On Lord's Day, March 23rd, he was much better. He wrote to us, "We had a happy time this morning around the Lord's table. I am thankful to say the Lord enabled me to be there. My throat is a great deal better, but I still feel it is rest the Lord would give me. He enabled me to speak a few words at the meeting.
From a friend who was present, and had known him well for many years, we heard that his ministry that morning was exceedingly sweet and profitable. His subject was, "The Good Shepherd," from John 10; and he dwelt mostly on vv. 14, 15, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." This friend said, that his address that morning was most striking, particularly on the good Shepherd saying, "I know those that are mine, and am known of those that are mine as the Father knows me" (New Translation (of J. N. Darby}). He referred also to Psa. 23, to show the present activities of the Shepherd toward His sheep, after bringing before his hearers His personal glory and perfections.
On Wednesday, March 26th, we received from him an affectionate note, mostly in reference to the Lord's work and the teaching of Scripture on certain subjects which were particularly exercising his mind at that time. We had hoped to have heard that he was very much better, but, in reference to this, he only said, "I feel I shall not be well enough to be out at night to-morrow," (alluding to his proposed lecture in Sheffield that evening), and added, "May the Lord be with you in a special way!"
On this same day, March 26th, his beloved daughter, Mrs. A., and her husband, paid him a visit, and remained until the following day. How little did they think that this would be the last time they would see their dear father before he departed to be with the Lord! Mr. A. says,
“He met us on the road before reaching the house, his face beaming with joy and welcome. He at once said, "You have come to see me in my sunny 70th year." He repeated several times during our visit, "my sunny 70th year." He appeared weary, as if from overwork, though bright and hopeful.
The following morning (Thursday) at the gathering of the household, for reading the word of God and prayer, dear father read very impressively Psa. 46, and appeared to feel deeply every sentence. He spoke therefrom very sweetly, emphasizing that in the world we must have sorrow and tribulation, but the believer, resting in the Lord, should not "fear, though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." He dwelt with much joy on vv. 4, 5, "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God"; and in conclusion, exhorted us in all our sorrows and troubles to remember that "the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."
His prayer, after the exposition of Scripture, was very touching, pouring out his soul in its desires and thanksgivings to God his Father in sweet child-like confidence. He seemed to remember many things before the Lord in supplication, and, at the close, prayed especially for each of his children and their families, separately and severally by name, his heart going out in tender, loving affection after each.
Afterward, when walking with dear father in the garden, he remarked, "I do not think I shall be long down here in this world." He was looking upward toward heaven, when he spoke, and there was something in the tone of his voice that so filled me with emotion, that I could offer no reply. Shortly after this we left him, for the last time bidding him farewell, little thinking that we should no more see his bright, happy face, or hear his loving voice again.”
Three days after this he was with the Lord.
His beloved daughter, Mrs. C., also came on Thursday, the 27th, and their parents greatly enjoyed having their two daughters with them. It was all, doubtless, graciously so ordered by the Lord, and this brief, but happy visit will ever be remembered with thankfulness.