JOSEPH FLETCHER, ESQ.

Died, on Monday, Nov. 1st, at his residence, Lordship Lodge, Lordship Lane, Tottenham, Joseph Fletcher, Esq, seventeen years the efficient Treasurer of the Baptist Building Fund.

In early life Mr. Fletcher joined the church in Little Prescot Street, of which his parents had long been members. After some years, removing to Tottenham, he took an active part in the formation of a baptist church in that large village, and in the erection of a spacious chapel, with adjacent buildings. He afterwards erected a noble place of worship at Hastings, and for many years contributed largely to the support of ministers who successively occupied it. At Horsell in Surrey also, a baptist church was formed principally by his exertions, which he has ever since continued to assist. To many of our public institutions he subscribed liberally; and he delighted in taking up cases which

did not meet with the support which he thought they deserved from others. It was principally to his determination and munifitriumph over the opposition which he had cence that Mr. Phillippo was indebted for his to sustain many years in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

Independence, promptitude, and decision, were conspicuous features in Mr. Fletcher's character. Whatever he did he did with his whole heart, and he seldom, if ever, retired from an enterprise in which he had engaged. To his principles he was always firm; and his opinions of men and measures when once formed were not easily altered. Upright and frank himself, he set a high value on transparency of character in others. Opposition to his plans he could bear, when he believed it to be honest; but if he detected, or thought that he detected, any thing like clever manœuvring, his confidence in the individual was lost irretrievably. The writer of this notice, having had much intercourse with him during the last few years, often felt himself bound to express his dissent from Mr. Fletcher's views of public men, and public business; but he never had reason to think that this displeased him. He was rigid in his adherence to general rules, and in his requirement from others of what he thought justice demanded; but this was com ined with great tenderness of spirit, and princely generosity.

An incident illustrative of his large heartedness occurred in the last week of his life. On the Monday preceding that on which he died, having learned that a physician of eminence had declared it to be necessary that the eldest surviving son of the editor of should be transferred without delay to a this magazine, who was just coming of age, milder climate, and had recommended a Voyage to the southern hemisphere, Mr. Fletcher wrote immediately some lines expressive of sympathy, offering also a first class passage in a vessel which was about to sail for New Zealand. The following day he wrote again to explain some details and hasten the decision; and on Saturday evening, in answer to a note informing him that the editor and his son had seen the ship, that they would be quite content with the second class accommodations, and that they did not wish to intrude further than that upon his kindness, he replied thus:-"I have arranged with Capt. Neagle that your son is to be provided with a comfortable berth below and a seat at the cuddy table as first class. Excuse my saying that when the comfort of our children, especially the preservation of their health is concerned, things should not be done by halves. You and I shall have no difficulty with the pence."--All who have known Mr. Fletcher intimately will agree that it would not have been possible for him to indite a more characteristic note, had he sat

down with that express purpose, aware that it would be the last he should ever pen.

He was then in his customary health, and the following morning he attended public worship as usual, and was much interested in a discourse which he heard from the Rev. F. Trestrail. His mental and physical energies were apparently unimpaired, though he was in his eighty-fourth year. In the evening he felt poorly, and retired early. In the middle of Monday he suddenly became worse. He perceived that his end was approaching, expressed calmly his confidence in Christ, and prayed earnestly for his family. An attendant saying, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death," he interposed, adding, “I will not fear, for thou art with me." These were his last words: he began to doze, and soon afterwards expired.

THE REV. JOHN MORRIS.

The Rev. John Morris was born at Hybont, Cardiganshire, South Wales, September 11th, 1823. He was early the subject of religious conviction, and was baptized at Talybont, Oct. 22, 1837. He was a useful member of the church there, and took an active part in the sabbath school, and was regular in his attendance on all the means of grace; the friends thinking they perceived in him talents suited for the ministry, encouraged him to exercise in public in his native village and in the neighbourhood. His preaching, even at this early period, was highly acceptable; and after some time application was made for admission to Pontypool College, which in due time proved successful. His conduct at college was such as to secure to him the esteem of his tutors and fellow students. His progress in his studies was satisfactory. He had a native thirst for knowledge, but loved especially the study of theology. At the close of his academic course, he supplied the baptist church at Shipston on Stour, Worcestershire, and received from them a cordial invitation to the pastorate. His ordination took place August 4th, 1846, when Messrs. Thomas Thomas, Pontypool; Cubit of Thrapstone; Tood of Salisbury; Stalker of Blockley, now of Leeds, respectively took part in the services. There he continued to labour, with increased acceptableness, till his heavenly Master called him from his labour to his reward. For more than six months before his death he suffered great and severe bodily affliction, but he endured it all with calmness and resignation. "All," he said, "is well for eternity;"-and turning to his beloved wife, he said, "My dear, I have given you up to the Lord, and you must do the same with me." On Saturday, October 2nd, 1852, he slept in Jesus. His funeral took place on

the following Friday, and Mr. Philpin, Alcester, delivered an appropriate and impressive address on the occasion. He was a young minister, of a sound mind, and deep piety. He loved his flock, and was also loved by them. His end was peace. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

REV. R. H CLARK.

