Triumphant last words of a Methodist Elder - 1816
Introduction
George Shadford became a Christian as a young man in England under Methodist teaching, soon becoming a zealous evangelist. John Wesley dispatched him to America in 1772. He preached in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia (leading a revival in the last state). Shadford returned to England in 1778, following the American Revolution, rather than betray his loyalty to King George. He died March 11, 1816. Here is an unnamed friend’s account of his attitude on this day March 10, 1816—mere hours before his death.
Quote
“On the Lord’s day morning, March 10, before I went to the chapel I called to see him and found he had slept most of the night; from this we flattered ourselves the complaint had taken a favorable turn, and were in hopes of his recovery. But when the doctor called he said the disease was fast approaching to a crisis, and it was impossible for him to recover. Upon this information Mr. Shadford broke out into a rapture, and exclaimed, ‘Glory be to God!’ Upon the subject of his acceptance with God, and assurance of eternal glory, he had not the shadow of a doubt. While he lay in view of an eternal world, and was asked if all was clear before him, he replied, ‘I bless God, it is;’ and added, ‘Victory! victory! through the blood of the Lamb!’ When Mrs. Shadford was sitting by him, he repeated, ‘What surprise! what surprise!’ I suppose he was reflecting upon his deliverance from a corruptible body, and his entrance into the presence of his God and Saviour, where every scene surpasses all imagination, and the boldest fancy returns wearied and unsatisfied in its loftiest flights.”
Bangs, Nathan. A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume III. T. Mason and G. Lane, 1839.