Imatges de pàgina
PDF
EPUB

opening and preparing my heart to receive the solid and substantial truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And strange to say that during all my illness, I had always sufficient faith to believe that the Lord would not take me out of the world in an unprepared state. And when I knew the doctor had said I could not survive, I could not bring, my mind to believe that it was really so. I had always an impression that my Heavenly Father would, some time or other, shine into my soul.

"Though my cup was mixed with gall,
Something secret sweetened all.”

I was always inclined to the doctrines of "Free grace," but I never heard or read anything about it, only from my Bible; and if ever I took up my Bible to read, I was sure to turn to the epistle to the Romans. I have dwelt upon the ninth chapter until my little strength was quite exhausted, and lost in wonder I have closed my Bible exclaiming, "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out." When I look back upon these seasons, I am filled with wonder at the long-suffering of God, and with intense gratitude for His loving-kindness, for though my cup of life has been mixed with the bitterest ingredients, mercy was mingled with it, and none have more cause than I have to say, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." The natural pride of my heart proves to me that it has all been needful, and every stroke of His rod has proved Him to be a loving and merciful Father, because it has been the means of drawing me into close communion and fellowship with Him. I would not for all the so-called happiness and pleasure of the world, forego one of those sweet seasons, such as I have enjoyed when I have been permitted, as it were, to creep into His very bosom, and while He has been listening to the overflowings of a heart bursting with grief, He has breathed into it words of love and comfort, and Ĭ have left the throne of grace exclaiming with Watts,

"If such the sweetness of the stream,

What must the fountain be ?"

At that fountain of everlasting bliss I hope one day to drink; in the presence of that Saviour I love, I hope for ever to dwell; for I disclaim all merit of my own. I trust only in the finished work of Jesus ; through His merits I hope to stand perfect and complete at the last, wrapped up in the robe of His righteousness. To His praise will I for ever sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Billingboro'.

MARIE.

"I mean nothing by imputation, but what is included by acceptance which themselves grant. When a surety's payment is accepted on behalf of the debtor, it is imputed to him. If Paul had paid what was owing to Philemon, or satisfied for the injuries done by his servant Onesimus, Philemon's acceptance of that payment or satisfaction on behalf of Onesimus would have been the imputation of it to him; for imputation here is nothing else but the accepting of what another doth for us, instead of what we should have done ourselves. I showed this before by instances in such things whereby the satisfaction of Christ is held forth in Scripture, and gave you a plain text, where imputing and accepting are terms of the same import."

Funeral of the late Mr. John Webster,

PASTOR OF THE STRICT BAPTIST CHURCH, CAVE A DULLAM, OLD ROAD, STEPNEY.

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2ND, 1868.

66
TO THE EDITOR OF THE EARTHEN VESSEL."

DEAR SIR,-I shall deem it a favour if you will give in THE EARTHEN VESSEL the following particulars of the above solemn event, connected with a few remarks in reference to the Cave during the past, and the leadings of God in providence towards us: and this was suggested to me when I entered the chapel in the mournful procession: the chapel was filled to overflowing with friends, members, and hearers. I could not help looking back at the past when Mr. Allen-fourteen years ago-was, in like-manner, carried in, in the presence of a like mass of people; but he has long gone to rest, and many of the people then present have passed away from this world, while others have been removed in providence: But the dear old Cave still stands; the same glorious truths as were preached then, are still proclaimed; precious souls have been, and still are, being gathered in by Divine grace; many also have been ripened for glory! and are now singing the high praises of heaven before the throne of God and of the Lamb; among whom I firmly believe will be found at the last great day dear George Way, who faithfully served his day and generation of whom I have had good report; dear William Allen, who for eighteen years was favoured by our covenant God in establishing the faith of the pilgrims of Zion (and who was the instrument employed by the Lord in first awakening, and afterwards bringing into Gospel liberty the writer of these few remarks; and who deemed it the greatest honour ever conferred upon such a poor mortal worm to follow the Lord in that much-despised ordinance, believers' baptism). And, lastly, our late dear and much-respected pastor, John Webster. There are still one or two left in the Church who have sat under, and can bear testimony to the truths preached by each of these faithful servants of God. Troubles, trials, bereavements, and separations from loved friends must take place here below; but no separation above.

