Life of Rev. Parkinson Milson, Primitive Methodist minister

Front matter

LIFE OF REV. PARKINSON MILSON.

Works by -Rev. G. SHAW.

Rambles Round Filey. Second edition, 2s.

Chapter II. 1825 — 42

Early Days.

Birth — Place of Nativity — Beautiful Scenery — Education — Church School — Brigg Grammar School — Early Associations — Accompanies his father to Brigg Market — Undesirable Associations — Serious accident, narrow escape — Divine Drawings — Religious Convictions — Dreams — Terrific Thunderstorm — Impressive Scene in Wesleyan Chapel — Hears Rev. E. Dixon preach — Joins the Primitive Methodists, 7-14

Chapter III. 1842—46

From his joining the Church to his leaving Home for the

Ministry.

His first appointment — Work as a Local Preacher — Studies — Private prayer in the East Wood — Reading — Diary — Private band — List of Rules — Employment of Time — Singular retreat for Prayer — Rev. W. Garner — Temptations — Call to the Ministry — Marvellous deliverance from Death — Special Baptism — Letter from Hull— Ceases Work — Leaves home for Hull, ....... 15-23

Chapter IV. 1846—47

His entrance upon the Work of his Life.

Feelings on leaving home— Delightful Journey— Swanland— First Services

Letter home — Beverley — Amusing Anecdote— Mr. M. Denton's

recollections— Doubts respecting his call— Reasons for hesitancy— Goes to Tadcaster— Letter home— Decides to return— Encouraged to persevere— Memorable Event, November 8th— Receives the blessing of Entire Sanctification— Resolves to continue in the work—Watch-night Service — Letters— Memorandum Papers — Collection of Quotations—His First Poem— Visits Ripon Circuit— Letter to Rev. Joel Hodgson— Deep Baptism of the Holy Ghost— Outpouring of the Spirit

—Stationed for Hull, 24- 39

A vi CONTENTS.

Chapter V. 1747—48

Hull West Branch.

Colleagues— Dedication— Recreation— Whale on shore— Father Clowes- Opens his Commissions-Success— Letters— Powerful Baptism- Opposition— Reading— Mill Street — Many saved— Letter home- North Cave — Believers sanctified— Wrestling prayer — Letter to Rev. J. Hodgson— Rev. W. H. Meadows— Mr. Meadows' letter— Barton — Broughton — Quarterly Meeting — Letter to a friend — Conversation with Clowes— Mill Street, Easter Sunday— Great excitement- Stationed to Hull East— Letter— Success 40-55

Chapter VI. 1848 — 49

Hull East Branch.

Mason Street, first sermon — Striking Conversion — Rapid increase of congregations— Letter home — Cottingham — Camp Meeting at Church Street — Watch-Night — Amusing scene — Powerful services — Out-door preaching — Impressive service — The cholera — Letter home — Letter to W. H. Meadows — Church Street Chapel — Extraordinary scenes — Marvellous outpouring — Anecdotes of Clowes — Stationed for Grimsby, 56-68

CHAPTER VII. 1849—50. Grimsby

High hopes — Heavy temptations — Powerful services — Crowded chapels — Cleethorpes — Zealous labours — Extraordinary answer to prayer — Revelations — Singular experience — Wonderful victory — General fast day — A dishonest shop-keeper impressed — Excessive labours — Strange appearances — Severe conflict with Satan — Revival services — Curious incident — Letters — Re-stationed for Grimsby, . . . 69-83

Chapter VIII. 1850—51

Grimsby (continued).

Full day's work — Public meeting prevented in answer to prayer — Preached instead — Many saved — An "auld tune" — Marsh Chapel — Amusing letter — A ride to Louth and back — Inquiring for Satan — An illtempered woman cured — New Year thoughts — Teetotal speech — A week's campaign — Death of Clowes — Funeral — Composes poetical memorial — Napoleon — A curious dream — A grey-headed sinner — Curious experience — Theatrical Bill — A striking conversion — Marriage — Missionary services in Swinefleet Circuit — A walking Lovefeast — Farewell services, ........ 84-97

CONTENTS. Vll

CHAPTER IX. 1851—52. London

Delightful journey — First impression — Sabbath breakers Reproved — Strange congregations — Eclipse of the sun — Marvellous conversions — Rev. H. Mellvill — Dr. Adam Clarke — Sutton Street — Cooper's Gardens — A Latin scholar — A letter to Mr. J. Robinson — Wildfire — Letter to Rev. J. Hodgson — Rev. S. Dunn, . . . 98-110

Chapter X. 1852—53

London (continued ').

