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Another Random Scribd Document
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dine with him at the parsonage as a special mark of his esteem. He
gave him a small bible, which is now in the possession of the Rev. Mr.
Wilton, of West Lavington, and which was kindly lent to the Author
for exhibition at the jubilee. He remained a Wesleyan to his death; of
this he would sometimes boast, saying, “I am a Wesleyan to my
back-bone;” and he never quitted the house where he was born until
death.
 SECTION IV.

His early efforts—Appearance before a Magistrate—Anecdotes—

Cornbury Mill—Death—Funeral—Inscription.
Denied the spiritual enjoyments so abundant in the present day, which
it is to be feared from their very abundance are slighted, he was
accustomed to repair sometimes in the daytime, when he could leave
his flock in the care of another, but especially in the evening after the
toils and fatigues of the day, to Seend, probably where some of his
own people might be found, and unite with them in devotional
exercises, returning the same night, that so he might be ready for his
daily duties, so strict was he in regard to the rights of others, and lest
his good might be evil spoken of. He soon began to collect a few of
his neighbours beneath his natal cot, at first at the time of his
morning and evening orisons, and on the evening of the Sabbath, for
the purpose of reading the Scriptures, singing and prayers, doubtless
he would exhort them to seek the salvation of their souls, as appears
to have been the case from his own confession in the instance that
follows:—He was once summoned before a magistrate by one of the
overseers of the parish, who, by his officious interference, sought to
gain the approbation of those above him, upon the charge of not only
allowing but himself preaching in his own house. Would he have
been so active if he had carried on a course of evil and seduced
others to sin? I trow not. When questioned on the subject by the
bench, he replied, “May it please your worship to hear what I have to
say. I think it my duty to pray with my family night and morning, and
if opportunity permit, to read part of the Word of God to them. On
Sunday mornings we rise an hour or two before I go to my sheep,
that we may spend a little more time than on other days in the
worship of God. Some few of my neighbours frequently come in and
join us. We first sing a psalm or hymn, I then read a chapter or two
of the bible, and sometimes I endeavour in my poor way to explain
their meaning, we then conclude our Sabbath morning’s exercise with
prayer to God. As for preaching, I never attempt any such thing, but
leave it to those who are called to preach.” The justice, who was a
clergyman, reproved the persecutor and accuser, and admonished
him to go and follow so good an example.
On Littleton downs he erected a hut for his own and others’
accommodation when the weather was bad; (this was blown down in
a violent hurricane of wind, but was afterward rebuilt of firmer
material, viz., brick, and made more convenient by his friend, Dr.
Stonehouse). Beneath its roof, when the flocks were placed in safety,
he would collect the shepherds and shepherdesses (for there were
several at that time owing to the deficiency of male persons to do the
work), and read to them from the Bible, or rather commentary, now
in the possession of Mrs. Bartlett, of Cheverill, and after talking with
them would engage in prayer. One now living (1855), then young,
has stated that no one knew where he put the bible after reading, as
she with others often searched but could never find it. He would
sharply reprove the idle and careless, and then encourage them to
diligence in some way or other, saying, “we cannot expect young
ones to be old ones, I was young myself once.”
Among the other efforts which he put forth for the good of those
around him was the opening of an evening school, where he taught
such as desired it to read and write. Finding his house too small to
accommodate his increasing family, but especially for those who
came to hear and be instructed, he obtained the one adjoining, which
he chiefly devoted to this purpose. A gentleman by the name of
Bartlett, frequently invited him to his house; he had a son, an infant,
who engaged the shepherd’s particular attention; and it is remarked,
when at Cheverill, he would never leave the house until he had knelt
at the cradle of the babe and poured out his soul in earnest
supplication for his eternal welfare. Upon the death of the shepherd,
that child, risen to the state of youth, appropriated the money that
had been given him and which he had suffered to accumulate, to the
purchase of the family bible, still in the possession of his widow, and
which the Author has seen; it was a commentary, doubtless published
by Wesley at the commencement of his public career, soon after
leaving college; the date is 1751. He also bought the sheep-bells and
two pet lambs, the last he ever kept, which was a privilege allowed
by flock-masters to their shepherds. A view of the hallowed spot
where this good man abode, and where stood the cot within which
he first drew his breath, may be obtained to peculiar advantage,
attended with great picturesque beauty (as if nature would do honour
to his memory), from a field adjoining Ladywood, just beyond the
grove which is approached through the churchyard; a spot of which a
respectable gentleman, formerly occupying an important position in
the Independent church of this place, was wont to speak in terms of
the highest praise. “I can never pass this spot,” said he, “without
stopping to admire its peculiar beauty.” Doubtless the eye, the inlet
to the soul, was instrumental in producing associations of the most
pleasing character bearing upon the man and events whose history
we are now recording, and contemplating those probable results
which time would develope.
