The Life And Ministry Of George Warner

Gospel Standard 1865:

Death. At Grittleton, Wilts, Jan. 18th, 1865, George Warner, aged 71.

He was a member of the Particular Baptist church at Grittleton for upwards of 38 years, and an honourable deacon of the church for 15 years.

We believe he was called by grace when a young man, and attended the ministry of a Mr. Seymour, who was at that time pastor of the church at Grittleton, as we have heard him speak of Mr. Seymour’s ministry being blessed to his soul, and know he was deeply attached to him. Mr. S. baptized him; and after Mr. S. left Grittleton, he would travel many miles to hear him preach, both at Chippenham and Bradford, we not having the truth preached at Grittleton to his satisfaction: but when the Lord turned our captivity, and we had it preached amongst us again, he returned, and filled his place in the little church. Up to the time of his death, it may truly be said of him the house of God and the blessed gospel were his delight. He would often mourn to see people come to the house of prayer so late, and wish they had the cause of God more at heart, and the love of God alive in their souls. That dear man of God, the late Mr. Warburton, was a great favourite with him; so much so that, on several occasions, he had walked to Trowbridge and back to hear him preach, Trowbridge being 17 miles from Grittleton. How many times have we heard him speak of hearing Mr. W., at the opening of Hawkesbury Upton Chapel, from 2 Cor. 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for thee.” How often he has said with what power he heard that sermon, and how it was blessed to his soul, so that he should never forget it.

He was a man blessed with humility, was little in his own eyes, and thought others better than himself; but was the subject of many fears, lest he should not be right at last, and would often say.

“Could I but read my title clear 

To mansions in the skies,

I’d bid farewell to every fear, 

And wipe my weeping eyes.”

But in his last illness the Lord was pleased to shine, and bless him with more soul satisfaction.

For several years before his death he suffered from some internal complaints, which continued to get worse, and the early part of November, 1864, he was laid aside altogether. Friends visited him many times. Sometimes he would speak cheerfully about his interest in the Lord Jesus Christ, but, upon the whole, he was rather dark in his mind. As he drew near his journey’s end, however, he found his heavenly Friend was most gracious to him; for the dear Lord was graciously pleased to remove all his doubts and fears, and give him to feel that his feet stood firm upon the Rock.

Three weeks before his death a friend from a distance visited him, to whom he said, “You don’t know how hard and dark it has been in here,” (laying his hand on his breast,) “but, blessed be God, it is getting better, and unbelief, which has been like a strong wall, is getting shaky and ready to tumble down.”

On Sunday morning a friend asked him how it was between the Lord and his soul. He said, not so well as he could wish; he wanted an­ other manifestation brought home with power to his soul. In the afternoon another friend, who was supplying the pulpit at Grittleton Chapel, called to see him, when he spake much of the love, blood, and righteousness of the God-man Christ Jesus, held quite a long conversation, and surprised all. He said, “God over all, blessed, blessed, blessed, for evermore.”

Under great pain, he cried out, “What shall I do?” His friend said, “The Lord has done all for you;” when he immediately replied, “Yes, and I am living upon it.” He then said, “Come, Lord Jesus. Why is his chariot so long in coming?”

On Monday evening, in the midst of extreme suffering, he said, “Thy will must be right. Shine upon my dark soul, and cause me to rejoice in thy salvation.” A little afterwards he was heard to say, 

“‘Thou dear Redeemer, dying Lamb.'”

And

“‘Other refuge have I none.'”

He then said, “What a sure foundation God lays in Zion.” On Tuesday he said but little which could be understood, sleeping the greater part of the day. Almost the last words he was heard to say were, “No fears now; all is right.

“‘All I desired or wish’d below,

And every power finds sweet employ.'”

During the night he appeared sensible, but not able to speak to be understood, until about 12 o’clock on Wednesday morning, when his ransomed spirit entered into that rest prepared for the people of God.

Grittleton, April 10th, 1865. 

Philip Smith