On one occasion, when feeling exceedingly depressed, he remarked, that the vessels he had visited, and the poor sailors were brought mentally to view, one after another, with much sweetness, and whilst he took no merit to himself, he desired to encourage others to do what they could for the good of the poor. At another time, after giving instructions to one of his sisters, to make some selection of tracts for the sailors on board a German vessel, then lying in the harbour, he observed: “Oh, what a field of labour there is! how I do wish that some one would take this up, for I feel as though I should be able to do very little more in it.”
His mind, during his illness, seemed filled with love and gratitude. He remarked, “I never felt so much love before, both to my family and friends; I do believe this illness will bind us more closely together than ever.” And again: “Oh, how kind you are to wait upon me so; the Lord will reward you!” At another time, he said, “I had not thought to have been taken
at this time of my life, but I am in such a critical state, that life hangs on a thread;—the pains of the body are what I seem most to dread.”
On inquiring one day, where that line was to be found, “At ease in his possessions,” he remarked, “I do not think I have been at ease in mine, I have endeavoured to live loose to them.” A hope being expressed that his illness would be sanctified to him, he quickly replied, “Yes, and not to me only, but to all of you.” He gave some directions, in the event of his death, with much composure, observing: “It seems an awful thing for me to say thus much, but a great favour to be so free from anxiety.” In the night he was heard to say: “No merit of mine, it is all of mercy, free unmerited mercy!” On a young man in his employment coming to assist him, previous to going to his own place of worship, when about to leave the room, he thus addressed him: “Mind and make a good use of the time, and do not be afraid of looking into thy own heart, but suffer the witness to come in and speak, whether it be in the language of encouragement or reproof. Many persons go to their places of worship, where much of the time is spent in singing and in music, which
please the outward ear, but this is not religion! It is when we are brought to see ourselves as we really are, sinners in the sight of a holy God, that we are led to seek a Saviour, and to cry, in sincerity, ‘A Saviour, or I die! A Redeemer, or I perish for ever!’”
On its being remarked to him, that it was consolingly believed, he was one of those who had endeavoured to occupy with his talent, which, if only one, it was hoped, had gained an increase, he replied,—“That will only be known at the great day of account, when weighed in the balance.”
On Seventh-day evening preceding his decease, he remarked to a beloved relative, that it seemed the safest for him to say but little in regard to his own attainments, adding,—“My desire is, for a continuance of kind preservation.” And on the day before his death, he remarked with gratitude, that his intellects had been preserved clear throughout his illness. During the night, he was much engaged in prayer; his bodily powers were fast sinking, but his mind appeared preserved in peaceful serenity. In the morning, he expressed a desire that his sister would remain by him, affectionately
inquired for his father, and soon after, we reverently believe, exchanged a state of suffering for one of never-ending rest and joy, in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Albert George Horsnaill, Rochester. Son of George and Maria Horsnaill. 4 5mo. 22 1850
James Hotham, Leeds. 44 2mo. 7 1850