Part 5

I had now plenty of work for myself and journeyman, my work suited the navvies as well as others, and I had also a good share of orders from the master, Mr. Kershaw, who generally undertook to supply boots to those that travelled with him, making railroads, according to the pattern worn by the men on the work. They also supplied slops, shirts, and caps, and almost all articles of food, as also that important beverage strong beer, for which they held an out-door licence, as those men were real guzzlers, and when the end of the fortnight arrived, they had not much money to take home to their lodgings. They were evidently not a saving class of men, and did not take much care about the salvation of their immortal souls. But that good philanthropist, Mr. Peto, the benefactor of Lowestoft and its neighbourhood, engaged Mr. Johnson, as a sort of home Missionary, to go amongst the people and speak a word of warning and of counsel to them, and also to distribute interesting books among them, which they could read or hear read at their lodgings. This was a very praiseworthy act of that generous man, who, although they could not recompense him, yet he will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just, for the which he is content to wait. In course of time the railroad was constructed to Reedham, to join the Yarmouth and Norwich line, and thence passengers and cattle were conveyed to the Metropolis.

Mr. Cox, our rector, was very assidious in his visits among his parishioners, and did as much as he could to ameliorate their condition, notwithstanding the claims of home, so that his visits were generally appreciated. He used to be absent from his home a week in two months, and it was said he had an engagement out, a duty to perform one Sunday in a month. On one of those outward distant attendances he was taken sick and died, and never came here again, his body was buried at Great Marlow, in Buckingham. Here then the shepherd was suddenly separated from his flock, the husband from the wife, and the father from his family, not knowing why they are thus bereft of a friend, a guide, and a counsellor; they are comforted to know that he is taken away in the midst of his usefulness, and that his happy spirit has passed through the gates of the New Jerusalem and joined the Church Triumphant above, where there are joys for evermore. Thus it pleases our Heavenly Father sometimes to gather his children at a comparatively early age, while others, who have a larger field of usefulness to occupy on earth, are detained from their crown, until full of years and good works. Each of these is then gathered “as a shock of corn cometh in in his season,” and further, here is the gracious assurance, “Even to your old age I am he, and even to hoary hairs will I carry you; I have made and I will bear, even I will carry and I will deliver you.”—_Isaiah_ xlvi. 4.

The “Pakefield Friendly Society” had continued to flourish under well regulated management. Annual statements were made, and circulated amongst the members, the greatest number of whom is reported in 1855, exactly thirty years from its formation, the number being 363 while its highest amount of capital is reported in 1863, £4,964, and from that time the fund was each successive year reported to be less, and in 1868, five years later, was £4,288, £676 having been expended over its income, which told very plainly the society was not in a solvent condition. On the 11th day of June, 1850, several plots of building ground were offered for sale by auction, Messrs. Norton and Reeve were vendor’s solicitors, I bought two of those plots for the sum of £58, thinking perhaps I might erect a dwelling thereon, as I had hitherto been glad to hire a cottage for my use, but even in that matter I had been very fairly accommodated. I now took an apprentice, John Crowther, that he might learn to make boots, he was rather a sharp lad, and we got on together very fairly. Early in 1851, another new rector, Mr. Hunter Francis Fell, came to our parish, with four daughters, who very laudably acted as curates in taking the oversight of the parish, and carrying on the infants’ and adults’ schools with commendable and praiseworthy efforts.

I was now busily engaged in preparing to build two cottages and a workshop, having taken in 10,000 bricks the previous autumn that they might be ready for spring work. Mr. Saml. Neslen, of Lowestoft, was my carpenter, and Mr. Thomas Swatman, Sen., my bricklayer, we went in for building in good earnest, as something must be accomplished in the way of building by the roadside near Mutford Bridge. My wife’s youngest sister was appointed to attend the school as governess, but it was soon found her nerves were not sufficiently strong, her rest was broken, which threatened to undermine her health, my wife was invited to attend for a time, and see how her sister went on, she did not become at all strong, and consequently my wife was permanently engaged as mistress of the school, and I was engaged in superintending the building of cottages destined to become our future residence. This year was noted for the great exhibition in Hyde Park, the world’s fair. I had several invitations to go to witness that large gathering, but my time and money was required in other directions, thinking that building might be the only one that I should have an opportunity of ever again being engaged in on my own account. The new rector soon felt at home in the parish, ready to speak a healing word and perform a kind act, when he heard the voice of sorrow from without, for he knew that “the sorry of the world worketh death.” He was desirous that his flock should “abound in every thing in faith, utterance, knowledge, and in all diligence, and also in love.”

