The Life And Testimony Of Henry Welch

Earthen Vessel 1891:

To The Editor Of The “Earthen Vessel And Gospel Herald.”

Dear Sir,—The Earthen Vessel & Gospel Herald for May of last year contained a notice of Mr. H. Welch—his career and death. I should like (with your permission) to add a word to the testimony you have borne to the character of this true saint.

The news of his departure was more than an ordinary matter to me, for under his ministry at Tooting-grove I found the truth as it is in Jesus, and was privileged to enjoy his special friendship. It is said that “the world knows nothing of its greatest men,” a sentiment which most of us have proved; and I think this is almost true of the Christian Church. Some of the choicest spirits seldom find their names in the papers, and their lives are lived unnoticed by the general body, though in their own sphere there is a steady influence which makes for righteousness, making applicable to them the Saviour’s words, “Ye are the light of the world,” “Ye are the salt of the earth.” Such was Mr. Welch. As a pastor he was truly a “workman that needed not to be ashamed.” Bold to declare the whole truth of God with no uncertain sound, he believed the Bible from beginning to end. His heart was large, his sympathies were deep for the heavy-laden of the flock, while he was ever ready to encourage those who “came seeking mercy for .Jesus’ sake.”

As a Christian he was a worthy example. It was my privilege to spend nearly every Sunday afternoon with him, from the close of school to the evening service, for the last year of his ministry at Tooting; and the memory of those seasons will never die, for

“Above all his luxury supreme,

And his chief glory was the Gospel theme;

There he was copious as old Greece or Rome,

Ambitious not to shine or to excel,

But to treat justly what he loved so well.”

Some time ago, sir, I saw answers from many preachers to the question, “What is a Christian?” and I think if I had to answer the same question I should simply point to Mr. Welch.

But, sir, he was a true friend—what Cowper calls “an acquisition rather rare”;—and out here, in distant Australia, where friends are so few, it is something for a weary heart to look back upon such a hallowed friendship, which made some otherwise dark days look bright, the memory of which will last for ever.

I expect men will never be thrilled with any brilliantly-written record of Mr. Welch’s career, but “the memory of the just is blessed,” and there is one heart that can bleed for the loss of such an one as he, only to be comforted by the hope through grace of reunion in glory.

May I suggest, sir, that if you could find a niche for him in your excellent portrait gallery it would be as worthy a picture as ever adorned, a periodical.

Wishing you every Gospel blessing, and much wisdom and Divine guidance in steering the Vessel. 

I am, yours in Jesus,

J. Parker

Blacktown, New South Wales, January 29th, 1891