The Life And Ministry Of John Vinall
A Short Memoir Of The Last Days Of The Rev. John Vinall, Nearly Fifty Years Minister Of Jireh Chapel, Lewes, And Providence Chapel, Brighton, (Written By His Son, Rev. Ebenezer Vinall), Together With Full Particulars Of The Funeral Service Conducted By The Rev. John Grace, Minister Of West Street Chapel, Brighton, And The Rev. Matthew Welland, Present Ministry Of Jireh Chapel, Lewes.
“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.”
The Notice Of John Vinall’s Funeral By The Sussex Express
The interment of the mortal remains of this highly esteemed and aged minister, took place Friday afternoon, March 9th, 1860, at two o’clock, under circumstances which must have been, on such a melancholy occasion, very gratifying to all his relations and friends and admirers.
The late Rev. John Vinall was no ordinary man; by application in studying the Scriptures, coupled with great natural ability, he raised himself to a position of eminence in the county of Sussex; and so numerous were those who may fairly be regarded as his followers that they can now be counted by thousands. In paying the last tribute of respect to departed worth, they were not forgetful of their spiritual benefactor, for they attended in large numbers, many of them coming from distant parts of the county. We have, in fact, been assured by persons competent to form an opinion that there could not be fewer than 2000 present at the interment.
For nearly half a century did Mr. Vinall labour in the ministry. He was, as most of our readers are aware, minister of Providence Chapel, Brighton, and of Jireh Chapel, Lewes. Born at Henfield, in this county, he followed his daily occupation for many years. When he had reached his 29th year, he preached his first sermon on the 1st September, 1811, at the Jireh Chapel, Lewes. Here he continued to preach with great success; and in 1825 it was found necessary to enlarge the chapel, which could already accommodate 800 persons; by skill, however, it was so extended as to afford comfortable accommodation for 1000. During the latter part of his life Mr. Vinall (we regret to add) was much afflicted. It was, however, very consoling to him to find that in his affliction his numerous friends in the gospel stood by him and cheered him. He departed on Saturday, comparatively free from pain, in the full assurance—“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labours.”
The admirers of deceased began to enter the town, in large groups, as early as ten o’clock in the morning, and continued to arrive up to within a few minutes of the hour of interment. Such as desired to look upon his remains for the last time were permitted to do so at his residence in North Street, where he had lived for many years. Nearly 400 availed themselves of this privilege; all of them, by their sorrowful countenances, evinced the melancholy satisfaction they experienced in looking upon that pale face which they should see no more.
Shortly after one o’clock hundreds of mourners might be seen wending their way along the Cliffe to the Jireh Chapel, which soon became crowded; aisles, and every available foot of standing room was occupied; in short, there must have been between 1,100 and 1,200 persons within the walls; while many hundreds remained outside unable to gain admission.
At two the funeral procession started from North-street; there were a large number of mourners, the chief being deceased’s two sons (the Rev. Ebenezer Vinall and Mr. Joseph Vinall), who were followed by many grandsons and other relatives. The procession passed along East-street, thence to the Cliffe, and round to the Jireh Chapel, at the back of which the vault had been opened. In this vault lie interred the remains of deceased’s two wives, and also those of the celebrated Rev. W. Huntington and the Rev. J. Jenkins.
The sun, which had been clouded for nearly an hour and a half, again shone with great splendour, and the windows of the chapel reflected the golden beams; it was, in fact, a striking though melancholy scene, nearly every countenance depicting sorrow at the loss sustained.”— Sussex Express
The Funeral Service
The service was commenced by Mr. E. Morris (the chief trustee) stating that the hymns which the congregation would sing on this occasion were those selected by their deceased minister.
The 65th hymn in Mr. Hart’s was then sung, Beginning with the words,—
“We sing thy praise, exalted Lamb,
Who sitt’st upon the throne.”
The Rev. Matthew Welland (present minister of Jireh Chapel) then read part of the 15th chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, commencing at the 20th verse, “But now is Christ risen from the dead,”&c.
The Funeral Prayer
After which he offered up the following prayer:—
”O Lord our God, the Maker and Preserver of all mankind. We are all the creatures of thy power. We trust that many of us can claim thee in a higher and more endearing character, as “our Father,” and “our Friend.” Will the Eternal Spirit give us access to God through our Lord Jesus Christ? Solemnise our minds, and cause us to draw nigh to God, and “worship Him in spirit and in truth.” We feel altogether unable to do so in and of ourselves. Therefore would we invoke the teaching and power of the Spirit, that we may worship God “acceptably and with godly fear.” Circumstances, O Lord, of the most solemn nature, have called us together, this afternoon. Thou art acquainted with us, and understandest our motives and our thoughts long before. Thou hast seen good, in Thy good pleasure, to call home to Thyself, Thy aged servant—one that laboured in this place so many years—and laboured successfully too! O Lord God, Thou didst see fit to honour his ministry abundantly. Now Thou hast said, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Grant, we pray thee, that on this occasion we may feel much of thy fatherly care, and know thou art God indeed, and of a truth. And as we, this afternoon, have to commit all that is mortal of him, to the silent tomb, may we feel our loss and silently mourn; and while thy people mourn their loss, may they feel the presence of their best, their Eternal Friend. “The fathers,” we are asked, “where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?” And whilst we lament our loss, and many before us in a very special way—for he was endeared to many in ties the most sacred—yet we can say, “The Lord liveth, and blessed be our Rock, and let the God of our salvation be exalted.” O Lord, however powerfully, by thy Spirit, he hath preached in this place, “the glorious gospel of the ever-blessed God, “do thou preach to our hearts this afternoon.We are led to see the brevity of human life—that all things are passing away; and we must pass away as he hath done before us. O grant that thy dear children may be encouraged in knowing that the grace given to him, when first called by grace, was sufficient unto the end; “as his day, so his strength was:” thy “grace was sufficient for him.” Encourage us, thus, we pray thee; that we may be looking forward to the time, when we shall lay aside “the earthly house of this tabernacle;” when thy dear children, now before thee, will be with him; and, what is above all, and better than all, will be with a precious Christ. We desire, O God, to thank thy name, that eternal things, and heaven itself, is no uncertain thing to thy dear children; for we read in thy Word, “having loved his own that were in the world, he loveth them unto the end.” Grant, then, that we may be “cleaving to the Lord, with purpose of heart.” And if any of thy children before thee, have fallen into a dull, prayerless state, and are drawn away by the things of time, and the indulgence of the flesh, grant that they may be warned this afternoon, to betake themselves to God by prayer and supplication; and may “abide in Him.” Great Jehovah, grant, we pray Thee, that the sorrowing family, before Thee, may find their sorrows abated, by the love of God shed abroad in the heart;” and may they feel, though an earthly parent is taken away from their midst, yet still they have a blessed prospect that they (and all who desire to know Thee) shall meet where suffering and pain shall be known no more! O Lord God prepare us for that solemn event: may we turn from the world to Him who is our life; and feel that “our life is hid with Christ in God;” and know that “when He who is our life shall appear, we also shall appear with Him in glory.” Great Jehovah, we desire, at the same time, to bless Thee, that, amidst much that calls up the sorrowful feelings of those before Thee, yet there is cause for joy—for, O Lord our God, thou hast delivered thy servant from all the infirmities of the flesh, from all the seductions of the world, from all the suggestions of the enemy, from all the dark exercises of his mind: and that however painful these were, while here below, it is all over and gone; and that he is with Thyself before the throne, O God, grant, we pray Thee, that the sorrowing children may be comforted with the consideration, that thou hast done as thou wouldest with thine own. And do thou bless his son, O Lord, whom thou hast called to the work of the ministry. Give him many souls for his hire; and by him gather in Thine elect—the people of thy love, who, by grace, believe. And thy servant before Thee, who will address us this afternoon, O give him grace to do so we pray Thee. Thou knowest, O Lord, his feelings, if thy will, do not allow him to be overcome by his feelings; but grant he may be enabled to speak to us. O speak through him to our hearts; and may we feel our God is in our midst. O support him—bless him: and grant, if it be Thy will, the word he delivers may reach some dead sinner, even to the “dividing asunder of soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; to the discerning of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” O this day quicken souls: bring some to thy feet. Lord bless us—be with us whilst we wait before Thee; give us grace to wait before Thee in an acceptable way; and although many be called deeply to sorrow, yet may they rejoice in the Lord, and have daily cause to joy in Him. We desire to drop into Thy dear hands. Be with us in a manifest way, that we may say, as we leave thine earthly courts, “This is indeed the house of God—the very gate of heaven.” Hear us in these our imperfect breathings—pardon our sins—draw us nearer to Thyself with all the feelings of our hearts—let us enjoy much of Thy presence and love, and may this service be made a blessing to many souls; and to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost shall be the glory for ever. Amen.”
The 72nd hymn was next sung, beginning with the words,
“Bless the Lord, my soul, and raise
A glad and grateful song.”
