REWLACH Longnor2b

EXTRACT FROM THE
LEEK WESLEYAN METHODIST
CENTENARY BOOK

LONGNOR

The life of William Johnson

(Pages 61 and 62. Originally one long paragraph, which I have split to make ity easier to read on screen, and the account of his death.)

Longnor is rich in Methodist incident and character. Mr. William Johnson, the father of Mr. Johnson druggist, now claims a brief memorial. He was the son of irreligious parents. In youth, although addicted to worldly pleasures and sports, he was led, first to admire, and then to unite with the Methodisits. This event took place in March, 1793. During the time he was penitently seeking salvation, he was greatly encouraged, and blessed by the instructions and exhortatons of Miss Godbyhere. He found peace under a sermon preached by the Rev. Thomas Cooper, of Sheffield, at Hollinsclough.

His union with the Methodists excited the displeasure of his friends, and his father went so far as to turn him out of the house, and he was compelled to seek shelter elsewhere. Shortly afer his reconcilliation with God, and being under the influence of the constraining love of Christ, he began to call sinners to repentence.

In the year 1795, he was called out by Mr. Hutton, to supply the place of Richard Seed, who had retired from the work in this Circuit. To this call he at once responded, and for some time, did the regular work of a Travelling Preacher ; but was afterwards, notwithstanding the kind reception which he everywhere met with, discouraged, and returned home.

At the Conference of 1797, he received an appointment, as a regular Itinerant Preacher to the Taunton Circuit. His father threatened to disown him if he went, but on finding his threats were of no avail, and his son could not be turned from what he believed to be the path of duty, he became reconciled, and not only consented to his going, but also gave him five guinees to defray his travelling expenses.

Mr. Johnson entered upon his Circuit, which was at that time extensive and laborious, with considerable acceptance, and the prospect of usefulness ; but in a short time his health failed, and being the subject of extreme nervous sensibility, he was induced again to relinquish the work. Some mistake occurring at the following Conference respecting his appointment, he was led to turn his attention to secular persuits.

After serving an apprenticeship with Mr. Thomas Oliver, who was a draper, he married his daughter, and opened business at Stockport. Here surrounded by a circle of affectionate friends, he continued his labours as an acceptable Local Preacher, and Class Leader. He formed a very close, and intimate friendship with the Rev. R. Watson during his residence in Stockport ; and his advice and influnce had considerable effect in restoring that truly great man to our Connexion.

After serving his generation, by filling various offices, besides those already named, his afflicted, but active and consistent life was closed on 26th July, 1808, most triumphantly. He excalimed with his dying breath in transports of joy,

"Glory ot God! Glory to God! O! This precious blood. O! This precious blood."

"Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his."

Return to the Leek Centenary Book.

(Continuation : - )(Longnor has the honour of being, the first palce in the Circuit which raised a Chapel. It was built in 1780, five years before the Old Chapel in Leek. A new one was erected in 1797.)

First draft September 2000