Samuel Copleston – Obituary Wesleyan Methodist Magazine 1835
July 16th – At Leighton Buzzard, in the seventy-first year of his age, Mr. Samuel Copleston, who, for upwards of fifty years, was a member of the Methodist society, and more than forty, an acceptable and useful local Preacher.
His father was Curate at Luton for several years; and in his church Mr. John Wesley preached. He was favoured in early life with the instructions and example of a pious father, and when about eighteen years of age he received his first ticket as a member of the Methodist society from the Rev. Joseph Harper.
Speaking of his conversion to God, he says, “At Easter I went as far as Barnet, to meet my brother, who was very unwell. I found him so weak that he could scarcely walk across the room; but he was rejoicing in the Comforter; and not being willing to enjoy the Saviour alone, he called upon me to expect a present salvation. While he was setting forth the Saviour of sinners, as with open arms ready to embrace all mankind, the Lord shed abroad his pardoning love in my heart; and I gave glory to his holy name.”
Having experienced the renewing grace of God, he became concerned that others should be made partakers of similar blessedness with himself; and at the request of his Christian friends he frequently, in the public means of grace, read portions of sacred writ, and delivered exhortations. He was afterwards employed as a Local Preacher; and at Luton, Harden, Leagrave, Eaton-Bray, and other places, was well received.
Through persecution he was under the necessity of leaving Luton, and went to reside at St. Alban’s, where also he strove to promote the glory of God.
About the year 1800 he came to reside in this town. On his arrival he found no Methodist society; but, soon after he came, one was founded, of which he was the Leader, and the class met at his own house. He lived to see the society greatly increase, and at his death left in the town and circuit upwards of one thousand members. During his residence in Leighton he was very useful as a Class Leader, Local Preacher, and visitor of the sick.
He loved the company of pious people, diligently attended the means of grace, and greatly rejoiced in the prosperity of the cause of God. His last affliction was of about three months’ continuance. To a friend who visited him he said, “All is right, and I believe all will be right. There are two things which afford me much pleasure, – that In early life I made choice of the one thing needful ; and that I embraced the doctrine of general redemption.” Nearly the last words he was heard to utter were, “I have sweet peace.”
His funeral was attended by about five hundred people, J. F.
