Not Forsakem In Old Age
Gospel Standard 1886:
My dear Brother Knill, I have thought much of your kindness in sending me such a good and spiritual letter with love-token in it. I have lately had many springings up of life and streams from the River of love when I could have written and thanked you for your kindness, but my bodily infirmities and other things, too many and too peculiar to name, have hindered. It is a mercy for me the Lord has not left me to the powers of the flesh and Satan’s wiles, which, at times, have been very trying. Added to this, my cold and cough, by day and night, have much tried me. I have no doubt you know something of these things. I have been unable to go out, even into the garden, for six weeks; but as there is a change in the weather, my hopes are revived. My eyesight is so bad that to read or write affects my head, and thoughts and feelings about preaching work much on my poor weak heart and make me ill, and this, together with a carnal mind and all springs dried up, make me know my need of God. Still I am not left without a hope; for it springs and rises up to Him who hath been with me, and for many years given me texts to preach from, and wisdom, light, and life, so that I can say the Lord is good; and when the time comes I am helped to venture on the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ who is All and in all, which is made manifest by his supplying me with the word of life and making it a quickening word to his dear children, so that they are fed and comforted, and I often come home strong, and made willing to go again.
Though I am in my 83rd year, with weakness, darkness, aches, and pains, when preaching time comes the Lord again and again renews my strength. But I cannot get a store nor make myself rich by keeping light and wisdom for the next time. I can tell you but little of the Lord’s goodness to me, such a poor old sinner as I am. The Lord Jesus Christ is at times more and more precious to me in his Person, work, and Word both in bed and up, and I feel the power of the Holy Ghost more than ever. I have many times been in deep waters, but have always found the Rock, Christ, that blessed Rock on which the church is built. The Word of God and the hymns are made very sweet to me; for though I have my bitters I have my sweets. My changes all work together for good and prove that the Lord changes not. I was glad to hear by Mrs. K.’s letter that you are so well and kept on in your labour of love. Go on, brother, in light and strength as you did in your youth.
I trust your expected removal will be of the Lord, and prove a blessing for your body and for the good of the church you are expecting to speak to. The Lord opened the way for me to come to Portsmouth, and it is wonderful how we are kept together in love and union, and the Spirit of God makes the word a blessing, and the praying men are kept together, and are of one heart and spirit at the prayer-meetings in thanking the Lord for the help given and for the effects of the gospel preached, and in asking for greater blessings. Our congregation keeps up, and altogether we have cause to be thankful. Though we have our weak parts, things to mourn over, and other things to beg for; yet in receiving answers to our petitions we can rejoice in God, who has done such great things for us as a church and people. After all I feel very unprofitable, poor, and needy, so that I need the Remembrancer to bring all to my mind and heart; for my memory fails me and unfits me for everything. I am a beggar and receiver in times of want in my work in which I am called to labour, and out of great weakness I am made strong.
I have only been prevented going into the pulpit once this year. My times are in the hands of Him who opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens. I am called to watch and pray, knowing my end is near when I shall put off this my frail tabernacle to be with him who has loved, redeemed, called, washed me from all my filth, and kept me to this day in the truth, which has made me free. How glad should I be to see you once more in this world! To-day I have been in the garden for a few minutes, but am very weak and can walk but little. The Lord bless you and yours with all needful blessings. My dear wife is often very sadly. She is a help-meet indeed, and my dear grand-daughter is very kind. The Lord in all things is good. My wife and grand-daughter send their love to you both.
Yours in Love,
William Ferris
Southsea, June 2nd, 1885.
William Ferris (1802-1887) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as pastor for the churches meeting at Clack, Hilperton, Shoreham and Landport. It was during the last sixteen years of his life he served the church meeting at Salem Chapel, Landport.
