[638]. No doubt, one of Wesley’s preachers.
[639]. Mr. Hatton also preached a funeral sermon, founded on Hebrews xiii. 7.
[640]. Jackson’s “Life of C. Wesley,” vol. ii., p. 432.
[641]. The title was, “A Sermon preached on the Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Fletcher, Vicar of Madeley, Shropshire. By John Wesley, A.M.” 12mo. 32 pp.
[642]. Monthly Review, 1786, p. 79.
[643]. Another writer, who was present, relates that the congregation sang, or tried to sing, the affecting hymn which was composed and used at the time of Fletcher’s dangerous illness in 1776 (see pp. 362 and 368). He further says, “I never was witness to a scene so impressive and pathetic. Every breast felt, every countenance expressed, one common sentiment. Tears, sobs, and suppressed groans showed how sincerely the people esteemed their venerable pastor. When the hymn was sung, there was a general burst of sorrow. Even those who had spurned his instructions, deprecated his death as a public loss, and expressed their grief with uncommon agitation.” (Methodist Magazine, 1802, p. 572.)
[644]. “Life of Rev. H. Venn,” pp. 578–584.
[645]. Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher,” p. 173.
[646]. The inscription, given at the end of Wesley’s “Life of Fletcher,” is slightly different. In an unpublished letter, to Mrs. Crosby, dated August 16, 1788, Mrs. Fletcher wrote: “What was written on my dear’s tomb was different from my directions, though done with a good design to mend my language. I saw it not to be as good as my own, and had it altered” (then follows the inscription). “Compare this with that in Mr. Wesley’s ‘Life,’ and give Mr. Downes a copy of the right one. Every one was much pleased with the change; and, indeed, I was never at ease till it was done; but there were so many anxious to have it right that they spoiled it.”
[647]. Jackson’s “Centenary of Methodism,” p. 186.