The Life And Ministry Of David Thomas
The Earthen Vessel 1899:
The subject of this sketch was born in a farm-house at Tandridge, Surrey, in February, 1839. He was the seventh child in a family of thirteen, was very delicate from his birth, and suffered from several severe illnesses, his life being despaired of, yet, through the mercy of God, and the tender care of his parents, he grew to man’s estate, and still lives at 60 years of age. His parents belonged to the Established Church, and sent him to the Church Sunday-school, where he was taught the Catechism, a Collect, and the Lord’s prayer, and in due time, as confirmed, and—to use his own words—“considered fit for heaven at any time.” Yet at this time “his heart was full of deceitful pride,” and, “like Pharoah, he knew not the Lord, neither obeyed His voice.” Yet he was not without some thoughts of God at times, endeavouring to see Him in the works of His hands, and sometimes terrified at the thought that God was looking on him.
Some neighbours, who worshipped in Smallfield Chapel, commenced a service in their own house during the winter months, and some of our friend’s sisters induced him to attend these services, which he thought were conducted very strangely. His parents removed nearer to the Church, and his mother determined that all the children should attend both Church and Sunday-school more regularly. The death of three of her daughters, however, produced very serious impressions on the mother’s heart, and unable to obtain what she felt to need at Church, she attended a small Chapel at Pain’s-hill, three miles from her home, where the Lord was pleased to bless her soul. Like Lydia, she at once opened her house to receive the people of God. This brought down the anger of the vicar upon her for forsaking the Church. Young David, however, did not share his mother’s views at this time, but rather mocked at the religion she had received, and not unfrequently disturbed the godly conversation of her friends. This he has many times lamented with tears, before the Lord.
A dear sister next in age to himself was taken seriously ill, and died triumphing in the Lord’s grace and mercy. Shortly before her decease she sent for him to her bedside, and spake most earnestly and lovingly to him. This made an impression on his heart which was never erased. Our friend was now about 17 years of age. Shortly after his sister’s triumphant end he procured a situation at Milford, and for the eighteen months of his sojourn there his sister was scarcely ever out of his mind. She had said to him, when dying, “O what is there beyond the grave? O, glorious! glorious!” This kept returning on him. “O what is there beyond the grave? Hell for me, I am a sinner; have lived in, and loved sin; mocked His saints, and despised His grace. My sister is gone to heaven, but there is no heaven for me. O that I had never been born.” Such were the sad thoughts and feelings of his mind and heart. Returning to Oxted, he went from thence to Westerham, where he was able to attend the Chapel at Pain’s-hill, meeting there with his mother and a younger brother. There his soul was set at liberty. Light and love from heaven entered into his mind. The Lord Jesus was revealed to his spirit; curse and condemnation departed; he sat down at the Gospel table, and feasted on his Saviour’s love and blood. Old things had passed away, all things had become new. Thus he writes of this happy time:—“Oh my dear sister, I thought how I would like to be with you to tell you the Lord has seen thy tears, and heard thy prayers on my behalf. One taken, and the other left to exalt His dear name. O precious grace, just what a poor sinner needs! Lord, Thy people shall be my people, was the language of my heart.” Shortly after this our brother was baptized by Mr. Carter, at Pain’s-hill, and received into communion with the Church there.
About twelve months afterward he was removed in the providence of God to Greenwich. Here he was favoured to hear many of the Lord’s true servants, but made his home at Zion, Deptford, under the ministry of Mr. J. S. Anderson. Here also our brother obtained from the Lord the gift of a good wife. His mother in the meantime had opened her house for preaching the Gospel whenever a man of God could be procured. Going home for a holiday he was informed that there would be a service held on the following evening, and on asking who was to preach was told that he had been announced to preach. To the objections he raised, his mother replied—“The Lord has dealt graciously with you; enabled you to write such epistles to me, many of which have been read by my neighbours; you can and will ” (preach) “for our Lord intends it.” Our brother writes, “No sleep for me that night.” He regretted he had gone home, but be sought the Lord, and He heard him, and delivered him from all his fears, and enabled him to stand up before the people—the room packed to its utmost capacity—and to tell out some of the wonders of sovereign grace. Some said they had heard gladly, and the dear mother’s heart ran over with joy.
After the death of his mother, which occurred in 1870, our brother frequently exercised his gifts in the cottage meetings, and manifest signs of blessing were vouchsafed. This was followed by many business trials, and afflictions, which greatly tried his faith. In 1874, he removed to Tunbridge Wells. Here he determined not to mention that he had ever spoken in the name of the Lord, and so went amongst the people at Rehoboth as a simple worshipper. But attending the Prayer-meeting he was asked to engage, and so favoured with the grace of supplication that he was requested to take the desk, read a portion, and comment thereon. This was greatly blessed to a brother of one of the deacons, and created a union that lasted till his death.
Walking home from the meeting (about two miles), our brother writes—“Suddenly it came into my mind—
“Soon shall I bathe my weary soul,
In seas of heavenly rest;
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast.”
I stopped, looked round, the lines were repeated, I could not banish them from my mind. ‘Lord,’ I said, ‘what does it mean? art Thou removing me? what will become of my wife and children? have we not had trouble enough?’ I was overcome with grief; could not proceed; felt sinking into the earth. Then it darted into my mind—‘Thou shalt not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.’ Then followed, ‘I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night; ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.’ I pondered these words over in my mind, then told the Lord if it was His will for me to make mention of His name, would He go before me, make the way clear and not permit of my turning astray, and grant me evidence that I was not running as Ahimaaz without tidings.”
The following Monday a friend pressed it on our brother to go to Hartfield to speak on the Thursday evening. With much exercise of mind he went, the Lord was with him, and speedily doors opened for him in the surrounding villages. On Dec. 2nd, 1880, the Lord removed his beloved wife, taking her to Himself after a painful affliction. But He did not forsake His servant, but sustained him under all his trials, and supplied all his necessities. In July, 1893, he removed to Forest Row, as being more central and convenient for fulfilling his various engagements. Through manifold trials and afflictions our brother has passed; many ups and downs he has experienced; yet, “having obtained help of God, he continues unto this day,” witnessing to the truth of God, to the comfort and help of His tried family. May the Lord long spare him for further usefulness in His vineyard.
The above is compiled from a very interesting account written by Mr. Thomas at the request of our brother, J. W. Banks. We regret that want of space has prevented us giving the whole narrative. Our brother has received his training in the college of our Lord Jesus Christ; the college of trial, affliction, and living experience, where the Holy Ghost is the great Master.
Edward Mitchell
David Thomas (1839-1899) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as an itinerate preacher throughout the course of his gospel ministry.
