Obituary of William SARGEANT William SARGEANT, who was born at Salem in 1820. His parents were Wesleyan Methodists and truly devoted Christians who trainedtheir children for God. He was converted in early life and was received as a probationer for the Ministry in 1844. His first circuit was Port Elizabeth as assistant to the Rev. John RICHARDS, who directed his studies and rendered him much valuable help. He subsequently travelled in some of the principal circuits (English and Native) of the Graham's Town District. In 1853 he was appointed to form the mission station of Annshaw, which has since developed into one of our largest and most prosperous missions. Here he remained five years, and in 1879 returned to this station for another term of six years'devoted and successful service. In 1886 he was appointed to Somerset West, where his work was chiefly among the Dutch speaking population. Although advanced in years at the time of his appointment he speedily acquired the language and was soon able to preach in it with the clearness and effectiveness which had always characterised his preaching in English and Kafir. Here for nearly ten years he laboured with his accustomed devotion and zeal, and here he almost literally ceased at once to work and live. Throughout his long life he was a most diligent and systematic student, and an extensive reader, especially in Theology and Church History. His sermons were carefully prepared, were thoughtful, experimental and practical to a marked degree, and were instructive and profitable both in English and Native congregations. His spirit was devout, and his piety consistent and ardent. He was a man of blameless character, and as a pastor was greatly esteemed and beloved. Last year his health, hitherto uniformly robust, began to fail, and at the District Synod in January of the present year he signified his decision to ask permission of the ensuing Conference to become a Supernumerary. Since then his health declined rapidly, and he was only able to occupy the pulpit on a single occasion. The end came unexpectedly to his friends. During the last six days of his illness he suffered much, but bore the chastening hand of the Lord with patience and resignation. His mind was kept in perfect peace, stayed upon God. He died as he had lived, strong in faith, giving glory to God, in the 75th year of his age and the fifty-first of his ministry. >From Minutes of Wesleyan Methodist Church 1896 Transcribed by Darryl Allwright P O Box 166 Grahamstown 6140 Cell: 076-091-2764