men of the Hankey Seminary with great earnestness; urging the younger not to allow their religious convictions to subside into indifference, and those who were already decided, to live near to God.

She loved to hear us repeat hymns and passages of Scripture. Her favourite texts were Isa. xliii. 1-3: "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." She used also, with great emphasis, the words: "Trust ye in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.' There was a verse of one of the Dutch hymns which she loved to have repeated in her hearing, dear to her, probably, not only from its intrinsic beauty, but also as the favourite of her late son William. It may be rendered into English as follows:

"Despise, my soul, then, death's dismay!
Death's gloomy road is but the way

That leads to bright beholding;
Why shrink, why tremble at thy lot?
Death's gloomy pathway leads to God;
His glorious rest unfolding.

How blest that rest!
Past conceiving!

Past believing!
Eye of mortal

Ne'er hath glanced beneath its portal."

Her friends did not seek to support her mind by a reference to her many labours; but one referring to Dr. Watts's answer to a friend, who would have comforted him by such reflections-" My hope of salvation is one and the same with that of the vilest sinner, who in his latest hour seeks pardon; the blood of Christ alone" -she responded: "That is just my feeling; none but Christ."

Her extreme weakness made it difficult for her to maintain conversation; but the appropriateness of her language, and the energy of her thoughts, showed that decay had not reached the mortal body in the dissolution of her soul.

She lingered on thus for a week hoping and praying, (though in a spirit of Christian resignation,) that each day might be her last. Her mind was especially thus exercised whenever she awoke out of sleep, or whenever the family engaged in worship morning or evening. She would then exclaim: "I had hoped to have awoke in heaven;" or, "I had hoped that my spirit might have departed, borne up to heaven on the wings of your supplications." These desires were not, however, gratified.

On Saturday morning, the 23rd, she experienced another attack; and when we assembled around her bed, we heard her exclaim: "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly." She beckoned and signified to all to leave the room, save one attendant, as it was a painful sight to see her die. As she pressed this much, she was left alone, and she spoke very little after that time. "Wash my face and hands that I may take rest-take rest-take rest." What she said was sometimes unintelligible. The last words she uttered distinctly were, Pray-pray."

66

About eleven o'clock her eye fixed, and she remained apparently in a state of unconsciousness till about half-past one, when she gently breathed her last without struggle or groan. Her remains were buried in the same grave with those of her son and grandson. Her spirit joined their spirits in that presence where there is fulness of joy, and took its place beside them at that right hand where there are pleasures for evermore.

THE DEACON'S OFFICE.*

ACTS VI. 1-6.

THE institution of the deacon's office in the primitive church appears to have

* This paper was read at a recent meeting of the Manchester and Salford Deacons' Association, at which, after some discussion on the subject, the writer was requested to forward it to us for insertion. We have thus learned, with much satisfaction, the existence of such an Association, the importance of which we had actually for some time been revolving, and intended to re

been a measure rendered necessary by circumstances. The rapid increase of the number of the disciples, the daily opportunities presented for preaching and teaching the people, the opposition of the authorities, and the necessity for the commend it to public notice. It were greatly to be desired that, in all our towns, such meetings should be established; and not only so, but that there should be, at least quarterly, joint meetings of pastors and deacons for purposes of conference, counsel, and prayer.-ED.

exercise of discipline in order to prevent hypocrisy, called for unremitting watchfulness, prayer, and labour on the part of the apostles; in addition to which the offerings of Christian zeal and benevolence, needed to be directed into their appropriate channels, that there might be an even and just distribution; and that temporary relief, or entire maintenance, might be afforded wherever necessity existed.

It is not at all surprising, that, under the pressure of higher duties, the apostles should have overlooked some that were subordinate; and that, among the numerous poor, some should have been neglected; nor that such neglect should have elicited murmuring on the part of the sufferers.

Aroused by the voice of just complaint, and called themselves especially to prayer and the ministry of the Word, the apostles, guided by the Divine Spirit, sought for Christian brethren to assist them in the matter, and thus introduced what would now be called "lay agency" into the church.

