| We are assured that "this is not our rest;" but that "there remaineth a rest to the people of God." Hence the good man's hope is beyond this world; a hope which sustains him amidst the storms of life cheers him in death, and leads to that endless felicity which it here anticipates. To depart this life, is "to be with Christ, which is far better." "Where I am," saith Jesus, "there shall my servants be."
These are truths calculated to cheer us amidst the much affliction we are called to suffer, and the many bereavements of which we are the subjects in this life. In this, the Holsworthy, Circuit, since the last Conference. we have been visited with much affliction, and several of our friends have been removed by death to "the house appointed for all living." Amongst those who have been removed, are the aged worn down by the weight of years, the middle aged, and the young in the midst of their days and in the prime and vigiour of life. Thus, |
| In giving an account of some of these dear friends. I shall commence with our much esteemed friend, Mr. John Trick who was born at West Down, Parish of Clawton, County of Devon, in the year 1796. He was of a very sober, gentle turn of mind and though like the rest of mankind he was the subject of human depravity, he was never so much prone to vice as many are in their youthful days, he might be owing in a great measure, under God, to the influence of a tender parent, who, according to the light received, endeavoured to train up her children in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord." In those days light did not shine in this neighbourhood as it now does; for then there was no place of worship but the Church by law established, and there, as in many other places in these parts and throughout this kingdom, the people were cursed with an ungodly minister, or Pastor, (so called) "to whom the sheep looked up but were not fed." Our dear friend was restrained from evil company, and encouraged to read the word of God and books of a moral and religious character, and thereby acquired a love for reading, and obtained some knowledge of divine things. He was convinced of sin, and led by prayer and supplication to seek mercy at the hand of God; he also received comfort, and, for a season, enjoyed the favour of the Lord. But our dear friend wanted instruction and encouragement, yet he knew not where to apply for it, as there was no one that be could find, not even his professed teacher, that could understand his case; they were all strangers to the great salvation. For the want therefore of suitable means of instruction, our friend soon lost what he had obtained; and being ignorant of satan's devices, he gave way to unbelief, darkness came over his mind, his peace and joy fled, and he again walked in darkness and had no light; nevertheless he was still the subject of very serious impressions from the Spirit of God. From the above account, the writer would suggest the importance of encouraging the young to read, as it not only prevents much vice, but often leads to very happy results. He would also remark, how great are our obligations to God for the privileges with which we are now favoured in these parts, where a few years since darkness and ignorance so greatly prevailed. Brother Trick was now about ten years of age; a period of his life to which he often adverted after his conversion, when speaking his christian experience, remarking that he believed that his name was even then written in heaven; at the same time greatly rejoicing that he now saw brighter and better days; days in which some of his neighbours and friends were made the happy subjects of saving grace, and where traveling with him in the path of life. May they meet him in glory. These blessings have been brought into those parts by the preaching of the glorious gospel of the blessed God. About the year 1815, it pleased the great Head of the Church to direct the feet of his messengers into the neighbourhood; preaching became established at two places in the pariah of Clawton; many attended to hear "the words of this life;" and, blessed be God, many heard to profit, some of whom are not in glory, while others are steadily pursing the way that leads to that "better country." Our brother became, at that time, an occasional hearer; but having been so long accustomed to attend the Established Church, he was prejudiced in favour of it; and being a singer at the Clmroh, aud delighting much in singing, it is supposed made his attachment to it the stronger. As light increased in te neighbourhood, the people became desirous of having a Chapel erected. This object was attained about the year 1828. From this time many attended to hear wlo had not before attended, and some who had been only occasional hearers. became regular attendants on the ministry of the word; and very soon this "Bethesda" became the house of mercy, and the gate of heaven, to precious souls; so that many will be found when the Lord "writeth up the people," of whom it will be said, "This and that man was born there." Our Sister Hammet (Sister-in-law of our friend) had been about this time brought to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, and had joined the Church; to her he often spake of his own state, and expressed his desire to obtain like precious faith; for he was now become deeply concerned for his soul's eternal welfare. In compliance with the advice of his friend, he joined himself to the Lord's people, though from his natural timidity, he found it difficult at first to get himself to the class-meeting; but after he had attended that blessed means and enjoyed its benefits, he became strongly attached thereto, to the end of his life. It would be well if others who find