When he stopt speaking, the oppression on his breast returned. This he took notice of and said, “While I am praising God, my heart is free: but when I cease, I feel this load again. But I may well bear this; for this is all the hell I shall have.” Then he broke out,
“See a soul escape to bliss,
Keep the Christian festival.”
“He hath washed me and I am whiter than snow. God is mine, and I am God’s. I shall soon be with him.” Thus he continued, till he could speak no more.
A short ACCOUNT of the Death of
SAMUEL HITCHENS.
Bisveal, near Redruth, Cornwall.
1.MY son, Samuel Hitchens, was born on the 23d of March 1725. He was brought up to read and write. But he had almost forgot that, and every thing which is good, until God sent his ministers into these parts also, to call sinners to repentance. He was soon very deeply convinced of sin: particularly, in the beginning of January, 1744, while Mr. Reeves was praying in my house. In the middle of our prayer, he fell to the ground, and cried so hard, that it greatly surprized us all. We were met, to take our leave of Mr. Reeves and John Daniel, who were going to Bristol. Mr. Reeves raised him up, and strove to comfort him. But he still cried out, “He was a lost, undone sinner.” In the morning they set out before it was day. Samuel would needs go with them. He had not rode six miles, before God spoke peace to his soul. He rode about ten miles further, and then returned home rejoicing.
2. But it was not long before his faith was tried. The devil first strove to reason him out of it. But he could not prevail. Then he stirred up the world against him. They came in multitudes, threatening to kill us all, and broke down the door and all the windows of the house, where we used to meet. After we had repaired these, they came and tore down the house itself, swearing they would also tear down the house also where we lived. And we were forced to stop up the chamber windows as well as we could, or we should have been stoned as we lay in our beds.
3. When this did not move him, they got a warrant, and came to press him for a soldier, much about the time that they had pressed the Rev. Mr. Graves at St. Just, and carried him on board the man of war. And several of our neighbours who were quiet, industrious men, they did press, by virtue of that warrant, and carried them away from their work, and wives and families. But God suffered them not to touch him, though he was daily in his shop; and going up and down about his business.