During the summer my cottages and shop were completed, I gave up my former cottage and came to reside in one of them, which was light, and bright, and airy, and I thought it a great mark of Divine favour that this marvellous piece of work had been accomplished. Now again more than ever the boot trade engrossed my attention: I worked on, the trade did not fail, it was said that machines were being invented which would do the work quick, and hand work would be at a discount. I was not troubled at this. I felt that my Heavenly Father had opened the way for me, and that the same kindness and favour would be continued; my duly was clear to be “diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” There was enough work to employ me a whole year or more: gardens to be arranged, fences to be removed, ground to be levelled and planted, walls and outbuildings to be constructed, and altogether such a metamorphosis as fixed me and others in wonderment as to how it all had been brought about. After having done as much as was necessary to the new places for a time, and as there was no time for idleness, heads and hands must work in earnest, while the eyesight is good.

Another lad now came to me to be instructed, John Mays: he suffered from lameness in his hip, but his hands and eyes were free, and with those two lads and a journeyman, we got through a good quantity of work.

Mr. Fell visited me and approved of my building and arrangements, he said it was a very pleasant and open healthy neighbourhood, hoping it would be appreciated by its owners, and good and lasting health enjoyed by its attendants and tenants.

In 1837, I, with George Nobbs, were appointed constables of the parish: the duties were to preserve order, to go to the public houses if sent for, and to attend upon the coroner and summon the jurors in case of inquests.

There were four inquests during my two years of service. The first was at the “Boar Inn,” Oulton, on the 25th of May, 1857, before J. K. Sparrowe, Esq., coroner, on the body of Robt. Baldry, who was killed by the wheel of a tumbril passing over his head. The second was taken at the “House of Industry,” on the 9th day of October, 1857, before B. L. Gross, Esq., deputy-coroner, on the body of William Jinkerson, aged 47 years, who fell down and expired. The third was taken at the “Wherry Inn,” on the 14th day of November, 1857, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of George Wade, who was drowned accidently during the thick darkness of November 10th. The fourth was taken at the house of Mr. Thomas Roe Woods, on the 20th day of April, 1858, before J. E. Sparrowe, Esq., on the body of William Mace, who was killed by the horn of a bullock, which pierced the front of his head, on the premises of Mr. Woods.

This year, 1858, the East Suffolk Railway was forwarded in good earnest, the piles driven in the water to support the bridge were all driven by the 31st of August, ready to bear its burden. The bridge being done the first load of earth passed over November 26th, the first engine passed over on the 17th of December, first train of carriages passed over on the 25th of February, 1859, and was afterwards opened for public traffic as a railway, on the 1st of June.

During this year Mr. Barnard built the chapel at the corner in Carlton Colville, and it was opened on the 6th day of September for Divine worship, the preachers were Mr. Alfred Bourne, in the afternoon, and Mr. John Alexander, in the evening, who choose for his text on that occasion _Matthew_ vii, 7, 8, in which the venerable man exhorted his hearers, that having obtained this house of prayer, there were still other blessings they needed that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He also enlarged on the privileges brought by the gospel, a great festival—“Redemption by the blood of Christ.” This is the one grand blessing which comprehends all other blessings. The table is always spread, the company are always welcome, the season is always pleasant, and the joy is always new, we were to pray for a spiritual appetite that we might enjoy this feast, be fed continually with the bread of life, and drink of the wine of heavenly consolation, no longer to entertain an appetite for the vanities of the world, but that with the Psalmist have the Lord for our Shepherd, leading us by green pastures and still waters, that we may rise to sit at that table, which is for ever spread in heaven.

The new chapel services were appreciated, a goodly number attended each Sabbath from the Oulton side of the bridge, as also in the Carlton district, where the chapel was erected, the churches, in those respective parishes being a long distance from thence. The residents of the locality having taken counsel together resolved to present a testimonial to Mr. Barnard, for the great kindness he had conferred, and on Wednesday evening, the 4th January, 1860, a large assembly, including several friends from Lowestoft, met at the chapel, and presented that gentleman with “Dr. Kittos Commentory on the Bible,” together with a handsome table lamp, hoping that himself and Mrs. Barnard might be spared many years to investigate its sacred truths, which some of us, who were present on that interesting occasion, feel assured has been realised, for although more than twenty years have rolled away, and some who worshipped with us in that place are gone to their rest, yet the founder and Mrs. B. survives, and the chapel services are being continued, and we hope also by many enjoyed, knowing the Great Master’s service is perfect freedom.

