Transcription of an obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Philip Brown
Memoir of Samuel Allsop, of Hognaston,
IN DERBYSHIRE.
SAMUEL ALLSOP was born March 18, 1776. He was early taught to sing in the church: and when about ten years of age he was reckoned one of the finest counter singers in all those parts. He continued closely to attend the church of England for thirty-three or thirty-four years: during which time he became much addicted to swearing and drunkenness, being sometimes intoxicated three or four days in a week.
On the 22nd of June 1817, some of the Primitive Methodists on their way from Brassington camp-meeting, called at Hognaston and preached in the street; and from that time continued to preach there. Samuel Allsop attended the preaching; and was drawn by degrees to join in the singing. The Lord, by his spirit began to move upon his soul; but he had been so addicted to drunkenness that he was soon overcome by the enemy of souls. The Lord, however, still strove with him, and when he was overtaken with drunkenness, his wife used to talk freely to him about his wicked course of life. He still continued to attend the preaching, and began to be deeply convinced of his improper: course of life. But his mind took a peculiar turn, he on some occasions, would say that some way must be taken to have these Methodists driven out of the place, for he thought they would turn all the town. In his family he was often heard to say, that he wished they had never come to preach. But the Lord still strove with him; and, by degrees he began to see and feel himself a lost sinner. His convictions were very great. He told me that when under conviction, the wrath of God seemed like a heavy cloud ready to burst upon him; and he had terrors of various kinds: sometimes he was afraid lest the ground should sink under him; and he was strongly tempted to put an end to his life.
He continued under deep conviction till December 15, 1819. On that evening, while hearing Ann Milward preach at Bradbourn, he got a degree of faith that the Lord would that night set his soul at liberty. With this persuasion, he came home and went to bed; and about one o’clock he awoke, and heard distinctly the sweetest harmony of music he could possibly describe. And he heard a voice quite clear, say unto him:
“If Jesus shews his mercy mine,
And whispers I am his.”
At that moment his soul was filled with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; and so greatly was he overjoyed, that he had some thought of rising and coming to our house to inform me that his soul was set at liberty.
His conversion was remarkably clear and sound; and from this time, whenever he attended the meetings he was generally melted into tears. And this, on some occasions had such an effect that the whole meeting would be in tears also!
He had a remarkable feeling for church-people, greatly wishing them to be saved, on account of himself. The people of the world often looked for his halting. But the Lord, in his goodness enabled him to walk circumspectly. He frequently spoke to people with tears in his eyes, telling them what God had done for his soul. He proved for himself that godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of the life which is to come.
On the 29th of July, 1821, it pleased the Lord to afflict him, and his affliction soon greatly increased. Medical aid was tried, but all in vain; but his soul was resigned to the will of God.
On Thursday morning November 15, being taken much worse, his sons and daughters were sent for, and a great many acquaintances came to see him. And when he saw them weep, he told them not to weep for him, but to weep for themselves, for he should soon be with Jesus. During his affliction, he was often heard to say, “Come Lord Jesus, receive my soul.
About noon the same day he called his wife and family, observing that he had a word to say unto them. To his, eldest son he said, “John thy mother is getting old, and thou must take care of her. And you, my dear children, live peaceably and agreeably one with another. Do good unto all that you have to do with. Eschew evil, and follow that which is good, and good will come of it. And follow me to heaven as fast as you can.” He had the happiness of seeing his wife and some of his children in the way to heaven.
He, one night said, he was thinking of the noise he heard when he was converted. His son said, “Do you want to hear it again?” He said, “I want to be where it is.” He had great patience under his affliction,
On the 1st of December, 1821, about one o’clock he began to be sick, and to cough. He was sensible to the last and when departing, he was heard to say, “Lord deliver my soul.” And he gave up the ghost, in the forty-sixth year of his age,
Reference
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1822/42
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