The Life Of Isaac Charles Johnson

Earthen Vessel 1912, Page 15

In Memoriam: Isaac Charles Johnson, J. P. (1811-1911)

On the 28th of January, 1811, at Vauxhall, in Surrey, another atom of humanity was added to the population of the earth.

This was when the great comet for the space of about ten months presented an extraordinary appearance in the sky, producing in the minds of the superstitious, feelings of extreme fear and awe.

Great war commotions also filled many hearts. Bonaparte, that great scourge of nations, had caused many to tremble, and great fear fell on many of the inhabitants of this sea-girt isle, lest, as he threatened, he should cross the silver streak, conquer and assume imperial rule over this land. This, however, in the good providence of God he was not permitted to do.

The subject of this sketch was the second born, the first being a daughter, who did not live very long. He also, being a very weakly child, filled the heart of the mother with sorrowful fore-bodings that he, her only son, would never make “old bones.” At a very early period of his life, when about three years of age, he was very much alarmed one night by what appeared to be an angelic visitation. Lying in his little cot, he saw that which his parents saw not, and, though they endeavoured to pacify him, for a considerable time could not succeed in doing so. Whether it were a dream, or whatever it may have been, he never forgot it, and the effect produced on him was such that he had ever after a constant consciousness of the invisible presence of God Almighty, which made him afraid, especially during visible manifestations of His power. In stormy weather he would hide away in dark places and try to pray, believing that

“The thunder is the voice of God, 

Whether by night or day,

And, when we ever hear the same, 

Should bow to Him and pray.”

Though subject to the same sinful propensities as other children, he could never sin cheaply; conscience was always alive and at work, as though God’s eye was upon him.

He feared the Lord, but with a law fear. Several times during his life he was the subject of accidents that might have proved fatal, but experienced the truth of the poet’s words—

“Not a single shaft can hit 

Till the God of love sees fit.”

Once when a child he caught fire, but his mother promptly wrapped a rug round him and extinguished the flames. Once he fell into the river at high tide and escaped drowning, but how he could not tell. Once he was bitten by a mad dog, but owing to the promptitude of his mother—who took him to a surgeon, who cut around the place deep and wide—his life was spared. In addition to the foregoing, he was the subject of all the complaints to which children are liable, but, though a weakly child, he was preserved through them all.

He went to school at an early age and was considered apt to learn, being told that he could read the New Testament when three years of age. He was very fond of learning, and this characteristic remained with him during the whole of his long life. While at school he was much displeased that a girl was given the 119th Psalm to commit to memory, while he had only a short portion given him to learn. By his own request he was allowed also to learn the 119th Psalm, instead of the one originally given to him, not liking to be outdone by a girl. His first situation was at a bookseller’s in the Strand, which, as he was fond of reading, gave him many opportunities of indulging in his favourite pastime. Carrying heavy parcels, however, proved too great a strain for his weakly frame and necessitated his terminating his engagement in six months.

He was next employed at the cement works of Messrs. Francis and White, lime burners, by whom his father was also employed. During his apprenticeship his evenings were filled up at an evening school, in the study of architectural drawing, geometry, perspective and other branches of his art, thus qualifying him to take a better position in the future. He never wasted his time or his money in pleasure or recreation, as many young men do, but, by turning every moment to good account, left a noble example to those who follow him.

To his perseverance and industry he indeed owed, under God, his success in life. At one time a fellow-apprentice tried to induce him to attend public-house concerts, prize-fights, etc., in the evening, but his conscience always opposed such practices in things and places in which he found no pleasure. He always had a yearning of soul for something that he neither knew nor possessed and did not know where to find.

An influential companion’s notion was “that we should enjoy ourselves while young and defer religion till we are old”—a very dangerous argument, for he very soon fell a prey to his own irregularities and prematurely died.

He, however, through Divine mercy, was not allowed to follow the same course, and escaped the same sad end.

One evening he was trying to find amusement at a low concert, which his fellow-apprentice attended, when there came over him an indescribable feeling of fear, wretchedness and disgust at his present state. He abruptly left the place and, going to his lodgings, fell upon the bed in great distress, not knowing what to do, for every surrounding influence was antagonistic to his best interests, both as regards body and soul. Drinking was the order of the day and life’s chief object with most of his shopmates. But for the mercy of God he, too, would have become a confirmed drunkard. He used at this time ardently to wish that He could find an abode with some really religious family, that he might learn the “way of life,” for he had an earnest desire to do the right.

About this time, being anxious to have a home of his own, he saved up £1 a week for forty successive weeks, with the object of furnishing and providing a home for the object of his affections, and in May, 1833, he and his first wife were married at Chipping Norton, by Rev. George Bellamy, a clergyman of the Church of England. After a fortnight’s holiday they returned to London, which was their first place of residence.

