THE REVEREND

WILLIAM GILL

A SKETCH:
by
ONE OF HIS SONS.

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom the lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." -St. Matt. xxiv. 45, 46. ,

LONDON: WILLIAM HUNT & COMPANY, 23, HOLLES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE; AND ALDINE CHAMBERS, PATERNOSTER ROW..

MANCHESTER : POWLSON AND SONS, PRINTERS, SOUTH KING STREET.

ISLE OF MAN. M. J. BACKWELL, CASTLETOWN.

1871

Born July, 10th, 1797.
Died October, 17th, 1871

TO

Whe best of Mothers,

AND TO HER

THIRTY SURVIVING GRANDCHILDREN.

TO THE READER.

The following pages, which were written hastily in an hour of bereavement, were intended originally mainly for Mr. Gill's grandchildren, as a memorial of one whom they so fondly loved. The writer has, however, consented at the request of friends, to publish his sketch. Pressure of work, and the original design of the undertaking, must be his excuse for the very imperfect character of it, and the occurrence in it of names and events which can have but little interest for the outside world. T.H.G:

Whalley Range Rectory, Manchester,

October 26th, 1871.

"The Country Parson is exceeding exact in his Life, being holy, just, prudent, temperate, bold, grave, in all his ways. "- Herbert.

We had just risen from the tea-table when a telegram was put, into my hand which began thus:-"Father has had a slight attack of apoplexy." The next morning I was on my way to Liverpool; work was pressing at the time, but the call of duty, was clear.In a little while I was on board the Isle of Man Steam packet ; and there I found that the same cable which had been set in motion to call me from the north, had summoned my eldest brother from the south. We met on board the boat on which we had so often crossed and re-crossed the channel before, as boys, as youths, and as men-but never on such an errand as this. O how many and how strange the thoughts that crowded into our minds as we greeted each other that morning! Had the telegraph but hinted at the stern fact of which loving hearts would fain keep us in ignorance as long as possible? Was the old home - the home of our earliest recollections and of all our most sacred associations - to be broken up? Were we to see that fine countenance, that commanding figure, that snowy hair, which we always looked for, and scarcely ever looked for in vain, on the Douglas Pier as the boat steamed gaily into the harbour, were we to see them no more

Thoughts such as these crowded into our minds, and conversation soft and low about the days that were no more, occupied us until we reached what still we fondly call our "Island Home". My father"s servant man, who had served him faithfully for many a year, was there to meet us; and, as we drove the nine miles which yet separated us from the Vicarage, we learned from him all the painful particulars. which we so yearned to hear. How that, as he was engaged on the glebe the morning before, he saw his master going up to the church in his wonted health and vigour, to perform a Marriage. How that, shortly afterwards, the Clerk came running to the church-yard wall to call him in to his master. How that the Vicar had just reached the end of the opening Exhortation when, he suddenly fell back into the chair behind him. How, when the Clerk ran to his assistance he beckoned to him to retire, and, pointing eagerly with his finger to the words of the Service, tried in vain to pursue his work. How his head then sank on his breast, and how they despatched members of the Wedding-party for a brother Clergyman, to finish the ceremony, and for the doctor. How they carried him out in the chair as he sat, with his surplice still round him, into the church-yard. How the lady of one of his parishioners hearing the news, hastened to the spot, and sought to minister to his relief. How the Clerk broke the tidings at the Vicarage, and how they carried the dear old man to his chamber, and how the case was likely to prove more serious than at first they had anticipated. These and other details were related by the honest man with many a sob, and the wiping away of many a tear.

We reached the gate of the old home. It was a clear, calm, October evening, and the brown autumn leaves were falling fast and thick on the avenue. The trees, which he had planted forty years before, were parting with the last signs of life, and going down to their winter grave. Was it so with him who had planted them? We entered the house. The members of the family were all there; children and grandchildren they were moving noiselessly and with bated breath in the hall and on the stairs. But, scarcely heeding them, we made our way to our father"s room. O what a picture was presented to us there! That venerated form which we had long regarded as the embodiment of all that is noble, and manly, and brave, lay low and still before us. The features were peaceful and painless; indeed they seemed ever and anon to light up with a heavenly smile. The breath came heavy and slow. And, bending over him, with one hand clasped in his and the other chafing his dear brow, her silvery hair protruding from beneath her snow white cap, and a shawl gathered round her spare figure, stood one who, for more than half-a-century, had been. his inseparable companion. Together they had trodden the path of life; together they had struggled through many a valley of trial; together surmounted many a hill of difficulty. Their life in the main had been a toilsome one; their means comparatively small; their family large; their home invaded again and again by death. But hand in hand, and heart to heart, they had shared the heat and burden of the day, evermore pursuing their way with undaunted courage and unwavering faith.

And now their earthly companionship was to be severed. That lovely woman-more lovely than ever in her hoar hairs - had soothed the dying bed of father and mother, and sisters and brothers. Though herself the eldest, she had seen all the members of her own large circle go home before her. She had borne with meek resignation the death of the last of them all,* to whom in his early years she had been both a sister and a mother. Of the nine children whom she had brought up herself, she had seen five, all in their prime, borne forth from her home to the old Church yard. She had comforted sons and daughters, as few but she could comfort, on the loss of their partners and little ones. And now the strong arm on which she had:so long leaned, and the wise head by which, under God, she had so long been guided, were helpless and still. Yet not a murmur escaped her lips, not a sigh of impatience nor a word of discontent was heard in the chamber. Calmly had she placed her loved one in the arms of the Saviour, and meekly did she wait His will. Nor had she heavy blow. All her faculties were there. Though now, like her partner, in her 75th year, and though naturally of weak and fragile frame, her eye was as bright, her ear as sharp, her hand as steady, as ever they had been; and night and day she watched by that sick bed as though she had been in the prime of life.

* The Rev. Canon Stowell.

The dear sick one lingered on from Thursday morning until the following Tuesday afternoon. Tenderly and lovingly was he nursed by those who counted it one of the most precious of privileges to be around his couch. And they were all his own. The first-born of his children, the stay of his old age, the only surviving daughter - herself now the mother of a large family was unflagging in her loving care of both the aged ones: whilst her children, in turn, were but waiting to know on what errand they might run, or what they might do for their dear grandparents. And his three surviving sons - all, like himself, engaged in the work of the ministry - and his nephew - who for many years had been regarded as the youngest son in the house - took it in turn night and day to stand by his pillow. Indeed, with the exception of his medical man, not a stranger entered his chamber from first to last. Consciousness was never fully restored. He recognised all our faces, and called us each by name; yet he did not seem to understand how or why we were there, nor that he was lying on a sick bed. Several times, whilst we repeated his favourite hymns, did he take the words out of our mouths and finish the verse. The one commencing-

"Lord may we feel no anxious care
Whether we die or live;"

which my brother began to repeat, he at once took up and recited from beginning to end, laying marked emphasis on the verse-

"Our knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim ;
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all,
And we shall be with Him."