An intoxicated hearer — Amusing scenes — Opposition — Entire Sanctification — Scene in the Police Court — Persecution Quelled — Dress — Amusing Letter — Anecdote of Bramwell and Mrs. Flesher — Terrible storm- Conversion of a Sceptic — Open air work — Greenwich — Rev. J. Petty — A big day's work — Rev. J. Greenbury — Blair's Lectures — Conversion of a young man in a cab — Sergeant Rudd — Conversion of Sailors — The old soldier and the Duke of Wellington — Original Anecdote — Great success— Extensive Improvement — Open air labours — Conversion of a minister's son, . 111-127

Chapter XI

Delightful change — 111 of intermittent fever — Miss Buck — Rev. W. Sanderson— Lovely scenery — Conversions — Revival at Ludboro' — Triumphant death of Miss Tomlinson — Epitaphs — Interesting anecdote — The ship Duff — Narrow escape — Ready response — Quaint experiences — Address to the ocean — Grimsby — Death of a backslider — Revival services — Amusing story — Rev. J. Smith — Anecdote of a clergyman — Curious stories — Conversion of a mother and daughter — Temperance meeting anecdote — Wilson's travels in the Holy Land — Scotter Circuit — Pocklington Circuit, 128-138

CHAPTER XII. I854-55- Louth (continued)

Sunday School Anniversaries — Recitations criticised — Refusing a ride — Hull — A village despot— Letter to Rev. C. G. Honor — Death of a drunkard — Visits a dying woman — Life of Clowes — Cleethorpes — Re-opens Sutton Street Chapel, London — Funeral sermon for a servant ' of the Devil — Grimsby, special services — Numerous conversions — A liberal chairman — Visit to Broughton — Missions a village — An old sinner rebuked — A curious letter — Sad death — Unique designation — Anecdotes 139-148

Vlll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIII. Hull

Hearty welcome— Anecdotes of Clowes— Of an officer— Two deathbeds, a contrast— Grimsby— The venerable Thomas King— Revival at Thornton Street— A novel trophy— Revival services at West Street — Letter from Bernard Kenny— Great revival at North Cave— Letter from Mr. M. Denton— A royal personage- -Earl of Yarborough— Anecdote— Dr. Buchanan— A burglary prevented— Answers to prayer — Striking conversions — Curious prediction — Quaint anecdote — Conversion of a man and his wife — Poem " My Heavenly Home," 149-163

Chapter XIV. 1856-57

Hull (continued).

A saint's deathbed — Temptation and victory — Re-opening of Thornton Street Chapel— Anecdote of Rev. W. Lonsdale — Atkinson Smith — Answer to prayer — A delightful Sabbath — Letter home — Conversion of children — Of a poacher — A terrible sermon — A triumphant deathbed described — Loss of the Neva — A strange resolution — A difficult case — Singular advice — Visits a dying woman — Remarkable experience — The Lincolnshire thrasher — Religion, the best economy — Visits a sailor — A dark ride — A curious bet — Swallowing a mouse — Death of "Black David" — A night scene — Death of his eldest child, 164-181

Chapter XV. 1857-58

Brigg.

