WESLEYAN-METHODIST MAGAZINE.

NOVEMBER, 1871.

MEMOIR OF MR. JOHN HOLBROOK,

OF MILFORD, DERBYSHIRE:

BY THE REV. JOSEPH B. BLANCH.

JOHN HOLBROOK was born at Amber, near Alfreton, Derbyshire, on March 8th, 1815. When he was but a few years old the family removed to Milford, in the same county; and in that picturesque and beautifully-situated little village the subject of this sketch passed the rest of his life. His father, although not himself a member of any Christian community, took care that his children should attend the house of God on the Sabbath-day, and in this way John was early brought under religious impressions. But for this wise parental decision, how different might his course have been from what it was! A sermon preached by the late Rev. Benjamin Gregory was the means of first awakening in him, whilst yet a youth, a desire to flee from the wrath to come." It was probably at this time that he began to meet in class; but he does not appear to have experienced a real change of heart, and after a while, "having no root" in himself, he fell away. His fondness for music was a snare to him, as it has been to not a few. He became one of a band of musicians; and although there is no proof that he was led by his association with it into open vice, we know from his own testimony that he was without Christ, that in the midst of business and pleasure alike he felt "an aching void" within his soul. He was not left, however, without the strivings of the Holy Spirit. He used, in after life, to refer particularly to a certain calm Sabbath evening, during this period of sinful wandering from the paths of peace, as a time when his heart was specially affected. Upon this evening, while he was watching the people of God as they were wending their way to their respective sanctuaries, the contrast between their condition and his own, between their seeming happiness and his own wretchedness, was powerfully brought home to his mind and heart. At last he resolved he would begin once more diligently to seek salvation.

One of the first steps he took, upon this determination, was to

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connect himself with the Church of Christ by going again to the class-meeting. This appears to have been his spontaneous act. No one in the class expected him on that memorable Monday night, but joyfully was his presence marked, and warmly was he welcomed. The advice then given him was most suitable; the leader, a workman who did not daub with untempered mortar, did not send him away with a false peace. He knew that repentance must precede a saving faith in Christ; that there must be a deep conviction of depravity and guilt before the soul can make a true application to itself of the merits of the Redeemer's death; that the malignity of the disease must be keenly felt before the Physician will be applied to with that earnestness which will obtain an effectual cure. The inquirer was urged to pray that the Lord would bless him with true repentance. The advice was acted on; and the Prince who is exalted to "give repentance unto Israel" heard and answered the cry of the suppliant. His heart was softened; a deep sense of his lost condition took hold upon him, and he became firmly resolved never to rest till he found "redemption through the blood" of Jesus Christ, "even the forgiveness of sins." Nor did the Divine mercy fail him. It was after attending a prayer-meeting at five o'clock in the morning, that in his own house he found the "pearl of great price." While in faith he rested upon the atonement, "the Spirit itself" bore witness with his spirit that he was a child of God. All his after days of useful. ness had their starting-point here: his course henceforth was as "the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

The love of Christ now constrained John Holbrook, as it ever does all truly converted souls, to seek to bring others into the Redeemer's fold. His conduct in trying to do this is well worthy of imitation. His was no half-hearted service; his labour was his delight, and his efforts were such as often astonished many who were in Christ before him. One of the Christian works in which he now heartily engaged was that of visiting the sick. There is no duty perhaps which, to those who prayerfully and cheerfully perform it, is more fraught with blessing than this. Is it not, indeed, essential, when circumstances admit of it, to the believer's progress? In any man "pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, to keep himself unspotted from the world." To our ́late friend the chamber of affliction and poverty was often a hallowed spot, a place where his ministrations were greatly blessed both to himself and others. With such cheerful zeal did he engage in this good work, that he has been known to remain on his knees for a whole hour by the bedside of a suffering one, and this before

he had been two years a member of the Church. But this was only one of many ways in which his Christian devotedness was exhibited. In the year 1839 his name appears upon the Belper Circuit Plan as a fully accredited local preacher. Most diligently did he labour in performing the duties of his new and important office; and although his talent for preaching was not of a high order, a holy unction often attended the words of truth as they fell from his lips.

His engagement in the work just named did not check his zeal in other and minor matters affecting the progress of the Redeemer's kingdom. On discovering that for some time no attempt had been made in the neighbourhood to benefit the people by the circulation of religious tracts, he at once established a Tract Society, and perseveringly carried it on, the entire cost being for years borne by himself. The Sunday-school was also a sphere where his labours were both acceptable and successful.

But perhaps in no department of Christian work were his efforts so much blessed as in pointing penitents to "the Lamb of God," and in directing and encouraging young disciples. In the responsible office of a leader he approved himself a faithful man, being ever careful and firm in the maintenance of a godly discipline, and watching over the souls of those committed to his oversight as one who had to give an account of his stewardship. It is not surprising that he was so greatly beloved by all the members of his classes; for they were all, and especially the younger ones, the subjects of his loving prayerful solicitude and unwearied care. His labour was not in vain. The writer of this memoir still numbers among his most pleasant memories the clear and satisfactory testimony which, several years ago, was modestly given in his hearing by a large number of these youthful disciples as to their individual enjoyment of religion, their realization of peace with God.

John Holbrook did not forget the apostolic maxim, "not slothful in business." He engaged in his secular duties with his characteristic ardour and perseverance. Most conscientiously and diligently did he use his time and his talents," with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord;" and consequently, enjoying the esteem and confidence of his employers, he slowly but surely rose both in salary and position.

His piety was conspicuous at home. No doubt he had infirmities and short-comings, which those who were closely associated with him could not fail to notice; and yet, on the other hand, to none more than to those who had the best opportunities of observing him did his deep consistent piety manifest itself. Naturally kindhearted, he was true in his domestic and family attachments.