It was a favourite saying of the shepherd’s when any one was
disposed to stint a child or children in food, “Cut your last loaf as
cheerfully as the first, they are growing and want plenty of victuals, if
God sends children he will send bread.”
Sometimes when his daily allowance of bread, for this was the staple
of his food, became very dry and hard, he would put it into the pond
where his flock watered as he passed to the fold, intending after he
had finished to return and take it out. On one occasion, having made
the deposit, his companion (his dog), influenced by the spirit that
often governs his betters, proved treacherous and false, slyly slinking
behind he approached the place and appropriated the coveted morsel
to satisfy his own selfish appetite, in obedience to the universal law,
“Take care of Number One.” Upon becoming acquainted with his
loss, and to him it was likely to prove a great privation, as the
probability was he must go without food all day, he made his case
known to his companions, one of whom, Mary Shore (who was under
him for several years), pressed him to accept of hers, as she should
not want it, having brought a double portion that day and already
eaten sufficient: upon her repeated assurance to this fact he took it,
pleasantly remarking, “Never mind, the dog, poor fellow, was hungry,
and dogs want food.” Exposed as he was upon the downs to some of
those awful manifestations of the Divine power in thunder and
lightning, he was never known to exhibit the least fear or alarm as to
himself; this did not arise from a stoical apathy or thoughtless
hardihood, but a calm composure and preparedness of mind for the
Divine will. He would say, “I am ready whenever it pleases God to
call me, here or elsewhere, and I do not care where they bury me,
they can bury me here if they like,” alluding to the hut before
mentioned, near which he was standing.
Although religion in humble garb is apt to meet with reproach and
persecution, yet in the case of this lowly follower of the Saviour there
appears a mysterious charm, an immortal Ægis thrown around him,
by which he was shielded from the many and bitter sufferings that
often surround the disciples of Christ, and which awakened towards
him respect and affection, not only of his own immediate class, for
some that knew him have testified he was a right-down good man
and there is no David Saunders now, but also of his superiors far and
wide; a circumstance which he appears to have improved to
advantage, not to himself or his family, but for the good of others
and the glory of God, as he said, “There is not a house in the parish
in which I have not engaged in prayer,” in which exercise he
manifested a strong temperament, a blending of confidence and
enthusiasm bordering upon simplicity. The following is an instance:—
Prior to a journey to the neighbourhood of Bath, he was led to
engage in prayer with his youngest daughter Sally, then near her
time; after commending her to God, he prayed that the child might
be a boy. Soon after he reached the place of his visit he received
intelligence of the birth, and finding it was according to his wish he
immediately retired to return thanks to God for answering his prayer.
His mind was also tinctured with a belief in the supernatural. On one
occasion he had been to Seend; on returning, he passed near to a
house reputed to be haunted; hearing a noise his curiosity was
awakened, and on approaching to reconnoitre, a voice (doubtless of
some person engaged thereabouts) accosted him with “What doest
thou here?” This he supposed to be a reproof from above, which led
him immediately to quit the spot: and it is said he never after would
go out of his direct road for anything.
Having relatives at Eastcote, he would sometimes walk over there on
the Sabbath afternoon, calling upon the several cottagers in his way
and invite them to come and hear the Word of God, devoting the
time of his visit to a meeting similar to those he held at his own
home. This place has continued to have services held on the
Sabbath, and forms an out-station to Lavington, which is regularly
visited alternately with Easterton, a hamlet noted for the indolent and
vitiated character of the inhabitants, as far as it relates to the soul, if
indeed they ever think about it.