His native circuit — Extensive labours — Salem's Harp — Services at Grimsby — Failing health — Rest — Hears a curious sermon — Rev. E. Tyas — Spiritual manifestations — Encouraging letter —J. B. Gough — Arduous toils— Cheering success, 182-192

CHAPTER XVI. 1S58-59. Brigg (continued)

A sad death — A drunken father — A farmer's wife converted at tea — An old sinner saved — " Heavenly sense " — Salvation of the aged not to be

discouraged — Housham Revival — Letter to a persecuting Squire

Poem " Bliss for Me" — Story of a hero — More persecution — Principle Triumphant — Journal — Something to learn — Cheering success— Letter to the inhabitants of Broughton — Loss of Health and how to recover it — Fiery trials — Comforts a mourner— Interview with Rev. James Caughey, at Hull, 193-208

CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER XVII. 1859—61. Grimsby

Opening of Victoria Street Chapel — Death of Rev. G. Wood — An amusing mistake corrected — " Sally " — A long ride — A strange encounter — The mule in danger — Happy death — Letter to parents — Swallow Vale — Re-stationed for Grimsby — Diary for a week — Shocking death of a drunkard — Missionary services in Scotter Circuit — Anecdote of Sanderson — Newsome — Dean — Letter from Rev. B. Kenny — Stationed for Epworth — Farewell to Grimsby, .... 209-222

CHAPTER XVIII. 1861—64. Epworth

Rev. T. Ratcliffe and others — Wide circuit — Active labours with pen and tongue — Extensive usefulness — Letter from Glasgow — Letter to his parents — Janey and the gooseberries — Outdoor labours — A ride to Scarbrough on "the mule" — Suggestions to promote a Revival — Success — Missionary Services in Doncaster Circuit — Interesting incidents — Lovely scenery — Deep feeling for souls — Death of a local preacher — Anecdotes — Steven's History of Methodism — Interesting talk with two old men — Preaches at Turbury — A Missionary Meeting broken up by a fire — Anecdotes of a strange character — A queer woman — A sharp lad — Leaves for Selby, . . . 223-237

Chapter XIX. 1864—67

Selby.

Successful Services — Letter from a convert — Hearty Reception — Services in Hull — Ride to Swinefleet — Carlton Towers — Clerical persecution — Letter to a vicar — Rev. Gervase Smith — Visit to Filey— Terrible storm — Visits to Epworth — Grimsby — Tadcaster— Conversion of his daughter — Souls and Smoke, ..... 238-250

Chapter XX. 1867—69

Filey.

Illness of his mother — Her Sayings — Rev. S. Oates — Revival — An objector silenced — Visit to Leeds — Visit to Seamer — Chapel Building — Astronomy — Revival Incidents — Visit to Hull — Epworth — Temperance speeches — Anecdote — Skipworth Chapel opening — Hull — Letter Home — London — Amusing Letter, 251-262

Chapter XXI. 1869—73

Hull.

Hearty Reception — A week on the Yorkshire Wolds — Castle Howard — Anecdotes of John Coultas — Curious Dreams — Death of a child —

X CONTENTS.

Powerful Services— Victoria Street, Grimsby— Anecdote— Revival Incidents — Scarborough — Filey — Lecture — Hornsea — Answer to prayer — Scunthorpe Chapel Opening — Foundation stone laying, North Cave— Scene with a Publican— Filey New Chapel— Sea Trip- Bile and Sermons— Visits* Ganstead Hall— Conversion of a Lady- Opening Retford Chapel— Illness of the Prince of Wales— Deep Concern — Remarkable answer to prayer — Rev. S. Romilly Hall — Chapel Opening at Paull— Visit to Paris— A dying woman saved— Laying the Memorial Stone of Williamson Street Chapel — Manchester— Anecdotes, 263-281

CHAPTER XXII. 1873—77 Grimsby (Third time)

Powerful Services — Charming Country Walk — Hainton Street New Chapel — Habrough — Visits Lincoln — Beverley — Tetney — Mr. R. Surfleet — Gift of ^140 — Description of a thunderstorm — Incident in the train — Kirton Lindsey — Conversions — Illness — Death of his Mother — Leeds — Hull — Rev. J. C. Antliff, m.A. — Scarborough — Broughton Woods — Nutting — Answer to prayer — A sad end to a sad life — District Meeting at Scarborough — General Committee Delegate, . . 282-299

Chapter XXIII. 1877—80

Scarborough.

