Worfolk, James (1798-1837)

Died, March 1, 1837, at Methley, in Leeds circuit, James, son of Joseph and Mary Worfolk.  His parents being united to our society, James was induced to attend our ministry regularly; by which means he was preserved from many of the habits to which persons who follow his employ, (viz. a coal miner,) are addicted.

In 1826 he entered into the marriage state with the daughter of a person who was a member of our society; and though neither James nor his wife met in class, they evidenced their attachment to the cause by taking in the preachers; and he was moral in his conduct, regularly attended the means, and used all his influence to further the cause.

In 1833, the cholera visited Leeds and its vicinity; our brother saw its ravages, and was greatly appalled.  And one night it seized him in one of its dreadful forms, and he stood on the edge of eternity, unprepared to meet his God.  He was alarmed, and began to call on the Lord.  By judicious treatment, he was, through the Divine blessing, speedily restored.  And from that time he was earnest in seeking the pardon of his sins.  Wherever he was, or whatever he was doing, the cry of his heart was, “Lord, save me. O Lord, save me lest I perish.”  About that time our Sister D. Smith, (now Mrs. Bastow,) was appointed to preach at Methley; and as she was exhorting the sincere seeker to look to Jesus for present salvation, our brother believed, and received it.  After this he joined the society; and from that period to the day of his death he was a regular and consistent member.

We have a small chapel at Methley; and our brother, soon after he joined, set himself to amend its circumstances, by taking an active part in letting and re-letting the seats; and in this he was very successful.

About December, 1837, he was seized with a consumption.  He wished to recover on account of the church, his wife, and their infant offspring; but his heavenly Father determined otherwise: and at length our brother was enabled to give up all, and his latter end was very triumphant.

About an hour before his death, as his sorrowing relatives surrounded his bed, he looked steadily towards a particular part of the room; and as he gazed his eye gathered new lustre, and his features lit up with strong expression.  “Stay, mother,” he cried, “Stay, mother! Thomas and Anna, stay, stay but a little while, and I will be with you, for Jesus bids me come.”

His relatives asking what he had seen, he answered, “I have seen my mother, brother Thomas, and sister Anna.  They have been for me, and I shall not be long ere I go to them.”  Shortly after, he left this world for a better, aged thirty-nine years.

 

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 469-470.

 

 

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.