Wesleyan-Methodist Magazine, FOR DECEMBER, 1827. BIOGRAPHY. MEMOIR OF WILLIAM LAMBE, ESQ., Of Aubourn, near Lincoln: BY MR. THOMAS BAINBRIDGE. THE late Mr. Lambe was a native of Aubourn; and was born in the year 1770, in the mansion which was occupied by his father and grandfather. Shortly after he had completed his education at the Newark Grammar-School, he was called to enter into the busy world; and was exposed to innumerable temptations, against which he was no otherwise armed than by worldly and prudential considerations. With flattering prospects, a fine constitution, and a circle of young gentlemen soliciting his friendship, it is no wonder if, without the controlling influence of religion, he was frequently prevailed upon to spend a portion of his time and property in festive mirth and conviviality, which are seldom unattended with guilt and remorse, and often lay the foundation of diseases and infirmities, which burden the years of future life, and hasten its final close. O let the wealthy pause, and consider, that if their riches afford them the means of self-indulgence and pleasure, they afford, in the same proportion, the means of doing good to the bodies and souls of their fellow-creatures; that they are only stewards of the gifts of Providence; and that, in this respect, "where much is given, much will be required." In this course Mr. Lambe was not happy. When moments of reflection succeeded the tumult of the world and pleasure, a voice within often whispered," Know, O young man, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." At the age of twenty-four, he entered into the marriage-state; by which a shield was, as it were, thrown around him, and he was cut off from the approach of a thousand evils. "Marriage is honourable in all;" but to him it was an unspeakable blessing: for Providence assigned him a partner, "who did him good and not evil all the days of his life." Not long after this period, he found his way into the Methodist chapel, at Newark; where, to his surprise, he recognized one or two of his worldly associates, who, like himself, were either drawn thither by motives of curiosity; or, perhaps, restless in the pursuit of happiness, they were prompted to inquire there, "Who will show us any good?" He VOL. VI. Third Series. DECEMBER, 1827. 3 L continued to attend at intervals, till, by slow degrees, he was brought to the state of an enlightened and convinced sinner before God. But still the difficulties in the way of a new course of life appeared to him insurmountable. He foresaw that he should incur the displeasure of his father, and be exposed to the ridicule of his companions. The Lord, in mercy, took the matter into his own hands. He suddenly deprived him of his first-born son," the desire of his eyes, with a stroke." He then felt how hard it is to bear a "wounded spirit." So deep was his distress, that the sight of his friends, and the presence of his domestics, became a burden. No wonder that some persons thought he was beside himself, when, in truth, he was approaching towards soundness of mind. By thus chastening him, the Lord was preparing him, as well for the trials he was afterwards to pass through, as for the speedy manifestation of pardoning mercy. Some time before this, had been raised up that excellent and useful man, Mr. John Dixon, of Bassingham, a village about two miles distant from Aubourn. Many were brought to the knowledge of the truth in the neighbourhood, and a gracious work was going on. Mr. Dixon, whose zeal was tempered with prudence, gained access to Mr. Lambe, while in this distressed state of mind, and soon after introduced to him the Rev. Joseph Meek, who then travelled in the Circuit. With such men to counsel and pray with him, Mr. Lambe saw the way of salvation by faith; and "the spirit of bondage" gave place to the "Spirit of adoption, crying, Abba, Father." Then, indeed, he could joy in God his Saviour: gladness filled his heart, and in his mouth was a new song of praise. His natural modesty and reserve were borne down by the tide of divine love; and he longed to cry to all the world, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in him!" From this time to the termination of his earthly career, a period of about twenty-four years, he regarded himself as the Lord's, whom he had chosen for his portion. Having "set his hand to the plough, he looked not back." He saw the evil of being "wavering" and "unstable;" he had counted the cost; and, having begun to build, he never thought of desisting, till he had finished the work which was given him to do. As it was to Methodism, under God, that he owed his conversion, he felt attached to its Ministers, and affectionately received them under his roof; saying, "If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there." He became no less attached to the various means of grace among his religious associates. In him there was no fastidious selection, too often to be met with in those who are anxious to keep up appearances with the world. His soul was athirst for God; and he ardently desired "the sincere milk of the word, that he might grow thereby." For several years he regularly attended the preaching at five o'clock in the morning at Bassingham, every Sunday; nor was it ever known that unfavourable weather, or any trifling impediment, prevented his being found in the house of God at this early hour. By thus devoting himself to God, and uniting with his people, his soul prospered, his "heart became established with grace;" and, at the same time, his religious profession acquired that decided character, which was of infinite advantage to him in his intercourse with men of the world. For as he gave them no reason to expect any compromise, their opposition was either silenced by his firmness, or tempered down by his consistent conduct; and in several instances, they who at first stood aloof, were brought to unite with him in seeking" the common salvation." A short time before his conversion to God, he had consented to let one of his tenants open his cottage door for the preaching of the Methodists; and when Mr. and Mrs. Lambe first attended, it was an affair of great novelty. Many crowded to hear the word, and several were convinced of sin, and brought to God. The place was soon too strait for the people, and Mr. Lambe was induced to erect a chapel, in a convenient part of the village. In the year 1805 it was finished at his own expense, and soon after settled on the regular Methodist plan. Of late years, this has been found too small; and only a few weeks before his death, Mr. Lambe had resolved on enlarging it. But the Lord designed otherwise. The care of his house and church devolves upon those who are left behind; while his tried servant is exalted to that place, where not even a holy purpose shall fail of an ample reward. As soon as a Class was formed at Aubourn, Mr. Lambe was appointed the Leader of it; and so continued to the day of his death. During the first five years after his appointment, the writer of this memorial met with him, and well remembers his great earnestness, affection, and fidelity; how anxious he was to correct any misunderstanding among the members of his Class, and promote peace and love. Indeed, it may be said, that he was a man of peace. When he took a journey from home, (which he usually did for a few weeks in the summer,) he would commend his little flock to God, with all the tenderness of a Christian Pastor; and on his return he used to recount the mercies of the Lord to him, with the simplicity and feeling of a father, on returning to his family. The same concern for the welfare of his Class continued to the last. On the Thursday before his death, he could not meet it; but he sent his love to the members, adding, "Tell them to be in earnest for the salvation of their souls." For several years before his death, he was the subject of frequent and severe attacks of pain, as well as of many increasing infirmities; and was often heard to say, that he thought he should not long be an inhabitant |