The Life And Ministry Of William Scandrett

Gospel Standard 1869:

We are favored with a copy of a neat pamphlet just written by our Christian and ministerial brother, Thomas Jones, of Dacre Park, Blackheath, entitled—“Jubilee Jottings. A Retrospect of the Past. An Ebenezer of Praise. Passages in the History of the Baptist Church at Sible Hedingham, Essex.” The profits of this little fourpenny book (if there be any) are to be given to the Sunday-school connected with the chapel; and as it is a most pleasing and instructive narrative, we expect it will circulate far and near. The author has given us full permission to use as much of it as we can; we therefore connect with our report of the jubilee services a few extracts from the church’s history. The following paragraphs carry us back to the circumstances that led to the formation of a Baptist Church in this rural part of Essex. Mr. Jones says:—

“It was about the beginning of the present century that three persons, members of the Independent Church at Castle Hedingham, by reading the Scriptures, were convinced of the duty of believer’s baptism; and having frequently met together to pray for direction, saw the impropriety of living in the neglect of the ordinance. It was suggested to them that they could go and be baptized without leaving the church to which they belonged. They were attached to their brethren, and could not lightly withdraw from them; but they felt it would be inconsistent of them to observe the ordinance in one act of their lives, and then practically belie their convictions all their days. They shrunk from such a mean and truckling abuse of truth, and resolved by Divine help to practice no sham, but stand together in the good old paths, however few their number. Two other members of the church came into agreement with them, and the five made application to be dismissed on the ground of their change of views. As a sample of Christian courtesy and good feeling, seldom witnessed under such circumstances, we give the letter sent to them by their quondam associates:—

“‘This is to certify that Ed. Elliston, Daniel Hurrell, William Scandrett, Benjamin Nott, and Samuel Nott, are hereby dismissed from their connection with the Church of Christ assembling for Divine worship in the Large Meeting, in Castle Hedingham. And in thus dismissing them from our communion, we do most fervently pour forth our supplications to the God of all grace, that he may most abundantly bless whatsoever means they may see it their duty to attend upon; that they may all experience a growing conformity to the image of his Son, and hereafter join us in communion with the church triumphant in glory.

“(Signed)

“Robert Stevenson, Pastor.

“Castle Hedingham, Feb. 21, 1801.

“The above letter reflects honor on both parties, and might furnish a lesson to those who think division on conscientious principles must be marked with an entire disregard of good manners and Christian charity.”

In the village of Erls Coln, at that time, Mr. Pudney was pastor over a Baptist Church; and thither went the Hedingham friends to hear the gospel, and to worship the Lord. Others were induced to unite with them; until, as the writer of “Jubilee Jottings” records:—

“After many prayers and consultations, eight of the little band proposed themselves for membership at Erls Coln. The church having heard them relate their experience of a divine change, welcomed them to their communion, and on the 8th day of August, 1802, they were baptized in the name of the ever blessed Trinity. They still continued their prayer meetings at Hedingham, and the Holy Ghost wrought with them, and five more were convinced of the duty and privilege of Christian baptism, who followed their Savior through the flood on October 10th, 1802. The congregation being constantly on the increase, and the distance to Erls Coln, being too great for the very old and the very young to travel weekly and inconvenient for all, they asked permission of their brethren to hold Lord’s-day services at home, and their request was granted. But a new difficulty arose—how could they obtain a suitable place to meet in? Prayer prevailed in this case also, and a door was opened for them where they least expected, and though the building assigned them (and which they entered upon Nov. 9, 1802,) was of the plainest order, the Most High consecrated it by his presence, and made it a ‘Bethel’ to the people. Their worship consisted chiefly of prayer, reading the Scriptures, and conversing upon the same; using, as a common stock, for mental instruction and edification, the wisdom and knowledge bestowed upon them by the Father of lights. Those were good days with the little flock; and the union, love, and peace, enjoyed by those means, might suggest to the living in Jerusalem the propriety of holding fellowship meetings, where fitting questions could be put, and the diversities of gifts, wrought by the same Spirit, yield their savory fruits. This need not prevent, or supersede a divinely ordained and qualified ministry, wherever God supplies the men; that which pertains to the important service of the preacher and pastor may be done without leaving the other undone. If there be danger of fostering pride, pertness and conceit, by such social gatherings, then is there the more need for them, that such stinking weeds may be rooted up, and humility, modesty and meekness, be cultivated, where the meek and lowly Jesus is professedly loved and served.”

