A History Of The Rise Of Methodism In America - Media Sabda Org

His clear credentials God's own fingers wrote,
And thousand witnesses on every side,
Whom the archangels dreadful voice shall call
From the grave's slumbers on the worlds last day
To joyous resurrection, sealed their truth.
Well done, thou good and faithful of the Lord;
For though to thee science a stranger seemed.
And learning never met thee in her walks,
Nor weaved her chaplet on thy stormy brow,
Though bigot zeal scorned thy untitled name,
Yet lives that name, and shall for ever live,
When stars and suns shall perish from the sky.
[See reference to the following passage in the Introduction] It was about this time that Mr. James
Sterling, of New Jersey, became a Methodist. The Rev. Benjamin Abbott, who appears to have been
the instrument of his conversion, says -- "On a Saturday night, I dreamed that a man came to
meeting, and stayed in class, and spoke as I never had heard any one before. Next day James Sterling
came to meeting, stayed in class, and spoke much as I had heard and seen in my dream. After
meeting I said to my wife, that was the very man I had seen in my dream, and the Lord would add
him to his church. Soon after he was thoroughly awakened and converted to God. He yet stands firm
among us, a useful and distinguished member, well known to many of our preachers and members."
Mr. Sterling was very intimate with, and had warm friendship for Mr. Abbott. He was with him the
following year, when he made his famous preaching tour through Pennsylvania: also, in 1781, when
he was in Kent county, Maryland. He seems to have been de lighted with the powerful meetings that
resulted from Mr. Abbott's labors. Mr. Sterling resided in Burlington, where he was a great support
to the cause of Methodism. In 1818, Mr. Garrettson saw him for the last time. He says, "He was then
a very old man, confined to his bed, and appeared to be innocent and happy." He was for many years
a merchant in that town, and amassed a large fortune. For more than forty years he was united to the
Methodists; and was, we presume to say, the most influential member in the state of New Jersey.
Mr. Sterling's companion became a Methodist in 1779. It seems that she joined the class that met
in Mount Holly; and was the only young single person that belonged to it then. She was much
pleased when Mr. Thomas Ware united with the society, thinking that she would have some
company in this young disciple. In 1785 she was united in marriage to Mr. Sterling, with whom she
lived for many years. Her naturally amiable disposition shone with increased luster from the graces
of the spirit which dwelt in her soul. Equally free from elation, from success or discouragement,
from disappointment, with a well balanced soul she held on the even tenor of her way, conforming
her life to that pure Christianity, taught her by the Bible, and its exposition by her spiritual guides.
Mrs. Rebecca Sterling survived her husband for several years; and, after more than sixty years of
profession and practice of religion among the Methodists, she calmly met death in her 81st year;
leaving every assurance to her relations and friends, that her soul was with the Lord. With many of
the first race of Methodists, Mr. And Mrs. Sterling's remains repose in Burlington, New Jersey.