a difficulty at first in going to class-meeting would persevere, they would, with our departed brother, find it a valuable aud encouraging means of grace. The particular time and place of his obtaining mercy is not known; but it was not long after he had united himself to the church, before he felt his soul united to Christ as the branch to the vine; so that he produced the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God. Being now born from above, and under the influence of a heavenly principle, like the eunuch he "went on his way rejoicing." He now became concerned for the salvation of others, and was soon encouraged by the church to improve his talent in the prayer meetings; for it was perceived by his christian friends that the improvement he had made by much reading, was likely to render him, under the influence of piety, the more useful amongst them. He was soon induced to speak in public, and subsequently he became joint Leader with brother Cleave. His natural timidity was such, as at first to render these important duties painfully exercising; but by persevering in the path of duty, under the Divine influence, he gained a degree of confidence which led him to proceed with cheerfulness in these works of faith and labours of love. He was greatly beloved by all the people of God who knew him, and he had "a good report" from those that are without. His character stood fair; an important thing for all who engage publicly iu the church of God. He joined the society in the year 1834, and was appointed on the preachers' plan in 1838. His devotedness to God, gentleness of manners and kindness to all, together with his very affectionate manner of preaching, rendered him a general favourite throughout the circuit; and what speaks greatly in his favour is, that his labours were as acceptable in the pulpit at Clawton Chapel amongst his neighbours and friends, as at any place. The people knew him to be a man of God, and his zeal for their welfare, which was ever manifest, greatly endeared him to them all. He was for some years their leader in conjunction with our esteemed brother S. Cleave, and I believe watched over their souls as "one who must give account." Neither did our friend labour, without seeing the fruits of his labours; for while he was especially a "son of consolation," and was more particularyly useful in conforting and encouraging the people of God he was also the means of bringing sinners to God. It is now remembered, by those who were present on the occasion, that not long after he began to speak in public, he assisted at his own Chapel in holding a watchnight, and on that occasion a man was awakened and converted to God, who is now, and has been ever since that period, a consistent member of our society, and it is hoped he will be his crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. He was especially useful in our late blessed revival; and it is with pleasure I state that most of those brought in at Clawton, still stand fast in the Lord. Indeed usefulness appeared to be his aim. While some are simply seeking to be happy, with no reference to the honour of God, or the good of souls, he sought his happiness in this very thing. I had not been long in the circuit before I found this to be the case; nor was it at Clawton alone, that he wished to see God honoured in the salvation of souls; but the whole Circuit, the whole connexion, and the universal church, shared in his best wishes and prayers. He felt a deep interest in the Missionary cause, and subscribed liberally and cheerfully to its funds; and most ready was he to support the cause of Christ generally. In this respect he felt and acted as if the blessings he had received had laid him under infinite obligation to his "author and his end." Having sustained the office of Circuit Steward, he had attended the District Meeting, and also the Conference; and at those meetings he had become acquainted with the state of Connexional affairs; and while he saw and rejoiced in its prosperity, he also became acquainted with the pecuniary embarrassments to which as an infant cause it was at times unavoidably subject, and was therefore afterward the more deeply interested in its support and general prosperity. He was a sincere friend to the Itinerant preachers, and delighted to see them comfortable; he was always pleased when they called at his house; and indeed his house was one of those places where the servants of Christ could feel themselves at home with christian friends, as his affectionate partner was as glad as himself to receive and to administer to the wants of the messengers of peace, and thus to help them forward in their important work. Nor was he less willing to render his aid in the work of the circuit generally; but was always prepared to step forth and assist when his help was needed. I found him especially useful in assisting at protracted meetings, and we have enjoyed some profitable seasons together. At two places in the circuit where we have Chapels and young societies, though persons have from time to time been raised up to take the lead, yet business or some other providential arrangement has deprived the people of their services; but our dear friend, while living and able to visit them, watched over them in the absence of the preachers with fatherly care. As the pastor of the circuit, I must say, that I have felt, and still do feel, the loss of such a useful fellow-worker in the vineyard of the Lord. We have already remarked that Br Trick was very useful in the last revival; bat prior to that blessed work breaking out in Clawton, he was deeply concerned in his mind, and laboured and prayed much to promote it. Being at Holsworthy, he went with me to Simpson-moor, where the work was moving on most delightfully. He returned home that evening, and when some of the friends blamed him for being absent, he told them that unless they would wake up and seek a revival, he could not live amongst them; so intense was his concern for the welfare of precious souls. Having made known to them what he had seen and felt, they became anxious to get a revival amongst themselves; meetings to promote it were appointed; and in a few days the spirit of conviction was powerfully felt, many were, |
