The Life And Testimony Of Ann Leach
Gospel Standard 1872:
Death. On May 12th, aged 56, Ann Leach, the wife of Mr. Robert Leach, minister of the gospel, Hollinwood.
She was born and brought up in Rochdale. Her father was a Particular Baptist, a gracious man, and sat under the ministry of Mr. Kershaw, at Hope Chapel. She attended the Sunday school in connexion with the same place from a girl, and was a very steady, regular, thoughtful, prudent young woman.
In 1840 she became my wife, and I deeply lament her loss. She had four children in about ten years, during which time her health began to fail. She was troubled with bad legs for many years, swellings in the veins, &c., which caused great weakness. While she was thus afflicted, the Lord began a work of grace in her soul; though gentle, yet it was sure. She had many fears lest it should prove nothing more than notion and a natural respect for the minister and place; yet there was one season which she could not forget. Being much burdened by the plague of sin, she retired to a secret spot to confess it, and plead with the Lord for mercy through the blood of Jesus. The Lord heard her cry, and she said she saw Jesus on the cross by faith. Her heart melted, her burden was removed, her eyes were a fountain of tears; not tears of sorrow, but of joy; and she felt a real love to the Lord Jesus.
After this her mind began to be exercised about baptism. Mr. Kershaw, hearing of her desire for baptism, called to see her, and gave her a word of encouragement to attend to it. She told him she thought she would put it off until they were more at peace in the church, as there was some unpleasantness at the time. His reply was, “What is that to thee; follow thou me.” She said, “I looked so simple; but all fear seemed removed.” As the time drew near for her to appear before the church, her trouble kept increasing, and she thought she would put it off till some future time; but she could not. She said, “I must go, or my head will burst.” She went trembling and perspiring, and told what God had done for her soul. She was gladly received, and was baptized by Mr. Kershaw more than twenty years since. From that day to the day of her death she was enabled, by the grace of God, to live a consistent life as a wife; never was a better for kindness and patience to an unworthy worm like myself; and as a mother, kind and tender-hearted, seeking her children’s welfare both temporally and spiritually. She was a peaceable member of the church, and a real lover of the sent servants of God. It was a great treat for her to have them at her fireside, hearing them converse on eternal things.
In the providence of God we had to remove to Hollinwood, about three years since. From that time her health gradually more declined. The doctor told her she must take every care, as she was in a very precarious state.
We had, at times, some sweet conversation upon eternal things. One Sunday evening, after I had been speaking from 2 Pet. 3:14, the dear Lord having indulged me a little, when we got home my wife said: “Old man, I am looking for those things which you spoke of; and those things do my soul good; I feel built up and stronger than when I went to chapel, and I must either be found in him without spot or be lost. I cannot say that I have had evidences as some; yet I am not without a good hope; and if the Lord will only land me safely, he shall never hear the last of it.” Hymn 1083 was a favourite with her, at times, especially the last three verses.
She left home on May 2nd, having a desire to try change of air and to see a very dear and particular friend, whose friendship, both naturally and spiritually, had remained unbroken from youth. She went to a place called Stubbins, about sixteen miles from home, and was treated with every kindness and attention. I went to see her on the 10th, and, seeing there was no improvement, wished her to return. Her reply was, “If you have no objection, I will stay a few days longer, to see if it will do me any good.” I returned home, little thinking it would be the last time we should ever converse with each other in the body; but she fell asleep in Jesus on the 11th, with a sweet smile on her face, which spoke to me, “There is peace in her end.” She was interred by Mr. Clough, of Leeds, who gave a very solemn and weighty address at the grave, which was very encouraging to the mourners.
William Leach
Hollinwood, June, 17, 1872.
Ann Leach (1816-1872) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. She was the wife of gospel minister, Robert Leach, presiding over the church at Hollinwood, Manchester.