The next day my sister, in repeating Keble"s Evening Hymn, quoted the latter half of the third verse thus-
Abide with me when night is nigh,
For without Thee I cannot die."

Till then we scarcely ventured to hope that he understood her; but immediately he corrected her mistake, and repeated the last line in a loud clear voice, the solemnity and earnestness of which were almost supernatural-
"For without Thee I dare not die"

Gradually this semi-consciousness dwindled away and, at last, he "fell on sleep" in the most calm and peaceful manner conceivable ; and as the smile, which had scarcely left his face during his illness, increased in intensity and beauty with the cessation of the breath, there seemed to fall on the stillness of the chamber of death the sound of a voice from Heaven proclaiming, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord""; whilst the echo of the Spirit made reply, """Even so, for they rest from their labours."

On the following Saturday morning we bore him to the grave. Two of his children had died on a Tuesday, and in each case they were buried, by his desire, on the Saturday after. We felt, therefore, that it would not be in accordance with his own wish were we to delay the funeral over Sunday. It was a fearful morning. The rain came down in an almost unbroken stream, and, no doubt, prevented many from shewing the last mark of respect to the departed. Yet the procession was very great, and "the old Church was filled. No hearse or mourning coach was allowed to be present. We all walked together from the Vicarage to the Church; and, as his parishioners bore him on their shoulders up the hill, again and again had the procession to stand whilst they changed places, everyone desiring to have a share in the coveted task. Two hymns,

"Hear what the voice from Heaven proclaims Of all the faithful dead."

and,

"Thou turnest man, O Lord, to dust." were sung by the way; and as we entered the Church the united choirs of the parish sang, ina soft and most touching manner,

"Tho' often here we"re weary, There is a rest above;"

The Service was read by the Vicar of the adjacent parish, who had been his beloved Curate for fifteen years. His Churchwardens then bore him to the grave, and we committed his body to the ground in sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection through the alone merits of his precious Saviour.

My reader, let me crave your indulgence whilst I seek to set before you a few points in the character of one who was held, not only by me - for as his son I should be unworthy of such father did I not love to dwell upon his worth - but by those who knew him, in the most remarkable esteem. Being dead he yet speaketh, and will long continue to speak, to those who knew him. I would humbly endeavour to send the sound of the voice of his life beyond the circle of these, if, perchance, under the blessing of God, it may fall on the ear and penetrate the heart of some one to whom it may prove a seed for good.

And first, in these days of sensationalism and unrest, of craving after change and novelty, it may not be amiss to refer to his ardent love of home. England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland he certainly had visited; but his Island home was more to him than all these together. Within its narrow bounds he found ample scope for health-seeking and recre- ation. He never tired of its scenery, and seemed ever unable to understand how people could leave it for other localities. He would listen with pleasure to the account of his sons" work, and the description of their churches and their homes in England but, latterly especially, he could not be induced to cross the water to see them. He was rarely to be heard in any other pulpit than his own, and rarely did he sleep a night under other roof than his own. He loved to have his family around him. Some of his grandchildren were always in the house, And it was a sight not to be forgotten to see him, as on special occasions we have seen him, sitting of an evening in the old drawing-room, surrounded by thirty-five or forty children and grandchildren; two or three little ones on his knees, others sitting on the rug at his feet, and others climbing on the back of his chair. His native Island, his Island church, his parish, his family,- in these, and for these, he lived and he died.

Another strong characteristic of the man was his remarkable purity of mind. To those who knew him most intimately, this was one of the most striking features in his character. And, indeed, even by those to whom he was comparatively a stranger, itcould not but have been observed. Few are the men in whose company scandal of an impure kind cannot be, and is not often, repeated. We never knew of anyone venturing to do this in his: nor could we conceive the possibility of anyone taking such a liberty in his presence.

The firmness and decision with which he trained his family, was another striking characteristic. We believe it was written of him in Heaven, as of Abraham in the Word, "I know him that he will command his children and his household after him." He loved his children too well to "spoil" them. They must abide by his convictions, his experience, and the lawof his God. Presumptuous disobedience was almost unknown in his house. His sons felt that to disobey him would be to run their heads against a wall. And thus he ruled; conciliatingly indeed, winning confidence by constancy and consistency; but always firmly. Thus he ruled, in conjunction with an equally wise Mother, to the real happiness and welfare of his household. Strict, too strict, we were often tempted to think him and her; but there is not one of their large family who, now that we are able to appreciate their acts and ways, does not, in the recollection of them call their parents "blessed"-not one who does not thank God for the firmness and decision with which we were made to flee the evil and pursue the good. But the blessedness of parental training is so great a matter in our view, that we would fain write a book about it; we feel that we have entered on holy ground, and we must retreat.

And as he was'a rigid disciplinarian in respect of others, so especzally was he with himself. The advice of St. Paul to Timothy seemed ever to be sounding in his ear "" Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." The very last Saturday before the fatal attack he left home in a torrent of rain to make some visits. One of his principal parishioners meeting him said, "well, Mr. Gill, if there be a bad day you are suré to be out." "Oh, Mr.--," he replied, "we must harden ourselves." " Indeed sir," answered his friend, "if you are not hardened, I don"t know what the word means." "To self-indulgence he was almost an entire stranger. His fare was of the simplest kind. Even in his old age he could not be persuaded to sit in a lounging chair. If he drove to a house, or a meeting, at a distance, he would alight and walk up every little hill he came to. But he rarely did drive; with his two horses in the stable, and his man at hand, he would thank God for his legs, and set off for a six or ten miles ramble amongst his parishioners. I well remember one dark winter's night in 1862, when I was his curate, attending a missionary meeting with him some seven miles, over the mountains, from the vicarage. When about to return, he said to the driver, "you had better give your horse plenty of time up this steep hill, and we will walk on until you overtake us." And walk on we did, and no mistake; for, so rapidly did he get over the ground, that we had ascended and descended the hill, and were almost at his own gate before the vehicle overtook us. Nor was this self-discipline the work of his later years alone. One of his few surviving school fellows says, "he was the most diligent and self-denying boy I ever knew." "Yes," says another, an esteemed vicar in the diocese, ""the most severely self-denying." One who knew him intimately as a student of eighteen years of age, says that it was his frequent habit to lay several folio volumes under his back in bed, to prevent his indulging in more sleep than nature absolutely required. With the same object in view he would, night after night, place on the window-sill of a ground-floor room adjoining the street, a piece of money, which the first passer by would inevitably carry off in the morning, if he himself had not previously withdrawn it. For many years, indeed almost his life long, he was a total abstainer. He became such on principle, as an example to others. But his convictions presently went with the usage; and the testimony which he bore on his dying bed to the good of the practice is not a little striking. "Thank you, thank you,"; he said smiling, whilst in a state of semi-consciousness, to some imaginary persons who were pressing upon his acceptance a glass of wine; "thank you, but I have been a bound abstainer for many years, and I have found it a very happy and blessed thing, and I could wish that you were all the same." And so by great simplicity in living, and constant self-denial, he was enabled not only to give largely in his own parish, and to keep almost open house for the poor and for his friends; but to do (and that without ever soliciting help, to the best of my belief, from a single friend) what few, I suppose, have ever done, or will do again, namely, in a living of less than £200 a year to send four of his sons to the Universities, and the fifth to the Bar, besides educating his four daughters; and then, as if this was not enough, to adopt two nephews, rear and educate them from children, and send them out into the world. But I must not omit to remind my readers that in all this he had a partner-one who was always ready to do what in her power lay to increase their scanty income; one who never spared herself in working together with him for their children's welfare, and who, when means were short, hesitated not to draw a cheque, in the simplest but strongest faith, on the Bank of Heaven; and her cheques were never dishonoured,

