The Life And Ministry Of F. G. Burgess
Earthen Vessel 1890:
Mr. F. G. Burgess, Pastor, Chelmsford, Essex
Dear Mr. Editor,—I have been born twice; firstly, in the village of Tilehurst, near the Town of Reading, Berks. My life has been a chequered one. At the age of eleven I found my dear mother sitting in her chair dead. Her sudden exit was probably caused by heart-disease. Shortly after this, upon my father’s remarriage, I left the parental roof, and have from that time been getting the bread that perisheth by the sweat of my brow. After spending a year or two in different places in the country, I went to the Metropolis, where for several years I was left to plunge into sin. My only wonder is that God did not banish such a Wretch from the earth. Returning to the Town of Reading, I, somewhat late in life, apprenticed myself; but my employer failing in business, the indentures were cancelled, the premium lost, and the trade not learned. Being determined to learn the trade if possible, I started on foot in search of work, and walked a distance of seven hundred miles, but all to no purpose. Ultimately I found work in the very place from which I started—obtaining a situation, and remaining in it for 6 years, until the Lord fully thrust me out into the ministry.
I have been born, secondly, of God; but when I know not. My earliest religious convictions were when, as a boy, at home, I read, “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.” Even then I was wedded to sin, and felt that if ever I became different the Lord must bring it about. These convictions followed and often wounded me. When singing as a chorister in a Ritualistic Church, many times have I had to refrain from singing, my heart seemed broken, and I wept. Still, between such convictions I could rush headlong into sin. At length, about the year 1868, when I had reached the age of 22, the work began to deepen. The forms and ceremonies of the Establishment I was obliged to leave. I wanted something, I scarcely knew what. I now wandered about from one place of worship to another, like Noah’s dove, seeking rest but finding none. The misery of my soul at this time was simply indescribable. Preachers seemed to mock me; the Word of God condemned me, and I felt that I was lost. During the winter of 1868-9, with great reluctance, I went (having tried every other place) to Providence Strict Baptist Chapel, Reading. I was prejudiced against the people; I hated their doctrines. It seems to me now like a dream; but the preacher described me so accurately, the preaching explained my condition, and I saw that all my trouble and travail of soul was the work of God. Here at last I had found a home. Prejudices and hatred to the truth, all fled, and I do not think that I am ever likely to see them again. Under the faithful ministry of Mr. F. Pearce, I gathered encouragement; still it was not until some months later that I found deliverance. This was whilst in my worldly calling the words of truth rolled into my soul, “Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away.” This was the jubilee! All debts were remitted! The slave was free! It was now my privilege and pleasure to follow my Lord in the watery way, which I did in the July of 1869.
Shortly after this my mind began to be much exercised about preaching the gospel; but as I concluded that it was very presumptuous for me to entertain such an idea, the matter was kept a profound secret in my own breast. Still it was there, and I begged of the Lord that if it was of Him, to make it plain to me. Space prevents from entering into details. Let it suffice to say that Deacon Vize, who was engaged to preach at Knowl Hill, was impressed (so he told me afterwards) that I should be called to speak in the Lord’s name, and so he induced me to accompany him, and, when there, he got me to take a service, which very reluctantly I did. Having once opened my mouth, the way was made plain, and from that time, October, 1870, until now, I have scarcely known a Sabbath without being in a pulpit. For a short time I was an itinerant, preaching at Wokingham, Knowl Hill, Henley, Chobham, Cricket Hill, and other places, until I went to Wooburn Green, where I preached statedly for three-and-a-half years, still continuing in my business. In the year 1876 I gave up business, having received a call from the Church at Asketh, Bucks. Here I spent six of the happiest years of my life. From thence I removed to Akeman-street, Tring, for twelve months, and afterwards to Chelmsford (my present pastorate), where I have been seven years, not without many signs of the Lord’s blessing attending the Word preached. “Having, therefore, obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.” And, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
Yours very truly,
F. G. Burgess
3, Granville Terrace, Mildmay Road, Chelmsford, Essex
F G Burgess (?) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He served as pastor for several churches, including those meeting at Asketh, Bucks; Chelmsford; Wellingborough.
