Sivut kuvina
PDF
ePub

offered themselves for baptism to the church at Ilkeston, and were baptized and received into fellowship, Sep. 10th, 1826.' Such is the account which our departed brother gave of his own conversion.

While residing at Newthorpe, he was very useful in the Sabbath-school, and when he removed nearer Ilkeston, he became a very effective member of the church there. A few years since, he and another brother were selected by the church to co-operate with the only surviving deacon, our venerable brother, S. Barton. It may truly be said of the departed, he used the office of a deacon well, and purchased to himself a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.'-1 Tim. iii. 13. He had the principal management of the finances of the church, gave out the hymns in public worship, and filled up his place in the house of God with admirable regularity. His pastor

[ocr errors]

has compared him to his shadow, for, where. ever he was, this friend and armour bearer' was almost always present. He was much interested with the improvemeut of the chapel, contributing liberally to it, and was favoured to see the second anniversary of its re-opening.

On Thursday, Oct. 17th, he became slightly unwell. He attended the three services of the Sabbath, and the prayermeeting on the Monday evening, and was then so poorly as to take some medicine. On Tuesday the doctor was called in; but no relief was obtained. On Thursday the writer saw him twice, and prevailed upon him to have a physician called in. Special prayer was offered for him, and hope was cherished, that the prayer of faith would save the sick;' but the Lord saw otherwise, and, early on the Lord's day morning, our lamented brother sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.

To

To a venerable friend, who saw him on the Wednesday, and inquired whether he had attended to the disposal of his affairs, and what was the state of his mind-after a pause and rest for a few minutes he turned over, and said, 'George, it is all right! Mr. Fogg, of Retford, who was delivering a series of revival lectures at Ilkeston, he said, 'Well, brother Fogg, I have been waiting, praying, and longing for your coming; for I wanted to see thy face, and hear thy voice. Yes, I trusted my soul would be profited; but you see I am prevented. Well, "it is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him gocd."' Mr. F. seated himself at his side, and said, 'What shall I say? That I am glad, or sorrowful?' 'Say, I am in the Lord's hand, and all is well with me. Yes, brother Fogg, I wish the Lord to be magnified in my life and death.' 'Do you think your sickness will be fatal ?' He replied, 'I have great pain; I cannot tell. I am resigned. God cannot

21 'What

err. "What he ordains is best."' are your prospects?' 'I know whom I have believed; and all is safe. I have no merit; all of grace. I should like to hear you once more, if the Lord will. I hope your visit will prove useful. We want more zeal and love. Yes, brother Fogg, I have a father, mother, wife, and children, and, above all, a Saviour, in heaven.' About two hours before he died, a friend said, 'Shall I send for Mr. Peggs?' (not knowing that he was then absent at Retford.) He said, 'No; all is right. I die in peace.' He reclined on this friend's breast for an hour and twenty minutes, apparently in a sound sleep; but it proved the sleep of death.

His remains were buried at Newthorpe, on the Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Fogg read and prayed, and delivered a short discourse, from, They that are Christ's at his coming.' Mr. Peggs gave an address at the grave, from, 'He was a good man, and feared God above many.'

It is an affecting circumstance, that Mr. H. was very active in promoting the enlargement of the burial ground, and the erection of the wall, &c.; and he and his son have been the first to take possession of this new department of the house appointed for all living.' His funeral discourse was preached at Ilkeston, by his pastor, from Jer. xii. 5, 'What wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?'

Our departed brother, and his son James,* may remind the reader of the scripture, They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided;' and sorrowing affection adds, no, nor in their burial; for the remains of father, and mother, and grandfather, and children, lie and sleep together, till the trumpet shall sound, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.' May the sudden and solemn removal of our friend and brother be sanctified!

A FRIEND.