It does not appear, that any individuals deemed by the apostles eligible, were named to the church to guide or influence the brethren in their decision; but that they confided the selection of persons to fill the important office to the "multitude of the disciples;" commanding them to "look out" such "men" as seemed to possess the necessary qualifications for it, and such as they could appoint" to the discharge of its duties: thus reserving to themselves the right and duty of appointment or rejection, as the case might require.

The church at Jerusalem, now numbering at least eight thousand members, would, doubtless, include a great number of the poor, perhaps a tenth of the whole; and as distribution was made to "every man," and there was a daily ministra tion," it was, undoubtedly, a sufficiently onerous and responsible task, involving at first the whole time and great personal sacrifice on the part of the good men who were chosen to fulfil it; and as the "need" of "every man" was the rule of distribution, it implies a considerable amount of inquiry on the part of the distributors, as to the circumstances of the claimants, and, in cases of sickness and infirmity, at least a personal visitation; involving frequent and familiar intercourse with other classes of persons, and leading to other duties, not at first, perhaps, contemplated duties which were incidental, yet unavoidable.

It may also be assumed, that the deacons had frequent interviews with the apostles, to whom, as their inspired guides, they would have recourse for counsel in any circumstances involving duties new and important: thus the elders, as the deacons appear to have been called indiscriminately with pastors by the writer of the Acts, and by the apostles Peter and James in the Jewish churches; or deacons, as their representatives are called by the apostle Paul and the Gentile churches; met with the apostles to consider important matters regarding the discipline of the churches, and the comfort of the brethren (Acts xv.); where, however, they are represented as acting only with the unanimous concurrence of the "whole church."

Also it may be admitted, that, in breaking bread from house to house, the disciples themselves would have frequent recourse to the deacons for instruction and consolation, looking up to them as their spiritual advisers, as well as ministering to the wants of the poor; and, as in the case of Stephen, being set for the defence of the gospel against its opposers and persecutors.

It may also be urged, that their miraculous gifts and other endowments, seem to imply a variety of corresponding duties far beyond the mere distribution of the alms of the church; and the directions given by the apostle Paul to Timothy respecting "the deacons," strengthen the idea, that they were in constant intercourse with the brethren; were ready to every good work as the spiritual helps and guides of the church, co-operating with and assisting their bishops or pastors in the work of the Lord.

From this statement it may be inferred.

1. That the first deacons attended the meetings of the church for religious instruction and worship.

2. That they used the gifts conferred upon them for edification in such assemblies. Compare Acts vi. 3.

3. That they visited the sick and poor, and administered to their temporal and religious consolation.

4. That they thus obtained an extended acquaintance with other classes of the people, and were, in consequence, called to other incidental duties.

5. That they had the control and disbursement of the property of the church; at first on behalf of the poor only, and at an early period also, it may be considered, in regard to the maintenance of

the pastors, and of the worship of God. 1 Cor. ix. 14.

It is presumed that the deacons of our churches do in the main perform these or corresponding duties, and many others supplementary to them, which differing eircumstances render necessary, and some of which, in the lapse of time, have become established usages; such as those connected with,

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1. The general interests of the churches to which they respectively belong, their places of worship, and the times and arrangements of Divine service.

2. The right management of all the religious and benevolent institutions connected with the several churches, for which the deacons are chiefly responsible.

3. The examination and encouragement of young converts previous to admission.

4. The distribution of the bread and wine at the Lord's Supper.

5. The visitation of backsliders with a view to their restoration.

6. The keeping and rendering an account, when necessary, of the money committed to their charge. To which may be added, as the duties of deacons,

7. To note the attendance of the members at public and social worship, and at the table of the Lord; and,

8. To visit at regular intervals the seatholders in their places of worship, at their own dwellings, for religious purposes; with some others which might be mentioned.

