Fletcher of MadeleyMacdonald, Frederic W. (Frederic William)
Religion
Fletcher of Madeley
Macdonald, Frederic W. (Frederic William)
Fletcher, John, 1729-1785
"These seasons generally terminated in this. Being convinced
that to be filled with the Holy Ghost was a better
qualification for the ministry of the gospel than any
classical learning (although that too be useful in its
place), after speaking awhile in the schoolroom, he used
frequently to say, 'As many of you as are athirst for this
fulness of the Spirit, follow me into my room.' On this many
of us have instantly followed him, and there continued for
two or three hours, wrestling like Jacob for the blessing,
praying one after another, till we could bear to kneel no
longer.
* * * * *
"Such was the ordinary employment of this man of God while
he remained at Trevecca. He preached the word of life to the
students and family, and as many of the neighbours as
desired to be present. He was 'instant in season, and out of
season'; he 'reproved, rebuked, exhorted, with all
longsuffering.' He was always employed, either in
illustrating some important truth, or exhorting to some
neglected duty, or administering some needful comfort, or
relating some useful anecdote, or making some profitable
remark or observation upon some occurrence. And his devout
soul, always burning with love and zeal, led him to
intermingle prayer with all he uttered. Meanwhile his manner
was so solemn, and at the same time so mild and insinuating,
that it was hardly possible for any one who had the
happiness of being in his company not to be struck with awe
and charmed with love, as if in the presence of an angel or
departed spirit. Indeed, I frequently thought, while
attending to his heavenly discourse and Divine spirit, that
he was so different from, and superior to, the generality of
mankind, as to look more like Moses or Elijah, or some
prophet or apostle, come again from the dead, than a mortal
man, dwelling in a house of clay. It is true, his weak and
long-afflicted body proclaimed him to be human; but the
graces which so eminently filled and adorned his soul
manifested him to be Divine: and long before his happy
spirit returned to God who gave it, that which was human
seemed in a great measure to be 'swallowed up of life.'"
Benson was not alone in the impressions he received of Fletcher's
character, and of the influence he exercised at Trevecca. The
references of others are in the same strain; and although his connexion
with the college came to an abrupt end, and was followed by a period of
painful controversy, we hear no disparagement of his piety, or
suggestion of anything unworthy of his reputation for Christian
meekness and purity.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account