Our late pastor came among us about six years ago, on a six months' probation; he was then heard to profit by many, and was unanimously received as pastor of the Church. Since that time many have been baptised by him, and received into Church fellowship; some of them in that short period have been removed by death to a better land; of a few others we can only say, where are they? but many are with us still, as helpers in the faith by their presence, their prayers, and their

means.

A little over twelve months ago our late pastor lost by death the beloved partner of his joys and sorrows; and, doubtless, he felt then it was but the warning note sounding, "the time of departure must soon come, saying, Arise and depart, for this is not thy rest."

On Wednesday night, ten o'clock, Feb 26th, the writer saw him for the last time, but he was too low and weak to recognise any one, but the writer believes he was happy in the Lord: all that might have been out

of square made square by the blood of Jesus; and the truth of His word realised that "at eventide it shall be light." His immortal spirit took its flight to eternal rest fifteen minutes past twelve on the morning of Thursday, February 27th, 1868.

It was arranged by those who had the management of the funeral that it should take place on the following Monday, March 2nd; and on that day about one o'clock the mournful procession left the residence of our late pastor; Mr. C. W. Banks and Mr. Stringer walking before, and the personal friends of the deceased, with the deacons of the Church, following on its way to the Old Cave; and there under the shadow of that pulpit, in which for the last six years he had dispensed the word of life his mortal remains were placed.

Mr. Stringer commenced the service by reading the third hymn, second book, Dr. Watts, in that firm, decided tone so usual to him, as hymns ought always to be read in public worship; C. W. Banks then read I. Thessalonians, second chapter, and engaged in prayer; both reading and prayer was solemn, impressive, and very suited to the occasion, as well as comforting to the Church in its present bereaved and trying circumstances. Mr. James Wells gave the address, taking for the ground-work, Matthew xxv. 23, explaining who was a good man, how he became so, and the certain results-faithfulness to his Lord and Master, limit of knowledge on earth indicated "over a few things," the development of a full understanding in another world "ruler over many things;" and, lastly, the completeness and satisfaction of the soul to all eternity, "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." One remark I must not omit in reference to the last clause, the phrase was so homely, and the thought may prove comforting to many of the Lord's people who may be travelling under the shadow of death and fearing that last enemy. Mr. Wells said the separation of the soul from the body at the hour of death would be but the soul saying to the body, "good night," and the body saying to the soul, "good night." Then, at the resurrection the body would rise and meet the soul, and say, "good morning," and the soul would say to the body, "good morning "—at that glorions re-union, when the body sown a vile, a corruptible, a mortal, now raised a glorious, incorruptible, immortal body, to be united with the soul, and made perfectly happy in the presence of our Lord for ever and ever. Mr. Lodge then read that sweet hymn of John Kent's, 1025th Denham's Selection, and Mr. Wells gave a short prayer with the benediction.

The body was then conveyed to Ilford Cemetery, a quiet and beautiful resting-place for the dead. About 200 friends went down by various conveyances, and met the mournful cortège on its arival at the cemetery gates, and while surrounding the grave, the mortal remains of our late dear pastor were committed to the silent tomb to await the general resurrection. Mr. Stringer made a solemn appeal over the grave to the living, the ground-work of his address was a believer, and what constituted a believer in Christ, in the great fundamental truths of the Gospel. The address occupied about twenty minutes, when the benediction was given, and the friends quietly retired. It had been arranged to sing a hymn over the grave, but the wind blew too cold to prolong the servic and it was therefore dispensed with.

[FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.] ALL that remained in this world of our departed friend, Mr. John

Webster, was, on Monday, March 2nd, 1868, carried in the most solemn and truly becoming manner from his residence in Wilson-street, to the Chapel. The venerable Mr. Bowers (brother to the late Mr. Webster), two of Mr. Bowers' sons; deacons Abbott, Beckett, and Evans; Mr. Lodge, Dr. Hawker, &c., followed. When the coffin was placed on the stand in front of the pulpit, Mr. Stringer read, and the congregation sung,

"Why should we mourn departed friends," &c.

