February 26, 2001
The Life of a Useful Man
The life of Rev. John Fawcett (1739-1817) as outlined in Bailey’s, "The Gospel in Hymns," and Haeussler’s "The Story of Our Hymns’" might be taken as a kind of a norm for Baptist and other clergymen, not in the predominant English church organization of the day. They were known as Dissenters. It was a life of poverty, self-education, grueling ministry, growing influence and sometimes, ultimate recognition. Born poor in Yorkshire, orphaned at 12, bound out as an apprentice to a tailor, he worked from 6AM to 8PM daily. Yet somehow he learned to read. Mastering Pilgrims’ Progress, by candlelight when his master was asleep he first heard the spirit speak.
Converted by John Whitefield when he was 15, he began to preach in villages around his community. He married at 18 a girl 5 years older than himself. The Baptist flock in nearby Wainsgate asked him to become pastor. He came and was ordained in 1765 at a small 20 pounds sterling per year. There was no parsonage so they boarded around. After a very meaningful ministry at Wainsgate, he was called to a prestigious London Church and because of the promised opportunity to support his rapidly growing family, he accepted.
However, at the time of departure, he retracted his resignation and remained. Why? As the wagons were loaded to move to London, the parishioners gathered around, many in tears and obviously in agony of soul, and he and his family were also torn in the same manner. After his next Sunday’s sermon based on Luke 12:15, "A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesseth," he lined out and the congregation sang, the hymn he had written the previous midnight.
Our beloved, "Blest Be the Tie That Binds."
Heart winning over head he stayed for a ministry of 54 years in Wainsgate and nearby Hebden Bridge.
"This glorious hope revives our courage by the way; while each in expectation lives, and longs to see the day."
Past Weeks Thoughts: