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REV JAMES MANNING WINCHELL.A.M.

Late, pastor of the first Baptist

Church in Boston.

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We had scarcely risen from the melancholy task of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, Rev. James M. Winchell, when we received the mournful intelligence of the death of his widow. She departed this life June 15, 1820. Her funeral was on the 17th, when a sermon was delivered on the occasion, by Rev. Mr. Buttolph, of North East, N. Y. at which place she died.

Mrs. Winchell was the daughter of Ezra Thomson, Esq. and was born in the month of August, 1790. She made a profession of religion, and became a member of the Bap tist Church at Poughkeepsie, in the year 1810. She remained an honourable member of that Church until her marriage with Mr. Winchell, in 1814, when she was dismissed to the first Baptist Church in Boston, and continued to adorn her profession till her decease.

Mrs. Winchell was very much indisposed previously to the death of her husband. One of the physicians who attended in the family, repeatedly remarked he should not be surprised if she were to die first. But she was spared to perform the last offices of affection for one, whom

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she had tenderly loved, and on whom she had leaned as her earthly stay for many years. When the excitement which these peculiar circumstances produced, had sube sided, she gradually sunk under the combined effect of great debility of body, and distress of mind.

It was hoped that a removal from the scenes which continually reminded her of the great loss she had sustained, might be the means of relieving her oppressed spirits, and restoring her to health. She accordingly journeyed to her na- \ tive state; but, alas! she had no sooner arrived at North East, and received the embraces and sympathies of her parents and friends, than she exhibited affecting indications of a speedy dissolution of her delicate frame. And though her mind, from this period, was extremely enfeebled and broken,yet the impressions which had been most vivid and habitual, when in possession of her mental powers, were not entirely erased. Her thoughts at this time were chiefly occupied on the subjects of religion. She often requested the Bible to be read, and prayer to be made; and complained that she could not bind her thoughts

to the steady consideration of any thing.

Mrs Winchell raised blood frequently, and in many respects, her disease resembled that of her husband. She appeared to be sensible of her approaching exit, and expressed a willingness to die. Her father perceiving from her appearance, that she was more rational, and that she was dying, observed, "You have been for some years a professor of religion; I hope you can die happy." "O yes," said she, "but I have been so unfaithful -"He then turned from her bed; she spoke, requesting him to return, and asked him to pray. He said, "for what do you wish me to pray ??" She replied, "that the Lord would receive my soul." In a few minutes she expired, without a struggle or a groan. Thus, in less than four months, was she summoned to follow her dear departed husband, and to share with him, as we trust, in those higher and happier scenes of bliss, which are prepared for all those who are "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ."

Such was the nature of Mrs. Winchell's last illness, that she was incapable of saying much on the subject of religion. For wise and inscrutable purposes, she was not permitted to give much of a dying testimony to the excellence and glory of that grace, by which we are saved from sin and death. But she had been enabled to give what is more satisfactory to judicious Christians a living testimony to the excellence of the religion of Jesus. She approved the things that are excellent was sincere in her profession-without offence--and manifested the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God.

Much of the happiness and use. fulness of a Pastor, depends on the character of the individual associated with him for life. She may do much in giving efficiency to his

pious and benevolent plans; or she may render his life unhappy, by fanning the flame of contention in the church, and thus rendering his pastoral connexions irksome and undesirable. Among this latter class, it would be very unjust to rank Mrs. Winchell She often expressed a pious solicitude to be useful in the situation in which Providence had placed her. And though her family cares were numerous, yet she so arranged her concerns as to devote a portion of her time to the good of the church and society with which she was connected. She frequently accompanied Mr. Winchell to the habitations of the poor and afflicted, and by her sympathies and kindness not only administered to their consolation, but encouraged her husband in the discharge of these important pastoral duties. In the amiable conduct which she displayed, she was not only influenced by the feelings of natural affection, but by a pious desire to promote the cause of Christ. Those who occasionally were associates in the family, can bear testimony with what Christian kindness and hospitality she entertained them: and those who were members of the church and society, can well remember, what a spirit of friendship and conciliation she always endeavoured to diffuse. In these respects, she was certainly an amiable help meet to her hus band, and a blessing to her connexions and friends. We shall not be.. accused of unjustifiable praise, by those who knew her best, in saying, that she was an affectionate wite, a tender mother, a sincere friend, and a modest, but uniform Christian.

Mr. and Mrs. Winchell have left three children, who are too young to be sensible of their great loss. May He, who is the "Father of the fatherless," be their guide through life, their support in death, and their portion forever.

"Be thou their comfort, mighty God!
Their helper, and their friend;
"Nor leave them in this dangerous read,
"Till all their trials end."

TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO THE MEMO- persed, and he was blessed with a

RY OF REV. EDWARD W. WHEE-
LOCK, IN A LETTER TO ONE OF
THE EDITORS.

Rev. and dear Sir,

Rangoon, November 6, 1819.

