Book Review: Chronicles Of A Checkered Pathway
The Sower 1896:
Book Review: Chronicles Of A Checkered Pathway. An Autobiography. By Edward Carr. Price 1s. Paper; 1s. 6d. Cloth. London: E. Wilmshurst, Blackheath, S. E.
We hope all that know the author of this interesting record of a chequered life will buy this little work, that they may learn more fully the way the Lord has led him; and we hope many who do not know Mr. Carr personally will seek to become acquainted with him through the medium of this little work. We need not tell those who have read Mr. Carr’s writings in the Sower that he wields a facile pen, is very orderly in arranging his matter, and brings forth sound and gracious truths, such as he has tasted, handled, and felt. We should like to have seen a portrait of the author at the commencement of the book—we like to look upon the countenances of those whose lives we read. Possibly, had it been inserted, some might have thought it egotistical on the part of the author; perhaps some may even think this respecting the publication of the autobiography during the author’s life-time; but we feel there is no real objection when a godly man thus gives to the world his experiences, even as we do not feel it is out of place when a minister relates portions of his experience from the pulpit. Moreover, the author has many good and gracious men to keep him company, who have, like him, been led in their life-time to publish the record of their lives, amongst whom we might mention Dr. Doudney, John Newton, William Huntington, John Bunyan, and many others.
The author was born in 1841, and with his parents attended the ministry of the late Mr. James Wells, under whose ministry in early childhood he was convinced of sin. From this time his anxiety about his eternal welfare began and continued. Many painful exercises were passed through, and many handfuls of purpose were received. This portion of the book will be found helpful reading for seekers inquiring their way to Zion, with their faces thitherward. At length “the coming of the King” brought peace to the troubled conscience. He was passing through the graveyard of St. Nicholas Church, Brighton, in deep despair, when the suggestion came to his mind, “Try the throne of grace once more, though it be for the last time.”
Straightway a cry for mercy broke from my distracted spirit. It was indeed the hour of extremity. Immediately, like a flash of light, there came a “whisper from the skies”—“Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty.” “What! mine, Lord?” “Yes, thine.” My soul was raised from the pit of despair. The precious promise allayed my fears instantaneously. I went on my way rejoicing in the hope that I should some day see the King in the beauty of His pardoning grace and infinite love and mercy.
This deliverance was sorely tried by the enemy; but on the following Sabbath he went to hear Mr. J. Warburton, of Southill, who preached from Zachariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation.”
He began by describing the character; and, to my astonishment, he described me! Yes, he went into my peculiar path, showed me my sins, turned me inside out, and then wound up his message, as far as I was concerned, by shouting out at the top of his voice, “I tell thee, sinner, that over those mountains and hills of sin and guilt thy King cometh to thee, and He does not come empty-handed either; both hands are full, having salvation for thee.” He spoke as though he wanted “heaven and earth to hear”—and well he might! It was a glorious Gospel sermon, and was the means of bringing peace to a poor, miserable, despairing sinner; for surely the King did then come with the Word, riding in the chariot of the Gospel, and delivered me at once from the power of the enemy; from all my sins, fears, follies, and darkness, and broke the chains with which for so long I had been bound and held fast.
The author gives many interesting details of his call to the ministry, and his experiences since entering upon the solemn work; but for these we must refer our readers to the book, which, being published at a very reasonable price, we hope they will obtain.
Edward Carr (1851-1920) was a Strict and Particular Baptist Preacher. He grew up under the gospel ministry of James Wells, his father serving as a deacon of the church meeting at Surrey Tabernacle, Borough Road. His first two pastorates were with the churches meeting at Sleaford and Leicester. His last pastorate was with the church meeting at Providence Chapel, Bath, a position he held for twenty-seven years (1893-1920).