MR. EDWARD BARRASS, of Ibstock, died Jan. 20th, 1844, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. He was baptized, and joined the Church at Barton, in the year 1796, and, when the Church was divided in 1798, he united with the friends at Hugglescote. For many years he was very zealous in carrying on the cause, and, when the chapel was erected at Ibstock, in 1814, he was very liberal in his contributions and assistance. He was, for a long time, very anxious for the church to purchase burying ground at Ibstock, that his body might rest there, and it was so ordered in the course of divine providence that he lived to see a fine burial ground purchased. The fencing &c., was completed on the day of his interment, and

*See G. B. R., 1844, p. 240.

his remains were the first deposited therein. He died in full confidence of his Saviour's love. A few minutes before he expired, a friend said to him, 'You have at different times said Jesus was precious; is he so now ? 'Yes,' he replied, he is precious, he is my all." His funeral took place on the 24th Jan. 1844, when our venerable pastor delivered an impressive discourse. from Deut. xxxii. 29, "O that they were wise." As it was the first funeral in the village of the kind, (there being no burial place for dissenters until this was provided,) there was a very large attendance. Our departed friend has left a widow, now in her 82nd year, almost in second childhood, but rejoicing in her Saviour, and anxiously waiting for her release. They have two sons, who have for many years been preachers of the gospel among the Freewill Baptists in America. May all his children so follow him as he followed Christ. J. D.

THOMAS HARBUT, was a native of Ib. stock; of sober and industrious habits. About six or seven years ago he united with the Primitive Methodists, but seeing it to be his duty to obey his divine Saviour's command, he offered himself for baptism and fellowship to the Baptist church at Huggles. cote, and was baptized and received as a member among them on the last Sabbath in Sep. 1842. From that time to his death he endeared himself to his christian friends by his constant and steady attendance on the means of grace, and his endeavours to do good to others; but alas! his race was short, and his death sudden and unexpected. It took place on the 30th day of Sep. 1844; two years and one day from the day of his baptism. He had been employed on the Swannington Railway six or seven years as breaksman down the inclined plane as Bagworth; and when just completing the last run of waggons for the day, his breakstick snapped asunder, and he fell close to the side of the waggon. The wheel passed over his arm and nearly cut it off; he also received a crush on his chest. He was immediately conveyed by train to the Leicester Infirmary (his widow and friends secing him no more) where he expired soon after midnight, in the 33rd year of his age. His remains were conveyed to Ibstock, and interred in the Baptist new burial ground, in the presence of many who lamented his sudden removal. Brother Orton delivered a very solemn charge to those who were present, to take care and be ready for death. Our departed friend was quite composed and happy in his last moments. When informed by his attendants that he could not survive, and asked whether he feared to die, he replied without hesitation he did not 'he had lived to die.' And when further reminded by the medical attendent of the

necessity of preparing for death, he said, 'I am prepared to die.' May every reader of these few lines be able, like our dear young friend, in the immediate prospect of death to say 'I have lived to die.' J. D.

WILLIAM JEBBETT.-I am sorry that no notice has been taken of our departed friend, Mr. William Jebbett, of Old Basford. His death has been a great loss to our cause in that place. He was a man devoted to God, and to the interests of the Redeemer's cause in the world, and especially the last years of his life. As I felt anxious that there should be some remembrance of him, I have collected a few facts which I wish to be published in the Repository, as a token of my respect for the man-his principles, and his family. He was a native of Atherstone, in Warwickshire; and in early life, had united himself with the Wesleyan Methodists. He had been a member about twelve months when he removed to Basford, in Nottinghamshire, where there was a society of Wesleyans, but they had no Sabbainschool. Our friend was not willing to be idle, and consequently made application to the teachers of the General Baptist Sabbathschool, whether they would allow him to be a teacher amongst them and yet continue a member of the Methodists. The generous offer was accepted, and brother Jebbett became one of the most devoted and punctual teachers in the school. In this situation he continued for not less than twenty years. After he entered the school some person put Dan Taylor's catechism into his hands. This catechism threw new light on some passages of the word of God, and he began to read the word with great avidity. His mind seemed to become unfettered, and the new and interesting aspect in which several important truths presented themselves to his mind, led him at once to resolve to follow the example, and to yield obedience to the plain and pointed command of the Lord Jesus Christ. There was something rather singular in the circumstances which led him to join the church at Stoney-street. He intended, as many inconsistent persons do, to be baptized and to remain a member where he had been for some time; but this plan was soon put aside. Our brother made known his views and feelings to the superintendent of the Wesleyan circuit, who gave him, for answer, that, if he wished it, be would baptize him by immersion, but, on the same occasion, he should feel it his duty to preach against it. This attempt at making diverging lines run parallel, failing, our brother came at once to the conclusion, that he ought to join the General Baptists. Our friend was subsequently invited to accept the office of deacon, which office he sustained for nearly twenty years.

