employed in applying an ample fortune to the relief of the friendless; collecting together, and supporting under her own roof, an extensive family, composed of the afflicted, the indigent, and the helpless, but chiefly consisting of orphan children. To these occupations they devoted the prime of their days; and during more than twenty years' unwearied attention to these sacred employments, no regular correspondence was maintained between them. They knew, however, and rejoiced in, each other's labours; but, while every succeeding report tended to increase their mutual regard, they greatly endeavoured to turn the whole stream of their affections towards heavenly things, joyfully sacrificing every inferior consideration to the interest of the church, and the glory of their common Master. "It was not till his last return from Switzerland, after his unexpected recovery from a dangerous illness, that Mr. Fletcher renewed his personal acquaintance with Miss Bosanquet, who received him as a friend restored from the grave. They had each of them studiously followed the leadings of Providence in their appointed stations; and, at this time, a combination of extraordinary circumstances led them into those habits of intimacy which daily increased their deep-rooted attachment to each other. There existed on either side a variety of motives to their immediate union, and not a single reason, of any weight, for their continued separation. Every seeming impediment was suddenly removed out of the way, and all things wonderfully conspired to accelerate that entire connexion between them which promised a large addition to their mutual comfort. At length, with the fullest persuasion that they acted under the divine influence, they received each other at the altar, in the most solemn and affecting manner, as from the immediate hand of God, and in the presence of a multitude of friends, who rejoiced to see so much solid piety and worth united by an indissoluble tie." 4. The account given by Mrs. C., in a letter to Mr. Wesley, is much more particular: and as she was an eye and ear witness of what she relates, I doubt not but it will fully satisfy all who seriously consider it, that his soul was, at that time, all alive, and wholly devoted to God. And this whole transaction may well be recommended to the imitation of all Christians who enter the holy state of matrimony. "REV. SIR, Ι "I THINK it my privilege, and have often found it a blessing, to comply with the request of my honoured father, which I now do also in great love to my valuable and much-esteemed friends Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher. will therefore endeavour, with the assistance of my gracious Lord, to recollect and acquaint you with some particulars of the life and character of these truly devoted servants of God, with whose intimate acquaintance I have been favoured for near thirty years.-But, indeed, I feel my great insufficiency to relate what might be said with the strictest truth of these worthies. My acquaintance with Mrs. Fletcher began when she was about seventeen years of age. She had from her early childhood been strongly drawn to seek the Crucified, and was now athirst for a clean heart, and longed to have a right spirit renewed within her. Nor did her desire to love God with all her heart lessen, but increase, her love to her neighbour; as I, the most unworthy, am well able to testify, to whom she has been a tried friend, even to the present hour. 66 "To give you a clear view of this, I need only transcribe part of a letter, which she wrote to me, May 23, 1757: "MY DEAREST FRIEND, "THE Lord has been, indeed, merciful above all that we can ask or think. I found a greater blessing, the last time I was with you than ever. I am more enabled to pray and earnestly to seek after holiness. But what most stirs me up is, I seem to hear the Lord calling upon me, Depart ye, depart ye: go ye out thence: touch not the unclean thing: be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. For some time these words have been much in my mind, with both pleasure and profit. But within this day or two, the Lord has more clearly showed me the way wherein I ought to walk. seems to call me out to more activity; so that I am ready to cry out, What wouldest thou have me to do? Then I consider, Can I do any more for the souls and He bodies of the poor about me? But this does not seem to be the thing. What I am now led to wish for is, with both soul and body, to serve those who are in Christ; and as soon as the Lord has prepared me for his work, and set me at liberty, my firm resolution is, by the grace of God, to be wholly given up to the church. I plainly see, I have no more to do with the world than to allow myself the necessaries of life. And though it has pleased God that I have no need to work for my living, yet surely that is no reason my hand should be idle. I would be like those described 1 Tim. v. 10, to bring up children, to lodge strangers, to be ready to do the meanest offices for the saints; to relieve the afflicted, to visit the fatherless and widows, and diligently to follow every good work. O, pray for me, that the Lord may shorten his work in me, and quickly make an end of sin! O that he would say