Alexander Bell. - Obituary Minutes of Conference 1851 Page 567

Alexander Bell; who was born in 1788. In the seventeenth year of his age he was converted to God, through the instrumentality of the Rev. William Bramwell. This Divine change was manifested in holy tempers, works of faith, and labours of love.

In 1810 he was called to the Christian ministry; and for many years he was appointed to some of the most im- portant Circuits in our Connexion.

In the death of Mr. Bell, the church has lost an ornament, and an eminently useful Minister; and the world, a burning and shining light.

As a man, he was most conscientious and upright. He was kind to all, warm and affectionate toward his intimate friends, as also toward the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made him an overseer. He was naturally open and generous ; feeling and manifesting an ardent love.

As a Christian, he was happy, humble, and prayerful; enjoying much of God's presence, because he daily walked with Him. The result was, that in the family and the friendly circle, as well as in " the place of the Holy," he diffused an influence which compelled others to take knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus.

As a Minister, he was a living example of fidelity and diligence. His preparations for his Master's work were marked by great assiduity and prayer. Hence, his public ministrations were fresh and instructive, as well as very earnest and powerful; so that the godly were edified, while careless sinners were arrested, and deeply impressed with the truths which flowed from the Preacher's heart and tongue.

In his pastoral work, notwithstand- ing numerous public duties, he found time to watch over the Societies committed to his care, to instruct from house to house, to visit the sick, comfort the sorrowful, and point the dying to Him who died for all.

While Mr. Bell was most tender towards those who opposed him, he faithfully exercised the scriptural discipline of our church, and firmly withstood those who were " given to change." Thus feeding and protecting the flock, and " taking the oversight thereof," he was prepared for the appearance of the " chief Shepherd."<.p>

His illness continued for some months; but his was the " path of the just," which " is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." As the body sank, he was " strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man," Grace more than triumphed, and faith opened to him the blissful realities of another world. To his deeply-afflicted family, his sorrowing colleagues, and many affectionate friends, he bore the most delightful testimony, and uttered words of instruction and comfort.

On one occasion, speaking to a colleague, and lifting his hands in token of joy and victory, he said, " Look ! my flesh is gone, my strength is gone, my memory is gone ; but, thank God, my faith is not gone. That vital, living principle is not gone " I know that my Redeemer liveth, . . . and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in mv flesh shall I see God." While in the valley, he said, " I will fear no evil ; for Thou art with me." " The angels are beckoning me to glory : I am coming ! I am coming ! I wait the word which shall speak me into His presence." When he had said this, he fell asleep, on the 3d of February, 1851, in the sixty-third year of his age, and the forty- first of his ministry.