I have known many persons whose attendance at the house of God was very regular; but I must say, that I never knew any to exceed our brother Jebbett. From the social prayer-meeting he was never absent, except from indisposition, or some other important cause. Having had the pecuniary matters connected with that part of the church entrusted to his care, he was most punctual and faithful in his attention to them. I have very often been much amused at his particularity in mentioning every article which he might purchase, with the exact amount which it cost, however insignificant, while, at the same time, have admired the principles by which he was actuated.

The prosperity of the cause at Basford led the friends connected with the church at Stoney-street to take the subject of separating Basford from the parent church, into their serious consideration, which being amicably agreed to, our brother seemed delighted that now Basford branch had become an independent church; and, as there was no settled dissenting minister in the

town, the church, under the blessing of God, was likely to be a very prosperous one; but, alas! he was disappointed! The individual who was unadvisedly invited to be the minister of the new church, was an entire stranger; and, for a short time, matters moved on smoothly; but it was not long before lamented altercations disturbed their peace, and threatened the dissolution of the church. In these troubles, our friend did not lose his piety, though he evidently began to lose his health. What with some temporal losses which he had sustained, and what with the sufferings he endured from these afflictions, a constitution already feeble began evidently to give way.

After the individual had left Basford, who had scarcely acted as a minister of peace, our brother went back, and endeavoured to rally the friends round him; and, when he found himself once more surrounded with his christian brethren, he seemed happy. The cause of the blessed Redeemer, both in its temporal and spiritual interests, was dear to him, and he felt the welfare of the church to be inseparably connected with his own interest and happiness. Notwithstanding all this, his health, at first almost imperceptibly, but soon very rapidly, declined. When visiting him, I often heard him express his confidence in God, and his entire trust in the blood of the covenant. He spoke of joining shortly in the blissful and glorious theme of heaven, and would often exclaim, 'How shall I sufficiently praise Him?' One day, not long before his death, he talked of the foundation of his hope, and said, 'I believe I am right.' He ordered every thing necessary for his funeral, just as if he were going a journey, and to

return. The whole was gone through with the greatest composure of mind. When he was near his latter end, he called his wife to him, and said, ' I am going; whatever you do, cleave to God. He will watch over you, and care for you and the children.' He fell asleep at seven o'clock in the evening, and died the next morning at six. He was only fifty-seven years of age.

I attended the funeral, and gave an address at the grave. He was buried in the ground connected with the chapel at Old Basford. His remains were followed to the grave by a number of friends. The Rev. W. Pickering improved his death to a large assembly. H. HUNTER.

MRS. MARY HOLLINGWORTH died at Sawley 16th April, 1844. She had been for more than twenty years a consistent member of the Baptist church, meeting at Castle Donington and Sawley. Our departed friend was greatly respected in the church, and her memory is fondly cherished by a large circle of acquaintances. Though see had been a widow for more than fifteen years, she continued through her indefat

igable industry to maintain her family honourably and respectably. Ministers who have preached at Sawley, and made her house their home, will not soon forget her kindness. She was not forgetful to entertain strangers.

Her affliction was very protracted; but she was sustained by infinite mercy, and could often rejoice in anticipation of the glory of God. The writer of these lines saw her only a few hours before her death, and feels glad to be able to testify that she had a good hope through grace. Her remains were interred in the chapel at Sawley, and a funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Owen to a large and attentive audience.

