In all his gestures sanctity and love.’”
The entry of Fletcher’s death, in the register of Madeley parish church, is a brief obituary:—
“Memorandum.
“John Fletcher, Clerk, died on Sunday evening, August 14, 1785. He was one of the most apostolic men of the age in which he lived. His abilities were extraordinary, and his labours were unparalleled. He was a burning and shining light; and as his life had been a common blessing to the inhabitants of this parish, so the death of this great man was lamented by them as a common and irreparable loss.
“This little testimony was inserted by one who sincerely loved and honoured him.
“Joshua Gilpin, Vicar of Rockwardine.”
The inscription on his tombstone was written by his widow, and is as follows[[646]]:—
“Here lies the Body of
THE REV. JOHN WILLIAM DE LA FLECHERE,
Vicar of Madeley,