Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic]

!

LATIMER PREACHING AT UL'S CROSS.-(See page 177.)

THE

COTTAGER'S FRIEND,

AND

GUIDE OF THE YOUNG.

FOR THE YEAR 1841.

VOLUME V.

[graphic]

PUBLISHED BY JOHN MASON

AT THE WESLEYAN CONTRRENCE OFFICE, 14, TTY ROAD
AND SOLD AT PATERNOSTER-RO

26 ATR 1973

LIBRARY

ROCHE, PRINTER, 25, HOXTON-SQUARE, LONDON.

[blocks in formation]

MEMOIR OF DAVID BRINDLEY.

DAVID BRINDLEY was born at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, in the year 1821. He was not favoured, like many, with the counsels and advices of pious parents; yet in very early life he discovered the loveliest traits of character. He was devotedly attached to his parents, and to his brothers and sisters. Scarcely ever was he known to quarrel, but chose rather to suffer than contend. He seemed to have very little relish for childish amusements; but from the first dawn of reason he evidenced a love for reading. After his admission into the Wesleyan-Methodist Sunday-school, religious books were almost exclusively the subject of his study. Often did he sit for hours together eagerly perusing the word of God, and the beautiful hymns in the Wesleyan collection. He stored the substance of these up in his mind, and displayed a great readiness in conversing about them.

As he grew up, he continued to manifest the same affection for his parents, by the most prompt and cheerful obedience to their commands. The religious instructions which he received at the Sabbath-school

B

2

MEMOIR OF DAVID BRINDLEY.

made a deep impression upon his mind, the effects of which were seen in his habitually serious and exemplary conduct.

For a considerable time previous to his last illness, he walked in "the fear of the Lord;" and the Holy Spirit gradually opened his mind to receive the impression of divine things. He carried his Hymn-book with him regularly to the factory where he worked, that every leisure moment might be devoted to the perusal of it. He spent half an hour every day at noon in reading the word of God and prayer. His mother often heard him praying in the most fervent manner for the pardon of his sins, and the renewal of his nature.

In May, 1837, he became a subject of affliction, and the rapid progress of his disorder excited the fears of his parents that "the sickness was unto death." His Teacher visited him about this time, and found him earnestly desiring and praying for a clearer evidence of the pardoning love of God. On Monday, June 5th, he sent in great haste for his Teacher, and on his arrival broke out in the most rapturous strain of joy. God had spoken peace to his soul. The clouds were all dispelled, and he saw,

"Without a veil between,

The Godhead reconciled."

On another occasion he called the family together, and, raising himself up in the bed, repeated the following lines, out of one of his favourite hymns, in a most solemn and affecting manner :

"I'll praise my Maker while I've breath ;
And when my voice is lost in death,
Praise shall employ my nobler powers;

My days of praise shall ne'er be past
While life, and thought, and being last,
Or immortality endures."

He then gave them the most affectionate warnings and advices, entreating them to make their peace with God, and prepare for eternity..

« PreviousContinue »