We should have bright hopes of more peace and prosperity in our churches, if these valuable suggestions could be practically adopted. In fact, there are three things which we should be most happy to see perseveringly maintained, and if they could be brought into full play, our strength and success as gospel churches, would be—under the Divine blessing—more vigorous and pleasant. But in the present fearfully divided state of things we feel it useless even to name them.

How William Scandrett was raised up as the first pastor of the Hedingham church—the tribulation which attended his path, and the long continues triumphs of the gospel in these parts, we purpose to give in detail next month.

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We have lately been looking into the printed biographies of Edward Blackstock, William Allen, John Bayley, and some other faithful men who once lived and labored on this earth, but who have long since, with tens of thousands of others, been called home to their heavenly inheritance. There is something sweetly salutary in reviewing the scenes of tribulation, and the happy hills of holy triumph, which, made up, more or less, the earthly existence of those dear men. We are much desirous of giving our readers a few beautiful sketches drawn from the stores left behind of God’s most wonderful dealings with his own beloved messengers.

Last month, we commended a review of the history of the Baptist church at Sible Heningham, drawn from “Jubilee Jottings,” (a neat little book recently issued by that laborious evangelist, Thomas Jones, of Blackheath,” as they call him;) and we are truly glad to learn that our little article was the means, in the Lord’s hands, of giving decision to a dear sister in Christ, in the West of England, who was staggering between “Independency” and “New Testament Gospel order and obedience.” Cheer up, Thomas Jones, your little book, through our notice of it, has had the approbation of heaven stamped upon it. We hope it will clear the eye, and cheer the heart of many a pilgrim to Zion; and strengthen the wavering footsteps of many a seeker after truth.

We have promised to show “How William Scandrett was raised up as the first pastor of the Hedingham Church.” Here is the fulfillment of that promise. Our historian says:—

“After a little time spent in this simple profitable manner, it became evident to the more intelligent that their brother Sandrett possessed gifts beyond the rest, and that he grew fast in knowledge and spirituality, and aptness to teach. They stated their thoughts to the church at Erls Coln, and requested he might be examined as to his ability and worthiness for a more prominent place among them. The result justified their hopes conceiving him, he was called to a trial of his gift, and was counseled to addict himself to the ministry of the Word. He submitted to the judgment and wishes of his brethren, but it was with fear and trembling. To them it was evident the Lord was preparing him for a useful work in the vineyard: his mouth was opened to speak sweetly of the Sinner’s Friend, of everlasting love, salvation by grace alone, of the robe of righteousness which covers and adorns the regenerate, and the separation from the world effected in those who are predestinated, called and justified. They saw, heard and rejoiced, for their souls were fed and taught by his message. Not so the preacher. He had sore travail! He feared he was running unsent: wondered that anybody could obtain profit through one so weak, so ignorant, so dark, as he; often begged the Master’s forgiveness for his presumption, and resolved to give up. If he had begun of himself, he could have left off of himself; but he was not his own, he was the servant of another, of One who will be obeyed; so William Scandrett, who was called to preach sovereignty, must bow to sovereignty, and do the Master’s bidding, despite the cowardice of the flesh, self-distrust, godly jealousy, and satanic opposition. While he was thus exercised, and expecting his mouth to be stopped, his ministry was growing in depth and savor, and signs followed in the conversion and ingathering of souls. The place was too straight for the increased attendance, and an addition was made to their space, Generally the baptized went to Erls Coln on ordinance days. Sometimes the pastor, Mr. Pudney, came and administered the Supper at Hedingham, and frequently preached to them on week evenings, all which, under the divine blessing, conducted to the strengthening of their hands, and the spread of truthful information in the neighborhood.

