The Life And Death Of Charles Wilson
Earthen Vessel 1899:
The Late Mr. Charles Wilson
On the last day of the year, Saturday, December 31st, 1898, we followed the mortal remains of brother C. Wilson to the grave. As a natural consequence, owing to the high esteem in which Mr. Wilson was held by the Strict Baptist Denomination, a large concourse of friends from the metropolis and suburbs gathered on the solemn occasion, the large chapel of the Paddington Cemetery, where the funeral took place, being crowded.
The funereal procession consisted of a hearse, conveying the body, enclosed in a polished elm coffin, covered with floral wreaths, a large number of mourning coaches and private carriages conveying the more immediate members of the family, deacons of Mount Zion, Hill-street, deputations from the various Societies connected with the Denomination, the employees of C. Wilson and Co.,” and others.
The family were represented by deceased’s two sons-in-law, Messrs. R. E. Sears, and Mr. C. C. Barris, and numerous grandsons.
The deputation of the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches of which deceased was twice elected president, and in which he took great interest, were, Messrs. T. Jones (President), John Box (Soho); E. Mitchell (Chadwell-street); C. Cornwell (Brixton); and F. T. Newman (Clapham Junction).
The deputation from the Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society were Messrs. John Hodges (Chadwell-street); Hales (Gower-street); and W. Nunn. These were augmented by many Aged Pilgrims, who, notwithstanding the inclement weather, gathered to manifest their love and esteem to the departed. The deputation from the Strict Baptist Mission were Messrs. W. Abbott (Chadwell-street); Chisnall (Guildford); Brett (Homerton Row).
Among others present we noticed, Messrs. Hobbins, Brain, Begbie, King, Waite, Holden, Youdan, Cudmore, Cockram, Voysey, Belcher, Haines, Sequit, Maddock, . G. Elnaugh, Kingston, Patterson, Wakelin, Fricker, Licence, Mutimer.
The service was conducted in the Cemetery Chapel, by Mr. J. E. Hazelton, pastor of Mount Zion, who read several appropriate portions of Scripture, and delivered an address touching on the spiritual and social position deceased had occupied in the Denomination for nearly half-a-century.
In every movement in life Mr.Wilson observed the injunction of our Lord, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you.” He proved the truth of these words many times; hence his motto, “Them that honour Me I will honour.”
The service concluded in the Chapel with prayer by Mr. E. Mitchell.
The long procession then wended its way to the grave, where, according to the request of deceased, Pastor R. E. Sears committed his body to the dust. Mr. Sears said:—
Relying on my Divine Master for strength, I venture to fulfil a solemn and important trust. Fond memory goes back to the days of my childhood, when first I learned to love the man with that happy beaming countenance.
Closer intercourse was enjoyed; many times after a sermon a pointed question would be asked, and the encouraging word would be spoken.
In the autumn of 1860, it was my happy privilege to call Charles Wilson, “Father’’. In 1863, my own beloved father was called to his everlasting rest, and my stricken heart’s tendrils entwined more and more around the living one.
The years that followed all strengthened the love and esteem I have for the dear departed. My heart is full of grief! For now, there is no response when the sacred name of Father is called!
I want to fulfil this trust, for how could I refuse when such a loved one was heard twice to say, “Robert will commit my body to the tomb!” “The Lord liveth;” and, our living Lord is the “God of Comfort;” and the God of Comfort is here. Amongst the monuments of the dead the living One walks, and guards the dust of His redeemed.
The heart of our Lord is full of the truest sympathy, for “Jesus wept.” But as the Resurrection and the Life He has authority and power to wipe the tears filled eyes:—”Weep not.”
Charles Wilson was no ordinary man. We would not eulogize the dead, but rather magnify the grace of God.
In his boy-life he had a remarkable experience; but the God of providence opened the door, and led him to London. God called him by His grace in early life; and in the year our Queen was crowned. Charles Wilson was baptized by the saintly John Stevens. At “Meards Court,” he found a wife. And what a wife and mother was Jemima Wilson!
About this time he commenced business; and this brought him to Marylebone, and into close connection with honest, upright John Foreman. Soon after the death of John Stevens, Charles Wilson and his beloved wife were received into the Church at “Mount Zion.” He lived and laboured for the Church in every possible way; taking a deep interest in each Society and in every work. He was the friend of the poor in word and deed.