But it is chiefly as a worker, an untiring, unflinching, indomitable worker, that he stands out before my mind. "Truly," writes one who knew him well, "he is one who rests from his labours, and whose works do follow him. Indeed it seemed to be his meat and drink to do the will of Him who sent him." Finding his glebe, on coming to the parish, a complete bog, he at once drained it; and, on the very spot where before had stood an actual pond of water, he erected a Vicarage House. The difficulty of this last undertaking may be estimated from the fact that towards the necessary £500 the largest private subscription he received was £2. Then the Parish School House was pulled down and rebuilt; another and yet another followed it. Indeed his Schools were his hobby. To use the expression of an honest country parishioner, he was "terrible for the Schools." "The first legacy he ever received, £20, though much needed at the time in his own home, went towards the erection of a School House in a mountainous part of the Parish. "It is a good work," he said, "and must be a good investment." A stock of books and slates and pencils and chalk for his three schools was constantly kept at the Vicarage, and a table in his study was always covered with pictures, and cards, and little books for his Sunday Scholars. When first the system of Government Inspection was introduced into the Island, the masters of all the adjacent parishes came regularly to him to be prepared for the examination which it was required that they should pass. And constantly was he seen entering, or coming out of, his day schools. But his Sunday Schools were the objects of his most tender and constant care. Though more than a mile distant from his house, he was always there, in all weathers, and whatever the state of his health. In the afternoon he started often, on Communion Sundays always, before dinner was ended, and returned to conduct his second Service at the Church with unabated determination, though too frequently worn out in mind and body with his exertions. Nor was his attention to these and other duties regulated (as is too often the case) by results. Through evil report and good report, in times of apparent failure, as well as of success, he was still to be found at his post of duty, leaving results to God.

To quote his own words when one once complained before him of the lack of much visible fruit of the labour expended in the Sunday Schools, "" What have we to do with results? It is ours to sow the seed, and to leave to God to send the harvest in his own good time."

For many years he had no Curate, preferring to do his own work. On his last Sunday he took his two full services without any help, two funerals and a baptism ; went to the Sunday School between Services; and, after tea, walked two miles to Castle- ton to hear his son preach at the Evening Service there-a day"s work which many men in the prime of life would groan under. The very day before he was struck down, he walked four miles in the morn ing to visit some sick folk, and six in the afternoon. In the summer of 1856 his fourth son, the most promising of the whole family, who was at home from Cambridge for his last long-Vacation, left the Vicarage one Tuesday morning to bathe and was brought home a corpse in the afternoon. At first, my father was utterly broken down-we feared the shock had been too much for him, and that he could not survive it. Yet he calmly gave orders that the funeral should take place on Saturday, in order that he might be at his post, and present his Catechumens to the Bishop for Confirmation, on the ensuing Sunday. And even on his death-bed his mind still ran upon his work. He was constantly engaged, in imagination, in visiting, marrying, or burying his people. One night he fancied he had just married a soldier, and in a rich clear voice he said-" And now, soldier, I wish you and your bride, please God, all happiness and every blessing that may be good for you. But remember what one who was wiser than we are once said-"" What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul ; or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Good bye, soldier, good bye." On the Sunday morning, as he lay dozing, the church bells began to ring; he started and, raising himself on his elbow, said to my mother-"" O mother, there are the bells and I am not out of bed!" ""No dear," she replied, "but Tom is here, he willtake the Service for you."That's very nice," he said, "" but it"s no excuse for my staying at home." "Well but, dear father, we have sickness in the house, and you and I had better stay quietly in our own room." "Very well," he replied, "" but all the more need on that account to have Service. Hugh," he added, turning to my brother, ""get me my Surplice." So urgent was he in his request that my brother got a Surplice, and put it round his shoulders as he sat up in bed. He then asked for his spectacles and a hymn-book. It was too great a trial, however, to read. He handed the book, therefore, to my brother and requested him to find a hymn for the opening. My brother commenced the hymn already alluded to- "Lord, may we feel no anxious care."

He took up the words and said-" Let us sing to the praise and glory of God, and all the more earnestly because we are in a chamber of sickness, the 248th hymn." He gave out the words; paused for a moment as if listening for the organ, then said- "And now let us commence the Service by confessing our sins to Him unto whom all our sins and all our infirmities are well known." He had barely begun the Confession, when he sank back exhausted on the pillow and fell asleep. Not long before his illness he had expressed to one of my brothers his wish, if it were God"s will, to die in harness, and to be able to say in the words of Wesley-

"My body with my charge lay down,
And cease at once to work and live."