Visits Mexboro — Whitby — Beautiful Scenery — Powerful Temptations — Baptism of the Spirit — The Great Revival — Causes Wonderful Services — Interesting incidents — Letter from T. Wilson — Moral Changes — Delegate to Bridlington District Meeting — Sermon — Charge to Rev. R. W. Keightley, ..... 300-310

Chapter XXIV. 1878—80

Scarborough (continued).

Letter from Rev. T. Newsome to his Brother — Bridlington — Rev. W. Jones — Lecture — Gift of ,£50 by an unknown Donor — Second Gift — Dr. Angus — Sherbourn Wold — Anecdotes of an old Saint — Hull — Tremendous Storm — Malton Missionary Services — Anecdotes — Conference at Grimsby, ...... 311-321

CHAPTER XXV. 1880—82. Sheffield

Journal — District Barriers — Failing health — Wharncliffe Crags — Kiverton

Park — Anecdote of a collier — Louth — Petre Street — A Busy Day

Conversions — Great Storm — Terrible Loss of life at Scarborough Filey, and Grimsby — Letter from Mr. M. Haxby — Visits Bradford—

CONTENTS. XI

Anecdote — Falsgrave — Scarborough — Hears Peter McKenzie Lecture — Singers and Fiddlers — Visits to Grimsby — Letter from a Local Preacher — Interesting experiments — A cheap advertisement — Memoir of Rev J. Petty — Prayer and Pilules — Shares his breakfast with a hungry tramp — A quaint old couple 322-335

Chapter XXVI. 1882—84

Sheffield (continued).

African Missionary Meeting — Letter to Clowes — Likeness for the Primitive Methodist World — Numerous Invitations — Delightful visit to Flottergate, Grimsby — Anecdotes — District Meeting at Newark — Humourous answer to a Brewer's Circular — Anecdote of a collier — Visits Scarborough — Dr. Birbeck sets one of his Hymns to Music — Visits to Hull — An Alliterative Speech — Visit to Manchester — Beautiful Scenery — Lectures on the Sun — Another visit to Flottergate, Grimsby — A miserable speech — Visits Rotherham — Publicans and Bailiffs — Pleasant visit to Gainsborough — Letter to Clowes — Hears the "Americans" — Lectures on the Sun — Anecdote of a blind man — An exciting Bill — Salvation Army, ........ 336-352

Chapter XXVII. 1884—86

Bridlington.

School of the Heart — Visit to Dewsbury — Eloquent address — Hull — Success of his Ministry — Missionary Services — Letter to his Son — Humourous Poetry — Comforts a sorrowing one — Pilules and trust in God — Bempton Cliffs — Services at the Quay — Illness — "Angina Pectoris " — Work — Visits Epworth and Crowle — Meets an old friend — Kindness remembered — Burton Agnes — Scenery — Hymn — Anecdotes — Sewerby Cliffs — Lines — Hull — ITessle Road Chapel Anniversary — Loss of the London — Speaks to an old man — Personal experience — Mrs. Taft- -Paul Jones — Anecdotes — Letters — Hull Ministers' Association Meeting at Gainsborough — Humour- -Grimsby — Goole — Dangerous Illness — Sympathy — Letters — Prayer offered — Answered — Recovery — Resumes Work — Death of Rev. G. Lamb- -Succeeds him at Hull, . 353-376

Chapter XXVIII. 1886—90

Hull (Second Circuit).

Return to "much beloved Hull" — Visit to Grimsby — Preaches at Old Mill Street — He presents testimonial to Mr. H. Hodge — Letters to his children — Death of Mrs. S. Beecroft — Visits Conference at Scarborough— Overwhelming reception — Cottingham— Howden —Ministers' Mutual Improvement Association — Old "Jimmy Lidget" — Thorngumbald — Bradford — African Missionary Meeting — Surprising reception— Letters of sympathy on his superannuation — Presentation,

380-400

*" CONTENTS.

