The Life And Ministry Of William Simpson
Earthen Vessel 1893:
Mr Winters,—Dear Brother,—-In answer to your kind request, I send the following brief account of myself. I, William Simpson, was born in the City of Lincoln, Dec. 2, 1828. My father was a master builder, but neither he nor my mother ever took me to a place of worship but once. No one cared for me, spiritually, and I cared for none. Yet I became a singer in the Church of England. I was apprenticed to a joiner, and served my master faithfully, who afterwards employed me as manager. I left his service and enlisted in the Dragoon Guards, but my friends bought me off. I had early desires after good things, yet again and again broke through them all, till the set time came.
Working at a distance from home I joined bad company, and one night, very late, in a strange and lonely place, while going to my lodgings, a voice seemed to utter these words right into my heart, “And behold thou shalt be afflicted.” I stopped suddenly, terror-stricken, and looking back could see no one, I cried out, “Lord, suffer me to get to my home,” not knowing what I said, for I knew not the Lord. On October 15, 1864, the Lord cut me down to the earth, and I was picked up to all appearance dead, in fact, preparations were made to lay me out for burial, but God our God had otherwise ordered, and I was raised up again. I was in my bed ten months, and it was to me like an abyss of woe, the thought of eternity being solemnly impressed upon my heart, and I could only believe one thing, and that was, I could never be saved!
I got no sleep for nearly forty days-and nights, at last my reason gave way; for weeks a keeper watched me, and the doctors wanted my dear wife’s consent to put me into an asylum; this, my ever gracious God did not permit. When these earthly physicians left me alone, God graciously spoke right into my soul, the blessed words contained in John 6:39,40. He thus changed my heart, and I came again to my right mind; the glory being so great, I asked the dear Lord to take me home. Oh, my dear brother, the happiness to me was indescribable. How I did search the Scriptures of truth till I found the words, and how I did eat them. As soon as I could get out I went to the nearest place of worship—Independents—here they took me by the hand, and, after a time, was chosen to the office of deacon.
Shortly after I went to Nottinghamshire, where I attended a Baptist cause, and was baptized in North Collingham. I was soon led to see that the principles of Strict Baptists were in accordance with God’s Word, but found no place to worship in, only a room where there was no church formed in consequence of some being Baptists, and others Huntingtonians. I ministered to them for eight years, and the Lord stood by me. I have also supplied at Matfield Green, Folbourn, Cambs., Speldhurst-road, Hackney, Chatham, &c.
Another affliction was laid upon me, and for months I was at Matlock; but God raised me up again, when there I held a service each Sabbath afternoon in the hospital.
The little church at Lincoln was broken up during my affliction, though there are still a few who meet in the city; but there is no Strict Baptist Church, that I know of, nearer than Boston. These last few years I have been itinerating. Some time since I commenced business again, but had to give it up, for the words in 2 Tim. 2:4, were forcibly impressed upon my mind.
Oh, my dear brother, I could write a volume of the deep leadings of my God. God bless you dear Mr. Editor, prays
Yours faithfully,
W. Simpson
Church Reports In The Year 1876, Demonstrating The Integrity Of Mr. Simpson’s Gospel Ministry Together With The Esteem Earned Among Co-Labourers
1876—Lincoln,—Brother W. Simpson says the overwhelming deluge of free-will is carrying almost all the city with it. Mighty armies are parading the streets and singing their hymns. To stand away from all this excitement, to faithfully witness for the truth of Christ’s Gospel, to abide by His doctrine and discipline, brings upon us the contempt of professing men, and grieves our hearts most deeply. William Simpson having bought the truth in the fires of terrible afflictions, cannot sell or deny it. All who know truth’s value, pray for him and for us. Amen.
1876—Lincoln,—November 2nd, 1876. Caleb Simpson has been a brother indeed. “Caleb” means “good heart”; only Caleb and Joshua (a Saviour) went into Promised Land. If ever I found a good and honest heart I found it in William Simpson, the pastor of the one only Strict Baptist Church in Newland, city of Lincoln. Last night we had the best company I ever preached to in Lincoln before. I did not preach well, but the best I could. I pray the Lord to lift up William Simpson into a good field of usefulness.—Charles Waters Banks
William Simpson (1828-1893) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. In 1874, he was appointed pastor of the newly organized church in Lincoln (Zoar Strict Baptist Church), the only Strict Baptist cause in the area. He was a faithful minister of the gospel, earning the affection and esteem of Charles Waters Banks, who frequently visited and reported on his gospel labors to like-minded pastors and churches.