And so it came to pass. He was carried out of his beloved church with his surplice yet about him carried from his church to his bed, and, within nine days, from his bed to the grave. But, a word more. It has been said that "Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come;" and in the case of this servant of God, the truth of the words was most abundantly exemplified. Truly if it was not "the blefsing of the Lord" that made him and his partner "" zich," I know not what it was. Like the widow"s cruse of oil, their small store multiplied at all times to the satisfying of the wants of all their large family ; nay, it did more: their barrel raz over, and many and many a home did that overflow make glad. I dare not further lift the veil, or I might state facts which my readers would pronounce incredible. And they were blessed too in having the most united of families. Shame would it have been to the children of such parents had it been otherwise. They were trained up as few children are: they had two of the noblest examples ever before them; and God in His mercy inclined them to profit by these things. And so, when loving friends have expressed their sympathy with the honoured couple under some fresh bereavement, I have heard them, with the tears yet on their cheeks, reply " " Thank God, we do not know what trouble is. We can look forward with good hope to rejoin our lost ones: and we should far, far rather see all gone before us than that ome should go astray." They were blessed, too, in those who served in their household. Whata picture of conservatism and fixedness did that house- hold present! "They were both in their seventy-fifth year; they had celebrated their golden wedding-day ; he had been Vicar of his parish for forty-three years; his servant-man had been with him thirty- three years; his maids, the one sixteen, and the other fifteen years; and the very horses in his stable had been his, the one twenty, and the other eighteen, years! It is not too much to say that few of the blessings promised in the 28th chapter of Deuteronomy, to the man who "shall hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord his God, to observe and do all His commandments" were lacking to him and his partner. They were blessed in the house and blessed in the field. Blessed in the fruit of their bodies, and the fruit of their ground, and the fruit of their cattle. Blessed in their basket and in their store. Blessed when they came in, and blessed when they went out. They saw their children like olive branches round about their table: yea, the Lord from out of Zion so blessed them that they saw their children"s children, and peace in all their borders. "Lo thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord."

The following Extracts are from the Local Papers of the Island.

"On Tuesday, October 17th, at the Vicarage, Malew, in his 75th year, the Rev. William Gill, Surrogate, Proctor in Convocation, Diocesan Inspector of Schools, and for 43 years Vicar of Malew."

"DEATH OF THE Rev. William Gill.- Since our last issue the Church and the Isle of Man have been bereaved of a tried and valued friend. On Tuesday last, the 17th October, the venerable Vicar of Malew terminated a life of uncommon usefulness. He died in harness, though in his 75th year, doing the work of his large and important parish. On the Sunday previous to his illness he had preached twice, had been at Sunday School, had officiated at two funerals, and had joined in the evening service at Castletown. On Thursday, the 12th, he was engaged in solemnizing a marriage when he was seized with a slight attack of apoplexy. He was carried home by loving hands, and laid upon his bed where, in the midst of his children, many of his grandchildren, and his servants, he departed this life on Tuesday, the 17th. The intervening five days were marked by great tranquility and peace on the part of the patient and his family.

Great sympathy and concernment have been felt in all the neighbourhood. All the shops in town and country have been half closed throughout the week.

The parishioners have draped the parish church in mourning and, as one more of the many expressions of affectionate esteem for the departed, we may mention that King William"s College, as a body, principal, masters, and pupils, mean to be present at the funeral, which takes place at Malew, at eleven o"clock this day.

Mr. Gill"s antecedents carry the mind far back in the sacred history of the Church here. He was grandson of the Rev. Henry Corlett, Vicar of Peel who, when a student at Bishop"s Court, closed the eyes of the venerable Bishop Wilson. Then 51 years ago he married Anne, the eldest child of Hugh Stowell, the apostle of the Church of Sodor and Man, and father of the late Canon Stowell, of Manchester. Forty-three years ago Mr. Gill was presented by the Crown to the Vicarage of Malew, being the first appointment by the Crown after the purchase of the Church patronage from the Duke of Atholl.

Mr. Gill filled for many years, with much efficiency, the office of Diocesan Inspector of Schools, and he has been twice elected Proctor for the Diocese in the Convocation of York. This latter office speaks the confiidence of the clergy in him. He was, indeed, in the days of his vigour, their natural leader; being endowed with singular judgement, moderation, and charity, and having a mind well-cultivated by severe study, reading, and thought. Mr. Gill was a much valued member of the Manx Society for illustrating the history and antiquities of the Isle of Man, and was editor of the Grammar and Dictionaries of the Manx language brought out by the Society ;-works upon which he brought to bear much conscientious labour and thought, and in which he showed great skill as an etymologist. Mr. Gill was also translator of the Acts passed by the Insular legislature; and in this, as well as in every other capacity, he will be greatly missed. He rests from his labours."-Manx Sun.

"In his daily visits to the poor of his parish he was unremitting. Throughout his whole life he hardly knew what sickness was, and was strong and active. During the last forty years in which he has been vicar the number of miles he has walked must have been very great. "There was no idle time spent by him, for, trying. to imitate hig Master at all times, he was ever going about doing good. On the Sunday previous to his attack he preached twice in his own church, and in the evening walked to Castletown to hear his son, the Rev. H. 8. Gill, preach in aid of the Curates" Aid Society, and afterwards walked home. It was rather remarkable that the last sermon he heard was from his own son, and it was noticed as he sat in the seat of his son-in-law, that he looked as well and appeared in as good health as he had done for many years previously." - Isle of Man Times.

"We need hardly say he was well known, but we must say he was beloved not only in his own parish but throughout the whole Island. His removal has been somewhat sudden; but

"It matters not at what hour of the day

The righteous fall asleep; Death eannot come - To him untimely who is fit to die."

As a minister of the gospel his object was simply but faithfully to preach Christ. Intellectually, his abilities were above the average; and in all his transactions he studiously endeavoured to act on enlightened Christian principles,

"Simple, grave, sincere ; In doctrine uncorrupt, in language plain, And plain in manner : decent, solemn, chaste, And natural in gesture; much impressed Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds May feel it too; affectionate in look And tender in address, as well becomes A messenger of grace to guilty man. " - Mona"s Herald,

"The Funeral.- On Saturday the remains of this revered clergyman were interred at his own parish church of Malew. The day was wet - the rain pouring all the morning: yet the Church was filled with mourners, parishioners, and others from distant parts of the Island. The simple grandeur of a Manx funeral was never more beautifully illustrated. Before the bier was raised from the ground at the front door of the Vicarage, part of the hymn " Hear what the voice from Heaven proclaims" was sung by those immediately around, and it was affecting to hear the strains taken up by the ranks of men all down the carriage drive, until the air was filled with the sweet soft music breathing peace from Heaven. "The coffin, which was of oak, had no pall, the deceased having had a dislike to this symbol of death. Then the bier, being raised, was borne by the parishioners; and the holy song was continued as in solemn procession they neared the Church. It was followed by ""O God, our help in ages past," sung grandly to Old Windsor. At the gates the funeral was met by the Rev. Gilmour Harvey, vicar of Santon, who for fifteen years had been curate to the deceased, and by other clergymen. The Churchwardens then took the bier on their own shoulders, and bore it into the Church. On entering the Church the soft full strains of "There is sweet rest in Heaven" caught the ear, coming from a body of mourners on the gallery, and the body being laid in the chancel, the service was proceeded with; after which, and whilst the procession was proceeding to the grave, the "Dead March" in Saul was softly and beautifully performed on the organ."- Manx Sun.

