The Life And Ministry Of W. Sharpe
Earthen Vessel 1897:
It will be rather difficult to say much of my beloved father, he being of a very reticent nature; however, there are some facts we are aware of. He was born of parents who were devoted to the Church, therefore he was brought up to it. As he used to tell us, he was christened and confirmed all to no purpose, for that could not change the heart. He was, like other boys, fond of amusement, although I do not think he ever went to any great length. He lived very much with his grandparents; being an only boy, he was accordingly spoilt. Many were the tales he used to tell us how he teased his dear old grandmother. After a time his mind became unsettled about divine things. One day he heard some old women talking about election; he wondered what it all meant, so thought he would go to hear the late dear Mr. Philpot preach (blessed be his memory). He could not understand much better about it, although afterwards his ministry was much blessed to him. The Blessed Spirit was beginning the work of grace in his heart; he constantly attended the same means, although he had to walk a distance of twelve miles there and back, and there were some females who walked two miles further, so, as he said, he could not say anything. The true light gradually dawned into his soul. His call to the ministry was soon after his call to grace. God gave the command, and he could not resist it. His message was, “Now, therefore, go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” He was in the ministry fifty-two years, preaching at Mount Zion Chapel, Ramsgate, about forty-three years. His aim was always to exalt a precious Christ and lay the sinner low. Nothing daunted him; persecution, losses, and threats all were to no purpose. His love for his dear Master was so real. Although really so unfit, yet he would go to the services to the last. He spent his last Sabbath on earth preaching. His whole life, after his call by grace, was a life with God day by day. His talk was about and to Him. One of the kindest of parents, the best of husbands, and the truest friend, it needs an abler pen than mine to speak of his worth. His children dearly loved him. For a number of years he went to Gower-street Chapel, but just before the time came for him to go he wrote and told Mr. Link he would not be able to come. He had such a nice reply, saying he hoped he would be able. However, it was not God’s will. My father felt it deeply not being able to go. It was the end of last summer his health began to fail; he suffered at times very much. His prayer ever was for submission to the divine will. On the 13th of March I was summoned him. Although not in bed, but sitting on the couch, I could see Jesus was coming for him. He did not know it was death, such was the deep peace his Lord was giving him. Indeed, it was perfect peace; his mind was quite clear nearly to the end. Such a lovely look of surprise beamed on his dear face, it was almost rapturous. He passed away to be with his divine Lord and Master. We could not wish him back; but O, we do miss him so. He leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters. His remains were interred in Ramsgate Cemetery, after a service first in the chapel (the pulpit was deeply draped). Mr. Bradbury, Of Camberwell, officiated. There were a large number of people at the grave.
C. Sharpe
W. Sharpe (?-1897) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. For almost forty-three years he was pastor of the church meeting at Mount Zion Chapel, Ramsgate, Kent.