The Funeral Sermon
The Rev. John Grace (Minister of West-street Chapel, Brighton) now entered the pulpit, and after requesting the congregation to keep their seats at the conclusion of his address—when he would proceed to the interment of the deceased as the garden in which the tomb was, could not possibly accommodate more than the mourners and a few friends, he said that if, after the mourners had retired, any of them wished to view the tomb, they would have an opportunity of doing so. Mr. Grace then spoke as follows:—
Little did I think, dear friends, 44 years ago, when I first heard the dear man, whom we are about to consign to the silent tomb, that I should stand in this pulpit to speak concerning his death, to such a congregation as that now before me! I am fully satisfied, nothing but the mighty power of God, made manifest in me, will enable me to do so. You will naturally suppose, that the great love and affection I had for Mr. Vinall, for so many years, causes a deep feeling, and unless the Lord is pleased mercifully and mightily to preserve me, I am sure I shall not be equal to my duty. A few years ago, he requested that I would bury him; but I do not recollect that he ever asked me to preach a funeral sermon; yet he said thus much, “If you ever feel disposed to say anything at my interment, I will give you a text.” The first text he chose was the last verse in Job, “So Job died, being old and full of days.” Then said he, “You need not say anything concerning me.” He afterwards changed this text for another, “Into thine hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” A very sweet text! But there is no committing ourselves into the hand of God, but by a faith wrought in our heart by the Spirit of God. And to commit ourselves into the hands of one that we know nothing of, is what you would not do between man and man. But, recollect, David knew his God; and by the knowledge that he had of God arising from God’s first knowledge of him—he was enabled, by that faith wrought in him, to commit himself—body and soul, for time and eternity—into His hand. But the last text our departed friend mentioned, which I suppose was most in accordance with his own feelings—and a very precious text it is! was the 12th verse of the 1st chapter of the Epistle to the Colossians, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Now you must recollect in the first place, that Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this epistle. And it is a striking fact, that Paul never saw the faces of the people he here addresses; but from the report brought of them by his messenger, he wrote them this epistle, wherein are many precious things; and if you compare it with the epistle to the Ephesians, you will find a most blessed fulness and richness in those two epistles, concerning the glorious things of God.
But, dear friends, allow me to ask you what is it makes the word of God precious to you and me? Is it not the sacred unction and blessed power of God attending the written word? And that was one peculiar feature in the ministry of our departed friend—the sacred unction and power that rested upon him. And you will remember he always was led to insist upon this, and to show the vast difference between the mere letter of truth, and the power of truth: and he could make a solemn appeal to his hearers and say, “Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction with joy of the Holy Ghost.
The apostle Paul did not write these things to the churches alone; but includes himself with the Church—-“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Considering what man is in his fallen state, we cannot suppose there was anything in him of “meetness and fitness” for that eternal glory that is afterwards to be revealed the inheritance to which the apostle here alludes.
Blessed be God, such of us as have a knowledge of these things—who have been taught by the blessed Spirit—are led to look from off ourselves for any “meetness” or “fitness.” We truly can say, “In me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.” When we are led by the Spirit we are able to trace from whence comes this “meetness.” First, we trace it to the electing grace of God—having “chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world”—and blessed us in him with every spiritual blessing we need, for time and eternity. It is blessed to look at the infinite condescension and love of the Triune Jehovah—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—and at the covenant engagements entered into between them for the eternal salvation of the Church. The eternal election of Jehovah shone forth in the sending of his dearly beloved Son as the elect head, for the express purpose of saving the elect body that were chosen in him, and given to him as his portion and people. “The Lord’s portion is his people,” &c. And on the other side, “The Lord is my portion,” saith my soul, “therefore will I hope in him.”
Fellow-sinners! we know not for what end and purpose we are here assembled today. Oh, that it might please the Almighty God of Israel to bring some poor sinner out of darkness into his marvelous light. Oh! that a beam of divine light would shine into some darkened mind—thereby discovering to the poor sinner his lost and ruined condition by nature.
But now to speak a little of this “meetness” for which Paul gave God thanks. God the Father—the Father of his dearly-beloved Son—the eternal Father of the eternal Son—He who was in the bosom of the Father—the only begotten Son—the Son of his love—in infinite condescension sent his Son who, in the fulness of time came and took our nature in union with his divine person—thereby becoming “Emmanuel, God with us.” For what purpose? That he might deliver us who were under the sentence and condemnation of the holy and righteous law; and save us from everlasting damnation.