"The Funeral.-On Saturday the remains of Mr. Gill were consigned to their resting place in Malew Church- yard, and though the weather was very unfavourable, a large number of persons, both from the parish and from a distance, attended the funeral-the procession being made up of about thirty carriages and three hundred pedestrians. Almost the whole of the tradesmen of Castletown attended, for no person was ever held in higher esteem or respected more by them than was the late vicar. Had the morning been favourable there would have been a much larger attendance. There was no display - everything being conducted in the most solemn manner. About twenty minutes past eleven the remains were brought out of the Vicarage, a suitable hymn was sung, and the body was carried to the Church. There was a solemnity in everything around, even the weeping clouds and the moaning wind, even the leaves which lately bloomed in splendid green, and decked the landscape in all the rich splendour of their foliage, lay prostrate and withered in the pathway (fit emblem of the departed), and proclaimed unmistakeably that death was present, and that there is nothing here lasting and abiding.

The principal mourners were the deceased's three sons - the Rev. W. Gill, Rector of Hertingfordbury, Rev. H. S. Gill, Vicar of Rushen, and the Rev. T. H. Gill, Rector of Whalley Range; his son-in-law, the Attorney-General, and his three sons; the son of the Vicar of Rushen; Capt. Gill; J. F. Gill, advocate; Mr. W. Gell, and Rev. John Stowell, of Peel. Amongst those present we noticed the Vicar-General, Richard Jebb, Esq., his Honor the Clerk of the Rolls, Rev. W. Drury, Rev. E. Ferrier, Rev. R. Airey, Rev. Dr. Jones, Rev. E. Scott, Rev. W. Heaton, Rev. H. C. Davidson, Rev. H. Sutton, Rev. J. Qualtrough, Rev. J. Corlett, J. M. Jeffcott, H.B., R. J. Moore, H.B., W. B. Stevenson, H.K., and son, W. F. Moore, H.K,, Thos. Moore, H.K., E. M. Gawne, General Farrant, Major Dickson, Captain Brown, F. L. Gelling, H. E. Gelling, Tom Corrin, W. B. Jefferson, W. H. Cudd, Dr. Wise, G. Mc.Hutchin, G. P. Quayle, Mr. Usher, S. L. Jackson, Mr. Garside, G. H. Quayle, advocate, Captain Christopher; also a large number of the young gentlemen of King William"s College, with the masters.

The service was read by the Rev. G. Harvey, Vicar of Santon, in a very impressive manner, and the cheering Service of the Church, which breathes of hope and points to an immortal and resurrection state beyond this passing life, was read over one who had read it many thousand times in his ministerial office. The coffin was borne to a grave in that part of the churchyard where rest the remains of many of his family-many of them having left a name behind them full of sweet recollections and cheering associations. Mr. Gill"s body was consigned to the earth beyond a doubt in the full hope and assurance "of a resurrection to an eternal life, through the merits of his Saviour, Jesus Christ."

Malew will always be identified with his memory, as being the place where he laboured so long and so usefully.

"Who loves not the place where he worshipped his God?
Who loves not the place where his ashes repose ?
Dear even the daisy that blooms on the sod,
For dear is the dust out of which it arose.' " - Mona's Herald.

Amongst the many and valued letters received in the hour of bereavement was one from the Rev. Dr. Dixon, of Rugby, formerly and for many years Principal of King William"s College, in my father"s parish. I cannot refrain from giving the following extract :-

Rugby, October 19th, 1871.
The Church of Man has lost one of her best and most faithful sons; a man of primitive piety and indomitable energy in his Master"s work. We see few such around us who are content with the good old paths, and steadily walk therein. From my first acquaintance with him in 1834, he inspired me with reverence, which I never lost; he had always the appearance and manner and solidity of a father in Israel; and when admitted to his friendship, I ever retained the feeling of a son to a father; a reverence which I was constrained to render even in moments of most familiar intercourse. . His work was done, and well done; he lived to see sons treading in his steps, and profiting by his noble example.

In the many heavy domestic trials through which he passed, I ever admired his calm submission to the Divine will, proving the deep reality of his trust in God his Saviour. He has bequeathed the best inheri- tance to his children and grandchildren, in the long- sustained and consistent example of a godly man and faithful Minister of Christ."

The following is from a letter of the Rev. Canon

Roberts, one of Mr. Gill"s old pupils ;- The Rectory, Richmond, Oct. 25th, 1871.
"My dear Mrs. Gill, It was an unfeigned pleasure to me to have the opportunity of seeing you and Mr. Gillin August, and to find you both, as I then thought, in such good health and spirits. Alas! how little did I suppose that in a few short weeks your pleasant Vicarage would be converted into "the house of mourning," and that my dear friend and tutor, whom I have never ceased to hold in affectionate remembrance, would so soon reach the close of his pilgrimage. The papers of to-day convey to me the sad intelligence that he ie gone from amongst us, and that we shall meet no more on earth. Every removal of a friend reminds one of the saying of Bishop Horne-" Earth is the land of the dying: Heaven is the land of the living" For him we may not weep as those that have no hope; for from his youth upward and through a long life, he had been a faithful servant of God; and, perhaps, his labours of late years had been accomplished in much weakness, and amid growing infirmities. But now life"s long warfare is closed. He has fought a good fight, and finished his course, and has already, yes already, "entered into the joy of his Lord!" Is not the thought heart-cheering, even while your tears are falling fast, and your heart is almost bursting ?

I do grieve for you, my dear Mrs. Gill; for I know your warm-hearted affection even for those who are not so closely connected with you. And I remember that you have been fellow-pilgrims-walking side by side in the wilderness-for more than fifty years. And I think how desolate you will feel, and how sad to leave the home in which so many happy years have been spent. "he Saviour sees your tears; He does not chide them: for He wept at the grave of Lazarus. He knows all you feel; He feels for you, and with you. He sustained you when you lost your honoured father, and your beloved brother, and your darling children. And He will not forsake you now. You shall prove His faithfulness, and love, and tenderness. " Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him."- Nay, as if this were not tender enough, he says-" As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you." Thy Maker is thy Husband; The Lord of Hosts is His name."

Yours most affectionately, R. E. ROBERTS.

Copy from the Minute Book of the Castletown District Clerical Meeting, dated October 25th,

Minute -"The Members of this Meeting desire to record their deep sense of the loss which they, the Parish of Malew, and the whole Manx Church, have sustained in the death of the Rev. William Gill. They wish to bear testimony to the sound judgment which he always evinced in their practical deliberations, and in their discussions on the Word of God; and to the unfailing courtesy which he always manifested towards each one of themselves personally. They cannot but feel that they have lost in him not only a kind friend, but also a venerated elder brother in the Ministry, on whose ex- perienced counsel and advice they could always with confidence rely.

Resolution.- That a copy of this Minute be forwarded to Mrs. Gill, accompanied by an expression of this Meeting"s sincere sympathy and condolence with her and her family in their great sorrow and bereavement."

