HISTORY OF GEORGE.
The third brother, George, remained in M---- school for some years after
the elder brothers had left. As a scholar he was well-behaved and
attentive; and after conducting himself with propriety for a considerable
period, he was appointed a teacher. He had not long been thus engaged
before, during a gracious revival of religion in the circuit, he became
deeply impressed with the necessity of salvation, and determined to seek
the forgiveness of his sins. He joined the Wesleyan society, and after a
short period, professed to have obtained peace with God through Christ,
and the remission of sins through faith in his blood.
Shortly after he had joined the Wesleyan society, he was sent for some
months to a boarding-school in a neighboring town. At that period the
Rev. J.B. was one of the resident Wesleyan ministers. Mr. B. had, a
little time previous, preached a sermon to the young; and at the close of
the service had invited those young people who were not connected with
any church, and who were determined to begin to serve God, to meet him on
the ensuing Thursday evening. Thirty came, whom he formed into a class,
and continued to meet while he remained in the circuit. To this class
George united himself; and the instructions and kindness of this devoted
minister, exercised a beneficial influence on his character and conduct.
By the grace of God he was enabled to persevere amidst the enticements of
his youthful associates, and to keep a conscience void of offense
towards God and man.
Soon after this, he was removed from the parental roof, and placed with a
local preacher at B., as an apprentice. Here his religious experience
deepened, and he enjoyed more of the favor and love of God; continuing
instant in prayer, and adorning the doctrine of God his Saviour. His
Sabbaths were indeed days of rest; but not the rest of the idle, for he
engaged heartily in the duties of the Sabbath-school, and was a regular
and punctual teacher. Some of his friends, who knew the state of his
health, were rather opposed to his leisure moments being thus occupied,
and considered that he ought to take exercise and recreation in the open
air. Such were not his views. He shortly had to remove from business for
a time, and to take one or two sea voyages, which happily restored him to
his former health, and enabled him to return to his duties.
After exercising as a prayer-leader as well as a teacher for some time,
he became impressed with the conviction that it was his duty and
privilege to preach the gospel. He was encouraged to proceed, and his
name placed on the local preachers' plan. He then ceased to attend the
Sunday-school.
In a letter to a brother, George observes: "I can scarcely remember
anything of serious impressions while at school; though, I doubt not, the
instructions I there received had a salutary influence upon my mind. If I
remember rightly, several of the elder children were converted during the
revival at M.; and most of those who continued steadfast were, or had
been, connected with the school, either as teachers or scholars."
George was not satisfied with his attainments in the divine life, but
sought to possess higher enjoyments and more extensive usefulness,--"to
deeper sink, and higher rise, and to perfection grow." He was soon
enabled to testify that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all
sin;" and had much delightful evidence that to be more holy was to become
more happy and useful. He labors devotedly and successfully as a local
preacher, and is determined to live to the glory of God.