The Life And Ministry Of G. Diffey
Earthen Vessel 1895:
The Late Mr. G. Diffey
For the benefit of our readers in Devonshire, Wales, America, and Australia, we give a portrait and brief sketch of our old friend Mr. Diffey, late pastor of Poulner, near Ringwood, Hants. Deceased was born near the town of Corfe Castle, Dorset, in 1820; was brought up among the “Independents,” where he attended the Bible-class; and on the subject of baptism being discussed, he saw plainly infant sprinkling to be unscriptural, and believers’ baptism by immersion to be according to New Testament order. Before entering on the pastorate at Poulner (which was open communion), he stated his views; and the friends were formed into a New Testament Church, and those who had not been baptized either went through the ordinance or left. He was a God-sent minister of the Gospel, and shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God.
On Lord’s-day, April, 22, 1888, he went to preach as usual, reached the vestry, and, after an hour’s pain, was absent from the body and present with the Lord, aged 68, “He being dead, yet speaketh.” Almost his last words before leaving home were, “I think I shall have a good day today.”
G. Diffey (1820-1888) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He was appointed pastor of the church meeting at Poulner, Hampshire, after organizing it around the principles of a “strict table”.
