WESLEYAN-METHODIST MAGAZINE. FEBRUARY, 1859. MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN RIGG. (Continued from page 22.) MR. RIGG's next term of labour (1822-1825) was spent at Bradford, Yorkshire. Here, for the first two years, as at Newcastle, his place was that of the second of three Ministers. For the first year his Superintendent was the late venerable Joseph Entwisle; who was succeeded by that remarkable man, so extensively known to the present generation of Methodists as the last surviver of the Preachers sent out by Mr. Wesley, and whose "bow" abode in all but undiminished "strength" until the period of his last illness and somewhat sudden death, a few months ago, the late beloved John Hickling. In his third year's appointment, my father took the place of third Minister,-Dr. Townley, his senior, having come into the room of Mr. George Tindale. This was Mr. Rigg's second appointment as the colleague of that diligent and truly learned man, Dr. Townley; whose name should not be forgotten, as that of one who, by his high character and superior attainments, did great honour to Methodism in the second period of its history. The Bradford Circuit was at this time in a very flourishing condition; the labours of the Ministers were attended with the Divine blessing; and my father's preaching was highly appreciated, not only in Bradford, but in the neighbouring towns. The discipline of the Connexion, however, in its precise requirements, was by no means strictly observed in some of the ruder country parts of the Circuit; of which, in after-days, he sometimes related amusing instances. Family bereavement mingled its sorrowful blessings with the many comforts and gracious encouragements of my father's lot. His excellent mother was taken home to God, having been for many years a member of the church to whose ministry she had thankfully given up her eldest son. She died very happy in the love and hope of the glorious Gospel. He lost, also, (as I have stated by anticipation,) his second son, a beautiful boy of two years old. Mr. Rigg's first superintendency was at Stockport, where he was stationed from 1825 to 1827. Never was the Stockport Circuit in a better condition than during these two years; and in few places, either before or afterwards, was my father's ministry more successful, or more generally acceptable. He was well matched with excellent colleagues, -the late Mr. John Morris, and Mr. George Robinson, who still survives, but has for many years been obliged to cease from the itinerant work. During these two years, the number of members in the Cirenit VOL. V.-FIFTH SERIES. H WESLEYAN-METHODIST MAGAZINE. FEBRUARY, 1859. MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN RIGG. MR. RIGG's next term of labour (1822-1825) was spent at Bradford, Yorkshire. Here, for the first two years, as at Newcastle, his place was that of the second of three Ministers. For the first year his Superintendent was the late venerable Joseph Entwisle; who was succeeded by that remarkable man, so extensively known to the present generation of Methodists as the last surviver of the Preachers sent out by Mr. Wesley, and whose " bow" abode in all but undiminished "strength" until the period of his last illness and somewhat sudden death, a few months ago,-the late beloved John Hickling. In his third year's appointment, my father took the place of third Minister,-Dr. Townley, his senior, having come into the room of Mr. George Tindale. This was Mr. Rigg's second appointment as the colleague of that diligent and truly learned man, Dr. Townley; whose name should not be forgotten, as that of one who, by his high character and superior attainments, did great honour to Methodism in the second period of its history. The Bradford Circuit was at this time in a very flourishing condition; the labours of the Ministers were attended with the Divine blessing; and my father's preaching was highly appreciated, not only in Bradford, but in the neighbouring towns. The discipline of the Connexion, however, in its precise requirements, was by no means strictly observed in some of the ruder country parts of the Circuit; of which, in after-days, he sometimes related amusing instances. Family bereavement mingled its sorrowful blessings with the many comforts and gracious encouragements of my father's lot. His excellent mother was taken home to God, having been for many years a member of the church to whose ministry she had thankfully given up her eldest son. She died very happy in the love and hope of the glorious Gospel. He lost, also, (as I have stated by anticipation,) his second son, a beautiful boy of two years old. Mr. Rigg's first superintendency was at Stockport, where he was stationed from 1825 to 1827. Never was the Stockport Circuit in a better condition than during these two years; and in few places, either before or afterwards, was my father's ministry more successful, or more generally acceptable. He was well matched with excellent colleagues, -the late Mr. John Morris, and Mr. George Robinson, who still survives, but has for many years been obliged to cease from the itinerant work. During these two years, the number of members in the Circuit VOL. V.-FIFTH SERIES. H |