As the number of the baptized had grown to twenty, they thought they should do well to form a church of themselves, and set up the standard more conspicuously. Not daring to act on their own opinion, they went to the throne for direction, and being more and more impressed with the propriety of the step, they consulted their brethren at Erls Coln, who kindly and prayerfully considered the matter, and came to the conclusion that the time was come for a separation, and they agreed to dismiss them for the purpose of forming a church in their own village.

One the 12th, February, 1805, the following ministers attended, to assist in the formation of a Baptist Church at Sible Hedingham, viz.:

Mr. Goody Pudney, of Erls Coln; Mr. Bowden, of Coggeshall; Mr. Hody, of Clare; Mr. Shuttleworth, of Coggeshall; Mr. Smith, of Bures.

Of these good men, and of the thirty men and women who that day clasped hands, and pledged themselves to the Lord and to each other, not half-a-dozen remain alive to tell how solemn and sweet were the services of the occasion, of which the church book contains this notice:

“This was a day in which the Lord was pleased to favor ministers and people with his special presence, which gave us reason to believe the Lord was on our side.”

William Scandrett continued to preach among them, and his labors were blest. To all but himself it was manifest he was intended to be their minister, and they gave him a unanimous invitation to take the pastoral charge of them which he declined, declaring himself totally unfit for so solemn and weighty an office. They said among themselves, “If this is of God, as we have good reason to believe it is, He will make it plain; we can do nothing without him, and we do not wish. Let us make it a matter of daily prayer till he gives his decision.” Again and again they applied to their brother to known the state of his mind, and his constant reply was, “I am so fiercely tempted, so tempest-tossed, so dark and perplexed in my soul, that I tremble at the though of the pulpit; how then can I venture on the pastorate?”

Jehovah makes his way in the clouds and his path in the waters, and his footsteps are not known. Though he kept his servant in this anxious and trying state, and tried the faith of the people about him, he went on to bless in his own way. The congregation increased, souls were quickened, mourners were comforted, and the people were confirmed. A more commodious place of worship was raised, which was opened on Lord’s-day, June 2, 1805; on which the history contains this grateful effusion:

“The Lord hath followed us with loving-kindness and tender mercies! ‘Oh! That men would praise the Lord for his goodness!”

In September of the same year, they presented for the fifth and sixth time, a unanimous invitation to Mr. Scandrett to take the place of under shepherd among them, and now their prayers were answered, and “to the praise of God’s grace and the rejoicing of their souls,” their brother was constrained to accede. He yielded to what appeared to him to be the Divine will, at the same time declaring that he had no confidence in himself, but trusted wholly in the sufficiency which is of God.

On the 8th of October, William Scandrett was ordained, when Mr. Cardinell, of Halstead, asked the usual questions, Mr. Pudney, of Erls Coln, offered the ordination prayer; Mr. Hody, of Bilderstone, gave the charge from Acts 20:28, “Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers; to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Mr. Pritchard, of Colchester, preached to the people from Ephesians 5:15, “see then that ye walk circumspectly; not as fools, but as wise.” Mr. Bailey, of Brockham Green, preached in the evening. Messrs. Smith, of Bures, Cody, Jun., of Clare; and Shuttleworth, of Coggeshall, took part in the services of the day. It is not deemed necessary to insert the confession of faith adopted by the church, and emphatically declared by Mr. Scandrett as his own; but it may not be amiss to say, that it was in close keeping with the creed of Keach, of Gill, of Brine. Calvinistic, and no mistake; that which is called Hyper-Calvinism now-a-days, to distinguish it from the trimming, truckling, yea and nay divinity (falsely so called,) which starts with the foundations of the apostles and prophets, and builds up an Arminian superstructure of wood, hay, straw, and stubble, combustible rubbish, which one flash of Sinai’s lightning will utterly consume. William Scandrett and his brethren were Calvinistic Baptists; they made no secret of their belief, they were not ashamed of their calling, they gloried in the cross; they said, “By the grace of God we are what we are.” This was as it should be, and as we hope it ever will be at Sible Hedingham. The trumpet gave a certain sound, its proclamation was, “Salvation is of the Lord:” he purposed it; he planned it; he, in the person of his Son, fulfilled its legal conditions; he by his Spirit and word, makes it known; he tenderly and mightily secures its objects; and to him resounds the praise.