Chapter XXIX

Spiritual mindedngss — Patmos Room— Leeds— Sheffield— Letters to his daughter — Accident — Brief notes — The last entry— General observations and Latter Moments — Death — Funeral — Memorial Services,

401-423

CHAPTER XXX. Testimonies from many Quarters

Letters of condolence— Rev. Dr. Wood, Manchester, Rev. T. Whitehead, London, Rev. G. H. Beeley, Mr. J. T. Pentith, Hull, Mr. J. W. Emmerson, Grimsby, Rev. II. B. Kendall, Connexional Editor, London, Rev. II. Cooke, Bradford, Revs. J. T. Gledwin, J. Keightley, I). Sheen, Mrs. Newell, Mr. J. Harwood, Scarborough, The General Committee, Hull District Meeting, Hull Second Circuit, Sheffield District Committee, Hull and Grimsby Ministerial Association, Hull First Circuit, Grimsby First Circuit, Rev. R. W. Keightley, Bridlington Circuit, Sheffield Third Circuit, Rev. J. Ashworth, Rev. \V. Marwood, Rev. J. Shaw, Rev. \V. Pigott, Rev. B. Kenny — Summary, ......... 424-440

Chapter I. Introductory

" We gather up with pious care What happy saints have left behind.

Their deeds upon our memory bear, Their faithful sayings in our mind."

AN ancient writer, in comparing a Biography to a Temple, expresses an opinion that as the portico should bear some proportion to the building, and give the beholder some idea of what is to be seen within, so an Introduction should give the reader of a Life an idea of the hero whose image its pages are intended to enshrine.

When the family of the late Mr. Milson requested the writer to act as architect to the present superstructure, he shrank from doing so for several reasons. The principal one of importance was, that though he had previously engaged in several undertakings of a similar character, with much pleasure to himself, and, as he had reason to believe, with some profit to others, a dangerous affliction had compelled him to lay aside his tools, and rest and be thankful, and it was not therefore without considerable hesitancy that he ultimately determined to " arise and build."

The principal reasons which led to this decision are the following : — The fact that considerable preparation had already been made for the undertaking. Mr. Milson for over forty years kept a journal, and for more than twenty-five of them entered every day's work in detail, with numerous incidents, accounts of conversions, and general observations of the scenery, places, and people among whom he laboured. These fill about twenty large volumes, and are a rich treasury of the mental struggles, devoted labours, and marvellous success of this eminently " holy man of God."

Again, Mr. Milson evidently intended that the records

B

LIFE OF PARKINSON MILSON.

should be published for the good of others and the magnifying of the grace of God.

This is evident in almost every part of his journals. The volume numbered Book I., consisting of nearly 400 closelywritten pages, has the following inscription on the first page : —

" An Autographical Memorial of Parkinson Milson,

Primitive Methodist Minister,

Being an Account of his Birth, Parentage,

Experience of Divine Mercy

and

Salvation,

with some Account of his Labours, and brief Extracts from his

Correspondence."

The following extract from the Preface to the Magazine for 1823, he wrote on the back of a plan: — "The preachers journals are edifying, improving, and instructing, in a high degree. Some complain of their containing a degree of sameness, and indeed something of this is unavoidable, though it be a sameness of excellence. They will, however, form a most valuable record, for which, perhaps, children yet unborn will be thankful."

In his journals there are several references to the loss the Church has sustained by Clowes, Atkinson Smith, and many others, having left so few records of their labours, and quotations from Payson, Caughey, and others, expressing the good derived from keeping one.

We recollect him speaking to us over thirty years ago on the subject of publishing portions of his journals at intervals, and stating that he had prepared several sheets with the intention of submitting them to the Publishing Committee, without whose sanction a minister in those days could not attain to the dignity of authorship. We had an impression that he had done so, but could not be certain, when we discovered among his papers a manuscript which now lies before us, addressed to the Committee, from which it appears that he had already received sanction for the publication of a portion which had been previously submitted for their inspection. On the first page is the following note : —

INTRODUCTORY.

" To the Hull District Publishing Committee.

" Dear Brethren,

"i. I thank you for your sanction and counsel as to a further portion of my Journal, which was submitted to you.

" 2. I shall be much obliged by your examination of this part. It contains some things rather remarkable, and concerning which there may be more than one opinion, but I believe you will sanction all you can, calculated to illustrate God's truth, the powers of prayers, and promote spirituality and edification.

