THE

METHODIST MAGAZINE,

FOR APRIL, 1813.

BIOGRAPHY.

▲ MEMOIR OF MR. JOHN WATSON, JUN.

(Concluded from page 169.)

AT the Conference in 1803, Brother Watson removed to the St. Austle Circuit. Here, also, he found cause of lamentation, in some misunderstandings and bickerings that prevailed among certain leading characters in the circuit, which contributed much towards marring the preachers' comfort, and limiting their usefulness throughout the year.

Dec. 31, he writes thus: "Since I wrote last, I have had many painful sensations, and met with more disagreeable things in this circuit, than I ever witnessed before, since I entered on the work of the ministry; but I am thankful to God that they came no sooner. I feel the promise of God verified, As thy day, so shall thy strength be. We have had our Quarterly Meeting this week, and, perhaps, the best that had been in this circuit for some years; but had a few things to pass through, which were not pleasant.

"St. Austle, March 28, 1804. Yesterday we had our Quarterly Meeting here, and got through our business in a tolerably comfortable way. In the evening, we had a good love-feast: many testified the power of Divine grace on their souls, and expressed an earnest desire for the revival of vital religion. It appears that there are many in this circuit under serious impression, beginning to feel after God: and, in several places, the congregations are increasing very fast. O that our wilderness may bud and blossom as the rose.

"St. Austle, April 16. Of late, I have enjoyed great peace in my own mind. I trust the Lord is carrying on his gracious work in my soul. May he perfect what is lacking, and grant me such a measure of the Divine nature, as shall fit me for the present and eternal enjoyment of himself. The storms have much subVOL. XXXVI. APRIL, 1813.

sided in our societies; peace and unity again prevail in our assemblies; and, I hope, that many are getting real good; may it be also lasting. May vital christianity again shed forth all her reviving, cheering, and soul-enlivening influences, on every side.

"Indian Queens, April 27. Of late, I have endeavoured, as closely as possible, to examine the foundation of my hope, as I would not be deceived in such an important affair as that of my salvation and eternal happiness. The result is this; I find my faith, trust, and confidence in God, strengthened, and nearly a full assurance that nothing shall be able to move me from the Rock of Ages.

"St. Austle, Aug. 7. During the last month, many have been my trials and difficulties; but God has been a present help in time of need. O that I could sufficiently love and adore him for his tender mercy towards me! I have, as usual, been endeavouring, in my poor way, to promote the cause and interest of Christ, but have reason to fear, with very little success. May God prosper his work on every side! I still feel it my greatest desire to spend and be spent in the service of that God who has done such great things for me."

At the Conference, 1804, he removed to Camelford, where he found an affectionate people, much at unity among themselves, and piously ready to promote every good work; with whom he spent the year comfortably and usefully.

Oct. 1. he writes, "This day we had our Quarterly Meeting; peace and unity were the order of the day. I never attended a meeting where a more noble and Christian spirit was manifested. It is really delightful to be among such a people.

"Dec. 26. This day we held our Quarterly Meeting at this place. Many attended; peace and love presided at the meeting; and many excellent things were said on different subjects. Among other things, a subscription was set on foot for the relief of the poor, to be under the direction of the preachers, and to be dis tributed chiefly by them.

"Port Isaac, March, 10, 1805. I preached here last evening, and twice this day, with different degrees of liberty. The congregations are large and attentive; and I believe the Lord is carrying on a secret work in the hearts of many. I have this day made an attempt to establish a Sunday School at this place; strongly recommended it to the congregation; and met with some difficulties and discouragements; but I am persuaded all may be surmounted. I have long felt my mind distressed at seeing the deplorable state of the children, and now feel satisfaction from interesting myself in their behalf.

"Boscastle, May 5. I preached here this evening, with great liberty, to as many as the house would contain; gave a lecture

on the importance of giving children a religious education; and exhorted the people to send their children to the Sunday School. I hope some good was done."

From these documents, it appears, that the writer's heart was greatly set on doing all possible good; and that he evidently proved both the truth and ardor of his love, by diligently feeding the sheep and the lambs of his Lord's flock.

