The office of a local preacher he continued to exercise with increasing fidelity and ability till "Monday, 20th March, 1848," a year and a half after his being approved, when, as we learn from the above source of information, he was 66 recommended to the District Meeting," as a probationer for the regular ministry. Whether he, who had thus obtained the suffrages of the lay offices of the church, in favour of his entrance on the itinerant work, ever went before the court referred to, intermediate to the conference, in his own country, does not appear. It is likely he did not, for the next entry in his memoranda relates to his sailing for America—the intention to do which, on the part of his father, was probably the reason for not taking any more steps towards an entrance on the ministry in Ireland.

His honoured parent had, after prayerfully revolving the subject some time in his mind, resolved, for reasons that appeared sufficient to himself, on quitting his native shores for America; and the son, though flattering prospects presented themselves in Europe, with true filial affection, never hesitated a moment about accompanying the family to this country. The date of this event is thus laconically set down by Alexander:"Left Ireland, on Thursday, 13th of July, 1848." "Embarked for America "-perhaps from some port in England(?)-"On Friday, 21st July, 1848." As an

exemplification of the esteem in which the subject of this sketch and his friends were held, and the peculiar emotions with which their removal was regarded, two facts may be referred to. The first was this:-" On Monday evening, the 12th of June, an interesting TeaMeeting was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Perry Street, Dungannon," the head of Mr. BYRNE's last Irish Circuit,

to which he had been appointed three several times, "the object of which was to present a beautifully bound quarto edition of Bagster's Bible to the Rev. CLAUDIUS BYRNE, as a token of the high esteem in which he and his family were held, by the members and friends of Methodism on the circuit." On that occasion, an "Address" was presented Mr. BYRNE by "the Stewards, Leaders and Members of the Wesleyan Church, on the Dungannon Circuit," in which his labours and the estimation in which his character was held were spoken of in the most flattering terms. The subject of this memoir is referred to in that address in the following words:— "We cannot conclude this address without affectionately alluding to your son, who, at an age little beyond childhood, has occasionally occupied our pulpits, and met the entire approbation of the most experienced christian brethren. We believe that he has ministerial talents of high promise, which, by cultivation and the grace of God, shall obtain for him an exalted standing among the labourers in Christ's vineyard, wherever his lot may be cast; but especially in a land possessing so many advantages and facilities for extensive usefulness as America naturally does." The Address concludes with a wish, expressed in the following words:-"We now sincerely hope and pray, that the Great Head of the Church, will, in a distant land, cheer and comfort you and your family, as He has, in innumerable instances, made you the means of comforting and cheering others, and crown your future labours with abundant success." The sincerity of this solicitude, and the esteem in which the subjects of it were held, was evinced by the pious friends of the family holding a prayer-meeting in their behalf, for five successive Tuesdays after they left the old country, in

Dungannon, the place in which Mr. BYRNE, jun'r, had received his natural birth, which meeting was conducted by a Mr. R. McGuffin, a devoted servant of God. This is the second "fact" to which we intended to refer.

Their prayer was evidently heard, for the BYRNES, had a safe and comfortable, though not speedy, passage across the Atlantic. And it is worthy of remark, that they were just five weeks in accomplishing this voyage, corresponding exactly to the number of weeks during which the prayer-meetings were kept up on their behalf. It was improved by ALEXANDER in study and usefulness; and closed with an event which at once exemplifies the efficiency of prayer, the providence of God, and the fortitude and faith of this youth. The circumstance is thus related by the elder Mr. BYRNE:-" At SandyHook,' when nearing New York, the ship (the Ivanhoe of New York, with 1200. tons of cargo and 500. passengers) about twelve o'clock, midnight, got aground. The swelling of the sea occasionally lifted the vessel, so that her keel would strike the sand, with such force, as to produce a vibration, that greatly terrified a large proportion of the passengers, who arose from their births with considerable confusion, and rushed to the decks. While I and a brother minister were among the confused mass, making an effort to tranquillize their feelings, our dear boy, like a christian philosopher, called into our cabin as many as could command themselves; and kneeled with them, to implore the God of the seas and of the dry land, to interpose graciously in their behalf. At this time the captain and pilot were, with vociferation, requiring the boats to be launched, that the sailors might, at some distance from our position, try for soundings. Scarcely had the boats reached the

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water, when a sudden breeze sprung up-the pilot ordered the shifting of the main sail—and in a moment, we were afloat in deep water. It was remarkable, that this desirable circumstance transpired, while my son, in prayer, partly quoted the words of Paul, saying, • We shall be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of any man's life among us.' The people who were on deck at this moment gave an exulting shout; while

those who were engaged in prayer, arose from their knees and sung,

'Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him all creatures here below:

Praise him above ye heavenly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.'"

According to ALEXANDER'S memorandum, they "landed in NewYork, Friday, the 25th of August, 1848." In this city the family was treated with the hospitality and kindness which distinguish its Methodist citizens; and the youthful subject of this history preached several times in some of the most prominent pulpits connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, with great approval, to immensely large congregations. As the uncle of Mr. A. BYRNE, an able minister, late of the Irish Conference, took up his abode in the United States. so he and his family were requested to remain in that Republic. Especially the younger Mr. BYRNE, received the offer of a University education, free of all expense to him or his friends, if he would only stay and prosecute his ministry there. But their purpose was to serve the interests of the Wesleyan Church in Canada; and for Canada they left in a few days, and, (we quote from Mr. A. B.'s memoranda) "Arrived in Toronto, Thursday, 15th of September, 1848."

In this city and neighbourhood, Mr. A. BYRNE preached several times, much to the satisfaction and profit of those that heard him-making one excursion, to attend a chapel anniversary, in company with the Rev. Dr. RICHEY, as far west as London. In the last mentioned town his services were lauded in the highest terms; and he returned to Toronto, followed by the good wishes of its inhabitants, and hearing still more substantial evidences of their favour.

It was on the occasion of this visit, that the compiler of this little work, then stationed in London, formed his first acquaintance with him. I was out, attending to some pastoral duty, when he and the distinguished minister whom he had accompanied, arrived at my house. On returning, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Doctor and his youthful companion. I was struck with the extremely juvenile appearance of the latter. "Juvenile," not in comparison with his age (for he was not yet seventeen years, by some months); but juvenile, compared with the solemn character of the functions he had assumed. He was short, though rather stocky, with a round boyish face. But there was a neatness and gentility in his dress, an intelligence in his conversation, and a dignity in his deportment, which at once commanded respect. A course of successful revival meetings being then in progress, he 'without a moment's hesitation, consented to preach that (Saturday) evening. Nor was ever a sermon better adapted to an occasion. It was founded on the well known, and somewhat difficult text,-Luke xv. 7.; "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." After clearing up the difficulties of this