Matthews, Jeremiah (1806-1836)

MEMOIR OF JEREMIAH MATTHEWS,

(Local Preacher, Brinkworth circuit).

Jeremiah Matthews was born at Brinkworth in Wiltshire, in 1806.  His youthful days were spent in sin and folly.  But in 1825 he was induced to hear the P. M. preachers.  The word sunk deep in his heart, and he saw the necessity of being born again.  He laboured for some time under the burden of sin; but at length ventured his all on the Lord; and faith in the blood of the Lamb brought peace and joy into his soul.  He joined the society, and continued a steady member to the day of his death.

No sooner had he found the Lord, but he felt a desire for all to taste of the cup of which he drank.  He therefore invited his fellow creatures to taste and see that the Lord is good.

In 1826, his name appeared on preachers’ plan, and his labours were not in vain in the Lord.  He was punctual in attending his appointments and zealous in the cause of God.

In 1828, he married Mary Sherer, a member of our society; who being like-minded with himself, they walked in the commandments of the Lord, blameless.

After sometime difficulties began to crowd upon him.  But in the midst of all he held fast his integrity, and went on his way rejoicing.

Being subject to a pain in his side, he, at times, suffered much through preaching and walking.  But his zeal led him to walk ten or twelve miles, and preach twice on the Lord’s day.  He continued to labour, as a faithful servant of Christ until the beginning of 1836, when it pleased God to lay his afflicting hand more heavily upon him.  Medical aid was procured, but without effect.

He bore his affliction with patience and resignation.  He was visited by many of our friends; to whom it appeared that he was leaning upon the Beloved.  He recommended his wife and children to God; and, as death drew near, he observed to his wife, that if he should be unable to speak to her, he would lift his hand in token of his acceptance with God, and his prospect of glory.  And while death was breaking asunder the tender cords, Jeremiah lifted his hand, according to his promise, and fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, July 23, 1836, aged thirty-six years.

He has left a widow and four small children to lament their loss.  In his death, the world has lost a light, the church a steady member, and the circuit a useful local preacher.

R. Masson

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 50-51.