Died, on the 8th of October last, in the 67th year of his age, at his residence, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, the Rev. Robert Howell Clark. The deceased was born at Freltowin, in Cambridgeshire, where he continued during the early period of his life. He had a pious mother who early instilled into his mind the principles of Christianity, and from a very early age he became the subject of deep religious impressions. On arriving at maturity he united himself to and became a member of an independent church. Further investigation led him to believe that baptism by immersion on a profession of faith in Christ was the only faithful interpretation of the teaching of the New Testament, in the divine inspiration of which he was through life a firm and unwavering believer.

Having joined the baptist denomination, he was ordained to the ministry in the year 1824, and settled over the church at Long Buckby, in Northamptonshire, in the pastoral care over which he continued for a period of about eight years. He continued as stated minister severally over the churches at Kingsthorpe, in Northamptonshire, and Leighton Buzzard, in Bedfordshire, up to the time of his removal to Bury, on his acceptance of the appointment of town missionary in 1840.

During the last two or three years he has regularly supplied the pulpits at Felkwell, in Norfolk, and preached to that congregation in his usual health on the 26th of September. Having caught a severe cold on the occasion of his last journey there, he was attacked by severe spasms at the chest on the Thursday following. Medical advice was procured and he shortly obtained relief. He continued apparently recovering, and wrote to his friends at Felkwell on the following Tuesday, informing them that he hoped to be with them on the sabbath. Long before that sabbath had arrived he had breathed his last. The sudden event caused the deepest gloom and sorrow amongst the people. On the Thursday morning he expressed himself as much better, and his medical attendant considered him so far recovered as not to require further attendance.

He had taken a walk in the afternoon and though on his return he expressed himself as "much fatigued," he did not otherwise complain. During the evening he seemed unusually calm and happy. He was observed at times to appear absorbed in thought,

and was heard to ejaculate in a low voice "My blessed Saviour" "My blessed Saviour." Nothing however occurred to cause any apprehension that his end was near, and in reply to inquiries during the night, up to a very short period before his death, expressed himself as 46 no worse," and asked that the light might be put out, thinking it might prevent his sleeping. About five in the morning, while apparently sleeping, he seemed to breathe harder than usual; alarmed at the change his beloved partner and daughters whom she had called to her aid attempted to awaken him. They observed that his bosom heaved two or three times and that he then ceased to breathe. Not a muscle moved, nor was a feature distorted, and thus, while as in the repose of sleep, the vital spark had for ever fled, and the mysterious principle of life had abandoned the henceforth motionless form to decomposition and decay. His remains were committed to their kindred earth in the baptist burial ground on the Wednesday following, and on the sabbath his death was improved by the Rev. C. Elven, from Job xiv. 10, " Man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he "

MRS. LYDIA ROOTHAM.

The subject of this notice was the widow of the late Rev. John Rootham, for thirtyeight years pastor of the first baptist church at Willingham, Cambridgeshire, who entered into rest on the 5th of December, 1827. Mrs. Rootham was called to endure much affliction during the last ten years of her life; she could say most truly," Wearisome nights are appointed to me;" but though severely tried the Lord upheld her.

Surrounded with infirmities, her attendance at the house of God was not regular, though her residence was near; this, to her was a great trial, for she prized the public means of grace most highly, and when her seat was unoccupied her fellow worshippers knew it was because the usual occupant could not be

there.

On the first Lord's day in October, believing that another opportunity of communing with the church at the Lord's table would never be afforded her, she made quite an effort to be present, and succeeded.

For the last few hours of her life she was not able to utter more than a single word at one time. Twice, pointing with her finger and gazing upwards, she said, " Heaven," and once afterwards, placing herself in the same posture she said," Joy!"

These were the last words of this aged disciple of Jesus Christ, who finished her course with joy, in the 78th year of her age, after maintaining an honourable profession for nearly sixty years.

MR. ROBERT BATEMAN.

Mr. Bateman of Little Addington, Northamptonshire, was born at Islip in the same county, June, 1774.

He was brought up in connexion with the established church of which his parents were members, but lived a stranger to evangelical religion until he was eighteen years of age, when it pleased God in the merciful arrangements of his providence, to bring him under the faithful ministry of the gospel. This was blessed to his conversion, and in 1795 he was baptized by the Rev. Reynold Hogg, of Thrapston. Two years later he united with some others in forming the baptist church in that town, was chosen a deacon in 1807, and remained in honourable communion with it until his death, having been a member fifty-four years, a deacon forty-five.

