The Life And Ministry Of Henry Watmuff
Gospel Standard 1865:
I believe many friends would like to see a little account of that dear man of God, the late Mr. Watmuff in the “Gospel Standard.”
I have heard that it was thirty-five years since the Lord called him by his grace, and ever since then he has made him an example for the family of God to walk by, for he has taken up his cross daily to follow the Lord through evil report and good report.
He has often denied himself common necessaries, as the friends that knew him will bear testimony, that he might give to the poor family of God. He used to go from house to house to visit the sick and the poor, and not say unto them, “Be ye warmed and clothed;” but would give unto them out of his substance of that which he had. He was a great friend to the Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society. I have understood that there used to pass through his hands £150 per year towards that institution.
From the first time that that dear servant of God came amongst us, his labours were much blessed, it being about four years since. He used to draw a line of distinction between the chosen sheep and the enemies of the cross of Christ, which in this day of great profession seems to me to be so much needed.
He started from his home at Brighton on Saturday morning, the 16th, to come to Richmond on the 17th of July, and reached here while we were at our little prayer meeting. When our meeting was over, I took his hand and observed how death-like it felt. He said that he was very unwell, but was come in the strength of the Lord to speak to us, relying on that promise, “As thy days thy strength shall be.” And so he found it to his last moments; for he went up into the pulpit and seemed to have more strength than usual at that time. He read 1 Tim. 6, and made some remarks from the 10th and two following verses, what it is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. He made some comments on verse 19, what it is to lay up in store for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life. Then he proceeded to the words of his text, which were: “Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Rev. 3:8.) He dwelt upon having a little strength, just enough to keep us from denying his precious name when tempted so to do, and what it is to hold that fast which we have, that no man take our crown.
The friends heard him very well, but we did not think that while he was exhorting us to that crown which his saints shall wear, he was so near having it placed upon his own head.
After service I went into the vestry to him and asked him how he felt then. He said, “Nothing worse.” I asked him if he would go with me to Mortlake, and he said perhaps he would. I left him to go by the train, and when I reached home he was there before me. He was seized with the cramp in his stomach a few yards before he reached my house, and was in such violent pain that he could not sit up. So we got him into bed, and we gave him some brandy. Spasms followed, and then I asked him if I should call a doctor in to see him. His reply was, “No.” He still gradually kept getting worse till about three o’clock, when he said to me, “My work is finished.” I said, “Do you think so?” He said, “You must go to Richmond tonight and speak to the friends on my behalf, and tell them that I am on the Rock Christ Jesus.” But he was in such pain that he could not talk much. I said that I could not go and leave him; but he said that he should not hurt. I felt, however, that I could not go and leave him, especially as I had a sickly wife, she not being able to attend to him. Then I asked him if I should fetch a doctor to him, and his reply was, “No.” We then gave him a little arrowroot and brandy, and he seemed a little easier for a short time. Then I asked him if I should read to him, and he said, “Yes;” and he said he had intended speaking upon the preciousness of Christ to his people in the evening. Then I read to him John 17 till I came to verse 9, and I then made some remarks to him upon that precious prayer of Christ’s. I said to him, “What a mercy it is to feel an interest in that prayer!” He said, “It is a mercy indeed.” I read on to verse 16, and then made some remarks upon God’s keeping the feet of his saints from the evils that are in the world; and he said, “Yes.” Also from the 20th to the end, upon that union that exists between Christ and his people. He answered, “Yes,” many times, which meant, “Amen!” I then engaged in prayer on his behalf, that the Lord would give him a blessed entrance into his glorious presence while passing through the valley of the shadow of death, which I believe the Lord heard and answered; but he passed through Sunday night in greater pain of body, and was not able to say much. I asked him several times how he felt now, and his reply was, “I am on the Rock Christ Jesus; there is all my trust.” I asked him again if I should call in a doctor, and he said,”Yes.” About four o’clock on Monday morning I called one up, but he delayed in coming. Then I had to leave him for about an hour, and on returning home I found him sitting up in a chair. I asked him how he felt, and he said that his head felt very light, and he thought that if he could sit up a little while it would be better than lying in bed. He had some breakfast. I fed him with an egg and coffee. This was about half-past eight o’clock on Monday morning. I left him again shortly after this, not thinking that his time was so near. The doctor had not then been, but he arrived soon afterwards, and when he saw him he pronounced the case hopeless, which it proved to be, for in about half an hour after the doctor left him he died, while sitting in the chair. This was at half-past nine on Monday morning.
It can be truly said of him, that he fell asleep in Jesus without a struggle or a groan.
Thus ended the days on earth of Henry Watmuff, aged 57.
Mortlake, November 24, 1864.
Daniel Snell
Henry Watmuff (1807-1864) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He was widely known, not only for distributing gospel bread to poor destitute souls, but earthly bread to the widows and orphans. He reportedly supported the Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society with an annual donation of up to £150.