MARY GIBBENS was baptized and united to the Union Place church, Longford, June 17, 1827. Her course was one of severe trial, even to the end; and after a protracted illness of more than four years, which she sustained with christian fortitude, she died in the Lord, on Sep. 19, 1843; aged sixty. J. S.

two.

JAMES PARKER was baptized and joined the church, Union Place, Longford, Oct. 4, 1829. His death was accelerated by the amputation of his leg, which operation he survived only ten days. He fell asleep in Jesus September 26, 1844, aged sixty-seven. J. S.

WILLIAM BIFIELD was baptized and united to the Union Place church, Longford, May 6, 1833; and was one of the choir belonging to the chapel. His mind was kept in peace during his affliction, and he died in the Lord, October 2, 1844, leaving a widow and three children to lament their loss. J. S.

DUFFIELD.

BAPTISMS.

INTELLIGENCE.

On the 6th of Oct., four per. sons, of the ages of twenty-two, thirty, thirtyeight, and forty nine, were baptized. In the afternoon they sat down at the Lord's-table, and brother Taylor received them into church fellowship

BOSTON. On the 24th of November, Mr. Mathews baptized two persons.

PINCHBECK.-On Lord's day, Oct. 6th, two females were baptized in the river Glen, and on Wednesday evening, November 27th, three more in our new baptistry. It is with pleasure added, that the Lord is blessing his word here, others being expected shortly to join the infant church. B. P.

ANNIVERSARIES.

WOLVERHAMPTON.-The anniversary sermons, in aid of the trust fund, were preached on Lord's day, Nov. 24th, 1844, by brethren Shore, and Hamilton, (P. B.) of Walsall, when the handsome sum of, £7. 2s. was collected.

MANSFIELD.-Lord's-day, October 20th, missionary sermons were preached by Revds. J. Wood, and I. Stubbins. An interesting meeting was held on the following evening. R. Watson, Esq., presided; and addresses were delivered by the chairman, the Revds. Stubbins, Hudson, Elsey, Stenson, Millnes, and S. Foster, Esq. Collections £9. Is. Id. The next evening a delightful meeting was held at Warsop. Collection, more than £3.

CHAPELS.

BOSTON.-The chapel many years occupied by the hyper-calvinists in this place, has been purchased by the General Baptists, and will be occupied as school-rooms for Sabbath-school instruction.

NEW GENERAL BAPTIST CHAPEL AT NOTTINGHAM.-We are gratified to learn, that the subscriptions towards an additional chapel in Nottingham, connected with Stoneystreet church, already amount to upwards of £800.

REMOVALS.

The

MACCLESFIELD.-The Rev. John Lindley intending shortly to remove from Macclesfield, on Monday, October 28th, a tea party was held in the Baptist school rooms. assembly was numerous and respectable, and also composed of individuals of different denominations, who seemed anxious to express their affectionate regard to Mr. Lindley, previous to his departure from this town, in which for the last two years he has zealously and affectionately laboured. The schoolrooms not being found sufficiently large to accommodate the numerous audience, after tea they adjourned to the chapel. Mr. John

Woodward was called to the chair.

The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Tunnicliffe, of Leeds, Mr. D. Oldham, (Wesleyan New Connexion), and Mr. R. Gee, (Indep.). It was the desire of Mr. Lindley's friends that some token of their regard and respect should be given him as a feeble, but honest memorial of his past labours, and diligent attention to the duties of his office. A handsome copy of the sacred scriptures was purchased by Mr. Lindley's friends and presented to him by Mr. David Oldham, who delivered it with an affectionate address upon the value of the scriptures, and the responsi bility of the christian ministry. A spirit of brotherly love and affection, and also an earnest solicitude for the future welfare of Mr. Lindley, and his family, pervaded the meeting. On Lord's day following, in the evening, Mr. Lindley preached his farewell sermon, to a crowded and attentive audience. Mr. Lindley is now open to an invitation from any church requiring ministerial aid.