With Christian love,

Yours truly,

P. Milson.

" Bull, April 3rd, 1X62."

Among the numerous ministers who have expressed a conviction that a Life should be published, the Rev. F. Rudd writes : — " Who that has heard him preach on his favourite themes, 'The deep things of God,' 'The glorious possibilities and actualities of the Christian life,' ' The equipment for Christian service,' ' Being filled with the Holy Ghost,' can ever forget his gleaming eye, radiant countenance, rapt manner, and rich and flexible voice, quivering with emotion. His name is as fragrant as the most precious ointment. His memory will be cherished while the present generation lives, and should be perpetuated to coming generations, like the lives of Bramwell, Stoner, Clowes, and others.

Writing to Mrs. Milson, the Rev. A. Ward said : — " With mingled feelings I read to-day of the death of my dear old super, or rather of his translation. . . . Will you bear with me when I say thus early, that I hope you will further on permit the records of his life, as contained in his diaries, to fructify into a Life. It would, in my judgment, be a connexional loss should no such work appear."

The Rev. John Stephenson concludes a letter by saying, " We all here think a Life of him ought to be published."

We have the conviction that the volume will give even to

LIFE OF PARKINSON MILSON.

those who knew Mr. Milson best, a more complete knowledge of him as a man and a Christian. His journals reveal a manysidedness which has surprised those who have been privileged to examine them. His natural reserve and modesty prevented him from revealing many things which are conspicuous in those precious records. And again, the persuasion shared by many who were acquainted with him, that such a memoir must be extensively useful, not only among those who knew him, but to many to whom he was a stranger, who may be animated by his example, directed by his experience, and inspired by his success. If the memory of the just is blessed, and their death precious in the sight of the Lord, should not their life and memory be dear to us, their excellences are for our imitation, and their defects for our correction. We see in their experience a vivid illustration, apart from controversy and " doubtful disputation," of the power of divine grace, and the blessedness of a life of full consecration and practical piety.

Nor is the multiplication of such volumes as the present unnecessary. True, there may be danger of similarity, approaching "sameness," yet there is among men such diversity of temperament, gifts, and graces that in the case of a man "possessed of the individuality of Mr. Milson there will be but little danger of this. " Books of this class are the levers of human progress, the germs of a yet undeveloped power in our Church. Let them be read and studied, let our rising youth become imbued with their spirit, and then the mantle of their power will invest them, their saintly lines will be repeated, and their example be found an accumulated power for good in our community."

While Mr. Milson still speaks in the loving recollections of thousands who were saved by his earnest ministry, and of tens of thousands who caught inspiration from his burning words, our hope is that in reading the following memorials, many who never heard his voice or saw his face will be savingly benefitted by the "Gospel" presented in his life and teaching.

In attempting to give a true picture of our dear old friend, we have permitted him to speak for himself. In doing so our "selective instinct" has been severely tasked, and we have

INTRODUCTORY.

spared neither labour or pains to exercise a wise discretion, but even after doing so we can scarcely hope that we shall succeed to the satisfaction of everyone. It is difficult for friendship in its admiring veneration for every tone and feature of his character " to discriminate between that which has an interest for the general reader, and that which excites the fonder recollections of intimacy."

While there are some things in the following pages which a few may think should not have appeared, and others that might have been omitted, we fear that no small number will miss the record of well-known incidents in his ministry in many places, but it was impossible to give one-tenth of the thousands of written pages, and hundreds of letters which have been submitted for our inspection, every line of which has been carefully read and pondered.

No representation of this many-sided man would have been complete without a few specimens of the gentler and lowlier traits of his character, as shown in the relationship in which he stood to his family and more intimate friends. Hence the introduction of several incidents and playful passages taken from his letters to them when from home.

While the writer has no intention of offering any apology for the imperfect manner in which he has performed his work, of which he is painfully conscious, he may venture to claim the exercise of Christian charity on the part of the critical reader, by stating that nearly all the manual part of his work has been performed at sittings of an hour at a time, or two at most, owing to physical weakness. The labour involved has been to him far greater than that of composing the same number of pages ; it has, however, been a labour of love, and should the reader derive one-hundredth part as much pleasure and profit in perusing it as we have found in writing it, he will not consider his time altogether lost.

