Molrey, William (d1837)

Died, January 29, 1837, at Summerseat, in Bury circuit, William Molrey.  Being deprived of his parents when young, he was put apprentice to Sir Robert Peel, at Summerseat; in which situation he continued till he was twenty-one, during which time he lived a thoughtless, ungodly life.

He then enlisted for a soldier, and was seven years in the East Indies.  His conduct, while abroad, was base in the sight of God, although he witnessed some remarkable interpositions of Divine Providence.  Twice he very narrowly escaped a watery grave.  Once a barrel of gunpowder exploding, nearly occasioned his death; but he recovered.

When he returned from the army, he found his way to Summerseat.  But notwithstanding he had witnessed so many tokens of the goodness of God, and was convinced of the necessity of a change of heart; he continued a stranger to religion, till God directed the feet of the P. Methodist missionary to Summerseat.  The word came with power, and William became a penitent at the footstool of mercy.  He sought the Lord in earnest, believed in Christ, and liberty was proclaimed to his soul.  He could then sing, “The Saviour died for me.”

During fifteen years he was a pious, humble, devoted member; and I have often heard him say, that he knew he was accepted of God, and was going to heaven.  In his house the messengers of truth were kindly entertained as long as he lived.

Towards the close of his life he became very feeble through an asthma.  This, with other things, seemed to shake his confidence; his mind was unsettled; and in a few months, religion declined apace in his soul. – But a few days before his departure I saw him, and found that the Lord had fully restored him.  He exclaimed, “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.”

His wife desired, that if he was unable to speak at the time of his departure, he would give them a signal by raising his hand.  And while he gave his last serious look, he raised both hands, and fell asleep in Jesus.

The event was improved by Brother Wood, and it was a solemn feeling time.

Thomas Smith

(Approved.)

 

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Pages 157-158.

 

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