The Life And Testimony Of Rachel Warburton
Gospel Standard 1870:
Death. On Aug. 19th, aged 64, Rachel Warburton, daughter of the late Mr. Warburton, of Trowbridge. Particulars in our next.
My dear Friend,—This morning I was informed from Trowbridge of the death of my sister Rachel. She died yesterday morning.
Some time since she was staying with her sister Ruth (Mrs. Gudgin), in hope that the change would be beneficial to her health, which was then giving way. Her appearance, and what she told me of the symptoms that she felt, led me to think she would never recover. My conviction never left me. Fully believing there was no hope that her health would ever be restored, I was anxious about her soul, and watched to see if any token could be seen of life eternal. Many things that I observed in her, such as paying uncommon attention when under the word, as if her soul’s all was bound up in it, together with brokenness of spirit, led me to hope the word was not received in word only, but in power. In company she would at times appear quite absorbed in thought, as if she was lost to the present moment and to the things around her. The tear might be observed to gush from her eye, and then she would leave the room, as if seeking retirement, in solitude to vent the feelings of her soul. These things, together with the powerful impression of my mind, fully satisfied me that the work of grace was going forward in her; and this has from time to time been confirmed by letters from Trowbridge, which stated how she was longing after the Lord Jesus. And twice, while staying with Ruth, she heard the word at Southill with solemn sweetness and in much power. I felt no liberty with the Lord respecting her recovery, but much nearness when pleading for her soul.
For some time before her death she had earnest longings after Christ, and often said she only wanted the Lord to assure her of her interest in him, and she was quite ready to depart; and on Thursday she lifted up both hands and exclaimed, “Happy! Happy!” Many other things she said, which those present could not understand. The last thing she said plainly was, “All well!” And thus she quietly fell asleep.
Her godly father poured forth many cries unto the Lord on her behalf. Bless the Lord, O my soul, for all the benefits of his loving-kindness. They are more in number than the hairs of our heads. Look before time, in time, through time, beyond time, what in our right mind can be seen but mercy? If we look into our hearts and at everything that ever we did, can we lay our finger upon one thought, upon one word, upon one act of our lives, and say, “This deserved the Lord’s favourable notice?” No. Abhorred for ever be the thought! Rich, yes, rich sovereign grace, from first to last, marks every step. O to grace how great a debtor is my poor soul!
“The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.” They have precious seed, not only in their hearts, in the incorruptible word of life which God has planted there, but in that blessed fruit it bears, of which prayer is one. The seed may lie long under the clods of obscurity, and no prospect may appear for some time of any springing up; but God designs that not one grace merely, but that every grace shall be brought into use. The husbandman first, after he prepares his land, sows his seed, then with patience waits for it to spring up; so saints pour out their souls in fervent prayers for themselves, their children, and the church of God, and in many other things do they make known their request unto God, and then have to watch in faith and patience, until both faith and patience are well tried, and sometimes are ready to give up the point in despair before the answer springs forth. It has been the case that the sower has died in faith that God would appear in answer to his prayers, and his precious soul is with God in glory before the answer came. Thus my father sowed and died. My sister reaped the blessing when his soul was bathing in immortal bliss.
The Lord ever go before you in providence and grace, and bring you to that kingdom of rest and peace your dear father and mine have long since entered into. This is the prayer of
Your unworthy Friend,
J. Warburton
Southill, near Biggleswade, Aug. 20, 1870.
Rachel Warburton (1806-1870) was a sovereign grace believer. Although never baptized and therefore not a member of a church, yet before her departure from this world, she evidenced fruits of saving grace. She was the daughter of John Warburton (Strict and Particular Baptist pastor of the church meeting at Trowbridge). Although he earnestly prayed for her salvation, he was ushered to glory (in 1857) before knowing the Lord’s answer.
