MARY YATES. OBITUARY. "All this, and more endearing still than all, Not scorn'd in heaven, though little notic'd here."', Sometimes the hand of parental tenderness is tremblingly engaged in erecting a monument to the memory of a lamented son or never-to-be-forgotten daughter. At other times filial gratitude and affection are anxiously striving to construct some suitable, though inadequate memorial of a father's kindness or a mother's love. The former duty, arising unexpectedly, and from an apparent inversion of the natural order of events, is usually discharged with grief and tears! The latter, being more coincident with customary views and anticipations, may possibly be attended with a considerable amount of pensive pleasure :— received her into the church; and it may truly be recorded that she "continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers." In 1807 Mary Smith was united in marriage with Thomas Yates, Baptist minister, then of Hinckley. She removed of course to her husband's residence, and ministered in no small degree to his comfort, by an assiduous attention to the manifold duties of her new and responsible position. Her partner had a retail business as well as a pastoral charge; he had buried a former wife, and was left with two young children; so that the relations and engagements into which she had entered would be numerous and onerous beyond all dispute. In 1813 the G. B. church at Hinckley, Shilton, Thurlaston, &c., agreed to effect a division of its members into two or three separate societies. Shilton and Thurlaston were therefore alloted to Mr. Yates, and Hinckley, with some neighbouring places, retained their connection with the other pastor, Mr. Freeston. To Thurlaston Mr. Yates then removed, with his wife and family, consisting, at this time, of three little ones by the second marriage, the youngest of whom-the writer of this memoir-was an infant about twelve months old. In this quiet and interesting village about equi-distant between Leicester and Hinckley, the next nineteen years of Mary "Adds joy to duty, makes me glad to pay Such honours to thee as my numbers may." This biographical notice of a departed mother, is sympathetically dedicated to all who knew her, by her only surviving son. Mary Yates was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Smith. She was born at Barlestone, near Market Bosworth, Dec. 10th, 1778. Her father, who was a mill-Yates' life were spent. There another wright, removed with his family to Loughborough, for the convenience of business, when Mary was about five years old. Her mother, being a decided General Baptist, even in a season of severe persecution, they at once resorted to the sanctuary belonging to that class of people. After the lapse of a few years, Mary became a blooming young woman, and her character being untarnished she enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew her. In course of time she learned the art of dress making; and displaying superior taste and skill, she was soon surrounded hy a large circle of friends who found her abundant employment. Amidst all her secular engagements, however, she did not lose sight of spiritual duties and pleasures, but regularly filled up her place in the house of God; and when a Sabbath-school was commenced in Wood Gate chapel, she cheerfully identified her self with it, as one of the first teachers and friends of that interesting institution. Having, at length, become savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus, she made a public profession of attachment and allegi ance to him. Mr. Pollard baptised her and daughter and another son were added to her family.-there she experienced several severe attacks of affliction, and there she was called to mourn the loss of a lovely little girl, about eighteen months of age. Notwithstanding all her sufferings, however, she rendered very essential service to her husband in the management of his little shop. She was also much concerned for the welfare and prosperity of the Redeemer's cause. She was characterized by urbanity and generosity towards christian people in general, and towards ministers of the gospel in particular, "esteeming them very highly in love for their works' sake." "A meek and quiet spirit," with a conciliating and obliging demeanor, rendered her truly respectable and estimable to all who knew her, and occasioned considerable regret when the period of her sojournment at Thurlaston was coming to a close. In 1832 Mrs. Y. removed to Leicester, Mr. Y. having previously engaged a shop in that town, and most of their children being located there. The business at Thurlaston was now entirely relinquished; though Mr. Y. retained his official connection with the G. B. church in that village In 1. Gentleness.-There was nothing quarrelsome or litigious in her disposition; she could bear provocations and injuries as quietly as most, and it was no fault of hers if she did not "live peaceably with all." She had very tender feelings, but a love of peace, an instinctive delicacy, a sense of christian propriety, and a calm assurance that "the Judge of all the earth would do right," prevented those ebullitions of passion and those grievous manifestations of resentful feeling in which many professors of religion, alas! are accustomed to indulge. for several years longer. At Leicester, Mrs. | ness, Affection, Generosity, and Confidence Yates became a regular hearer and commu- in God. nicant at the G. B. chapel, Dover street. the grave-yard connected with that place of worship the remains of her mother were deposited, about the year 1835; and in 1839 the corpse of her youngest son was conveyed to the same resting place. Dover street chapel was now regarded as her spiritual home, and