The Life And Testimony Of John Barritt

Gospel Standard 1865:

Death. On Feb. 22nd, at Hebden Bridge, John Barritt, aged 64. He was buried on the 27th by Mr. Kershaw. More than 100 persons attended his funeral.

He was a man well known to many of the lovers of truth in the North, both ministers and people, having been one of the founders of the little cause of truth in the Dove Chapel, Foster Lane, Hebben Bridge. The chapel obtained its name on account of the house having been a place in which doves were previously kept. It has a gallery in it, and will hold in all about 100 persons; but the gallery is so near the pulpit that minister and people can shake hands with each other. This little place has been very highly favoured, inasmuch as some men of truth, now dead, have preached in it, such, as Mr. Gadsby, Mr. Warburton, Mr. M’Kenzie, and others; besides many who are yet upon the walls of Zion, as Mr. Kershaw, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Godwin, and others.

John Barritt’s hospitable house was always open, to receive, men of God with a hearty welcome, though he was only a poor man as regards this world’s good. He was baptized in April, 1827, at Birchcliff Chapel, by Mr. Hollingrake, the pastor of the church there at that time. John remained a member of that church until 1836. He then left Birchcliff Chapel, and united with the church over which Dr. Fawcett had been the pastor at Hebden Bridge. Mr. John Crook was the pastor of that church at that time. But Barritt could not see eye to eye with him in religious matters; neither could he travel long with him; so he left there in 1838. From both these places he withdrew. He then went to Rochdale, and joined Mr. Kershaw’s church, with a few more hungry sheep, who were almost, if not altogether, starved out of house and harbour. There were eight or nine of them, and they were advised to join Mr. Kershaw’s church, being of the same faith and order, with the understanding that they should be dismissed together, to be formed into a little church at Hebden Bridge; which was the case, on the 10th of Nov. in the year following. This church was formed by Mr. Kershaw in a club-room in Walkern Lane, near the old town. Ten men and one woman were dismissed from the church at Rochdale; 13 persons joined them from other churches in the neighbourhood, with seven others who were baptized on the same day by Mr. Kershaw at Hebden Bridge; in all making 31, 17 men and 14 women. John was one of them. He was chosen to be a deacon of the church in Dec., 1852, which office he held up to his death; and will now be much lamented by his brother deacons and the little church generally, having had a deal to do with the management of it. However, he has accomplished his days, the Lord determining the number of his days, and his months being with him, and having appointed the bounds of his habitation. He has finished his course, done his work, and is now gathered home as a vessel of mercy afore prepared to glory.

I have heard him say many times that when he first went to Hope Chapel, Rochdale, hymn 76, Gadsby’s Selection, was sung. He said he never heard that hymn before, and was quite elated with it. He said he remained in the chapel, that he might be able to see in what hymn book it was, when the people were gone out. This hymn and others were often a comfort to his mind in the house of his pilgrimage.

John was a man well established in the doctrines of grace. He could soon discover error, and was ever ready to oppose it, both in public and private. He was a lover of the truth as it is in Jesus, and a lover of his church and people, as well as the Lord’s sent servants, with whom he loved to commune. He was one of that sort of people who never thought he had done too much for God’s cause and people; and grieved because he could do no more. His heart was warm in the cause of God and truth. He would often speak of it as being dear to him, and prayed that it might prosper amidst all the opposition it had to contend with, which was not a little, from various sources.

He was only confined to his bed for a few weeks before he died, and that not entirely, for he could bear up a little, until within a few days of his death. His complaint was a sort of heart disease, attended with little pain, but much sickness. He was able to talk with his friends every day except one, up to his death; but that day he did not so much as know his own family who were about him. That was on Sunday, Feb. 19th. The minister who was supplying that day felt sorry that he could not have a word with him; but John did not know him. On the Monday morning he became quite sensible again, and could talk to his wife and children. He then desired the presence of them all, that he might see them once more in the flesh. It was convenient to assemble them together immediately. Then he seemed glad, and said to them, “O what a blessed sight!

“‘Thanks to thy name for meaner things, 

But these are not my God.'”

His daughter Phebe said to me, that the last time she heard her father at the prayer meeting in the chapel, he begged in his prayer that he might have a religion that would stand when he came to turn his pale face to the wall, when his friends came to see him and could do him no good. This was a few weeks before he died. About 1 o’clock on the Sunday morning before he became insensible, she heard him say, “O Jesus! mighty Jesus!” She said to him, “Father, you will soon have done here, and see Jesus as he is.” He said, “I shall, my child.” After he had seen all his family, he sent for me to tell me to exalt a precious Christ, for he was worthy to be praised by all them that love him. I went to see him, spent the afternoon with him, and had some conversation with him, which was solemn to all of us there. By this time he was very weak and feeble. Most of what he dwelt upon was, “The Lord liveth,” &c. Ps. 18:46. He did not say much after this time, except a little to the family, when he repeated:

“Firm as the earth thy gospel stands,” &c.

On the Tuesday morning he seemed to awake out of a slumbering state, and repeated that verse:

“His love in times past forbids me to think,” &c. 

He often said, “My religion consists in this verse:

“’O Jesus! Thy well-done work 

I gladly make my boast;

The scenes of Calvary proclaim 

What my salvation cost.'”

He entered into the haven of rest, for ever to remain with his Lord and Master, whom he had served on earth.

David Smith

[Mr. Barritt had the principal management of the moneys sent to Hebden Bridge for the distressed operatives. There can be no doubt that he was a good and gracious man, for many can testify to the fact; but, as Mr. Smith says in a second letter, in answer to our asking for further information about him, the account does not profess to give his experience, as Mr. S. was not in a position to do so; but it is more a history of the church at Hebden Bridge, and will doubtless be appreciated by the friends there.—J. G.]