The Life And Ministry Of William Chisnall

Earthen Vessel 1899:

On September 4th, 1857, the subject of the sketch this month was born in what was then quite surburban Holloway, in the North of London; and as regards districts, so with people, what changes time has wrought? and in particular, this is true in reference to Wm. Chisnall, for

“Once a sinner, near despair,

Sought Thy mercy-seat by pray’r,

Mercy heard and set him free,

Lord, that mercy came to me.”

In recalling early days, what mercy there is to record, as the Holy Spirit’s work was then making progress in the soul of his now sainted mother, who joined the host above in February, 1898. The deep anxiety, the darkness and sorrow then, all tell now, of the bitter mourning over sin, and the subsequent joy that followed years later, in 1871, when both father and mother confessed and honoured the Lord Jesus, by a public profession of faith by baptism.

But, previous to this, our friend was brought up in the Church of England, under the faithful sovereign grace ministry of the late Rev. W. B. Mackenzie, of St. James’, Holloway. Well are those days remembered, and also the men who were so strong in faith. There was also another godly man in the neighbourhood about this time, in the person of the present Editor of “The Gospel Magazine,” Rev. J. Ormiston, who is well remembered, and it is, no doubt, owing to the lack of such men in the Established Church, that so many have seceded from her pale.

Those were very happy days, and the effect now remains of the good work then accomplished, as well as the teaching in the Sunday-school there. But in the providence of God, the father and mother were led to old Providence Baptist Chapel,” Upper Street, Islington, to worship God, after the decease of Mr. Mackenzie, and it was there also that the son’s earlier impressions were deepened; as the conviction of sin was wrought in him by the Holy Spirit, under the ministry of Mr. W. J. Styles, the breaking down point being reached through a sermon from the words, “The root of the matter in me” (Job 19:28). And then followed months of darkness of soul, hid in public, but poured forth in secret to the God of salvation, and with what earnestness the prayer was offered:—

“My faith would lay her hand,

On that dear head of Thine;

While like a penitent I stand,

And there confess my sin.”

It was during this time many helps were received in the Sunday-school from the Superintendent, Mr. Gyles, and also the teacher of the class, the late Mr. H. Boulton; and the corner of that cosy school-room is remembered with pleasure even unto this day, where the theme talked of was Jesus and His redeeming love. At such a time, what a help a godly mother is, what precious seasons they were, and what a corresponding joy to parents to watch the springing up of Divine grace in the souls of their children: and this joy was intensified when, in March, 1875, after being brought into liberty, experiencing a feeling sense of sins forgiven, the father and mother witnessed their fourth child, but first son, put on Christ by baptism.

A sphere of work soon opened, and the late scholar, now an earnest Christian, became a somewhat successful teacher of a class of boys, who regretted very much the loss of their teacher, when he was called to be the Hon. Secretary of the school.

But as the years rolled on changes again overtook “Providence,” Mr. Styles left, and days of darkness followed, which are remembered now with sorrow, but in these present days, have been highly useful in the pastoral work at Guildford among the young.

But an alteration was soon to come when, through the Divine leadings, Mr. P. Reynolds received an invite, and ultimately accepted the pastorate, and not long after this, our friend was again hard at work both in school and Church, and no doubt, by the older members, is remembered to this day.

Call To The Ministry

The call to the ministry came about in this way: having been in the habit of giving Sunday-school, and other addresses, it no doubt suggested to the mind of one of the deacons at Providence, Mr. S. Dickens, that here was a preacher, and by wise and gentle influence, and encouraging reasoning (not very easily gained), an attempt was made to speak in the Master’s name at the Mission room at Highbury, which was then in connection with Providence, and amid much fear and trembling. The attempt was well received, which led to many other engagements there; other doors began to open, and soon the trembling preacher found his hands and heart quite full with engagements throughout the length and breadth of the land.

Before the Guilford settlement took place, Mr. Chisnall was well-known in London. He was for some few years Hon. Secretary of “The London Strict Baptist Ministers Association,” which, under his organising and energetic hand, was raised to a very successful position.

In 1895 our brother paid his first visit to the Old Baptist Chapel, Guildford, and by evidence since received, it appeared to some, this visit was a marked answer to prayer, and an interposition of the Divine will, and the following year, 1896, his stated labours as pastor commenced; and although there have been heavy trials, deep sorrows, and fiery affliction, yet these have been lightened because of the kind and loving consideration that has been bestowed upon one of the most unworthy of pastors. Guildford friends have long been known for their loving regard to their pastors, and the present one is in the full enjoyment of the loving esteem of a people that have endeared themselves to him by numberless and repeated kindnesses, and our prayer is, may this state of things long continue, for,

“Among the rest this note shall swell.

My Jesus hath done all things well.”

[We were favoured to spend a short time in August, this year, among our old friends at Guildford. The evident signs of blessing and prosperity at the Old Baptist Chapel greatly cheered us. We spent twelve happy years there, which we shall never forget, and it is a joy of heart to us to know that the Church is peaceful, united, and prospering under the ministry of our esteemed brother, Mr. W. Chisnall. May the Lord long continue to bless both pastor and people.-Ed.]