Well if He is the God and Father of Christ—not by adoption, not in that manner that we call him “Father”—what an infinite condescension is that “having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons,” and well might John cry out in holy ecstacy, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,” &c. Perhaps some dear child of God is ready to say, “Ah! dear sir, I would that I could call him Father; I would that I could say, ‘He is mine;’ and come to Him, as the Church of old, saying, ‘My Father, thou art the rock of my salvation.” This is the work of God the Spirit: and I believe every poor sinner, called by divine grace, quickened by the Spirit, will never be satisfied till they arrive at this attainment, and have the witnessing of the Spirit in their hearts, crying,“Abba, Father; my Lord, and my God.”
We know what it is, when first called by grace, to be brought into that place where “comeliness is turned into corruption, and we retain no strength.” “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” “I was alive without the law once,” says the apostle; “but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died:” that is, died to all hope of being saved by the covenant of works. Then recollect, “We are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that we should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
Now, methinks, if our departed friend were now speaking from this text, he would not only treat of this “meetness,” as standing in Christ, chosen in him, accepted in the beloved, and blessed with all spiritual blessings in him; but would begin with the communication of life to the soul. Although I have frequently heard him, I do not recollect a single discourse in which he did not introduce in some part the evidence of life in a child of God. And, indeed, how can you and I tell that we are in the footsteps of the flock; unless we have known what it is to come in by the head of the way,—” I am the way,” says Christ, “the truth, and the life.” “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” Mark, he shall be saved with “an everlasting salvation:” he shall know what it is to be tried, and what to be comforted.
What is the first evidence of divine life? The apostle says, writing to the Church at Ephesus (1st chap. 3-6 ), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Then, if you look forward into the second chapter, you have the commencement of the real, open evidence of these things—”You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins;” so that the elect of God; the beloved of Christ, were born into this world as sinners, under the curse and condemnation of the holy and righteous law of God; therefore, every “soul that sinners shall die;” for by one man death passed upon all men, for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” When God the Holy Ghost, more or less, charges sin upon the conscience of the sinner, then there is spiritual trouble or labour rising out of it; then the soul is led to cry, in the language of David, or the publican, “Oh, Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul;”“God, be merciful to me a sinner.”
With this the Lord is pleased to impart his precious fear in the heart. Now you all know what Mr. Vinall’s ministry was: you will bear witness, there never was a man who preached more clearly, and insisted more fully upon the fear of God than he did, as a divine evidence of the work of grace in the heart.
My dear friends, I can assure you, as far as God has given me understanding in his book, not a soul is made meet for the kingdom of heaven, unless he has the fear of God in his heart; because God’s covenant could not be fulfilled “I will make an everlasting covenant with them, I will put my fear in their heart, and they shall not depart from me.”
Let me ask the numbers that are here (I am bold to speak to you), has God implanted his fear in your heart? because recollect it is the beginning of wisdom; it is “a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” I tell you, in the name of the Most High God, whose I am, and whom I serve, if you live and die without it, eternal destruction must be your doom!
Now recollect, no man can be saved except he believe, and another text to clear this point. You know the Lord preached, as we may say, a very simple doctrine, yet a glorious one; there appears to me to have been no ambiguity about the Lord’s preaching—no big words, that people could not understand: no dark sayings; but he comes down at once upon the sinner’s conscience—”Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Sinners, hear the word of God. Nicodemus, a master in Israel, could not understand our Saviour’s meaning. Baptismal regeneration is not signified here, nor is it a professional thing—but it is the work of the Spirit. “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” We are not to limit the Holy One of Israel; but there must be life, and that life comes from the Spirit of life. “You hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
Without faith no man can please God. It is a solemn fact, there are many faiths in this day; and faith is very much insisted upon; but there is a dead faith, as well as a living one: there is an historical and a natural faith, which, in a sense, believes anything. An historical faith may believe the Scriptures; a man may put his hearty amen to the prophecies and the exhortations—and yet know nothing beyond the mere letter of truth. There is a great difference between the letter and the spirit of truth. “The letter killeth; the spirit giveth life; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.”
Dear hears, what a mercy it is for you and me to known anything savingly of the truth. I will be bold to say there are many of you with myself, that can hold up your consciences, and say, “Blessed be God, my religion began with conviction of sin by the Spirit. There was more or less trouble, anxiety, and concern.” I believed in Christ, and it brought comfort into my heart: faith, as well as every other grace, was implanted in my heart by the Spirit. I believed the word of God as it stood against me; but I durst not take hold of the promises; I believed that every soul that sinned must die. I had sinned, and therefore I must die—not only corporally; I would that I could only have died as a beast; but I had an immortal soul, that must be saved or damned. I feared the latter, because I had not experienced anything like a hope in the mercy of God.
