Sadler, Ellen (1805-1837)

Died, April 9, 1837, Ellen, wife of Ephraim Sadler, of Upton, in the Chester circuit, aged thirty-two years.  She received but little instruction, but was moral and steady, and regularly attended at church.  Also by hearing the Methodists she got some light, but was not fully convinced of sin.  But she was of a peaceable disposition; and every cross providence she believed would work for good in the end.

In, October 1836, she was ill, and grew worse.  Medical aid proved ineffectual.  At the beginning she conceived she distinctly heard a voice directing her to prepare to die, as she would not get better.  Her brother W. and a friend, visiting her, prayed to the Lord to make her happy.  She was benefited by their repeated visits.  She was earnest, but unbelief prevailed.  They exhorted her to cast herself wholly on the merits and mercy of Christ.  She became much distrest.  I encouraged her to the best of my ability.  I had to leave her for a while, and on my return found her still weeping; not, however, for sorrow, but for joy.  She informed me that the Lord had pardoned her sins; and if she were to die, she should go to heaven.

The next day she had some doubts; but her brother W, and other friends coming in, held a short prayer meeting, which was a means of very much strengthening her.

Her brother R. coming to see her, she informed him she was very happy, and expressed a wish to die, but would wait her appointed time.  She spoke of her funeral, and wished hymn 53, large book, to be sung; and about two hours after, her happy spirit took its flight.  Bro. J. Garner improved her death.

E. Sadler

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Page 396.