May 28th was the severest gale in this season ever remembered: Four mackerel boats were missing from Lowestoft with all their crews, and also two cutters (carriers). As the 18th of June arrived, all hope was abandoned. Six from our town, boats and cutters, and eleven from Yarmouth and Gorleston, with a loss of about 200 hands! Nine of them belonged to the parish of Oulton. The evening of the 21st October, was very remarkable for changes. In the short space of two hours we had thunder, lightning, rain, hail, snow, wind, and frost, accomplished by an Almighty power. An aged and sincere friend, who had preached to us many times in Mr. Barnard’s chapel, whom we called “Captain Ducker,” was called to his rest January 20th, 1861, aged 70 years. His last service with us was on the evening of Sunday, December 23rd of the preceding year. And it might be truly said of him, as was recorded of Barnabas:—“He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,” rejoicing to see believers added to the Lord, and walking in fellowship, as children of a King.

Another solemn event took place in our parish. Mr. Fell, rector of Oulton, died at Worldham, Hants, on Sunday, November 10, aged 71 years, having held the living from 1851. Here, then, we see merciful men taken away; and, when rightly considered, they are taken from the evil to come. My wife had conducted the school through the late rector’s incumbency, and is still going on with the same. The Prince Consort died on the 14th of December, and was buried on the 23rd of the same month. Thus:

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.

“His ways are past finding out.” “Lord, make me to know the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am,” and, further, that I may be prepared for that great and solemn change, which I feel sure must soon arrive.

In January, 1862, Mr. Charles Snell was presented to the living at Oulton, vacant by the death of Mr. Fell. He comes into residence, and finds out the relative position of his parishioners, the domestic comforts of some, and the troubles and mishaps, and cares and sorrows of others, all needing a word of counsel, as also a word of consolation, and thus they are supported amidst the trials and conflicts of this mortal life, which are almost continually pressing upon them. Here, then, the good man is inducted into the living.

He asks the aid of heavenly power, To guard him in the evil hour.

And resolves to warn and teach, according to the standard of divine truth, and resolved to exemplify the bearing of a Christian minister, by the grace of God. To show unequivocally and impressively that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and then comes free justification by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. He takes his safe stand upon this doctrine, and affirms that it is “God who hath set forth Jesus Christ to be a propitiation, through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins, that are past through the forbearance of God.” And should he be asked, “Is the blood of Christ sufficient to atone for the whole world?” he replies, “Quite so; but only _efficient_ to save those who being justified by faith, enjoy also peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And, as the apostle Paul asserts, in his fifth chapter of Romans:—“By whom we have now received the atonement.” Truly, this is the comfort wherewith we desire to be always comforted.

Mr. Dovey, the Baptist minister at Lowestoft, preached his first sermon in that town in December, 1844, and continued his ministrations for seventeen years. His last sermon, as pastor was delivered February 23rd, 1862. Mr. Aldis, his successor, came to Lowestoft in the same year. Mr. G. S. Crisp died on the 30th May, 1863, at the age of 79 years. This good man was for many years a preacher of the gospel at the Congregational Chapel, at Lowestoft, and for many years came and preached the word of life at Carlton Colville, and was so engaged at the time the new chapel was built, although soon afterwards called to put off the clay tabernacle, and enter into his rest, of which he had long been seeking and preaching in days that were past. Here, then, the gospel has been preached; sinners have been warned and invited; Jesus Christ hath been set forth as a willing Saviour. But, alas! There are so many who think the gospel is so far beneath their attention they cannot understand how it pleases God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. They refuse to believe that the gospel is of God, and that they are bound to receive it, and must not cavil or raise objections. It is for the acceptance of all who possess any views worth having, and those who still continue to neglect this great salvation will in the end find that it will grind them to powder. Such was the sad experience of that infatuated and misguided wretch who on the 14th April of this year fell by the hand of the executioner, at Ipswich, for the murder of Ebenezer Tye, at Halesworth.

Having now commenced the fifth year of the chapel services at Carlton, it is suggested that a testimonial be presented to Mr. Hinde, expressive of the appreciation of the attendance as to the spiritual services supplied by that gentleman, and ably conducted by him in that House of Prayer. On the evening of Friday, the 15th of January, 1866, a handsome writing cabinet was presented to Mr. Hinde, at the chapel, a large gathering having met on that interesting occasion. I do not exactly remember if the number of services were announced that Mr. Hinde had conducted, but it shall be recorded here with gladness:—During the first year 31 services; second year 51; third year, 46; fourth, 56; and to January 15th, 17; then to the end of the fifth year, 39, making again 56; and these numbers are all exclusive of week evening services, and afterwards they were successfully continued, and we believe are so still. But before I quite take leave of my Carlton friends, I am reminded that there was another earnest and devoted servant of God, a veteran in the Master’s service, and who usually shared each service with his friend, Captain Ducker—I allude now to Mr. Delf, of Lowestoft, who is also gone to his rest. Their last united service was on the evening of November 4th, 1860. We admired the vigilance of the two good and faithful evangelists, who desired to be found instant in season—yea! and out of season!—so that they might finish their course with joy, and serving their generation, by the will of God, entered into rest.