| Some account was given of his work last year; but it may be well to notice a case or two respecting the success of our friend, who was honoured by the Lord to take such; an active and prominent part in that work. Mrs. Hammet, about 84 years of age, became, about that time, deeply awakened. She had lost her sight for many years'; yet she requested, blind as she was, to be taken to the Chapel. Our dear friend preached, and suited his subject to the dear old lady's case. His text was "Fear not, only believe," and the result was she was led to lay hold on Jesus by faith and received the "spirit of adoption," which she has retained ever since; and is now looking forward with lively hope to meet our dear friend in glory. At another time, when one of the young converts had again been brought into bondage through unbelief, Br. Trick being make acquainted with it, went to the penitent, and with his usual cheerfulness said, "What is the matter Billy? Are you in Giant Despair's castle?" and having listened awhile to the sad, but honest tale, he said, "I have a key Billy, that will unlock all the gates." He then began to apply the promises and soon every cloud was dispersed, and the captive was set free. On the 28th of August, he was appointed to preach twice at Ashwater; he attended and preached with his accustomed zeal and affection, and enjoyed with his friends there a profitable season. On the following day he visited two of his class who were sick; for in this labour of love he was ever diligent, and useful. In the evening of that day, after his return home, be complained of loss of appetite, with a feeling of oppression at the chest. On the following day he was worse, and it was thought prudent to have medical advice. On the Sabbath following, being at Clawton, I called to see him, and found him in great pain; but still there was hope of his recovery. After some conversation, through which I found his mind was sweetly stayed on God, we united in prayer, and found the Lord especially near to bless. I saw him several times during his illness, and always found him resting his soul on the blood of atonement; but he was not without his painful exercises of mind. The adversary of souls, tempted him that his labours in preaching the word of life had been in vain. He was also greatly tried respecting family worship, believing that he had not been sufficiently attentive to it, although it is believed that he was as attentive to this important duty as most are, yet it is a painful fact, that this duty is much neglected, or where attended to is gone through in a cold, careless manner. The writer feels persuaded that more attention to this much neglected duty, would tend greatly to promote the cause of God. His disorder, which proved the Typhus fever, increased daily; he suffered much pain. and was at times delirious. On one occasion, when the fever was very high, and his mind wandering, he was greatly alarmed as to his safety for eternity; but when he became collected, he smiled, and said. he did not know how he could be so foolish, as to listen to the accuser of the brethren. Being the Father of seven young children, it was natural that he should feel concerned about them; yet he could commit them to the Lord, and his dear partner, to whom be frequently said, "Betsy, look to the children." From this circumstance it may be inferred that whatever hopes others entertained of his restoration, he was apprehensive that his sickness was unto death. After a few weeks, however he got better, and our hopes were raised, anticipating the pleasure of once more seeing him restored to the church and his family; but a return of the disorder blasted all our hopes; he gradually sunk, till he ceased to breathe. Six days before his departure, while the nurse was with him he broke out into songs of praise; - Glory to God ! Glory to God ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! This language of exultation he used several times, and it appears that he then anticipated a speedy dismissal from earth to glory; for on the appearance of his beloved wife, who had been brought to his bed-side by his shouts of praise which she had heard, he said, "Betsy, will you go with me?" She said, "do pray that the Lord may spare you." He replied, "the Lord may spare me fifteen years for your sake;" but it would seem this was a struggle with nature, as he afterwards said to Mrs. Hammet, "If Betsy had not then come into the room, I should have gone across the swelling tide." The same day, looking up with much composure; he said "Oh! what geautiful ones! what sweet!" Then looking at the nurse, he said "Do you know your sins forgiven?" To the maid-servant he put the same question; and being answered in the affirmative, he appeared satisfied. To his wife he said, "Hold fast that whereunto thou hast attained:" - thus he was found preaching Jesus and his salvation, with his latest breath. On the same day he said, "There is the Saviour! There he stands, pleading for me. Don't you see him?" From this time he said but little, but gradually sunk into the arms of death, till his ransomed spirit look its flight to be "for ever with the Lord," on Monday, October the 10th, 1842, aged 46 years. |
| R.P. Tabb |