Wesley Corpus

When there was company to dine at Mr. Hill’s, he frequently retired into the garden, and contentedly dined on a piece of bread, and a few bunches of currants. Indeed, in his whole manner of living, he was a pattern of abstemious ness. Meantime, how great was his sweetness of temper and heavenly-mindedness ! I never saw it equalled in any one. How often, when I parted with him at Tern-Hall, have his eyes and hands been lifted up to heaven to implore a blessing upon me, with fervour and devoutness unequalled by any I ever saw ! I firmly believe, he has not left in this land, or perhaps in any other, one luminary like himself. I conclude, wishing this light may be so held up, that many may see the glory thereof, and be transformed into its likeness, May you and I, and all that love the Lord Jesus Christ, be partakers of that holiness which was so conspicuous in him !” 4. “Our interviews for singing and conversation,” continues Mr. Vaughan, who was often present on these occasions, “were seldom concluded without prayer; in which we were frequently joined by her that is now my wife; (then a servant in the family;) as likewise by a poor widow in the village, who had also known the power of God unto salvation, and who died some years since, praising God with her latest breath. These were the only persons in the country whom he chose for his familiar friends. But he sometimes walked over to Shrews bury, to see Mrs. Glynne, or Mr. Appleton (who likewise now rests from his labours, after having many years adorned the gospel); he also visited any of the poor in the neighbourhood, that were upon a sick bed; and, when no other person could be procured, performed even the meanest offices for them.” 5. It was in the year 1757 that he was ordained both Deacon and Priest. He was ordained at Whitehall; and the same day, being informed that I had no one to assist me at West-Street chapel, he came away as soon as ever the ordination was over, and assisted me in the administration of the Lord’s supper. He was now doubly diligent in preaching, not only in the chapels at West-Street and Spital fields, but wherever the providence of God opened a door to proclaim the everlasting gospel.