Matthias, John B

Matthias, John B.

a Methodist Episcopal minister, was born at Germantown, Pa., Jan. 1,1767; was converted while residing in New York, after his majority; was there licensed to preach in 1793; preached much and with excellent success as a local deacon until 1811, when he joined the itinerancy. Thereafter he labored very usefully until 1841, when loss of sight obliged him to superannuate. He died in great blessedness at Hempstead, L. I., May 27, 1848. He was educated a German Lutheran, and was by trade a ship- carpenter, but when he felt called to preach he prepared to the best of his ability, and for many years delivered regularly no less than three sermons a week, and many souls were converted under these labors. He was one of the most humble, pious, and loving of Christians, and the fruit of his unostentatious labors was abundant and blessed. — Minutes of Conferences, 4:224. (G. L. T.)