The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada WestArmstrong, John
Religion
The Life and Letters of the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A.: Rector of Thornhill, in the Diocese of Toronto, Canada West
Armstrong, John
Mortimer, George, 1784-1844
“Your dear brother appeared so full of love and tenderness, and, at
the same time, so interested himself in everything that appeared to
interest us, that we could not help wishing for a much longer
enjoyment. I heard him preach but once: his sermon was truly
edifying. I will transcribe a brief outline of it, as you may find
it a word of consolation in some season of sorrow. Matt. xv. 28, ‘O
woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ The
advantages resulting from strong faith were pointed out in four
important particulars; viz.—I. It yields to no discouragement. II.
It bears and even overcomes the most humiliating discoveries. III.
It receives the strongest marks of the Saviour’s approbation. IV. It
is put into eventual possession of every needful good. Each of these
points was marked out as strikingly illustrated in this affecting and
interesting narrative.”
His brother, the Rev. Thomas Mortimer, has kindly furnished me with the
following communication respecting the same sermon:—
“On Sunday, the 27th March, 1825, my beloved brother preached for me
at my lecture at St. Olave’s, Southwark. I shall never forget that
sermon. Being the only church at that time usually open in the
Borough for Sunday evening service, there was generally a large
attendance, and that evening the church was crowded. On entering the
pulpit, my brother’s diminutive figure excited attention; and, in
some, produced a smile. When, however, he had composed himself in
the pulpit, his fine countenance, beaming with intelligence,
evidently inspired some with respect, who, at first, had looked up
with indifference, if not with scorn. His announcement of his text
was most solemn and yet most tender; ‘O woman, great is thy faith: be
it unto thee even as thou wilt.’ From that moment the silence of
death reigned; and, after a few minutes, every eye seemed fixed upon
the preacher, and every ear listening to his voice. The scoffer soon
discovered that the preacher was no ordinary man: the candid inquirer
felt interested in the subject: the timid and weak believer took
courage: and the mourner drank in the water of life, with the
eagerness of the thirsty soul. Many a time, during subsequent years,
have the tenderest and most grateful reference been made to that
sermon by those who were accustomed to converse with me on the great
concerns of their souls. Though nearly twenty years have rolled away
since that memorable night, the recollection of my beloved brother,
of the touching words that fell from his lips, and the ‘unction of
the Holy One,’ which evidently attended them, is still vivid and
delightful, and will, I doubt not, accompany me to my grave.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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