Next month we hope to show how William Scandrett, though so clearly called of God, had to suffer in connection with that holy work in which the Great Head of the church had called him.

The case of William Scandrett presents a clear call of God to the ministry. We venture to ask our young brethren whose hearts are inflamed with love to the work, to notice the caution and care with which William Scandrett acceded to the desires of the people; the example is worth their deep attention; even those churches who so suddenly lay their hands upon men willing to serve them, may do well to remember that all who in the Lord confide are not rash in their movements. But, until a month rolls round we must forbear.

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Last month we gave William Scandrett’s ordination; and his happy commencement of a useful pastorate.

We shall not this month enter upon the troubled waters which crossed the peaceful path of the happy pastor; we will simply take one lead from Mr. Jone’s book, (entitled “Jubilee Jottings,”) which lead is beautifully expressive of that happy springtime which often precedes hot persecution, and cold-cutting wintry winds.

In this lead, Mr. Jones says:—

“In 1807, the present chapel was erected; opened on the 2nd July, when sermons were preached by Mr. Pritchard, of Colchester; and Mr. Upton, of London. The Trust Deed was signed Sept. 29th, 1808. Witnessed by John Spurgeon, and George Smith, both of Sible Hedingham.

“Till the beginning of the year 1822, the seventeenth year of Mr. Scandrett’s ministry, the affairs of the church flowed on prosperously. That trinity of mischief, “the wold, the flesh, and the devil,” did not sign articles of peace. No, nor yet an armistice. Some simple-minded people are half disposed to admire the courtesy and blandness of the old enemy, when he transforms himself into an angel of light, hides his cloven hoofs in fashionable boots, and bows and smirks like any Frenchman; but he is never more bent on a plot than when he most polite and gentlemanly. The church we are tracing had evidence enough of this, every year of its early, and we may had, its happy history. They had many true and some pretended conversation. Good seed was sown in the field, and bore suitable fruit, but, while men slept, satan came and scattered tares, and their sorry weeds grew also. The usual effects followed; the Ishmaelites mocked at the legitimate members of the family, found fault with the ministry, it was too distinguishing; with the discipline, it was too strict; with the doorway, it was too narrow. It is seen however, that gospel order was respectably maintained, and refractory mutineers were turned out of the ship. “Them that honor ME (says the Master,) I will honor,” and, while the people witness for him, in asserting his supremacy against all error, and unrighteousness, he honored them by comforting, establishing, and increasing them. On one occasion,—May, 1814,—twenty-one persons were baptized and received into communion. The word ran and was glorified. From Hedingham it wafted to other places, and power accompanied it.

“Ten persons were dismissed to form a church at Haverhill, where they resided, and this began a separate hive on the principles of the parent stock, and which the Master of Assemblies hath also blessed. Two or three brethren possessed gifts for helping in the dissemination of the truth—and now and then a slight jar occurred through the preaching propensities of ambitious spirits, whose opinion of themselves was not endorsed by the church. Offenses will come, and sometimes it requires great wisdom, and great grace, to deal with them. In no case perhaps does the church more need wisdom than in dealing with inchoate gifts. Good and sincere men may be deceived by their own earnest and worthy desire to be useful. “Fast young men,” (there are such about Zion,) will display their heroism in playing at soldiers, and like “fools, rush in where angels dare not tread.” Then there are gracious, deep-taught, humble souls, with whom the word of God is as fire in their bones; and yet instead of being forward to give it vent, they are disposed to imitate Jonah, and go to Tarshish, Joppa, or to the world’s end, in search of obscurity; rather than to go and preach the gospel. Nor must it be forgotten that, while some members of the churches are purblind, and cannot decipher character, there are other who will not see indications of talent in their younger brethren, and whether from envy or jealousy, they will frown upon any hopeful tyro who does not submissively bespeak their patronage. Hence arises occasion for the more discreet and spiritual of the household to exercise their gifts of discernment and knowledge, to prevent the church from disgracing itself by sanctioning unworthy candidates for pulpit practice. It is for them also, to correct prejudice, to anoint with prayer and needful encouragement the Timothys of stammering lips, and thus avoid the offense of quenching the Spirit in disallowing his gifts. The church has to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers; it has to encourage those the Lord sends; and lastly, it has to decline the offers of the self-sufficient, and to check with a firm and kind hand those whose capital consists only of good intentions. May the Lord give his people an increase of zeal, lobe, perspicuity, and faithfulness, that the order, propriety, and beauty of his house may be exhibited in all its affairs!”