C. W. Banks then read the second chapter of St. Paul's First Epistle to the Thessalonians, observing that that chapter very fully expressed the character and spirit of the brother whose mortal remains they were about to convey to the tomb; he earnestly prayed for the Lord's presence, and blessing, and guidance to rest upon the deacons, the Church, the ministers who might come to occupy the now vacant pulpit, and for those brethren who were about to address them on that solemn occasion. After this, Mr. James Wells delivered a truly appropriate, edifying, and comforting address from the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." The character of the Christian minister, his happy end, and great reward were clearly and Scripturally expounded. Mr. Wells appeared quite at liberty, and was listened to with most profound attention. The procession proceeded to Ilford Cemetery, where a large assembly of friends were gathered around the new grave, opened expressly for our departed brother; and when the coffin had been carefully laid therein, Mr. Thomas Stringer delivered a warm and truthful oration; after which all retired from the grave, many asking, "Which of us will be the next?"

Mr. George Reynolds preached at Cave Adullam on Sunday, March 1st, 1868, with liberty and acceptance. We feel bound to add, the whole of the funeral ceremonies were conducted in a manner most creditable to the Church at Cave Adullam, and to the undertaker, Mr. Evans, jun.

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

was preached on Sunday Evening, March 8th. The doors of the chapel were opened at six o'clock, and before a quarter past, every seat was taken; and by the half hour not an inch of space in the gallery and body of the chapel was left unoccupied; the vestries were both filled, and numbers remained during the service outside the doors of the chapel, while very many had to go away. The service commenced at half-past six precisely, by singing the 778th hymn (Denham's). Mr. Stringer then read the fourteenth chapter of Job, and part of the fourth chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians, making some solemn and impressive remarks in the reading, appropriate to the occasion ; after earnest prayer to the God of all mercies for the people present, the Church and congregation, and its officers, the 999th hymn (Denham's) was sung; after which Mr. Stringer took his text from Matthew xxiv. 44, "Be ye also ready." He said the text comprised three depart

ments

I. Those addressed: disciples learners.

II. When they are to be ready.
III. Why they are to be ready.

1. Those addressed--disciples. A people called by grace; a people convinced of sin; a people converted to God; a people consecrated to the service of God.

Question: How many present, disciples? What is our hope, our expectation?

2, "Be ye also ready." Death will soon come to all of us. Negatively, none can make themselves ready. Three-fold readiness. 1st, Regeneration; 2nd, Sanctification; 3rd, Justification. All these by relation to God:

Evidential readiness.

1st, Love to God; 2nd, Love to God's Truth; 3rd, Hatred to Sin; 4th, Faith in the dear Redeemer according to the faith of God's elect.

Lastly, why we should be ready, because there is no certainty of life here.

Proof. Observations of mortality around us, and the growing feeling of infirmity within us.

Mr. Stringer then read an outline of the early as well as more recent history of our late dear pastor with his expressions to those around him prior to his flight to eternal bliss.

The 17th hymn, first-book, Dr. Watts, was then sung, the benediction pronounced, and the service brought to a close by the choir singing Pope's "Vital Spark.”

May the Lord still bless us; cause his face to shine upon us, and give us at the Cave, with all his Church in the wilderness, continued peace and prosperity, for his great name sake. Amen.

J. W. B.

THE LATE PASTOR JOHN WEBSTER.

THE Church of Christ meeting in the Cave Adullam, Stepney, has lost another venerated and esteemed minister, in the person of the late Mr. John Webster. Two rather aged servants from that field have been called home since we have known the cause. The happy departure of Mr. Webster led us to a silent reflection, and to a rather happy public exposition of Isiah lvii. 2, “He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds: each one walking in his uprightness." In an experimental, in a practical, and in a heavenly sense, we considered these words. When a living soul enters by faith into union and communion with Christ—it enters really into peace. There and then it leaves sin behind, Satan behind, self behind, and every hurtful snare; and although it has its sore trials afterwards, still, in CHRIST JESUS they have peace.

And true is the marginal reading of the text, when applied to the happy believer's departure. It reads, "HE SHALL GO IN PEACE:" SO it was with the late pastor of the Cave. He lived in peace; he is gone

IN PEACE!

There are three words in Holy Scripture descriptive of the unconverted man: 1, Enmity; 2, Malice; 3, Unbelief. The unregenerated man is at enmity against God's sovereignty—so he cannot go into God's presence in peace. Against the person of Christ there is malice in the Jewish and unregenerate heart; he cannot thus go in peace; but the

« AnteriorContinua »