We especially desire that our younger brethren may find the book a stimulus and inspiration.

When Amiel wrote a criticism of the Monologues of Schleiermacher, he concluded thus : " What a life, what a man. Those glimpses into the inner regions of a great soul do one good. Contact of this kind strengthens, restores, refreshes.

LIFE OF PARKINSON AIILSON.

Courage returns as we gaze ; when we see what has been, we doubt no more that it can be again. At the sight of a man we say to ourselves, let us also.be men."

So may our rising ministers, increasing as they are in culture and mental equipment for their great work, catching the spirit of the subject of this volume, and beholding what he became through divine grace, emulate his devotedness and purity, and exclaim, " Let us also be saints."

Chapter II

" O thou bright thing, fresh from the hand of God, The motions of thy dancing limbs are swayed By the unceasing music of thy being !

Nearer I seem to God when looking on thee. 'Tis ages since He made His youngest star, His hand was on thee as 'twere yesterday. Thou later revelation ! silver stream, Breaking with laughter from the lake divine, Whence all things flow ! O bright and singing babe What wilt thou be hereafter ? "

PARKINSON MILSON was born at Broughton, near Brigg, in the county of Lincoln, November 6th, 1825. "The house in which my nativity occurred," says he, "was a portion of what was known as the Old School House, and was situated near the corner of the East Wood. The position is remarkably pleasant, bounded as it is by the East, North, and West Woods. The village lies near the fine chain of hills known as the Wolds, the sides of which wear a sylvan loveliness,*particularly when steeped in the cloudless splendour of a summer's sun, in its post meridian attitudes.

"Nor is summer the only season at which they appear invested with interesting charms, for when its glories are departed, and frowning clouds from northern and eastern skies scatter their frozen treasures over the landscape, they look like hills of marble, varied and intersected by the leafless hedgerows. This scenery is one of the cherished physical associations of Home, which imagination frequently recalls, and was always a source of interest to me since the commencement of my ripening and cognizant years. To other minds these things may be quite devoid of interest, but he who feels that Home is

LIFE OF PARKINSON MILSON.

Home, will sympathize with these views, and pardon my disgressional observations on the association of my native place.

"I was my parents' first-born. They were poor, but industrious, and had a good prospect of being well supplied with the necessaries of life. My father was a clever workman at the various branches of agricultural art, and excelled in hedging, thatching, sheep-clipping, and similar pursuits. No master could ever complain that he did not do a day's work for a day's wages, but having saved a little, he entered into the jobbing business amongst cattle. With horses he was very unfortunate : several were drowned, and some died under uncommon circumstances. He believed them to have been destroyed by a witch ! but I doubt not God was crossing his designs in mercy, and preventing him taking a course calculated to lead him to eternal ruin. Doubtless his aim was to get rich, but God by repeatedly blasting his efforts compelled him to adhere to the humble and artless employments of the field, the garden, and the wood, in consequence of which the knavery, lying, drunkenness, and peril to life and soul, frequently attendant on a jobbing career, were avoided.

He was ^addicted to intoxicating drink, though I do not recollect having heard him swear half-a-dozen times except when in liquor.

My mother and he, however, were considered amongst the respectable and moral of the village, and though not converted to God, they had a measure of His fear, some light, some power given to them from above for their own souls' sake, and for the sake of their children, as have all men through Christ Jesus.

Under this grace they sent me with my only brother George, at a very early age, to the Church of England Sunday School.

I still recollect the first sabbath of my going thither. I can mentally see my position in the school on that day.

I was baptised and christened in the Parish Church of Broughton, a godfather of mine, Joseph Wilson, married Ann Parkinson, and they both thought much of me, and being rigid church people it was owing in some degree to their

EARL V DA VS.

influence that I was taken so early to Church Sunday School. I was accustomed to call them uncle and aunt. Their kindness to me will never be forgotten, but will embalm their memory in my grateful remembrance throughout my sojourn here."