The Life And Ministry Of Charles Capelin
Earthen Vessel 1894:
In our last issue, on the cover, we briefly referred to the decease of Charles Capelin, “the blind man,” and promised, if possible, to give an outline of his eventful life; our means to this end, however, are very scanty, but give that we can.
Charles Capelin was born in Brighton, and his early school days were passed at the School for the Blind in that town, which school was under the domination of the “Church of England.” In course of time he became acquainted with Mrs. Mitchell, a grace-taught woman (the mother of Mr. Edward Mitchell, pastor of Mount Zion, Chadwell-street), who was the means in the Lord’s hands of opening the eyes of his mind to see his state as a sinner in the sight of a heart-searching God. When his soul was set at liberty, and was led to see the ordinances of God’s house to be right, his conscience would no longer permit him to continue in the formalities of the “Establishment.” This cut him off from former privileges, and exposed him to some persecution. Shortly after his call by grace he removed to London, and was baptized by the late Samuel Milner, for whose memory he always retained an affectionate remembrance.
March 29, 1869, our departed brother married Sarah Mona Stone, a gracious woman, who was also blind; the union was a very happy one, though short, she changing earth for heaven March 18, 1874.
Charles Capelin had an intellectual mind, and as regards spiritual things, sound and stable in the doctrines of grace. He possessed strong argumentative powers, and often silenced men of letters in the professing Church. On the subject of Baptism v. Baby-sprinkling he was an adept in this respect, the logical and kindly way in which he spoke to his adversaries giving weight and force to his argument. He has frequently reasoned with the late Charles Bradlaugh, who always treated him (deceased) in a kind and respectful way, with what result we know not.
Charles Capelin was well known among the Churches of truth in and around London. Now and again, when pressed, he occupied the pulpit. On one occasion, in Yorkshire, the ”Congregationalists” were without a minister, and our friend, being on a visit to his brother William, was asked to preach. We are not aware of the opinions advanccd in this place, but can answer for it if the truth was never advocated there before, it was when Charles Capelin preached. Our departed brother was for many years a member of Keppel-street, but for about the last twelve months attended and became a member at Mount Zion, Chadwell-street.
His mortal remains were interred in Finchley Cemetery on Augusty 27, and was followed to the grave by his three brothers, and several friends from Chadwell-street and Keppel-street. After the usual official service at the grave his friends tarried a while and gathered round his last resting-place, and an impromptu service was held. J. W. Banks read a short portion of the Word. Mr. Abbott gave out deceased’s favourite hymn, “All hail the power of Jesu’s name.” Mr. J. Miller offered prayer. Another hymn. “Come, let us join our friends above,” and Mr. Abbott closed with prayer.
Our departed friend’s brother, W. A. Capelin, says: “I was deeply touched at the grave-side at the kindness of the friends who met there, and the service held; it spoke of love and respect to the departed. How could I mourn? I rather rejoice that another poor sinner saved by grace was safe in the arms of Jesus.
The portrait represents our brother reading the Bible by means of the raised letters. Almost the last words he said to us were, “I have today read through the Book of Proverbs at one sitting,” and commented on some portions he read.
He had an excellent gift in prayer, and was never absent from the means of grace. The grace of God was his theme morning, noon, and night. We esteemed him very highly for his spiritual life and conversation, and we greatly miss him at Chadwell-street. He departed this life in peace, at the age of 58. May our end be like his.
John Waters Banks
Charles Capelin (1836-1894) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. He was blind as a youth, but under the gospel teachings of Mrs. Mitchell (the mother of Edward Mitchell), he was brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. He became an outspoken proponent for the doctrines of grace and believer’s baptism.
