Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine: FOR SEPTEMBER, 1822. BIOGRAPHY. MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. T. LESSEY: (Concluded from page 491.) IN August, 1820, he settled in Manchester, which, as the residence of most of his children, was a favourite spot with him; and where he was sure to meet with all those kind attentions which spring from the most devoted filial affection. Here he appeared at first to improve in health, through the constant medical attention of my brother, aided by the kindness of his friends. He preached frequently;—oftener than he should have done. But from this exercise, so dear and delightful to his heart, he could not be restrained. In reply to the earnest and weeping importunity of his wife and children, he would answer, "Let me alone; I must work for Gon. I have but a very short time left, and I will devote it to his service and glory." He felt that he was approaching the termination of his earthly course; and he evidently appeared to be working while it was day, in the near anticipation of that period when he could no longer work. Under the influence of this holy feeling he thought and spake, he lived and acted. In a letter to me, during this time, he says, "The world is as a blank to me, and nothing appears important but eternity. I want a clearer view of its glory and its nearness, and a fuller assurance of my interest in it. The decay of nature tells me that I am very near it; and my constant cry is, 'LORD, prepare me!' I write this from the feeling of my heart; and that I may have an interest in your prayers. It would be a great pleasure to me if you were nearer; but I must in that, as in many other things, bow to the order of God; he knows what is best for me. O that I could say in all things, Thy will be done.'" It was affecting, though delightful, to behold a servant of CHRIST thus exhausting his little remaining strength, the flame of his zeal burning ardently to the last; devoutly engaged in glorifying his Gop on earth, and in finishing the work which had been given him to do; and shining with unfading lustre almost to the moment of his transition to the Divine Source of light and truth. About the beginning of the last summer, (1821,) he rapidly changed for the worse; and was forced, painfully and reluctantly, to desist from those occasional pulpit-exertions, in which he had VOL. I. Third Series. SEPTEMBER, 1922. 3 K been accustomed to delight. In July and August, 1821, the Conference was held in Manchester. This, for many years, had been to him a period of deep solicitude. He was anxious for the prosperity of the cause of God. The love of CHRIST, and of the souls of men, and a fervent desire to behold, and to be the instrument of promoting, the extension of the REDEEMER's kingdom, were the powerful springs of both his public and private exertions. These principles rendered the assembling together of the Preachers, at their annual Conference, a season of peculiar interest. But, alas! he was now fast sinking into the grave; and with the help of a stick, and the support of an arm, he could scarcely totter into the chapel where the Preachers were convened. And here the whole scene was mournfully changed! All those objects which had been accustomed to kindle his zeal, and to inspire him with concern, or fill him with delight, conspired to collect gloom over his mind, by reminding him of the change which had been produced in his frame by the desolating hand of disease. He saw the former companions of his labours still active and vigorous, busily engaged in the important occupations of the Conference, moving before him with quick steps, and animated countenances; while he felt the certain symptoms of decay pervading his whole system. His trembling hand, his feeble step, his emaciated countenance, his debilitated body, sinking and bowed down by weakness,-all tended to convince him that he was on the borders of the grave, and that the GoD whom he had served with his body and spirit was about to gather him to his fathers. The affecting contrast, thus forced upon his observation, sometimes occasioned a passing cloud,—but it was only momentary in its continuance. Had he considered death in no other view than as the close of life, it would indeed have been a most melancholy contemplation. But, blessed be God! far other and more glorious prospects revived and animated the spirits of this aged disciple and venerable Minister of CHRIST. The SPIRIT of Truth irradiated his mind, and discovered to him the opening glories of the kingdom of heaven, into which he was so soon to enter. He was assured, that " though the earthly house of his tabernacle were dissolved," he had "a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Such were the hopes and prospects which cheered him, when looking forward to the closing scene. His form exhibited the affecting signs of approaching dissolution ;-and some of his former acquaintances rather incautiously expressed their surprise at his altered appearance. They repeatedly announced to him, what he but too well knew. Still he murmured not; but "in patience possessed his soul." "Though his flesh and his heart failed," GOD was indeed "the strength of his heart and his portion." He was as one "who waited for the coming of his LORD; " looking forward with holy composure to his translation from the work of the sanctuary on earth to the employments and enjoyments of the sanctuary above. From this time, being appointed to the Manchester Circuit, I had frequent opportunities of being with him. Scarcely a day passed, without my spending a considerable portion of time in his society. Greatly indeed was I favoured in thus being permitted to witness the pious and elevated frame of mind which he constantly evinced. The light of heaven shone around him, illuminating the gathering cloud of mortality, and covering with glory the closing days of a life so eminently devoted and useful. It is true there were few expressions of rapturous joy in his conversation; but there was the invariable display of firm and humble confidence in God, through the persuasion of his interest in CHRIST. Indeed this was the peculiar character of his experience. It combined all the lowliness of deep humility with the stability and assurance of vital faith. He saw and acknowledged himself to be nothing, "less than the least of all saints; while he exulted in CHRIST as "all in all." The celestial fire might be seen through the frail and almost transparent vessel in which it was placed, burning with clear and steady lustre, and intensely aspiring to its ethereal source. Frequent and fervent were the admonitions he gave me, to maintain in my ministry the purity as well as the promises of the Gospel, and closely to adhere to the great and essential truth, that Faith in CHRIST is the divinely-appointed method for the attainment of all the spiritual blessings of the New Covenant. Deeply was I humbled while listening to the self-abasing views which he always expressed when recurring to his own labours. "All these years," said he, "have I been labouring together with God; and now I sink a helpless sinner on the atonement of CHRIST." The time of his departure was now fast approaching. He continued, however, to come down stairs, and to sit with his beloved family, till within two days of his death. On Thursday the 6th of September, he appeared worse, and intimated a wish to remain in bed during the day; but still without any apprehension that his end was so near. We all, however, feared that he would never more quit his bed; and anticipated the speedy arrival of the period when, released by the hand of death, he should be admitted within the circle of heaven's pure and rejoicing family. When she approached and, with patriarchal The next day, when I called to see him, he inquired very particularly for my dear wife, who, on account of delicate health, had removed for a few weeks into the country. He said he wished much to see her; and I instantly hastened for her. the bed-side, he kissed her very affectionately; dignity and piety, implored for her the divine blessing. Then, while we were all surrounding his bed, filled with solemn and sorrowful impressions, he addressed himself to us in the most affecting strain ; exhorting us all to devote ourselves unreservedly to GoD, and, as a family, to cherish and maintain constant and undivided affection. With many other words did he exhort and beseech us; then, raising |