The appointed time had now come for him to be called by grace. A young man providentially came to work at the same shop with him. He was spiritually minded and instructed in the mysteries of truth. Discerning the state of mind of his fellow-workman and his desire for spiritual guidance, he asked him to accompany him to hear his minister. Mr. Johnson readily consented, quoting the words of the psalmist, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” The minister in question was James Wells, of the Surrey Tabernacle, and it was under his preaching Mr. Johnson was brought out of darkness into light. He attended regularly all the services, and thus it came about that the Gospel came to him with power. There was a vital savour in the ministry that seized with divine energy the affections and carried the thoughts heavenward. “Old things were indeed passed away, and all things had become new.” He literally leaped for joy, even as David danced before the ark as an expression of internal spiritual pleasure. He then believed that the great Father of the universe was his Father, that the Son of God who made all things by the word of His power was His Saviour, that the Holy Spirit was his Teacher, and that heaven, with all its untold glories, was to be His final and eternal home. Thus he was predestinated to be conformed to the likeness of Christ, to be like Him, to see Him as He is, and to be with Him for ever, and that by the Holy Spirit he had been ”made meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Some time after this he and his wife were present at a baptising service at the Surrey Tabernacle. It proved an impressive sight to them, and was the means used by God to create a desire in their hearts to follow in the Lord’s steps. After much thought and sundry misgivings, they proposed themselves as candidates for the ordinance, were encouraged by the Pastor (Mr. Wells) to go before the Church to relate their experience, and were subsequently received by the congregated assembly; and at the next baptising occasion, in company with many others, were baptised in the presence of many hundreds of people in “the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” They were received as communicants on the following Sunday, thus becoming members of the Church— finding great pleasure and joy in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Being removed of God from London to Swanscombe, Mr. Johnson and a friend who lived in Gravesend next hired a room in this town for worship on the Lord’s-day, the Baptist denomination being at that time in a low condition. Here both he and his wife, with God’s blessing, found a settled home, so that it was necessary to obtain a larger place, and ministers came down from London each Lord’s-day to officiate.

They then moved again to a larger building—a temperance hall. This not being altogether suitable, steps were taken to build a chapel. Having a knowledge of architectural drawing and construction, Mr. Johnson made the design for the chapel, bought the material, employed the workmen, and completed the erection of the building in the year. Thus a Church was formed and the ordinances administered on Strict Baptist principles. The worship of God has since then been held there, and many have had reason to thank God for spiritual blessings. Being “a little one” (Gen. 19:20), the building was named “Zoar.”

About this time he himself began to preach in different places, his first attempt being at Meopham, in Kent, where he was unexpectedly called to occupy the pulpit for Mr. Pope, who was then the minister.

He was naturally disconcerted, for he had never before filled this position, though he had conducted prayer-meetings, and commented on the Scriptures read. In this he was much helped by the words of the Spirit of God, “Go ye therefore into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” The people were gratified, and he was often afterwards requested to accept this ministry in the pastor’s absence.

In 1863 his wife was removed by death. She had for many years been a great sufferer, but had borne her afflictions patiently.

This bereavement made him very sorrowful for a time, but he experienced much Divine consolation and joy.

At this time he had removed to the north, and was engaged in business at Gateshead. The loss of his earthly companion now led him to make it a matter of prayer that he might be led to someone whose faith and hope were the same nature as his own, who would prove a companion and helper in life; and a lady occurred to his mind who was residing with her mother and sister at Bowdon. She consented, and they were married at Newcastle in 1864 by Welldon Carr, the Baptist minister.

At this time he was first invested with municipal honours, being chosen a candidate for the town council of the borough by a large majority. Shortly after, he was elected to fill the office of Mayor of Gateshead. During his term of office he became a father, this being the first time a child was born to a mayor of the town, and it has not happened since. A presentation was made to the mayor and mayoress by the members of the town council of a silver cradle and a silver cup for the child. During the year of his mayoralty he continued to preach, and many young men were induced to attend the services which he conducted.

In 1873 he, with his family of five children, again removed to the south, and took up their residence at Gravesend at “Bycliffes,” a house close by the Thames, where his second son was born. The proximity of the house so near to the river rendered it unhealthy, so he bought a site in the Pelham Road, on which he built a house, which he called “Mayfield,” and in which he lived to the day of his death. Here the third and youngest son was born in 1875. On his return to Gravesend he rejoined the Church there which he had left in other hands during his nineteen years’ stay in the north of England. He was soon chosen as a deacon, which office he filled to the last, a period of about thirty-seven years.

He last left home on Sunday, October 18th, 1908, when he attended Divine service at Zoar. In the afternoon he was taken seriously ill, and was hardly expected to recover. He, however, did so, and was able to do a great deal of work in the house, but never cared to go out, reading, writing and photography, and the study of Greek, pleasantly and profitably occupying his time.

On January 28th, 1911, he completed his hundredth year, and was almost overwhelmed with letters and telegrams of congratulation, which included a letter from the King.