THE STUDENTS DIARY.

After Mr. Gill"s death a Journal, kept by him in 1817-1818 when nineteen years old, was discovered amongst his private papers. None of his family were, before, aware of its existence: it was written, doubtless, for no eye but his own. It is thought, however, that the publication of a few extracts from it may redound to the glory of his dear Master, and be blessed to the good of his children.

At the commencement of a New Year :-
" One great benefit I have found from keeping a Journal is a deeper acquaintance with my own heart, and an advancement, I trust, of my spiritual interests. Whatever improvement, however, I find in this or other respects, it has been far from keeping pace with my opportunities and obligations ; and, on a review of my Journal I find, on the whole, more cause for sorrow than for self-congratulation. * * * Yet, though I have so ill succeeded in my purposes hitherto, I must not desist, but purpose anew, and more earnestly and perseveringly seek Divine assistance, and use my best endeavours to correct what is wrong and to pre- serve and improve whatever good has been given me."

His plan of work :- "On commencing a new volume of my Journal, it may be well to make a plan of my manner of spending each day, or rather of the manner in which I hope to spend them. I purpose then, but with the help of GOD, in the first place, to be up at latest, at 4 or 5 o'clock. To read the Scriptures in English with a Commentary, and then in Manx. "This to employ two hours, in which besides I may read a hymn or two.-To abridge a sermon or some other practical work, and then, talk over to myself what I have been writing, or make it a soliloquy, or speak on whatever subject appears best. To study Huclid, or Logic, or Mathematics, for an hour.-Then till dinner to read some useful English Author, or occasionally compose.-To spend the after- noon in studying Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, two of them a day, so that I may learn four lessons a week in each.-After tea to write in my Journal, or to acquire a style by some good model, or in continuation of my morning"s subject: this for an hour.-T'o read English till about 9 o"clock-and to finish the business of the day with reading a chapter in the Greek Testament, and a hymn.-This, with suitable allowances for relax- ation, devotion, etc., I heartily desire to make my ordinary method of spending each week-day. And the Sabbath must be consecrated to religious employments exclusively.-O merciful GOD and Heavenly Father, without whom my best purpeses and endeavours are ineffectual, be Thou the Guide and Strength of Thy helpless and unworthy creature. Let Thy blessing accompany my labours, and render them subservient to my present and eternal good.-Lead me in a right path, enlighten my mind with saving truth, and invigorate me in the discharge of every part of my duty. Give me a single eye in all my undertakings. May Thy glory be ever my object, and the welfare of im- mortal souls be always dear to my heart. O vouchsafe me whatever Thy wisdom sees will best prepare me for advancing these great ends; and grant me every quali- fication necessary for my becoming a faithful Minister of Thy Son"s Gospel, and a useful and approved labourer in His vineyard; for His dear sake, through whom alone I look for every mercy. Amen. Amen."

On receiving a book from a friend :- "These words were written by herself on the title-page,

"A token of Christian regard from M. A. Stowell* to William Gill." I am at a loss to conceive how this amiable Christian has become acquainted with my name, or what reasons have inclined her to think so favourably of me as to send me such a mark of regard. Ah, if they knew me fully and saw into my heart, those inestimable, condescending, Friends would have a widely different opinion of me, and treat me with merited neglect! "

* Aunt of the late Canon Stowell.

A visit to Ballaugh Rectory :- "Saturday, 15th.-The day is comé at last when we shall pay a happy and long-expected visit. Have been pre- paring some papers, &c., most of the morning to take with me. I commend myself to the Father of mercies and solicit his Spirit to dispose me to benefit by the advantages I shall enjoy, and to enlighten and direct my thoughts, and put suitable words into my mouth. I pray that the grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST may be with me, and with the beloved Friends I am going to meet, that we may contribute mutually to each other"s satisfaction, and be made happy instru- ments in forwarding each other"s eternal welfare. Thursday, 20th-We reached Mr. Stowell"s about six o"clock after rather an unpleasant walk from the hardness of the roads and the asperity of the weather. Mr. Stowell was so good as to sit with us a while in the parlour, tho" it is his regular custom to shut himself up in his Study every Saturday. * %

He told me he had got a letter to-day from Mr. Hill+ - who desired to be remembered to me. Oh! that I were more deserving such notice! We had a very good sermon on Sunday on "Looking unto Jesus," but I heard it with little profit, 1 fear. In the Evening after singing and reading the Scriptures (an invariable prac- tice on Sunday evenings) Mr. Stowell read the two last chapters of Bishop Wilson"s Life, as Samuel had expressed a wish to hear some of it. He has already completed the work with some trifling exceptions. * * Tuesday being Pancake day we anticipated much innocent merriment in the evening. Nor were we dis- appointed. The old custom of the ring and sixpence was not forgotten, nor did it fail to excite much pleasantry among us. We were in high spirits, and did not break up till past nine, when Samuel and I went part of the way home with J.C. When we came back, the children had gone to bed and family prayers were over. I fear Mr. S. was not pleased. I was a good deal uneasy in my mind, and felt that all things had not been "done in order." In the morning we were not up till light, as we were later than usual over night. The family commonly go to bed at 9, and rise at 4 or 5.

+The late Rev. Mr. Hill, of Liverpool,

Gratitude for home blessings :- "What a blessing that I have such a dear home to receive me! What a distinguishing privilege that I have such invaluable friends to assist me! How very highly \ am I favoured in having abundantly all that is neces- . sary to my present and eternal good! O thou Father of mercies give me a grateful, loving, devoted heart Give me a fgeling knowledge of my privileges, my unworthiness, and Thy goodness. Clothe me with humility. Hndue me with zeal. Make me faithful to the trust reposed in me. Give me erace to walk worthy of my high calling, and to adorn the doctrine of God my Saviourinallthings. In the Saviour"s name I humbly ask it."

Humble longing after God :- "Wednesday, February 26th.-As it is Lent we have Service every Wednesday and Friday. Though I would not lose an opportunity of waiting on God in the courts of His House, I find such languor of heart and wandering of thought that I fear I do not get much good there. My private devotions are performed with greater earnestness and affection, but how far, alas, am I from performing any duty with that zeal and pleasure that should actuate me. My warmest feelings of love and clearest views of faith are very superficial. I am a mere novice, or rather stranger, in Divine things. [ wish, I long, for a steady abiding principle of grace within me: for Christ formed in me the hope of Glory. Oh! when shall I be wholly sur- rendered to God? When shall His service be my great delight, and His will my sole law? Oh! that I were wholly my Saviour"s, and that my life were hid with bim in God. This is the desire of my heart, the burden of my prayers. Would that it were the uniform endeavour of my life. But having no power of myself to help myself, I will repose upon Him who hath all power in heaven and on earth, who hath said- I willnever leave thee nor forsake thee." Jesus will save to to the uttermost all that trust in Him. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly and take me, all unworthy as I am, washed in Thy blood, for Thine own property."