At the Conference in 1805, being appointed to the Cardiff circuit, on leaving Cornwall, Aug. 25, he writes thus:-" After having been about three years in this county, travelling through the greatest part of it-preaching several hundreds of times-experiencing some trials-passing through a few difficulties--but enjoying far more blessings-This day, with a heavy heart, I embark for Wales."

The next day, after a pleasant passage, he landed safely at Swansea, and on the 27th, arrived at Cardiff. This being the first circuit he was appointed to superintend, he appears to have entered on it deeply conscious of the important trust committed to him; and with a resolution, in the strength of his Divine Master, to spend and be spent in his service. Having to labour among a people surrounded by Antinomian professors, and too liable to feel the influence of their pernicious leaven; he judiciously adopted, and carefully applied, all requisite preservatives. He enforced every branch of our excellent discipline, with equal firmness and affection. A free, full, and present salvation; the direct witness of the Spirit, and uniform practical godliness, flowing from evangelical principles, were subjects that had a distinguished share in his ministrations. These laudable exertions were succeeded by the Divine blessing. The word of God ran and was glorified: new ground was broken up, some new societies were formed, several of the old ones were increased, and, during the two years which our Brother spent in this circuit, many who were raised from death to life, hailed him as their spiritual father.

Newport, June 18, 1806. He observes, "In several places we have the pleasure of seeing the work of the Lord prosper in. our hands. Some are frequently casting in their lot among us. A great change has taken place here, for the better, during the last half year. The society is increased; and the members are united together in the bond of love.

"Nash, June 19. At this, which is a new place, I have met a kind reception, and the people appear to be hungering for the bread of life. The fields are whitening for the harvest in this country. O that the Lord may send faithful labourers into it. "Caerphilly, June 25. Mr. Owens and I preached here this evening, to a large and attentive congregation. Calvinism runs

strong in this place, and has degenerated into rank Antinomianism. But I hope the torrent will, in a little time, be stemmed, and that the people will open their eyes to behold the truth as it is in Jesus. This afternoon I had a long conversation on the possibility of living without sin. Many of those who plead for the continuance of sin, are undoubtedly well meaning persons; but they cannot devise a more effectual method of strengthening the kingdom of Satan. It opens the door to all manner of vice. Their arguments for it appear very weak, and founded on detached passages of Scripture, and forced interpretations. May God help me to preach a full, free, and present salvation to all.

"Abergavenny, Jan. 1, 1807. This last week I have been sorely afflicted; having had great pain in my head, and in many parts of my body, accompanied with a painful cough, and shortness of breath. Yet I have omitted preaching only twice. I feel calmness, peace, and serenity of mind, and no anxiety, whether my life shalt be long or short. But, O! that it may be spent to God's glory. We have a most pleasing prospect before us in this place.

66

Grange, Feb. 18. I have been much indisposed in body for some time; and, probably, shall not long be an inhabitant of this world. But I feel a strong confidence, that when I fail on earth, God will receive me to himself. May he prepare me for every event."

It appears to have been about this time that Brother Watson began to feel the dreadful effects of sleeping in a damp bed. This laid the foundation of that complaint which, though apparently subdued for a season, yet, by its latent depredations, laid his firm constitution in ruins; and finally terminated a life, which promised much longer, and more extensive usefulness.

In the years 1807 and 1808, he laboured in the Pembroke Circuit. Here the fine salubrious air, moderate exercise, and kind attentions of a most affectionate, simple-hearted people, contributed, under the Divine blessing, towards, at least, partially restoring him to health and strength. At Tenby, Dec. 31, he observes: God has mercifully preserved my life to the conclusion of another year, while many have been cut off on every side. When I look back, I am constrained to say, surely goodness and mercy have followed me all my days. And, blessed be God, for an unshaken confidence, that he will enable me to weather out every storm, and, finally, to scale the mount of heaven. May my gracious Master help me to live nearer to him, and make me more and more fruitful in every good word and work; that my remaining time may be spent in glorifying him, and benefitting mankind.

"Tenby, July 18. Last evening I finished my ministerial labours of this year in this circuit; and, I hope, they have not been