The Life And Ministry Of James Poyton

Earthen Vessel 1894:

James Ebenezer Poyton

The Singing Pilgrim Of The East

“With all my powers of heart and tongue

I’ll praise my Maker in my song;

Angels shall hear the notes I raise

Approve the song, and join the praise.”

James Ebenezer Poyton was the embodiment of “The Book of Psalms,” “Watts’ Psalms and Hymns,” “Denham’s,” and the “Union Tune Book.” Though the subject of many doubts and fears, the praises of God were invariably uppermost in his mind. Deceased had a well-formed head and excellent mind, but lacked the advantages of education, having early in life to begin a “treading out the corn.” But the organ of tune was very prominent in his cranium and composition. Before he knew the meaning of the words and ere he could speak plain, little Poyton sang,

“The praises of my tongue,

I offer to the Lord.”

Our departed brother was born in West-street, Bethnal-green, of poor but godly parents, in the year 1811. His mother used to have him kneel before her while she prayed with him, and on one of these occasions he said to her, “Mother, how I wish I was a Christian!” This unthought of prayer was answered in God’s own time. He was first awakened to a knowledge of his sinnership while listening to a funeral sermon for King William the Fourth, preached in Harley-street Chapel, by Mr. Edward Parsons, from the words, “For death is come into our windows (or chambers), and is entered into our palaces.”

He then attended a Mr. Woodyard’s ministry, an “Independent.” Seeing infant sprinkling to be unscriptural, he allied himself to a few Baptists at Homerton-terrace, and was baptized by Mr. May at Squirries-street. About this time a Mr. Parker, a man of God from Cave Adullum, Stepney—a powerful preacher of the Gospel, came to “Hope,” Norton-street, Green-street. Mr. Parker was followed by Mr. Maycock and Mr. Griffiths, where with a short interval, he led the singing for many years.

Speldhurst-road was his next place, where the ministry of Mr. C. W. Banks was much blessed to him. When Mr. Banks died, he united with Mr. Myerson and the friends at “the Oval,” and remained there till taken to the Church above.

Deceased wrote many hymns expressive of the workings and desire of his heart. While meditating on the sufferings of Christ, his pen often ran into versification, and occasionally composed tunes to the hymns he wrote.

It was our privilege, in company with our late dear partner, to visit him, and it was quite a treat to see him as he sat at his loom throwing his shuttle to and fro, and hear him sing some of his favourite hymns, such as “Jesus my all to heaven is gone,” which hymn was very precious to him in his last days.

Our departed brother, who was a nephew of the late George Murrell, of St. Neots, passed away like “a shock of corn fully ripe,” September 29, aged 83. 

The funeral took place October 6, when Mr. H. Myerson conducted a service in the house and at the grave, assisted by John Waters Banks, which was surrounded by many friends.

His wife, Mr. and Mrs. Crispin, and his grandchildren were untiring in their attention to him, some of whom, through grace, are following in his footsteps. His last words were ”Jesus is precious.” He was precious to him in life and precious in death.

John Waters Banks