In a short time similar meetings were held at Cornbury Mill, situated
in Spring road, then in the occupation of Mr. John Gauntlett, the
grandfather of the individual of that name now resident here, who
with several other branches of the family are still identified with the
cause of the Redeemer. The humble shepherd devoted his efforts
and energies both at home and here to form a spiritual fold. On the
mornings of the Sabbath he would gather the sheep and lambs of
Christ, such as under the influence of the Spirit hungered and
thirsted after righteousness—feed them from the pasture of God’s
Word—lead them to the fountains of still waters—direct and comfort
the burdened and heavy laden with the precious promise of
salvation. How long these continued is not exactly known. The
honoured servant of the Lord, labouring under the increasing
infirmities of age, especially lameness, probably the consequences of
that disease he in early life suffered from, as also blindness, which for
two or three years he experienced, he was unable to go far from
home. Some friends who held him in high respect, residing at Wyke,
near Bath, sent for him and desired him to pay them a visit. It was
while here the messenger was sent to invite him to the home of his
Heavenly Father, a release he had long anticipated from the toils of
this wearisome world. On the night before his death he had engaged
with the family in their devotions, and afterwards in his own room
with unusual and extraordinary fervency. Sleeping with the son of his
host he spent some time conversing on the things of God and
eternity until his voice was silenced in sleep—a sleep from which he
was not to awake till the Archangel’s trump shall tell the great day of
the Lord draweth nigh. Blessed servant who was found watching; his
last work on earth talking of heaven. His remains were removed to
his own habitation at Littleton, and attended to their last resting-
place by a vast concourse of spectators and friends. At his grave a
request was presented to the officiating clergyman, the vicar, for
permission to sing over his remains, he replied, “When I have done
my part you may do as you like,” upon which, singing and prayer
were engaged in on the sacred spot, for “precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of his saints,” so also is their dust purchased as the
body is with the soul by the Redeemer.
The place where he was laid is near the north-east corner of West
Lavington church, where a stone having a circular head, was erected
to his memory by a subsequent vicar, the Rev. E. Caswell, from the
proceeds of a small work containing letters and other pieces, the
production of John Saunders, his grandson, for the benefit of his
mother. Three of his sons, who formed part of a family of sixteen,
served in the armies of their sovereign. The following is the
inscription on the stone:—

ERECTED IN THE YEAR 1829.

TO THE MEMORY OF
DAVID SAUNDERS,
KNOWN THROUGH EVERY QUARTER OF THE GLOBE
UNDER THE APPELLATION OF

The Pious Shepherd of Salisbury Plain,

WHOSE LITTLE HISTORY HAS NOW BEEN READ WITH ADMIRATION
BY MULTITUDES OF CHRISTIANS
 IN
EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA, AND AMERICA.
He was buried here by his Sons Sept. 9th, 1796.
Aged 79.
Also in memory of his WIFE,
LYDIA SAUNDERS,
BURIED NEAR THIS PLACE,
May 28th, 1789. Aged 49.

Upon opening the adjoining grave lately (April, 1855) that of the
shepherd’s gave way, and laid bare some human bones, which, from
their remarkable size (he being of large stature and muscular build)
were supposed to be his; they were returned to their kindred earth.
It was remarked by the Author’s informant, “If we had lived in the
days of shrines and relics, what a favourable opportunity would have
been afforded, and what a popular subject this! but such times have
passed away.” The stone, which was in a decaying state, has, by the
order of his grandsons, Messrs. J. and J. Chapman, been renovated.
It is much to be regretted that the humble abode where he first drew
his breath, and where his voice was so often heard instructing his
own family with others in the highest of all human learning, holiness
of life, inciting them by his precept and example to breathe after
heaven, a spot where began a reformation that has since pervaded
the neighbourhood around, and doubtless had some influence in the
Established Church, should, with the hut on the downs, like all
mundane things, have suffered under the ravages of the iron tooth of
time and covetous innovation (about two years since it was razed,
and in its stead four brick tenements erected). But if the cot has
disappeared, the site remains, and will be regarded with veneration
for ages to come. It is on the top of a lane, known as Saunders’s
Lane, leading from Littleton to Russell Mill, just opposite the fields.
May the relatives with the inhabitants of this locality be favoured to
breathe the same hallowed Spirit as its long-gone tenant, and by
drinking at the spiritual fountain that refreshed his soul realize those
blessings he so largely enjoyed. The nearest of his descendants now
living are the Messrs. Chapman before referred to, and Mrs.
Holloway, their sister, of Littleton.
 SECTION V.