A SHORT time since we received the afflicting news of Brother Whee-, lock's death. The peculiarly distressing circumstances with which it was attended, filled us with grief. Had he died upon his bed, had some Christian friend stood by, and witnessed the departure of his spirit, the reflections occasioned by the event would not have been so poignant. But, alas! the ocean was his dying couch, his shroud, and his grave. This, however, was of but little consequence to him. His better part soon left the emaciated body, and took its flight to the world of joy.

Three months ago, he left us for Calcutta. At that time we had not a single hope of his recovery. He was induced to try a sea voyage as the last resort. We were of opinion, however, that it would prove ineffectual. For a long time he had every appearance of a consumption. A severe cough, continual expectoration, and heavy night sweats, had greatly reduced his strength. But he considered it a great mercy that he was almost wholly free from pain. It was also peculiarly favourable, that he brought with him from Bengal a number of articles that were quite serviceable in his debilitated state. Had he lived several years in Rangoon, he would not have been so well accommodated in this respect. I mention these circumstances because I know that they will be gratifying to his friends.

I am happy to state, that during his sickness, he was much support ed by the influences of our holy religion. For some time, he was harassed by painful doubts and temptations. But as he drew near the day of death, these were dis

serene and joyful state of mind.
His faith appeared to increase in
the same ratio as his body decreas
ed in strength. The death of
Christ was the solid basis on which

he built his hope. He frequently
said, "There is no other founda-
tion on which I can rest my soul,
but that which is laid in Zion. Rest
ing on this, I am willing to venture
into the world of spirits," Going
into his room one morning, I was
was much pleased to observe the
tranquillity of his mind.
He ap
peared to be perfectly calm in the
prospect of death. Said he, "I
have had a sharp conflict with Sa-
tan; but the Lord has given me the
victory." Shortly after, with much
earnestness, he said, "I dread the
thought of returning to earth. It
would be a severe disappointment.
Still, let the will of God be done;
I am willing to live or die." During
the same conversation, he observed,
"I can think but little of heaven;
the glorious prospect entirely o-
vercomes me. "On another occa-
sion, his mind was in a peculiarly
happy frame. Never shall I for-
get how forcibly he spoke of the
vanity of the world, and of the un-
fading joys which await the saint.
He remarked that he had been fa-
voured with much consolation while
reflecting on the language of our
Lord,-There is joy in the pres
ence of the angels of God over one
sinner that repente th. "I thought,"
said he, "that if there is so much
joy in heaven over a repenting sin-
ner, how great will be the joy
when he arrives at heaven!" What
abundant reason there is to believe
that he has already experienced
the truth of this remark! Before
this, he may have exulted over a
returning sinner, or welcomed a
saint, freed from all the sorrows of
life, to the mansions of perpetual
bliss.

It is well known that our deceased friend had a strong tone of spir

itual feeling. Many of his religious exercises were of a superior order. But if during the years of health, his light burnt with a brighter flame; during the days of sickness, and especially towards the close of life, it reflected a steadier and purer lustre. With a solemnity which the importance of the subject required, he examined his former exercises, and the result was, that he rejected many of them, being satisfied that they proceeded from the impulse of the moment, or from animal feeling. This examination was attended with beneficial consequences to himself. His mind was cleared from a variety of doubts; temptation did not so frequently assail him, and his evidence of union to Christ was greatly strengthened. During several years acquaintance with him, I had never seen him enjoy such a happy equanimity as at this time. His situation was enviable indeed. With the expectation of living but a few short days, with affections detached from earthly objects, with heaven full in view, and with a firm assurance of standing upon a rock which the billows of death could not overflow; what could increase his happiness, but to "be with Christ!"

We had anticipated the mournful pleasure of seeing him in the last stage of life, of watching his exercises as he drew near the valley of death, and of recording his dying expressions as a memorial to his distant friends. We did expect to deposite his sleeping dust in our burial yard, and on future occasions to point Burmans to his grave, say ing, There lies a disciple of Christ, whose heart once beat with love for your perishing souls. We did hope that some around us would

have been deeply affected by seeing the composure, the peace, and the joy of a Christian in his dying hour. Nor can we doubt, if opportunity had favoured, but that he would have left ample testimony of the supporting influences of the glorious gospel." But shall we lament that our expectations have been disappointed? By no means. Our beloved brother was taken away in that manner which infinite wisdom devised. The event to us may assume a dark and trying aspect. We may be ready to exclaim, How awful the circumstances! how sudden the end! But could we view the affair in the clear light of eternity, every thought would be dismissed but that of acquiescence, every feeling but that of submission. Will it be said that he was taken away prematurely? This cannot be true. For he had lived all his appointed days, he had performed the work assigned him, and he was as ripe for heaven as the Christian of three score years and ten. Nor was he useless while he lived. During his voyage from America to the East, it is believed that he left impressions on the minds of some, which will be for ever remembered with gratitude and joy. It is also to be considered that the good which resulted, and which may still result from his labours, before he left his native land, cannot be estimated in time.

"Prepare to meet thy God," is the language of this solemn providence. May I be excited to think more frequently of that important hour when worldly objects will be to me as though they were not. Yours affectionately,

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