Richard Horsnaill, Dover. 48 7mo. 23 1850
In endeavouring to pursue faithfully the path of manifested duty, we believe it was peculiarly the aim of this dear friend, “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God.” He was of a very diffident disposition, and cautious in giving expression to his religious feelings, lest he should thereby make a profession beyond what he thought his attainments warranted.
For many years he laboured under a disease, which was attended with much suffering; but this proved a means of weaning him from the world and its pursuits, and of inducing him more earnestly to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” with the unshaken belief that all things necessary would be added.
He manifested a deep interest in the prosperity of our religious Society, and according to his
measure, especially in the latter part of his life, willingly devoted himself to its service. He likewise took great delight in promoting the best interests of the juvenile portion of the population in the neighbourhood in which he resided; and the counsel he gave to those of this class, often gained their good will and respectful attention. He also exhibited a very humane disposition toward the animal creation, and rarely allowed a case of ill-treatment or oppression to pass without attempting to redress the wrongs inflicted. For some years, he took great interest in supplying the crews of foreign vessels, resorting to the port of Dover, with copies of the holy Scriptures and religious tracts; and from his kind and unassuming manners, his efforts were almost universally well received.
His last illness, of four months’ duration, was attended with extreme bodily suffering; but the nature of his complaint being very obscure, he entertained a hope that he might be restored to his former state of health, and expressed some anxiety for length of days, in order that he might be more useful to his fellow-creatures. But as his strength declined, this desire gave way to quiet submission
to the will of his God; and it was evident, that his soul was anchored upon that Rock, which alone can support in the hour of trial.
Soon after he was taken ill, he remarked in allusion to his business, that he had thought it right in one instance, to decline the execution of an order, where more display of taste was required, than he could feel satisfied with; and this sacrifice, with some others of a similar kind, had afforded him peace: adding, “I do want to come clean out of Babylon.” He said, the language had been much upon his mind: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow:” and also the words of our Saviour,—“If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.”
Being in great pain, he said,—“You must pray for me, that my patience may hold out; I have indeed need of your prayers, for my sufferings are very great; but, bye and bye, perhaps I may be able to say, I have not had one pang too many.” At another time, he supplicated thus: “Merciful Father, be pleased to grant me a little ease, O! Thou that makest the storm a calm, and sayest to the waves, Peace be still.” Soon after
which he lay quiet; and whilst tears of gratitude flowed down his cheeks, he said, “Do not disturb me; all is stillness,—what a mercy!”