The Life And Ministry Of H. J. Wileman
Earthen Vessel 1897:
Pastor H. J. Wileman, St. Albans, Herts.
On May 28th, 1860, much joy was expressed to a small circle of friends in the small country town of Oakham, because a seventh son was born of gracious, praying parents, who received their tender charge as a gift from God, to train in His fear. Judging from that early training, so distinct some of it even today, one can see plainly that an earthly portion was by no means the only thing thought of. This was verified in after years, for not only can the writer remember the prayers of his mother, which he listened to, as he crept to her bedroom door, but has also seen his father’s face wet with tears, as his heart went up to God to ”bless the dear ones” with the greater and more enduring riches of grace and mercy.
Early Days
My early days were spent in the happiness and quietude of the country, with a frequent earnest desire for better things, and deep impressions concerning them; sometimes terrified by a fear that the end of the world would soon come; and then cheered by a sort of joy that arose from a resolve to be good, and pray, attend chapel, be serious, etc., all as may be imagined, wearing off very quickly; but I cannot say I ever hated religion, but rather wished to be like good people when I saw and heard them, and was much impressed when I heard that my eldest brother was baptized. We were taken constantly to chapel, and heard such men as Philpot, Knill, Godwin, Tryon, and others. I always felt glad for the time to come, as well as to be in the house of God. Both early days and later ones were marked by what appeared to be wonderful escapes from death: once by a fall, and again at the hand of a young man in a delirium; once by a pistol which failed, and again by falling between platform and train at Kentish Town station; together with others, all looked back upon with gratitude.
In London
At the early age of under fourteen I came to London. My parents not knowing what to put me to because of constant weakness, consented, after pressure, for me to enter a manufacturer’s office, where I have been ever since. But at this early age, and almost alone in the great city, some perhaps can understand the hardships and sorrows I had to endure; cold, hunger and sickness frequently with me, temptation keenly felt, coupled with a deep longing for the comfortable home, scenes of my boyhood, and the kind parents just left, who knew not one half of what I suffered. This loneliness made me long for companions, and as I attended Gower-street Sunday-school, I found there some about my own age, whom I associated with for a time.
Call By Grace
In the sovereign working of God one of above-mentioned companions was taken off by death very suddenly, and through this event, together with the use God made of it, by the pressing of it home by the instrumentality of a good woman, a great change came over me, and although I cannot speak of great terrors, or wonderful visions, I felt keenly I was a sinful creature before a heart-searching God, and that if I had been called away instead of my companion I should certainly have been lost. This made me weep, and pray, and desire, with an interval of hope and encouragement, and at other times a horror of great darkness and discomfort, both from without and within. Now I began, from a felt necessity, to seek God and Divine things; but for a long time had no real feeling, no true enjoyment, no solid comfort. These came gradually, as I was led to see from my great change, and the many tokens given, that God would not have done what He had if He intended to destroy me; and so peace and comfort came as these things were seen, and the eyes and affections directed to a crucified Saviour.
I was baptized May 28th, 1885 (my birthday), at Elthorne-road, Hornsey Rise, by the late Mr. Dearsly; but soon after, Mr. P. Reynolds’ ministry being made a great help and blessing to me, I joined his Church, finding a true spiritual home there, until after a year or two was pressed into the ministry. I had frequently addressed meetings and Sunday-schools, felt a great longing to preach the Gospel, and was deeply exercised night and day about it, but was at the same time almost persuaded I never should, because of my insignificance, coupled with an overpowering feeling of the solemnity of the work. Still I started, and have gone on ever since, having had great help and blessing in the work. On October 1st, 1894, I commenced my labours as stated pastor at Bethel Chapel, St. Albans; and although here we have had our trials and sorrows, yet I am placed with a kind, loving, and considerate people; great blessing has been received and good done, which keeps us humbly asking for more.
“Holmside,” 26, Lordship-lane, Wood Green, N.
H. J. Wileman (?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. In 1894, he was appointed pastor of the church meeting at Bethel Chapel, St. Albans.
