William Picton, coal miner

“From his youth he was of a harmless in-offensive turn and was noted for his obedience to his parents… about the month of September 1821, it pleased the Lord to send the Primitive Methodists into those parts.  William attended their preachings and prayer meetings and joined the society”.

He was greatly noted for his patience; so much so they said he had more patience than Job.

“He was useful in leading prayer meetings and made scripture his delight.” Some time ago, having been at a Lovefeast two of his companions asked why he did not speak in the meeting.  He replied, he had not so clear an evidence as some; for most who spoke had been brought in under heavy convictions; and, (as he had not been brought through such severe distress,) it rather brought fears on his mind. But he soon found that the Lord’s ways of working are various.

He enjoyed the presence of the Holy Spirit “I have seen him oft times in such a glorious state, that it has caused him to rejoice, and bless the day that ever the Lord found such an unworthy wretch as himself”.

“On 18th of August he went to work to his employment as usual, and was damped to death in a few minutes after he went down into the pit to work.”

Remarks by T Sugden.

“I preached his funeral sermon, at the coal pit bank, on Monday evening, September 6th 1824; to a large and serious congregation.”

Ref: P.M. Children’s Magazine 1824 Vol 1 page 47