Now here is true faith wrought in the heart. Without faith it is impossible to please God; that is precious faith which brings home the promise of God to the heart.
Well, now, you, as well myself, have sat before the dear departed man of God, and heard him describe this; and have received from his lips condemnation or salvation. I shall never forget one discourse, under which God was pleased to bring me to a knowledge of himself and his truth. I had come to the chapel in such a state of darkness of soul that I really felt that I had no evidences left. He was speaking from this text, “I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.” I sat trembling before him, hardly knowing whether I was right or wrong. He first described the false work; and I began to fear mine was such, till these words came with power to my soul—”Thou shalt hear a word behind thee saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.” He then took up the evidences of divine life, and showed what it was to be in soul trouble and to have a blessed deliverance out of it. Oh, then I could set to my seal it was true—that I possessed these evidences, and I went out of the chapel rejoicing in my soul, and in the God of my salvation.
Now, dear friends, a true living faith in the heart is a labouring grace, as our poet, Mr. Hart, says—
“It lives and labours under load,
Tho’ damp’d it never dies.”
But he has got something very descriptive of what is false faith—
“Notion’s the harlot’s test
By which the truth’s reviled;
The child of fancy finely dressed,
But not the living child.”
And if I am not mistaken, in this day there is a vast amount of that faith!
But oh, what a mercy to be brought, as a poor, sensible sinner to that blessed fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Aye, you and I never seek the fountain, till we feel the malady; we never go to the Good Physician, till we are sick; or to the surety, till we are indebt; we never cry out, “Lord, I perish,” until we begin to sink. And oh, what a mercy, or he is able to save to the uttermost, all that come to God by him”—willing to save—able and mighty to save.
Some may say, “Do you call this a funeral sermon?” Never you mind—be still! If God has got a work for me to do—if he has sent me here to speak to the conscience of a poor sinner—if there is here one, like the poor woman, who had an issue of blood for twelve years, and had faith to believe that if she might but touch the hem of his garment, she would be made whole—to such I would say, Poor soul! God help thee! press through the crowd! Thy Jesus has got virtue in him, and love in his heart to heal the vilest of the vile; the blackest of the black—they that are afar off, even the very ends of the earth. Come; and may God help thee to feel the virtue of his precious blood.
Well, then, there is no “meetness” for this “inheritance” till you and I are born of God; till we have a new heart, upon which is written the laws of our God; and, recollect, he has made a solemn covenant that “he will be our God and we shall be his people.”
Some of us may know that the blood of Christ is all sufficient to cleanse the vilest sinner, yet we can say with Mr. Hart,
“When to me that blood’s applied
‘Tis then it does me good.”
I can assure you there was no peace for my poor guilty soul till I could say, “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses me from all sin.” Oh, when that blood is applied to our conscience, then we can say, “We know whom we have believed;” then we feel the healing efficacy of it in our conscience, and know what it is to rejoice in God.
Now, remember, our Saviour makes a very solemn declaration. It was spoken to Peter—when he said the Lord should never wash his feet. “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.” Then if we are not washed, we shall never join in the glorious anthem of the redeemed and sing, “Unto Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father: to him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever, Amen.” I am bold to say, there are no lies told in heaven. Men may claim things here; but the fact is this, we may lay a claim upon God but will God acknowledge it? ‘Tis sweet to have the testimony of a good conscience, and the witnessing of the Spirit in our hearts. This is what every sinner wants, and Paul speaks about it in the 8th of Romans.
Just another thing; spiritually we are worse than naked; we are covered with “filthy rags,” for the Church says in Isaiah, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” a sinner is brought to feel that even his own works of righteousness form no part of his justification before God. You and I must be justified, sanctified, wholly. In 1 Corinthians 6, St. Paul gives a description of some of the vilest characters drunkards, swearers, whoremongers, and fornicators. But the Apostle gives such a blessed turn, “and such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified.” How Paul? “In the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” I have sometimes looked at that text, and wondered at the blessed fulness there is in it.
The poor sinner needs to be stripped of his self righteousness. Into the strippingroom sooner or later he must be brought; else he will never have the best robe put upon him. Joshua stood before the angel in his filthy garments; and he said to those that stood by, “Take away the filthy garments from him .” And to Joshua, the high priest, he said, “I have caused thine iniquities to pass from thee, and given thee a change of raiment.”