Verbatim copy of two Original Letters—Poem to his Memory.

Littleton Wilts Feb 26
Dear Daughter

I Recd your kind and Welcom Letter Dated 23 and wase glad to hear
of your Welfare I wase sorrey to hear of your loss of your master but
are in hopes that your Loss will be his gain I Recd a Letter from
Limehouse in ye forepart of last Summer, which Letter I Ansrd
Immediately:—I Recd a Letter from your Brother Jn° from spit-head a
board ye Sibbley Transport Sepr ye 11:—which gave me a sorrey full
account of his then present state that he was in ye 59 Ridgmt of Foot
Sergant in captain poke Companey and wase then waiting with 16000
men for ordors which they did Expect it would be for ye west Indies
but they could not tell and did Expect when they set sail never to see
ye Land no more—he wase verey sorrowfull for his Dear Wife & 3
Children which he parted from 3 days before one of them was a Boy
Born in ye Isle of Iersey they wase set off for What-ley near Froom in
Somersetshire—it pierceth my Heart with sorrow to think what they
will do Amongst those strangers not having a Dish nor spoon or Bed
to ley on I saw one of ye Farmers of What-ley at ye Devizes and he
acquainted me they had a been thare a bout 1 weeck but he had not
a seen them—They are a boute 20 miles from me I should have a
gone to seen them my self but I wase not able being now under ye
Doctrs hands in Cure for Sore leggs I has nothing to give them for
Assistanc your Brother Benjamins Familie Incresseth a pace 2 days a
go he had a 2nd daughter born which is 4 in [a small piece of the
letter is torn away] and his Wife verey Heavely afflicted all ye last
Summer so he hath nothing but his own labour to main-tain himself
Wife & 4 children so he cannot assist—I recd a Letter from your Sister
Jean about 3 months a go from Ebley a near — Glouster and she
acquainted me was Coock whare thare wase master & mrs & 4 servts
2 men & 2 maids but she was not weel settled in her place because
there was no Religion practized in ye Familie—I saw your Brother
Iames & Joseph & Timothy Novr ye 3 which ware West Lavintons
Feast Day I was Glad to see them look so well Timothy is grown an
Exceeding proper young youth and I hope he will he will be to my
satisfaction viz to Fear ye Lord and serve him in his youth—I has none
but marey & David at home with me Sarah is married to Jonathan
Chapn & is near child bearing may she have a good hower Maray
cannot get aney thing towards her maintainance because trading is
so bad no spinning the poor with us is almost perishing for want
marey is willing to come to London if she could get able and you
could hire of a place of service you acquainted me you thought you
should not continue much Longer in your present situation. But I
would have you Enquire by Fervant Prayer of ye Lord in what state
you may be most profitable to promote his Glory for now is ye
Acceped time now is the Day of Salvation. Beware you do not let ye
Flatterer deceive you to seek for Happiness oute of Christ, For I have
a been in ye World near 68 years and I find nothing but but ye love of
Christ with ye Pardon of Sin will make me Happy here in this World I
would not have you put yourself to Expence of Comming Down at ye
spring I should be glad to see you but I Expect shortly to be called of
ye Stage of this Life & to follow my Forefathers, let us pray for Each
other that we may meet in ye Upper and better World to Sing our
Lord’s Praises for Ever & Ever So prays your affectionate Father. If
you let me know whare you are I will write to you so long as I shall
be able.
DAVED SAUNDERS.