Of course the constant and efficient discharge of duties such as these, imply certain qualifications and conditions as to the character and circumstances of those who are chosen to perform them; such as the following:

1. That they should be known as of unblemished reputation in the world; of mature age, of practical wispersons dom, having the command of a considerable portion of time, residing near their respective places of worship, and possessing general health; also enjoying the entire confidence of their pastors, and the church generally, as manifesting a sincere, vigorous, and stable piety; men of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2. That their numbers should be in proportion to the acquirements of the church and congregation.

Dr. King, in his admirable work on the Ruling Eldership, says, that "twenty or twenty-five families of a congregation

might be visited every six months by each deacon or elder;' which, supposing a congregation to contain two hundred families, would require eight deacons."

3. That they continue of one mind among themselves; and that the pastor and the church concur with them in their operations.

4. That there be a proper division of labour among them; that there be an equality, a due proportion of work being assigned to each, and each fulfilling the share of duty allotted to him.

It may also be added,

5. That there be meetings of the deacons themselves for prayer and counsel regularly held, at which no one be absent; and which should not separate without coming to a decision on any matter under discussion; and,

6. That their office be held, not for a period of one or more years, but, like the ministerial, be retained for life; or lost only in consequence of transgression (Acts i. 25); that thus they may purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith.

Such are some of the duties which appear to devolve on deacons in the present state of Congregational churches, and such some of the conditions necessary to the efficient discharge of them; more especially applying to the state of society and religion in the great towns and cities of our land. W.

Manchester.

ON THE BETTER OBSERVANCE OF THE

SABBATH,

To the Editor of the Christian Witness. SIR,-Having had our attention very forcibly directed to the awful desecration of the sabbath in the Metropolis, through the remarks contained in the Prospectus of the BRITISH BANNER, we were desirous, in our humble capacity of a Christian Instruction Society, to aid in the glorious work of accomplishing a reformation; and as Superintendent of the Association, I take the liberty of making known to you the following simple plan, to which God in his providence has led us, and which has been most eminently successful.

About twelve gentlemen meet every Sunday morning in the vestry of our chapel, at a quarter before ten, to circulate tracts in the surrounding neighbourhood, which comprises some of the worst localities in London. These tracts are

all selected from the depôt of the Religious Tract Society, and can be had at the rate of £1 17s. 6d. per 1000. Each gentleman takes about 200, which comprises about forty different subjects, by which arrangement a suitable tract is ready for every description of person. The most notorious sabbath-breaking districts (generally markets and back streets, where all manner of traffic is carried on) are then penetrated by these friends in a body, who give away their tracts with much discretion, generally entering into conversation, and verbally enforcing their contents, many of those addressed cordially responding to the sentiments uttered, of which, did your space permit, some delightful instances might be given; but it will be sufficient here to state that those who buy and sell seem invariably ashamed of their conduct, and that our friends, in even the very worst districts, are most kindly received. It is now some months since this course was first pursued; the districts have been visited over and over again, and, by the blessing of God, I have to report that, through this feeble instrumentality, a decrease of sabbath desecration has taken

same

place, in some of them at the rate of fifty, and in others at the rate of sixty-five per

cent.

As this is emphatically a reading age, to meet the evil influences arising from the debased works so constantly issuing from the press, we have, in connection with our Society, established a Free Loan Library, to all the benefits of which the poor are admitted gratuitously on receiving an order from any of the visitors, who make offer of the same to all whom they visit at their own homes, no guarantee whatever being required but their own sense of honour. This library consists of nearly 1000 volumes, comprising works on Religious Subjects, History, Science, Arts, and useful and entertaining information, all of which books were got by our esteemed pastor from the members of the congregation, simply at his request, each donor being invited to write their names on the covers. This loan has been most highly valued by the poor; the books are eagerly and intelligently read. When any particular subject is touched upon by our pastor in the pulpit, numbers of applications are made for works bearing upon it; and the majority of books applied for, it is worthy of remark, are those of a religious character. The following will give you an idea of its present position :

It is also very gratifying to add, that when a book gets sometimes accidentally torn, it is repaired by the recipients themselves before they return it; and so highly do they value the privilege and the trust reposed in them, that only about six books are lost in the course of the year.

