The Life And Ministry Of Benjamin Northfield
Earthen Vessel 1893:
Mr. B. J. Northfield, Pastor, March, Cambs.
Mr. W. Winters.—My Dear Brothers,—In the hope that the Lord may make use of the same, I forward, in compliance with your request, an account of the Lord’s dealings with me in providence and grace.
It was on Dec. 27th, 1859, that I first saw the light of this world, my native place being Potton, Bedfordshire. I cannot remember the time when I had not serious reflections of my state as a guilty sinner before God. The death of my dear mother took place when I was only about five years old. A year or two after a brother and sister died. These events had a solemn impression upon my mind, and my convictions as a needy, helpless sinner were thereby deepened. I spent my time much as other children and young people, mixing up with them, but apparently with less degree of satisfaction; for the thought of eternity, and as to the safety of my soul in prospect of it, often arrested me, and made me very unhappy. When about ten years old, I heard the late Mr. King, of Carlton, Beds (who at that time was pastor at Great Gransden, Hunts), preach at the chapel at Potton, from Heb. 6:19. This sermon greatly moved me, and my burden for sin was increased. He spoke of a good hope, a false hope, and no hope. The latter I thought was my state. I was deeply concerned in the prospect of what would become of me. I saw my just deserts, and could realize no escape. I made vows of endeavouring to live without sinful thoughts, words, and deeds, but found sin too strong for me. My days were often filled with gloomy forebodings, and my sleeping hours frequently disturbed by terrifying dreams. I kept these things to myself. Sometimes I did not feel the burden of sin so heavy, and then I was grieved because I did not grieve for sin more. So the Lord was leading me on in paths I knew not. When about twelve years old, one day I felt my sorrow very great, I hardly knew what to do, or how to pray. But now was the Lord’s time. I retired to some secret place and poured out my soul before God, and these words were sweetly given to me by Him who cannot err: “Thy sins are all forgiven.” I had not realized such relief before, although hope often had been raised that the Lord would appear. My sins were now pardoned, my soul liberated, and a new song put into my mouth, even praise unto our God. Soon after this happy experience I found it true that through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom. I have been left to question the reality of the work of grace. My evidences have been beclouded. The enemy has come in like a flood. But amidst all the alternate experience since the Lord began the work of grace, He has fulfilled His promise in carrying it on. I rejoice in looking back over a period of about twenty years, since the Lord liberated my soul, that I have so many proofs of His infinite wisdom, boundless love, and constant faithfulness, amidst much sinfulness and many shortcomings on my part.
Passing over many other things, I will just name the way of divine leading into the work of the ministry. I had a great desire to make known a Saviour’s love, and to tell to others the way of salvation. I was removed in the order of divine providence to Ipswich, Suffolk, at the age of fifteen. Joined the Church at Bethesda in the year 1878, being baptized by Mr. W. Kern. I took part in Sabbath-school work, and here my first attempts at public prayer and speaking were made. My first sermon was preached in June, 1880, in a schoolroom at Geldestone, Norfolk (near Beccles). I was on a visit to see a brother who usually accompanied Mr. H. B. Berry to the aforesaid village on Sunday evenings, and found the latter had arranged that I should preach instead of himself, and had so announced it. The friends at Hadleigh, Suffolk, seeing contributions of mine in the periodicals, and hearing of my speaking in the Lord’s name, desired me to preach for them. This I did July 18th, 1880. This engagement led to them asking me for a month, then another month, followed by a six months’ call, which resulted in acceptance of the pastorate. I served the Church just over nine years, during which time the chapel was enlarged and eighty-three persons added to the Church. After the first three years of my ministry amongst this people, circumstances were so improved in connection with the cause, so that I was enabled to give up my secular calling as a printer, and devote my time wholly to the ministry.
In course of time the Lord directed my steps to March, Cambs. This change in my sphere of labour caused much anxiety, and many prayers were offered for direction in the matter. Eventually the step was taken. The scene of nine years’ labour, surrounded with pleasing reminiscences, and producing many hallowed friendships, was left without the violation of mutual affection, although regret was felt on both sides. My pastoral labours commenced in this larger field for usefulness at March, Lord’s-day, September 1st, 1889. The Lord has confirmed the step taken in a variety of ways, not the least important of these being His own blessing on the Word preached to the people, whilst many have been added to the Church. “Having therefore obtained help of God I continue unto this day.”
Yours affectionately in the Lord Jesus,
Benjamin John Northfield
Benjamin Northfield (1859-?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. In 1881, he was appointed pastor of the church meeting at Hadleigh, Suffolk, a position he held for nine years. In 1889, he was appointed pastor of the church meeting at March, Cambs.
