The Life And Ministry Of Stephen Knight

Gospel Standard 1867:

Died at Ramsgate, Jan. 15th, 1867, Stephen Knight, aged 91.

He was baptized in the last century, and was afterwards connected with W. Huntington; and being at that time a tailor in Oxford Street, he worked for Mr. H.

In conversation with him, he has told me that when the sentence of death was sealed in his conscience he was for some time on the borders of despair, concluding that his case was hopeless. Out of this position the Lord graciously delivered him by a special manifestation of his grace and mercy. He continued to sit under Mr. H. with much soul profit until the death of that distinguished servant of God; and such was the affectionate remembrance he had of his former pastor that his countenance would at once brighten at the mention of his name. After the death of Mr. H., he continued his connection with his former friends until, iii the providence of God. he was removed into the country.

The minister Mr. K., that he sat under on his coming to Ramsgate, grievously departed from the truth. Our friend ever faithfully raised his voice against the minister’s erroneous doctrine, and, being blessed with a good experience of divine things and a remarkably clear intellect, he could deliver his views of God’s truth with the most telling effect, supporting them with apt quotations from the word of God. He ultimately left this place and attended to the last at Mount Zion Chapel.

In his conversation, there was a richness and ripeness which we now seldom meet with in those who make a profession of religion. He had a deep insight into the heart’s depravity and the superabounding grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the first part of his pilgrimage he had been much tossed about and tried, both in providence and grace; but in his latter days he was much indulged with the presence of the Lord, with the exception of one season of darkness he passed through a few months before his decease. He told me the Lord was so gracious to him that there was hardly a day in which he did not get a crumb, a passage of scripture or line or verse from a hymn; “and this,” said he, “comforts me and supports me by the way.” But, to prove to him that he was still in the body, a little circumstance took placj in connection with his temporal affairs of an unpleasant nature which rather unsettled him.

Speaking of it afterwards, he said, “It showed to me what a poor creature I am. I had thought I was so fully delivered from such tilings that I should never be disturbed by them again.” But the Lord, in mercy, again appeared for him, tilling his soul with joy and peace. On one occasion especially when in prayer in his own house his soul was full to overflowing with the goodness, grace, mercy, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ. For the past twelve months especially we had noticed that both his prayers and his conversation had evidenced a ripening for glory.

On my return from London, I heard he was at chapel on Christmas day, engaged in prayer, and seemed very comfortable. He was out again on the following Sabbath. On the Friday I called to see him. He had a slight cold and did not think he should be out on Sunday. I told him I thought it would not be prudent for him to attempt it. The snow at that time was deep on the ground; but, though he was 91 years old, it was not a triffle that could keep him from God’s house, in his mind he was very comfortable. The theme of his conversation was the distinguishing truths of the everlasting gospel. Indeed, on this occasion he talked so much of the preciousness and suitability of Jesus as the poor sinner’s salvation that I was afraid his feeble frame would be exhausted, and the effects of his exertions manifested in a restless night. He manifested much affection on parting with me.

He continued much the same until the following Tuesday, when he had a fit, and was prostrated in a moment. His son, a good man living in London, was immediately telegraphed for. This son, for years, had been a great comfort to his father by his assiduous attention and kindness. The whole of that day he lay in a state of apparent unconsciousness; but, contrary to all expectation, on the day following his consciousness returned. He recognised his son and daughter-in-iaw, and manifested much pleasure in seeing them. He tried to speak, but articulation failed him. What he seemed trying to say was, “Going home;” and on several occasions during the few days he continued the joys of his soul beamed through his countenance; so much so, that the medical man who attended him expressed his surprise at what he saw. On one occasion he made me and Mrs. K. understand that he wanted them to sing the hymn commencing, “Awake, my soul, in joyful lays.”

This hymn was a particular favourite with him. He was first arrested by it more than 70 years ago, by hearing it sung at the Tabernacle, Moorfields. He went in and found the author of the hymn, Mr. Medley, in the pulpit. He dated the commencement of the work of grace on his soul from that period. We thus see how, on the brink of eternity, the soul looks back to the beginning of the work of grace, while it anticipates, with confidence, the crown at the end of the race.

Though he did not recover his speech for a day or two, he seemed so to improve that his sorrowing son was led to hope that he would be spared to him a little longer; but his soul was ripened for the garnering; his mansion was prepared; the time was come for him to enter into possession.

On Monday a change was visible, and it was evident he had entered that river over which there was no bridge; but his countenance proved that the Lord was with him, fulfilling his promise, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” No cloud was now permitted to disturb the peace of his soul. The ebbings of life became lower and lower until he quietly, without a sigh or a groan, dropped asleep in the arms of Jesus. He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.

Ramsgate.

W. Sharp