| Died at Carzies, Crowan, in the Breage Circuit, Dec. 26th, 1839, aged 17 RALPH, Benjamin years, Benjamin RALPH. Benjamin was morally inclined, but destitute of a saving interest in the blood of Christ until April 1839, at which time a cheering revival of religion took place at Leeds Town; when our departed brother was, under the ministry of the Bible Christians, truly converted to God. There are many now on their way to the celestial country who are praising God for sending the Bible Christians into this part of the country to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; and especially for the revival above mentioned, by which many that had been brought to God before, were greatly stirred up to redouble their diligence in making their calling and election sure; whilst others who were then brought to God, continue to adorn their profession, and are ornaments to the church. The following particulars were communicated to me by his leader W. ROBERTS, who visited him often during his affliction, in company with W. OATEY one of his class-mates. They always found him resigned to the will of him, who hath said "all things work together for good to them that love God," who is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind. The enemy of souls which goes about like roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, very powerfully tempted him during his affliction, by which he was very often cast down and dejected; but the Lord visited him repeatedly, and manifested himself in a most glorious manner, so that our departed brother could rejoice abundantly, feeling all his doubts and fears removed, and being conscious of his acceptance with God, he could say with the Apostle, "I know if this earthly house of my tabernacle be dissolved, I have a building of God, not made with hands, eternally in the heavens." On December 23rd, brother OATEY visited him for the last time; when he found him wrestling with God, in the most earnest prayer, for grace to bear him up under his affliction, and to keep him from sinking beneath the water floods, and to preserved him in peace in the valley of the shadow of death. Brother OATEY says, "we sung a hymn, read a portion or two of God's most holy word, and prayed together; it was a good time, the clouds were all dispersed, and the Sun of righteousness shone with lustre and brightness." All was clear, and both the visitant and visitor were blessed together, glory be to God. On asking him some questions respecting the state of his mind, our departed friend said, I have no doubt but that my soul will soon be with my dear Saviour in glory, he is with me now; and has promised to be with me whilst passing through the valley of the shadow of death: praise the Lord, he is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Brother ROBERT's last visit was accompanied with the divine presence; to use his own language, "it was a most glorious time, bless the Lord O my soul, and all within me bless and praise his Holy name. Amen" His parents in giving some account respecting the state of his mind, during his last moments say, "on Christmas day we found him much worse than usual, apparently sinking into the arms of death; on being asked by his mother whether he was praying or no, he answered in the affirmative, after which he fell into a deep sleep for a little time, out of which he soon awoke, started up, and said, 'I have a hope of heaven now, Billey,' at this time he saw some person in his bed-room and supposed it to be brother W. OATEY. After which he expressed a desire to see his parents in earnest for their souls, and called out, 'Father I wish, I could see you praying, and you mother, then things would go better with you.' "Our departed son soon became so much weaker that death seemed to be approaching very near. Many dear friends now surrounded his bed, waiting the solemn event, to see his last. His dying words were 'I am going home,' On his Mother asking him if he was not at home, his answer was, 'I am going, to heaven mother,' after which he exclaimed, 'I am coming, Glory to God,' and lifting up his feeble hand in token of victory, his happy spirit took its flight to the regions of immortality." His death was improved from Psalm xxxiv.4, at Leeds Town Chapel, to a crowded congregation, when agreat many tears were shed. Thus died in holy triumph, a precious youth in humble life, highly respected. B.NOTT |