The Life And Ministry Of Charles Lawder
Gospel Standard 1861:
Death. On Oct. 3rd, 1861, Charles Lawder, aged 52. The subject of this brief memoir was born in London, Aug. 15th, 1809. When he had arrived at the early age of 10 years he had lost both father and mother, and was thrown upon the wide world on his own resources. About the age of 20 he was brought to the knowledge of the truth, and remained ever afterwards stedfast to it. The first Christian church he joined was Mr. Abrahams’s, Regent Street, City Road, but we do not know exactly the time. In the year 1847 he was transferred to the church assembling in Woodbridge Chapel, Clerkenwell, and continued a member until his death. In the autumn of 1847, he was powerfully impressed with a passage in the prophecies by Amos 7:15: “And the Lord took me as I followed the flock; and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” This passage dwelt much upon his mind, and he also frequently opened upon it when at any time he took the Bible in his hand, though at such times he had no particular desire to find that passage, nor was even thinking of it. This circumstance seemed to him very much like a call to preach the gospel, but not seeing an opportunity present itself for engaging in such an office, and not believing himself qualified for so sacred and important a work, he dismissed from his mind the above view of the passage.
It happened, however, that soon afterwards he was called, in the providence of God, to go down to P., a village in a remote part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, where he joined himself to a small body of Independents in the village, and held the meetings in his own house. Not long afterwards, the minister who supplied them was removed to another church, and C. Lawder was requested by his friends to take his place; which he did, not without having a deep sense of his own incompetency for the work. But he was encouraged by the testimonies given by many of the people of the application of the word to their hearts with power, and much assurance, and joy of the Holy Ghost. He continued to preach there two years, when his business engagements causing him to return to London, he came back to Woodbridge chapel.
During his sojourn in Yorkshire, several very interesting incidents occurred, proving his labour was not in vain; one in particular. A man in the same village, whom he was the instrument of awakening to a sense of his guilt, though he had been a professor of religion for about 30 years, but had never given any decided evidence of a change of heart, but prided himself on the manner in which he performed his moral and social duties, and thought that they would constitute for him a right and title to the mansions of eternal bliss, was one day visited by God with an affliction which terminated in death; during which his eyes were opened to see the sinfulness of his own heart. While in this state of mind he was visited by the subject of this memoir, whose conversation was eminently blessed to his conversion, and be was permitted to enjoy the blessed assurance of his acceptance with God, and died rejoicing in Jesus as his Saviour.
Some time after his return to London, he was invited, on the recommendation of his pastor, Mr. R. Luckin, to preach at King’s Langley, in Hertfordshire, where he continued to supply one Sabbath in the month, until he was laid aside by that illness which terminated his life; the remaining Sabbaths being occupied by engagements principally at Streatham, Wimbledon, and Strood. At Strood he preached his last sermon, from the words, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” &c. (Isa. 61:1.) One Sunday, while preaching at Harrow, from Luke 24:34: “The Lord is risen indeed,” the discourse was sweetly blessed to a member of the church, who died suddenly about 10 days afterwards. Another instance of usefulness occurred at Langley. While preaching from the words, “What is your life? it is even as a vapour, which appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away,” a girl of 14 years of age went home deeply impressed with the discourse, which was blessed by the Holy Ghost to her conversion. In a few months she was seized with typhus fever, and died rejoicing in her Saviour.
Thus he lived to benefit others. His leisure from business was devoted to study. During his life he wrote several works, two of which are published, besides being a contributor of poetry and other matter to several magazines.
For some time prior to his death he seemed to have a presentiment that he should not be long here; and, as though his end was approaching, his sermons of late appeared to have been more than usually blest. From the commencement of his illness he evinced the utmost resignation to the divine will, frequently remarking to persons who visited him that, had he his choice, he would rather die and be with Christ than remain longer here; but, nevertheless, not his will but God’s be done. His peace of mind was not at all disturbed during his illness by any suggestions of the evil one. Indeed, lie often said that he had no doubts of his acceptance in Christ. One of his favourite portions of Scripture was Ps. 103. He would often break out in ecstasies of joy, and exclaim, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me; bless his holy name,” and other similar expressions, remarking that his Saviour was very precious to him. Indeed, those friends who went to see him from time to time observed how very profitable his conversation with them was, and how much they were benefited by it. He continued to his death in the enjoyment of a sweet peace and joy in believing. The fear of death was entirely dispelled from his mind. When asked if he was afraid to die, he quoted the words, “When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” A few hours before his death he remarked that he was drawing near the dark valley, but did not fear, for Jesus was with him. His composure during his illness was very remarkable. He retained his consciousness, with a faith unshaken, and remained calm and collected to the last moments of life, which terminated on Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 1861, about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, when his happy spirit took its flight to the realms of endless bliss, thus commencing a Sabbath which shall have no end.
Charles Lawder (1809-1861) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He ministered the gospel in several places around England, setting down few roots in any one location.
