The Methodist Memorial, an Impartial Sketch of the Lives and Characters of the Preachers Among the Methodists

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... But he, regardless of his dying body, said with a weak voice, "Lord, Thou givest strength to those who can speak, and to those who cannot: speak, Lord, to all our hearts, and let them know that Thou loosest tongues." He then sung--"To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Who sweetly all agree." Here his voice failed. After gasping for breath, he said, "Now we have done all--let us all go." He was then laid on the bed, from which he arose no more. After resting a little, he called to those who were with him to pray and praise; and taking each by the hand, and affectionately saluting them, he said, "Farewell, farewell!" Attempting afterwards to say something which they could not understand, he paused a little, and then, with all the remaining strength he had, said, "the Best Of All Is, God Is With us." And again, lifting his hand, he repeated the same words with holy triumph, "the Best Of All Is, God Is With Us." On wetting his lips, he said his usual thanksgiving after meat: "We thank Thee, O Lord, for these and all Thy mercies; bless the Church and King, and grant us truth and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord." After some pause, he said, "The clouds drop fatness. The Lord is with us--the God of Jacob is our refuge." Most of the following night he often attempted to repeat his favourite psalm, but could only get out, "I'll praise--I'll praise." On Wednesday morning the closing scene drew near. Mr. Bradford, his old and faithful friend, now prayed with him; and the last word he was heard to articulate was, Farewell! A few minutes before ten o'clock in the morning, on the second day of March, 1791, while a number of his friends were kneeling around his bed, without a lingering groan, did this blessed man of God enter into the joy of his Lord....