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We have often felt persuaded that no happier position could be found on this earth, than is that of “the faithful, the devoted, and the useful pastor.” And although our course has been one of deep trail, and painful anxiety—and, although we have seen many pastors in most humiliating afflictions, we still think, that, (where the Lord is pleased to give a man a clear call into this office, richly anointing his head, softening and comforting his heart, and prospering the works of his hands), there is no position in all this world, more interesting, more important, or more influential, than is that good man’s who is, by Jesus Christ, anointed to feed the Church of God. But how painful to nature—to find that even ministers wear out—their friends wear out—their enemies and their usefulness wear out—and the finale of this, the best of all earthly positions, is to be carried to the tomb—to be laid in the grave. Others beside Paul, however, have often been in a strait betwixt two, knowing that to depart, and to be with Jesus, is far better. Be of good cheer, ye poor, tried, servants of God!—“there is a rest which remained for you;” and when on that glorious rest you enter, never shall thy poor brains be overheated, nor thy poor souls be sorely tempted more, the crown and King’s smile will make amends for all.

You know, dear reader, we have seen William Scandrett’s early ministerial career. After he had labored nearly twenty years at Sible Hedingham, a change in his peace and prospects took place.

Thomas Jones, in his pretty book “Jubilee Jottings,” closes up the first pastor’s memoir in the following manner:—

“In the early part of 1822, a dark cloud came over the tabernacle. Mr. Scandrett, whose ministry had been so successful, and his reputation unsullied, through a combination of second causes, became embarrassed, and much trouble ensued. As is common to all such cases, a variety of opinion existed. Bitter words were not wanting, and perhaps, all parties, made work for repentance. There is no feature of humanity more prominent than this, every man knows his neighbor’s business better than his neighbor does; aye, better than he knows his own. Hence, hasty conclusions, and uncharitable and unjust judgments. We cannot wonder that such a subject should be prolific of reproach, censure, and maliciousness. It led to the vacation of the pastorate, and a temporary division of the church, and caused sore distress to many minds. “The valley of Achor is the door hope.” Here was an able minister of Christ’s gospel flooded by a torrent of prejudice and cares; and at Godmanchester there was a faithful few, who wanted a man to guide and feed them. They sent a deputation to Sible Hedingham, who served out the matter, and came to the conclusion that there was no wrong which charity could not cover. So they arranged with claimants, and carried off William Scandrett bodily. And their courage and kindness were amply rewarded in the long-continued and devoted services of their adopted pastor, who, for many years, waved the banner of the cross among them, and was instrumental of much good both to saints and sinners. “Honor to them!” we say, without implying or intending any reflection on his former charge,—“we say “Honor to the men,” who liberally and wisely came to the rescue, and secured a benefit to themselves by overstepping reproach, and setting a fallen soldier on his feet, that he may again do battle with the King’s enemies. Their estimate of his worth, and their affection for his person, are recorded on a tombstone in the Baptist Chapel Burial Ground, Godmanchester, of which we subjoin a copy:

‘In memory of William Scandrett, the faithful and esteemed pastor of the particular baptist church in this place during seventeen years. The peculiar doctrines of the gospel which he warmly advocated in life were the joy of his soul in affliction and death. He was called home to glory, June 25, 1841. Aged seventy-four years.

Thus, then we have recorded William Scandrett’s pastorate.