Now it just comes to this, for my own part, I like a personal religion and personal preaching. “Simon, seest thou this woman? her sins which are many, are all forgiven her.” “Woman, thy sins are all forgiven thee: go in peace; thy faith hath saved thee.”
Oh, what a mercy to be enabled to realize this—as once I realized the substance in those words of dear Hart,—
“Satan, avaunt! stand off yefoes!
In vain ye rail, in vain oppose;
Your cancelled claim no more obtrude;
He’s mine; I bought him with my blood.
Sinner! Thou stand’st in me complete,
Though they accuse thee, I acquit;
I bore for thee the avenging ire,
And plucked thee burning from the fire.”
Now the poor sinner is brought into the banqueting house; the best robe is put upon him—which is the righteousness of the dear Son of God. ‘Tis sweet to be able to glory in that, and to say with the Church, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.
“Blessed is that man whose iniquities are pardoned, whose sin is covered.” The sinner is justified, sanctified, and set apart in the eternal purpose of Jehovah; which is most blessedly set forth in the epistle to the Ephesians, where the apostle says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church,” &c. The Father hath indeed made him to be unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
Then comes the sanctification of God the Holy Ghost. Here is an internal work, called by Paul “the good work.” Without this, what knowledge should we have of our election? The Apostle says,“Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure.” By knowing our calling, we prove our election. “Whom he did foreknow, them he also did predestinate; and whom he did predestinate, them he also called,” &c. Again, Paul says to the Thessalonians, “Knowing, brethren, your election of God.” How Paul? “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.” Again, “We are bound to give thanks, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.” Take also Peter’s testimony, “Elect, according to the fore-knowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”
Well now, then, dear friends, here are most blessed things happy for you and me if we know them! God disciplines his people, by the various trials, afflictions, and temptations to which they are exposed. But none of these things will make us meet, apart from the sanctifying of the Holy Ghost. A man may go into affliction, and may come out of it as the fool brayed in the mortar, with all his folly about him; but God’s word says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me ye shall have peace.” The furnace tries us; but the blessed purifier is constantly looking upon the metal in the crucible; and not one particle of it shall be lost!
These are the things that tend to loosen you and me from the world. As it is with the wheat, when the corn is ripe for the sickle, there is a loosening from the earth. Oh what a mercy when we are loosened from the things of this time’s state. “If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above.”
Some of you may be ready to say, “My soul cleaveth to the dust; quicken thou me, according to thy word.” This proves you are not at home in the world; for, naturally, we have a propensity to cleave to the things of time and sense.
Another thing is requisite to make us “meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.” Does real religion do nothing for a man?does it produce nothing in him? does it make no difference between him and the worldling? My friends, “without holiness no man can see the Lord.” Recollect, the tree must be good, before you can have good fruit. Many an ungodly man would like to live in the world, enjoy the world, and the pleasures thereof, and when he dies would like to go to heaven—but, apart from the things I have been speaking of, that is impossible. You must be regenerated—you must be washed—you must be clothed—you must be holy. Holiness and unholiness are not both derived from Christ. As the root so are the branches—if the root be holy the branches will be holy. My fellow sinners, it is of no use for you or me to try to deceive and mock the Almighty. “That which a man soweth shall he also reap; if you sow to the flesh you shall of the flesh reap corruption, but if you sow to the Spirit you shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Has your religion done nothing for you? has it not brought you to desire to live a holy life? Perhaps some one who has come here out of curiosity, may say, “I heard that the doctrine you preach allows us to live just as we list. You are sure to go to heaven, because you are one of the elect.” Dear friends, I am going to use a solemn expression, and to make a solemn appeal to the searcher of my heart. If I could live as I list, I will tell you how I would live. Perhaps some of you think I should like to live a life of ease and pleasure—without any difficulties or obstacles in my way; and then like to go to heaven at last. God is my witness that if I might live as I list (if I lived a thousand years) I would never sin against that God I love—in thought, word or deed, if there was neither a heaven of reward or a hell of punishment. “Is it so?” say you. I am making a solemn appeal to the searcher of my heart; and we are transparent before him. He sees us through and through; he knows our motives, and our actions are weighed by him. It will be a solemn thing if, when your religion is weighed in the balances of God’s sanctuary, it should be found wanting. Search you into it, dear friends.
“No big words of ready talkers,
No dry doctrine, will suffice:
Broken hearts, and humble walkers,
These are dear in Jesus’ eyes.
Tinkling sounds of disputation,
Naked knowledge all are vain:
Every soul that gains salvation,
Must and shall be born again.”