 Littleton Wells
Oct 12 1791
Dear Son and Daughters
This is to a Quaint you of ower Wellfare having this Oppertunity Ones
more to take pen in hand and to Wright a few Lines unto you hoping
thay find you all well and Striving Earnestly to Eanter in at the Straite
Gate that Leadeth unto Everlasting Life I Bare you much on my Mind
be fore the throne of the Lord’s Grace Praying Earnestly that the Lord
Would accomplish the Whole work of your Salvation in your Inmost
Souls Enabling you to persevere in the way of Holiness and bring you
at the last to his Heavenly Kingdom
I hope that you are all Well at Bedford and my Earnest praier for you
is that you might be Saved from sin Hear by Belaving in the Lord
Jesus Christ and Walking in Sincere Obedeament Love in his Truth
and Commandments here so that in our Lord’s Due and appointed
time we may sing ower Lord’s praises The Father and the mother and
Childern in ower Blessed Saver’s Kingdom whare parting shall be no
more for Ever and Ever O my Dear Childern how do I long for your
Salvation I know not what is the Thoughts of your Harts pray make
Sure work by Examining of your Selves for De Lays are Dangerous
Perhaps this may be the Last time of your Dear and Indulgent
Fathers Counsels I Expects shortly I shall be Called home from Stage
of this World Tharefore I Humbly Bagg of you as my Last Request Be
ye Reconciled to God Let fervent praier be your only motive to Induce
you to Love the Lord your God for what is all the World with out Gods
Love for ower Blessed Lord and Saver saith What shall it profet a
man if he gaine The whole World and Loose his own Soul or what
shall he Give in Exchange of his sould Let me freely ask you what
would be most desirable to you in Heaven my soul is Ready to anser
and say to See the Face of my God whome my soul Loveth For it is
Gods Presents makes Heaven and Jesus Christ who is the mediator
and Interceader betwix my soul and my God O how do I Long to
Walk in the Streets of the New Jeruslem but am detained by the
Clogg of this Flish But I can truly say Blessed be the Name of the
Lord With David whome Lord have I in Heven But thee and whome
have I in Earth I do desier in Compaction of thee—Earths but a
Sorrey Tent Pitched for a few friel Days A short Seased Tenament
Heavens my song my Praise Oh happy Place when shall it be That I
shall Reign with Christ in thee methinks my soul is now filled with
transporting joy For the Apostle Saith to Romans Belivers that Eye
has not seen nor Ear heard neither has it entered in to the Hart of
man to Conserve what the Lord hath Laid up for those that Love him
—Now my Dear Childern and you my son in pertickler make trile Let
Jacobs God and your aged fathers God be your God Your father that
are according to the Flish has made trile and can Withess for more
than forty years he hath a bean a never failing God and he is the
yesterdy to Day and for Ever I E centur all upon hem are you sick he
is a kiend Phisician always redy to viset you are you Hungary he will
feed you For Jesus Christ saith Blessed are those that Hunger and
tirst after Righteousness for they shall be filled—are you werey and
heave laden Jesus Christ saith Come unto me all ye that are werey
and heavey laden with the Burthen of your Sins and I will give you
Rest So we fiend he is Aurse and Good Phisician files not in time nor
Eternity Tharefore I Leave you un to his Blessed Care to wash us all
in that fountans of hiss most Prectous Blood that wase opened on
Moant Calvarey for sin and for uncleanness To wash us both you and
me that soon we may from our sinns be free wich is the sinceare
Prayer of your Aged father
DAVID SAUNDERS

TO THE MEMORY
OF
DAVID SAUNDERS.
Thy name be honoured, though the
Historic bard no mention make of thee
For deeds of prowess on the battle field;
Nor science nor philosophy a garland drop
Upon thy brow for vast discoveries in the fields of art;
Nor record hand thee down to latest age,
A politician, cunning, crafty, deeply skill’d
In schools of wily usage, who by tricks
And fraud, his own or country’s weal extends;
Or by a lineal descent of princely worthiness
Didst occupy a throne, or place upon thy head
A jewell’d coronet. Thy ignoble birth, thy mean
Estate, thy humble occupation, thy poverty,
May perchance excite a laugh, a sneer,
A scorn; but thou shalt honoured be.
E’en now the young, the aged shall pronounce
Thee blest; and when the high and potent
Things of earth shall sink to dust,—thou!
Thou shalt shine bright like a star in the
Cerulean vault! and in the heavenly sphere
Shalt form a centre of intelligence; while
Around thee gather thousands yet unborn
To own thee parent and the consecrated
Means of all they hope or do enjoy.
Yes, honoured thou shalt be, for thou
Didst fear thy God and serve thy generation;
Thou hast done good service in the noblest
Cause,—hast fought the direst foe in thine
Own person; and in the hearts of others didst
Incite to deadliest hate, not against human
Kind, but against sin,—the fruitful source
Of mortal ills, of deep dishonour to the
God of heaven, the poignancy of sorrow’s tear,
And the perpetual wailings of the lost.