Charles Wilson was a bright and happy Christian. His experience was the precious medium between rapturous flights and after depression, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” He was not troubled with doubts and fears. His life was a busy one; and the morbid feeling of some of the Lord’s people were unknown by him. His faith in God was as firm as a rock! The new-fangled notions of modern thought never troubled him He was contented with the old Gospel, the “faith of God’s elect.”
Charles Wilson was a real Baptist; and he loved his denomination, as hundreds of Churches and Pastors can bear faithful testimony. But he also loved all that loved our Lord Jesus Christ.
Charles Wilson was very far removed from cant and sham. He was true to the core, sound at heart, and straightforward in all his dealings with men. Men who had no religion of their own, respected him; for they knew that his word was his bond.
A little bit in a hurry, perhaps, at times:—in this respect—If a difficulty presented itself, he made a rush for it at once! If there was anything to do, he was always ready to do it. And is not that better than going to sleep, as many do? They dream that somebody else is doing the work!
But his work is done. He was spared to a good old age; and now, like as a shock of corn fully ripe, he has been gathered to his fathers. He has prayed his last prayer, written his last letter, said his last word, and taken his last journey.
Very beautiful were the last days of his life. Fully conscious, he commended his loved ones to the Lord’s care. Precious, very precious, were the words which fell from those dying lips. And thus, peacefully, and free from pain, the dear one literally “fell asleep.” Almost his last words were, “So He giveth His beloved sleep.”
Lovingly, in faith we lay the body in its grave. Earth to earth! Dust to dust!
Beloved Charles Wilson, thy wife bids thee farewell, for a little while.(And here I should like to say, how well dear Mrs. Wilson, for upwards of 25 years has filled her place in the home. Her loss is keenly felt. May God be with her in her lonely path).
Dearly beloved Charles Wilson, thy children say their tearful “Good-night,” as they commit thy body to the silent tomb. Thy grandchildren, whom thou didst love so well; thy grandchildren, who loved thee so dearly, must now say, “Farewell, dear Grandpa, Good-night!”
His beloved pastor, whom he truly loved; deservedly, for his own sake, and also, for his father’s sake:—his companions in the diaconate—his fellow-members in the Church—the pastors and representatives of the Churches—Committee-men of the Association—also, of the Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society—friends, a large circle, young and old, must now say, “Farewell.” “Good-night!” “Good night!”
In sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection we commit these mortal, but precious, remains, to mother-earth. Angels will guard the sacred dust! Yea, the Lord Himself will watch!
A little while, and then the Lord will come! The dead shall rise again! The Redeemer lives! And in our flesh we shall see God.
We leave the body here. But the soul is yonder! We hope to meet again: and together we shall dwell with our beloved Lord! “O that will be joyful! As far as he followed Christ we would follow in his steps. And when our time shall come, and we are called to leave Earth’s changing scenes, may we be gathered, as beloved, and honoured as Charles Wilson.
“A Note Of Gratitude”
Dear Christian Friends,—Not being able to answer individually the numerous kind letters received since the “Home-going” of my beloved husband, whose loss I greatly mourn, I take this opportunity of expressing my heartfelt thanks to each one who have shown their loving sympathy and have sent me words of consolation. I gratefully acknowledge and appreciate the tribute of respect and esteem manifested by so many who knew him, and desire to add my humble testimony to the faithfulness of our covenant-keeping God in the time of sorrow and bereavement for sustaining grace. Wishing you each every blessing, believe me, dear friends, Yours in best bonds,
Caroline Wilson
18, Elm Tree Road, St. John’s Wood
Charles Wilson (1817-1898) was a Strict and Particular Baptist deacon. His first appointment was with the church meeting at Hill Street, Dorset Square, under the pastoral ministry of John Foreman. He ran a business, making provisions not only for his family, but distributing his resources to the poor. He was an active worker in several societies, including the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society. This earned for him the esteem of pastors and churches in and around London. Consequently, he was elected twice as president of the Metropolitan Association of Strict Baptist Churches, though not a preacher of the gospel.