There is just one other incident I cannot pass over in connection with Carlton Chapel. The friends, organised a series of special services, called “Revival Meetings,” in which the writer took part. They were seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The first was held on the evening of March 18th, 1861; the second, March 20th; the third, March 25th; the fourth, March 26th; the fifth, April 3rd: the sixth, April 12th; the seventh, April 17th; the eighth, April 24th, and the last of those services was performed on the evening of the 1st May—happy sacred seasons, and were by some long remembered, and thanking the friends who came to Carlton, I will now take my leave.

Again, as I remember to have taken leave of the Vicar of Lowestoft—Mr. Cunningham—who always took a lively interest in the Pakefield Friendly Society, of which I was still agent, under Mr. Henry Seppings, as secretary, having served under two secretaries previously, who had been removed from the office. There were generally those present at our meetings who were pleased to witness the good man’s smiles, and to hear a few courteous words in furtherance of the well being of the society, which were always well received. I will here insert the inscription on his tomb:

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF FRANCIS CUNNINGHAM, 42 Years Rector of Pakefield, and from 1830 till within a few months of his death, Vicar of Lowestoft, Born July 27th, 1785; Died August 8th, 1863, Aged 78 Years.

I will now close my observations for the present year, by stating the harvest home festival was celebrated on the 3rd of September.

“The way of the Lord is in the sea, His paths are in great waters, and His footsteps are not known.” “He bloweth with His wind, and the waters flow.” We have recently witnessed some terrific gales—November, 1864. Six steamboats have put into Lowestoft harbour with a great number of dead cattle on board. The judgments of the Lord are a great deep, who can understand? Many scenes of affliction, disappointment, sorrow, and death beset our path. Martha Bone, of Ryburgh, Norfolk—my wife’s eldest sister—suddenly called away by death, reminding us again to prepare with all earnestness, for “Behold! the Judge standeth at the door.” May the Lord, in His mercy, give us grace to be so prepared.

I have now before me a charge to a Dissenting minister jotted down:

1.—Preach Christ crucified, and dwell chiefly on the blessings resulting from His righteousness, atonement, and intercession.

2.—Avoid all needless controversies in the pulpit, except it be when your subject necessarily requires it, or when the truths of God are likely to suffer by your silence.

3.—When you ascend the pulpit, leave your learning behind you, if you wish to preach more to the hearts of your people than to their heads.

4.—Do not affect too much oratory. Seek rather to profit than to be admired—a timely, wholesome, affectionate, and salutary charge.

The Sabbath Schools Union festival was celebrated on Mr. Crabbbe’s lawn, on Tuesday, August 16th, 1864. The harvest was begun about a week before.

After a lapse of nearly four years, Mr. Samuel Abbott, of Lowestoft, is again invited to take part in the good work at Carlton Chapel.

The foundation-stone of the new chapel at Mutford Bridge was publicly laid on the 30th day of May, 1865, by Mr. Chew, of Norwich. There was at the time a strong cold wind, blowing from the west, yet a good number of friends were present on the occasion. On the 28th June died Martha, the wife of John Bullard. During the latter years of her life, she walked in the ways of the Lord. Her conversion was considered to be brought about by the revival and other religious services at Carlton Chapel.

The Oulton Chapel (Mutford Bridge) was opened for public worship on Tuesday, the 12th of September. Mr. Miller preached in the afternoon; then afterwards a public tea in the chapel was held, and addresses given in the evening. The services at this house of prayer are still continued, and many have found them “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”

An inquest was held at the “Wherry” Inn, on the 25th August, before F. B. Marriott, Esq., on the body of William Codling, aged 16 years, who was drowned by the upsetting of a boat in Oulton Dyke, on Tuesday, August 22nd, 1865. Here are again some of the joys and sorrows that beset and bestrew our pathway. A company of young lads think themselves competent to manage a sailing boat, but coming home at night the boat upset, its occupants were immersed in the water, and one of the party drowned.

Among the events noted down of this year, 1866, the death of Ann Challis, my wife’s youngest sister took place. She had been afflicted for several years, and died on the evening of the 22nd January. On the same evening, Charles Cutler was accidently drowned in Oulton Broad, he having kept the beer-house at Carlton, near Mr. Bullard’s shop several years. Their bodies were buried on Sunday, January 28th—my sister in law, at Oulton, and Mr. Cutler at Carlton Colville, and on the 31st of December of the same year, died Elizabeth, his wife, so that in their deaths they were not long divided.

Mr. John Burton, of Lowestoft, fell down his stairs on the night of Sunday, August 19th, and was so fearfully injured that he died within ten hours afterwards.

Dangers stand thick through all our paths, To push us to the tomb.