To thine everlasting rest.
4. For the joy he sets before thee
Bear a momentary pain;
Die, to live the life of glory,
Suffer with thy Lord to reign.
A short ACCOUNT of the DEATH of
Mrs. Hannah Richardson.
By Mr. Charles Wesley.
Bristol, Saturday, April 19, 1741.
I WAS hastily called to one that was a dying. It was Hannah Richardson, a young woman who had long been a sincere mourner for Christ, a true Hannah, a woman of a sorrowful spirit. God had awakened and drawn her from her infancy, and she heartily laboured to establish her own righteousness, seeking acceptance (as we did all) not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.
When it pleased God to send the gospel of his free grace to this city, she gladly parted with her own righteousness, and submitted herself to the righteousness of God. She was a constant hearer of his word, but received no benefit by it; no comfort, no peace, no life. Yet she continued waiting for several months, till it pleased our Lord, who sends by whom he will send, to make use of my ministry, and apply the word of reconciliation to her soul. Jesus gave her a token for good, and she went home to her house justified. She rejoiced in God her Saviour, and testified, In him I have redemption, through his blood, the forgiveness of my sins.