Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Rowland Hill
MEMOIR OF JANE LLOYD HILL, BY HER HUSBAND.
(Tetbury mission of the Brinkworth circuit.)
The subject of this memoir (whose maiden name was Evans) was born at Bisley in Gloucestershire, on Tuesday Feb. 6, 1810. She was of a haughty and passionate temper. Her brother informed me that he has been obliged to hold her until her passion has been abated. Afterwards she became convinced of the sinfulness of allowing herself to be carried away by passion; and it led her to serious reflection. At this time her brother, feeling the dawnings of the Spirit of God, took her with him to teach in the Sunday school. Such was the means made use of to bring her to God.
In the year 1825, she became a teacher in Walcot Sunday school, Bath; but soon left it and became a teacher in Avon street school, where she met with a kind friend, Miss Powell, now Mrs. Fear, who took her to Mr. Gunter’s class, in the Wesleyan Connexion, whom she highly esteemed while she lived. She was converted May 24, 1827, at a teachers’ tea meeting among the Wesleyans.
I received a letter from Mr. Gunter, which gives the following information: “When Jane Evans joined the Wesleyan Connexion, I cannot tell, as I have not been able to see my class books prior to 1827. She left our section of the christian society in May, 1829. But although so many years have passed away, I well remember her deep piety, and high religious enjoyments; also her ardent love to the Saviour, and zeal for the salvation of sinners. She was highly esteemed by all in the class; and all with myself regretted her removal; yet none attributed it to a wrong motive. Our friendship having been formed at the throne of grace, was not diminished by such a step. We lived in each other’s estimation, and were always happy to see each other.”
I also received intelligence from a friend belonging to the P.M. Connexion, who said she joined the P. Methodists May 13, 1829, and was very soon appointed assistant leader. About the same time, her name was put on the preachers’ plan. In the year 1830, she was taken out to travel by the Brinkworth circuit. After travelling some time in this circuit, she was removed to Shefford, where she laboured with considerable success. (She was then stationed in Ludlow circuit, where she laboured one year. She then discontinued the itinerancy,) and afterward visited different parts of the country, and occasionally preached.
In the year 1838, she went to reside at Didmarton, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, with the hope of being made useful in that dark neighbourhood. She was highly esteemed and cordially received by many in that country. She was made the honoured instrument in God’s hand, of bringing several out of darkness into the marvellous light of the gospel. I have been in meetings where she has been wrestling with God for the conversion of sinners. Her prayers moved the arm of Heaven, and brought salvation down.
In the spring of 1838, Brother Preston opened a mission at Tetbury, when she gave him an invitation to preach at Didmarton and the surrounding villages. According to her request, the places were missioned, and I am happy to say good has been done.
May 10, we were married, but her health appeared to be in a declining state. After a few weeks had elapsed, she became so weak as to be unable to get about. Her mind appeared much impressed with the subject of death; every day she appeared to get weaker, and it was quite evident the disease she was labouring under, (which was a decline,) would soon terminate her mortal existence. She appeared quite resigned to the will of God. She would frequently say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” At times she had a mighty conflict with the enemy, but God was her help in trouble. She told me when death appeared near at hand, that it had been suggested by some who did not approve of female preaching, that she would see her error at the close of life. “But,” said she, “I only regret for not doing more for God.” A day or two before her death, she appeared anxious to be with Christ. She was frequently heard to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” She appeared to suffer much through weakness, but her mind was stayed on God. On the day of her death, she told us she should soon be in heaven. As the evening drew on, she wished for silence; and at intervals would wave her hand while looking to heaven, and say, “Victory! victory! Come, Lord Jesus, sweet Jesus! I shall soon be with thee!” She then said, “Religion is no delusion.” Her soul appeared to be filled with God. A short time before her death she said, “The enemy is coming! Pray! pray!” A few minutes afterwards a smile was seen on her countenance. She waved her hand and said, “Victory! victory! All is well! all is well! Christ is in my heart. Angels are here.” She beckoned to several in the room, and told them to meet her in heaven. She said to me, “Don’t weep. There is a better day a coming. We shall soon meet again. Sing, sing! Salvation, O the joyful sound,” &c. She sung as well as she could with us. Her head went to and fro with the tune. There was an excellent feeling. She was not willing for us to stop singing, but would say, “Sing, sing.” While we were singing, she clapped her glad wings, and toured away, to mingle with the blaze of day, Nov. 3, 1838, aged 28. Her mortal remains were deposited in Weston Birt church yard, Nov. 10. The 487th hymn was sung over her grave. Her desire was, that Bro. Preston should deliver a short address at the grave; but the clergy-man refused to give permission. He went into the street, and commenced singing a hymn; prayer ensued, after which Bro. Preston and Mr. Mitchell, (a Baptist minister, delivered a short address to a goodly number of attentive hearers; after which Bros. Cummin and Excell prayed, and the assembly was dismissed. Her funeral sermon was preached in different parts of the mission, and the circuit. Her death also was improved by Bro. Pope in Bath.
(Approved by the Circuit Committee.)
Family
Jane was born on 6 February 1810 at Bisley Gloucestershire. She was baptised on 30 September 1811 along with her sister Mary Ann. Their father was Rowland Evans.
She married Rowland Hill in 10 May 1838 at Didmarton, Gloucestershire.
Jane died on 10 November 1838 at Didmarton, Gloucestershire
Circuits
- 1831 Brinkworth
- 1832 Shefford
- 1833 Hopton Bank
- 1834 Preston Brook
References
Primitive Methodist Magazine 1840/176
W Leary, Directory of Primitive Methodist Ministers and their Circuits, 1990
Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers
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