The Life And Ministry Of J. Copeland
Earthen Vessel 1900:
Mr. J. Copeland
It was my happiness to have godly parents. My father and mother were both members of the Strict, Baptist Church which used to worship in Dorchester Hall, Mintern Street, Kew North Road, London. My father was also a teacher in the school there for some years. l was reared in the midst of the truth. As a child, was ever ready to hear anything on Bible subjects. At school I might be seen close beside the teacher, drinking in his every word. When an address was given I had eyes and ears for no other than the speaker. What I heard impressed my heart too. I longed to be a Christian. When standing beside the baptismal pool, I used to wonder if I should ever be baptized. While yet quite a child I had a dream. I dreamed of the final judgment. I heard the Judge call each by his name, placing His sheep on His right hand and the goats on His left; but my name was not called at all. I dreamed again, and again I dreamed of the judgment; but this time my name was called, and I was placed among His sheep.
However, after this I went far astray; yet I never completely lost my sense of sin, or desires after God. After the lapse of some years of sinning and pleasure-seeking, and of sighing and seeking God my burden grew heavier. I knew I deserved God’s wrath; but would He have mercy upon me? was my anxious enquiry. Sometimes I feared He would not, and at other times I hoped that He would. At this time I was lodging at Islington, London. A young man with whom I lodged was a member of St. Mary’s Church, and used to attend some of the classes connected with St. Mary’s Institute. I accompanied him. We were both members of the Saturday night Bible Class. One Saturday night our teacher emphasised that when Job prayed for his friends, God heard him, and that if we did as Job did, God would hear us. That night l prayed for all I could think of. In the morning I repeated my task, and went to Chapel expecting that the Lord would relieve me of my burden. I waited wonderingly through each part of the service, but got nothing. I went out of the Chapel, saying, “I will pray no more religion is a myth—a delusion.” Thus I returned home. I entered the room, went straight across to the arm-chair, fell on my knees and wept and prayed, when the words came instructively to my mind, “It is not of him that willeth,” etc. For some time after this I continued seeking peace, and looked for it to come through the ministry. It never came my way.
One Monday morning, Jan. 15, 1877, between 8 and 9 o’clock, before the doors at my place of business were opened to customers, such a strange power came upon me, and in my heart came the assurance that my sins, though many, were all forgiven me. I sought a secret place where I might give vent to my pent-up feelings. On Feb. 27 of that year, the late Mr. Osmond, who was then the Pastor of the Church at Newton Street, Hoxton, baptized me into the name of the Trinity. “What sacred hours I then enjoyed.” The prayer-meetings, the Bible Class and God’s Word, were made blessed means of grace to my soul. The neglected, and in some cases hated, doctrine of election was food to my soul for months together. In the great city I have been oblivious to all around me, while I communed with God of my election in Christ Jesus before the world was. My whole soul praised Him with great joy. I used to attend the Sunday afternoon Bible Class at Newton Street, and often took part. God was pleased to give me a soul at that class.
When staying with my parents at Battersea, I used to worship at Providence Chapel, Clapham Junction, and also help in the school there. Sometimes at the request of the late Mr. Stiles I used to conduct the Saturday night prayer-meeting. Also at his request I spoke a few times at the Thursday night service. I painfully remember my first attempt. Then Mr. Stiles wished to know, whether I would, if desired, go anywhere to preach on a Sunday. I could only promise to let him know at some future date. One Saturday evening I was reading in the Hebrews, when I came to chap. 3:1: the verse unfolded itself with much power to my soul, and it seemed as though one said inwardly, “Go and preach that.” The matter was settled for me. At this juncture my Pastor heard that I had been preaching, and informed me that I ought to preach before the Church, and if they approved, be sent forth by the Church. Accordingly I preached several times at the week-night service, and finally on a Lord’s-day morning and evening. What a day that was to me! Many who knew my parents and my former life were there. The Chapel filled each time. In the morning I preached on Matt. 1:21, and in the evening on Isa. 12:6. My fears during the week had been many and great, but my joy on that day was far greater. Since then the Lord has been pleased to help me to preach His glorious Gospel almost every Lord’s-day. He has given me many precious souls, and made me useful to His believing people. Yet there have been times of darkness and desertion when I have question whether I was ever called to preach the Gospel, yea, whether I was ever called by grace.
My first pastorate, which was at Walthamstow, I held for only one year. My next pastorate was at “Hope,” Bethnal Green, of which I have many happy memories. Then I removed to Derby Road, Croydon, and laboured there with some success. Now I am located at Reading. I have entered upon the second year of my pastorate here, and although I have not yet seen much fruit of my labours, I am hoping to have the joy of a great harvest.
53, Whitley Street, Reading, Feb. 13, 1900.
J. Copeland (?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as pastor for several churches, including those meeting at Walthamstow; “Hope," Bethnal Green; Derby Road, Croydon; Reading.