Fondness of books :- " How obliging are all my friends. I find them for the most part as ready to lend me books (and a greater kindness they could hardly show me) as I am to askfor them. I have now access to three of the best Commentaries extant."

Opinion of the Rev. Robert Brown, late Vicar of Braddan, and father of the Rev. Hugh Stowell Brown of Liverpool :-

" Had the happiness of hearing Mr. Robert Brown preach. He came from Douglas to Kirkpatrick to preach Mrs. P. Moore"s funeral sermon. It was a wet morning. However I would willingly go a greater distance in worse weather to hear such a discourse. It was evidently not learned by heart. The plan only had been digested, and the wording left to the inspiration of the moment; and yet in my judgment it was eloquent. The language was natural and easy, the method ingenious and instructive, and the doctrine the most evangelical and useful I have ever heard. The unaffected piety and earnest address of the preacher gave a forcible effect to his subject; and many, of whom I trust I was one, came away better for his labour. After Service, I had the pleasure of shaking hands with this faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

Three times a day :- "* * Read a little in Good Bishop Wilson, and, after family prayers retired. My mid-day and evening devotions were performed with more earnestness, and in the evening with more copiousness, than ordinary. Enlarged in intercessions for relatives and for the dear friends I have been reminded of to-day, and for the advancement of Christ"s Kingdom on earth."

Studies :- "Mr. Stowell * wishes to know my presentcourse of studies. He strongly recommends the Hebrew, and exhorts to the study of the Scriptures, kindly offering any assist- ance in his power in my pursuits. How condescending and endeared is the regard which this servant of Christ shews to a most undeserving object. Oh! may it be my care to evince my gratitude by my cheerful ob- servance of his directions, and vigorous improvement of my privileges. * * * May all my pursuits have an immediate tendency to the great and glorious object I have in view, and be crowned with the Divine blessing; and may myself and all my talents and attainments be consecrated to the service of my Master who is in Heaven!"

* The Rev. Hugh Stowell, senr.

His Maiden Speech, at a Missionary Meeting at Ballaugh :-

"Before the meeting, Mr. Stowell asked me, as we were alone on the road, if I had a speech prepared, and said it would give him pleasure if I would deliver one. Tho" I had one ready I was very diffident to make my first appearance in public speaking. I ventured to say, however, that I was prepared. Mr. Stowell spoke at great length, and with more animation than I had ever seen in him before. There was a general and deep: impression produced. At the conclusion he called on me. I was perfectly collected when I began, and retained my self-possession through the whole. In the middle I made a slip, which gave me much pain after- wards. I had neglected to take my notes in my hand, and was obliged to make a pause of, I believe, more than half a minute, between two clauses of a sentence. I would not venture on a new thought lest I should be drawn from my line. My presence of mind was still entire. I took the slip of paper from my pocket, and recovered myself. I would see the kind hand of God in this. He would not suffer me to be utterly cast down; yet would teach me a very needful lesson of humility. I wish to improve it. When I had done the chairman * resumed his discourse with such a flow of eloquence and persuasion as drew the loudest applause from the company, and, what was a thousand times better test, filled many eyes with tears. What he now said was evidently without premeditation, yet it was with the greatest fluency and ease. I never till now justly appreciated his abilities as an orator. e a When the meeting broke up I received many compli- ments, but they stung me to the heart. Never were words so paining before, for now recollection filled me with confusion, and I could hardly converse with any freedom."

* The Rev. Hugh Stowell, senr.

The first Sunday School :- "Sunday, 22nd June.-I advert with much pleasure to the establishment of an excellent institution among us.

A Sunday School was opened to-day in the Church. We had a very encouraging beginning. No less than 50 children came. I have been honoured with a class of choice boys, and spent two hours in the morning, and one in the afternoon, in instructing them. * * May our humble attempts be directed by a single eye, and meet with the Divine acceptance and blessing."

Birthday reflections :-- Wednesday, July 30th-Another year has rolled away: and my natal day once more appears. Full twenty years have now expired since I came into being; and twenty thousand, yea thousands of thousands of choicest blessings have marked the course of my life. I have deserved nothing but punishment: I have experienced nothing but mercy. "The Lord is merciful to the most unworthy. He has dealt bountifully with me. To Him I owe my creation, preservation, and all the mercies of this life; and above ail lam blessed with some sense of His inestimable love in the Redemption of the World by our Lord Jesus Christ. Adored for ever be His glorious name for these mercies, and par- ticularly for the last. I desire to record it to His glory that He has brought me to see and taste how good He is. He has given me, this day, to enjoy more of His love than I have hitherto known. I have been able to pour out my soul in joyful thanksgiving at His foot- stool, and to enter into sweet communion with the Father of my Spirit."

Commencement and conclusion of the day :- Having dressed, and performed my morning devotions with more fluency, I fear, than true feeling, went out and bathed. * * * Breakfasted and returned to my closet; read a portion of Scripture, having first asked the Divine teaching; and a few verses in the Hebrew Bible. * * * After tea retired to prayer, and was grieved at the hardness of my heart. Alas! I advance very slowly in the Divine life; but I bless God that I am, by His grace, what I am. Took a solitary walk along the shore and made soliloquies. Read two chapters in the Greek Testament; then retired to rest."

After being thrown out of a Carriage :- "We all came to the ground on our feet and, thank God, without hurt. After this disaster I did not leave them until I had seen them in safety through all the glens. I returned by moonlight with the pleasing consideration that I had been of some service to persons I loved ; and I knelt by the wayside and prayed for a blessing on my dear friends and on myself, and came home with strong purposes of devoting myself to God."

His idea of a Sermon :- "Sunday, 28th September-Rose at five, and passed the time till the hour of Service in reading and conversation. The text of the morning Sermon was- Thou, God, seest me." I fear it did not much impress my heart. There was not (if I may humbly venture an opinion) sufficient of that sweet strain in it, without which a Sermon cannot be efficacious-the strain of a Saviour"s love. This is, of all arguments, the most powerful to deter from evil and incite to good."

On another occasion :- It was a laboured and excellent discourse, but its best praise is, it was exceedingly useful.