Well then, my fellow ministers, you that are here today—what think you of it? Is it not a solemn thing to trifle with men’s consciences? Can you and I, in the presence of a heart-searching God, say, “not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God?” God is my witness, I am bold to assert it before you all, I desire to commend myself to God, and to the consciences of the Church of God; and if the Spirit does not bear testimony to it, where am I to look for any evidence that God has by his grace called me at all to the work of the ministry?
I have been helped to speak these things, and to come here, and preach a funeral sermon for my dear departed brother, or “father,” as I used to call him—for he did acknowledge me as his son. It is 43 years since God was pleased to call me by his grace, and 38 years since I heard Mr. Vinall preach at the Dicker, when the Lord set my soul at happy liberty, for until then (to use the language of the Church of England) “I was tied and bound with the chain of my sins, and did beseech the Lord for the pitifulness of his great mercy to loose me.
Now to speak of “the inheritance;” it is elsewhere called, “glory”—“a kingdom”—”a crown”—Peter calls it “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” It is “the inheritance of the saints in light;” but, ah, the saints in light have had darkness to pass through; but there is no darkness in that country—it is a place of glorious light; there the Lord is the glorious light, and the children of light behold his glory, and cast their crowns at his blessed feet, and ascribe all their salvation to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
As I have 170 miles to travel tonight, I must draw to a conclusion, by telling you a little of the dear man’s last days.
First of all, before I read the little account written by his son, I must tell you that it was about six weeks ago that I had the last interview with him; and I think it was one of the sweetest interviews and favoured times I have had with him for years. I used occasionally to call upon him. I loved him very much. It was a good deal to get him away from himself and passing things; but when you did get to experimental, internal things, then you would have some sweet conversation. I would often ask him his views of certain knotty texts, which would lead to very profitable conversation. On the occasion to which I refer, I said to him, “Sir, we are here together—let us read, and have prayer.” “By all means,” he replied. “Will you engage in prayer, if I read?” I asked him. “No, I would rather not: you read, and engage in prayer likewise.” Accordingly, I read a portion of the Word, and engaged in prayer. The blessed Spirit helped me. I felt the dew of heaven upon my soul. I am sure I entered into what is meant when it is said, the “secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.” Those not in the secret do not know what this is. Mr. Hart thus speaks,
“Oh send us thy unction to teach us all good, And touch with compunction, and sprinkle with blood.”
When I finished my prayer, I rose up from my knees to take my leave of him. He took hold of both my hands, and said, “God Almighty bless thee, my son, he has blessed you; yea, and he will bless you.” I said, “Do you believe, my dear Sir, that we are taught by the same Spirit?” “I am sure of it!” he replied. “Do you believe we shall reign in glory together?” “I am sure of it!” he again replied. That was the dying testimony of the dear man of God; and I feel as fully satisfied that we shall live and reign together, as I am that I have this paper in my hand.”
A Short Memoir Of John Vinall
Mr. Grace here read the following short memoir, written by the son of the deceased (the Rev. Ebenezer Vinall)—
“The words of Eliphaz to Job were much on the mind of my dear father for weeks previous to his last illness, ‘Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty; for he maketh sore and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death; and in war from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shall not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. Lo this, we have searched it, so it is, hear it, and know thou it for thy good.””
How very suitable was such language for a dying man to meditate upon! and I suppose you will all acknowledge there were but few men so richly instructed in the word of God as dear Mr. Vinall. Where will you find a man that had such a blessed knowledge of the Word? But mind you, it was not merely ranging through the Bible, giving quotation after quotation. A man may be acquainted with the Bible from beginning to end, and repeat innumerable texts in his sermons; but if God has not given him an experimental knowledge of what it reveals, there will be no power attending his ministry.
“His mind was continually dwelling upon these words, often wondering the import of them to him. I have reason to believe he had towards the end an insight into them, referring to his dissolution.
“My beloved father was taken ill on Monday, the 20th of February, attended with frequent sickness, and from that time his weakness increased daily; the greater part of which time his mind was stayed on the Lord; trusting in the Lord, he earnestly longed to depart, and be with Christ.
“His pains of body were not great, but his suffering from thirst was intense. He once said, he had had more fellowship with Christ in this affliction, when he cried, “I thirst,” than he ever remembered to have had before.”
I think this was such amazing goodness of the Lord, after the great suffering the dear man had endured—paralyzed as he was for a number of years. He was, naturally, a very active man; and most useful in his sphere of life and ministry, but through his affliction became, as it were, a dead weight to himself. Why, my dear friends, nothing but the mighty power of God could ever have held him up, and made him so publicly useful, till within but a short time of his decease.