The science, the philosophy acquired and
Taught by thee, was love to God, goodwill to
Man; while the great mystery brought forth to light
Was love incarnate, and the grace, the bliss
That follows from the Cross. The Cross received
By faith, a purifying principle within
The heart,—its light—its life. This was the policy
Much prized by thee; how to obtain eternal bliss:
That bliss thou’st gained, and though to frail
Morality, allied by common lot, its various
Ills (perverse inheritance) didst feel; yet
By the power of sov’reign grace, in thee so strongly
Shewn, to heaven’s high only Lord thou art affianced;
And to thee a throne, a crown, a sceptre, and a robe
Belong,—nay, already are possessed, and ever will
Be thine; thou shalt still enjoy them when
Monarchs, kings, and lords, with all their
Royal pomp shall shrink to nothingness,
And envy those who poor were rich in faith
And heirs of God. Thus may e’en a shepherd
Gain a lasting true distinction.
We, the ingatherers of the precious seed
So long ago cast forth in faith, now honour thee
As God’s own instrument, by which the awful
Gloom—spawn of satanic power that here fell
Thickly—was dispersed. The eyeball of the
Blind bid upward look on heaven’s own orbs—
The Sun of Righteousness, whose heavenly light
Diffuses through the heart—the vital principle
Of life. The deaf to hear the music of the
Spheres,—nay, His voice that wakes the dead.
The stammering tongue, the tongue of blasphemy
And foul deceit, accustom’d to an oath,—to bless
His name, to speak His praise, or mercy seek
For sins brought forth to light; or blessings needed
To continue in the strait and narrow path.
The troubled heart to find the peace, the joy,
The hope, the balmy influence springing
From the life, the death, and exaltation
Of Him, the sinner’s friend; and here
Each commence that song sung by
The ransomed choir of heaven.
 SECTION VI.

Immediate Results—Rev. H. Gauntlett—Cottage Services—

Persecution—Anecdotes.
Of the immediate results of the Shepherd’s toil (which, owing to the
erratic and wandering character of human existence, “for man
continueth not in any stay,” may be cast to the very ends of the
earth), we gather this much: two of the sons of the owner of the mill
were brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to feel the
sanctifying power of religion, so that the scenes before described,
and in which they had largely participated, were relinquished and
abandoned, and a great interest felt in the growth and promotion of
all that was “pure, lovely, and of good report.” Of them it could be
justly said, “Old things have passed away, behold all things are
become new.” It was mainly through their instrumentality a room in
the mill was allowed for the meetings for reading and prayer on the
Sabbath mornings. Another who probably from this humble teacher
beneath this roof first heard the simple tale of the scenes of Calvary
as revealed in the Gospel, of him it might be said, in the language of
God to Cyrus, which will be manifest as we proceed, “I have called
thee, though thou hast not known me.” Having engaged, by his
intelligent look and manner (which for one in his situation was
considerable) the attention and notice of the lady at Clyffe Hall, Mrs.
Vince, she advised him to devote his entire time and attention to
study for the office of the public ministry; for this purpose he placed
himself under the instruction of Dr. Stonehouse, at Cheverill (before
referred to), and, after continuing there a suitable time, obtained
ordination (the qualifications for which were not so high as at the
present time), he became curate at Imber and Tilshead. On one or
two occasions he preached in the church of this place. His
discourses, though not evangelical, were much superior in quality to
that usually afforded, and excited considerable attention: this may in
some measure be accounted for by the spirit of inquiry that had
resulted from the labours of the shepherd.
He afterwards was led to clearer views of Divine truth, which vastly
enlarged his sphere of usefulness, and made him a great blessing,
not only in his own parish, but in the neighbourhood around, and
when we find that he frequently attended the meetings afterwards
held in the cottages to be named, there cannot be a doubt but he
was made a chosen vessel of mercy. Having on one of those days
denominated Saint’s days, probably being disengaged from personal
duty, come over to Lavington to hear the vicar, it is remembered after
the service visiting his father, then living, his mind was in a
remarkably perturbed state, and, walking the room under great
excitement, he remarked with solemn emphasis, “If you continue to
hear such preaching as I have heard this morning, and are satisfied
with it, you will all be lost. The Gospel must be introduced by some
means or other.” Nor did it rest in mere declamation, for he with
others immediately devised measures for the accomplishment of the
wish; he waited upon the Rev. R. Sloper, of Devizes, and entreated
him to adopt means to introduce the truth. He afterwards removed
to Reading. It was his lot to experience the truth of the Divine word,
“He that will live godly must suffer persecution.” When he left
Tilshead the ringers, whether at the instigation of others or not is not
certain, rang the bells to ring him out; and who does not know what
that means? Well had it been for them to have pondered the kindred
spirit manifested by the Jews when they exclaimed, “His blood be
upon us and upon our children.” He published a work of considerable
acumen on the Revelations of St. John.