On August 12th, 1911, he broke a blood-vessel, which greatly weakened him, and for a time his life was almost despaired of, but again the Lord was gracious and restored him in a considerable measure. He was able to sit up in his bedroom and write letters, though he did not again come downstairs.

A few weeks ago he took a chill, which resulted in a severe attack of bronchial catarrh, from which he did not recover, the Lord gently calling his spirit home on Wednesday evening, November 29th. He passed peacefully away without a struggle to the presence of his Lord, whom he had so long and so faithfully loved and served.

He had expected “the home call” for some time previously, and frequently remarked, “I am in the Lord’s hands,” and “The Lord’s time is the best.”

He will be greatly missed, yet none can wish him back, as he is ”with Christ, which is far better.” We anticipate the day when he shall come with his Lord, at His second coming, to take His redeemed ones home. This doctrine was most dear to his heart, and he lived in the hope of being still on earth when the Lord should return. This hope, however, was not fulfilled, his Lord seeing fit to call him away before that glorious event took place. During his last illness, while his mind wandered, he preached two Sermons in a clear, strong voice, one on the ordinance of baptism, and the other on the Second Advent. He also prayed most earnestly and touchingly two days before he passed away. These were really his last prayers on earth, and that they will be answered is the firm belief of those who had the privilege of listening to him. His wife and daughter were with him at the last, but he was too weak to speak, and indeed was almost unconscious of his surroundings.

“Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take thy rest;

Lay down thy bead upon thy Saviour’s breast;

We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best; 

Good-night, good-night, good-night.

Until the Easter glory lights the skies, 

Until the dead in Jesus shall arise,

And He shall come, but not in lowly guise, 

Good-night, good-night, good-night.”

An account of the funeral service on December 5th, and the substance of Pastor E. Mitchell’s address on the occasion, will be given under the head of “News of the Churches.” 

R. J.

December 7th, 1911.

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Mr. I. C. Johnson’s Last Letter To The Editors Of “Earthen Vessel & Gospel Herald.”

The  following was penned—and the calligraphy is remarkably firm and clear—by our late Christian friend Mr. I. C. Johnson. We print it verbatim and literatim, exactly as we received it. It was put into type to appear in our December issue, but the pressure of other articles compelled the printer to hold over its appearance.—

W. J. S. and J. E. F., Editors.

December, l 911.

To the Editors of the EARTHEN VESSEL AND GOSPEL HERALD. Mayfield House, Gravesend, October 20th, 1911.

DEAR BRETHREN,—As you have for some years taken an interest in me and my welfare, I now venture to tax your patience and brotherly kindness in reading the following lines, thinking my state at present may further interest you.

First, I have not been out of this house since October 18th, 1908, or about three years. On that day I attended our chapel for the last time. In the afternoon I was taken with acute indigestion, afterwards with bronchial catarrh. Kept in bed two months; in bed-room another month, sitting up occasionally; was considered out of danger, and got downstairs again, but as the doctor still attended me two months longer, and made a heavy charge (for the cough still continued), I resolved to discharge him and cast myself entirely on the Lord, when, wonderful to relate, the cough left me altogether, whereby I was enabled to attend to much business again, and plod on fairly well until August 12th this year. The cough having returned, on that day I fractured a blood-vessel in the bowels. Owing to loss of blood I was much weakened, and have had to lie on my back in bed night and day about ten weeks, and must continue to do so, as the doctor can do nothing, but says nature must have its course; matters are progressing favourably, and that I shall, before long, get downstairs again. Now this ordeal for one nine months on in his hundred and first year is a painful experience, especially when he is troubled with indigestion, hernia, very short breath, and other ailments.

I get up occasionally whilst my people are making the heel, as on the present occasion, when l am trying to write this. The Lord is very good to me. He has given me a dear wife who is an efficient help-meet, who is tenderly, cheerfully, and constantly doing all that is needful. He has given me another kind and tender helper in my dear daughter Rose, who prepares my food and feeds me with it with a tea-spoon as I lie on my back.

I acknowledge that the Lord is my helper that made heaven and earth, but He has been pleased to use them as instruments to apply that help of which He is the Author and Giver. My trust is in Hirn, the triune, covenant God. “My hope is built in Christ alone.” I am waiting for the home-call, and praying that when the time comes I shall enter into “that rest that remains for the people of God.”

With Christian regards, I remain, yours in the love of the truth, 

I. C. Johnson 

P. S.—I meditate in the night watches on God’s Word and in His dealings with His weak child, and try to pray for the manifestation of His lovingkindness. One of my meditations was on the subject of another paper, and although I am so weak, I ask Him to make some use of me, and as I cannot get about as heretofore, I thought perhaps, if you thought the question, by bringing an answer (if it wore put on the cover of the Earthen Vessel & Gospel Herald) given by some reader of that work, would edify other readers and glorify our Jehovah Jesus. But I leave you to judge.—I. C. J.