ROBERT BALSHAW who was born at Altrincham, January 7th, 1828. His conversion was effected through different ministries, but the change was definite; after poignant grief on account of sin he greatly rejoiced in God his Saviour. He entered the Wesleyan ministry in the year 1852. His sermons were reflective and spiritual, often marked by great beauty, originality and freshness. He dwelt much on those aspects of truth which relate to exalted and delicate qualities of character; but his favourite theme was the Gospel of the grace of God. He was fearless in denouncing sin, and faithful in exposing its evil and the terribleness of its judgment. But he strove, by pathetic and winning entreaties, to persuade men to accept the reconciliation. Constitutionally prone to despondency, his spirit wore a tinge of sadness on account of the wickedness of men. Being gifted with unusual power in prayer, he cried mightily to God on their behalf, night and day; nor did he plead in vain, he was a much honoured instrument in ministering life to men. In one small village, during a prolonged series of early morning services, upwards of two hundred persons were converted through his labours. He was eminently a good man: pure in heart, of quick spiritual sensibilities, of large and loving sympathies, devout, reverent, prayerful; striving hard to reach his own lofty ideal of the true Christian character. Chastened by much sorrow, he ‘put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness.’ He was ‘full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.’ In the ripeness of his years and the fulness of his strength he was seized with typhoid fever; but he bore suffering with great patience, and gave frequent expression to his strong confidence in the Divine love and mercy. He fell asleep, November 21st, 1877, in the fiftieth year of his age, and the twenty-sixth of his ministry.
Published by the Wesleyan Conference Office, London.