Home life at Ballaugh Rectory :- Saturday, January 8rd, 1818-On Christmas Eve, Kate * came to town, chiefly to invite Samuel and me to visit the North. Accordingly we went on St. Stephen"s day, and met with our usual warm reception. Hugh* had gone to Douglas in the morning to get Mr. Brown over to preach on Sunday. They came on Saturday, and then, indeed, we had the choicest society. I never remember being more charmed with company or conversation. Surely the most delightful part of social life is that which is spent with friends of genuine piety and cultivated understanding. In the evening Mr. Brown retired to prepare his Sermon, and Mr. S. and Samuel and I took a turn in the garden. On Sunday we rose at the first dawn, and as I walked in the garden, Mr. S. joined me, and soon after Mr. B. After family prayers we spent the time in reading and conversation till the bell rang. Mr. S. read the Service, and Mr. B. preached. * * *After Evening Service the time was chiefly spent in discourse and singing which Mr. B. and Samuel assisted with the flute. * * * On "Tuesday morning Mr. B. left, and Hugh went with him as his driver. * * * In the evening, it being New Year's Day, we had a numerous company to tea. After tea some of the young folk proposed blind man"s buff, and succeeded in getting all the company on the floor except Mr. S. His presence preserved due decorum without imposing too much restraint. After this we all sat down, and Thomas read aloud an appeal in favour of the Society for Christianising the Jews, which he had brought from Douglas with authority to collect what sums he could. The ladies, however, had left their pockets at home, and could only make promises."

* An old Servant of Mr. Stowell"s.

* The late Canon stowell.

A few days after: -

Was invited to tea at Mr.--'s, Am ashamed to think so little of the kindness of my friends, but must say I was uncomfortable there. Our views of happiness are different. Their tempers and conversations are not suited to my taste. O how different from the dear family of which I was lately the guest!

Sickness :-

""Saturday. 24th.-These two days I have been very unwell. Yesterday was obliged to spend the day in bed, and was taught this useful lesson, that a time of sickness is not a time for setting about Religion. I wished to raise my soul in prayer, but could hardly form a praying thought. My pains were enough for me to contend with; and I thought how important is the season of health for the work we have to do-the work of Eternity ! "

Plan of work :-

January 7th.-The following is a plan of study for the ensuing year. "Till Seven each morning to study the Scriptures, with the help of Commentators. And in the evening from six to nine to read History, Biography, &c. ; to half-past Nine some practical book. The intermediate hours, with allowance for refection, to be devoted to,-Mon.-Greek and Roman Authors. Tues. & Wed. Logic and Speculative Theology. Thurs.-Hebrew and Composition. Fri.-Metaphysics and Natural Philosophy. Sat.-Oratory and Composition."

Looking forward to Ordination :-

"Afterwards read the two Offices of Ordination, Thank God I hope I shall be able through his grace to comply with their requisitions, and be found faithful to the glorious and solemn trust which I earnestly desire to have committed to me. Thou Great Lord of the Harvest vouchsafe to send me forth to Thy work endued with wisdom and power from on high. Be Thou surety to Thy servant for good, and through so feeble an in- strument manifest Thy power te save, by bringing many out of darkness into light and from the power: of Satan unto God!" The last first and the first last :-

""We collected for the Society about 14s., the poorest contributing most. While Lieut. -- declined, and Captain gave a Shilling against his will and with many oaths, Jack Hodgson with promptitude gave 2s., and Bill Kewin 2s. 6d."

The late Dr. W.H. Stowell* Principal of Cheshunt :-

After him a numerous succession of speakers addressed the meeting. William Stowell then rose, and was received with loud and almost incessant applause; and if applause be allowable on such occasions (which I much question) he deserved it all. So much talent and address was perhaps never before exhibited on Manx Ground by one of his years." +

*Nephew of Rev. H. Stowell, senr. +He was then eighteen.

The Voyage of Life :-

""Tuesday, 22nd Septr., 1818.-At 3 o'clock in the morning, bade farewell to Liverpool and my friends, and embarked on board an open boat for Peel. The wind was boisterous and the waves ran very high. I was often under considerable alarm, but took courage at seeing the sailors undismayed. On the broad sea, no land in view, I thought I had a picture of human life., The dreary waste resembled the wilderness of this world, where our only object and business is to reach in safety the Haven of Eternal repose; our only safe guide the compass of the Word of God; and our only energy derived from the breath of His Spirit. The shore to which we are bending our course is far beyond the reach of sense, and apprehended only by faith. We are assured there is a Heavenly country; and if we hold fast our confidence, and urge forward our course without wavering, it will shortly open on our longing eyes, and faith will be lost in sight.- Landed on Peel beach at 10 o"clock at night in perfect safety, thanks to the Gracious Preserver of men."

The following is an extract of a Sermon preached by Mr. Gill, on the 13th Feby, 1859, on the death of Mr. Corrin, Vicar of Rushen, one of his oldest and most tried friends. . Mr. Corrin died in harness, at aripe old age like Mr Gill and I give the extract because of its singular appropriateness to the writer of it :-

"St. Mtt. 24: 45, 46.-Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

"* * * It was not a remnant of his time that he devoted to the active service of his Master. From the commencement of his ministry even to its close, he was a diligent and laborious servant, "instant in season and out of season," in the Church, and from house to house. Increasing years indeed brought with them but increasing fruitfulness; and in declining health he was "in labours more abundant. Yet what was his estimate of himself? Did he rely on this preparation as meritorious in the sight of God? Ohno. He was conscious of his own utter wnworthiness. He well knew that in himself he was nothing, and that whatever good was in him was of the grace of God; that if he was enabled to do anything for his Master, it was God"s grace that wrought all his works in him; and that he was, on that very account, so much the more, to grace a debtor. He knew that he owed much, because he had much forgiven; and that he could never do enough for that Master, who had done so much for him. After all his services, too, he felt and owned that he was an unprofitable servant, and he looked for the recompense of the reward simply to the mercy of God in Christ. The sudden call to our departed friend was, no doubt, in mercy. He was ready, because up to the last moment of conscious existence he was "so doing." Grace was in lively operation in him. God saw that he needed not a deathbed repentance ; and, in mercy to his faithful servant, he spared him the painful days and wearisome nights which are so necessary and so desirable in the case of most of us. . He was ready ; and it was in love and mercy to him and those about him that he was taken suddenly away. * S S And ob, what words can describe the blessedness of " the servant whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing?" "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," it will be said, "thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!" May it be the blessed lot of each of us, when our turn comes, to receive this commendation of our Lord, and be admitted into His JOY:

Mr, Gill"s last words from the Pulpit.

On Sunday Morning, October the 8th, he preached very earnestly from the words- Why will we die O House of Israel?" In the Afternoon, his subject was the Raising of the Widow"s Son: he concluded with the following words-the last of his long ministry :-

"To Him let us devoutly pray-for that awakening, that quickening Spirit, which alone can enable us to obey His call and to perform His bidding, and, when we have served Him in our generation, and have fallen asleep in Him, to arise with joy at the last day; in humble reliance on His merits who Himself died, and was buried, and rose again."