to my soul, Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee! O, when shall I be wholly given up, both body and soul, to Him who gave himself for me!' "I admired the spirit of this letter; but little expected to see these good desires brought so fully into practice as they were a few And this may after. years suffice as a clear proof that God fulfils the desires of them that fear him; yea, and shows unto them the path wherein he would have them to walk. That her light given before was not delusive, is plain; as it is well known how many years she has 'brought up children, lodged strangers,' relieved the afflicted, and 'diligently followed every good work.' 66 With regard to the dear saint that is now swallowed up in his beloved employment, praise and adoration, it is eight or nine and twenty years since I was first favoured with his heavenly conversation, in company with Mr. Walsh and a few other friends, most of whom are now in the world of spirits. At these seasons, how frequently did we feel 'The o'erwhelming power of saving grace!' How frequently were we silenced thereby, while tears of love our souls o'erflowed! It sweetly affects my soul, while I recollect the humility, fervour of spirit, and strength of faith, with which dear Mr. Fletcher so often poured out his soul before the great Three-One, at whose feet we have lain in holy shame and divine silence, till it seemed earth was turned to heaven! With what delight does my soul recall those precious moments! Yet a little while, and we shall all magnify His name together. "This heavenly-minded servant of the Lord resembled his Master, likewise, in his love to precious souls. . I heard him preach his first sermon at West-street chapel. I think his text was, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' His spirit appeared in his whole attitude and action, though he could not well find words in the English language to express himself; but he supplied that defect, by offering up prayers, tears, and sighs, abundantly. Nearly about this time he saw Miss Bosanquet, and begun his acquaintance with her. But, although they had a particular esteem for each other, yet they had no correspondence for above twenty years. It was not till the yearly Conference drew nigh, in July, 1781, that he paid her a visit at her own house, near Leeds. They had much conversation together, and contracted an intimate acquaintance. After a few days Miss Bosanquet asked your (Mr. Wesley's) advice concerning Mr. Fletcher's proposal. You approved it entirely, being persuaded it would be much to the glory of God. “About the middle of September Mr. Fletcher returned to Madeley, where he continued to the end of October, when he again visited Yorkshire; intending, immediately after his marriage, to set out with his spouse to his beloved parish. For he seemed to think every hour a day while he was detained from his dear people. But unavoidable hinderances occurring, their mutual friend, the Rev. Mr. Cross, was so kind as to supply Madeley, while Mr. Fletcher took care of Mr. Cross's parish in his absence. "His general conversation," proceeds Mrs. C., "while at Cross-Hall, was praising God, and speaking of the love of our dear Redeemer. He took opportunities, likewise, of speaking to every one in the family concerning the state of their souls, and giving them, from time to time, such directions as were suitable thereto. At other times he met us all together, and gave us proper exhortations and directions. Our daily meals were as a sacrament: when he drank to any one, it was, 'Heavenly health,' or, 'The cup of salvation.' At or after the meal he generally begun, or called us to begin, that verse,— 'Still, O my soul, prolong The never-ceasing song! Christ, my theme, my hope, my joy! Praise my every hour employ: Every hour be spent in praise!' After dinner he often sung several verses of Primitive Christianity; particularly that, 'O that my Lord would count me meet Sometimes he read many of those verses with tears streaming down his face. Thus did he walk with God, filled with the Spirit of his beloved Lord; confirming his love to all the family, and caring both for their spiritual and temporal concerns. 66 My soul was much affected, when he asked each of us in a sweet, humble manner, Can you give me your friend?' To think of parting was, indeed, grievous to us all yet we did not dare to withhold her from him, as we all believed the union was of God, and would be to their present and eternal benefit. The first sermon which he preached at Leeds, on the Sunday morning before the Conference, will never be forgotten by any that heard it, who desire to be perfected in love. He preached in many places while in Yorkshire, and to numerous congregations. I have heard of many who were blessed thereby some convinced of sin, others comforted. And whenever he either preached, or conversed, the comforts of the Holy Ghost were multiplied. 'Monday, November 12, was the day appointed for the outward uniting of those whose hearts were before united by the Holy Spirit. On the morning of this day, several friends met together on this solemn occasion, who can all, with me, truly say, 'I have been at one Christian wedding.' Jesus was invited, and truly he 66 |