“On one occasion he had such a deep sense of his low origin, and of the riches of God’s grace, as manifested to him, to his wife and children, as to be lost in wonder and adoration.”
It would not do for me even to touch upon that, I should go faraway, when I only consider my first acquaintance with him, and with his wife, to whom he alludes, who was the most gracious woman I ever remember meeting. I recollect a conversation I had once with her; and though she knew the Lord years before me, she said to me, “Mr. Grace, this is what we old Christians want a little more of!”
“He desired his Christian love to the friends he had laboured amongst at Brighton, and wished them to be informed his preaching would do to live and die by.”
Why you Brighton friends, that are here, can bear testimony to the truth of this. Oh, the blessed power I have felt through the blessing of the Lord, from the word that has been delivered by him!
“He said to his son Ebenezer, “My son, this is your day; work while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work.”
Here I pause, and address the young man, his son. May God grant, if it be his sovereign will and pleasure, that the same power that rested upon the father may rest upon the son, and then, in very deed, he will be an able minister of the Lord Jesus Christ.
There was one text that struck me concerning Mr. Vinall, when I heard of his death, “Whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.” Was not his praise as a minister of Christ for years in this part of the County of Sussex, and will not his praise remain in many of the churches of the living God?
“And at another time, I have no fear of death, no guilt, no wrath, no condemnation,” and quoted two verses of Mr. Hart’s hymns:—
“O my Jesus, thou art mine,
With all thy grace and power;
I am now, and shall be thine,
When time shall be no more,
Thou reviv’st me by thy death;
Thy blood from guilt has set me free;
My fresh springs of hope, and faith,
And love, are all in thee.
This God is the God we adore,
Our faithful, unchangeable friend;
Whose love is as large as his power,
And neither knows measure nor end,
‘Tis Jesus the first and the last,
Whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;
We’ll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that’s to come.
“And remarked this verse had been much blessed to him. Wednesday night, Feb. 29th, he said, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Oh, my precious Jesus, come and take Thy poor servant home to Thyself! Oh, my Jesus, thou art mine! I wait on the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope,” and much more to the same purport.
“On the day before his death he was very comfortable, though he said but little. On Saturday morning, he said, “Quiet rest,” and a little while after, “Whom once He loves, He never leaves.” Then said, “Happy! Happy! Happy!” and waved his hand, and was next heard to say, “Joy!” and being asked a little after by his son Joseph if he was happy, replied, “Yes.” Joseph said, “You are very near home, father.”His reply was, “I wish I was quite;” which were the last words he was heard to utter, and from that time sunk into a deep sleep, until the eyes were finally closed in death. And in this had the desire of his heart granted.”
Very gracious desire, was it not, dear friends? “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.” The end of this godly man “is peace.” The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
There we find such a blessed rest—such a quietness—which the world can neither give nor take away. May the Lord bless his truth. Amen.
The coffin was then removed to the tomb,—and placed in the same compartment with the Rev. Wm . Huntington, in accordance with deceased’s wish.
Mr. Grace here offered up an appropriate prayer, after which the beautiful hymn, “Before Jehovah’s awful throne,” was sung by those assembled round about, which concluded the service.
A very large number of persons visited the vault in the course of the afternoon, many of whom had been unable to gain admittance to the Funeral Service in the Chapel.
John Vinall (1782-1860) was a sovereign grace preacher, considered to be “the last of the Huntingtonian Ministers”. While in his late teens, he came under the gospel ministries of Jenkin Jenkins and William Huntington. In 1811, he was appointed pastor of two churches—Providence Chapel, Brighton; Jireh Chapel, Lewes. After suffering a stroke in 1831, he was left paralyzed on the left side of his body, though continued in the ministry to the great blessing of the Lord’s people. Charles Waters Banks wrote,
“William Huntington has been in heaven between forty and fifty years. When he went home to glory, he left several of his own dear sons in the faith, and fellow-laborers in the ministry, who adhered closely to the faith and form of Gospel worship as contended for by himself. Among them were those good men who have also followed him to the better kingdom, such as the venerable Turner, of Sunderland, Chamberlain, of Leicester, (whose chapel we are sorry to hear is shut up), Brooks, of Brighton, Isaac Beeman, of Cranbrook, and many others. At length, the last Timothian son (John Vinall) of the venerable ‘coal-heaver,’ has also been removed from his favored ‘Jireh’ on earth, to behold the glories of ‘Jehovah Jireh,’ in the celestial world.”
