatening and intricate passages. I have felt subsequently a greater confidence in my approaches to God."

A milder atmosphere being recommended, Mr. Hocken obtained an agree

able situation at Southampton. Thence he wrote: "Life is to me unattractive, and I often wish to die. In losing my dear father, I feel as if I had lost all. I am impatient to rejoin him. 'What is there here to court my stay?' Absolutely nothing. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better." Soon this earnest wish was realized. Increasing debility compelled his return to his brother's at Gomersal. Just as he was preparing to enter upon the activities of mature life, he was arrested by consumption, and claimed as a subject of death's empire. "He suffered very much," says his brother, "especially toward the close of life; but he bore it with Christian patience and resignation. The Bible was his constant compar.ion, and he derived [hence] much consolation." How diferent from former perusals, when unbelief had spread its veil of gloom over the hallowed page! "He had frequent visits from on high; and, when we have gone into his room, we have found him almost in ecstasies. Of these he would say but little, lest we should think too highly of his piety. He never forgave himself for his former coldness. During a severe paroxysm of pain, his mother said, I am much grieved to see you suffer so, James.' 'O,' he replied, I have deserved it all, and more.' The last of his many conflicts with Satan was distressing. For six hours the tempter assailed him with the temptation, that he was deceived, that he would be lost in hell in a few minutes. At length the snare was broken, through faith and prayer, and he shouted, Victory! victory! Glory! glory!' with a strength of voice unheard since his return home. Shortly before his decease he said, 'I am saved through the blood of Christ. He died June 6th, 1854." BENJAMIN BROWNE.

MR. THOMAS ROCK JONES, late of North Shields, was born of pious parents. When between nine and ten years of age he was sent to sea; and, after serving an apprenticeship of seven years under a stern and severe Captain, he entered on board the "Eagle", Revenue cutter. Here he was exposed to all the dangers which evil companionship and bad example bring; but the Mate of the "Eagle was a pious man, bearing up amid the scoff's of the wicked. On one occasion, while the vessel was in port, Mr. Jones was sent with some others of the crew to get provisions from the shore. Becoming displeased with some of his companions, he gave way to passion, and uttered pro

"

prosperity shone long upon him; but reverses at length came, and, when far advanced in life, he returned to his early occupation as Captain. During this period he made two voyages to the east coast of Africa; on the second of which, his brother, who sailed with him, and all the rest of the crew, died of fever. He himself barely recovered from it; and a crew, chiefly composed of blacks, was put on board the vessel, already loaded, and the bereaved Captain returned to England. But so feeble were all on board, that, had any storm arisen, none would have been found able to work the vessel. After this, he made several voyages to Spain and Portugal, the south of France, and Newfoundland. He subsequently resided in Deptford.

During life he drank deeply of the cup of trial; and, as by a furnace, a temper naturally high and impetuous was refined and sanctified. Bereavement followed bereavement, till his spirit was well-nigh bowed beneath the weight of sorrow.

On

As his health declined, his family could not but mark the ripening of his graces; often speaking of it with a feeling of apprehension, as though it betokened his speedy removal from them. Tuesday, August 8th, 1854, he attended chapel with them; but on the following day he was seized with inflammation of the lungs, and there seemed to be no hope of his life. The God whom he had loved in life soothed and supported him as life ebbed away.

He

On Monday, 14th, he seems to have entered the valley of the shadow of death. During the forenoon, having lain for some time with his eyes closed, he whispered, indistinctly, "That-Spirit”.. "What Spirit ?" was the inquiry. raised his hand slowly, and, looking up with an expression of solemnity never to be forgotten, said, " That Spirit of radiance !-unfolding to me the Scriptures -all the way, as I pass along."

During the evening, the first symptom of recruiting appeared; but it was a delusive one. By the tender mercy of God, for nearly three weeks all of suffering seemed to be removed. He was weak in the extreme; but, though yet on earth, he seemed to live in heaven. Peace, love, and thanksgiving were his employ. "I am not half grateful enough," he often exclaimed: "I am surrounded with mercies,-surrounded with mercies." It was a privilege of no ordinary class to attend on him, and trace the rapid growth and brightening of every Christian grace. His very meals seemed to become sacraments, and fresh occasions of raising his