The Life And Ministry Of James Manser

Gospel Standard 1854:

On Saturday, the 25th of February last, James Manser fell asleep in Jesus. The subject of this notice was a native of Sussex, in England, and arrived in America in the year 1839, a young man of about 16 years of age. He was called from nature’s darkness into God’s marvellous light in early life, and was known to many in New York by his communications through the “Signs of the Times,” during the years 1844 to 1850, and more recently as Editor of the “Zion’s Pilgrim.” The writer became acquainted with Mr. Manser about ten years ago, when they were, in the providence of God, introduced to each other in a somewhat remarkable manner. The circumstances are thus related by Mr. Manser, in his narrative, published through the “Pilgrim” during the year 1852: “I was in New York, and, as was my habit sometimes, was looking around at the different book stores, when I came to one at 168, Bowery, and went in, and after looking around awhile, I bought ‘Zion’s Pilgrim,’ by Dr. Hawker, and something else. This passed along some time, and when I went to New York again, I made another visit to the same store. I began to inquire of the bookseller if he had any of Mr. Huntington’s works, and others of the same stamp, when, finding the character of the works I inquired after, he entered into a little conversation with me, in the course of which he inquired if I had ever heard of the Old School Baptists, and gave me two copies of a paper, called the ‘Signs of the Times.’ I told him I had never heard of either of them before. This was Mr. John Axford, the publisher of this work.” “This apparently trivial circumstance,” he said again, “proved to be the first link of a chain that will extend to the end of my life.” And so it has turned out, and the two, thrown together in the foregoing manner, became closely united in the bonds of Christian affection, walked together in church communion, the sharers in each other’s joys and sorrows while here, and I trust, through the riches of grace abounding in Christ Jesus, we shall meet again, where

“—with yonder sacred throng,

We at Christ’s feet may fall,

Join in the everlasting song,

And crown him Lord of all.”

Mr. Manser was baptized in the year 1841; began to preach in 1844-5, and, for one, I can testify he did for a time preach with power and demonstration of the Spirit. Though it pleased the Lord, who

“—moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform.”

not to continue him long in the work, the time may arrive when one and another will come forth and testify of the good received while listening to the truth from his lips; for,

“Though seed lie buried long in dust, 

‘Twill not deceive the hope;

The precious grain can ne’er be lost, 

While grace insures the crop.”

In the spring of the year 1853, he was seized with the serious illness which finally terminated in his death. From the time he was taken till his dissolution, his sufferings were very severe, his disease being internal. During his sickness it was thought perhaps a change of air might be beneficial to him, and, by advice of his physician, he was moved from the city to the country. Last summer and fall were spent in the village of Peekskill, New York. Then a change again was supposed to be for his good, and he was accordingly removed to near Camptown, New Jersey, at which place he expired, at the time above stated. During his affliction, especially for the last month or two, the Lord was very near to him, and blessed him with an abiding confidence in his mercy, assuring him that, when his earthly house was dissolved, he had a building of God, to which he would shortly have an abundant entrance, eternal in the heavens. At one of my visits to him in February, the month in which a doubt of his safe state since the beginning of the present year. At my last visit, two days before he expired, I found him in the same comfortable state of mind, in the early part of the day on which he died, a friend went to his bed-side, and putting her hand on his forehead, said, “You seem to be in a sweat; I presume it is death-sweat, and expect it is welcome news to you, is it not?” He replied, although he was very low, scarcely able to speak, “O yes;” and, as if in ejaculatory prayer, was heard to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, and take thy poor distressed child home.” He lingered on, desiring to depart and be with Christ, until a few minutes before 4. p.m., when his spirit left its tenement of clay for the mansions of bliss. On the following Tuesday he was brought to New York, in accordance with his request, where funeral services were held. The words chosen to be spoken from on the occasion are in the 19th verse of the 34th Psalm: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” His mortal remains were taken to Sing Sing, New York, for interment. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.”

John Axford 

New York