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3. Died, at Hatherleigh, in the Winkleigh Mission, on the 6th of April, 1843, in the 27th year of his age, William Collins. When in his unregenerate state he was very much attached to sinful amusements, and much addicted to profane swearing, and Sabbath-breaking; he also persecuted the followers of Christ, although he knew at the same time that such conduct was wrong. When he heard the truth preached, he was deeply affected thereby; but, Felix like, he put off repentance till a more convenient season. The death of an uncle was the means of awakening him fully to a sense of his dangerous condition, and without delay he then turned his feet to the divine testimonies, from which he was not known thenceforth to swerve to the day of his death. After seeking the Lord, sorrowing. and uniting in churchfellowship with the Bible Christians, the Lord set his soul at liberty at a prayer-meeting, which was held in the preaching room at Hatherleigh, on the 4th of June, 1839. After that important event he went on his way rejoicing. In the following year a fire broke out in some premises in the Town of Hatherliegh, and while the deceased was assisting others to extinguish it, he hurt his right foot, so that in a short time he was obliged to leave service. He tried the business of Shoe-making, thinking that it would be better; but he soon found that it would not do. After he had applied for advice from medical Gentlemen at Plymouth and Exeter, he went to the Infirmary at Barnstaple, where he remained five weeks; and after undergoing an operation came out incurable. He was not able to work at all after this, neither could he walk without crutches. During his affliction, his mind was kept in peace, and he was fully resigned to the divine will; and after his return from the Infirmary, he gradually declined, while his thirst for spiritual things became more intense, as was evinced by his attention to the public means of grace. Although he resided nearly a mile from the place of meeting, - he was seen there when many who could better attend were absent. When he attended his object was to get, and to do good; for he assisted in the prayermeetings frequently. A little time before his death, he intimated that his time was short; but instead of being alarmed at the circumstance, he expressed himself willing to depart and be with Christ which was far better. The disorder which terminated his mortal career was water on the brain and it was only at intervals that he was sensible; but then he gave evidence that all was well within, and in about the course of one week he left time for a blissful eternity. A. Morris. |