The Life And Testimony Of John Baker

Gospel Standard 1898:

Death. On July 24th, 1897, aged 77, John Baker, a member of the church at Eaton Bray, Dunstable.

The following particulars of our departed friend, I have collected chiefly from his sorrowing widow and family.

He was born of God-fearing parents, and brought up to attend the cause of truth then held in a cottage, before the present chapel at Eaton Bray was built; but when older in years he would go no longer, but spent the Lord’s days in sin and folly. It is believed that the Lord first met with him at a funeral, and convinced him of sin and judgment to come, which brought out of his soul many cries for mercy. And busy one day at work, while in this state of condemnation, not knowing what to do, the Holy Spirit brought to his mind some words which he had often heard spoken from the pulpit when he attended the chapel years before, which were, “Friends, do you know the plague of your own hearts?” He used then to wonder what those words meant; and although many years had passed away since he heard the remark, he was now brought to understand its meaning.

Some time after the Lord gave him this promise: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled,” which was made a special blessing to him, and he was shortly afterwards led to join the church, and was baptized on May 5th, 1850.

He was much blessed in his earlier days; and on one occasion, while hearing the word, he longed to die and go home to heaven. And on another occasion, when Mr. Foreman was preaching from the words, “And Joseph said, Come near to me, my brethren,” he felt that he could say, from his inmost soul, that our spiritual Joseph had said the same to him.

He was frequently attacked with bronchitis during the winter months, so that his life had been, at times, despaired of; and many times had he begged of the Lord, in his earlier days, to give him some lighter employment (being a farm labourer at that time), and has gone into one corner of the barn, while he has been thrashing wheat, to pour out his soul to the Lord, to plead for this purpose. In time the way was opened, through a gentleman helping him into the hay and straw business; and very soon the business increased, and with increased prosperity, and having much to do with worldly men, his mind was carried away, and for a season he was left to a backsliding state of soul, and to fall into a snare, which at times led him captive, but which afterwards caused him much secret agony of mind. He fell under private admonition and reproof, and truly answered to the Psalmist: “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.” But he nevertheless had to suffer the reproaches of the enemy, more or less, to the end of his days. He was enabled to bear the chastenings of the Lord, mourning over his shortcomings and departures from him with true brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit. The poor prodigal’s prayer suited him well: “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.”

On Feb. 5th, 1896, the departed was favoured with a sweet revelation of all his sins being forgiven. He said, “The Lord has put away all my sins, and I know it will be well with me when called away. I feel so easy and comfortable, I am sure the visit was from the Lord; I hardly know how to bear up under it, it seems more than I can bear to receive, such favours and such a free pardon of all my sins. Such has been the Lord’s presence and mercy, that I shall never forget it.” He had much comfort from the 17th chapter of John during this visit, and was often favoured to feel the inward witness of the Holy Spirit after this.

Early in the present year it became evident that his end was approaching, and at times he felt his position very solemnly. The devil was permitted to sorely distress him, and it was painful to witness the anguish of his mind. He told his family that he felt to be sinking, and had no foundation to stand upon. He was reminded of past favours, but he said, “I want the Lord to speak himself, for I know what the poet meant when he said, ‘Hide me, O my Saviour, hide,'” &c. It pleased the Lord to give him a little quietness from the words—”Faith shall to bliss give place; In sight, we hope shall lose.”

On one occasion he asked his daughter to read Kent’s hymn, “On yonder glorious summit,” &c. When she came to the fifth verse, he seemed as if his soul would burst from the body for joy, saying, “It is enough,” and adding, “To aid the song, a palm to bear, And bow the chief of sinners there.”

Just before our dear friend took to his bed, he was supported by the words, “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee; ” and upon being helped upstairs, he asked the Lord to come, and not tarry, as he so longed to drink to the full of the wine of the kingdom, but begged for patience to wait the Lord’s time. One of his daughters entering his room on one occasion, he said, “I am pleased to see you; I am safe upon the rock, Christ Jesus; ‘I know whom I have believed.’ A few days ago I was afraid I was deceived; I thought my religion was wrong; but I have been carried back to the beginning, and it is quite right; I feel sure it will be well with me.” Referring to the hymn, “Jesus, thy blood and righteousness, My beauty are, my glorious dress,” he said, “Ah, they that are clothed in that pure righteousness have something to stand in when heart and flesh shall fail. O, if I had strength, I could tell you a lot that I have felt since I have kept my bed.” On one occasion, being asked if he had any particular wish to see anyone, he said, “Only Jesus Christ and him crucified.” On another occasion he wished his family to sing—”Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” &c.

A few days after, when he was not expected to revive again, he said, “Precious, precious,” and—”There shall I bathe my weary soul, In seas of heavenly rest, And not a wave of trouble roll, Across my peaceful breast.”

The last night he spent on earth was a very blessed one, telling his wife and family that he was so much better, for, said he, “I shall soon be well; I am getting nearer my glorious home. Dear Lamb of God, I long to be with thee; I feel that ‘underneath are the everlasting arms.'” Only a few hours before he passed away he said, “I feel the power of the Holy Spirit working well for me; that power which holds earth and heaven up.” One said to him, “You are being made meet for the inheritance.” In reply he said, “I am, I am.” Shortly after, looking so cheerful, he said, “All’s well,” which were the last words he spoke.

Our departed friend will be much missed by the godly amongst us, he being a well-taught man, “one who contended earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.” There was much savour in his prayers, as many can testify, and much gracious humility in his spirit, the result, doubtless, of the chastening hand of his God upon him, and the trials he had to bear owing to the matter before mentioned. His mind was much exercised for many years concerning the cause at Eaton Bray, and was greatly relieved upon the appointment of the present Pastor, saying, at times, that he felt he could now die in peace. The writer felt a union to the departed from his first coming amongst them, which only increased as he knew more of him. He was a lover of good men, the “G.S.,” and its Editor, Hart’s and Kent’s hymns, &c. His sorrowing widow has lost a kind husband, and the family a very affectionate father; but their loss is, we truly believe, his eternal gain. “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.”

H. T. Stonelake

[P.S.—We knew our departed friend between 30 and 40 years ago, felt an union of soul to him, and loved him for Christ’s sake. He was a winter and summer friend. He knew himself well as a sinner. He loved the gospel of God’s grace. No “Yea and Nay” would do for him; no “Duty-faith;” no “Free-will.” From his heart he would say, “As to man’s merit, ’tis hateful to me; The gospel, I love it, ’tis perfectly free.” “The memory of the just is blessed.”—Editor]