As a further confirmation of the good accomplished by these
combined exertions, in which was associated a humble but pious
individual of the name of Wastfield, who resided at Imber, and
frequently came over and preached in the Market Place, on a stone
that formerly stood at the corner of the butcher’s shop, as did also
some others whose hearts were stirred within them, when, like Paul
at Athens, they saw the place given to idolatry of the most debasing
character. Among these was a Mr. Williams, who was much
persecuted, and obtained the cognomen of “Jehovah,” from his
frequent use of that term of the Almighty, and the “Dearly Beloved,”
from his affectionate entreaty when urging home upon his hearers
the momentous concerns of the soul. From these labours of faith
and love many were aroused to concern; and such “as had tasted
that the Lord was gracious, and felt the powers of the world to
come,” made it their practice to repair regularly to Devizes on the
Sabbath morning, taking with them their provisions for the day, that
so they might remain the afternoon services, “For the Word of God
was precious in those days,” and of them it might literally as well as
spiritually be said, “they went from strength (company) to strength,”
each succeeding traveller or group overtaking the preceding one,
until by their mutual blending (and like the disciples going to
Emmaus, they talked of the things concerning their everlasting
welfare by the way; and who can doubt but that their risen and
exalted Lord would commune with them), until at length they
appeared before God in Zion. But the true effects must be left for
time to develope, and the full extent of the benefit can only be
disclosed by the light of Eternity, when at the last great gathering of
the precious fruits of the Sun it shall be found “this and that man
were born here,” and when the righteous Lord, whose decisions will
be according to truth, shall make up His jewels, and acknowledging
the efforts and labours of His humblest servant, reward every man
according to his work.
It was to be expected that these privileges, though so scanty, and
which were highly prized, should produce in their minds an earnest
and growing desire for the increase of the means of grace to
themselves, and also for the benefit of those around them, especially
of their own flesh and blood, as many would from family and other
circumstances be prevented availing themselves of the public
ordinances which they enjoyed. Now, in the apostolic writings such a
feeling is given as one criterion of a renewed state, “To do good unto
all men, and especially those of the household of faith;” for them as
yet nothing had been prepared; they were prompted to special
exertion, and their first step was to obtain a room where an evening
service in the week could be held, and when they could obtain the
assistance of some minister from the neighbourhood, this was done,
a cottage (chiefly through the instrumentality of the Rev. Mr.
Gauntlett, before alluded to) situated in Parsonage Lane (now in the
occupation of Hannah Love, a member of the Church) was obtained,
William Smith was then the occupant: here, it is believed, a regular
service was commenced. Such proceedings excited in the public
mind warm and bitter persecution. “The enemies of all
righteousness, the children of Belial,” manifested open hostility, every
method was devised to upset their proceedings. They injected into
the room where they were assembled, through every available
avenue, various substances of filth, disgusting and fœtid effluvium,
as rotten eggs, stale wash, asafoetida, &c. In this honourable
employment the exciseman stationed here was one of the most
violent and bitter. The people dwelling next door, themselves hostile
to religion, were open aiders and abettors, being prevailed upon by
the gift of spirits and malt liquor to increase the annoyance by
pouring these filthy accumulations down the chimney. Finding that
the friends amid all these assaults displayed no disposition to retreat
or yield, but an heroic determination in humble reliance on the Great
Head of the Church to maintain their ground, and, if possible, make
inroads upon the territory of the Prince of darkness, they proceeded
a step further, blocking up the ventilation, and darkening the
apertures for light, assailing them with all the known but
indescribable sounds of discord, both vocal and instrumental, uttering
the most disgusting and opprobrious epithets, and insulting them
personally as they came to and fro. Still, no cry for quarter, no
compromise was even whispered by the followers of the despised
Redeemer, they not only remembered it was uttered by Him when on
the earth, “If they persecute me they will also persecute you,” and
“these things will they do unto you because they know not the Father
nor me,” but they counted it an honour to share in His sufferings.
