PART II.

THE following portion of this Memoir was written originally for circulation amongst those kind friends referred to in the introductory chapter of this work, and for them alone: and it is with feelings of reluctance, that so much of a private nature should come before strangers. But, as it is the opinion of some of those who have been instrumental in bringing this Memoir before the public, that no part of it should be withheld, a hope may be entertained, that the sacrifice of feeling will be rewarded by a proportionate benefit gained from its perusal.

CHAPTER XIV.

JOURNEY

ΤΟ

RESIDENCE

CROMER-RETURN

HOME SERMON

AT ELY-VISIT ΤΟ FRIENDS IN AND NEAR LONDON-LAST SERMON AND PASTORAL VISIT LETTERS TO FRIENDS GRADUAL

INCREASE

OF WEAKNESS-ORDERED TO HASTINGS RESIDENCE THERE-LETTERS ΤΟ HIS SON AND FRIENDSWEAKNESS INCREASED LAST FEW WEEKS-CLOSING SCENE FUNERAL TESTIMONY FROM THE CLERGY OF CAMBRIDGE, AND FROM TWO SOCIETIES FUNERAL SERMON AT CAMBRIDGE.

In compliance with the request of many kind and beloved friends, to possess some of the interesting circumstances relating to the last few months of my dear husband's life, I have endeavoured to recollect the events of that ever-to-be-remembered time, to circulate among them; assured, from the love which they cherished for him, that they will value a recital of particulars the most trivial. The effort has been trying, but as it will gratify many, I would not shrink from it: and earnestly request in return,

that the widow and son of their valued friend may have a share in their prayers.

Few amongst the friends of my dear husband, though fully apprized of his declining state of health, were at all aware that he was seriously indisposed, until the close of the year 1851. But in the following spring and early part of the summer, he was visibly becoming weaker. Still he looked forward to a journey into Wales, as a means of restoring him to some measure of health; and in July, 1852, we made an attempt to join some friends, who had appointed to meet us at Dolgelly; and though the failure of this plan was a great disappointment, he felt assured, that this, like every other event in life, was arranged for him; and as his weakness increased, he had reason to see it had been mercifully ordered for the best.

On the 20th of July, we started for a short visit to Cromer. This little change did not appear of much benefit, though he enjoyed intercourse with a few friends who were there, and whom he often met on the shore. To them he would sometimes express a feeling, that his work was finished, and would lament that he had not preached as he ought to have done, that his sermons had been poor and meagre, always taking a very humble view of his past labours. He was able to climb daily to the top of the cliffs, and would frequently continue there till sun-set. From the light-house Downs he

glorious orb, sinking to all There was something sooth

delighted to watch the appearance in the sea. ing to his mind in such a scene. We were much indebted, in that short visit, to the constant attentions of the present Incumbent of the parish, who assisted us in procuring lodgings, and was always ready, in every way which kindness could devise, to increase our comfort; and it is a melancholy pleasure to recal them, in tracing out the events in a life drawing to its close. We returned home by the coast, for he drove all the way, and this gave him the opportunity of dining with his esteemed friend, Mr. Cotterill, at Blakeney.

It may be truly said of my dear husband, that he did not outlive his relish for the beauties of nature, or the society of friends; he loved them all to the last.

On the 6th of August, we returned home, and on Sunday, the 8th, he preached in the morning his anniversary sermon of the commencement of his ministry at St. Michael's. It was a deeply interesting one, from Jeremiah xiii. 20.-" Where is the flock that was given thee? thy beautiful flock."

He contrasted the present state of his parish and people, with what it once was. As the notes of this sermon will interest many, they are subjoined, and are an exact copy of those he took into the pulpit.