The Life And Ministry Of W. E. Thomsett

Earthen Vessel 1898:

The Late Mr. W. Thomsett

Mr. W. E. Thomsett was born at Dover, Jan. 15th, 1821. Some years afterwards he was removed in Providence near West Drayton, where he resided for awhile with his parents, and attended the Baptist cause meeting in Angel-lane, Hayes. He was baptised at the age of 18. As regards his call by grace, or to the ministry, he was often wont to tell us “that had not God began with him he would never have begun with God, as He had arranged and managed all without him having any hand in the work,” so that in the heaviest trials he dare not reason but rather look up, saying, “Blessed Master, Thou knowest all things, that I love Thee, and all things do work together for good to those who love God; then these bitter afflictions must be working for my good. I leave it with Thee.” Thus his mind was kept and stayed upon God.

In 1848 Mr. T. was accepted as a missionary in connection with the London City Mission, being then a member of Mr. George Wyard’s, at Soho. He believed in the sovereign grace of God; the substance of his teaching to the people was salvation all of grace. 

He married, May, 1849. Although unable to state where he commenced his first pastorate, suffice it to say two friends, now honourable members at Salem, Richmond, were baptized by Mr. T. 40 years since, when he was pastor at Guyhurn, Cambridgeshire.

About 30 years ago he settled at “Providence,” Slaithwaite, Yorks., where he was pastor about fourteen years. Later on he was at Artillery- street, London.

His sight being very much affected, occasioned him to go into the Opthalmic Hospital, Moorfields, hoping to derive some benefit, instead of which, while there, he lost it entirely, and became totally blind in 1863. Upon leaving the hospital he stayed with his friends at Cranford, and preached a very memorable sermon to a crowded audience, from the text, “Salvation is of the Lord.”

He came to Reading 1878, and was pastor of the Church worshipping at Providence Baptist Chapel six years. At the new year’s meeting, 1880, Mr. J. S. Anderson presented him with a portrait album bound in Russian leather, with a gold lettered label inside—

“Presented to Mr. W. E. Thomsett by the Church and congregation as a mark of Christian love and esteem.” A photograph of the chapel and many friends was placed in it. A purse with five sovereigns accompanied the album.

The Lord blessed his labours. Ill health eventually compelled him to resign his pastorate. Yet his work was not finished, as he continued to supply various Churches with much acceptance up to the last Sabbath previous to his death. Although bereft of sight, still he travelled by train to the different spheres of labour alone, journeying frequently to Gloucester, Maidenhead, Swallowfield, Egham, and Richmond. He preached at Providence, Reading, for the last time, on Feb. 20th and 24th, and was heard with much pleasure by many friends. He was accustomed often to visit us, and did so on March 3rd, when he appeared to be in usual health, admitting, unmistakably, that for the last two years we noticed a gradual failure. Upon the hymn being read, 1012, Denham’s selection, he seemed cheered and delighted:—

“Sweet is the thought that I shall know,

The Men who suffered here below,

To manifest His love,

For me, and those whom I love best,

Or here, or with Himself at rest,

In the bright realms above.”

He commented on the words, “Ah that is the best of it, ‘FOR ME.’” Then, again, upon the lines,

“Come in, thou blessed, sit by Me,

With My own life I ransomed thee,

The Lord to each will say,

Thou now shalt dwell with Me at home.

Ye blissful mansions, make him room,

For ever here to stay.”

He then said—“Yes! that is sweet-hail! blessed time.” He asked hymn 311 (Denham’s) to be read, commencing:—

“Hark, my soul! it is the Lord,

‘Tis thy Saviour, hear His word,

Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee,

‘Say, poor sinner. lov’st thou Me?'”

Mr. Thomsett especially referred to this and the following verse as having been so very precious and much blessed to him of late,

“Mine is an unchanging love,

Higher than the heights above.

Deeper than the depths beneath,

Free and faithful, strong as death.”

“No change there (Mr. T. remarked) in that love.”

“Thou shalt see My glory soon,

When the work of grace is done,

Partner of My throne shalt be.”

He again responded, “Blessed time!” “Now read 170 (Denham’s). It is a grand hymn, and has been continually on my mind for some time. So precious:—

“While Jesus in love my affection engages,

With softest emotions my soul does o’erflow,

This sweet consolation each trouble assuages,

He’ll ne’er cease to love me, ah never! oh no!

I cling to His cross,—here I see my salvation,

‘Tis finished, complete, I’m redeemed from all woe;

I read and rejoice, ‘There’s no condemnation

To those in Christ Jesus,’ ah never; oh no!

Since Christ is my Head—this with joy I remember,

His body, to which with affection I glow

(Although I’m the most insignificant member)

Can’t be full without me; oh never, oh no!

We look and we long for Thy glorious appearing,

Safe lodged in Thy arms, all Thy glory then sharing,

We shall ever behold Thee fresh glories revealing,

Amen, Hallelujah! come Lord, even so.”

To which he added, with much emphasis, “Amen, and Amen!”

Had Mr. T. been aware what was about to take place his conversation could not have been more appropriate. Little did he imagine that he had so near to the margin come and would so soon cross the flood, and bathe his weary soul in seas of heavenly rest.

On Saturday, March 5th, he left for Egham, where he preached on Sabbath-day, 6th. The services were much enjoyed. After which he became very unwell, and on Monday morning, having a cough, was advised to return home to Reading, but being anxious to fulfil his promise to stay a few days with his dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Sidwell, at Feltham, he went on with the idea at the end of the week to leave them and proceed to Richmond and there preach on Sabbath-day, 13th, according to previous arrangement.

“Man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps,” for God had determined to take him home to be with Jesus, where he longed to be.

He reached Feltham safely, but in the evening was taken very ill with asthma and acute bronchitis, breathing very distressing, and suffered much pain, although everything possible was done to relieve him that loving friends could do, but without avail. He was often heard to say, “Lord, do take me home, for Jesus Christ sake.” Notwithstanding being quite sensible, could converse but little. On Saturday morning, the 12th, his dear friend, Mrs. S., told him that the doctor had said, “The King would soon fetch him home.” He answered, “I am ready and waiting.” In the evening she mentioned that Mr. S. was going to the prayer-meeting, and asked if he would like him to engage in prayer before he left. His response was, “O yes, I should like it very much,” and to every petition put up he replied, either “Amen,” or “Do, Lord, grant it,” and fully entered into it with pleasure. This was about 7. After which, later on, Mrs. S. said, “Do you now feel that underneath you are the everlasting arms?” He said, “YES, I do! I do!” and scarcely spoke from that time. He passed away 10 minutes to 1 on Sunday morning, March 13th, 1898, aged 77 years; to spend an eternal Sabbath, and join the sweet song, and there adore a precious Christ for evermore.

His remains were conveyed to Reading, and on Thursday afternoon, March 17th, a service was conducted in Providence Chapel by the late pastor, Mr. W. H. Rose, at 2.30. Afterwards a hearse and three mourning coaches left enroute for the cemetery, where his body was deposited in the silent tomb.

“Fearless he entered Jordan’s flood,

At peace with heaven he closed his eyes,

His only trust was Jesu’s blood,

In sure and certain hope to rise.”

A. and E. Martin

20, Broad-street, Reading, Berks.