As many will not come to the house of God, and many make the excuse of their attire not being sufficiently respectable to appear in any sanctuary, we have also in connection with our Association an Open Air Preaching Station," where divine service is carried on every Lord's day afternoon during the summer months, and with greatly blessed results, so much so that the neighbourhood around is in a great measure changed. Our friends, both male and female, adopt in this, as in the matter of the tract distribution, the plan of supporting the preacher in a body. The service has never yet been interrupted by any disturbance; but, on the contrary, joy and kindness have been depicted on almost every countenance as, from sabbath to sabbath, they have stood listening to the words of eternal life; while this service, in connection with domiciliary visitation, affords excellent opportunities for enforcing the strict religious observance of the Lord's day, and that, by God's blessing, with such effect, that many shopkeepers have discontinued their Sunday avocations; and it is well known that a very great moral change has come over the neighbourhood.

I have merely mentioned these three particulars of the operations of our Association, as having reference to the subject of sabbath desecration; but I enclose an account of our Society for the past year, containing many other interesting particulars, which, should you deem it proper, you are at liberty to use as you think best for the cause of Christ :

RESULTS OF THE LABOURS OF THE ASSOCIATION DURING THE YEAR 1847, AND ITS PRESENT POSITION.

Number of Visitors in the Society-Ladies, 60; Gentlemen, 46; Total

106

the past year

This fund is entirely separate from the monies of the general Society, and is collected by the Visitors expressly for the purpose of relieving cases of extreme destitution.

Children for Schools-Promised by their

parents to attend during the past year 320 Many of these it has however been found impossible afterwards to prevail upon, but a considerable number have been obtained, and are now regularly receiving instruction in the schools. Poor for the house of God-promised to

attend during the past year, about 2000 Out of which it is known that 640 have actually attended public worship in Craven Chapel, and it is expected the number will be materially increased now by the labours of the Special Missionary.

Special cases of interest during the past year, about

76

Many of these are cases of much interest, and the particulars of which will shortly appear in the Annual Report.

A Special Missionary has also been engaged lately, to labour on the district constantly, so as effectually to carry out the Christian objects pursued by the Visitors of the Society.

In closing I would desire to call your attention to the cheap rate at which similar efforts to ours can be carried on. Our Free Loan Library costs us not one farthing; our tracts for Sunday morning dis

The only other point to which I would call your notice is the fact of the friends acting in a body. This appears to be the secret of success, as it inspires respect and attention, and, through the favour of God, has led, as we have stated, to the best and happiest results.

I beg to apologize for this long letter; my only object is that the cause of our Redeemer may be extended throughout the land; and if, through your widelycirculated Magazine, any Christian churches throughout the kingdom may be induced to follow our humble example, or be by it stimulated to further exertion in any other way more approved of by themselves, we shall greatly rejoice as a Society, and to God only "shall be all the praise." I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,

A SUPERINTENDENT OF A CHRIS-
TIAN INSTRUCTION SOCIETY.

May 13, 1848.

A CHAPTER OF STRANGE THINGS. IN our last we set before our friends a series of remarkable occurrences, which seemed to border on the province of inspiration. We did not claim for them an origin so high, but suggested that several of them bore appearances of a wisdom more than mortal. In our present Number we have brought together three classes of facts of a description wholly inexplicable on any other ground than that to which the word of God conducts us: that He who produces all things perceives the end of his works even from the beginning.

The following remarkable coincidences, founded on the prophetical periods given in the book of Daniel, all indicating the year 1866 as the commencement of the Millennium, are taken from a work on prophecy by Jo. Dixon, published at Boston in 1844. They certainly deserve the examination of those competent to investigate such subjects:

The year 1866 has, by many previous commentators, been considered as the term assigned for the fall of the Roman, Grecian, and Mahommedan Antichrists: but this author very plausibly strengthens the argument for this year by an exhibi