The Life And Ministry Of Frederick Pearce

Earthen Vessel 1897:

A Brief Memorial By Messrs. John Huntley And E. Carr.

Our dear friend, now in glory, was born in the year 1819, and being early called by grace was baptised at the old Baptist Chapel, Bradford-on-Avon, when about twenty years of age; where, fifty-seven years afterwards, he preached his last sermon. His was an unusually long life spent in the service of the Master. He early began to preach, and for about fifty-four years his voice was heard testifying in simplicity and sincerity of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. During the whole of that long period he was upheld in a most consistent and honourable profession.

He Lived The Gospel He Loved

His first pastorate was at Hilperton, then Road in Wiltshire; and after brief sojourns at Willenhall and Newton Abbott, he removed to Reading, commencing his ministry at Providence Chapel in April, 1868, where his memory is still fragrant. But, at the expiration of five years, in the providence of God, he left Reading, and returned to the scene of his early labours, namely, Hilperton, where he continued for another six years. He was highly favoured with a most suitable help-meet, who died in April, 1895; and during their long married life, she was greatly beloved by all who knew her. Mrs. Pearce was a model minister’s wife, careful what she said, keeping at home, bringing up her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and possessed above most with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Doubtless, she needed all the wisdom and grace she was favoured with amid the changes and trials attending their earthly pilgrimage.

In March, 1879, our dear friend removed to Irthlingborough, where he continued until the year 1884. After this his health began to fail, and he removed to the home of his early days, Bradford-on-Avon, supplying different Churches; frequently preaching at Bradford, Hilperton, and Southwick. The last time he was able to get out was on Aug. 1st, 1896, when he preached twice at Bradford, and administered the ordinance after the evening service. From that time his strength began to fail; but he was highly favoured with a quiet, peaceful resting on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ; and on more than one occasion expressed his perfect contentment with the way the Lord had led him and fed him all his life long. He said one day to the writer—‘’I would not have anything altered. My Jesus has done all things well.” In this calm, peaceful state he continued, until on Dec. 3rd, 1896, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, his mortal remains being laid to rest close to those of good old John Warburton, in Trowbridge. 

“Then are they glad, because at rest,

And quiet now they be;

So to the haven He them brings,

Which they desired to see.”

Our late dear friend’s character was marked by sterling integrity and Christian simplicity. His ministerial gifts were not, perhaps, of a shining order; but in consistency of life, and humility of spirit, he excelled many.

Mr. Huntley, of Bath, preached his funeral sermon at Bradford, on Lord’s-day, Dec. 13th. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). He (Mr. H.) divided his text as follows. First.—The conflict. Second.—The Victory. Third.—The victory symbolised above in the New Jerusalem.

First.—How sad, stubborn and continual is the conflict with sin, Satan and the world.

Second.—The victory with the glorious light of the Gospel. We are not met to mourn over a defeat, but to rejoice over a conqueror and celebrate a victory. Defeat belongs not to the Gospel, nor to a believer. Our Lord “conquered when He fell.” “To die is gain.” Here and now we sound the trumpet notes of victory. “Return unto thy rest, O my soul.” Victory over natural corruptions, defiling hearts, and a deceitful world. Victory over Satan’s devices and fiery darts. Victory over bodily and mental infirmities, fear, sorrow, despondency, weakness, pain.

Third.—Victory symbolised by white robes, harps, palms, crowns. 

“Sweetly he sleeps, the man of God,

From sin and woe set free.

Calmly the path of death he trod,

Into Eternity.”

John Huntley

The Funeral

Deceased was a Wiltshire veteran, a man of God grown old in the service of his Lord and Master, who had employed him for many years to carry Gospel messages to sinner and to saint, in which he neither courted the smiles nor feared the frowns of man or woman. Mr. Pearce never presumed to be what is generally known as “a great man,” but, being brought up in the school of Christ, equipped by the Holy Spirit, called to the ministry, he was made willing to tell of those things he had handled, tasted and felt of the good word of life, and was instrumental in

“Bidding the saints be glad,

And making sinners sad,

While humble souls rejoiced with fear.”

He was well-known and highly respected in Wilts, Northants, Staffs, Berks and other places.

He preached the Gospel for 54 years, and entered into rest, December 3rd, 1896, aged 77. His mortal remains were consigned to the dark grave in the neat little cemetery at Trowbridge, close by where dear old John Warburton is buried. The funeral service was conducted in the cemetery chapel, Mr. J. Huntley reading suitable portions of the Word of God, and offering prayer. Mr. E. Carr delivering a most solemn and beautiful address. We then wended our way to the grave, which was surrounded by sympathizing friends from Zion and Hilperton and Bradford, his dear, esteemed friend Mrs. Gore and Mr. Lee from Aldershot being amongst the mourners. Mr. Carr delivered a few words, and closed the touching service by pronouncing the benediction. 

Your loving Brother, 

J. Huntley