His piety was deep and fervent; his adherence to principle, firm and uncompromising; his attachment to the house and ordinances of God strong and self-denying; and his love to the saints ardent and catholic.

He knew what it was to suffer for righteousness' sake, having some years since been ejected from his farm on the ground of principle, and refused another for which he had negotiated, because he would not conform to the established faith. "But he endured as seeing Him that is invisible."

For some years he resided at a distance of five or six miles from Thrapston, but continued, until a short time before his death,-a regular attendant upon the means of grace."

His consolation abounded during the affliction which preceded his death, and many found it good to visit that sick chamber. His end was emphatically peace. Almost his last words were," Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth.

The last three days previous to the one on which she died, her suffering was very great, but her hope, which never failed, was as an anchor to her soul, sure and stedfast.

MRS. BLAKE, SEN.

Mrs. Blake, a member of the church of Shouldham Street, and mother of the pastor,

vard. No sooner was the family settled at Wakefield than Mrs. Colcroft renewed her exertions with great spirit and energy. She was particularly anxious for the improvement of the sabbath-school. She offered herself as a teacher, and being accepted gave herself once more to her beloved work as an instructor of the young. To show the deep interest that she took in the duties to which she was now called, the writer may state the fact that no less than seven or eight hours were devoted every week, upon an average, to a preparation that she might discharge them in the most efficient manner. It may appear strange how she could find so much time to dovote to this object, especially when it is remembered that the entire management of the house devolved upon her, and every thing relative to the family was kept in the most perfect order. The fact is her heart was in her work, and we can commonly find time to do that in which we really delight. Her aim in these efforts was to bring the children to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus that they might be saved. Her success, however, in these labours was not satisfactory to herself. She often expressed a fear that she had done but little good amongst the young. There was one instance of her usefulness which came to her know ledge some months before her death, that afforded her great satisfaction. A young female lately joined the church at Horsforth, and dated her first serious impressions to the instructions which she received from Mrs. Colcroft, while she was a scholar in her class. This silenced her complaints and gave a fresh impulse to her zeal.

But we must hasten to the closing scene. Her death was sudden and unexpected. It was occasioned by a month's severe suffering from diarrhea and dysentery. All was done to remove the disease that could be accomplished by the best medical skill, devoted affection, and Christian kindness.

But every

effort was unavailing. The complaint had taken too deep a hold of the constitution to be eradicated. After the first week of her illness Mrs. Colcroft began to conclude that she should not recover. This apprehension was much strengthened by the appearance of thrush, and her inability to take any solid food. Shǝ daily grew weaker. Her mind however was perfectly calm, and she was fully resigned to the will of God. She frequently expressed the very solemn feelings which she experienced in the prospect of death and eternity. Often also did she utter this sentiment, viz. that the glories of heaven appeared so great that it

seemed impossible for one so unworthy as she was could ever be permitted to enjoy them. When she was reminded that salvation was entirely by grace, her reply was. "Yes, Jesus came into the world to save sinners, even the chief. This is my hope and trust. Looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

On the last sabbath but one that she spent on earth she had a deep conviction that death was at hand. On the morning of that day she said, "I die looking to Jesus." Then turning to her husband she remarked, "I should not like you to leave me. I could wish some of the members to come and pray with me. They go and pray with others, why should they not come and pray with me ?" This wish was communicated to the people, who no sooner heard it than they flocked to the house in great numbers; anxious to see one whom they all esteemed and loved. The scene that now took place was too affecting to be described. As each member approached the bed on which she lay, she stretched out her hands to take leave of them, giving them the most suitable counsels and advice. Her general admonition was, "Live in peace with each other, and live near to the Lord. Watch and pray. What I say to you I say to all, Watch." Two of the brethren then engaged in prayer, and all retired, humbled and melted by what they had just witnessed. May her dying exhortation be always remembered and obeyed. Her life however was prolonged eight days after this solemn interview had taken place. During this interval hopes were cherished that she might yet recover and be spared. These hopes were all groundless. As the week advanced she sank into a state of weakness and exhaustion for which there was no remedy.

On the Saturday night previous to her death the sickness which had operated so violently at the beginning of her affliction in some degree returned.

This made it evident to all that she could not long survive. Yet she lingered on the borders of eternity till Monday evening, when at half-past eight o'clock she breathed her last and fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, in her fifty-second year.

Fondly as we cherish the memory of the departed, we cannot speak of her as a perfect character. She had her faults. She knew them more fully than others did, and often confessed them with great pain of mind. Yet it is not too much to say of her that she was an excellent wife, a sincere Christian, and a devoted sabbath-school teacher.