The storm, without losing any of its general character or being drawn
off or diverted from the associated body, made itself felt in its
individual power. The ties of family connexions, of friendship and
acquaintance, and even of business transactions, were broken up;
and where before the nod of recognition, the hand of friendship, and
the salute of relationship was given, now the sly averted look, the
curled lip, the knitted brow, told plainly and unmistakeably the
bitterness of spirit, the malevolence of soul dwelling within; but upon
none did it beat with more violence and vehemence than the humble
tenant of the house, who soon felt it in its own native malignity, and
that, too, with the sanction and influence of parties moving in the so-
called respectable walks of life, by which they sought to crush and
ruin him. What pleasure does the carnal mind feel when, under the
direct control of the god of this world, it vents its venom on those
who, by their life, portray a virtue of which the other cannot boast?
He was required either to discontinue the services in his house or to
give up possession, supposing thus to cow the spirit of one whose
daily maintenance depended on his honest toil. They had recourse to
promises, persecutions, threats, and intimidation. He manifested the
true spirit of Christian heroism, for although he never exhibited what
some would term a decided proof of a renewed heart, being of a
timid and retiring temperament, rather courting the secluded shade
than the open blaze of publicity, which rendered the temptation more
fierce and trying, yet his unimpeachable rectitude, his moral
propriety, his constant and lively interest in the prosperity and
progress of the cause, his steady adherence to it through the fiery
ordeal, and his happy death, justify the conclusion that silently the
sacred seed had vegetated; and ultimately he received the end of his
faith, the salvation of the soul. Alluding to the fact here stated, when
visited in his last affliction and in the near views of eternity, he
expressed himself thankful that he was not allowed to yield to the
temptation, but was enabled to do as he had done, for with the
Apostle “he conferred not with flesh and blood.” Conscience dictated
and he obeyed her voice, gave up the cottage regardless of ulterior
consequences (for he had been told by his employer that he should
visit with his heavy displeasure his persistance in such conduct), and
having one of his own in White Street, which stood on the site of Mr.
Hayward’s surgery, he removed thither, carrying the ark of God with
him, thus nobly consecrating his house to the service of religion.
Was not this the spirit of the ancient believer who said, “As for me
and my house we will serve the Lord”? What an example is here
presented, a noble sacrifice worthy of all honour, which nothing but
the conviction of the goodness of the cause in which he was
embarked could enable him to fulfil. Verily the blessing he sought he
was permitted to realize, for “God, who is not unrighteous to forget
the work of faith and labour of love,” has left it on record for all to
the end of time, “Them that honour me I will honour.” He was
afterwards elected to the office of clerk and sexton of the chapel,
which he filled with credit for several years; dying in a good old age
in the year 1847.
The vicar being determined to suppress these irregular proceedings,
as he denominated them, probably imagining as all clergymen do,
they are the only authorised instructors of the people, used all his
influence, and having secretly encouraged those low assaults
previously recorded, but which to his chagrin had been unable to
shake them from their purpose, now proceeded to open
remonstrance. He placed a person to watch the arrival of the
expected minister, who from some cause or other had been delayed;
his anxiety to do what he thought God’s service, got the better of his
patience, or perhaps fearing his emissary might fall under the evil
influence of bad example, repaired thither himself. The person acting
as precentor had commenced the service by singing, and was
preparing to read the Scriptures, when he was stopped by the rev.
gentleman (who had no fear of being cited into the Ecclesiastical
court for brawling) and severely reprimanded for his conduct, and
admonished to go home and not disturb the quiet of the place by
such disorderly proceedings. By this time the minister had arrived,
and the intruder, either alarmed at his antagonist, or, it is to be
hoped, ashamed of his conduct, withdrew, and left the assembly to
the enjoyment of their evening’s exercise. The following day he was
waited upon by two Dissenting ministers from Devizes, and in his
turn received reproof and admonition. Not at all relishing the
interview, he made it as brief as possible, and gladly bowed them
from under his roof, remarking to some one near, “If they preach as
they talk, I do not wonder the people go to hear them.” Satisfied
with one visit he never coveted or sought another, and though he did
not approve, he would not again by his own overt acts bring himself
into collision with them. Well had it been for him to have learned
wisdom of the Jewish Sanhedrim, “Let these men alone, for if the
work be of God ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found to
fight against God.”
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