A Sermon preached at St. George's Church, Bolton, on Sunday, 7th January, 1838 occasioned by the death of the Rev. William Thistlewaite

In this stirring nineteenth‑century sermon, a devoted clergyman gathers his congregation to reflect on the recent passing of a beloved fellow minister. Using the biblical passage “whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord,” he invites listeners to examine the deeper meaning of life, death, and the ever‑present sovereignty of God. The address balances solemn remembrance with a call to humility, reminding the faithful that pride and self‑interest stand at odds with true discipleship.

The preacher’s words move from the comfort of divine grace to the challenge of living a life surrendered to a higher purpose. He emphasizes that every believer is called to a transformed heart, one that prioritizes spiritual devotion over worldly ambition. Listeners are encouraged to consider how their daily choices echo beyond the grave, shaping an eternal destiny anchored in Christ’s love. The sermon’s timeless insights offer a thoughtful meditation on humility, accountability, and the hope that transcends mortality.