J. P.

SEVENOAKS, Kent.-On Lord's day, Nov. 3rd, Mr. Felkin preached his last sermons to the people at Sevenoaks; in the morning from 2 Cor. xiii. latter part of the 11th verse, 'Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace,' &c.; and in the evening, to a large, respectable, and overflowing congregation, from the former part of the same verse, Finally, brethren, farewell.' Since Mr. Felkin's arrival at Smalley, he has received a very valuable and splendid spring clock, bearing the following inscription, Presented to the Rev. J. Felkin, by his friends in the church and congregation at Sevenoaks, as a token of their sincere regard and esteem for his untiring labours as a minister, and kind sympathies as a friend.' Mr. Felkin entered on his labours at Smalley on Lord'sday, the 10th of November, 1844.

[ocr errors]

ILKESTON. Some interesting revival ser. vices were held at this place, in the month of October, which were well attended. Mr. Fogg, of Retford, delivered discourses on the following subjects, the morning service commencing at six o'clock, and the evening at half past seven the prodigal son; regeneration; the barren fig-tree; the hope of heaven; the cry of the perishing man; the soldier's faith commended; the lost sheep; rejoicing in Christ; the zeal of Christ a pattern; the great gulph fixed; the christian's duty; the patience of God exhausted; the christian's responsibility; to young persons; the christian at ease; the christian rewarded; the seeker saved; the last judgment. May much good result from the visit of our valued brother, and may many churches be induced to adopt similar methods for the revival of religion. A FRIEND.

MY GOOD OLD WATCH.

WHILE Some in laudatory strains

Fell war's dread deeds resound, And tell of wide ensanguin'd plains, And death and carnage round, Others of peace and science sing, And deep philosophy;

Be mine the humbler task to bring A meed of praise to thee,

My good old watch.

In all my wanderings to and fro,

For nearly forty years;

In clouds and sunshine, weal and woe,
Mid hopes and gloomy fears;
Like a firm friend fast by my side,

Thou hast thy part sustained;

Whatever changes did betide,

Thou scarcely lost or gain'd,
My good old watch.

Oft when amidst the thoughtless crowd,

Or warmed with social glee;

In smiling mirth, or laughter loud,

A monitor to me:
Memento mori, thou hast said,

As thou hast tick'd along;
For tho' without a thinking head,
Thou'rt not without a tongue,
My good old watch.

When hopes were high and prospects bright,

And I was young and gay,

Thou didst arrest my wandering sight,

And said'st, or seem'd to say,

'I urge thee to improve thy time,

Thy youth will soon be passed! And health and vigour, strength and prime, Will not for ever last,'

[blocks in formation]

And oft in thy expressive face,

The flight of time I see.
Thou shalt be with me all the way,
My downward footsteps tend;
Suggesting each revolving day,
I'm nearer to the end,

My good old watch.

And sure no ruffian hand will dare,
Thy form from me to sever;
I'll guard thee with a watchful care,
Nor part with thee, no never :
At least while I'm remaining here,
Thou shalt be ever near me;
Then to the true and constant care,
Of some kind friend I'll leave thee,
My good old watch.

Yes, when I've done with earth and time,

And every tie is riven;

I'll leave thee, to possess the clime

And happiness of heaven:
There I shall have no need of thee,
Nor ought beneath the sun;
For time becomes eternity,

When Life's short course is run,
My good old watch.

Now let the serious moral taught,

Be seen and understood!
That time well spent is richly fraught
With germs of lasting good!
Successive moments make our space,

For ever on the wing!
Seasons of hope and days of grace,
These precious moments bring.

May all who read this moral learn, (But chiefly so our youth,) Their solemn duty to discern,

And choose the way of truth; As some fair flower, whose opening bud Expandeth to the skies; Presenting to the source of good, Its odorous sacrifice.

So may each youth this year begin,
With humble prayer and praise;
Flee the delusive paths of sin,
And give to God their days.

J. TYERS.

[blocks in formation]
« EdellinenJatka »