This desire was granted. On the morning of the Lord’s day, August 29th, 1802, he arose in his usual health, and performed the public service with his accustomed energy. But on leaving the pulpit he complained of violent headache, which after dinner had increased to such a degree, as to be attended almost with loss of sight. In vain were expostulations used with him not to attempt the afternoon service. Thinking he should feel better after he had begun preaching, he again ascended the pulpit, read a chapter with evident difficulty, and took for his text that memorable passage, John i. 29, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” His impaired vision preventing the use of his notes, he preached extempore about half an hour, and closed the public worship of the day with the most impressive prayer his congregation had ever heard from his lips. A few minutes only had elapsed before his recollection failed. After he was taken home, he spoke only once, referring to the pain in his head and begging for assistance. He continued in a state of stupor till about seven o’clock in the evening, when he gave signs of returning reason, by pressing the hand of his afflicted partner. About ten o’clock he closed his earthly sabbath, by entering upon that which is eternal. {196} On the following sunday afternoon, the Rev. H. W. Gardiner of Southwold delivered an impressive discourse upon the occasion, from Phil. ii. 16, “Holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” His remains were interred in the church-yard of Mutford, near those of his wife’s relatives. A small monument was erected in the meeting-house to his memory. It describes him as having laboured “in the christian ministry with fidelity and success.” The inscription upon his grave-stone is as follows: SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE REV. JOSEPH HEPTINSTALL, PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATION OF PROTESTANT DISSENTERS IN THE TOWN OF BECCLES, WHICH OFFICE HE FAITHFULLY AND ZEALOUSLY DISCHARGED FOR TWENTY-NINE YEARS; AND DIED ON THE EVENING OF THE LORD’S DAY AUGUST THE 29TH, 1802, AGED SIXTY. The sudden removal of their excellent minister was deeply felt by the church and congregation, and earnest prayer was presented, that the dispensation might be sanctified, and the stroke healed. In the month of November, God was pleased to introduce among them their late admirable pastor. * * * * *