she continued to fre. quent it till the infirmities of advancing age incapacitated her to do so, occasionally giving a plain intimation that, when her days on earth should end, she desired to lie by the side of her mother and her son, and not to be taken to the newly-made cemetery. "Jesus I love thy charming name, And gold is sordid dust," &c. Her aged partner was indefatigable in his attentions to her. Her children endeavoured to "smooth her passage to the tomb." Her adopted son and daughter were as kind and generous as her own offspring, and many other friends, both in and out of Leicester, displayed all the sympathy and rendered all the aid which could be reasonably desired. It would gratify the writer to put the names and the doings of several upon record; but as this might on some accounts be deemed objectionable, he must endeavour to be satisfied with this general acknowledgement of their goodness. On Monday morning, March 7th, 1853, about half.past one o'clock, Mary Yates departed this life, aged seventy-four. On the following Thursday she was interred in the place of her choice. The Rev. J. C. Pike officiated at her funeral by reading several very appropriate portions of scripture, delivering a suitable address, and offering a sympathetic prayer. On the following Sabbath evening her funeral sermon was preached, by the Rev. J. C. Pike, from Rev. vii. 13, 14. Some of the most prominent traits in Mrs. Yates' character were these,- Gentle 2. Affection. Towards her children perhaps this was excessive; and towards all with whom she had to do it was habitually and abundantly displayed. She loved the blessed God Supremely; and the followers of Jesus had a high place in her regards, "because they belonged to him." 3. Generosity. She was emphatically "given to hospitality." She was ever ready to share her bread with the hungry, her raiment with the naked, her money with the poor, her knowledge with the ignorant, and her religious privileges with those who were destitute of them. It is well known that of late years her means for doing good were very limited indeed; but the " willing mind" was as manifest as ever. And "if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not." 4. Confidence in God." The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." was a very favourite sentiment of hers. In seasons of her greatest perplexity, she had a pleasing persuasion that "the Lord would provide." Nor was she disappointed The Lord did provide. He raised up friends and helpers even beyond her expectations; so that at the very close of life she found many, many reasons for gratitude and praise. "O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men." Our confident belief is that she "died in the Lord," and that she is "blessed" for May her aged partner, with all her children and friends, be "found of God in peace." ever. GEORGE MANN, the subject of this notice, was born at Barton, in the County of Norfolk, in the year 1779, of ungodly parents. When young, he was deprived of his father by death, and such was the tenderness of his mind at this early period, that he has often been heard to express with tears the widowed state of his mother, and the destitute condition of his sisters, as to the means of their support. At length, a situation was obtained for him, and he was sent to service. Nothing particular occurred in this part of his life, save that not being religiously trained, he lived like too many around him,-" without Christ, having no hope, and without God in the world." Having arrived at years of discre tion, he entered into the marriage state, and soon afterwards began to attend regularly upon the means of grace, amongst the Wesleyans; and whilst listening to a sermon by the late J. Linay, of Lynn, from Acts xvi. 25, and a few following verses, the Spirit of God carried conviction to his heart, and he retired home, and fell on his knees, and poured out his soul to God in strong cries and tears for pardon and peace, through the atoning blood of Christ. Nor did he plead in vain: his soul was filled with joy and peace through believing in Christ. And now, having experienced a gracious change of heart, "old things passed away," &c.; old companions were forsaken, the maxims and customs of the world were abandoned; in fact, all things became new. This change exposed him to much persecution; but his confidence in God was unshaken, and he was enabled to go on his way rejoicing. He at once united in society with the Wesleyans, in the year 1810, and about the 31st year of his age; and many sweet seasons he enjoyed in fellowship with them, and was very consistent in his walk and conversation while among them, which was about fourteen years. One day, while engaged in his usual avocation, a tract was sent him by Mr. Ratcliff, a General Baptist, who had come to reside in the village, on Believers' Baptism by Immersion. This tract he carefully and prayerfully read, and soon became convinced of the importance of attending to the ordinance in the scriptural way, and of treading in the footsteps of his Redeemer. His promptness in obeying the Saviour's command, arrayed against him a host of foes, and he had to contend with much opposition, both from the world and those with whom he had been in fellowship. The feelings of his mind were expressed in that hymn commencing, "Well, now my ignorance I see," &c. On the 3rd Lord's day in June, 1824, after a sermon on the occasion by Mr. Rogers of Fleet, he was buried in baptism, and be. came a regular attendant upon the services that were held at Mr. Ratcliff's, in connection with the General Baptists; and, after the removal of Mr. Ratcliff from Magdalen, he opened his house, which was duly licensed for the worship of God, where