Note 643 — Chapter XXVI · LAST DAYS ON EARTH. 1784–1785. (continued 2)

Another writer, who was present, relates that the congregation sang, or tried to sing, the affecting hymn which was composed and used at the time of Fletcher’s dangerous illness in 1776 (see pp. 362 and 368). He further says, “I never was witness to a scene so impressive and pathetic. Every breast felt, every countenance expressed, one common sentiment. Tears, sobs, and suppressed groans showed how sincerely the people esteemed their venerable pastor. When the hymn was sung, there was a general burst of sorrow. Even those who had spurned his instructions, deprecated his death as a public loss, and expressed their grief with uncommon agitation.” (Methodist Magazine, 1802, p. 572.)