preaching was carried on for about eight years, when it became necessary to erect a house for the Lord; and by their united efforts, and the blessing of God, that object was accomplished. From the time our deceased brother joined the church to the day of his death, he was a faithful, unflinching advocate of the doctrines and practices of the Baptists, and was capable of giving a reason for the hope that was in him, with much propriety. Some time previous to the close of his life, he was the subject of severe afflictions, which caused him frequently to vacate his seat in the sanctuary, which he had long occupied with pleasure, and profit too. It might be said of him that he truly loved the house of God. The mortal tide was ebbing fast, and a little before Christmas he was confined to his house, which convinced his friends that his end was near. In this, his last illness, he was patient and resigned, and was enabled to rest his soul on Christ, the rock of ages. In this hour of trial, he felt the support religion was calculated to afford, "He knew whom he had believed." On being asked whether he had cause now to repent embracing the Saviour, he exclaim. ed, "No, no, no." On being told that Christ would be with him, and make all his bed in his affliction-that he would never leave him, he replied, "Yes, bless his name, he says 'Lo! I am with you always.' His pastor, on visiting him, uniformly found him in a very happy state of mind; his confidence in Christ unwavering-his consolation great, and his prospect for heaven unclouded. Being asked at one time by his minister whether he should pray with him, he replied, "Yes, yes, all prayer." On asking God to strengthen him for the conflict with the last enemy, he exclaimed, "He will;" and to the entreaties that prayer might be heard and answered for the salvation of his family, he uttered hearty amen's. The last week in January he suffered much from shortness of breath; but Christ was precious to his soul. On Monday the 31st he changed for the worse, and continued gradually to sink. His minister and a friend visited him, and at this time he expressed his confidence and joy in God. On being asked whether they should pray with him, he said Yes, yes, all prayer." It was a solemnly impressive time. We affectionately committed him to the protecting care of God; and there seemed to be a sacred influence fill the room-on a sudden he burst out, and with energy said, "Weep not, my brother; be of good cheer, only be faithful and we shall meet in heaven. My Master will not leave me." We left him to the care of God; and about nine o'clock the same friend visited him again for the last time on earth. He seemed to have great difficulty in breathing, but no mur mur escaped his lips. His anchor-hold | was firm in Christ; and though speech began to fail, his stammering tongue spoke the Saviour's praise. About ten o'clock he called his family round his dying bed, and took an affectionate farewell of them, and especially warned his son to flee from the paths of sin, and earnestly exhorted him to seek the possession of religion. Being exhausted, he bid him farewell. He was perfectly sensible till the last. Just before he died, his voice returned with surprising strength, and he exclaimed, " Is this dying? Can this be death? Surely I shall be worse than this? Do the ungodly die like this?" On his son-in-law raising him up in bed, he resigned his soul into the hands of Jesus, without a sigh or groan, a little after one o'clock in the morning, Feb. 1st, 1853. He was interred the following Lord's-day, when his pastor delivered an address to a crowded audience. Mr. Somers preached his funeral sermon at Magdalen, from 2 Sam. xiv. 14; and at Stowbridge by his pastor, from Psalm cxvi. 15. MR. JOHN WOOD.-During the last two years the church at Smarden has been seriously diminished, and discouraged by re. movals, emigration, and death. In 1851 we were deprived of our senior deacon, Mr John Wood. He had been a member of the church thirty-four years-was a man of useful capabilities, especially in the business affairs connected with the cause. In the erection of our new chapel, in 1841, he took a promi. nent and laborious part. The affliction which brought him to the house appointed for all living was of a truly distressing character, but was endured with christian patience and resignation. When in the most extreme agony his language was gratitude and praise for all the dealings of God towards him and his family. He has left in this vale of tears four daughters, three of whom are decidedly pious, and consistent members of the church. Our departed friend was enabled to give up all for Christ, and to cleave to and trust in Him alone as his only and all-sufficient Friend and helper in the time of trial and death. Believing he could rejoice "with joy unspeakable and full of glory." In this happy state of mind our friend was taken, as we have reason to hope, to a better world, in the 63rd year of his age. Also on Feb. 4th, 1853, we lost by death an old disciple and mother in Israel, MRS. HOSMER, the widow of the late Mr. Joseph Hosmer, who was many years a member and useful deacon of the church, and a most decided friend of the New Connexion. Mrs. H. commenced her christian course in the days of her youth, and continued nearly 63 years a consistent and highly esteemed Last April, on her birth-day, aged 27, daughter of T. Rofe, pastor of the church, MRS. HARVEY, of Hawkhurst, the youngest nections, by the strong and relentless hand was snatched from all her earthly conof death. This is a truly painful bereavement. An affectionate husband, with two loss of one so dear, and so much needed in dear little ones, are left behind to feel the this world of danger and sorrow. It pleased the Lord to take dear Anne, the infant, after months. Both are deposited in the General she had been spared to us nearly eight Mrs. H. was improved at the time of the Baptist ground, Smarden. The death of interment, by our highly and deservedly es teemed friend, the Rev. W. Gridgsby of tion, who is at all times ready to render us Staplehurst, of the Independent denomina assistance when needed. Since the above mentioned death we have experienced a most distressing bereavement in the death, by typhus and brain fever, of MR. WILLIAM CHILDREN, a friend and member to whom we were looking for many years of help and usefulness, on account of his favourable age and apparent health and strength; yet in the midst of all that appeared hopeful and promising he was prostrated and torn from his family and the church. Several who needed his help are left to mourn their loss. Such are some of the trials and discouragements by which we are afflicted, and often cast down, yet we still hope in God for his promised help. THOS. ROFE. INTELLIGENCE. LINCOLNSHIRE CONFERENCE.-The Lincolnshire Conference was held at Peterboro'. on Thursday, Dec. 15th, 1853. In the morning the weather was extremely unfavourable, and the congregation being small, an interesting prayermeeting was held instead of the usual preaching service. In the afternoon there was goodly gath ering of ministers and friends, when it was reported that fifteen had been baptized since the last Conference, and that nine remained as candidates. We regret that from an unusual number of the churches no reports were received. The correspondence in reference to the case at Whittlesea having been produced and read, after a lengthened conversation it was resolved, That this Conference, while it feels pained to hear of the recent disturbances at Whittlesea, is glad to receive from Mr. Lee an acknowledgement of the liability of the church to pay their proportion of an existing debt of £100. The next Conference was appointed to be held at March, on March 15th, 1854. Brother Jones of Spalding to preach in the morning. In the evening the attendance was pleasing, and a discourse was delivered on Phil. iii. 8. THOMAS BARRASS, Sec. ANNIVERSARIES. at Northallerton, Brompton, and Romanby, that all our efforts may be employed to remove the debt of Brompton chapel, (which is conveyed in trust for the New Connexion of General Baptists) and that we may be enabled to erect a chapel at Northallerton, and thus be placed in a position to support a minister. We hope the appeal made to our brethren will not be in vain. Any donation, however small, will be thankfully received; and may be sent by a Post Office Order, to our pastor, William Stubbings, Northallerton, Yorkshire. The church would present their grateful thanks to the friends who have contributed, viz., March, Sutton Bonington, and Rothley. Signed on behalf of the church, T. HUNTON, } H. MOORE, Deacons. PORTSEA, Clarence Street.-On Monday evening, Nov. 21st, 1853, the church and congregation connected with the above chapel celebrated the nineteenth anniversary of their respected pastor, the Rev. E. H. Burton, by a tea party, upon which occasion there could not have been less occupied by W. Bilton, Esq.; the business than 500 persons present. The chair was commenced with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Rust. During the evening the following gentlemen addressed the meeting:-The Rev. Messrs. Meadows of Gosport, Isaac of Petersfield, Haslett of Landport, Arnott, Kust, and Mr. Henderson. The warmest expressions of respect and attachment towards Mr. Burton fell from the lips of every speaker, which were most heartily responded to by all present. The Rev. Mr. Burton, in a long speech, expressed his gratitude for the kindness and confi dence displayed by his church and congregation, and very feelingly acknowledged the pleasure he experienced at seeing so BROMPTON.-On Lord's-day, Dec. 11th, 1853, we held our chapel anniversary, when three excellent and impressive sermons were preached by the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, of Staley Bridge; at Brompton in the morning, from Exodus iii. 2, 3, and in the evening from John iii. 16; and at Northallerton in the afternoon, from Zach. vi. 13, "He shall bear the glory." The sermons were replete with deep religious interest and enjoyment, and will be long remem-large an assemblage present upon an oc bered. On Monday, 12th, a social tea meeting was held at Brompton, after which very interesting addresses were delivered by the Revds. J. Sutcliffe, W. Stubbings, J. Harrison, (P.B.,) of Bedale, T. Yeo, and Mr. Dawson, (Indep.) of Northallerton, Mr. S. T. Atty and Mr. Stokell. Of the tea meeting it may be said, that it far exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The origin and progress of the General Baptist church at Northallerton and Brompton, for whose use the above chapel has been erected, was raised by the selfdenying labours of our pastor, Mr. W. Stubbings, who supports himself by a dayschool, and preaches six times a week, casion so personally gratifying to himself. During the evening the choir performed some anthems which reflected great credit upon all concerned, more especially upon the persevering industry and talent of Mr. Wheeler the conductor. It is gratifying to know that a spirit of unity pervades the church. The chapel is always well filled, and on Sunday evenings positively crowded. In the densely populated locality in which it is situated we are happy to learn that the usefulness of Mr. Burton's ministry is rapidly advancing.-Hampshire Indept. LOUGHBOROUGH, Woodgate. Centenary.— On Lord's-Day, Dec. 11, two sermons were delivered in this place, commemorative of |